Chapter Fifteen
"Squirrel Droppings and A Cranky Old Wizard Returns"
As the group made their way through the forest Jesse could feel the emotions pouring off of the ancient trees. The anger that was held in those branches almost overwhelmed her senses. "You know I am not one to be creeped out by a forest but the anger coming off of these trees is giving me willies," Jesse said as she looked up at the trees that seemed to close in on them. "This forest has long been feared among my people," Boromir added his voice edged with tension.
Gimli stopped by a tree that's leaves were covered in something dark. When he touched the substance, tasted it, spitting it out and saying, "Orc blood!" Jesse could not hold back the disgusted sound that came from her lips, "Let me just say ewwwww. That is just gross Gimli. On so many levels." "These are strange tracks," Aragorn said bending down near the edge of a tiny stream. "Yeah they were made by something very big and very heavy by the looks of them," Jesse added kneeling down next to him and running her fingers over the tracks.
Clutching his axe closer to his body Gimli looked around and whispered, "The air is so close here." "This forest is old. Very old. Full of memory. And anger. The trees are speaking to each other," Legolas said his voice as low in awe of his surroundings. "Speaking, what do they have to speak about? Hmmm? The consistency of squirrel droppings," Gimli asked causing both Jesse and Boromir to have to smother their laughter.
Another groan of was heard through the trees and Gimli raised his axe, looking around. "Gimli, lower your axe," Jesse said walking up and pushing his axe down, "It is not nice to wave an axe around in a forest full of trees. It tends to make them nervous." "Oh!" the dwarf exclaimed lowering his axe in what he hoped was a non-threatening manner and looking around nervously.
"Aragorn, something is out there!" Legolas exclaimed in anxious whisper. "What do you see?" the ranger asked walking to stand next to the elven prince. "The white wizard approaches," the elf declared looking into the forest with a piercing gaze. "Do not let him speak. He will put a spell on us!" Aragorn said looking around at his companions, as he tightened his hold on his sword, "We must be quick," he added as the group readied their weapons. They turned as a group but as they were about to attack a bright blinding light exploded out of nowhere and their weapons were either thrown aside harmlessly or they became so hot that they were forced to drop them with the exception of Jesse who just lightly twirled her sword in her hand. She looked up at the light just letting things play out, as they should.
"You are tracking the footsteps of two young hobbits," an echoing voice began. Only to be cut off by Aragorn demanding, "Where are they!" "They passed this way the day before yesterday," the voice answered calmly, "Does that comfort you?" "Who are you? Show yourself!" the ranger demanded, as the light faded and a figure became visible causing everyone to gasp, "It cannot be!" he continued, "You fell!"
"Through fire and water," the wizard said leaning lightly on his staff, "From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak, I fought him, the Balrog of Morgoth. Until at last, I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountainside. Darkness took me. And I strayed out of thought and time. Stars wheeled overhead, and every day was as long as the life age of the earth. But it was not the end. I felt light in me again. I've been sent back until my task is done."
"Gandalf," Aragorn said in astonishment. "Gandalf," Gimli said in awe. "Gandalf? Oh yes. That's what they used to call me. Gandalf the Grey. That was my name," the old wizard said softly, "I am Gandalf the White. And I come back to you now, at the turn of the tide."
"What are we to do about the little ones?" Boromir asked as they started to walk back in the direction they had came from. "The hobbits are in the safe keeping of the lord of this forest," Gandalf answered turning to the Gondorian, "Something is about to happen that has not happened for more than an age. The ents are going to wake up and realize that they are strong. Do not fear for the hobbits for they are quite safe."
"Much has changed for you Jessica my dear," the wizard said in a low inquisitive voice. "Oh behave Gandalf you know exactly what happened to me you went through Lothlórien on your way here," she said giving him a playful mock glare causing the wizard to laugh softly. "I am please to see that you have been successful in your mission to save the son of Denethor. I am curious to know how you were able to accomplish all that you have since our parting in Moria," the white wizard said bending his head a little closer to Jesse to ensure their privacy. "It is a story I will gladly share but it should wait until we can be alone, because I don't want Boromir to know what would have happened. He is a good man and he doesn't need to have that burden added to him," Jesse replied with a smile as she looked up at the kind old wizard. "You are correct, we must wait for that tale," he said nodding his head in understanding, "Now if I am not mistaken congratulations are in order. I am most happy for you child. Haldir is an honorable elf and a fine match." "Thank you Gandalf, coming from you that means a great deal," Jesse said smiling as she walked along side the old wizard.
