Chapter Twenty-Nine
"The Gates of Hell"
The Army of the West arrived at the Black Gate in the mid-morning of the tenth day. The commanders, their banners waving in the wind, were riding proudly at the head of the army as they took up a commanding position in front of the massive set of black iron gates.
The captains rode toward the gate in challenge, their standards seemed to slow their movements as if taunting Sauron to come out and play. Aragorn called out a regal demand, "Let the Lord of the Black Land come forth! Let justice be done upon him!"
Suddenly the gate began to grind open just enough to allow one lone black robed rider that made his way toward them. His eyes were completely white and he wore a spiked iron crown-like helmet on his head. When Jesse looked at his aura it was almost pure black with malice. He sneered evilly at them then spoke, "My lord has bid me to come forth to issue the terms in which he shall accept your surrender."
Gandalf gave a roaring laugh and wiped a fake tear from his eye. "I see your master has sent his court jester. We shall not accept your master's terms," the old wizard said in a firm voice.
Sauron's lieutenant snarled angrily showing a mouth full of rotten teeth, "You that have come to my Master's door gray cloaked and hooded reveal yourself," he demanded when he seemed to notice Boromir's hooded presence.
Boromir looked to Jesse uncertainly before he slowly lowered the hood of his elven cloak. Jesse could not withhold her laughter at the shocked and angry look on the face of the dark spokesman when the son of Denethor II revealed himself. "Surely your master did not expect me to sit back and allow him to take the life of a man that will help unite the races and bring this world into the next age," she said with a tone of mock surprise, "I shall never allow him to take the life of another that I call family."
"So the elf King's daughter does live. My Master crushed your father and he shall do the same to you. The reign of elves on these shores is over," the dark lieutenant sneered.
Jesse though she was steaming on the inside just snorted and replied, "Well at least he has a goal," she took a cleansing breath to regain control of her emotions. Gaining her bearings she witnessed the lieutenant pulling a bundle wrapped in a familiar elven fabric.
"Then perhaps you care nothing for the pain the little spy has suffered?" the evil ambassador asked snidely just as Gandalf ripped the bundle form his evil hands.
Jesse laid a stilling hand on Pippin who looked in horror at the gray bundle. "He is lying through what's left of his teeth," she said giving the hobbit a gentle smile, "He's just trying to get a rise out of you. Don't let him have it."
Trying another tactic the lieutenant turned his attention to Aragorn, "Are you willing to risk the spy on the word of this creature?" he asked motioning toward Jesse.
"The Lady's word is above reproach. Yours however is not," the ranger declared with conviction, "Your master's terms are unacceptable. We demand that he come forth and answer for his crimes."
"My Master will never answer to the heir of the disgraced House of Isildur," the lieutenant sneered, his unseeing eyes almost glowing with evil.
He turned toward where Pippin sat behind Boromir as if to verbally attack the hobbit as well but before he could open his vile mouth again Jesse began to chant,
"Let the object of objection,
Become but a dream,
As I cause the seen,
To become unseen."
No sooner had the elleth finished her spell then the Mouth of Sauron was silenced, when his mouth literally disappeared. "Cool! It worked," the elleth exclaimed earning chuckles from the others.
"You have delivered your master's message. Now deliver ours to him for we shall not suffer your presence any longer," Aragorn ordered his chuckles ending as he became suddenly deadly serious.
A sudden sense of dread filled Jesse. She looked into the mind of the dark lieutenant and realized that there were three hidden archers with their bows trained on herself, Aragorn, and Éomer. The hidden archers were just waiting for a signal from the lieutenant to open fire and eliminate the leaders of the West.
She knew that she only had one chance to get this right. Looking to her left she grabbed onto Éomer's arm and then to the right to Aragorn's arm. "Boromir take that guy out!" she screamed as she brought up her shield around herself and the two men she was hanging onto. No sooner had the shield sprung to life around the trio then arrows began to rain against the bubble harmlessly. Haldir, Legolas, and Elrohir quickly fired arrows of their own taking out the hidden assassins and Boromir, not having to be told twice, had removed the Mouth of Sauron's head from his shoulders.
