ElvenPrincess2005
Chapter 17
Special Thanks : I've updated. I'm glad you like the story.
The Insane Sekhmet: I've continued. Please enjoy.
Starlight Diamonds: I'm curious? What did you expect before you read my story. I would like to know. I'm glad that it caught your eye as well! I know in the beginning, I changed my tenses. I wasn't planning on writing this in first person, so when I did, I went back and tried to find all the pronouns I used. I apparently didn't find all of them. I've read a few that have saved Boromir and it didn't turn out so well. I know that it lead to a lot in the end of the storyline and I hope I've covered all bases concerning that fact. I couldn't kill Haldir. What type of person would I be if I left Katherine to be an orphan? I'm glad you like it so far and I hope you continue to read.
Sheynenn: I know what you mean. Some authors to tend to slack off with longer stories and I just didn't want to be that type of author. I hope you enjoy this next update.
ElvinJewel14: I'm glad I was your first when it came to reviewing stories. Personally, I didn't think my story was that well written. I'm glad that you agree with me when I killed off Wormtongue. I never liked him when they introduced him in the story line. I agree with you when you say that Katie has developed as a character. Am I really that unique because I can put emotions into the story so well? I never really thought about it. I'm looking forward to another review from you. I hope you enjoy the rest!!
X2 Aeon Darkness IX: Am I really that good when it comes to writing? I'm glad you think so. I'm glad you like it so much.
Ilenya the fair: grins sheepishly You're speechless? wow. I'm happy that you enjoy my fic so much.
Xylem: Ever heard of blending in? That's what she was trying to do. I'm glad you like it, though.
Rabid-Tortise: I hit the awesome category! Goodie! I can only put out so much at a time. I thought that Boromir saving Haldir was a nice twist in the plotline. I'm glad that it's no longer dull. Unfortunately, you won't see any Legolas/Katherine action in this chapter. You'll see some in the next chapter though, if that helps you any. One of my other friends suggested I read Wheel of Time. I'm looking into it, but funds are not in existence right now.
Jack-Sparrow-Lover: Here's your update!
escape5: I'm happy you think so.
Maren L P: Here's my next update.
Willow-189: I hope I haven't kept you waiting long for an update.
ElvenEssence: I'm sorry that it took me longer than October. I hope marching season's gone well though.
Elven Script: I'm sorry that you had to wait so much longer than anyone expected. Enjoy.
Jupiter's Light: Next update is now available.
Crecy: Happy to hear you love it. Update is here!
DevilAngel: Yes, everyone lives. I agree that Theoden is pessimistic and should lighten up. My friend like when Katie told Haldir how to take a break in a secluded area too. I thought it would be a nice light comic releif line. More romance is coming, but not in this chapter. Sorry.
Merle Elendil: Thanks
Ladyof Rivendell: Hope I haven't kept you waiting too long.
Soccer-Bitch: Thanks. I hope you enjoy this next installment.
lady lorethei: Yeah, Haldir lives. I never knew that there were so many Haldir fans out that. It's surprising considering the small roles he plays in the movie/book.
TriGemini: I tried to make it as interesting and captivating as I could, and I'll admit it was rather difficult. I enjoyed Boromir saving Haldir twist too and it seemed to work in with the story itself, so I was rather happy. I like how Katherine talks to Theoden too. She's not the type to take any crap off of people. And truthfully, Legolas had his suspicions about how Katherine knew so much, but there wasn't much proof there. You can finally read what happens next.
We had won. I was thrilled, truly, I was. But I was also exhausted. It had indeed been a long night. One that I wouldn't forget anytime soon. I never knew there could be so much death. Everyone that I loved and cared about made it out all right, some in worse shape then others, but they were alive nonetheless. Many of the warriors who lived through the night took the day off. I went back to my room, and took a nice, long, hot bath. I took care of my cuts, changed my clothes, got something quick to eat, and went right back at it.
I surprised many of the Fellowship when I came back out. I looked dead on my feet, I think. But they didn't look so hot, either. That was my argument anyway when Aragorn and Gimli demanded that I go back and get some sleep. We stood there in the hall for a good ten minutes arguing back and forth. They said that I wasn't needed; that I could go get some sleep. Not that I didn't want to, but as worn as I felt, I was wide-awake. Stupid adrenaline.
Many of the women and children were now out of the caves. A few of the older women were crying, mourning the loss of a loved one. My heart went out of them and I felt bad for them. The younger children had no idea what was going on. Ah, the wide-eyed innocence of a child. I'm sure many of them knew something was amiss, though they didn't know the extent of the damage the night had brought.
The men that had come with Éomer, seeing as how they weren't fighting all night, were now stacking the dead Uruk bodies and burning them out in the field. Some were taking the bodies of the ones lost on our sides.
The hall and the armory had become temporary morgues. By the time the totally tally came in, our side had lost 139 men and 57 Elves. Many, many more were wounded. Most of the wounded however were literally waiting in line for help. There were just a few healers around to help and that's where I decided I would spend my day. I don't think I could stand another day of dead bodies, but helping those who were wounded didn't bother me.
I pulled some standard first aid supplies, bandages, clean water, some cream to help stop infections, as I said, basic stuff. During the five hours I had been helping I had seen everything imaginable. From bruises to scratches, missing limbs to stab wounds.
At the end of five hours, I decided I needed some air. I took to the higher levels, taking deep breaths as I went. "Katherine?" I heard a voice call.
