Disclaimer: I have no creative rights over the characters and places you can identify in this story and have no way profited from this work.
21/06/2013
I must admit to being a bit overwhelmed to the reviews of the last chapter. To me they indicated that my decision in making character development and interaction the core of this story has been the right one.
ColdFang: One of the things I've enjoyed in writing this story is the opportunity to float my ideas around the 'If Boromir lived' scenario albeit in a non-canonical ME.
tim C & Tryanno223: Agree with your overall thoughts on Gandalf the White v Witch-king. What happened in the film was a good demonstration of the compromises that happen in bringing literature to the screen as a business.
vincent1875: Good to hear from you again and thanks for all those reviews.
creepyLotRfangirl55: As this is movieverse I'd have to wait until after Boxing Day 2014 before starting such a crossover. One title that springs to mind is Black Widow and the Thirteen Dwarves.
darkangelmanz: The size of the forces is from movieverse. One of my sources in writing this story is a wonderful book of the film trilogy – unfortunately no longer in print - called The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare.
Panic: Galadriel's telepathic observation to Thor in an earlier chapter might give you a clue in relation to your comments about Aragorn and Eowyn.
Chapter 33 – Paths of Destiny
It was mid-morning in Rohan the day following the Council of Gondor's meeting. Thor, Legolas and Gimli stood in quiet discussion in the Meduseld's main hall. Several such groups of Rohirrim were also present. These Rohirrim were all waiting to have a word with Theoden about various matters important enough to require the King's judgment. They had been waiting a while. Theoden currently had higher priorities than the road repairs or extending the fishing season in the Snowbourn by an extra month.
Theoden, Eomer and Rohan's ranking military leaders stood over a table close to the throne dais. They were pouring over maps in a similar manner to the Council of Gondor did the previous day. They were speculating about Mordor's likely lines of advance if it launched an incursion into Rohan. Theoden had still not given any indication if Rohan was going to aid Gondor against Sauron.
The three Fellowship members were quietly discussing Aragorn's behaviour of late. Five days had passed since Gandalf, Boromir, Pippin and Rogers had left for Minas Tirith. All things being equal, the quartet would've reached the White City by yesterday morning the very latest. But the Beacons of Gondor still hadn't been lit. Aragorn had taken to sitting outside under a porch from where he could view the last beacon. The Ranger had been anxiously waiting for it to ignite. Aragorn continued his lonely vigil that morning while having his breakfast.
"I know we've agreed to go to Minas Tirith regardless if Rohan does," Legolas referred to the Fellowship in Edoras. "But Aragorn told me last night that if the beacons aren't lit by noon today, he'll set out on his own - even if the rest of us elect to wait here."
"Once Aragorn's set on something, I doubt even the Other Guy could stop him," Gimli dryly observed.
Legolas and Thor gave restrained smirks to this before the latter continued the conversation.
"Gandalf said Aragorn's journey to Minas Tirith is by a different path," Thor recalled the council of a few days ago. "What path was he referring to?"
The trio's conversation was suddenly cut short. The Meduseld's main doors burst open from the outside by a desperate Aragorn.
"The beacons of Minas Tirith!" Aragorn frantically declared, his voice echoing within the Golden Hall. He ran up to Theoden emphasising, "The beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid!"
A nervous pause descended over the Meduseld as everyone turned attention to Theoden. The seconds dragged by as the Lord of the Mark considered this news. Everyone knew that the whole future of Middle-earth could well depend on his next words. There were no more relieved people within the Meduseld than Aragorn and Thor when Theoden finally gave his response.
"And Rohan will answer," Theoden regally proclaimed. "Muster the Rohirrim!"
The silence in the Meduseld was replaced by a flurry of frantic activity. All the other courtiers may have wanted to petition Theoden on other matters. But Rohan going to war meant their petitions would have to wait. Theoden walked up and placed his right hand on Aragorn's shoulder.
"Let this be remembered when the Oath of Eorl was honoured," Theoden quietly said to him. "Let this be the hour when the Kings of Rohan and Gondor again drew swords together!"
A Rohirrim sentry rang a gong atop a tower outside of the Meduseld. The dull clang the gong made commencing the muster of Rohan was heard throughout Edoras. As Boromir predicted the previous day, Theoden ordered heralds to be sent throughout the Riddermark ordering all able-bodied men to assemble at Dunharrow. The Rohirrim would concentrate their forces there before riding to Gondor the day following tomorrow. Because time was of the essence, the Rohirric expedition to Gondor would be comprised completely of cavalry.