Noise from the gate opening again got their attention and Aragorn gave the order for them to rejoin the army. As they did Sauron's evil army began to pour through the now open gates and surround the Army of the West.
Jesse dismounted from Swiftwind's back and took up position between Glorfindel and Haldir. Withdrawing her twin blades from their scabbards on her back she locked gazes with first her husband and said, "Be careful my love." Then turning to meet Glorfindel's gaze she smiled and ordered, "Stay safe. I don't want to test if the Valor will let you come back a second time."
The Army of the West stood ready waiting for the order to fight. Aragorn, his sword held ready, looked down at Pippin, who stood ready at his side, and simply said, "For Frodo," before leading the charge into the enemy ranks. The army surged forward following the young hobbit that ran head on toward the enemy, after the future king of men.
Jesse with her husband and great-uncle by her side charged her way into the enemy making her blades sing with the speed in which she was wielding them. Out of the corner of her eye Jesse saw Ganis being overwhelmed by orcs. Leading the way she cleared a path to the young ranger's side just as he was beginning to falter under the constant onslaught. Kicking out viciously with her left foot she made it to the young man's side with Haldir and Glorfindel right behind her. Using a quick healing spell she healed the head wound that was causing the young ranger the most trouble, "There. That should help a bit," she declared as she finished the spell and took up the fighting again.
A howling screech from above heralded the arrival of the deformed dragons rode by the ring wraiths. Several of the men were affected by the malice that Morgoth had infused into the beasts. Reaching out with her mind she was shocked at what she sensed.
Not only did she sense the eagles winging their way to lend aid to the Army of the West but she also sensed something even more ancient. Jesse sensed a true dragon. 'I have been waiting for you daughter of Gil Galad. We shall speak more after the Evil One is nor more,' the dragon's deep voice rumbled through her mind.
No sooner had the dragon's voice left her mind then a huge ball of fire came over the mountain behind them and slammed into one of the Wraith's winged beasts roasting both it and its rider. A gigantic red and gold dragon came roaring into view as it sent another ball of flame into a pack of wargs that were attacking a group of Swan Knights.
Jesse stood back to back with Ganis as Uruks surrounded the foursome, and used her elven reflexes to keep the enemy at bay. From the distance she heard Legolas shout out Aragorn's name. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Pippin jump onto the back of a huge mountain troll and slam his short sword into the back the creature's vulnerable neck. The creature seemed stunned for a moment, and then as if in slow motion it began to fall forward crushing several unsuspecting orcs. Pippin just barely managed to jump clear of the doomed troll.
As the small hobbit regained his footing with the help of the twins, he looked up as a loud screech filled the air heralding the arrival of four magnificent giant eagles. With a wide grin he announced, "The eagles have come!"
The eagles quickly began to help the dragon in attacking the fell beasts and their equally foul riders. As the eagles plucked the riders from their flying mounts the dragon would blast the twisted winged worms from the air with a blast of his fire breath.
A deep guttural rumble resounded across the battle field as Jesse fought her way to Gandalf's side. "Frodo had done it!" she exclaimed when the earth beneath their feet began to shake violently and fire exploded from the top of the distant Mount Doom.
Sauron's eye was immediately drawn to the now erupting volcano but it was already to late. The small hobbit that had taken the burden of the One Ring across Middle Earth and far from the peace and safety of his beloved Shire had succeeded where no one else could. Frodo had destroyed the ring.
The Dark Lord's massive black tower began to crumble and fall. A vicious scream ripped trough the air and the great eye seemed to implode on its own self. What was left of the tower exploded with enough force as to raise the gate from its massive hinges. The minions of the now defeated Dark Lord, that had survived the battle, began to flee for their lives from the victorious Army of the West.
