Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings and I did not write this for profit.
ElvenPrincess2005
Chapter 16

Thanks to:

Luineraugwen the Dark Elf: Thanks. I'm glad that I'm back as well. You were quite right when you said that some people don't see that the longer it takes for an update, the better the chapter.

Princess of Mirkwood: I've hurried as much as I can. I'm glad you like my story so much.

smile101: Thanks, and I agree with you that there should be more romance, but a battle field isn't the ideal place for it, you know. There should be more romance after this chapter.

DevilAngel: Thanks. I'm glad you think so.

silvervail: I've always liked animals, but I have to admit when I saw Zoology, I immedately thought of Jack Hanna. I like Panda Bears. They're so cute! Thanks. I'm glad you like it. Trust me, I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

Jupiter's Light: Thank you, thank you. Here's the next one.

Alyanorne: I'm glad you like it. As far as some of the words not making sense, what chapter(s) were you talking about? I know that Elves are affected by the cold, but in a way it's a psychological thing with Katherine. She's been "human" for so long, it's sor tof stuck with her, just like her needing sleep. It's a psychological thing.

lady lorethei: I've updated! I'm glad that chapter was that great.

x2 aeon darkness ix: No, don't die. I don't wanna be accused of murdering someone because I didn't update soon enough. I'm too young to go to prison. I'm glad you like it that much.

Saiya-jin Patricia: Thank you. That's okay. Every story it seems has to have one of those. As I said I'm not planning to stop writing. If I do, it's going to be because of something drastic, not because of one or two flamers. I always find time to write, even if it for a few minutes here and there. Thank you.

Nerwn Elendil: Thanks.

Kerrie-chan: I'm glad you think it's interesting.I'm glad that you think I have potential as a writer. It does mean something to me. Being a writer though is something that's not what i'm aiming for, but at least I have something to fall back on. I know there are some grammar errors and some typos. Some of the typos are overlooked, even when i go back and edit again and again. I don't think that I have MAJOR grammar errors, but there are a few, I know that. I know that you're not saying these things to be nitpicky or to flame. I appreciate your feedback, I do. Many people can tell by the tone of the writing, how the writing is feeling. You're trying to help, and I thank you for that. It's nice to see some constructive criticism. I try to pay attention to the grammar, I really do. And to tell you the truth, I don't think that my punctuation is the major issue. It's an issue, dont' get me wrong, but it's something that's satisfactory for me at this time. Sentence structure is my main problem when I'm writing, regardless of what it is. I am working on my grammar problems, trust me, and it's getting better, at least that what my past English teacher said. I know, flaming is a part of writing. They seem to go hand-in-hand. I'm trying to get better, and I think I am. I don't think I would have less flames if I tried to improve my writing. Some people just liek to flame people for the heck of it. It's rude, I know that, but what can you do about it. Some people, just don't like certain ideas and find the stories with those ideas and flame them up one side and down the other. It's something that rolls off my back. Anyway, thanks for your support. I do apprecaite it.

Ladyof Rivendell: I try not to make you wait, but I can't help it, really I can't. You'll find out if she saves him in this chapter. Does that make you feel any better?

Kat L.: Is it one of the better stories you've read? Thank you. I will keep up the awesome work, trust me.

Soccer-Bitch: Thanks. Here's the next chapter for you. I'll have to keep "the meaning opposite of the name they call you thing" in the back of my mind. I dunno, I just liked the name. It's unique.

Rabid-Tortise: I'm glad you think so. It probably has gotten dull, but bear with me, please. Is it really one of the best oc LOTR story you've read yet? Wow! Thanks.

little greenie: Thanks. You're a sucker for romance, too huh? Glad to know I'm not the only one!

Dudette: Here it comes. I knew that the reivew I got for this past update couldn't be that sugar-coated. Well, I'm sorry that you don't like the fact that I added two more modern girls into the story. But, if I've said it once, I've said it a million times: There's a reason for everything that I do in this fic. I'm sorry if you thought otherwise, but that' syour opinion. And as far as Katie's attitude, well, that's your opinion. I can't help nor change that. Yes, people are afraid of her, and yes, she's, well I wouldn't say "always" right, but regarding what is going on around her and what is going on in this war, she's right. Because she knows what the others don't! I wouldn't call it evil, I would call it a defensive measure. Yeah, she wants him to "go away", but that's the defensive measure. She doesn't want him to get hurt because of her, and she herself doesn't want to get hurt because of the emotional attachment that the father/daughter bond would bring at the moment. Pff. Interesting sound effect. Yes, she is laid back. That's just how she is. She is acting serious, but only when the time comes. The cursing is just another quirk. She won't "start acting/speaking more like a female of Middle-Earth" because she doesn't like conformity. She's not like the "normal female of Middle-Earth" nor will she ever be. Yes she yelles at Théoden, mainly because she thinks he's acting stupid and all that jazz. I'm not considering it to be a flame;however, the evil criticizing comes damn close to it.

