I'm not the happiest with this chapter, but at least the story is picking up momentum! The next chapter will be probably one of the longest chapters in the story. Sorry, I had to catch Peter and Edmund up to where they are supposed to be for the next chapter and there is no Susan in this chapter. I did add another person though! Thank you to KireKhane Fearring for helping me come up with names! Please read and review! Thanks and have fun riding on the wave of imagination!

The Battle on Rohan Soil

Lucy sat near the enormous, library window that looked towards the Western mountains. She wondered where Peter and Edmund were and prayed that Susan was alright.

It had been two days since the search party had left the castle and no word had come.

The sun was setting in a blaze of color behind the mountains and birds were chirping their goodnights. A lovely evening breeze floated through the open window and blew Lucy's light brown hair off her shoulders.

Then she heard the faint sound of galloping hooves from atop her high perch. Peering down, she saw a lone rider racing for the castle out of the southwest.

Quickly, she ran down to the courtyard as cries came up from near the gate.

"Open the gates!" The lookout shouted.

A young rider galloped into the courtyard; yelling urgently, "Where is the Queen?"

"I am here!" Lucy called, running over to the tired horse and his anxious companion. "What news have you brought? Have you found my sister?"

The dark haired boy slowly dismounted and bowed. "M'lady, I bring grave news."

"What is this grave news that you bring?" She grabbed his shoulders nervously, her eyes wide.

"We did not find Queen Susan," He started hesitantly. "And King Peter and King Edmund are now missing too."

"What?" Lucy exclaimed. "How could this have happened?"

They sat in the quiet garden and the rider told Lucy all he knew about finding the horn, Peter and Edmund setting out by themselves, and then about them not coming back. He told her that the search company was still near where the kings had gone missing.

"How could this evil have befallen us?" Lucy whispered after the boy left. "Oh Aslan, how could this have happened?"

For the rest of the evening Lucy stayed in her room and neither ate nor drank. She strode up and down her chamber thinking about what she should do next.

Finally, she fell into bed and slept fitfully all night.

--

There was something wrong…Edmund knew it from his troubled dreams.

Edmund snapped his eyes open after hearing the sound of a high horse whiny and the echo of a metallic ring. It was still dark, but the moonlight shone as if it were broad daylight.

Looming over Sam's sleeping figure was a snarling creature that looked blacker than night, he held a curved sword over him. A score of more than three dozen creatures charged from behind the first. Edmund, who had fallen asleep near Sam, jumped up and shoved him out of the way.

Sam startled from his sleep shouted. "What on earth is going on? Edmund, why did you disturb me from my rest?"

Edmund had no time to answer, he drew his blade, and half a second later the enemy's weapon came smashing down on his own. Then when he was fighting and had gained a bit of composure he yelled. "Draw your swords! We are under attack!"

Peter and Frodo jumped to their feet and were a tad dazed because they had been awakened suddenly from their deep sleep. They quickly surveyed the scene and impulsively whipped their swords out of their sheaths.

Peter leapt toward the foes that challenged him. He crossed blades once with the first, spun around catching his opponent off guard, and separating two heads off their ugly shoulders.

Frodo and Sam fought back to back slashing at their attacker's torsos and slicing their legs out from under them.

Edmund vaulted onto his faithful horse that had been in numerous battles and was not afraid of the sounds or sights of war.

They battled with their foes for a few minutes and that's when Edmund and Peter realized that they were outnumbered and could not defeat them.

"Ride!" Peter shouted the retreat, springing onto his bay steed. "Ride for your lives!"

"To Edoras!" Edmund cried as he scooped up Sam from the ground, for Sam and Frodo's ponies had fled in terror.

Peter had already snatched up Frodo and was galloping towards the Gap of Rohan. Unfortunately, an arrow whistled through the air, and buried itself deep into Peter's unprotected shoulder. He grunted and spurred his horse to pick up more speed.

"Edmund, we can ride to Isenguard and be kept safe there." Sam shouted to him as a volley of arrows rained down on them. Luckily they were all very bad shots.

"We're following Peter! I don't want to lose my brother and my sister!" Edmund yelled looking behind him at their enemies. They were being pursued by almost the whole pack; Edmund prayed that their horses wouldn't be shot out from under them.

