Thanks for the support, it means a great deal. I am going to have to take a bit before I can add the next chapter however, because I want to make sure that I handle the battle and it's aftermath correctly. Please stay with me, I will do my best to get it up. I just want to do the battle justice.
On a side note can anyone tell me where the names Ganis and Vanora came from?
Chapter Twenty-Four
"Vanora Daughter of Halbarad"
"Army of the Dead I call you by the Stone of Erech. Now is the time to fulfill your oath," Aragorn shouted, everyone watched in awe as the army that had been following them silently seemed to take on solid form and surged forward towards the black ships. The dead hunted down every ounce of resistance and my late afternoon none of the pirates were left alive.
Suddenly the King of the Dead appeared in front of the Grey Company and bowed low to Aragorn and Jesse, "The enemy has been defeated." "Then go I hold your oath fulfilled," Aragorn declared with a strong voice, locking gazes with the leader of the dead. "Be at peace and thank you for your help," Jesse said softly as she bowed her head to the ghostly king.
As the dead army began to fade away the voice of the dead king brushed against Jesse's mind, "Look to the largest ship Lady. There is one long thought dead held captive there in need of your aid." "Aragorn we have to get to the largest ship," Jesse said in concern, "The king of the dead just told me there is someone being held captive there in need of our aid." "You heard Jesse," the future king of men called out, "There is someone in need of our help on board that ship."
The company made quick work of getting to the largest of the black ships and were ordered to spread out and began their search. Jesse was standing next to Haldir on the bow of the ship when a young ranger approached them, "My Lady, I have found a young women in the captain's cabin," he paused shaking his head sadly, "She appears to have been abused greatly and would not allow me to touch her," he added taking off his cloak and handing it to the elleth. "Show me," Jesse ordered in alarm, "Haldir find Aragorn she may need healing," turning her attention to the ranger she asked, "What is your name?" "Ganis, Lady," he replied as he lead her toward the cabin, "In here," he added opening the door for her. "Thank you, stay out here unless I call for you alright," the elleth said softly, "The poor thing is probably scared shitless, after everything that has happened to her."
The sight that greeted Jesse when she stepped into the tiny room made her blood boil. There in front of her was a young woman that looked to be barely twenty-five chained to the end of a bed, in tattered cloths that barely covered her body at all. "It is alright no one will hurt you now I promise," Jesse said softly as she walked slowly toward the terrified woman. She knelt down beside the girl and wrapped her in the cloak that Ganis had given her, and whispered, "Let me see about getting you loose first shall we," standing up she examined the lock that bound the girl to the bed, it was a simple lock she thanked the Valar, "I am going to have to use one of my daggers to open this lock," she added gently. Receiving an understanding nod from the shivering girl she withdrew one of her daggers from her boot and set to work picking the lock. It came open with a loud click, and Jesse was able to free the girl's raw and bleeding wrist from its confinement.
Standing up she looked the girl over and looked around the room for something to transform. "I think it best we get you cleaned up, before I try and treat that wrist of yours," she said as she walked over to a small table that was across the room. Soon the table was replaced by a simple small bath tub, "I will be right back. I am going to ask Ganis to bring me some water for you to bath in," she said as she made her way toward the door.
Opening it she was greeted by several concerned elves, men, and Gimli was shifting from foot to foot in worry. Seeing the anger in Jesse's normally calm eyes increased their worry. "How is she Jesse?" Aragorn asked in concern. "I am not going to lie to you guys," the elleth replied in a soft voice that was edged with anger, "She has been treated abhorrently. Her wrist is going to need treatment from where the shackle was around her arm to tightly, there is some bleeding and a bit of infection that I can see," she paused gathering her thoughts before she spoke again, "I am going to need herbs to treat her wounds, and Ganis would you please fetch me some water for her to bath? I am also going to need some cloths from my pack for her to wear."
Once everyone else had set off to get what she needed and to prepare the ships to sail, she locked eyes with Aragorn and whispered, "Aragorn that girl was raped," she paused to allow him to absorb her words before she added, "I looked into her mind and it has been going on for several years now. She was taken from her family in the North as a child," she paused again and looked deeply into the ranger's eyes before asking the question she already knew the answer too, "Aragorn did Halbarad have a daughter?" "Oh by the Valar no!" he exclaimed in a choked whisper, "Not little Van. Please not her." "I am sorry my friend," Jesse said softly seeing the aguish in her adopted brother's eyes, "I am so sorry but at least now she is safe and we will help her to heal." "She was barely three summers when she was taken," he said softly wiping his hand across his face, "We believed her dead like her mother." "Give me time to see to her bath and her injuries before you say anything to Halbarad. She is in a fragile state right now and doesn't need to be crowded until she gets her bearings again," she asked softly giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze when he nodded his head in agreement, "I am going to need to get some food into her as well but ask Ganis to bring it after the bath water. She already has seen him and it might not frighten her as badly," she added before turning and going back into the room to tend to the girl.