SilverStar-AquarianAngel: Is being on the edge of your seat comfortable? I'm sorry if it's not. I'll pay for any back chiropractic bills you've accumulate. They talk in this chapter, don't worry. You'll just have to read this chapter to see what happens with Helm's Deep. I'm sure you'll like it.

ElvenEssence: You're the first one to tell me that I'm "freakin' brilliant!". I feel special. I'm glad you like Katie's attitude. Another reviewer hate it. I've never really been a Théoden fan. I was sad when he died in the movie, but he really was being an idiot at Helm's Deep. You'll have to read to see if Haldir goes or not. I can't tell you, that would ruin the chapter for you.

Vampiress Adora: Yeah, I did. I'm going to high school. I'll be finishing my senior year up. I'm glad you love it!

TriGemini: Thanks. I thought it would be an ironic twist to the chapter. But Amon Hen really opened up his eyes. I liked that part too. When it comes to standing up for what she believes in, she does have nerves of steel. She does have to deal with it and as of yet, she really hasn't dealt with it in an entirety. It will "make or break her" so-to-speak. Here's the next chapter.

I made my way to the small room Éowyn had saved for me. I sat down on the bed and sighed. It would be hours before the Uruks came and I was a mess. I had total respect for King Théoden, regardless of what I said to him, or thought of him for that matter. He was just being so stupid about this matter. Maybe it was his way of going down the brazen hero. Whatever the reason, it wasn't a good one. I sighed again before a heard a small knock on my door. "Katherine?" It was Legolas.

"Come on in" I called, getting comfortable on the small bed.

He came in and closed the door behind him. "You weren't kidding were you? When you said that you knew the future?" He asked.

"No, I wasn't. I didn't want to know this stuff, but I really couldn't help it, you know?" I asked.

He nodded, in semi-understanding. "I'm guessing you want to know how?" I asked.

"Yes, and why you kept it to yourself"

I scoffed. "That's an easy question to answer, Legolas. I couldn't go around saying that I knew what was going to happen. People would have looked tome for guidance and direction in this war. I would have changed things more drastically than I already have. I couldn't take that chance. Gandalf and Elrond knew. I told Elrond and Gandalf I guess just knew. He has an uncanny way of knowing things. Anyway, when my dad sent me away, he sent me to an alternate universe. A place exactly what Natalie described in Lothlórien. Nats and I are best friends. We've kinda grown up together. In the place I came from there are no Hobbits, Elves, Dwarves, Orcs, or Wizards. Just men. It wasn't long ago when a man names J.R.R. Tolkien wrote a trilogy. He called it The Lord of the Rings. It was a set of books that talked about Middle Earth and all of its creatures. In that trilogy he talked about the adventures and perils of a small Hobbit named Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship of the Ring. Tolkien wrote about the finding and final ending to Sauron's power and The One Ring of Power," I explained.

"And you read those books?" He asked.

I nodded. "Yeah. Movies, which are really long plays, came out about the books and I watched them. That's how I know all of this stuff. That' how I knew that Estel was going to make it and how I knew that there were going to be ten thousand Uruk-Hai coming for us"

He hesitated a moment before continuing. "What did Wormtongue have to do with this war?" He asked.

I had figured he was going to ask that question. It was bound to come up. "Grima Wormtongue was a servant of Saruman. If he had gotten to Isengard, then he would have told Saruman the one weak spot in Helm's Deep. The drainage grate would have been the end for many"

"It would be easier if you stay in the caves during this battle. It will be very dangerous," he said, trying to change the subject.

"Dangerous or not, this is something I have to do. I didn't come all this way just to cower in a cave when my friends and the people that I love and care about are aloud to fight"

"What's your reason for doing this? Don't lie to me Katherine, your eyes are showing every emotion right now except resolve and determination. You're terribly afraid. Why?" He asked.