Gandalf climbed on to the back of the greatest of the eagles, Gwaihir, and took off into the sky leading the other eagles on a search for the true heroes of the day. Jesse watched them fly away saying a silent prayer of thanks to the Valor for the survival of those she loved. She knew that Frodo and Sam would both need extensive healing when Gandalf brought them back, so she asked Ganis to prepare a place where the two hobbits could be treated.
Those with any healing skill quickly set to work tending the wounded while others set up a temporary campsite, took care of the horses, rounded up those that had been captured or surrendered, and set up heavy patrols. It would take several hours before anyone would be able to truly rest.
After making certain that Frodo and Sam had been tended to, upon their arrival, and eating a quick dinner, Jesse made her way to where the dragon lay curled up against the mountain side watching the activity around the camp with his ever watchful ancient eyes. 'Greetings my lord dragon,' she greeted telepathically as she stepped up next to the massive dragon, 'I apologize that I was unable to greet you properly any sooner.'
'There are no apologies needed Daughter of Gil Galad. Your skills as a healer were in great demand and more important than mere pleasantries,' his rumbling voice assured, 'You were merely doing what needed to be done and I find no fault with that.'
'Please do not think I am not thankful for your help because I am, we all are, but how is it that you knew of our need?' she asked taking a seat on a boulder near his giant head. She knew she should probably feel nervous but for some reason she felt as though she knew the dragon lord. It was as though in another life they had been connected somehow.
The dragon shifted bringing his great wings closer to his body and began to explain, 'I am Pyre, the lord of the Northern Dragon Clan. From the time of my clan's creation, we have been tied by our honor to the ancient and noble House of Fingon. As guardians of the line Fingon and later Gil Galad we vowed to protect the heirs to the line. My sire was guardian to your father; servants of the Dark Lord killed him in the battle before Gil Galad's fall. I was still a hatchling at the time and unable to assume my sire's position as guardian. My time was not supposed to come until you reached your majority, but you were taken before that could happen. The Brown Wizard alerted me to your return some days ago and I have been searching ever since. Three days ago the Eagles told me of the battle that was to come and invited me to travel with them to aid you.'
'It is not your fault that you were to young to protect my father from Sauron or me from Gideon. You were there when it was needed and that is all that counts. Many more could have fallen had you not gave us aid,' she told him honestly.
As she sat thinking of all he had told her she did not notice the approach of Haldir and Glorfindel. The Golden elf lord smiled in recognition of the now massive dragon, "Hello Pyre it is good to see you once more. I had feared all of the Northern Clan lost. When we found the ancient nesting caves in ruin we feared the worst."
'Only five of my clan survived the destruction of our nesting grounds. The clan has not yet recovered from the loss of so many of our brethren. I was the only young one to survive the destruction of the nests. The hunting has not recovered from the darkness of the Dark Lord's last reign so my clan only numbers ten,' Pyre rumbled sadly.
Wiping a tear from her eyes Jesse suggested, "Perhaps now that his ring is also destroyed your clan can recover. Thank you for helping us and for what you have told me. It means a great deal." She stepped up to the huge dragon, laid a gentle hand on his massive brow and said, "That monster killed both of our fathers but now thanks to two brave little hobbits he has paid for his crimes. Now it is up to us to repair the damage he has done to our races. If we work together I believe we will be successful."
The trio of elves continued talking with their new dragon friend for a little longer before going back to their duties in the camp. Jesse spent the rest of the night tending the large variety of minor injuries that were sustained by the army. She found herself thanking the Valor repeatedly that there were not a larger number of serious injuries. They had been lucky in having only lost approximately thirty men. She knew they had Pyre to thank for that small number. His aid had given them the advantage they needed to prevent greater losses.
After watching his wife treating the wounded for nearly the entire day and night, Haldir convinced her to get a few hours of rest before she actually fell asleep on her feet. Closing her tired eyes she found herself swept into the dream world and an all too familiar forest glen.
