Recap: Edmund has just gotten caught by the guards of Minas Tirith. Merry and Pippin have just given Aragorn valuable information about their enemy. Susan has just found out that Araakk might hurt Legolas and Gimli. Peter and Frodo have met up with Legolas and Gimli and are now riding to Minas Tirith.
Thanks for the reviews everyone! :) The next chapter should be up pretty quickly. Things are starting to fall into place with this story and there shouldn't be any more writer's block until after the battle…so…yeah. Oh, btw, for some odd reason my scene breaks haven't been loading onto the site. (Thanks Caspian for pointing that out!) I'm going to try a different scene break. Hopefully it works! Also, Lucy isn't in this chapter either. Sorry! She will come in later…I promise! Anyway, thanks for reading!
Defender of Maidens
Edmund stumbled and fell on his knees as the guard pushed him forward, towards the castle. The guard pulled him to his feet and shoved him again, nearly sending him sprawling to the cobblestone street. He could hear Sam protesting, but the soldiers didn't pay attention to him. When they reached the castle, they went through a maze of halls and corridors until they reached a small door with a silver handle. All the while, Sam was trailing them.
Entering the room, he saw two small figures about the size of Sam and a tall man with dark hair. All three were walking towards the door until it opened; they stopped short.
The solider leading Edmund said, "Milord, we have found an unwanted guest in our beloved city." He pushed Edmund forward, towards the tall man.
"He's a friend!" Sam protested loudly.
"Samwise Gamgee!" The two other small people leapt forward.
"Merry! Pippin!" He exclaimed, embracing them for an instant. "Aragorn," he turned to the man. "This here is a friend." He pointed at Edmund. "His name is Edmund and he is one of the Kings of Narnia."
Aragorn's eyes flitted over Edmund's face, studying him for a moment. Then he spoke, "Why did you say he was an unwanted guest?"
"Milord," the solider answered, "With all the queer things happening, I just wanted to take this precaution."
"I understand." Aragorn nodded. "Unbind him and depart."
Edmund rubbed his raw wrists as the guards departed. He was about to speak, but Aragorn motioned for silence. The five left the dining hall and went to the garden that was on the north side of the castle. Aragorn made sure that no one was around before he spoke.
"We must be careful in where we talk." He warned in a low tone, walking slowly among the flower beds. "I've just been told by Merry and Pippin that there are tunnels running throughout the castle that our enemy is using to our advantage. I've been putting all the pieces together in my mind and have figured out how they must have pulled off the kidnapping."
Merry and Pippin gasped.
"You mean the kidnapping of my sister?" Edmund whispered.
Aragorn nodded. "A while ago, her bow went missing. I assume our enemy must have stolen it from her room while she was away. Then a few days later they must have put sleeping powder into our drink and food before it was brought to our table the night of the kidnapping. The servants probably knew nothing about it because of the passages. After we had been drugged, it was easy enough to complete the kidnapping by using the secret passage in the dining hall. They sent the threat by attaching the note to the arrow. Using the passage in the council room, they shot Susan's arrow down from above." He stated solemnly. "From now on, we must be careful in what we say around the castle. If they find out any more of our plans, we will surely be defeated."
"Tell me all you know about Susan's kidnapping." Edmund said.
Aragorn related the story and after finishing said. "How did you come to Middle Earth and what do you know?"
Edmund told all he knew, but stopped in short in the middle. "They want Narnia and Gondor." A thought thundered through his mind. "That's why the werewolf was following us." He said quietly.
"Werewolf?" Aragorn looked confused. "What is a werewolf?"
"It is a beast, commonly known for being evil in Narnia that is a man but can turn into a wolf type creature. They are a deadly enemy and my brother, Peter, and I thought we had weeded them out after battling the White Witch." Edmund explained.
"A witch that is white?" Aragorn looked even more confused.
"It's a long story, but the short of it is that she held Narnia in perpetual winter for more than a hundred years. That's why she was called the White Witch." Edmund stated. "Anyway, if a werewolf isn't common in Middle Earth that means they've established a force in Narnia. Which means our enemy has a way of getting in and out of Narnia; he could bring more forces from Narnia to subdue us." His eyes grew wide. "He might already have control of our castle, Cair Paravel. I doubt it though because he sent the second threat. Our forces at the castle should be able to fend them off, at least for a little while." He reasoned.