I opened my mouth to speak, but stopped short. I had gone this far; telling him this wouldn't hurt anything would it? "Elves will come. In the story that I came to know about, he dies in this battle. I can't let that happen. I can't let my own father die"

"There's a reason for everything that you've done in this voyage, hasn't there?" He asked.

"Yeah. Boromir was supposed to die at Helm's Deep. I saved him. My reaction at the beginning of Moria. Even to the extent of why I didn't save Gandalf in Moria"

"Because he wouldn't have come back Gandalf the White," He said.

"Saruman's hold over Théoden was so strong. Gandalf the Grey wouldn't have been strong enough to rid the king of Saruman," I whispered.

"Well, since you are fighting and seeing as we only have a few hours, lets get ready"

I nodded and followed him out the door. We went down to the armory. We watched men, young and old, obtain their weapons and armor and leave to take their place on the stone wall. Some were barely into their teenage years. As I looked around I saw several wives holding onto their children and husbands, crying, pleading them not to take their family. Most of the women were crying and they had good reason. "I can understand volunteering to fight, but to be made to fight without any training beforehand…its suicide. They shouldn't be made to fight, regardless of the circumstances," I said.

"Many would agree with you little one" Boromir said. "However, these times are far from pleasant. We are too few in numbers against ten thousand Uruk-Hai. We need all of the help we can get"

"Farmers, farriers, stable, stable boys. There are no soldier" Aragorn commented, after throwing down an old and beaten sword back on the armament table.

"Most have see too many winters" Gimli huffed out.

"Or too few. Look at them. They're frightened. I can see it in their eyes" Legolas analyzed. The room fell silent around us and I saw all eyes fall to the male Elf. I couldn't blame them for the silence, most were thinking it. "Boe a hûn: neled herain dan caer menig!" (And they should be…three hundred again ten thousand!)

"Si beriathar hýn. Amar nâ ned Edoras" Aragorn retorted passionately. (They have more hope of defending themselves here than Edoras.)

"Aragorn, men i ndagor. Hýn ú-... ortheri. Natha daged aen!" Legolas snapped back. (Aragorn, we are warriors. They cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!)

"Then I shall die as one of them," Aragorn shouted, his voice ringing through my ears and off the walls. The soon-to-be-king dawdled for a split second before walking off, leaving us and going outside.

Legolas started to go after him but the Dwarf stopped him. "Let him go, lad. Let him be"

I stole a glace at Boromir. His brows were knitted in concern. He had no idea what Legolas and Aragorn were speaking about, but he had a relatively good idea. I sighed, having actually known what they were saying. I hated the fact the people were being so pessimistic, but what could you do. Even in my eyes, the entire situation seemed like a lost cause.

I didn't want this. I didn't want all of this death. I hated being the one who knew everything, the one who knew all the answers. Whether my father was coming or not, the numbers were just too few! I knew the outcome, so what? That didn't matter. The fate of this world had changed anyway since I came back. Boromir being alive and Grima being dead and all that. I felt tears prick at my eyes and I quickly closed them.

I slammed my fists down on the wooden table, now holding but a dozen swords. The table moved under my action and I startled every person around me. I cursed loudly and so horribly, I think I saw Gimli blush under all of that red hair. Then again, it could have been the red hair that I saw and no color.

At this point and time, I really didn't care. I ran out of the room, slamming the door closed as I left. I went to the wall, looking out into the distance, looking for anything that I could see. It was dusk at the moment, and most of the landscape was fading into the dark of night. I didn't see anything within my sight limitation. I sighed. This was going to be one long night. I remained in that spot for a few minutes, trying, and failing I might add, to collect my thoughts.

I turned around and hopped from the steps onto the ground. I could vaguely hear thunder in the distance. Going back to the armory, I stood in the door way as Aragorn was getting ready for the impending battle. I watched him reach for his sword and it was handed to him from Legolas. "We have trusted you this far. You have no led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair" the elf said.

"Ú-moe edhored, Legolas." (There is nothing to forgive, Legolas) Aragorn said, in this own way, accepting the apology.

Both share a nice, friendly moment, and look at Gimli as the small dwarf walks up to them, struggling with the chain mail shirt. "If we had more time I'd get this adjusted" He huffed.

