The Wild Westfold
By: Lauthica Green Clinkenbeard
Chapter Twenty-Six: The Prince or the King
I thought back to the great exodus of Edoras to Helm's Deep. The ride was a slow crawl with often stops and long rests. This was my first ride as part of the Rohhirum and it was very different…and very sore. Every horse and rider maintained a strong quick pace in a near perfect line with each other. We rode for the entire day without stopping, then we rested just as the sun fell below the mountains but only for an hour or two. I barely had time to piss and find a meal before they lit the torches to continue the ride in the dark.
The party stopped a few leagues shy of Dunharrow to await Gamling's and Eomer's parties. I was grateful for the break. When I dismounted Thenhines my knees buckled and I was numb from the thighs down. I would definitely not be finding myself in Eomer's tent tonight. My legs refused to obey my commands and felt I would never stand again until I felt two hands grip me gently under my arms and lift me. The hands lifted me as if I weighed nothing and I assumed it was Aragorn, but when I turned around to express my thanks it was Legolas.
"Oh," I said surprised, "Thank you, my friend."
"I thought every citizen of Rohan was born and died on horseback." He said half chuckling.
"I have always been a good rider but it has been a very long time since I have ridden so long and so hard." I said.
"Legolas?!" Gimli called from the top of a nearby hill. Legolas looked over at him and then he nodded at me and headed in Gimli's direction.
I found a bag of feed for Thenhines and then found Aragorn and Théoden sitting on some rocks next to a fire where servants were preparing a stew for the royal company. I approached them bowing my head to Théoden.
"My Lords," I said to them.
"Come and eat, my lady." Aragorn said gesturing to the spot on the rock next to him. I nodded, far too tired to spare words again and welcomed a place to sit and stretch out my legs. Everyone was grungy from the grueling ride, though I do not think there would be baths drawn at the camp. If I had to, I would plunge into the stream completely nude and in front of everyone. I hated the feeling of dirt and grit on my skin.
A servant soon came over and handed us all bowls of steaming, hardy stew made from dried beef and the better parts of a few rabbits the archers managed to kill during the ride. It was good and I drained my bowl quickly. Aragorn barely nibbled on the bits of beef and rabbit in his bowl. He had said that he had lost most of his appetite. I glanced over at him. He did seem like he was run down. Not just run down from the ride, but absolutely exhausted and spent. His hair was tangled and his beard almost seemed like it had greyed twice what it was when I met him. His face seemed thinner and he had dark, puffy bags under his eyes. There was something pressing at his thoughts, something he wasn't going to indulge to anyone. I sighed and looked back down at my empty bowl.
A horn blasted signaling the arrival of another party followed by another horn blast further away.
"That's Gamling's horn," Théoden said as he handed his empty bowl to a servant. "Eomer will not be far behind."
"My lord?" I asked turning to him.
"Yes Captain?" he asked.
"I have never been to Dunharrow and I am curious what duties will be expected of me." I said.
"Dunharrow is a magnificent place," he said leaning back on the rock, "Most of the army will be stationed in the valley below. The royal court will camp at the top of the mountain. The great horse kings of old carved a path directly into the side of the mountain. You will find splendor that I can guarantee."
Gamling soon came trotting through the crowd and dismounted walking over to Théoden.
"My lords," he said bowing his head to Aragorn and Théoden, "Captain," he said bowing his head to me. Another horn sounded from the distance and it blasted twice. My heart fluttered and I jumped off the rock.
"Eomer blew two blasts. His party does not wish to rest." Gamling. Théoden nodded at him and then turned to me.
"Come Deya," he said gesturing to me, "Dunharrow awaits us."
I was less than thrilled to mount Thenhines again after so little of a break. Now no longer numb my leg muscles were on fire. The rest of the party began to fall into a steady trot line. Soon the sound of hundreds more hooves surrounded us. Eomer hurried to the front of the line to join Gamling and Théoden. His eyes met mine as he passed by and he bowed his head. For a moment I could see that familiar spark in his eyes. It was half of his fiery passion and half of the warrior lust he encompassed so well as a soldier.
The men were begging to relax. Helmets were being taken off. Spears were lowered. Even the horses seemed in good spirits knowing they would soon be rested and fed. We left the path at the base of the mountains and turned to follow the bend of a small woods. When the party turned around a corner the camps came into view. Smoke rose in a huge plume from campsites. I could see the tops of the white burlap tents as far as my eyes could see. Soldiers, smiths, and servants were rushing around tending to spits and clothes. Wagons were being unloaded .