They continued to ride hard through the night. Finally, the sky turned pink and the golden sun started rising as they galloped across the grassy plains of Rohan. Sam glanced back to see if their foes had stopped tailing them; the Pevensies, Frodo, and himself had no such luck.

"Who or what are those creatures?" Edmund inquired, wrinkling his brow.

"Orcs." Sam spit.

"Oh you mean those servants of Sauron and Saurman that you told us about?"

"Yeah."

"Curse those foul villains." Edmund muttered under his breath when he spotted his brother's injury. Peter's back was soaked in the crimson stain of blood and the arrow protruded from his tunic. Then he turned to Sam. "How far is it to Edoras?"

"I believe it's about a three or four day ride from here. And that's if you are on a very swift horse." Sam informed him.

"By the Mane," Edmund exclaimed. "We will never make it! Our horses won't be able to hold out for a four day gallop! Isn't there anything closer?"

"Helm's Deep would be the closest, but it's still a two day ride from here!" Sam replied.

Edmund groaned. There was no way they could make it to either place. Unless… Edmund started forming a plan in his mind.

"I have to get at Peter!" He said out loud.

"Why? What good will that do?" Sam questioned.

"Oh do be quiet and let a chap think." Edmund snapped at him, thinking hard. "I got it!" He shouted after a moment.

He urged his stallion to forge ahead and try to catch up with the High King. "I have to get to Peter!" Edmund said again, but as hard as he tried he couldn't pull up beside Peter's horse. Edmund's tired steed was already giving them all that he had in him.

"Start shouting." Edmund commanded.

"Are you crazy?" Sam scoffed.

"No!" He retorted. "This may be the only way to save our lives! Peter! Peter!" He hollered. "HIGH KING PETER!"

But the wind snatched Edmund's words and carried them away. They both started yelling, but still neither Peter nor Frodo could hear them.

"Edmund!" Sam cried. "I still don't know why in Middle Earth we are doing this, but I have something that might help us."

"What is it?" He answered annoyed.

"I have my whistle!"

"What whistle?"

"The whistle that Rosie gave me for my birthday!" Sam said.

"Then what are you waiting for? START BLOWING!" Edmund barked, now thoroughly annoyed at his companion. He was still a king and wanted to act kingly, but Sam was too much for his nerves.

Sam blew his high pitched, wooden whistle.

"Did you have to blow it in my ear?" Edmund growled.

"You were the one to tell me to blow it!" Sam blew his whistle again and Edmund once again shouted for Peter.

Finally, Peter turned his head and saw Edmund waving at him. His face was pale from the amount of blood that he had lost and from the lack of sleep. Slowing his horse so Edmund could catch up to him he said. "What is going on?"

"Peter!" Edmund breathlessly said. "Use Susan's horn!"

"What?" Peter cocked his head, not catching what Edmund had said.

"Susan's horn! Blow Susan's horn!" Edmund pointed to the small ivory horn.

Peter caught the drift and reached for Susan's horn. Taking a deep breath, he blew it with all his might. The sweet sound echoed off the hilly plain and bounced back to the riding companions. The melody stirred a new hope in their hearts and gave them a burst of energy.

They rode for a few miles and then heard the sound of a troop of charging horses. Riding over a hill they saw that a score of horsemen, armed with spears; which were galloping towards them. The two kings heard Sam and Frodo shout, "The Rohirrim!"

The legion raced past them and started spearing the Orcs. The skirmish lasted only a few minutes; the Rohirrim, of course, defeated the Orcs and turned back towards the Pevensies, Sam, and Frodo.

Soon they were encircled by stamping horses. The commander rode up and dismounted. He was a tall, muscular man with light brown hair and had dark brown eyes.

"Who are you? What is your business in our land?" He barked. "Why were those Orcs pursuing you?"

Edmund spoke before Peter had a chance. "I am Edmund and this is my brother, Peter. We come from a land called Narnia." Edmund introduced. "This is Frodo Baggins and his gardener, Samwise Gamgee. They are guiding us to Minas Tirith. We are to look for my missing sister there."