He dropped the bundle of chain mail and I watched it drop to the floor, covering his body. It definitely wasn't meant for him. I smiled. "It's a little tight across the chest" The dwarf complained.

"Well, if your chest wasn't so big, you wouldn't have that problem, now would you?" I teased.

Both Aragorn and Legolas bit back smiles. "Your moods change quicker than the weather, lass," Gimli said.

I grimaced. "You have no idea. What you've seen is just part of what I'm going through right now" I told him.

"I would have you explain that comment in further detail, but I fear we do not have the time," Boromir said.

A horn sounded in the background. "That is no Orc horn," Legolas stated.

We ran out of the battlements. Well, all of us but Gimli. He was still having a bit of difficulty making it out of the chain mail shirt, or dress in his case. It was the Lothlórien Elves. About time they got here! They marched up the Causeway into the Hornburg. Haldir marched in the front, leading his Sentinels.

The Rohirrim looked upon them in delight and a spot of hope shone in their eyes as the Elven warriors walked by. Théoden stood in utter perplexity. "How is this possible?" The King asked.

"I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Long ago we found and died together" Haldir spoke, but seemed to hesitate when he saw us running down the stairs. "We come to honor that allegiance"

Aragorn bowed, which I thought was kinda weird. "Mae govannen, Haldir" Aragorn said, relief in his voice. (Well Met, Haldir)

Aragorn suddenly pulled my father into a hug. The shocked look on my dad's face was priceless. After a moment, Haldir hugged him back, though he looked rather uncomfortable with the action.

"You are most welcome!" Aragorn said, smiling.

Legolas and my father clasped each other on the shoulder. Turning to Théoden Haldir said, "We are proud to fight alongside men, once more"

In a more common and relaxed stance, Haldir looked around. "You wouldn't be looking for me would you?" I asked.

"You have grown much in the past few weeks," Haldir said.

I walked up to him and threw my arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. "I've miss you Palanwen" he hugged me back.

He pulled away and looked at me. "I don't want you in this fight" He told him.

I placed my hands on my hips. "Father or not, I am going to fight. I'm going to tell you the same thing I told Théoden and Legolas, I'm not going to cower in the caves when my friends and family are out here fighting, possibly dying"

"I will not have my daughter out here in this battle. It's going to be ruthless. I won't be around to protect you," He said.

"I don't need you to protect me. I can take care of myself. I did so at Amen Hen and I'll do so here" I told him.

He hesitated, but then nodded. I knew he was concerned. I was just as concerned as he was, if not more so.

Haldir's archers were led to the areas around the Wall and down in the small courtyard. My father took his place in the middle of his Sentinels. Without the wall blowing up, I really didn't know what was going to transpire. I didn't know who would live or die. That feeling didn't sit too well on the bottom of my empty stomach. I remained close to Boromir, who in turn was close to Gimli and Legolas. Poor Gimli though. His height had really disabled him for the moment, not being able to see anything, but the stone wall in front of him. I heard him grunt and he strained to try to look above the wall. "You could have picked a better spot," Gimli complained to the male Elf beside him.

As I looked out into the open countryside, I saw thousands of torches. I heard a loud rumble of thunder and a flash of lightning illuminated the grounds below us just for a millisecond. My eyes focused on the torches and the beasts that carried them.

I took notice of Aragorn coming up to survey the field under us. "Well lad, whatever luck you live by, let's hope it lasts the night" Gimli said.

There was more thunder and lightning. This time the lightning lasted longer than one strand and I saw the sea of approaching Uruks.

"Your friends are with you, Aragorn" Legolas said.

"Let's hope they last the night," Gimli prayed.

"We'll be fine Gimli. Just keep your head up," I yelled down at him.

"Good luck, lass. I would hate to see you make it this far only to fall here," Gimli shouted back.

I grimaced. "You and me both" I muttered under my breath.

I could hear the marching and thumping grow louder and louder as the Uruk-Hai got closer to us. I swallowed hard, and tried to keep the bile down in my stomach. This battle was going to be long, bloody and deadly, for both sides.

"A Eruchîn, ú-dano i faelas a hyn an uben tanatha le faelas!" I heard Aragorn shout above the thunder and the clanging of metal the Uruks' armor made as they walked. (Show them no mercy! For you shall receive none!)