"We must be ready for war sooner than I thought." Aragorn said. "The more time the Southrons have to gather troops, the more soldiers we will need."
"How do we gather an army though without the enemy knowing?" Sam inquired, trying to follow the conversation.
"We can't." Edmund replied.
Aragorn looked at the other king. "Couldn't we?"
"No," Edmund pointed out. "If we try to build an army without our enemy's knowledge, we would have to base our army somewhere besides this city. That makes us vulnerable and even if we were to do build an army somewhere else, we would have to empty Minas Tirith of its soldiers. That would make our enemy suspicious and he would catch onto our plan almost immediately. As soon as he was ready, he would strike."
"You're correct." Aragorn saw the logic in the wisdom. "What do you suppose we should do?"
"I'm not exactly sure. Where do you think the enemy is located?" Edmund queried, staring up at the stars that glittered above them in the velvety sky.
"I don't know…wait…" Aragorn thought for another moment. "If they use the secret passages that means they have to…" He looked towards the mountains. "There. Behind the city."
"In the mountains?" Merry squinted to make out the big black rock formations. "But how?"
"You and Pippin explained a cave like dungeon." Aragorn connected the dots. "They couldn't use the passages in the castle to their advantage unless they were positioned somewhere behind the city."
"That means there must be surveillance upon the city at all times." Edmund stated. "We must begin to gather the army and station it on the plain. Rohan is coming to aid as well as the Ents, hopefully."
"Legolas and Gimli have gone to their people for help." Aragorn said. "I'm not sure about Lothlórien or the Elves of Rivendel. I'm sure the Lady Galadriel and Lord Elrond already know of the situation. Even so, we don't have time to send messengers there."
"Camping on the plains below will give us a disadvantage, but it is the only way we will be able to meet them in battle if your guess is right." Edmund watched a small dark object flying in the sky. It was only a speck so it wasn't anything to worry about at the moment. "We should camp far enough away, so some of their army has to come down out of the valley to engage us."
Aragorn drew his sword. "Look there. What is that?" He pointed to the dark object in the sky. It appeared to be a large bird, flying low over the city at nearly eye level.
"A spy?" Pippin wondered out loud.
"No," Edmund shook his head. "I think I recognize the animal. It appears to be a friend."
"Friend?" Sam looked wide eyed. "Anything with wings and four legs has to be an enemy."
The bird flew low and came to a screeching halt before King Edmund. "Milord," the creature bowed. "Could you tell me where I am and why you are in this great city?"
Aragorn gripped his sword.
"Feriland, welcome to the city of Minas Tirith, in the country of Gondor, in the realm of Middle Earth." Edmund stated formally. "Lower your guard; he is a good friend of mine." He told the other four.
"What is he?" Pippin whispered to Merry.
"What am I?" Feriland growled. "I am a Griffin." He stated proudly. "What are you, small one?"
"A hobbit," Pippin crossed his arms.
"Well, hobbit, don't judge someone by his appearance next time." Feriland said.
"Sorry," Pippin backed away.
"How have you come here, Feriland?" Edmund inquired.
"I have much to tell you, your majesty." He answered. "It was the strangest thing. I was following a group of talking ravens at a distance and was listening to their conversation. I spotted them near Beaver's Dam and decided to follow them as they flew west. They looked like they were up to no good. You know how ravens can be when they are up to mischief." He began his tale. "When we got close to the Western Wild, they suddenly disappeared into the tree line. Suspicious, I followed them. I felt a slight tingle through my wings and I suddenly found myself flying over a great mountain range at dusk. I spotted this city in the distance and decided to fly there. While I was flying, I overtook the ravens. They didn't come towards the city, but veered off into a valley on this side of the city and disappeared. That's when I spotted you in the distance."
"Strange." Edmund muttered. "Feriland, tomorrow night I need you to show me the valley."
"Of course, your majesty, but may I ask why?"
"The land of Narnia may be in peril." Edmund stated, turning to Aragorn. "I am going to check out the valley. There must be a portal somewhere north of here that are bring creatures from Narnia."