I turned with my arms folded across my chest. I saw the familiar blond hair and deep blue eyes. The corners of my mouth turned upward into a semi-smile. I think that's all I could muster at the moment. "What's up?" I asked.
"I wanted to see how you were doing," he said.
I scoffed. "For right now, that would be a stupid question. If you, however, want an answer, I'll give you one," I said.
He looked at me with a pointed look. I let out a long, weary breath. "I feel exhausted, but for some reason, I can't sleep. Last night was horrible, and I don't think that I would be able to go through something like that again, but at the same time, this isn't going to be anything compared to what will happen,"
I wanted nothing more than to break down and cry. I felt like I was breaking inside as it was. I don't know why I felt like I did, but it was driving me insane. For so long, I had been the strong one. I had been the one who knew all of the answers; who knew what was going to happen. But after last night I wasn't so sure. I had no idea of why the fortress still exploded. That wasn't supposed to happen. How did Saruman know the weak spot? How? I just didn't know! I didn't know and that was tearing me up inside.
I drew in a breath and let it out just as quickly as I came. "You look horrible," he stated.
I forced a laugh. "What a way to make a woman feel special, Legolas," I teased. "Everything is wrong though,"
"How so?" he asked.
"The wall, it wasn't supposed to explode. It just wasn't. That's the reason I killed Grima. He told Saruman the secret of Helm's Deep. With Grima gone, I would have thought that the wall would have stayed intact," I explained.
"Is it possible that he told Saruman before you killed him?" Legolas asked.
I scoffed. "Knowing my luck. But from what I knew, he didn't tell Saruman until he was banished from Edoras. I stopped him before he got to Isengard. I just don't understand," I growled.
"At least your father lives," the Elf offered.
"That's the only thought stopping me from going insane right now. Everything else just went wrong," my voice ended in a whisper.
Legolas came over to me and wrapped his arms around my body, keeping me safe, even if only for a few minutes. "Just let it out, melamin," he said. (my love) "Just let it out,"
I started sobbing against his chest. He brought me to the ground, holding me tightly. "I don't know where I went wrong. I don't know how everything just got so messed up," I cried.
I held onto his shirt for dear life. I didn't want to let him go. He was my only safe point at the moment. The tears that fell from my eyes, soaked his shirt, but he didn't seem to mind. He kissed the top of my head and told me that everything would be okay. I wanted to believe him, but at this point, I didn't know what to believe. I didn't know if everything was going to work out or not.
"Do you feel better?" Legolas asked after my crying fit was over.
I nodded. "For the most part. I'm still uncertain about everything," I admitted.
"This is why not many people can stand knowing the future," Gandalf told me. "There are few people who can stand the stress knowing the future brings"
"I will just be glad to see this war end," I said.
"But will everything turn out the way you know it to be?" Legolas asked.
I shrugged. "I dunno. The only thing I can do is wait and hope for the best right now,"
How could I be so uncertain? How could everything that I know be so upside down? I needed answers and I needed them before I went off the deep end.
A small company left for Isengard the next day. It was a long and tedious ride to the great landmark. I was riding with Aragorn, much to my discomfort. Why did Gimli get to ride with Legolas? Why couldn't I ride with Legolas and Gimli ride with Aragorn? Life just wasn't fair sometimes.
I mentally scolded myself. What was I thinking? Things that weren't suppose to happen have happened and I was complaining about with whom I was riding. God were my priorities skewed! Half way through the ride I wound up leaning back and going to sleep. Aragorn nudged me awake some time later.
I groaned and looked up at him. "What?" I wined.
"We're about ready to arrive. I thought you would like to see Isengard," Aragorn said.
"You mean in all of its glory?" I asked, my sarcasm apparent.
He smiled a bit but continued to look on ahead. I followed his gaze. There were many fractures in the wall surrounding the tower. Water flooded most of the area and there were very tall trees, moving and walking around. "The Ents," I whispered.
Merry and Pippin were sitting on one of the wall pieces, smoking and eating to their hearts' content. "Welcome, my Lords, oh and Lady, to Isengard!" Merry announced.
"You young rascals! A merry hunt you've led us on, and now we find you, feasting and…smoking!" Gimli shouted. He was bit outraged, but I couldn't pick up on the exact reason. There were several when I stopped to think about it - resting, smoking and eating, not injured, the fact that we chased them from one end of the earth to the other, I didn't really know.
"We are sitting on a field of victory, enjoying a few well-earned comforts," I snorted at Pippin's statement. "The salted pork is particularly good," He continued, ignoring me.
"Salted Pork?" Gimli asked.
The mention of food seemed to override Gimli's anger senses I suppose. Gandalf shook his head and muttered something under his breath. It sounded like "Hobbits", but I wasn't too sure.
"We're under orders, from Treebeard, who's taken over management of Isengard," Merry said.
"And I suppose you're the gate keepers?" I asked, amused.
"Why, yes, my lady, I suppose we are," Merry said, smiling at me.
We loaded the Hobbits onto the horses, Merry on Shadowfax, and I slid off of Aragorn's horse, Brego, I think its name was to let Pippin sit up there. I walked up to the Orthanc along side the horses and their masters.
"Young master Gandalf," The Ent, who I'm guessed to be Treebeard, greeted. Young? Is the tall, walking, talking tree blind or something? Cause the way I'm looking at it, he sure ain't young. I thought. "I'm glad you've come. Wood and water, stock and stone, I can master. But there is a Wizard to manage here. Lock to his tower" Treebeard continued, through groans and moans.