A soft knock on the door alerted Jesse to the arrival of the bath water, "My Lady, I have the water that you have asked for," came Ganis's nervous voice through the door. Walking over she opened the door and helped the ranger to bring in the water and pour it into the tub. "Thank you Ganis," she said with a reassuring smile. "Here," he said handing her a bundle of cloth that he had under his arm, "I was told to bring you these herbs and bandages for her injuries," he paused as he pulled a pack off his shoulder, handing it to her as well, "Your husband was unsure what you would need for the girl so he sent your cloths pack." "Thank you," she assured with a grateful smile, "That will work just fine. In about an hour I am going to need some food for her. Can you see to that for me?" "Of course My Lady," he replied softly.
Once the young ranger had left the room Jesse helped the girl into the steaming tub. She placed some athelas into the water along with some lavender to help the girl relax and heal. The familiar sent of the athelas brought a smile to the girl's lips and she whispered softly, "I remember that smell." The declaration brought a smile to Jesse's face and she asked, "Do you remember where you know that smell from?" as she helped the girl to wash her hair. "It was before," the young woman whispered softly a tear trickling down her cheek as the memories of so long ago began to come back to her, "Momma would use this when I was sick. They hurt Momma when they came," she choked out rubbing the tears from her eyes, "Papa was not home when they came." "Some one once told me that sharing your memories is one of the best ways to allow yourself to heal," Jesse advised as she stroked the girls hair comfortingly, "Can you tell me your name?" "My name is Vanora," the girl replied softly, "Thank you for helping me." "It is nice to meet you Vanora," Jesse replied smiling, "I think I know your father, "Does the name Aragorn mean anything to you?" "Yes, he was Papa's friend. He brought be candy from the elves," she answered smiling at the memory. "Vanora, I know Aragorn quite well. He is actually my adopted brother and a very dear friend," Jesse said with a smile as she watched the girl's eyes light up at the mention of her friend, "I also know your Papa pretty well. He and some other rangers have been traveling with me," she went on to explain as she helped the girl from the tub and gave her some cloth to dry herself with. "Papa is here?" Vanora asked with a trembling voice but a smile on her face. "Yes, he is on this ship," Jesse replied as she brought the girl a pair of her leggings and a tunic, "You and I are about the same size so these should work alright for you until we can get you some others. If you would like I can ask Ganis to get your father to bring you some lunch, once we get you dressed and get that wrist seen to that is, would you like that?" "Yes, please," Vanora nodded softly tears running down her cheeks as Jesse combed her hair gently. "Then as soon as we get you fixed up that is exactly what I will do," Jesse declared as she began to braid the girls hair into a simple plait to keep it out of her way.
Jesse was able to tend to the wounds on Vanora's wrist easily and once she had it bandaged up she stood up from her place next to the girl on the bed. "I will be right back with your father and lunch," Jesse said with a smile as she walked to the door and quietly slipped out of the room. She found Halbarad standing at the bow of the ship with Aragorn, by the looks on their faces she was pretty sure Aragorn was telling his friend about Vanora. "Aragorn," Jesse said as she walked up to the pair, "She wants to have lunch with her father." "I will have lunch sent to the cabin for you my friend," Aragorn said looking toward his old friend, "Go and see to your daughter." "Thank you for your help Jesse," the older ranger said with a gracious smile. "It was my pleasure Halbarad. I know well some of what your daughter has been through, because I was stolen from my parents as well. Now go and see to your child. You have a long time to make up for," she said smiling as she stood next to Aragorn.
Once the Jesse and Aragorn were alone she said with a laugh, "I believe you will be requiring a great deal of elvin candy." "She remembered the candy," he said in astonishment. "Yes she did and the mention of your name actually brought the first true smile to her face," the elleth replied, "You made quite the impression on the child." "I can not believe she remembered that," he whispered an astonished smile on his face. "Let me know if she needs anything else," Jesse said with a smile, "I am going to go find my husband and have some lunch with him."
It turned out that several of the captives of the Corsairs wanted to remain on board the ships and help in the fight against the Dark Lord. With the added help they ships began to make good time even though they had to sail against the current of the river. Jesse allowed her mind to wander towards what would be waiting them when they arrived. She knew the battle would be going badly and the armies defending the city would need all of the help they could get. She knew that Théoden would be dead by the time they arrived and the thought made her weep. She knew that at some point Halbarad would get into trouble and she vowed that she would not let him fall. She could almost smell the smoke from the burning city. It was going to take time for the city to heal the wounds of this battle but Jesse knew they would succeed and the city would be better than it was before.
Without the stars the night seemed strangely empty as the ships slipped silently through the water. There was a subtle smell of smoke on the air that only the elves could recognize but soon everyone would be able to smell the burning fires in the White City. A faint orange glow could be seen on the horizon in the direction they were heading.