As the group came to the edge of the forest Gandalf spoke looking at each of the members of the remaining Fellowship, "One stage of your journey is over, another begins. War has come to Rohan. Things grow ill for the king. We must ride to Edoras with all speed," with that he let out a long musical whistle. The sound of hoof beats was heard over the plain as a beautiful white stallion led the company's horses over a low rise, with them was an equally beautiful black stallion that Jesse knew quite well.
"That is one of the mearas, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell," Legolas whispered in awe as he looked at the white stallion in respect. "Shadowfax," Gandalf said as he stroked the muzzle of the animal when it came up to him, "He's the lord of all horses and has been my friend through many dangers." "And this," Jesse began walking up to the black stallion that was standing proudly next to Shadowfax, "This is Swiftwind he was the horse that carried me to Rivendell when I first arrived in Middle Earth," as she stroked the horse's muzzle she whispered, "Thank you for coming my friend." The horse whinnied loudly in response before nuzzling the elleth playfully, "I have missed you to boy." Gandalf looked to Jesse and the horse and smiled, "Swiftwind is a brother to Shadowfax. They have ruled these plains together for many years." "We should get going guys. The sooner we can get to Rohan the better," Jesse said as she jumped with ease onto Swiftwind's back. "Jessica is correct we must be on our way," the white wizard agreed jumping lightly onto Shadowfax's back, "Time is short for Rohan and there is great need."
They rode hard across the plains covering as much ground as they possibly could. Finally long after the moon had begun its journey through the sky, they were forced to make camp for the night to give the horses time to recover their strength. Jesse volunteered to take first watch along with Gandalf and the pair made themselves comfortable on a large boulder that sat on the edge of the camp.
"Now Jessica is the time for me to hear your story, for I know there is much to share," the wizard said knowingly as he packed his ever-present pipe. "Where do you want me to begin?" Jesse asked looking up at the Istari with a casual smile. "Let us begin with what wisdom the Lady was able to impart upon you during your stay in the Golden Wood," Gandalf said as he blew a smoke ring into the cool night air. "Well she was able to tell me why from the moment I met Haldir I was drawn to him. She told me that our fëar have been joined since the beginning of time. She also helped me to control my telepathic abilities so that Haldir and I could better communicate with one another after the Fellowship left the Wood," she paused drawing her legs up to her body and hugging them, "Then we began to discuss what is to come in Rohan. Haldir, will be leading the forces of Lothlórien," she paused again to wipe away a stray tear with the back of her hand, "Then I had the dream about the Uruks getting close to the Golden Wood, and the Fellowship departed the next day. Gollum had been tracking us since Moria, but you already knew he was following us. I talked to Frodo while we were still in the forest to make sure that he would continue on with his journey when the time came. When we reached Amon Hen and everyone went out to look for Frodo I made Sam stay behind to wait for him. Then I went up into the woods to find Boromir. The Uruk-hai bowman was just about to shoot him and I shot out his bowstring. While Boromir and I were fighting off the Uruks Merry and Pippin were taken as they were supposed to be. We followed them to Rohan and met you in Fangorn. What else would you like to know?" "You still have fear for Haldir," he observed looking down at her tear stained face, "Glorfindel had arrived in the wood and the archers were making ready to leave when I left them. I am unable to see the out come of this conflict but I do have faith that this will not be Haldir's end," he added as he pulled the crying elleth into a comforting hug.
The dawn found the group once again speeding across the plains, soon in the distance Edoras could be seen on the top of a massive plateau. "Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. There dwells Théoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown. Saruman's hold over King Théoden is now very strong," Gandalf said as they rode up to the massive gates of the city, "Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here."
As the group rode slowly through the city toward the Golden Hall people hurried into their homes and shops all with sad scared expressions on their faces. "You'll find more cheer in a graveyard," Gimli observed from his place behind Legolas upon Arod's back. "You are right Gimli, these people have been through hell and they fear for their king," Jesse agreed as she caught site of a small girl who looked incredibly thin with malnourishment, "Many of the people are starving because of attacks on the farms that supplied the city with crops and livestock." "Much has changed since last I was here," Boromir added, "Though Théoden was in failing health his son and heir Théodred was leading the Rohirrim in the battles to protect the out lying lands. It was Théodred who gifted me with the horse that bore me to Rivendell," turning he looked to Gandalf and asked, "Why has Théodred allowed this to happen to his people?" "Our answers lie in the Great Hall of the king," the wizard answered as they approached the Golden Hall.