"I will gather the troops of the city and begin building a camp in the fields directly across from valley at the same time." Aragorn nodded.
"Troops?" Feriland looked confused. "King Edmund, what is going on? Why are you here?"
"I will tell you later." Edmund spoke. "We are preparing for battle."
…
A hand covered Peter's mouth, awaking him from his sleep. He jumped and saw Legolas' put a finger to his lips. Sitting up, he looked at the Elf, puzzled by the strange awakening. The Elf took his hand away and motioned for him to follow. Peter noticed that the fire had been doused and that all was silent.
Looking around, he didn't see anything out of the ordinary, except for the movement of his companions. Gimli was holding Arod down and Frodo was already mounted on his pony. His own horse was already saddled.
"What is going on, Legolas?" He whispered.
The Elf motioned for silence. "Get on your horse." He hissed.
Obeying the order, he mounted and saw what was alarming his friends. Over the crest of the hill were specks of light moving. It was a troop. Friend or foe, no one knew. The company was still a good eighth of a mile away, but they were advancing steadily. Peter pushed his horse into a trot as he followed his friends to a small rock formation nearby. Dismounting, they hid among the boulders.
Peter stood by Gimli as they watched the troop move steadily nearer. In a few moments it was upon them. Peter held his breath when he recognized the troop. The company marched by and into the distance within an hour. The four slowly crept out of their hiding place.
"What was that?" Gimli questioned.
"I've never seen anything like it." Legolas replied.
Peter stared towards where the company had disappeared.
"You know what they were, don't you?" Frodo said to Peter.
"Yes," he nodded. "Something strange is afoot. It was a band of Minotaurs; a fierce creature that is found in Narnia. Whether they were friend or foe I do not know." He mounted his steed. "We must get to Minas Tirith."
The four pushed their horses hard all night. At dawn, they rested in a thicket and continued their journey that afternoon.
"How long until we reach the city?" Peter asked as they trotted across a creek.
"Probably late tonight," Legolas informed him, "Maybe tomorrow morning, if we set up camp tonight."
"Let's get their as soon as we can." Peter said. "I don't like being out here with all these strange things happening."
…
"I feel completely helpless." I sighed to the empty dungeon. Arwen was sleeping next to me. I hate waiting for someone to rescue me! I wish I could do something to get out of here…
Suddenly, Araakk entered. "You are completely helpless." He laughed evilly.
"I didn't ask for your opinion." I shook Arwen awake. "What do you want, fiend? Will you release me and have a dual with my brother for my life?"
He didn't answer.
"Coward, you take advantage of helpless ladies!" I stated viscously. "You wouldn't meet my brother in battle even if he had only one arm!"
"Silence," he smacked me across the face.
"Oh and he even hits women when they insult him!" I laughed tauntingly. "Why did you come?"
"That's none of your business." He replied, taking out a coil of rope. Grabbing Arwen by the wrist, he yanked her to her feet, binding her hands.
"Where are you taking her?" I inquired. Arwen's eyes were wide with alarm.
"I told you that was none of your business." He pushed her forward. "But if you want to know, she is being taken to a different cell so you two don't cause any more trouble."
"What trouble have we caused?" Arwen inquired, bracing her feet to the floor.
Araakk didn't answer. He moved to the door. Getting up, I took Arwen's hand. "Aslan is with you." I whispered.
"What did you say?" Araakk inquired.
"Nothing," I smiled vengefully.
He rolled his eyes and left with the Elven Queen. I sighed and sat down on the floor. What can I do?
A brilliant flash of gold filled the room. "You can help me."
…
Rabadash peered into the darkness. He wondered why he was on the lookout even though it was almost pitch black. How could he see anything? He heard a cawing noise and jumped back as a group of ravens flew in.
He thought ravens flying into the cave were a bit strange, so he decided to follow them. Leaving his post without a second thought, he pursued. The ravens flew down the hall and turned sharply to the left, into the main chamber. The strange thing was the ravens nestled in the wooden beams of the cavern. Looking around, Rabadash didn't see anything out of the ordinary.
Men bustled around the room, sharpening tools, eating dinner, and sending messengers to different parts of the underground stronghold. Something caught the Prince's eye. His gaze strayed to a corner of the chamber. Araakk was leading someone who had long black hair and a poufy skirt.