"Make way!" a man yelled.
"Make way for the King!" Another man yelled. Théoden was at the head of the line. He smiled and raised his hand to wave as he passed by his subjects. Many of the soldiers that were resting stood and either nodded or bowed their heads to their regent.
"The King is here!" A captain yelled to his men.
"My Lord!" Someone else yelled from the crowds and Théoden waved and smiled again.
"Hail to you sire," a solider said as he bent his knee and lowered his head to Théoden.
Suddenly a look of recognition came across Théoden's face. "Grimbold, How many?" he asked yelling out. I too perked up and turned my attention to the passing camp. Grimbold was Grimwast's father.
"I bring five hundred men from the Westfold, my lord!" Grimbold yelled out over the noise of the men. Théoden nodded at him.
"We have three hundred more from Fenmarch, Théoden King!" yelled out another captain that I did not know. Théoden nodded and then looked around.
"Where are the riders from Snowbourn?" he asked.
"None have come, my lord." Gamling answered back.
Théoden did not look pleased about that. We continued on through the camp. A shadow fell over me and I looked up and gasped. Théoden was right about splendor indeed! The royal camp was awaiting the king and party at the top of a mountain. At least a dozen paths criss crossed the front where they had been carved directly out of the stone. As we drew closer I also realized that the paths were very…thin.
Everyone fell in a single file line as they carefully urged their horses up the path. The higher we went the more lightheaded I grew and my ears felt as if they were going to burst. I gulped feeling bile rise up in my throat.
"Inhale with your nose and exhale from your mouth. Deep, slow breaths." Legolas called out. I had not realized that he was right behind me. I was afraid to turn back to thank him for fear of tipping off Thenhines. I did as he bid me and within a few minutes I felt much better. Bless the magic of the elves.
As soon as I reached the top of the path I hurried to get as far away from the edge as I could. Gamling came up trotting beside.
"Our tent is this way, my lady." He said to me. I quickly turned to look at him in shock.
"Our?!" I exclaimed. He gave me a funny look and then he turned a bright shade of red.
"Pardon! Pardon! I did not mean that as it seemed!" he said quickly, "The captains of the royal court share a tent next to the king's. You were to have your own tent but Lord Eomer said that all captains are equal regardless of gender."
I rolled my eyes, "Did he now?" I asked.
"Fret not, my lady. My wife has put up an extra flap in the tent separating your cot from ours, and I am a man of honor. You have nothing to fear." He said.
"I would never question your honor Gamling," I said, "You made a promise to me after Hama's death and like Hama, you too have become like a father to me. I am grateful to have a friend and solider like you on my side."
"And I you, my lady." He said back, "With you on the front line I fear no defeat."
"That's because she will kill all the orcs with her bare hands before they even get close to you," Eomer said. Gamling chuckled but I only gave Eomer a playful glare and nudged Thenhines into his own horse. He smiled at me.
"Ah, here we are." Gamling said stopping and dismounting by a huge tent. Eomer and I stopped and dismounted as well. He dismounted first and then came over and held out his hands to help me off of Thenhines. Normally I would have dismissed him but my legs were aching. He grasped my waist and lifted me settling me down gently. Gamling had turned his back to us and Eomer surprised me by quickly grabbing my shoulders and pecked me on the cheek. I blushed and looked around making sure no one was around or paying attention. I surprised him by grabbing his shoulders and bringing him to my lips for a full, passionate kiss. He couldn't help but let out a groan. Gamling began to turn around and we parted.
"What is it, my lord?" Gamling asked, "Were you hurt during the ride?"
"No, no!" Eomer said quickly turning red. "I just…I….uh…" he pointed to the tent, "I'm just going to splash some cold water on my face." He said and he disappeared behind the door flap. Gamling's expression turned to confused and he looked at me. I only shrugged my shoulders.
"I don't know." I said calmly.
Gamling and I entered the tent. Eomer was indeed at the wash bin in the far back corner leaning on it gripping the sides with white knuckles sighing. Gamling led me to back of the tent and pulled back a flap.
"This is your area, my lady." He said.
"Thank you, Gamling." I said. Once I was inside Gamling let the flap fall back down. I exhaled slowly as I plopped down on the cot at the back of the tent. The fabric was a little scratchy but it was soft and I already felt tired enough to fall asleep at that very moment. I could not, thought. I had my duties.