Jesse was standing at the bow of the ship leaning on the railing and looking towards the distant glow that was slowly getting larger. "The city is burning isn't it?" came a voice from behind her, that she recognized as Boromir's. "I am sorry Boromir," she whispered as she saw the sadness in his eyes, "It is." "You are holding something back from me," he said calmly, "I would know what it is." Jesse looked toward the Gondorian that she had come to love as a brother before they had even left Rivendell. She knew she could not withhold what was going on from him any longer but she did not want to hurt him either.
"Boromir do you remember when I told you guys about the dream I had where I got to talk to my father that first night in Rivendell?" she paused and waited until he nodded his head, "Well he told me that I had to save two lives specifically to be able to accomplish what we need to do to defeat the Dark Lord and make it possible for men and elves to work together. He told me that I had to save you and Haldir," she paused to let what she said sink in and to gather her thoughts, "You would have died at Amon Hen under the influence of the Ring. I couldn't let that happen to you. You're my friend and I didn't want you to have to go through that you're like a brother to me," she whispered with tears streaming down her face, "The problem is that the enemy had to believe you died. That is why I didn't stop you from throwing the horn into the river." "How does that cause Sauron to believe me dead?" he asked knowing there was something else.
"Because, Faramir found the horn on the banks of the river and now he and your father believe you dead," she stopped talking when she saw the look of anguish that appeared on his face, "Boromir for quite a while now your father has been using the Arnor Stone, and just like Saruman he has been influenced by the power of the stone. If he had known that you survived then the Dark Lord would have found out as well, when he used the stone. I couldn't let that happen. I am so sorry. You have to believe me if I could have changed this I would have," she added pleadingly not bothering to wipe away her tears, "I couldn't let the enemy try to take you from us some other way."
"My father believes me dead," he whispered turning from her too look toward the glow of the burning city he called home. He slowly turned around and looked at the crying elleth, "I know you can not fix everything Jesse but I am thankful you gave me the chance to live," he said opening his arms pulling her into a comforting hug. Looking up into his eyes Jesse whispered, "There is something else you need to know Boromir. Your father has gone mad from using the stone. Osgiliath was taken night before last and your father ordered your brother and what was left of his rangers to retake it. It was a suicide mission Boromir, they never stood a chance. Faramir was the only one to make it back to the White City alive, but your father was so lost in his grief he would not believe it. He tried to burn himself and Faramir alive on a pyre but Pippin and Gandalf were able to save Faramir before it was too late," she explained softly, "But when we get to the city and the battle is over we have to get Aragorn to him as quickly as possible. Aragorn is the only one who will be able to really call your brother back from death. If we get Aragorn to him in time he will survive." "My father is dead though is he not?" the Gondorian asked sadly his tears falling into Jesse's hair. "I am so sorry Boromir," she whispered trying to comfort her friend as best she could. "The grief brought upon my family has not been of your doing Jesse," he stated softly, "You did what you had to do to ensure the survival of our world, and for that I could never find fault." With his arm still wrapped around Jesse, Boromir turned back toward the railing and together they watched as the glow of the fires slowly grew closer as their destination drew nearer.
That is where Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Haldir, Glorfindel and the Twins found them a little while later. Stepping over to cuddle into her husband's comforting embrace, Jesse looked toward Aragorn to see worry written on his face as well. Taking a deep breath she spoke with a calm and sure voice, "Aragorn do you remember what I told King Théoden when I told him about the wall coming down at Helms Deep. Well I am going to tell you the same thing just incase you have forgotten. City's can be rebuilt and we will make it in time to help them. I won't lie to you and tell you that when we get there things are going to just peachy but we will make the difference they need to win this." "As always you council is greatly appreciated Jesse and I will try to remember it," the now calmer ranger replied with a bow of his head, "We shall reach the port of Harlond by mid-morning."
"How are Halbarad and Vanora doing?" Jesse asked changing the subject from the death and destruction waiting for them in the White City. "They are well and were having a quiet dinner together when I last saw them," Aragorn answered with a smile, "It is good to see my old friend smile again. When we thought Vanora lost with her mother in the fire set by the raiders, he lost much of his will to live." "I am glad they are able to finally heal," the elleth said with a soft smile.
After saying good night to their friends, Jesse and Haldir made their way toward their bedrolls that had been laid out for them on the deck of the ship. "Tomarrow is going to be a long and trying day," Jesse said as she laid her head over her husband's heart, "I need you to do me a favor in the morning." "Of course my love," he replied pulling her body closer to his own. "On the battle field I am going to need you to help me keep an eye on Halbarad. I know in the books it was written that he was killed during the battle but I am not sure how and I have every intention of keeping that from happening. Aragorn will need him in the future," she whispered so only he could hear her words. "I will do all that I can to watch over the ranger, my love. Now rest you shall need your strength for the battle and to help those that need healing," he vowed kissing the top of her head gently before her eyes closed and sleep took her.