Thor and Merry just exited the Meduseld and stood under its front porch. Theoden was several yards to their right. He stood at the edge of the raised stone foundation the Golden Hall was built on. Theoden was dressed in his battle armour observing the mobilisation he had ordered taking place. The two Fellowship members spoke in hushed tones.
"Maybe this isn't the time to bother him," Merry nervously suggested.
"Theoden is currently seeking all able volunteers," Thor encouraged. "Now's the perfect time to speak with him, Merry."
To allay their mutual anxiety over the last two days, Thor and Merry had somewhat followed in Rogers and Eowyn's footsteps. Eomer allowed Thor to use the Royal Guard's practice green to improve Merry's skill in hand-to-hand combat. No Royal Guard, Meduseld official or servant dared gossip to each after seeing the pair in action. Many were still recovering from the blistering lecture of Eomer's delivered through the Meduseld's Chamberlain. None believed Eomer was bluffing as the Chamberlain announced the punishment for spreading salacious rumours about the royal family and honoured guests.
"Lord Eomer informs any of you so caught, will be given to Prince Thor for combat practice!"
Theoden was pondering another issue as he took in the sights before him. Banner had been given a black stallion to ride so he could be part of the journey to Minas Tirith. All the other staff at the infirmary had secretly petitioned the King for Banner to be appointed its new Chief Healer if he was unable to find a way back to America. Theoden was certainly giving this request very serious consideration. Having someone of Banner's intellect in Rohan would certainly shake the tired stereotype of Rohirrim being rustic simpletons. And from what Theoden understood about him, Hulk would give Orcs and Dunlendings reason to shake about even thinking of encroaching into the Riddermark. A polite cough to his left interrupted these thoughts. Thor stood a couple of yards from him with Merry to the Asgardian's right. Noting the cool look Theoden gave in response; Thor thought it best to come straight to the point.
"Milord, Master Meriadoc has something to ask you," Thor said before giving Merry a nod of encouragement.
Eomer had provided Merry with a high quality short sword to practice with. Merry gripped the sword point down as he knelt before Theoden.
"Excuse me," Merry started. "I have a sword. Please accept it. I offer you my service, Theoden-King."
A kind smile formed on Theoden's face in response to Merry's offer. He pulled the Brandybuck up to his feet.
"And I gladly accept," Theoden happily responded. "You shall be Meriadoc, Esquire of Rohan. Seek out Lady Eowyn to find armour worthy of your new station."
A proud smile burst across both Merry and Thor's faces to Theoden's announcement. Both royals watched Merry run back to the Meduseld to find Eowyn. Now he was alone with Theoden, Thor took a deep breath before speaking to him.
"Theoden-King, I apologise for my outburst a few days ago," Thor humbly offered. "I make no excuses for it. You have my word as Crown Prince of Asgard, I shall not speak to you in such a manner ever again."
The look Theoden gave to his apology reminded Thor of the look Odin gave Loki and himself when they'd been caught trying to sneak into Asgard's Relic Vault as young boys.
"I profess ignorance about Asgard's court etiquette," Theoden sternly began in reply. "But I suspect your father expects a modicum of respect when he is being addressed in his own halls – including from his heir."
Thor simply nodded in response. He was too ashamed to mention that, in previous years, he'd occasionally shown worse disrespect to Odin than what he'd recently shown Theoden. Thor was quickly comforted as Gandalf's observation about Theoden's humility was proven true.
"As much as I didn't like the tone of your words," Theoden continued. "I also cannot deny the truth they contained." Thor understood Theoden was offering an apology for the insults he'd directed at the Fellowship during the council. Seeing Thor give a subtle nod of acceptance in response, Theoden then gave a conciliatory smile before concluding, "Now, let us consider our quarrel behind us and focus on what's important."
Having made their peace, Theoden and Thor looked at the scenes before them. Men with armour and equipment varying to their social station began mounting their steeds. Others were sharing heartfelt expressions of farewell with their families. Eomer could be heard rallying fellow Rohirrim to honour the oaths they had sworn to lord and land.
"I never thought I'd see the doom of our time decided," Theoden quietly said to Thor. "Let alone it taking place before the walls of Minas Tirith."
"There are many myths about Ragnarok, Asgard's foretold end," Thor revealed. "One of them's I shall fall in combat against a large serpent."
Thor and Theoden looked at each other. The former had a twinkle in his eye.