A guard whom Jesse guessed was Háma barred their entry into the hall. "I cannot allow you before Théoden king so armed, Gandalf Grayhame. By order of Grima Wormtongue," he said his mouth grimacing when he said Grima's name. With a nod Gandalf signaled the group to hand over their weapons. As Jesse handed over her weapons she looked up at the guard and said, "These knives and bow were my father's weapons before he fell in the Last Alliance, guard these well, for they are very dear to me." "Of course my Lady no one shall touch them. This I vow," he said with a kind smile for the beautiful elleth. Taking Jesse's lead the rest of the group began to hand over their weapons. "Your staff," Háma asked indicating Gandalf's staff with a tilt of his head. "Eh? Oh. No, you would not part an old man from his walking stick?" Gandalf asked playing the part of the weak tired old man. Háma relented and Jesse and Legolas walked up on either side of the wizard and pretended as though they were helping him to walk. Jesse had to bite the inside of her cheek to withhold her laughter when Gandalf turned and winked at her conspiratorially as they walked through the massive doors.
The hall was dark and the air thick with an underlying tension and sadness. As the group walked down the center of the long hall toward the dais, Jesse caught site of a group of men dressed in dark colors surrounding them. Out of the corner of her eye she caught a look of agreement from Aragorn as he also readied himself for a fight they were sure would come. Looking forward she caught sight of a greasy haired man sitting next to the king's throne. 'That must be Grima,' she thought to herself, 'Can we say in need of an extreme makeover.'
"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden King," Gandalf said as they approached the dais. "He is not welcome," Grima whispered into the ear of the king. "Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?" the king croaked out in a brittle voice. "A just question my liege," Wormtongue agreed as he stood from his seat and walked to the front of the dais, "Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Láthspell, I name him. Ill news is in ill guest." "Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind you teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy gird words with a witless worm!" Gandalf said raising his staff and walking forward unassisted. "His staff! I told you to take the wizard's staff!" Grima cried as he backed away from the advancing wizard and the guards moved in for the attack. Jesse, Boromir, Aragorn, Legolas made short work of the guards while Gimli knocked Wormtongue to the ground and stood holding his axe poised over the man's prone form.
"Théoden, Son of Théngel. Too long have you sat in the shadows," the wizard said holding his staff up in the air, "Hearken to me. I will release you from the spell." "Hahahhhahah! You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey," the king laughed, but the voice was not his own it was Saruman's. Gandalf suddenly threw off the gray Lórien cloak that he wore over his brilliant white robes and the king shrunk back into his throne startled. "I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound," Gandalf said pointing his staff toward the king's chest. "Aaah!" the king said as he squirmed in his seat. A beautiful blonde woman that Jesse figured was Èowyn tried to run forward to help the king but Aragorn easily held her back and whispered, "Wait." "If I go, Théoden dies," the king said in a sneer. As the king tried to get up from his seat Gandalf thrusts his staff forward causing the man to fly back into the throne and said, "You did not kill me. You will not kill him." "Rohan is mine!" the king said in defiance. "Be gone!" Gandalf commanded as the man flew back into his throne and began to fall forward. Aragorn let Èowyn go to her uncle and she caught him before he could completely fall from his seat.
Everyone watched, as the king seemed to transform before his or her eyes, once he was released from the spell in which Saruman had held him prisoner in for so long. Jesse found herself in awe of the amount of power that Gandalf had used to help the king. 'You go Gandalf,' she thought with a smile.
Looking into his niece's eyes Théoden spoke clearly for the first time, "I know your face. Èowyn... Èowyn." "Yes Uncle it is me," she said tears streaming down her face. Turning the king saw Gandalf for what seemed like the first time and asked, "Gandalf?" "Breath the free air my friend," the wizard said as he leaned heavily on his staff. "Dark have been my dreams of late," Théoden said as if to himself as he looked at the wizard before him. "Your fingers would remember their old strength better, if they grasped your sword," Gandalf advised as Háma brought the king's sword to him. As he pulled the sword from its scabbard the king seemed to gain even more of himself back. Looking around at the group of expectant faces that surrounded him the king stepped down from the dais. Then his gaze fell on Wormtongue cowering on the floor under the watchful eye of Gimli. The dwarf still held his axe threateningly over the former advisor.
Soon the treacherous advisor found himself being thrown unceremoniously from the steps of the hall and the king standing over him sword ready to deliver a killing blow. "I've only ever served you, my lord," the greasy worm pleaded, as he crawled on the steps at the king's feet; "Send me not from your side!" "Your witchcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!" Théoden stated as he advanced once again on the other man. "No, my lord! No, my lord. Let him go. Enough blood has been spilled on his account," Aragorn said as he stopped the king from dealing the final blow to the groveling man at his feet. Aragorn offered his hand to the prone man only to have the weasel spit on his hand before Grima got to his feet and took off through the crowd of on lookers stealing one of the king's horses as he fled from the city.