"Be careful. Even in defeat, Saruman is dangerous," Gandalf warned.
I scoffed. Of course he is. He's got nothing left to lose, except his life. He'll go to any lengths to win at this point. I thought.
"Well, let's just have his head and be done with it," Gimli said.
I nodded in agreement with him. "No. We need him alive. We need him to talk," Gandalf said.
"About what? What could he possible have that we want?" I asked.
"Information. He may know what has happened to the rest of our party," Gandalf said.
I sighed. "Key words, "may know." You know as well as I do, he probably knows nothing," I hissed out.
"You have fought many wars and slain many men, Théoden King," I noticed movement on the top of the tower. Saruman stood at the edge, staff in hand. "and made peace afterwards. Can we not take counsel together as we once did, my old friend? Can we not have peace, you and I?" the dark wizard asked.
I snorted. Peace? The guy wanted peace just as much as Sauron DIDN'T want The Ring of Power. "We shall have peace. We shall have peace when you answer for the burning of the Westfold and the children that lie dead there! We shall have peace when the lives of the soldiers whose bodies were hewn even as they lay dead against the gates of the Hornburg, are avenged! When you hang from a gibbet for the sport of your own crows, we shall have peace," Théoden said.
I had a sudden urge to start clapping, but settled for a smile instead. "Gibbets and crows? Dotard! What do you want, Gandalf Greyhame? Let me guess. The key of Orthanc. Or perhaps the Keys of Barad-dur itself along with the crowns of the seven kings and the rods of the Five Wizards!"
"Your treachery has already cost many lives. Thousands more are at risk. But you can save them, Saruman. You were deep in the enemy's counsel," Gandalf wanted to know what Sauron was going to do next.
Well, I had to say, he was going to get his answers pretty damn soon and they weren't going to come from the source he thought. "So you have come here for information. I have some for you," Was Saruman trying to coax us into a false sense of security? The dark Istari suddenly lifted the Palantír into the air and gazed into it. "Something festers in the heart of Middle-Earth. Something that you have failed to see. But the Great Eye has seen it," he put the Palantír back into his robes. "Even now he presses his advantage. His attack will come soon. You're all going to die,"
Oh how lovely does that sound? Gandalf approached the Orthanc. "But you know this, don't you, Gandalf? You cannot think that this Ranger will ever sit upon the throne of Gondor. This exile, crept from the shadows, will never be crowned king. Gandalf does not hesitate to sacrifice those closest to him, those he professes to love. Tell me, what words of comfort did you give the Halfling before you sent him to his doom? The path that you have set him on can only lead to death,"
My blood froze as he mentioned Frodo. "I've heard enough!" Gimli shouted, also unnerved by the mentioning of the small Hobbit. "Shot him. Stick an arrow in his gob," he whispered to Legolas.
For the second time that day I was in agreement with the Dwarf. "No. Come down, Saruman, and your life will be spared," Gandalf called.
"Save your pity and your mercy. I have no use for it!" Saruman shouted.
"That's fine, I wouldn't give it to you anyway," I murmured.
"No, you wouldn't, would you She-Elf?" Saruman sneered, acknowledging my presence. "You have no need for mercy, no need for pity,"
"I have mercy and pity for those who deserve it. You don't deserve it, in any way. You deserve to die and burn in the very pits of hell!" I shouted.
"It's a pity you won't make it till the end of this. I'll enjoy watching you and all you love suffer at the hands of my master. I'll love watching you cry and beg for your life before I have you killed," he said.
The Istari sent down a fireball towards Gandalf and it surrounded him. But just as suddenly as it had come, the fire died down. "Saruman, your staff is broken," Gandalf said.
The staff that Saruman was holding shattered into a million pieces. Without any warning, Grima showed up behind the dark wizard. I was startled. How had this happened? I had killed him. I had cut his head from his shoulder with one swipe. "Grima, you need not follow him. You were not always as you are now. You were once a Man of Rohan. Come down," Théoden tried to coax.
"Why should I? Just so I could be slain again by strangers?" Grima's eyes were on me.
"A Man of Rohan? What is the house of Rohan but a thatched barn where brigands drink in the reek and their brats roll on the floor with the dogs? The victory at Helm's Deep does not belong to you, Théoden Horse-master. You are a lesser son of greater sires," Saruman stated.
Théoden tensed at the statement made by the wizard, but continued nonetheless. "Grima, come down. Be free of him,"
"Free? He will never be free," Saruman hissed.
"No," Grima said.
"Get down, cur!" and with that Saruman hit his servant, knocking him down to the stone roof.
"Saruman! You were deep in the enemy's counsel. Tell us what you know!" implored Gandalf.
Grima stood up, displaying the small dagger that was concealed in his clothes. "You withdraw your guard, and I will tell you where your doom will be decided. I will not be held prisoner here," Saruman stated.
Grima pounced on Saruman and stabbed him several times. Legolas released an arrow, hitting Grima. Grima winced in pain and fell back, making Saruman plummet off the tower and the ground. He landed on top of a spear on one of his own devices. Disgust fell over the faces of several of the riders." Send word to all our allies, and to every corner of Middle-Earth that still stands free. The enemy moves against us. We need to know where he will strike," Gandalf said.
Our one and only informant had just bit the dust. Not that I was actually complaining. I was glad the guy had died. The wheel started spinning, sinking Saruman into the waters. The Palantír fell out of his robe and into the water. "The filth of Saruman is washing away. Trees will come back to live here. Young trees. Wild trees," Treebeard said. He sounded happy and content that the trees would be coming back.