"You mean you are the two who destroyed the One Ring?" The horse master raised a curious eyebrow, glancing at Sam and Frodo.

"Yes." Sam sheepishly replied.

"What wonder and marvel!" His eyes widened. "It is a great honor to meet you." Then he turned his attention back to Edmund. "Narnia? I have not heard of this country. Where is it?"

"Uh yeah." Edmund just then realized that it would sound crazy to say that it was in a different world, but now, he had no choice. "It's in a different world."

"What about the Orcs?" He said, narrowing his eyes, a bit apprehensive of Peter and Edmund.

"We were attacked in the night by them outside of Rohan and we were outnumbered. My brother here is injured." Edmund explained. "Please we have not had the honor of knowing your name?"

"I am Eothian Halindin." Halindin answered. "I don't know what to think of your story. You have a strange way about you."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Eothian Halindin." Peter smiled weakly.

"And you." Halindin nodded, finally after debating with himself he said. "Listen, you, your horses, and companions are all tired. I trust Frodo and Sam; for their courage saved this world and if you are their friends then I see no reason to hold you back. I will send some of my men with you to escort you to Edoras. King Eomer, I'm sure, would like to see you. After you have rested there you may continue on to Minas Tirith."

"I don't know about friends." Sam mumbled. Edmund was the only that could hear the comment; he frowned.

"We are in your debt." Peter thanked him.

Then Halindin shouted orders. "Eomin, you and your riders shall accompany these travelers to Edoras and send the King my regards." He turned to the rest of his men and yelled. "We ride southeast!" In a flurry of activity, the host rode off away from them.

Eomin had about ten horsemen in his group and they rode a few more miles and then stopped to set up camp. Someone bound up Peter's wound and they all received a hearty meal.

--

A few days later the city of Edoras came into view. The Golden Hall flashed in the afternoon sunlight and puffy, white clouds floated lazily on a gentle breeze.

The company rode up into the city to the hall. Eomin escorted them into the domicile and led them to King Eomer. The hall was bright and bustling with people. A bird chirped near an open window and a charming tune drifted in from a minstrel playing in a street down below.

"Welcome Eomin." Eomer greeted. "What news have you brought?"

"M'lord," Eomin bowed. "Halindin sends his greetings. I have brought to you some travelers; Peter and Edmund of the land of Narnia and Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee of the Shire."

"Frodo and Sam," Eomer exclaimed. "It is an honor to see you again, my friends! I should like to hear more about you as of late, but I'm certain you are tired from you journey. Eomin, see to it that they are made comfortable. Then come back to me and inform me of how this has come to pass."

Peter, Edmund, Sam, and Frodo were led to a quiet part of the building and were given private bedchambers. They all rested and refreshed themselves. Later, they joined Eomer for dinner.

The meal consisted of several of savory meats and poultry. There was strong ale, crimson wine, and crystal, spring water to drink. The liquid was served in deep, golden chalices. Fruits lined the table and looked almost as if they would march right into your mouth.

"Eomin tells me that they rescued you from a band of Orcs." Eomer said taking a bite of meat.

"Yes, we are grateful for the Rohirrim's service." Frodo answered, taking a large mouthful of a oblong, bright yellow, juicy fruit.

"Why are you traveling? Where is Narnia?" Eomer asked a lot of questions during the banquet.

The tale was told about Peter and Edmund and about Susan. They told him of the attack and that they were trying to reach Minas Tirith.

After the story was told Eomer said. "That is a very interesting tale indeed."

"Tell me, you haven't heard anything of the whereabouts of our sister have you?" Peter asked, his voice having a hint of weariness when he spoke.

Edmund had noticed since they had left the Shire that Peter had been acting strangely. 'He almost seems worn out, but that couldn't be because he was the High King.' Edmund pondered. 'And High Kings never get weary. They are strong and made for battle. Aren't they?'

"I have not, but I will inquire Halindin about the matter." He answered. "In the meantime, I will send a messenger to Minas Tirith to seek news of your sister."

"Thank you." Peter said standing up; for the meal was over and the evening was growing old.

Suddenly, he collapsed.

--

If you haven't noticed…I love cliff hangers! The next chapter will be up ASAP!