Hey everybody!

I regret to inform you, loyal readers, that this may be the last chapter I post for a few weeks. I am going on a trip, and I do not believe that there will be much access to a laptop or a computer.

I hope that you enjoy this chapter, though. I was nice and didn't leave it at a major cliffhanger.

Disclaimer: I only own Kayden, Peyton, and Robin. I think almost everyone knows that now.

Chapter 29: War is at Your Doorstep

Robin and Pippin walked together along the wall of Minas Tirith. Both were quiet, taking in the peace of the city before Sauron's forces attacked. "How much longer will it be before the battle?" Robin asked, breaking the silence.

"I don't know, Robin," Pippin replied softly, fidgeting with his new surcoat. Upon pledging his services to Gondor, the young hobbit had received the military garb of Minas Tirith, though Robin was surprised they were able to find clothes of that size. He was now dressed in blacks and dark blues, a silver shirt of mail beneath the black velvet surcoat emblazoned with the white tree and seven stars of Gondor. Robin had also been given some new clothes. She now wore a simple gray dress, no doubt made for a small child. Gandalf had somehow managed to obtain for her a small shirt of mail and a plain black surcoat, preparing her for the inevitable battle.

Suddenly, a loud commotion could be seen out on the fields stretching before Minas Tirith. A small group of men on horseback were desperately galloping across the plains, what little sunlight there was glinting off of their armor. Above them soared two monstrous beasts, lizard-like in appearance, with huge bare wings of skin stretched between thin fingers. Their necks were long and pale-colored, writhing in the air as they swooped upon the soldiers. A familiar, piercing shriek could be heard by the two hobbits, sending a shiver down their spines.

"Black Riders!" Pippin cried, staring wide-eyed at the scene.

Robin gasped. "They must be riding those dragon-things!"

Pippin leaned against the wall, gazing intently at the fields. A rider, dressed in all white, cantered out of the gates to meet the soldiers. "Gandalf!" Pippin shouted. "Robin, it's Gandalf!"

Robin immediately rushed to Pippin's side, watching as the White Wizard raised his staff and emitted a powerful blaze of light, scattering the Nazgûl and their steeds. As Gandalf and the soldiers rode through the great gates of Minas Tirith, Robin and Pippin sprinted down to the entrance of the city. "Gandalf! Gandalf!" they called, bombarding the Wizard with questions.

"What happened out there?"

"Are you alright?"

"What were the Black Riders doing out there?"

"What the hay were those dragon-things?"

Gandalf held up his hand, stemming the flow of questions. "All will be answered in due time. Now, we must…" The wizard trailed off, noticing the look on one of the soldier's faces as he gazed at the hobbits. The soldier, unlike many in his company, was dressed in the browns and greens one would associate with the Rangers. "Faramir," he addressed, staring at the man intently. "These are not the first Halflings to have crossed your path." It was a statement, not a question.

"No," Faramir answered.

"You've seen Frodo and Sam?" Pippin inquired, a hopeful look on his face.

"Indeed," Faramir replied. "I met them in Ithilien, not two days ago." He shook his head with worry. "Gandalf, they are taking the road to the Morgul Vale."

Gandalf's face clouded with worry. "Faramir, you must tell me everything."

~o*o*o*o~

After listening to Gandalf and Faramir discuss the events of the previous two days, neither Robin nor Pippin's hearts were lightened. The two hobbits sat alone in one of the halls of the Citadel. Both of their legs dangled off the side of the stone bench far too big for them as they thought about what Gandalf had said.

"I wish there was something we could do," Robin sighed.

Pippin shook his head. "What could a hobbit do in a world of Men?"

"Even the smallest folk can do great things," a voice said from the doorway of the hall. Faramir walked over to them, placing a hand on Pippin's shoulder. "You are to join the Tower Guard, my friend."

Robin beamed proudly at her friend. Pippin just smiled sheepishly. "I didn't think they would find any livery that would fit me."

Faramir chuckled. "It belonged once to a young boy in the city, one who spent his time reading books and studying lore instead of sharpening his sword." A distant look came in Faramir's eyes, as if he was recalling some far off memory.

"This was yours?" Pippin asked incredulously.

"Yes, it was mine," Faramir answered. "My father had it made for me."

"Well, I think Pip's a bit taller than you were then," Robin commented, tugging a little on Pippin's surcoat.

Pippin chuckled. "I don't I'll grow anymore, except sideways." All three of them laughed happily together.

