Snake walked Valarauko into the stables of Helm's Deep. The fortress was impressive. It had also been oppressive. The walls soared up in tiers but there was no escape. The Snake hoped that the king was wise and knew what he was doing. All these thoughts passed while he unsaddled his horse. The armor hung over the stable doors as he rubbed down the sweating animal.

"Mithril." The voice was wistful and deep. Snake turned and didn't see anyone. Walking to the stable door he looked in both directions before seeing the dwarf staring at the armor.

"Where did you acquire it?" There was curiosity and maybe even accusation in the voice.

"I won the commission from a dwarf." Snake replied as he started tending Valarauko's wounds.

"How?"

"I won a drinking game." Snake smiled at the dwarf who had entered the stable to examine the head piece of the armor. The burly man grumbled and snorted about cheating. Snake chuckled.

"It wasn't a matter of stamina but speed. Who was first to drink the small barrels. Dwarves savor ale too much to out drink a man."

That got the dwarf laughing because he knew Snake was speaking the truth. The dwarf left and Snake finished the care of his horse, feeding and watering him. Snake settled his armor and headed out into the fortress to see what was being done.

He walked among whispers but Snake had endured worse. He wasn't here to appease the people. He walked past boys who were putting on armor. It would be a slaughter and Snake came to a stop frowning at the boys who could barely carry the armor they wore.

"Angulócë."

The voice was questioning and the words spoken without the twist men put on the Elvish. Snake expected to see an elf but instead was a man as road worn as he was. Snake's one eye worked over the approaching man.

"It does me well to see we have a man of skill at our aid." The man stood beside him looking down at the same scene Snake was concerned about.

"You're the only one." Snake replied bitterly.

"Reputation precedes the truth across the lands." The man with him smiled.

"Hmmm." Snake snorted. "What are the odds?"

"No better than what you've already faired."

Snake nodded and looked over the people in the fortress. "There's no escape from this place."

"Even if we could run I don't think escape is possible with what is coming."

"Mordor does not grow weary of the hunt." Snake sighed and gave his companion a questioning look.

"Aragorn."

Snake's expression remained steady. "Strider the ranger. I've heard about you too."

"How did you survive the onslaught on your home?" Aragorn's curiosity was apparent in his voice.

"I didn't" Snake replied before walking away from the ranger's presence.