Pippin slid off Brego and waded in the water. He bent down and picked up the Palantír, eyeing it curiously. "Pippin!" Aragon shouted.
"Bless my bark!" Treebeard had apparently known what it was that Pippin was holding.
"Peregrin Took! I'll take that, my lad. Quickly now," Gandalf said, with a bit of urgency in his voice.
The small Hobbit handed the orb to Gandalf, who wrapped it in his robes. Pippin rode with Boromir and I rode with Aragorn. We rode back to Edoras, with the Palantír. I didn't like the feelings the orb stirred within me. For the first time since we left Rivendell, I felt actual fear and I was quite worried. The ride back to Edoras was anything but comfortable and easy. If everything went…well…Gandalf and Pippin should be riding to Minas Tirith by morning. We arrived by night and many of the men, including myself and the rest of the Fellowship were standing in the Golden Hall. "Tonight we remember those who gave their blood to defend this country. Hail the victorious dead!" said the Rohanian King.
He held out a cup, which was filled with some sort of alcohol. I scrunched up my nose while I remembered the last time I drank. It didn't turn out too well for me, and I wanted to stay as far away from it as possible. "Hail!" The crowd cheered, although their voices weren't filled with any enthusiasm.
I stood at the end of the Hall, close to the doors, in case I wanted an easy escape. Merry and Pippin were signing and dancing on a table. They seemed…happy, even after all they had been through.
Pippin and Merry sang:
"Oh you can search far and wide,
You can drink the whole town dry,
But you'll never find a beer so brown,
As the one we drink in our hometown.
You can keep your fancy ales,
You can drink them by the flagon,
But the only brew for the brave and true,
Comes from the Green Dragon!"
Most of the men were laughing, celebrating, I suppose over the victory in Helm's Deep. I scoffed. If you could call that a victory. Yes, we defeated unimaginable odds and most survived to tell the tale, but the battle to decide all battles would be soon. I figured if we won, and survived, then I would celebrate.
The party lasted well into the dark of night. I had left the Hall, seeking nothing but solitude, and went into the lightly spotted sky. I sat down, my feet dangling over the edge of the stone platform. The stars, for the most part, were trying to sparkle. It was rather cloudy outside and I didn't like the foreboding inkling that filled my stomach. I sat on the far corner, unnoticed by Legolas. He stood out, staring into the horizon, as if he was trying to see something. His hood was up, hiding his blond hair.
The night was almost chilly, and luckily I had gotten use to being an Elf by this point. I was glad that the temperature didn't bother me. Aragorn walked out of the Hall and went over to stand next to his Elven friend. "The stars are veiled. Something stirs in the East…a sleepless malice," Legolas whispered.
For some odd reason, I caught hint of fear in his calm, steady voice. That unnerved me. He never showed fear to anyone, enemy nor friend.
"The Eye of the Enemy is moving" Legolas continued.
Aragorn - for his part - remained silent. Was he in too deep of a thought to reply? Or did he feel the same? I don't know which one unnerved me more. There were a few minutes of silence. I closed my eyes and drifted off with the wind, trying to let it take me where it would. There was a loud screech and I was brought back to my senses my a cold, unfeeling sensation. I gasped as if I were in pain. The impression struck me right through my heart and soul. "He is here!" Legolas said, obviously startled.
I stood up from my spot and followed the two inside the Hall. Everyone was awake from the screams coming from the small Halfling. I saw Aragorn throw the Palantír away. The globe landed on the floor, and rolled away from him. Gandalf threw a cloak over the orb and it stopped moving.
Merry was terrified and worried for his friend. Gandalf muttered something, but I couldn't tell what it was from the other noises in the room. I went deeper into the room. "Look at me" The Wizard demanded. "What did you see?"
Pippin turned away, but Gandalf would not be deterred. "A tree. A white tree. In a courtyard of stone. It was dead!"
The White Tree of Gondor. I thought. "The city was burning" Pippin continued.
"Minas Tirith. Is that what you saw?" Gandalf asked.
"I saw…I saw him. I can hear his voice in my head" Pippin cried.
"Sauron" I whispered, mainly to myself.
"What did you tell him? Speak!" Again with the ordering from the Great White Wizard. (Please note the sarcasm.)
"He asked me my name. I didn't answer. He hurt me," The small hobbit said.
"What did you tell him about Frodo and the Ring?" asked Gandalf.
"Nothing. Pippin didn't tell Sauron anything," I spoke up.
Gandalf turned to me and stared at me. "Lady Katherine is right. I didn't say anything. I was too afraid," Pippin told him.
Gandalf sighed. He released Pippin and stood up. "Wake the King," The White Wizard ordered.
A solider ran from the Hall, grateful for the escape I believe, to go fetch Théoden. There was to be a small council consisting of the main people of the Fellowship. I stood against the furthest wall of the meeting room while I waited for the scene to unfold. Everyone in the room was tense. I didn't blame them for that.
"There was no lie in Pippin's eyes. A fool, but an honest fool he remains. He told Sauron nothing of Frodo and the Ring. We've been strangely fortunate. Pippin saw in the palantír a glimpse of the Enemy's plan. Sauron moves to strike the city of Minas Tirith. His defeat at Helm's Deep showed our enemy one thing. He knows the Heir of Elendil has come forth. Men are not as weak as he supposed. There is courage still…strength perhaps to challenge him. Sauron fears this. He will not risk the peoples of Middle-earth uniting under one banner. He will raze Minas Tirith to the ground before he sees a king return to the throne of Men. If the beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war," Gandalf informed everyone.