"Hail, Théoden, King!" Háma shouted with pride, as the crowd all knelt before the king. Looking around him the king finally noticed that there was someone missing and asked, "Where is Théodred? Where is my son?" Jesse watched sadly as new tears began to stream from Èowyn's eyes as the king's niece told her uncle what had become of his beloved son and heir.
As everyone began to make their way back into the Golden Hall, Jesse walked up next to her friends shaking her head and said sadly what everyone else was thinking as well, "No one should ever have to out live their child." "You are most correct," Boromir agreed his voice tinged with sadness, "Théodred was a good man, I knew him well."
Making their way back into the hall, Jesse was approached by Èowyn, "Are you the Lady Jessica?" "Yes, that's me," Jesse answered as she looked at the sad woman that approached her. "I thought you would like a chance to freshen up before my cousin's funeral," Èowyn said her voice strained with grief. "I would like that thank you," the elleth replied as she was led away from the others, "I don't suppose you would have a gown you could allow me to borrow. These cloths are fine for traveling in the wild and fighting orcs and stuff but they are not appropriate for a funeral?" "Of course," Èowyn replied seeing for the first time a kindred spirit in the elleth before her. "Oh and please call me Jesse, all of my friends and family do," Jesse said with a kind smile.
After bathing and donning a gown she had borrowed from Èowyn, Jesse and the king's niece made their way back into the main hall to join the others. Seeing her friends gathered near a pillar Jesse led Èowyn over and began to introduce her to the others, "Guys this is Èowyn the niece of King Théoden and Éomer's sister. Èowyn, this is Aragorn son of Arathorn, Gimli son of Gloin, Prince Legolas of the Woodland Realm, and I believe you already know Boromir of Gondor." "It is a pleasure to see you again my Lady, " Boromir said with a kind smile. "And you as well Lord Boromir, I only wish it were under better circumstances that you return to Edoras," Èowyn said a sad smile on her face. "Théodred, was a good man and I am very sorry for your family's loss," the Gondorian added sadly. "Thank you, now if you will please excuse me I must make certain everything is ready," the White Lady of Rohan said as she left the group.
Jesse always hated funerals. She had seen way to many in her former life. It was one thing to see someone that had led a long happy life die but when it was someone as young as Rohan's prince, her Aunt Patty, Prue or Chris she found herself at a loss to try and explain it. It seemed as though everyone in Edoras came to see their prince laid to rest and as his body was carried from the Golden Hall they lined the main street of the city, watching in sad reverence. The procession made their way slowly out of the city's gates and toward a burial mound that lay open ready for the fallen son of the king. White flowers covered the top of the mound and several others that surrounded it, all the final resting places of former kings of Rohan and their families. As Théodred's body was carried into the waiting burial chamber Èowyn began to sing a funeral dirge in the language of her people, tears of grief falling unhindered down her face.
Dinner that night was a solemn affair. The arrival of two exhausted and starving children had added to the already growing tension in the hall of the king. Jesse quickly began to help Èowyn in caring for the scared children as the men began to argue over what needed to be done. Jesse knew that they would have to go to Helm's Deep and even though the thought of it still terrified her to no end she was ready to face it.
Reaching out with her mind she could feel Haldir's comforting presence. 'We will see each other soon my love,' he said to her through their link. 'I know, I am still entitled to worry though,' she replied mentally giving him the image of her with her bottom lip sticking out in a pout causing his musical laughter to ring through their link. 'Aye, my love you are allowed to worry. We all have reason to worry about what is to come,' he conceded his laughter dieing as the seriousness of the coming battle began to sink into them, 'We shall both survive what is to come Jesse.' 'I know we will,' she affirmed, 'I refuse to allow myself to believe any different.' 'Glorfindel has asked me to send his love,' Haldir said, Jesse could almost see her husband rolling his eyes at the ancient Balrog-Slayer and it caused her to laugh. 'Tell him I said hello and that I have missed his sense of humor,' she replied still giggling in her mind, 'and my love be nice to him he is here to help us and he is also my family.' 'I will try to remember that my love though the burden of his incessant cheerfulness is beginning to wear on me,' he replied in a long-suffering tone causing Jesse to laugh even harder.
