silverswath: Yes I know I wrote it wrong there, but as you could see in the fallowing chapters, it was spelled right. And thank you for the review.
Temen: I'll do my best about that. Glad you think so ^^
Annnnnnnnd chapter 9
"Are you ready, filth?" Dona spat and narrowed his eyes on the King.
"Only if you are," he barked back. "But wait. You aren't. You need someone else to do your work for you," he smirked.
"Nahgaji! Artzen guru lisa imazi!" Lin started yelling something Eomer couldn't understand.
"Calm down, all of you!" Hagen's voice was strong.
After that, he had their attention and continued: "Because these trials are done with three people, I had to add another of ours. I do not want any dirty tricks," he glanced at the other two tribe people.
"So what happens if your man wins?" the Rohirrim asked.
"I shall decide what to do with you. But I always listen to what my people have to say, so I can not grant you freedom."
"Wonderful…" the former Marshal muttered and turned to face the water.
"Lasen! Lasen St...Stidur," one of Aragorn's companions called, trying to speak his name.
"It's Strider. And is this the way back?"
The two gave a nod, but pointed to a shadow a few meters in front of them.
"You have to be kidding me…" his mouth opened wide as he looked towards the huge bear.
The three 'champions' took their places on the shore, waiting for the sign to start. Eomer was taking a few deep breaths, hoping he doesn't freeze.
"Lash!" was heard and all three dived into the lake.
The water bit into their bones and skin, and the small one was soon left behind as the bigger two started swimming.
The King had gritted teeth and ignored the burning and numbness of his limbs, while Lin took deep breath and at times gulped the water as well.
It was all an even race, until the blond male's adrenalin rushed in. He took a deep breath, dove under the water and started swimming under the surface.
The tribe people all looked in shock and surprise as the down world dweller disappeared from sight. After a minute, he re-emerged on the other side, gasping for air and climbing out of the lake onto the snow covered ground.
His teeth chattered and his body shook as he started rubbing his limbs to keep warm. A bit later, Lin also arrived at the shore and after him came Han. As soon as all three were out of the water, Hagen brought all three coats and dry garments.
"Here," he handed Eomer a thick blanket, which the King happy took and wrapped around his cold body.
"T-T-Thank you," he managed to say.
Dona still stood on the other side of the shore, mouth gaped open and a look of disbelieve on his face.
"Im…Impossible…" his mouth opened and closed several times before speaking.
"I don't have time for this," Elessar gritted his teeth and started marching towards the bear. The other two quickly grabbed him and forced him to duck.
"Let me go! My friend needs me!" he demanded.
"Lass," one whispered and put his finger on his lips. The other cupped his hands over his mouth and seemed to imitate an animal growl.
The bear's head turned a bit and the man growled again. This time, the animal returned the call started sniffing. Another growl and it ran off in the opposite direction.
Once they were sure the bear was gone, they allowed the King to stand up.
"I must say… that was a bit impressive," he blinked and smiled at his companions.
"We must hurry," one managed to say, although he looked like he had to struggle with the words a lot.
The Ranger gave a nod and all three started moving towards the camp.
"What next?" Eomer asked when he was back to his full strength.
"Ready so soon?" Hagen was surprised, but smiled.
"You said the poison will slowly kill my friend. The more time I waste here, the closer he is to death," the King quickly explained.
"Well then, if you are ready, the second trial shall commence."
"Alright then. For the next match we have…" the captain looked at a piece of paper. A look of amusement was on his face as he read: "Boromir and Faramir."
The two males looked at each other and walked into the training field. This was how their days as trainees went. Now that they were both over the age of 20, they were allowed to be in the same squad. And although Faramir was younger, he quickly became one of the best warriors.
And this is the usual dual of the week. In all honesty, they have both been in duals before, but never against one another. But no matter what, they were both going to give it their all.
"I tell you this now, little brother. I won't hold back because you are family," Boromir took out his sword.
"Or I on you, because you are old," Faramir smiled and also took out his weapon.
The elder brother laughed and took a step forward, and pushing his sword forward in a stabbing motion.
The younger one dodged with ease and swung the blade from the left, aiming for the side. Boromir side stepped that, turned around and swung his weapon around. Faramir blocked it and put pressure on the blade, now locked in a battle of strength.
But no matter how much better he was than others, he could not match Boromir's brute power and was knocked back.
He stumbled back, but tripped over a boulder and fell on his back side. His brother brought the blade in front of his face, but removed it a second later and smiled.
"You are getting better brother," he laughed and gave him a helping hand, which Faramir took.
"Well, I do have a good teacher," he smiled and stood up.
It has been so long, since he remembered that, and it still makes him smile. No matter how much their father favorite the elder, no jealousy, envy or rivalry was between the two.
The contestants moved from the lake, higher up until they reached a plane. There, they stopped and Hagen spoke: "The next trial is as follows. You must climb up the mountain to the top, where you will have to find the Frozen Flower. As you can tell by the name, its blossom is frozen, as it has been since the beginning. You must retrieve it and bring it back down here."
Eomer looked up, mouth slightly open as he swallowed hard. He never liked climbing; it always made him feel weak and vulnerable.
"What's the matter warm skin? Getting cold feet?" Dona laughed.
"You wish," the King glanced at him.
He turned his gaze back to the top. "What if you fall?"
"You die," they both answered, one grim the other Rohirrim swallowed again and nodded. "Let's go then."
Aragorn could now see the camp and put more speed into his steps. His companions were slightly ahead of him, but now he could rush down without them. And so, he ran past them and slid down the hill into the camp.
He looked around for the Steward, until an elder lady pointed to the largest tent around. He bowed his head slightly before dashing to it.
He moved away the curtain, stepped in and found his friend lying on a warm bed, a bucket of hot water next to him and a wet cloth on his head.
There was also a female sitting next to him, grinding some plants. He lightly touched her shoulder and she turned to face him.
He showed her the Athelas and she understood. Quickly she started grinding the herb and when it was a nice soft powder, Elessar poured some of the hot water into the bowl.
"There now, my friend," he spoke Elvish and put the bowl under Faramir's nose.
The Steward took a deep breath and relaxed as the fresh smell of the herb filled the tent. A few seconds later, his eyes cracked open and he said: "My Lord?" his voice dry and low.
"I'm here, my friend. And I told you about the titles," he gave a smile and put his hand on the man's shoulder.
The woman's eyes were wide open as she looked in disbelieve. "Magi… Magi," she muttered and looked at the poisoned man.
"What did I miss? Where is Eomer?" the Prince managed a smile.
"I'll tell you everything as soon I speak to the man," Strider promised and when the sickened one gave a nod, exited the tent, while the Steward fell back to sleep.
Poof! What do you think of the trials?