I stood back up and quickly took off my breastplate and shoulder guards. I slid out of the chain mail shirt and let it fall to the floor. I unbuckled only my dagger and secured it on my belt. I had my own wash bin and it felt absolutely amazing to finally wash away the dirt and grime from the ride. I was feeling refreshed and I was feeling more used to the height of the camp. Hunger returned to me. I walked over to my privacy flap.
"Gamling, are the men decent? I don't want to simply walk through and risk someone's modesty." I said.
"All is good, my lady." Gamling said back. I pulled back the flap and walked through the tent. I was about to leave through the door flap when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around to see Eomer.
"What is it?" I asked. We could not dare to kiss again with Gamling resting in a chair a few feet away.
"You are not planning on going about the camp wearing only that thin white shirt are you?" he asked. I looked down. The fabric was not that thin and even though I had no small clothes underneath nothing could be seen.
"What's wrong with it?' I asked. "The day is warming up quickly. This shirt will allow for a cooling breeze."
"You cannot walk around a camp full of men like that." He said and he crossed the tend to a carved trunk that was set by his cot. He opened it and dug out a green, velvet jerkin that had leather detailing on the sleeves and intricate horse patterns embroidered with red and gold thread. He tossed it to me and said nothing else. I sighed and rolled my eyes again pulling it on quickly and tying the front strings. I pulled back the door flap and stepped out.
Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn were just dismounting their horses. Gimli looked so stiff and sore I thought he would fall over on his first steps. Aragorn nodded his head at me and then he noticed what tent I came out of.
"You are with the captains?" he asked.
"Yes, but I have a privacy flap. You all are considered captains as well I presume?" I asked.
"Aye, Lass. Pointy ear and I will be sleeping in the captain's tent." Gimli said leaning on his axe. I raised an eyebrow and looked at Aragorn.
"And you are not?" I asked.
"I have my own tent." He said and pointed to a large tent just across the way.
Wow, what luck for a ranger to have the honor of his own tent. Eomer didn't even have his own tent and he was the prince now.
"Where is King Théoden?" I asked them.
"He just left his tent and headed for the paths." Legolas said.
"I was meaning to speak with him as well. Come Deya, join me. I think we both could stretch out our legs." Aragorn said and we headed for the edge of the camp.
Even Aragorn's stride looked as if they pained him. Every step appeared as if he was straining. His strength was dwindling. I wanted to ask but even if I did I had a feeling he would not answer in truth. He wouldn't admit his weaknesses.
Théoden stood proudly at the edge of the camp looking down upon the valley. The men moving around below looks like ants from this height and I could see the white tents spread across the valley floor as far as I could see. Théoden had changed from his armor as well. I didn't want to stand that close to the edge by the paths but Aragorn walked over and stood next to him.
When Théoden noticed him he glanced at him briefly and then returned his gaze to the valley.
"Six thousand spears…" Théoden said. Aragorn sighed and shook his head in disappointment. "Less than half of what I'd hoped for." He continued looking at Aragorn.
"Six thousand will not be enough to break the lines of Mordor." Aragorn said and his expression changed to despair as he looked down upon the tents.
Théoden could sense the change in his demeanor. He did not speak for a few moments looking at the ranger.
"More will come." Théoden said proudly hoping to cheer Aragorn up. He turned away from him but Aragorn spoke again.
"Every hour lost hastens Gondor's defeat." He said. Théoden stopped and looked back to Aragorn. Aragorn turned to him. "We have till dawn. Then we must ride." Théoden stared at him his face stern and he nodded his head. Neither of the men seemed very confident. Théoden glanced at me and nodded his head as well.
Suddenly, a panicked horse whinnied and it carried on the air. Théoden and Aragorn both turned to see what the commotion was about. Someone's black horse had reared up and tried to run. Théoden retired to his tent before I had to chance to say anything to him. The way he carried himself I knew that he did not want to be bothered. As Aragorn and I made our way back to the captain's tent still in silence I noticed that all of the horses were shifting about. They snorted and pulled on the ropes that held them to their posts. Even my own Thenhines seemed nervous.
"This is very strange," I said to Aragorn, "Horses do not react so unless they know there is danger about." He looked at me, but still he did not speak. I did not think anything of it. If I was that tired I wouldn't want to engage in petty conversation either. Legolas and Gimli approached us. Legolas had a worried look in his eye. He seemed as jumpy as the horses. Eomer came out of the Captain's tent. He had taken off his shoulder guards but still remained in most of his armor. He was carrying his saddle and it looked like he had just finished cleaning it and oiled the leather. Legolas and Eomer exchanged a glance. Ever since the feast there had been a strange tension between them.