The leader mounted a large rock in the middle of his troops and raised his sword. He let out a feral, animalistic roar and the other beasts stopped and growled in eagerness of the upcoming slaughter. Gimli was jumping up and down, trying to see. "What's happening down there?" He demanded.

"Shall I describe it to you? Or would you like me to find you a box?" Legolas asked.

Ah, the beautiful and much needed comic relief. Gimli let out a good-natured laugh.

The leader cried out once more, egging on the others to start roaring and hitting their spears on the ground, trying to scare the warriors in the Keep. I saw an arrow from our side being released. The arrow hit an unsuspecting target. An Uruk on the front lines was hit in the neck, and with a painfully sounding groan, he fell to the hard ground with a thud. "Dartho!" Aragorn shouted. (Hold!)

The army in front of us stops their noise and started bearing their teeth and growling in anger. With one final war cry, the leader trusted his weapon forward into the air and the army around him started charging towards the Wall. Thunder and lightning were now loud and bright and with those two came the rain. It was light at first, just a nice spring-like shower, but after several minutes the rain became harder.

"Tangado halad!" Estel ordered. (Prepare to fire!)

The Elves around us notched their arrows and aimed at their targets. Synchronized archery. They should make that an Olympic Event. It would be like synchronized swimming in a way. It would be fun to watch. I tried to humor myself.

"Faeg i-varv dîn na lanc a nu ranc." Legolas enlightened the Elves around us. (Their armor is weak at the neck and beneath the arms.)

"Leithio I philinn!" Aragorn commanded. (Release the arrows!)

I saw arrows fly through the air, most of them hitting the moving targets. Uruks fell to the ground, most dead from the impact that the arrows left. "Did they hit anything?" Gimli asked.

He sounded a bit too excited for my liking. I was happy that some of them were dead, but I didn't like the sound in Gimli's voice. He sounded like he couldn't wait until he got his axe into some Uruk flesh.

Another round of arrows were shot from the courtyard, flying high above my head and finding their homes in the Uruks, necks, chests, faces. Not that it did any good. When one fell, two or three more came and replaced him. With the rain now pelting down on everything, it was hard to see. Fog was starting to set into the small valley, making it harder to see the adversaries.

Aragorn ordered another volley and the arches were all too thrilled to oblige. "Send them to me! C'mon!" Gimli huffed impatiently.

Several Uruk-hair had reached the walls and were not climbing ladders to reach the top. "Pendraid!" (Ladders) Aragorn called.

Most of the Elves around had forgotten their bows for the time being and drew their swords, preparing themselves for combat. When the first ladders reached the top of the walls, the ogres jumped down, looking for their first kill of the night.

I vaguely heard Aragorn yell out an order, but was too preoccupied with the battle at hand. Close combat began as the Uruks came towards the good-guys. "Legolas, two already!" Gimli shouted over the roaring and the thunder.

"I'm on seventeen!" Legolas shot back, enjoying his friend's facial expression.

Gimli was outraged. "Argh! I'll have no pointy-ear outscoring me!"

I saw the Dwarf turn to an Uruk climbing over the wall and whacked him in the groin with his axe. I physically cringed. That just had to be painful. "Nineteen!" Legolas said, killing two more.

The battle had just started and already it was bloody. For some reason the Uruk seemed to be ignoring me. "What am I? Chopped liver?" I asked.

It was rude. At least if you're going to attack people, try attacking everyone. I took matters in my own hands, raising my sword up and cutting a head off an Uruk. I had been doing this now for the past several minutes. I figured decapitation was the best way to kill them. Then you knew they weren't going to come back and literally bite you in the ass for not making sure he was killed.

"Seventeen! Eighteen! Nineteen! Twenty! Twenty-one! Twenty-two! Twenty-th…that was my kill she-elf" Gimli complained.

"You snooze, you loose my friend," I told him, turning and striking one of the beasts in the side. I pulled my sword out of the flesh and stuck it in his neck.