Théoden hesitated before beginning. "Tell me; why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours? What do we owe Gondor?"
I scoffed. "Do you really want to get into this again? I thought we had a similar conversation in Helm's Deep," I told him.
"I will go," Aragorn said, breaking up another impending fight.
"No," Gandalf said sternly.
"They must be warned!" Aragorn shouted back.
"They will be!" The wizard said. He leaned over to speak with Estel quietly and along. "You must come to Minas Tirith by another road. Follow the river, look to the black ships." Then raised his voice for all to hear him. "Understand this, things are now in motion that cannot be undone. I ride for Minas Tirith. And I won't be going alone," his gaze moved to the two Hobbits.
I pushed myself off of the wall. "Gandalf may I have a word with you and Pippin?" I asked.
"Is it important?" Gandalf asked.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, it is," I said, my voice demanding nothing less then a few minutes of his time.
He sighed and walked towards me. Pippin followed. We went out into the hall. "Speak quickly!" spoke Gandalf.
"Understand something, under no circumstances is Denethor allowed to think otherwise than this: That Boromir is dead. The Steward of Gondor must think his eldest son is dead. You must play this right; lie if you must. I already tried to set in place something that will help. The Horn of Gondor was cleaved in the battle at Amon Hen. I hope it has reached Denethor. He and Faramir must think that Boromir is dead. They both must in order for everything to work out correctly," I told them.
"Why?" Pippin asked.
"Please Pippin, don't ask questions. I can't answer them right now. I will as soon as all of this is over, but please do this. Denethor must believe Boromir is dead. He must!" I spoke with conviction.
Gandalf nodded. "I will do everything in my power to help you, but if the Steward has already made up his mind, it will be difficult to change it,"
"Then change it you must!" I hissed.
As the dark faded and gave way to the dawn and to the morning, Gandalf and the two Hobbits were walking to the stables. I followed all three of them out. "Of all the inquisitive Hobbits, Peregrin Took, you are the worst. Hurry, hurry!" Gandalf told him.
"Where are we going?" Pippin asked.
"Why did you look? Why do you always have to look?" Merry asked.
"I don't know. I can't help it," Pippin answered.
"You never can," Merry's voice almost sounded light and happy.
"I'm sorry, all right? I won't do it again," Pippin told Merry.
"Don't you understand? The Enemy thinks you have the Ring. He's going to be looking for you, Pip. They have to get you out of here,"
"And you-you're coming with me?" Pippin asked. Merry turned and walked into the stables. "Merry?" Pippin called.
"Come on," Merry ordered.
"How far is Minas Tirith?" Pippin asked.
"Three days' ride, as the Nazgûl flies, and you better hope we don't have one of those on our tail," Gandalf told him.
"Gandalf, what do you want me to do?" I asked.
He turned to me. "Now you ask for my opinion? You didn't heed my warnings about what you knew to begin with and now you want to know what to do?" he asked. "I want you to go with Aragorn and the others. I fear he will need your advice sooner or later. I have given him strict instructions to follow you should anything happen to me. Regardless of what I have said, you do have a level head on your shoulder, Palanwen. You - like many others in this time - are confused. Time will give you the answers you wish to receive," he said then mounted his horse.
Pippin was helped up on Shadowfax and the horse took off out of the stables, into the City of Edoras and out into the open Riddermark.
Three days passed and I just sat around like a "knot on a log" for lack of a better term during two of those days. I didn't know what to do. I probably should have been out practicing. I would need it sooner or later.
I got out and walked around during the third day. The fourth day after Gandalf had left with Pippin Aragorn was sitting outside, on one of the watchtowers, smoking his pipe. He stood up and ran into the Golden Hall once he saw the beacon was lit. I was sitting outside, my notebook and pen in my lap. I was recording the events and how they had changed. I was glad that I drug my book bag half way across Middle Earth.
Anyway, Aragorn almost ran me over, running up the stairs and into the main hall. He threw open the doors and shouted, "The beacons of Minas Tirith! The beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid!"
I followed Estel into the room. Théoden looked up from his map, looking quite frankly stunned. I watched Théoden's reaction. "And Rohan will answer!" The king proclaimed proudly.
His answer was almost melodramatic. "Muster the Rohirrim!"
There was a faint echo of a bell being rung in the middle of the city. "Assemble the Men at Dunharrow, as many Men as can be found. You have two days. On the third, we ride for Gondor…and war. Gamling!" The King called. "Make haste across the Riddermark. Summon every able-bodied man to Dunharrow,"
Gamling nodded and ran off to do his bidding. Everyone was busy preparing for the trip. I was no exception, though I didn't have much to prepare. As tempted as I was to leave my bag in Edoras, part of me told me that if I did, I wasn't going to see again. I noticed Aragorn walk up to Éowyn. "You ride with us?" he asked.
Aragorn sounded shocked. Where has he been during the entire war? The woman had more spirit then the men! "Just to the encampment. It's tradition for the Women of the Court to farewell the Men," she told him.
I saw Éowyn's sword when Aragorn lifted her saddle blanket. I hid a smile that crept over my face. The girl was determined, I'd give her that, but even I was contemplating on going into battle. Part of me wanted to go have to Lothlórien and stay there during the remainder of the war. That would have been the easy way out. When were things ever easy though?