"The horses are restless," Legolas said toward Eomer. Eomer walked over reluctantly with a glare in his eye, "and the men are quiet." Legolas finished.
I wasn't sure what to make of the two of them so just in case I left Aragorn's side and walked over standing at Eomer's in case anything should happen. He seemed to relax slightly knowing I was there. He looked at Legolas.
"They grow nervous in the shadow of the mountain." He said and he looked at the looming peak that towered above the camp. Legolas looked as well. It seemed strange though. The mountain peak had a narrow path in it, so narrow it looked as if the entire mountain had been cleaved in two.
"That road there," Gimli said pointing to the narrow path, "Where does that lead?" he asked looking up at Eomer.
"That is the road to the Dimholt, the door under the mountain." Legolas said before Eomer could speak. Eomer didn't look pleased about an elf answering a question about his lands in his stead. I reached up and gripped at his forearm. Eomer glanced down at me and relaxed again.
"None who venture there ever return," Eomer said and looked down at Gimli and back up to Legolas. "That mountain is evil." He said and he turned away from them. He set his hand on my shoulder before he returned to his saddle to finish his work.
Aragorn walked over and stood about twenty feet from the entrance to the path next to a tall boulder. He stared into the path and then he got a confused look on his face. He lifted his hand and leaned on the boulder staring unblinking into the path. I took a few steps toward him and glanced at the path. I could see nothing. Only a soldier desperately trying to gain control of his horse that was pulling away from him and whinnying. Suddenly, all the color drained from Aragorn's face and he looked as if he had stopped breathing. I stared down the path. What did he see that I could not?
"Aragorn!"
Both Aragorn and I were startled when Gimli reached out and patted Aragorn on the chest. Aragorn turned around looking like he was in a daze. His breath was rapid.
"Let's find some food." Gimli said to him before walking away toward some camp fires Aragorn looked back toward the path one last time before he followed Gimli.
My stomach rumbled. Food sounded like a welcomed treat. I started to follow Aragorn and Gimli but I heard a sharp whistle come from the Captain's tent. I turned around. Eomer was standing next to Gamling and was motioning for me to come over to them.
"We feast with the King tonight, my lady." Gamling called out.
It turned out that we did not feast with Théoden. He asked to sup within his tent. Eohides joined us and brought some extra food from stores. Gamling helped her attach a great pork hock on a hook above the fire and then I helped her make a thick broth out of dried smoked chicken. Eowyn's tent was behind us and she joined us as well, though when she offered to help I quickly denied her.
"No!" I exclaimed and she got a funny look on her face, "I mean, uh, no, no. We have everything under control. Much appreciated offer. Next time, I promise."
Eohides was never more than a few feet from Gamling even though he and Eomer were cleaning their swords and talking about battles and armor. I knew what was going on. She knew that this might be the last night she would ever see her husband. In the morning the Rohhirum rides for Gondor. Only the stable hands and squires ride with them. The servants and cooks would go back to Edoras. I felt bad for her, but I also felt pained that I would be riding with Eomer. I would be there with him, fighting with him, protecting him. Eohides would be sitting in Meduseld all alone in the still and quiet wondering every moment if her husband was still alive. I have walked in those shoes before.
"I knew I smelled pork somewhere." Merry said appearing from behind a tent. He came over and sat down between myself and Eowyn. He helped himself to a very large chunk off of the hock and Eowyn handed him a bit of freshly baked bread.
"You seem in high spirits, Merry." I said to him.
"I'm very excited, mi-lady." He said. "I'll get to fight and when we reach Gondor I'll see Pippen again." He said tearing off a chunk of pork from his fork with his teeth.
"You have a sword and a pony, but what are you planning on wearing, little esquire?" Eowyn asked.
"I dunno," Merry said, "Haven't really thought about it."
"You can't fight a battle in trousers and a dinner vest." I said.
"Come Merry," Eowyn said standing up handing her plate to Eohides, "I have an idea." She grabbed Merry by his wrist and pulled him to his feet. He barely had time to hand me his half eaten plate.
"I wasn't finished eating yet." He said in protest. They walked off into the camp. I finished Merry's pork and Eomer reached over and took what was left of his bread.
"Have you ever been to Gondor, Deya?" Eomer asked.
"No. I have only heard the stories. Have you?" I asked.
