Chapter 3 – Deadly darkness

All the defences were in place, archers on top of the ruined towers, cavalry deeper inside the rubbles of this lost city called Osgiliath. What was once the capital of the kingdom was now nothing more than an empty, lifeless place that was the key to crossing the Anduin. It had been more than two weeks since Boromir and his forces joined the watchers left behind. The shadow had grown yet again, taking away light that gave so much hope. For Indilwen, this tension had become almost unbearable. She knew that something was coming yet wherever she looked, she could only see men jesting and drinking ale. They were happy for a little peace and quiet they had had since the last attack. Only Faramir seemed to be sharing her fears. The sun was slowly setting and it was time for the scouts to come back and report their findings.
''Nothing on the eastern bank, captain. There is no sign of any movements whatsoever.'' – reported older out of the two scouts that had returned. ''Well maybe the mighty Sauron is scared? We have our captain Boromir back with us, none shall stand in our path!'' – boasted the younger one. All the men took up the cheer and were happy once more. They had enough of war, death and everything else that came with it. ''This is good news. Father will be pleased Faramir. We have taken back what is rightfully ours without shedding a drop of blood.'' – He turned back to his men – ''Go now! Go and enjoy the rest of the day! Wash away your fears and weariness.''
''Captain, something is wrong. Why would Sauron withdraw his forces so suddenly? There is mischief at work here and the shadow is coming.'' – said Indilwen. ''You should not worry my lady, I have not dropped my guard. Osgiliath is protected day and night and it will not be taken away from us again.'' – replied Boromir in his proud voice. He had always been so sure of his actions and did not heed much to advice of his captains. She knew there was no point in putting her point forward. Not to him in the least. She left the city square where most of the soldiers had been stationed and walked towards the half-burned library and there she had found whom she was looking for.
''Captain Faramir, forgive me if I interrupt but I am at unease. It has been quiet, too quiet yet no one seems to take notice.'' Faramir bid her to enter further into the library where he was looking at the remains of ''The Lineage of Kings and Queens of the Kingdom of Gondor''. ''I understand your unrest for I myself am anxious. My dear brother will not listen to anyone. His pride forbids him from doing so but I fear we shall be put to the test soon enough.'' He put the book away and walked towards Indilwen. She had always blushed slightly whenever he was around. He was so much different to his brother, it was sometimes hard to believe that those two were related. Boromir had been more tempered and quick to anger, believing that a weapon was the best tool for negotiations. Faramir however was a complete opposite, the two brothers as different from each other as ice and fire. Indilwen had admired him for his calm and steady mind and for his selflessness and kindness that he so often showed to his people. He was the only one who treated her as an equal. ''Indilwen, my dearest friend there is nothing we can do but wait. You know my brother as well as anyone else, he is stubborn and he will not change his mind once he has set on a decision.'' – said Faramir, his voice warm and full of understanding. The sun had set and the pale silver moon could already be seen through a curtain of vines that overgrew holes in the broken roof of the library. Chilly air had brought a promise of a peaceful night but little do they knew, that the night was to be dark and full of terrors.

''Harooooooooooooooo!'' the horns blew and pierced the air as well as the soldiers' hearts. Indilwen grabbed Faramir by his arm and ran with him towards the centre of the encampment. Before they got there Boromir had already caught up with them. ''They are coming! They have hidden their boats down the river and are now coming out in their hundreds. Brother, I will need you and Indilwen to support the archers on top of the roofs in the southern part of the city. Take all the men from your company and if you can, find me Hirgon and send his company to the banks.'' – He waited no longer and rushed towards the heat of the battle. There was confusion all over the camp. None of the men suspected a surprise attack when all was quiet on the eastern front. The smell of blood had already hung heavy in the air. ''Bergon, gather all the arrows you can find. Angbor, go and find Captain Hirgon, send him to join Captain Boromir at the river banks, the rest follow me.'' – shouted Indilwen. She led her company towards the ruined towers. The path was already filled with dead bodies, unfortunate men that were shot by orcish poisoned arrows. Faramir and his company followed hers close behind. When they had gone up the steps and took their positions, all they could see from the battlements was the river Anduin aglow from the torches carried on tiny little black rafts. She notched her arrow and aimed at a particularly big orc covered in steel from head to toe, apart from one opening at his side, right below his ear. That was her target. When the orc swung his spiked mace, he exposed his weak point right to her. She didn't hesitate and released the arrow. It had hit the mark. The orc fell to the ground with a massive thud, crashing two of his kind underneath his vile body. ''Good shot my lady'' – pointed out Faramir with a smile on his face while he himself shot down three of the enemy. ''Well sire, you are not too bad yourself'' –said Indilwen quite proud of herself.