Opening her eyes she found herself standing once again in the healing forest of Lórien near the gazebo where she first spoke with her father and standing just outside of the gazebo were both of her parents. At the sight of her parents she rushed into their open arms.
"Frodo has done it, Ada," she said looking up into her father's smiling eyes, "Sauron has finally been defeated." As her parents led her into the gazebo she told them about the battle for Minas Tirith and the events after the battle, "You should have seen the look on Gandalf's face when he tormented that sad excuse for a healer with all of my titles. His eyes were sparkling like his fireworks. It was all I could do to keep a straight face. The fact that Gandalf forgot a few of my titles just adds to the hilarity. Glorfindel and the twins actually pouted that they had missed it. I really can't wait until he finds out that dingy ranger he insulted is his king," she laughed causing her father to laugh along with her.
"I have no doubt that it will be most entertaining when this healer learns of his mistake. Mithrandir has a most interesting sense of humor," the reborn High King said still chuckling, "I am most pleased that you have inherited my sense of humor. My mother-in-law has a dreadful sense of humor," he added earning a smack on the back of his head from his wife.
The former queen of Noldor turned to her daughter and asked in concern, "After the trials of these last weeks, how are you my daughter?" her true worry for her daughter coming to the surface.
"I have had my moments. I won't lie but for the most part I have been doing alright. It would be different if I had to do all of this by myself, but I have had a great deal of support," the younger elleth answered, "Everyone has been really supportive, especially Haldir and Glorfindel." She paused thinking of what else she wanted to say, "For so long the only people I could truly count on were Grams, Uncle Victor, Leo, and my sisters, but now my support system is huge, and I don't always have to be the strong one anymore," she added seriously causing her mother to smile at her heart felt honest answer.
"Soon you shall find a young hawk. His fëa will be tied to your own and will be a symbol of your connection to the Valor. I believe you refer to such animals as familiars. He and the Mearas known as Swiftwind shall forevermore be your guides, protectors, and allies. Trust their council for it is through them that the Valor shall offer you their wisdom," her father began to explain, "I only know of two others who have been bestowed such gifts from the Valor; Glorfindel was given Asfaloth and Mithrandir can look to Shadowfax for guidance and friendship."
She smiled at the continued presents of the horse she had grown to love and trust in her life. "What about Pyre?" she asked her mind going to the dragon she had just met, "How did his clan become tied to our family?"
"His clan allied themselves to our house after one of our ancestors protected one of their nests from the servants of Morgoth. Pyre's ancestor died defending Gondolin's survivors when they made their escape from the fallen city," he explained solemnly, "Pyre's father was one of my most trusted friends. His body lies trapped with our kin in what is now called the Dead Marshes. Firetooth was very brave and loyal to not only me but my friends as well. He became trapped while he was attempting to save Oropher and Tuor, Haldir's father. I lost three that were as brothers to me that day."
Closing her eyes briefly Jesse could vaguely feel the torment of those souls trapped in the Marshes were feeling, reopening her eyes she answered, "Ada, I promise I will do everything I can to free those trapped in that vile place. There has to be a way. We just need to find it."
"You will find the answer to their freedom where you least expect it," the former queen advised her daughter, "Look to your past for the answers you seek. Those trapped in the Marshes suffer much the same plight as those you freed from the ruined village, but I would suggest three."
Jesse's eyes lit up as an idea struck her, "Arwen is going to bring my stuff with her when she comes to Gondor. My personal Book of Shadows may have something that could help. I'll have to talk to Gandalf, Lord Elrond, Lord Celeborn, and Lady Galadriel, they may be able to help," she said with excitement.
"You will need to wake soon my daughter," her father said softly as she placed a gentle kiss against her brow, "We will speak again. Your mother and I are proud of what you have accomplished. A large number of people have survived the war because of what you have done."