"Well, Pippin, it is time." Faramir gestured to the doorway of the hall. Pippin sighed, squaring his shoulders. Robin gave him an encouraging smile as he followed Faramir into the throne room. She was not allowed to be with him at his oath-taking ceremony, so she waited outside of the Citadel for him to finish.

Robin leaned against the wall, staring out at the city below. She could not bear the thought of seeing it in flames. All these people are going to die, all because Denethor was being, as Peyton would put it, a ding-dong. That man was absolutely stupid! Robin did not know how long she mentally ranted about Denethor, but soon, Pippin was beside her again, an unhappy look on his face.

"So, how did it go?" Robin asked.

Pippin shook his head. "Denethor sent Faramir to reclaim Osgiliath. Then he proceeded to eat as if nothing was wrong."

"What?" Robin exclaimed. "First, he sends his son on a complete suicide mission, and THEN he goes and eats while war is practically on his doorstep! I can't believe this!'

Pippin clasped Robin's shoulder reassuringly. "I know Robin, but there really isn't anything we can do."

Robin turned to Pippin, a very determined glint in her eye. "We can fight."

~o*o*o*o~

"Make way! Make way for the King!"

The soldiers from Edoras rode into Dunharrow, a sea of tents and soldiers spreading out before them. Théoden waved with pride to many of the soldiers as he passed through the camp.

"Grimbold, how many?" Théoden asked to one of his commanders.

"I bring 500 men from the Westfold, my lord," Grimbold replied.

Another general approached him. "We have 300 more from Fenmarch, Théoden King."

Théoden nodded in approval. "Where are the riders from Snowbourn?"

"None have come, my lord," another soldier answered regretfully.

Kayden and Peyton soon dismounted their horses, coming to the tent that they had been given. It was rather small and plain, but neither expected much. They quickly set up their bedrolls and what little belongings they had before stepping out into the bright sunlight. They were soon joined by Legolas and Gimli.

"Peyton!" a voice called. Ėomer strode over to her. "Would you please assist me with some of the horses? They are restless and need to be calmed."

Peyton nodded. "Sure thing, Ėomer."

Kayden watched as the two walked away. "I wonder what the problem is with the horses."

"It is the mountain," Legolas replied ominously. "The shadow of the mountain frightens them and their riders."

"Then pray tell, laddie, why there is a road leading straight into it?" Gimli questioned.

"That road leads to the Dimholt, the Door Under the Mountain," Legolas answered. "None who venture there have ever returned." Kayden regarded the pass curiously for a moment, wondering what exactly was under the mountain that made it so forbidding.

Gimli snorted. "Enough of this dark mountain talk! Let's find some food."

~o*o*o*o~

Kayden lay in her tent beside Peyton, staring at the blank canvas ceiling. Her friend was snoring softly, fast asleep, but unlike her, the elleth could not find rest. After a few moments of debate, Kayden decided to visit Déor. Poor horse hadn't been given much attention in a while, and Kayden knew more than anyone that the stallion deserved it. He had, after all, saved her life.

Deciding to wear her weaponry just in case something nasty decided to pop up (you could never be too careful in these times), Kayden stepped out into the cool night air, noting the distinct lack of stars in the sky. She strolled amiably through the camp, finally coming to the small area where she and her companions had left their steeds.

"Hey, buddy," Kayden whispered, stroking Déor's nose gently. "Are you alright?" The stallion whinnied softly, gently nudging Kayden's face to the side. It was then that the elleth noticed that both Brego and Arod were missing. Well that's odd, she thought to herself. Kayden swiftly swung herself up onto Déor's saddle and set off at a brisk trot through the camp, searching for her friends.

Soon enough, she had found Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, the three of them riding cautiously towards the dark mountain pass. "Oi!" she cried, urging Déor on a bit faster so as to catch up with them. "Just where do you think you three are going?"

Legolas whipped around at the sound of Kayden's voice. "Kayden, you cannot come with us. It is too dangerous."

Kayden gave the ellon a deadpan look. "And since when has that stopped me?" she questioned sarcastically. "Look, I'm coming with you. You three are my friends, and though I do not want to leave Peyton behind, I do not want you go into that mountain alone."

Aragorn sighed heavily, but a small smile grew on his face. "You three are some of the best companions one could hope for. Come, we must hurry."

The three horses continued to trot out of camp, evoking many surprised and disbelieving mutterings from many of the other soldiers still awake. Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Kayden entered the shadowy passage, the night mist beginning to obscure their vision. Kayden turned to look one last time at the camp before it was swallowed in fog. "Good luck, Peyton."

Okay, so I shall see you all later! I'll miss you!

If it's not too hard, can you please review? It really makes my day!