I saw Éowyn snatch the blanket back and set it down over the weapon. "The Men have found their captain. They will follow you into battle, even to death. You have given us hope," she told him.
She walked away from her horse and from Strider. Aragorn for his part did look as if he was in deep thought. I'm not sure what he had to think about though. If he didn't notice the looks that the Rohirrim shot towards him, then he was a useless, blind man. "Now is the hour! Riders of Rohan! Oaths you have taken now fulfill them all! For lord and land!" Éomer shouted.
Did the guy have to be so melodramatic? He was nice enough, but he was seriously getting on my nerves. We rode out of Edoras. I was somewhere near the front with Legolas and Gimli. The poor dwarf got stuck on the back of another horse. I suppose he would have to get used to it sooner or later.
The trip took at most a few hours. We didn't stop to eat or rest. We needed to continue. I knew what was out there. I knew the dangers. I just didn't know it would be this boring. I tried to enjoy the calm before the storm, but it wasn't happening. I knew the quiet would be shattered soon, but for some reason, I couldn't enjoy it. Was it because I knew too much? We rode up a steep, thin hill. The higher I got, the more concerned I got. I was fine once I reached the top, but it was getting up there that concerned me.
It was a small encampment. There were several fires and tents around. I tied my horse to a log and grabbed my CD player. I needed something to pacify my cracked nerves. I went to the edge of the cliff and hung my legs over the edge. I flipped through the various songs on my CD to find something that would help me.
"Do you ever feel like breaking down?Do you ever feel out of place?
Like somehow you just don't belong
And no one understands you
Do you ever wanna runaway?
Do you lock yourself in your room?
With the radio on turned up so loud
That no one hears you screaming
No you don't know what it's like
When nothing feels all right
You don't know what it's like
To be like me
To be hurt
To feel lost
To be left out in the dark
To be kicked when you're down
To feel like you've been pushed around
To be on the edge of breaking down
With no one's there to save you
No you don't know what it's like
Welcome to my life
Do you wanna be somebody else?
Are you sick of feeling so left out?
Are you desperate to find something more?
Before your life is over
Are you stuck inside a world you hate?
Are you sick of everyone around?
With their big fake smiles and stupid lies
While deep inside you're bleeding
No you don't know what it's like
When nothing feels all right
You don't know what it's like
To be like me
To be hurt
To feel lost
To be left out in the dark
To be kicked when you're down
To feel like you've been pushed around
To be on the edge of breaking down
With no one's there to save you
No you don't know what it's like
Welcome to my life
No one ever lied straight to your face
No one ever stabbed you in the back
You might think I'm happy but I'm not gonna be okay
Everybody always gave you what you wanted
Never had to work it was always there
You don't know what it's like what it's like
To be hurt
To feel lost
To be left out in the dark
To be kicked when you're down
To feel like you've been pushed around
To be on the edge of breaking down
With no one's there to save you
No you don't know what it's like, what it's like
To be hurt
To feel lost
To be left out in the dark
To be kicked when you're down
To feel like you've been pushed around
To be on the edge of breaking down
With no one's there to save you
No you don't know what it's like, what it's like
Welcome to my life
Welcome to my life
Welcome to my life"
Now that's what I was talking about. Depressing music to not help my depressing mood. What a good way to feel better. Truth be told, the lyrics of the song held more truth than anything I had ever seen or heard or written or…well, you get my point. I changed to another song and sort of drifted off. I hit the stop key after the song ended and I heard Aragorn tell Théoden that we had until dawn and then we had to ride. I stood up and joined Legolas. He smiled at me slightly. I threw my CD player in my bag and sat down next to him. The horses around us started rearing and neighing. "The horses are restless and the Men are quiet," Legolas commented.
"They grown nervous in the shadow of the mountain," Éomer told them.
"That road there…where does that lead?" Gimli asked, pointing to the Path of the Dead.
"It is the road to the Dimholt, the door under the mountain," Legolas informed the Dwarf.
"None who venture there ever return," Éomer supplied as well.
"You two aren't helping my shot nerves," I muttered.
"Pardon?" Éomer asked.
He didn't understand what I meant. "Telling ghost stories isn't helping me. My nerves are completely ruined,"
"The stories that I've heard, Lady Katherine, are true," Éomer said.
I looked at him. "I know they are, which is what is making this ten times worse than it already is,"
"How do you know of such things? Lothlórien doesn't concern themselves with Mortal superstition," Éomer asked.
"I'm well-versed in many cultures, my friend. I know more than you could possibly imagine," I left the subject there.
Éomer didn't pressure me anymore, but I knew he wanted to. I couldn't blame him. I was a totally mystery to him. I grabbed an apple from my bag and bit into it. I heard some noises come from inside the mountain and they gave me creeps. Orcs I could handle, hell I'd rather take on a Nazgûl, but ghosts were another story. They weren't tangible; maybe that's why they bothered me so much. I sat in front of the fire for some time. Aragorn ad Gimli had gone to bed hours ago. I just didn't feel right resting. There was too much to think about. Éowyn had played around with Merry, dressing him up as a soldier. She and her brother got into a heated discussion about Merry joining the ranks of the Rohirrim.
I stayed out of it, even when she asked me my opinion. No matter what I said, I doubted that I would change Éomer's mind; the guy was more stubborn than a mule…on a bad day! I stay up through the night. I couldn't bring myself to even rest my eyes. Éomer ordered me to rest and I basically told him to shove off (in the nicest way possible, of course). I noticed a cloaked figure stalking around the camp hours later…I took note of Elrond's arrival and got comfortable on the ground. I closed my eyes and listened to Elrond's conversation with Théoden. I wasn't able to catch all of it, but I caught the gist. Elrond said something about Aragorn having to go down the Paths of the Dead.