"No." he said, "Such visits are for those of the direct royal blood."
Eowyn and Merry returned and she had a crate in her arms. She parted the door flap for Merry but before she could enter Eomer spoke.
"What mad idea is buzzing around in that head of yours now?" he asked.
"You hush!" she yelled as she entered the tent. Eomer scowled and returned to his goblet of wine and his chunk of bread.
"You are lucky you don't have a sister." Eomer said to Gamling.
"You shouldn't say things like that about Eowyn." I said to him. "She thinks the world of you."
"She does not think highly of me," he said, "it's my position she wants. Even when we were kids she wanted to play with the wooden swords with the boys. She thinks highly of my glory not of myself."
"How could you say something like….." I was cut off when Merry came out of Eowyn's tent wearing what looked like ceremonial armor for a child. He had his little sword drawn and starting to swing it and jab it at invisible enemies. Eowyn emerged with a huge smile on her face giggling at the little Hobbit. She gave him a gentle push on his back.
"To the smithy, go!" she said. Merry hurried off into the night toward the blacksmith's tent. Eomer watched Merry go and then he turned toward Eowyn.
"You should not encourage him." He said sternly. Eowyn's smile faded quickly.
"You should not doubt him." She said back to him just as stern. Eomer was still chewing on the chunk of bread and he turned from the fire to half face her.
"I do not doubt his heart, only the reach of his arm." He said putting the last of the bread in his mouth. Gamling chuckled but I wasn't amused and neither was Eowyn.
"Why should Merry be left behind? He has as much cause to go to war as you." She said glaring at Eomer. She looked back out into the night. "Why can he not fight for those he loves?" she asked. Her eyes had become glossy and he glared back at Eomer before she turned away from him and started to go back inside her tent.
Eomer's expression changed from amused to angry quickly. He stood up and set his plate down next to the fire. "You know as little of war as that Hobbit." He said coldly. Eowyn stopped and turned around in a huff. Eomer started to walk toward her as he continued on.
"When the fear takes him…and the blood and the screams and the horror of battle take hold…do you think he would stand and fight?" he asked. He was leaning into her as if he was trying to intimidate her. Eowyn said nothing to him, only continued to glare. "He would flee. And he would be right to do so." He said and he reached out and rested his hand on her shoulder. "War is the province of Men, Eowyn." He finally turned away from her and headed back for the fire. Eowyn glared at him with daggers in her eyes as her face twitched with rage.
"Province of men…and whores." She said sternly. Eomer stopped dead in his tracks and turned back around.
"What did you say?" he asked.
"You heard what I said. You would chastise me for encouraging Merry but you will be riding into battle with your little whore," she said and she glanced at me, "At least Merry didn't have to fornicate with a lesser breed to earn his armor and place among the riders."
Eomer completely lost it. He raised his hand up as if he was going to strike her, but Gamling jumped to his feet.
"No, my lord! No, my lord! She is your sister!" he yelled grabbing hold of Eomer to keep him back. Eowyn finally entered her tent and I heard her secure the ties of the flaps. Eomer was screaming out in rage.
"How dare you! You will not walk away from me! Stand and face the fury of your sharp words! I'll show you a battle!" he yelled.
"Calm yourself, my lord!" Gamling said still holding him back.
"URGH!" he said trying to break free of Gamling's arms.
I quickly walked around and took hold of his face. I forced him to look me in the eye.
"Eomer" I said softly, "Don't let her get to you. She said it out of pain. Breath….breath…"
He glared at me for a few moments and then he relaxed. He shrugged Gamling off of him and then he reach out for me…and shoved me away. He barely put anything into the push but I felt as if I was punched in the chest. He turned away from me and I reached out for his arm. He whipped back around and pointed his finger at my face.
"Don't touch me!" he yelled and then he glared at me and then at Gamling. He turned back around, "I'm going for a walk!"
I stood frozen as I watched him walk away. I felt a hand on my shoulder and I flinched away, though I knew it was Gamling.
"Deya?" he asked, "Is what Eowyn said true? Have you and Lord Eomer….have you two….has he known you?"
I could not look him in the eye. I felt my face grow flush with embarrassment and anger.
"I am very disappointed in you, my lady." He said with sadness in his tone. "The king must know this."
"No! You cannot!" I exclaimed.
"I must. Eomer is next in line for the throne and you are a member of the royal guard. This behavior is unjust and will not be tolerated. I must do my duty." He said.
