Oh boy. I had quite a bit of trouble somewhere in the middle of this, but now it's done and I think I like it. Tell me what you think? Also, thank you for all the reviews. I never thought anyone would enjoy this story as much as you seem to. This is the first story that I've ever shown to anyone and the longest story I've ever written. I don't know if I would have ever finished it if no one liked it. But don't worry, I'll do my best to make it to the end! I'll also try to explain this White Hand business soon. ;)
It was near dawn when Alarain woke. Boromir was gone, though by the warmth in the grass beside her, he had only left moments before. Brenir had also disappeared, and it seemed he had been gone for a while.
Rising stiffly, Alarain began to wander back toward the camp, but paused when she heard something. Peeking around a bush, she spotted Eowyn. She had her horse and was clad in all armour except for a helmet.
Alarain walked silently up behind her. "So you are riding to war then milady?" Jumping, Eowyn spun around and stared at her. She opened and closed her mouth a few times before Alarain interrupted her. "Don't worry Eowyn. I'm not going to give you away. In fact, I'll do all in my power to help you."
Eowyn relaxed visibly and finally answered. "Thank you Alarain." She paused. "I'm sorry about what my brother said."
"There is no need for you to apologize." she answered with a tight smile. Her expression turned worried and Eowyn questioned why. "I'm the one who will most likely have to apologize to him." Alarain frowned. "I hit him."
Eowyn scowled. "You will do no such thing." she said, determination in her voice. "He deserved that punch."
She laughed for a moment. "I may not have a choice." Alarain said, smile falling again. "He is the next in line for the throne of Rohan... and I'm in Rohan."
"You won't be for long." Eowyn grinned sneakily, putting on her helmet. "Now, you must not call me Eowyn anymore." The armoured woman appeared to be thinking hard. "What do you think of Dernhelm?"
Alarain smiled. "It doesn't stand out, nor is it terribly unheard of. I think it will do quite nicely."
"Thank you. It means secret protector."
Nodding, Alarain approved greatly. "I must go ready Fayna to leave." She turned to go only to look back to the armoured woman. "Eowyn? Have you seen Brenir? He was with me last night, but when I woke, he was gone."
Eowyn looked worried. "No I have not. If you don't find him soon, I fear you may have to leave him without saying goodbye."
Her stomach twisted. "I'll go look for him now then." She wished Eowyn good luck and marched back to the tents. Nearly running into Boromir on her way, she questioned him about her dog.
"I've not seen him since last night. I saw him leave, but I assumed it was just to do his business." He frowned. "I'll help you look, though you also need to get ready."
Alarain shook her head. "I'm already fit to ride. I don't need anything."
He laughed. "Actually, part of my promise to Aragorn was that I make sure you wear armour."
"Ugh! Fine!" she grumbled. "Can you help me look for Brenir now?"
Boromir nodded. "When he left, he went towards the mountain."
They made their way quickly through the tents, peeking around for any sign of the dark brown dog. Boromir questioned some Rohirrim soldiers, but none had seen him. Alarain was crouching on the ground when she saw something. A paw mark hidden beneath the many hoof prints. She called Boromir over and he too crouched down. "Well spotted."
Alarain gulped. "Look where it's leading."
"Oh no." Boromir said slowly as he raised his eyes. Sure enough, the trail lead right down the road into the mountain.
"He followed Aragorn." she shuddered. "Is he mad?"
"Either that or he knows what's down there." Boromir stood. "We can do no more Alarain. He's chosen his path and you've already chosen yours. Come. I need to find you some armour." With that, he helped her to her feet and lead her away from the path.
Alarain's eyes didn't move from the road until it was out of sight. Her heart pounded in fear with the thought of her beloved dog hurt, and as Boromir fitted her with armour, she stared blankly out at the soldiers as they readied their horses.
Shaking the thoughts from her head, she frowned and went to get Fayna. Boromir watched her leave with worry in his eyes, but she ignored him. She found her steed tacked up with Deorlig beside her. Alarain was already mounted and trotting away when Boromir caught up. He too climbed onto his horse and quickly cantered after her.
Alarain spotted a familiar figure and watched as Eowyn lifted Merry up in front of her. A smile formed on her lips. Merry wanted to come, so he's coming. No one is being left behind if they want to fight.
Boromir came up beside her and together, they galloped past the Rohirrim soldiers to find Theoden and Eomer up front. Alarain didn't make eye contact with Eomer and he rolled his eyes. She knew exactly what he was thinking. Women!
Theoden gave the order and she was surprised at Fayna's excitement as they set off. She used to be a soldier's horse though, so she must know when she's riding into battle.
Glancing back, Alarain caught her breathe at the sight. Thousands of horseman were galloping after their king, ready to give their lives for him. She felt a burst of pride at her old home's loyalty and as she looked ahead, her mind turned to the fast approaching fight. All she could do was hope that they would arrive in time. Boromir was looking equally worried at the king's side. It was his city they were racing to save after all.
They rode all day and only paused to let the horses catch their breathe before Theoden gave the signal to move out. Alarain was drooping in her saddle by the time dawn approached. The column stopped at nightfall to rest and as she slipped from her saddle, Alarain felt the muscles in her legs twitching with the strain of riding.