Susan! Is that Susan? Is that the Narnian Adrinnd was talking about? His heart leapt to his throat. How dare he put a Queen in chains! Anger boiled in his stomach as he moved closer, trailing the other 'prince' and the young lady. Rabadash called out to the woman. "Susan?"
Both Araakk and the lady twirled around. Rabadash realized his mistake, but was still outraged that Lord Adrinnd would have a lady in captivity.
"What are you doing here, Rabadash?" Araakk's eyes flashed. "You're supposed to be at your post."
"Am I?" Rabadash stalked closer. "What are you doing with a young lady in your possession?"
"That is nothing of your concern." Araakk's voice grew harsh. "Go back to your post."
"It is not moral to hold a woman as a prisoner." Rabadash's voice grew as he challenged the other man.
"I told you, this is none of your business. Go now." He warned in a threatening tone.
"I will not until you let the lady go." Rabadash stood his ground defiantly.
"It is not in your power to command that." Araakk drew his sword. "Leave."
"If you will not let her go, you give me no choice." Rabadash drew his sword. "On guard, Prince, although you are not worthy of that title. Soon you will feel the steel of Prince Rabadash, Defender of Maidens!" The Calormen Prince lunged, his curved blade flashing in the torchlight.
Araakk shoved Arwen against the wall and leapt to meet Rabadash. The two swords screamed silently through the air and clashed loudly as they met. The deadly blades tore at their opponent's armor, straining to connect with flesh. Rabadash tried to circle behind his enemy as he thrust. Araakk countered the move and twisted his sword around Rabadash's hilt. With a sharp flick, he sent the Calormen sword flying.
Rabadash stumbled back, grasping his throbbing wrist. Araakk grabbed his chain mail and pulled him close to his face. "Defender of Maidens?" He laughed in his face. "You can only wish that was so."
By this time a few guards had heard the commotion and rushed to the fight. They grasped Rabadash's upper arm and led him away.
"Take him to a cell." Araakk commanded. "I will ask my father what we shall do with him."
They flung him into a damp, drafty cell and left him. "What will become of me?" Rabadash put his head in his hands, brushing his dark locks to the side.
He spent a long cold night huddled in the cell. Faint sounds floated in from the main hall, but no activity could be seen. All that next day he wondered of what had become of the young lady that he had tried to rescue and about Susan. He hoped she hadn't fallen into the hands of these villains.
The Defender of Maidens had failed…for now.
…
Araakk marched into his father's council room. "Father," he interrupted the current conversation that was going on between Lord Adrinnd and one of his advisors.
"What is it?" He said, clearly annoyed by his son. "I am very busy."
"That devil Rabadash attacked me!" He complained. "I put him in a cell after defeating him in a short dual."
"Why did he attack you?" Adrinnd's eyebrows shot up.
"He was trying to rescue Arwen." He informed. "He thought she was Susan."
"So he knows Susan…" Lord Adrinnd said quietly, mulling over the situation.
"Yes," Araakk nodded. "What shall we do with Rabadash?"
"Leave him in the cell for a while. We can decide what to do with him later." Adrinnd picked up his goblet that was filled with a black wine. It was set before him on the table, along with his meal that had been taken away hours ago. "We have much more important things to discus."
Araakk's eyes lit up. "Have you found the horn?"
"No, we haven't discovered its location." Adrinnd replied.
"Why must we have the lady's horn to proceed?" The advisor inquired.
"We don't need it to proceed, but we could use it as a great weapon against our enemy." Adrinnd said. "If we have Susan's horn, we can overtake Narnia in an instant."
"Why can't we take it now?" The advisor asked.
"There is a strange magical barrier that lies between the Western Wild and Narnia. Only Narnian creatures can enter through the portal from that side and only one person can enter back through it on this side." Adrinnd explained. "We can't take an army through the portal without using the magic of the Queen's horn. Unfortunately we have not yet found it, much less stolen it."
"What would you have me do, father?" Araakk queried.
"Nothing at the moment," Adrinnd said. "I'm sure I'll have something for you later."
"What about Rabadash?" Araakk turned to leave.
"I'll punish him severely."