I made my way up to another level, running up the stairs, looking back every now and again to make sure I wouldn't get stabbed in the back. I barely set a foot down on the top step before an Uruk came toward me. I ducked my head down and moved to the side before he could do serious damage. He came back at me and the tip of his sword managed to clip my shoulder blade. It was rather deep, bringing blood to the top of my skin and soaking the back of my shirt. I brought my sword up, blocking another attack that would have struck me. I backed down the stairs, trying to get him to give me an open spot. I hit a slick spot about the third stair from the bottom and fell back on my backside. I rolled back on my feet and ducked out of the way of another blow. I brought my foot up and kicked the sword out of his hand. He growled and came after me with his own two hands. I stabbed him in the stomach - that didn't stop him. He pushed me back and withdrew my sword from his body and it fell to the ground with a sharp clang.

He hit me with a right hook on my face and I went sprawling onto the floor. I shook off the dizziness and scrambled to get up. I was still on the ground when he bent down and picked up by my hair, which by this time was matted to every part of my body. I shouted in pain and alarm. He pushed me forward and I hit the block wall that was the only barrier between a one hundred and fifty foot drop and me.

But he wasn't finished with me yet. He pulled me back by grabbing the back of my shirt. I fell back to the ground, my wounded shoulder hitting the stone. I physically winced and watched as the Uruk moved to pick up my sword. The sight gave me an excellent incentive to get my butt up off the ground and move. I moved back right in time and we went to slice me in half. The tip grazed my stomach, drawing blood. I tried to kick him, but he didn't move an inch. I cursed and ran back up the stairs. He continued on following me. The blasted demon just wouldn't give. You want to know what made it worse? He was trying to kill me with my own weapon!! I wasn't really paying attention to what I was doing. I finally made it to a higher level when he roared. I turned back to see his snarl in my direction. He ran after me. With a groan I went around the level, looking for anything I could use to defend myself. When I did an entire lap and found nothing that would even relative help me out, I decided that I was on my own.

Come on Katie, think! You can't match him in strength, especially right now, but you can outsmart him. I thought. I grabbed a loose block that was forgotten and hid around the corner. As he rounded the corner, I swung, hitting him in the head. He stumbled back, dazed and I made my move. I kicked my sword out of his hands, out of his reached and kicked in him the stomach. He tried to retaliate, but when I ducked and came back up, I kicked him in the groin, hard.

It was enough of a distraction for me to dive for my sword. I brought it around my head and sliced off his head. It landed on the stone floor just as another bolt of lightning shimmered and an additional echo of thunder sounded.

For the most part, I was fine - better than the Uruk I had just slaughtered anyway - just a few bloodied scratched here and there. They would heal, eventually.

Blood had stained my weapon and some had even gotten on my clothes, but I didn't think that should be the thing you worry about in the middle of a battle. An Uruk came at me, trying to cut my legs off at my knees. I jumped up and landed on his sword. As he tried to pull away, his sword broke in half. He looked at me and snarled. I shrugged and cut his hand off, and as he howled in pain, I cut his head off, silencing him forever. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw them, walking up the causeway walk, protecting themselves with their broad shield. I looked around for Aragorn and I found him on the wall above me. "Aragorn!" I shouted. "They're coming up the Causeway"

He looked down at me and then down at the Causeway. He nodded, as if to say thanks and then yelled at the Elven archers. They took aim and fired at will, hitting the Uruk-Hai in the sides, their numbers depleting, but the column is still advancing. I was so busy with the fighting on my level I didn't notice the Uruks down at the very bottom. Without warning there was a loud boom and the wall exploded. Rock, debris and bodies, both dead and alive, were thrown up in the air. I landed hard on the ground. What in the hell had just happened?

Wormtongue was dead, there was no way Saruman could have known about the weakness of this place without him. I stood up, a bit warily. I was still thrown from the explosion. I shook off the small bit of dizziness I was feeling and turned to see the extent of the damage. There was a large hole in the Deeping Wall, letting in every Uruk that wanted to get in. I fought my way through the mass of bodies and creatures that didn't know anything but to kill.

I needed to get to Haldir. I found him on an upper level, fighting his way through the mass as well. I climbed the stairs, still killing any baddie that was in my way. He was already injured and I saw the Uruk that threatened his life. Without warning the Uruk stopped and howled in pain. The weapon dropped with a clang on the stone. Haldir turned and behind the dead Uruk stood Boromir. I stopped dead in my tracks, my head trying to piece everything together. He nodded in my direction.

I made it to the top and ran over to Boromir. I opened my mouth to say something, but was stopped short. "You save my life at Amen Hen. I'm repaying my debt to you, Katherine" The man said.