A soldier woke up Aragorn and I saw Strider walk out of his tent, land into the King's. He was in there for a while. The voices were hushed and I couldn't hear anything except when Aragorn almost shouted to Elrond about the ghosts who lived in the mountain. Strider seemed adamant about not going to them.
The next thing I heard was Elrond telling Aragorn to take the Dimholt road. I groaned and debated about going with him or not. It would be an interesting experience, but I couldn't ride a horse into battle worth crap and I wasn't looking forward to even remotely looking and or fighting the Nazgûl, regardless what I thought earlier. I sighed; ghosts it was. Aragorn left the tent, Andúril by his side. He saddled up Brego and prepared to leave. I noticed Éowyn walk up to him. "Why are you doing this?" she asked. "The war lies to the east; you cannot leave on the eve of battle. You cannot abandon the Men,"
It sounded like she was begging him to stay and in her own little way I suppose she was. "Éowyn," Aragorn began.
"We need you here," Éowyn said.
Aragorn's voice sounded heavy and sad when he asked, "Why have you come?"
"Do you not know?" she asked.
Oh he knows all right, but he'll never give you what you want. I thought. I felt sorry for the woman; I mean, she loved him. My heart went out for her; I knew what it was like. I knew what it was like to love someone, but not have them love you back. I smiled. The problems of being a mortal, I suppose. "It is but a shadow and a thought that you love. I cannot give you what you seek," Aragorn said.
I bit back a snort. What a way to let her down gently. I mentally told him. Maybe I should have mentioned something to him about it earlier.
Éowyn backed away from him. She was in shock. Strider looked at her for a moment before walking away, taking Brego with him. I stood up and touched her arm. "Éowyn?" I called softly. "It'll be okay. Everything will work out for the best in the end," I told her.
And I sincerely meant it. I knew that she and Faramir were going to fall in love. I cringed. If Faramir lived that long. With everything I had changed, I never thought of him. I heard Gimli's voice and I took off after them.
"Not this time. This time you must stay, Gimli," Aragorn ordered.
Legolas walked up leading his horse, Boromir in tow. "Have you learned nothing of the stubbornness of Dwarves?" The Elf asked.
"You might as well accept it. We're going with you, laddie," Gimli said.
"He's right. We haven't come all this way just to turn away from you now," Boromir told him.
Aragorn looked at me. "What about you Katherine? Will you come with us as well?" Aragorn asked.
I sighed deeply and thought before answering. "Boromir's right. We've come so far. We can't turn back now. I've done too much to turn back. I won't do it. While I'm not…thrilled about following you guys into some dark, scary cave, someone has to come with you three to keep your heads on straight. As much as I love you guys, I don't trust you going into a dark, scary, ghost ridden cave," I smiled at them.
"I never figured you to for the one to be scared," Boromir teased.
"I'd hate for Natalie to be crying at your funeral," I shot back, threatening.
"You don't have the ability," he said.
I glared at him. "All the time you've known me and you still think that I can't take care of myself?" I asked, walking up to him.
He looked at me. "I never said you couldn't; I just don't think you're strong enough to take me on,"
I walked ahead of him. "When this is all over, I'm going to take you on," I called over my shoulder.
"When this is all over, you won't be able to find me," he said.
I quirked an eyebrow. What did he mean by that? I asked myself. I was curious by his comment. I shook it off and I followed Aragorn and Legolas into the crevice. The ground had a think sheet of fog on it and the air was dense. It was hard to breathe and there seemed to be an unusual pull that got stronger and stronger as we got closer to the end. There were no birds or even bugs around. Sharp gray rocks stood out in the narrow path. I ran my hands over the wall of the crevice. "What kind of army would linger in such a place?" Gimli asked.
"One that is cursed. Long ago the Men of the Mountain swore an oath of the last King of Gondor, to come to his aid, to fight. But when the time came, when Gondor's need was dire, they fled. And so Isildur cursed them, never to rest until they had fulfilled their pledge. Who shall call them from the great twilight? The forgotten people. The heir of him to whom the oath they swore. From the north shall he come. Need shall drive him. He shall pass the door to the Paths of the Dead." Legolas explained.
When we reached the end of the path, a small opening was crafted into a rock. There seemed to bee come painting above it. "The very warmth of my blood seems stolen away" Gimli breathed.
"The way is shut. It was made by those who are dead, and The Dead keep it. The way is shut" Legolas whispered, translating the paintings above us.
I got off Brego and watched as Aragorn dismounted and help Andúril in his hand. The horses became nervous as we approached the opening. A blast of cold air came out of the tunnel and the horses neighed and reared. They ran off in the opposite direction. Not that I blamed them; I wanted to do the same thing.
Aragorn shouted at Brego and turned back and stared into the tunnel. "I do not fear death!" The soon-to-be-king hissed.
He walked quickly into the dark cave. He seemed determined. Legolas hesitated another second, then followed his friend. "Well, this is a thing unheard of. An Elf will do underground where a Dwarf dare not! Ah, I'd never hear the end of it!" Gimli huffed.
He stamped his feet a few times before finding his courage and followed them. I looked at Boromir and shrugged before entering the cave myself, Boromir behind me. We rushed through the cave, Aragorn leading us with a metal torch. I had no idea of where I was going, but trusted Aragorn.