I felt my eyes swell with tears, "You….you…." I could not finish my sentence. I turned from him and I ran as fast as I could into the night. Damn Eowyn! Damn her! Curse her! What would Théoden say? What would he do? Would he send me away? Would he make me a servant again? Would he banish me?! I would never see Eomer again! What am I supposed to do?!
The winds picked up that night. I avoided the main paths through the camp and stuck to the shadows. I was tired and out of breath. I stopped to rest at the back of a tent and I sat down leaning against a post. I let my face fall into my hands as the tears flowed freely down my cheeks. This was the end. I was going to be forsaken and forgotten.
I heard a rustling coming from the tent behind and then mummers. I lifted my head from my hands and listened. I heard a man whimpering and I heard whispers of "no." I let my curiosity get the better of me and I stood back up and untied one of the corners of the tent just enough to see inside. It was Aragorn's tent. He was lying in his cot and he was tossing and turning about. Sweat was pouring off of his brow.
The door flap parted as a guard member entered and suddenly Aragorn shot up from the cot wide awake with his dagger drawn and raised.
"URGH!" he yelled out panting. The guard looked startled.
"Sir?" he asked. Aragorn turned to him. "King Théoden awaits you my lord." He said.
Oh no! Gamling had told Théoden and now he was going to tell everyone else! They are going to have counsel on what to do with me? Surely, Aragorn already knew though and so did Legolas…But what would they say to the king? I retied the corner quickly and then I hurried around the tent. I peeked around the corner and watched Aragorn exit his tent. He started toward the royal tent reaching up to rub his shoulder. I dashed across the main path and around the captain's tent. There were no lights burning inside the captain's tent and for that I was grateful. I made my way in the shadows to the back of Théoden's tent and I untied a corner there as well peeking in as much as I dared.
I reached the tent a few seconds before Aragorn. Théoden stood next to a person that was sitting and hidden by a black, velvet cloak. As Aragorn entered Théoden looked at him and then at the person in the cloak. Aragorn looked a little confused.
"I take my leave," Théoden said and headed for the door flap. He stopped and lingered a moment in front of Aragorn and he looked terrified as he left the tent. As soon as Théoden left the tent the cloaked person stood. They were very tall and they reached up and lowered their hood. It was a man…an elvish man. His hair was long and a deep brown. His face was stern and his brow was robust. His eyes were an icy, light blue and his expression was stoic.
Aragorn looked shocked and he bowed his head to the man. "My lord Elrond." He said. Elrond? Elrond Half Eleven? The great Elrond who fought beside Isildur? The lord of Rivendell? How could that be?
"I come on behalf of one whom I love." Elrond said. His voice was deep and low. He seemed to be just as run down as Aragorn was. Well, as run down as an elf could get. Aragorn looked concerned at his words. The two men stared at each other for what seemed like ages.
"Arwen is dying." Elrond said barely above a whisper. Aragorn's eyes widened as he stared in disbelief. "She will not long survive the evil that now spreads from Mordor." Elrond continued. "The light of the Evenstar is failing. As Sauron's power grows, her strength wanes. Arwen's life is now tied to the fate of the ring. The Shadow is upon us Aragorn. The end has come."
"It will not be our end, but his." Aragorn said sternly.
"You ride to war, but not to victory." Elrond said only making Aragorn's expression more confused. Elrond took a few steps slower to Aragorn, "Sauron's armies march on Minas Tirith, this you know, but in secret he sends another force which will attack from the river. A fleet a corsair ships sail from the south. They'll be in the city in two days. You're outnumbered, Aragorn. You need more men."
Aragorn shook his head, "There are none…"
Elrond looked down to the ground for a moment as if in deep thought before he spoke, "There are those who dwell in the mountain."
An eerie wind blew chilling air into the tent. Aragorn got the same look on his face that he had when he had stared into the path earlier. His face twisted up half from fear and half from anger.
"Murderers…traitors…You would call upon them to fight?" he asked staring at Elrond. "They believe in nothing. They answer to no one." He said.
"They will answer to the king of Gondor!" Elrond said and he suddenly flipped up the one side of his cloak and pulled out a sword in scabbard. A King? THE King? Aragorn looked down at the sword and then looked back up at Elrond.
"Anduril, The Flame of the West, forged from the shards of Narsil" Elrond said taking a few steps toward Aragorn with the sword. Aragorn stepped forward as well and stared at the blade. He hesitated, but he eventually reached out and took the sword from the eleven lord.
