Chapter 30

Arwen's Fate and Gilraen's Decision

Many times I had read about Dunharrow and the evil reputation of the mountain. My father walked off to speak with Théoden. As I walked around the camp, the horses were acting strangely and the men trying to calm them seemed nervous. I walked to Legolas, Gimli and Eomer.

"The horses are restless, and the men are quiet." Legolas said.

I took his hand and he looked at me.

"They grow nervous in the shadow of the mountain." Eomer explained.

I looked over towards the mountain. There was something strange about it.

"That road there…..where does that lead?" Gimli asked.

As I looked down the road I felt cold.

"That is the road to the Dimhold, the door unto the Mountain." Legolas said.

I squeezed his hand and he pulled me closer. Eomer was nodding.

"None who venture there ever return. That mountain is evil." he said.

I slowly looked back to the road. My eyes widened and I stepped closer. A man stood there. He seemed bathed in an eerie green light. He looked as though he had been wounded for I could see his skull through parts of his face. When I blinked he had disappeared.

"Aragorn!"

I turned and saw that my father had been standing near me. He met my gaze for a few seconds and then turned away. I lingered for a few moments, staring hard at the road. I knew it was not a figment of my imagination, something or someone had been standing there looking directly at me. I finally turned away and went to find Gimli and my father.

Later that night I could find no rest. The man standing at the road lingered in my mind. I stood up and as I opened the tent flap a guard stood there.

"Oh pardon me my lady. I seek your father. King Théoden commands his presence."

"I know not where he has gone." I admitted.

The guard bowed and then left. I was curious so I followed him. He told my father that the king requested him and I then followed him to the King's tent.

"I take my leave."

Théoden walked out. He saw me but said nothing.

"My Lord Elrond."

Grandfather is here? But why?

"I come on behalf of one whom I love….Arwen is dying."

My eyes widened. I could not breath and I began to shake. My mother was dying!

"She will not long survive the evil that now spreads from Mordor. The light of the Evenstar is failing. As Sauron's power grows her strength wanes. Arwen's life is not tied to the fate of the ring. The shadow is upon us Aragorn. The end has come."

"It will not be our end but his!" father said firmly.

"You ride to war but not to victory."

I frowned.

"Sauron's armies march on Minas Tirith as you know, but in secret he sends another force which will attack from the river! A fleet of Corsairs ships sails from the south, they will be in the city in two days. You are outnumbered Aragorn. You need more men."

I could not stay and listen to the rest. I had to do something! If I could stop the ships then maybe just maybe we could win this fight.

"Where do you think you are going?"

I whipped around and saw Eowyn there.

"My mother is dying."

She covered her mouth with her hands.

"I have learned that a fleet of Corsairs ships is coming from the south. If I do not stop them…"

"Gilraen you cannot do this alone."

"I have no choice."

"Yes you do! You are the daughter of a king!"

"And if I do not do this then Minas Tirith will fall! And I will have failed to fulfill my promise."

"Promise?"

I nodded.

"I promised a dear friend that I would not let the White City fall. He died in Amon Hen." I said.

"I am sorry."

I looked away.

"Now you see…..there is no choice Eowyn….not for me."

"And what of Legolas?"

Oh…..right.

"He cannot come with me. He has to go with my father."

"Then I go with you."

"Eowyn no!"

I turned and looked at her.

"Your place is here, with your people. I leave to make sure mine survive." I said.

"You cannot do this alone! If you do not allow me to join you…..I shall tell Legolas."

She is good!

"So you would threaten me with my husband?"

"Husband?!"

"Oh yes…..I forgot to tell you. It is a rather personal matter. And elven binding ritual."

"Well then you must tell him! He is your husband!"

I sighed knowing she was right.

"He would never let me go."

She put her hands on my shoulders. I looked up and she smiled.

"I never said you must tell him directly."

I smiled and hugged her. She truly was the greatest friend I could have ever asked for.

"You cannot come Eowyn. There is much you must do here."

She pulled back frowning.

"YOu mean to await the return….."

"No. To follow them to battle."

She smiled and nodded. I gave her one last hug and then mounted my horse.

"Eowyn…tell him I love him. And tell him…..*Estelio nin."

She smiled and nodded. I galloped off into the night.

*Trust me.