"What is it? What do you see?" Gimli asked.
"I see shapes of men. And of horses," Legolas informed him.
"As do I?" I agreed.
They were wisps of air, or of smoke, but I could indeed make the begins out. "Where?" Gimli asked again.
"Pale banners like shred of cloud. Spears rise like winter-thickets through a shroud of mist. The Dead are following. They have been summoned," Legolas said.
"Summoned to what?" Boromir asked and I shrugged.
"The Dead? Summoned? I knew that. Very good. Very good! Legolas?" Gimli shouted.
The Dwarf had gotten lost. I turned around to make sure he was in the right path. Mist surrounded us as we walked. I saw my height-deficient friend try to blow it away.
"Do not look down," Aragorn warned.
For once, I wish I had listened to him. For once in my life I wish I had actually done something I was supposed to do. But did I? No, I looked down. Stupid me looked down at the ground. I heard cracks coming from the ground, but I wasn't the one making the sound. As I looked down, I saw skulls. Millions of skulls. I groan and lifted my head and went a bit faster. I wasn't making any sound as I walked, but I heard it from my companions. It wasn't helping my sanity.
We walked into a large hall and in the center stood or rather floated a green figure. "Who enters my domain?" he asked.
"One who will have you allegiance," Aragorn said.
"The Dead do not suffer the living to pass," the same voice said.
"You will suffer me," Aragorn said, threateningly.
The King of the Dead laughed as more of The Dead appeared around us. They surrounded us, blocking any and all way out of the room. "The way is shut. It was made by those who are dead. And the Dead keep it. The way is shut. Now you must die," The King of the Dead stated.
Legolas strung and released an arrow in a blink of an eye. It went through the head on the one it was aimed at as if it had hit nothing. "I summon you to fulfill your oath," Aragorn said.
"None but the King of Gondor may command me," The Dead King said.
Strider lifted Andúril. The King of the Dead attacked Aragorn with his own sword, but Aragorn parried that attack. He reached out and grabbed the ghost by the throat. "That line was broken," The King of the Dead spat.
"It has been remade," Aragorn hissed. He released the king and turned to address The Dead around him. "Fight for us, and regain your honor," he walked through the crowd. "What say you?"
The Dead shuffled around and looked very uncertain. They were ghosts what did they have to be uncertain about? "What say you?" the ranger repeated.
"You waste your time, Aragorn! They had no honor in life, they have none now in death," Gimli said.
"I am Isildur's heir. Fight for me, and I will hold your oaths fulfilled!" Aragorn promised.
The Dead watched Aragorn. "What say you? You have my word! Fight, and I will release you from this living death!" the ghosts started to disappear and I was very grateful. "What say you?"
"Stand, you traitors!" Gimli commanded.
The mists began to blow away and the ground started shaking. The walls burst open, skulls pouring out of the openings. "Out!" Aragorn shouted.
I was already running for an exit before he said anything. As fast as I could be in situations like this, I wasn't fast enough. Walking on the skulls creeped me out to no end, but them falling on me was unbearable. "Legolas! Run!" Aragorn said to the Elf.
We found a small opening in the cave and ran out. Suddenly we were outside, out in the open, with the sun pouring down on us. The sky was bright and I looked around. We were on top of a hill with a river below us. I noticed Aragorn's demeanor change when he saw the black ships of the Corsairs on the river. He fell to his knees. I heard a noise come from the save and I turned to see the King of the Dead float out of the solid rock. "We fight," was the only think he said.
We ran down the side of the hill, catching up with the ships. We all stood in a line, waiting for the ships to pass us. The vessels seemed to stop where we stood. "You may go no further. You will not enter Gondor," Aragorn said.
The men aboard the boat laughed. "Who are you to deny us passage?" the captain asked.
"Legolas, fire a warning ship past the bosun's ear," Aragorn whispered to the Elf.
"Mind your aim," Gimli muttered to him as Legolas strung and arrow.
Gimli hit Legolas as he fired, making Legolas miss and hit the man next to the captain. The Dwarf covered his mouth as Legolas looked at him. "That's it. Right. We warned you. Prepare to be boarded," Gimli said.
"Boarded? By you and whose army?" the captain asked, a small smile playing on his lips.
"This army," Aragorn said.
The King of the Dead and his army appeared and ran towards the ships.
Author's Note: As you can see, the updates did go as I planned. I know that this one was supposed to be in October, and I'm sorry that I didn't get it up by then. However, my life has been very hellish for the past few months. Since the last update on August 28, 2004, I have moved 500 miles away from my home, started my senior year, (which is hecktic enough mind you), I've had to take my ACTs, fill out college applications, constantly trying to keep my grades up (my classes have been harder since I've moved), deal with one crisis after another, after another, and I had the biggest writers' block in the known world.
By the time, I actually got out of the writers' block enough to write a small amount, the Extended Edition of Return of the King came out. I decided to wait because this chapter had a lot of quotes dealing with the Extended Edition.
For those of you who have seen the Movie Theater version of ROTK and the Extended Edition of ROTK, you'll understand this when I say what was Peter Jackson thinking when he left all that on the cutting room floor?
For the next update (yes, I know people, keep laughing), should be around the same length of this chapter and should be out around the middle to end of March. I have a few long weekends and Spring Break in the time I'm giving myself.
Don't forget to review. I appreicate any kind of feedback. I'll talk to everyone soon.