"Sauron will not have forgotten the Sword of Elendil." Aragorn said and he turned the sword over and wrapped his fingers around the handle. He drew out the long sword and marveled as he looked over the blade. "The blade that was broken shall return to Minas Tirith."
"The man who can wield the power of this sword can summon an army more deadly than any that walks this earth." Elrond said forcefully. Aragorn stared at him as if he was unsure of everything. Elrond nodded at him, "Put aside the ranger, become who you were born to be. Take the Dimholt road."
Aragorn looked at him and then he lowered the sword and sighed. Elrond then said something in Elvish. Aragorn looked back up at him and answered him with something else in Elvish. Then he looked down to the ground and took several deep breaths before he returned the sword to its sheath.
Aragorn looked back up at Elrond as if he was expecting the Elven Lord to leave, but Elrond did not. He looked back at Aragorn.
"Go and prepare for the road will not be easy." He said. "There is yet still one more that I must speak with before I return to Rivendell."
Aragorn looked at him confused again, but he did not question him. He bowed his head and he left the tent. I backed up away from the corner stunned. Aragorn was the heir to the throne of Gondor. He was a king…all this time he was a king. I reached up to retie the strings of the corner until…
"Déorwyrdhnes…that is a name I have not spoken in a long time."
I looked up startled. Elrond had moved to the corner of the tent and was staring at me with his piercing eyes through the small gap in the fabric.
"I….My Lord….I did not mean to spy….I….I…" I stuttered absolutely terrified.
"Calm yourself" Elrond said raising his hand up in the air. He reached out and untied the rest of the chords at the corner and held the fabric apart for me. "Come in and speak with me." He said.
I reluctantly entered the tent and then turned back around to face the elven lord. I was nervous and my fingers trembled unsure of what was going on. Elrond could sense my fear and he smiled at me softly.
"You look so much like her." He said and sighed, "I considered your grandmother a very dear friend of mine. Did you know that she spent a time with my kin?" he asked.
"Yes," I said, "Legolas told me. You and your kin were kind to my family in the past. Thank you."
"Your grandmother did a lot more for us than we ever did for her. She was brave and strong and perhaps a little bit proud and stubborn." He said and he raised an eyebrow to me. I looked down at the floor. He chuckled for a moment. "But she always put duty first. She knew what she had to do and in the end she forgot herself." He walked over and returned to the chair leaning on his hand. "We have been watching you for a while, Déorwyrdhnes."
"We?" I asked.
"Myself and The Lady of Light." He said.
"The Lady of Light?! Galadriel? That cannot be, what would have to offer you of myself?" I asked.
"In these days passed I have projected my gift of for-sight upon you to show you how your actions can so quickly change the outcome of the future." He said.
"You mean…" I was shocked, "All those dreams I had…."
"You had to see it all for yourself." He said, "We meant you no ill will by them."
"But….why?" I asked.
"Aragorn has told you of the fellowship. He invited you himself, did he not?" he asked.
"He mentioned it." I said.
Elrond stood up again and he reached up and pulled up his hood. He adjusted his cloak and put his hands in his sleeves. "Déorwyrdhnes, I cannot tell you what you must do. That is a choice that is yours alone to make, but you must make it for yourself. You are a woman a Rohan but you are as much one of our kin as your grandmother was. The world needs your help, Déorwyrdhnes. Not Rohan…." He said and he walked toward the door flap and turned back around, "The world." He said and he left.
My heart pounded in my chest and my blood felt like it was boiling. My soul felt like it was being torn in half. I heard the clinking of armor and I hurried and snuck back out the corner of the tent and quickly retied the flaps. I went over to the Captain's tent and I snuck into that as well. I was glad that my area was at the back of the tent. I sat down on the cot as the thoughts raced in my mind.
A woman of Rohan…or a woman of the world. The Fellowship... or Eomer. My Eomer. He was depending on me. I have a duty to the Rohhirum. I have to earn my title. If I abandon all of this now I will lose everything. Then again, I may have already lost everything anyway if Gamling told Théoden about Eomer and I. What am I supposed to do.
"But she always put duty first. She knew what she had to do and in the end she forgot herself." Elrond's words rang in my head. My Grandmother had a dream once. She dreamed of love. What do I dream of? I thought back to my escape when I was thirteen. The escape that brought me and Eomer together in the first place. I was going to join the elves because I wanted to be a soldier. I am a soldier now. But what am I fighting for?