She sat down in a daze and watched the men as they gulped down water and lay panting in the grass. Boromir wandered over and handed her a canteen. Thanking him, she took a small drink, but her Gondorian friend insisted she have more.
After Boromir had left, she heard Eomer shouting something. They were to leave again at midnight. Alarain groaned, lay on her back, and closed her eyes, not bothering to move from her place beside Fayna. The horse looked at her curiously before dropping her head to graze.
Some time later, she was awoken by a soldier. It was time to move. Glancing at the retreating figure, Alarain smiled when she recognized the armour of Dernhelm.
Her time in the saddle was not a memory she would like to remember in later days. Alarain was aching from the constant movement and burning in the sun under her heavy armour. Her eyelids were drooping from hardly a blink of sleep and her heart was heavy. The thundering of many hooves around her caused her head to pound as well.
In time, the sun came up. It beat down heavily on the army and Alarain found herself wishing for the snow of Caradhras. The day sped by and soon they were camped again. The moon appeared and everyone sighed with relief as the cool night air swept in. That night, they were allowed to rest a while longer and were risen just before dawn.
"We will reach Minas Tirith today." Boromir said as he helped her into the saddle. "Let us hope we will get there in time."
Again, the column rode through the heat of the day, but as they neared their destination, the sky began to grow darker.
Boromir had caught her looking up and spoke. "It seems Mordor has already sent the sun away, for these are not natural clouds."
Alarain glanced over to see that his face looked pained. "We will get there in time Boromir." He lowered his eyes and she spoke again. "Gondor's Captain will return." Boromir looked up to meet her gaze and his eyes shone with thanks. He bowed his head and they looked east once more.
Theoden gave an order and the riders began to spread out to the sides. The army slowed to a walk and Alarain closed her eyes to ready herself. Fayna moved on without direction and when she opened her eyes, Alarain found herself in the second row to the front. Boromir was a few horses to the right in the front row and he glanced back to give her an encouraging look.
Suddenly, all around her, the signature sound of Rohirrim horns came to life. They sent chills down her spine and Alarain sat taller in the saddle, heart beating with anticipation. They were slowly making their way up a slight slope, and she guessed that Minas Tirith lay on the other side.
Raising her eyes to the sky, Alarain almost gasped when she saw that the army seemed to bring the light with it. The dark and sinister clouds of Mordor were retreating and the sun shone through brilliantly.
Some horses began to snort, whinny, and toss their heads with excitement and she lowered her gaze back down. This time, she did gasp at what she saw. There sat the proud city of Minas Tirith. Even with most of the lower levels destroyed and burning, it still stood tall against the forces of Sauron. The fields in front were riddled with orcs, screaming, yelling, and laughing at the destruction they had caused. There was hardly a blade of grass that had not been trampled by their ugly feet.
Casting her gaze over the scene, Alarain noticed that the enemy had spotted them. She swallowed, but then she thought of all the people who had died at the hands of Sauron and her heart hardened. No matter what hit her or how many swords would plunge through her, she would not stop!
Her thoughts turned to her friends and she hoped that Eowyn and Merry were alright. She glanced around at the faces of the soldiers near her, but could not spot them.
Theoden suddenly went cantering by, yelling orders. "Eomer, take your eored down the left flank. Gamling, follow the King's banner down the centre. Grimbold! Take your company right after you pass the wall. Forth and fear no darkness!" He turned to his own eored in which she and Boromir were riding with and addressed them loudly. "Arise! Arise riders of Theoden! Spears shall be shaken! Shields shall be splintered! A sword day, a red day, ere the sun rises!"
Those who had spears in the front row lowered them and Theoden went speeding past again, holding his sword high and running it across the spears as he went. "Ride now! Ride now! Ride! Ride for ruin and the world's ending! Death!"
"Death!" the army shouted back.
Theoden yelled it again and this time Alarain joined in as well. "Death!" They repeated this and Alarain tingled with pride. Thousands of voices hit her ears and sounded as one.
"Forth Eorlingas!" the king bellowed.
A horn blew again and many more echoed it's call. Theoden started forward and all riders followed, their horses moving in unison. Fayna pranced and Alarain could tell she was itching to gallop ahead.
They moved into a canter as everyone let loose cries of anger. Soon, the horses could no longer be held back and they galloped on, heading at full force towards the enemy. Alarain heard screams of pain as the ugly arrows of orcs rained down and pierced not only riders, but their steeds as well.
It was an odd time for such a thought to cross her mind, but Alarain suddenly hoped that her old family was safe. The horse breeder and his wife. Even though they had forced her away, she did not wish for them to be punished.
She wondered how her life would have been had she not been caught by Saruman. She would not have met all the friends she had now. She would not have fallen in love with Aragorn. She would never have met Elrond, Arwen, or the rest of the fellowship. She would never have joined them and Boromir would most likely be dead. She would not be keeping a secret for Eowyn, or Merry for that matter. And she would not be have been there, riding to war with Rohan. But Alarain did not regret any of it.
It's funny how Saruman was actually the one who gave me all this, she thought with a smile. Perhaps this White Hand is good after all. It saved Boromir. Maybe it can save Middle-earth too...