I smiled at him. "Thank you Boromir. This means more to me then you will ever know"

"We need to get back to the Keep" Haldir said, interrupting our small chat.

"You never stop to take a break, do you ada?" I asked, teasing him. (Father)

"In the middle of a battle field?" He asked.

"Sure. Just find a secluded corner and take a breather" I shrugged.

We rounded a corner and made inside to the entrance hall of the Keep. The soldiers were bracing the gate and I saw Gimli and Aragorn enter a hidden passageway. I leaned back against the wall and breathed for a few moments. It was several minutes later when Théoden told them to get back inside.

Being inside, there wasn't too much that could be done. The soldiers were keeping the gate boarded up, making sure that the Uruk-hai were being kept out. "Pull everybody back! Pull them back" Théoden ordered.

Gamling took the order and shouted it out to the troops. "They've broken through. The castle is breached. Retreat!" Théoden said.

"You've got to be kidding" I muttered, but got up on my feet anyway.

We ran into the Keep, trying to put as much distance as we could between the soldiers and the beasts. We got into the hall and immediately we were barricading the door. "The fortress is taken. It is over" Théoden said.

I turned to him, ignoring the pain I felt on my back and stomach as I moved. "If for one second the Galadriel, Celeborn, or Elrond that we were going to lose this war, they wouldn't have sent troops to help your sorry kingly-ass. They sent troops to help us in our time of need because we are basically the last line of defense in this war. We are the only people stopping Sauron from enslaving Middle-Earth. Stop being so pessimistic and think! This is your fortress. This is your kingdom. If we lose this fight, we lose the whole freakin' war. I don't think you wanna die this quickly, do you?" I asked.

"You said this fortress would never fall while your men defend it. They still defend it! They have died defending it!" Aragorn told the king. "Is there no other way for the women and children to get out of the caves?" Théoden did answer. "Is there no other way?"

"There is one passage. It leads into the mountains. But they will not get far. The Uruk-hai are too many" Gamling answered for his king.

"Send word for the woman and children tot make for the mountain pas. And barricade the entrance" Aragorn ordered.

A soldier ran out to get to the caves. "So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate?" Théoden asked.

Aragorn paused, not expecting the question. "Ride out with me. Ride out and meet them"

"For death and glory" Théoden said, his determination found again.

"For Rohan. For your people" Aragorn corrected.

"The sun is rising" Gimli said.

He sounded thrilled and to be honest I was right there with him. We all survived the night. "Yes!" I said, jumping in the air and pumping my fist above me.

I got many quizzical and weird looks. "What? I'm trilled we survive the night. Aren't you all?" I asked.

Legolas looked back at me and smiled knowingly. Boromir patted my shoulder, lightly as if to say, "It's okay. We still love you. No matter how unusual you act sometimes"

"Yes. Yes! The horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the deep one last time!" Théoden said.

Was he still thinking we were going to die? I sighed. Sometime you could never get people to change. "Yes!" Gimli hollered as he ran up the steps to the horn of Helm Hammerhand.

"Let this be the hour when we draw swords together. Fell deeps awake. Now for wrath! Now for ruin! And a red dawn!" Théoden declared.

The king mounted his horse and placed his helmet on his head. "I think I'll just sit this one out," I stated.

Legolas smiled at me again. "You have done much this night. You deserve a break," He said.

The sound of the horn rumbles through the fortress, inside and out as Gimli blows with zest and passion. Aragorn, Legolas, and Boromir each mounted horses and rode out with the king. I knew that Éomer and the rest of the Rohirrim were joining them shortly. I leaned back against the wall, totally and utterly exhausted. My energy was spent. I let my sword fall to the floor with a clang and I leaned my head on my knees.

We had won the night and the battle. We actually won. I found it hard to believe myself, but we had done it. Now all I wanted was a nice hot bath and a nice warn bed to sleep in.

Author's Note: Ah, the battle at Helm's Deep finally came about. I actually had another ending for this entire story, had most of it written, but like most author's, we change our plans for the story. As I said in the last chapter, this will be the last update for a while. Look for Chapter 17 around the middle to end of October. I'll be putting my itinerary up on my bio for those of you who want to keep track. That was it'll be easy access to when my next updates are. I'm looking forward to the responses (positive or negative) that I recieve. As always, I thank all of you who have reviewed so far and I hope that you keep reviewing.