Elrond told Aragorn to take the Dimholt road and summon the men of the mountain. I wish he would have just told me what to do…I gasped and stood up. Aragorn! If I followed the prince I would find only blood, but if I followed the king I would find only the dead! The king wasn't Théoden! It was Aragorn! The dream with the mists and the bones! It was the Dimholt road!
I grabbed the chainmail shirt from the floor and pulled it over my head quickly. I strapped on my breastplate and shoulder guards and returned my dagger to its place above my sword attaching it to the belt around my waist. I was leaving Rohan behind….I was leaving Eomer behind.
I did not sneak back out the back. I pulled back the privacy flap and walked through the tent. Legolas and Gimli were not in the tent, but Gamling was fast asleep in the corner and Eomer was asleep in his cot by the door flap. I tip toed over to him but before I dared to touch him I pulled back the blanket. He was still wearing his boots. I reached down and gently tied his laces together. He might wake and I could not risk him trying to stop me.
I reached up and swept away a lock of hair from his face. I leaned in and I kissed his cheek. I kissed his temple. I kissed his lips. I kissed his neck. I laid my head on his chest.
"Eomer, my dearest love. My greatest love." I said fighting back the urge to cry. His smell filled my nose. I would never smell him again. He did stir and he opened his eyes and looked at me.
"Deya?" he asked yawning. "What's going on?" he asked.
I put my fingertips over his lips to shush him and I leaned down and kissed him. He kissed me back and wrapped his arms around me tightly. When we broke apart he stared at me with such a passion and want in his eyes that it broke my heart. I leaned back away from him and I stood.
"Goodbye, Eomer." I said barely above a whisper. He blinked a few times and looked confused. I turned from him and I left the tent. I went around to the side of the tent and saddled Thenhines quickly. I heard someone moving around inside the tent and knew it was Eomer. As I mounted Thenhines he emerged from the opening of the tent.
"Deya?" he called out. When he saw me on Thenhines his expression turned to worry. I turned away from him again and trotted through the camp looking for Aragorn. "Deya!" Eomer screamed out and I looked over my shoulder. He started to chase after me but his laces tripped him and he fell to the ground. I looked away and kept trotting.
I saw Aragorn leaving Eowyn's side. She was crying and she was staring at him as he walked away. I saw Gimli sitting a few tents down smoking a pipe. Aragorn was heading in his direction. I urged Thenhines to the left and cut across until I was next to Gimli. He looked up at me and then he saw my armor and my sword. He started to laugh.
"Now that's what I'm talking about!" he said.
"The Fellowship has to stick together." I said.
Aragorn finally came down the path by the tent leading Brego.
"Just where do you think you're off to?" Gimli asked him standing up. Aragorn stopped and looked at him shaking his head.
"Not this time." He said, "This time you must stay, Gimli."
"Hmmmmm," Gimli said just as Legolas appeared from behind Aragorn with his horse. Aragorn turned to him.
"Have you learned nothing of the stubbornness of dwarves?" Legolas asked smiling.
"You might as well accept it. We're going with you, laddie." Gimli said. Aragorn only sighed and smiled at them and then at me.
"You as well, my lady?" he asked.
"I can't let you three fools take all of the credit now can I?" I asked giving him a cocky smile. They all started to laugh. Legolas mounted and helped Gimli get up on the horse. Aragorn mounted Brego next just as a cry drifted over the wind.
"DEYA!"
It was Eomer. I had to close my eyes and pretend not to hear. The pain was too great and I could not be weak now. I made a choice and I had to stand firm. Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and I began trotting through the camp. Several soldiers began to notice us.
"My Lord Aragorn?" they asked.
When it became clear to them that we were heading for the Dimholt road the men started to follow us.
"Where is he going?"
"Why are they leaving on the eve of battle?"
"That road is haunted!"
We ignored their whispered as we approached the entrance to the path. Then another voice came through the crowd. A voice that made me shut my eyes as the pain rippled through my chest.
"Get out of my way! Move! Make Way!" Eomer shouted to the crowd. I glanced over my shoulder just as he broke free of the crowd. When he saw me pass through the entrance of the path he screamed.
"NOOOOO! DEYA! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" he screamed. Tears were pouring down his face as he took off in a sprint after us. The soldiers had to grab him and force him down to the ground as he continued to scream out for me and reach for me through their arms.
"DEYA! DEYA!" he screamed between his sobs. They finally got him to the ground to his knees. The last thing I saw before the darkness of the path swallowed me was him pounding his fists against the ground.