As Jesse sat smiling at the conversation only she could hear going on in her head King Théoden looked to Gandalf and asked, "What could bring such a smile to the Lady Jessica's fair face?" Taking a puff of his pipe the wizard looked to the elleth in question with a knowing smile and replied, "Jessica shares a very special bond of the fëar, the elvin spirit, with her husband Haldir, the March Warden of the Golden Wood. The bond allows her to speak with him over great distances." "Why did she not remain in the safety of the Golden Wood?" the king asked in astonishment. "She had pledged herself to our company long before she met her husband and bound herself to him in marriage," Gandalf answered his gaze never leaving that of the smiling elleth. "The Lass has earned her place among us," Gimli said in Jesse's defense. "Jesse is a very accomplished warrior and has even proven herself against myself in the use of a blade," Aragorn added smiling at the look of piece on the elleth's face. "Aye and myself as well," Boromir agreed with a smile at the memory, "She also saved my life near the Gap of Rohan the day that we first met and again on the banks of the Anduin at Amon Hen." "The Lady Jessica it would seem has nothing but the staunchest supporters among you I see," the King commented with a smile at the loyalty the group showed for on another with that the conversation and subsequent arguments once again turned toward the evacuation of Edoras to the safety of Helm's Deep.
"By order of the King, the city must empty. We make for the refuge of Helm's Deep. Do not burden yourself with treasures. Take only what provisions you need," Háma announced to the gathered people of Edoras on the steps of the Golden Hall. Jesse inwardly cringed at the mere mention of the Hornburg as she walked along side Boromir toward the royal stable with Gandalf and the remaining Fellowship. "Helm's Deep! They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight," Gimli exclaimed as he struggled to keep up with the group, "Who will defend them if not their king?" "He is only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helm's Deep has saved them in the past," Aragorn said in the king's defense. "There is no way out of that ravine. Théoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he is leading them to safety, but what he'll get is a massacre.
Théoden has a strong will but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan. He will need you before the end, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you.
The defenses have to hold," Gandalf instructed as he climbed onto Shadowfax's back. "They will hold," Aragorn replied in determination. "The Grey Pilgrim. That is what they used to call me. Three hundred lives of men I've walked this earth and now, I have no time," the wizard said, as he made ready to leave before adding, "Good luck. My search will not be in vain. Look to my coming at first light, on the fifth day, at dawn, look to the East," and then he was gone in a blur of white in search of Éomer and his riders.
It did not take Jesse long to get her things gathered together for the journey to Helm's Deep and she soon found herself in the main hall helping Èowyn in packing the last of the provisions. Jesse found herself liking the king's niece more and more. Èowyn reminded her a lot of Piper. She had often seen Piper in very similar situations directing staff around with ease and confidence. Working together it did not take the pair very long to get everything ready to go and Jesse quickly excused herself to go change back into her traveling cloths. With her cloths changed she walked back into the main hall just in time to see Èowyn and Aragorn lock blades and to hear the ranger say in conviction, "You are a daughter of kings. A shield maiden of Rohan. I do not think that will be your fate." After the ranger had made his way out of the hall Jesse walked up to her new friend and said in agreement, "You know he is right about that. You will not end up that way. Of that I am certain." "I hope you are both correct, for that is a life that am unable to bare," Èowyn said as she re-sheathed her sword. "What do you say we go get our horses ready. I know Swiftwind will not let anyone near him but me and I would hate for him to hurt anyone," Jesse said as they began to walk out of the hall.
Entering the stables Jesse's attention immediately went to the horse that was practically dragging several men around in his attempt to break free. Aragorn had seen the distressed horse as well and they both quickly made their way over to be of assistance. "Be careful my Lady, that horse has gone mad," one of the grooms said as Jesse walked up to the horse and began to stroke his mane in a comforting gesture as Aragorn released him from the rope that had been holding him in place. "It is alright the Lady Jessica is able to speak to the minds of horses. No harm will come to her," Aragorn assured watching in awe as Jesse worked her magic with the scared animal. "His name is Breggo, he was my cousins horse," Èowyn supplied as she watched the pair as they talked to the distressed animal.
As the ranger began to gently remove the bridal from the now quiet horse, "This horse should be set free. He has seen to many battles," he said in a quiet voice. "Aragorn is right only time and the freedom of the open plains will heal his wounded spirit," Jesse agreed as she gently stroked the horse mane, "When he is ready he will return here." "How is it that you know the thoughts of an animal?" Èowyn asked in awe. "I have the ability to speak to animals and hear their thoughts using my mind," Jesse explained not taking her eyes of the horse. "That is truly a wondrous gift," Èowyn exclaimed in awe, "I shall see to his release before we are to leave the city and please tell him that he served his master well." After giving Breggo, Èowyn's message Jesse left his care to Aragorn and went to ready her own horse for the journey to Helm's Deep.
As Jesse took her place near the front of the group next to Boromir to wait for King Théoden to arrive she allowed her mind to wonder over what she knew was to come and what she had already been able to do. It wasn't long before she heard the king give the order for them to move and the exodus was underway.