"Well, I intend to be victorious and live to tell the tale," Thor said with a confident smile. "If only to, as they say on Midgard, throw it in my critics faces!"
Theoden and Thor shared a laugh confirming their reconciliation. They then joined the other Rohirrim in departing Edoras before arriving at Dunharrow later that afternoon.
It was noon the day after Theoden and the cavalry from Edoras arrived at Dunharrow. Eowyn was part of this force to the surprise of many in the Fellowship. Aragorn repeated to them what Eowyn told him earlier that it was tradition for women of court to ride to the encampment. He didn't repeat that she also implied she was willing to follow him to her death.
Dunharrow was some twenty miles south of Edoras. Dunharrow was a fortress and refuge built in ages past by Mountain Men. It consisted of a steep, switchback path that rose hundreds of feet to a wide grassy plateau surrounded on all sides by the White Mountains. The path, known as the 'Stair of the Hold', was bordered by standing stones and continued across the plateau and through a dark wooden glen referred to as the 'Dimholt'. The path eventually reached a small dark doorway that marked the start of another path. This particular path was known as the 'Paths of the Dead'.
Thor walked to where Theoden was standing by the plateau's edge. Aragorn stood to the King's right. Thor stopped at Theoden's left.
"Gamling said you wished to speak to me, milord?" Thor asked Theoden.
"I did, Prince Thor," Theoden confirmed after turning his attention to the Asgardian. "I keep forgetting to ask if you require the services of a squire." Anticipating Thor's likely response, Theoden added, "Before you say so, I've already a duty in mind for Master Meriadoc."
With Theoden vetoing his preferred candidate, Thor replied, "Allow me to think on the matter. I'll give you my answer tomorrow morn."
The trio turned their attention to the scene in the valley below. Hundreds of white tents had sprung up as riders arrived from all parts of Rohan heeding Theoden's call to arms.
"What's the latest count of the muster?" Thor asked.
"Six thousand spears," Theoden regretfully informed. "Less than half of what I'd hoped for."
Thor spoke a supplemental question in response to this. "How great in number are the armies of Mordor that we'll engage?"
"Suffice to say, Thor," Aragorn grimly answered. "Six thousand spears will not be enough to break their lines."
Thor recalled something Stark said while the Avengers tried that Midgard dish called 'shawarma'.
"Similar to what one of my fellow Avengers told my brother," Thor argued. "Among that six thousand, we have a Hulk."
"We also have yourself," Theoden respectfully acknowledged Thor's humility. "And more Rohirrim are still to come."
None of these facts shook Aragorn of his desperation to get to the White City with all haste.
"Whatever the case, every hour lost hastens Gondor's defeat," Aragorn gave in pointed reminder. "We have till dawn - then we must ride!"
Theoden was not offended that Aragorn's advice sounded like an order. As Rogers pointed out to him a few days ago, kings were still men. Any man away from his home would desire to make a hasty return to defend it should others threaten its destruction.
"I know, Lord Aragorn." Theoden agreed before reflecting, "This battle will be fought at bad odds regardless of our numbers."
The God of Thunder didn't take his gaze off the encampment below as he responded to Theoden's observation.
"Yes," Thor stonily agreed with a dark gleam in his eye. "The minions of Sauron don't stand a chance."
Banner found his time in the Edoras infirmary very rewarding. But he was glad nonetheless that the Fellowship had commenced the next stage of its quest. He thought he could catch up on some lost sleep at Dunharrow. The time taken treating the injured in Middle-earth was just as demanding as it was on Earth. Sleep proved elusive not just for him but the whole encampment.
Banner had encountered many things in Middle-earth that defied rational, scientific explanation. The road to the Dimholt was another that could be added to that list. A icy breeze always seemed to blow from it across the plateau. The fact this road led to a route known as the 'Paths of the Dead' unnerved both men and horses. Eomer told the Fellowship none who traversed that path ever returned from it. Even the Other Guy was wary of the aura that seemed inherent in the Dimholt. On that basis, Banner had no real trouble when Thor woke him just before dawn. The pair was walking towards the King's tent that was a few yards ahead of them. There was a Royal Guard on sentry duty on either site of the tent's entry flap.
"Any idea what Theoden wanted?" Banner asked Thor to his right.
"Nay," Thor replied. "Except to say there's someone who'd like to talk to us."
After entering the tent, the pair found Theoden speaking to an individual seated to his right. The individual's identity was a mystery as they wore a black hooded cloak. Thor immediately ruled out this was a Nazgul, if only because they didn't have an evil aura around them.
"Prince Thor, Doctor Banner," Theoden welcomed them. "Thanks for answering my summons at this early hour."
At this, the cloaked individual stood up which revealed he or she was about Rogers's height. The individual turned and faced the Avengers before throwing back their hood. The individual was a male Elf with long black hair whose blue eyes possessed a wise and noble look. The Elf's face was familiar to Banner for some reason but he wasn't quite sure why. Theoden continued to speak.
"May introduce the Lord of Imladris, Elrond Half-elven," Theoden revealed his guest's identity.
The Avengers had been told much about Elrond by the original Fellowship.
"You're Aragorn's foster father?" Banner asked Elrond in confirmation.
Elrond gave a subtle nod of acknowledgment before saying with his warm voice, "Yes, Doctor Banner."
"From what we've heard, it's an honour to finally meet you in person, milord." Thor humbly offered.
"From what the Lady Galadriel has told me of the Avengers, the honour is mine, Prince Thor," Elrond graciously echoed Haldir's sentiments at Helm's Deep. "I'm grateful that purpose has allowed me to meet two-thirds of the company whose reputation is beginning to spread across Middle-earth."
"I shall take my leave," Theoden excused himself before exiting his tent.
Another individual would soon be joining the trio there. Theoden wanted to give Elrond privacy considering what he'd travelled all the way from Rivendell to discuss.
"What purpose?" Banner asked while quietly wondering if all Elven rulers spoke in riddles.
"The Avengers have already been separated with Captain America travelling to Minas Tirith," Elrond said. "Lady Galadriel has foreseen that both of you must now go on separate paths. Prince Thor must continue with the Rohirrim. But your road, Doctor Banner, is with another of the Fellowship."
"I think I know of whom you speak," Thor quickly deduced who Elrond was referring to.
Thor had no sooner said these words than when Aragorn entered the tent having received a summons there. Standing next to Thor, a surprised Aragorn acknowledged his foster father with a stiff bow of the neck. Elrond focused all his attention on his adopted son before authoritatively speaking to him.
"I come on behalf of one whom I love." Elrond began before flatly stating, "Arwen is dying."
Both Avengers saw that Aragorn visibly blanched at this news. They didn't know that one reason for Aragorn's reaction was that he'd just been woken up from a nightmare about such a thing happening. Legolas quietly told Banner about Aragorn and Arwen's relationship when the Fellowship was making its way down the Anduin. From this, Banner incorrectly assumed what his and Aragorn's path was.
"I'm willing to go Rivendell and do all I can to save your daughter," he volunteered to Elrond.
"Her light diminishes not from any mortal sickness, Doctor Banner," Elrond told him while secretly touched at his offer. Galadriel was indeed correct describing Banner as a troubled but nonetheless kind and helpful soul. "Arwen's life is now tied to the fate of the Ring. The Shadow is upon us. The end has come".
Channelling Thor's earlier remark, Aragorn proclaimed in reference to Sauron, "It will not be our end, but his."
"And the whole Fellowship will follow you as you lead us to victory, my friend," Thor agreed, giving Aragorn's shoulder a supportive squeeze.
"Even with the Avengers' returning powers, victory is by no means assured!" Elrond firmly pointed out to curb any complacency. "Sauron's armies march on Minas Tirith, this you know. But in secret he sends another force that will attack from the river. A fleet of Corsair ships sails from the south. They'll be at Pelargir in two days before reaching Minas Tirith on the third."
"What's Pelargir?" Banner asked.
"The great port of Gondor," Aragorn answered. "It's located along the Anduin, more than forty leagues south of Minas Tirith."
Elrond spoke directly to Aragorn to bring his attention to what was important about this discussion. "Even if with the Avengers, you need still need more men."
"There are none," Aragorn advised with restrained exasperation.
Elrond noted that Aragorn misunderstood both what 'men' he was alluding to as well as the reason for recruiting them.
"There are those who dwell in the mountain," Elrond hinted.
Thor and Banner wondered why Aragorn seemed to be appalled at what Elrond had suggested. The Ranger's response to Elrond quickly revealed the reason why.
"Murderers…traitors!" Aragorn spat out in quiet disgust. "You would call upon them to fight? They believe in nothing. They answer to no one!"
"They will answer to the King of Gondor!" Elrond regally proclaimed before sweeping aside his cloak, pulling out a scabbarded sword that he presented to Arargorn. "Anduril," Elrond spoke the sword's name. "Flame of the West, forged from the shards of Narsil."
"Sauron will not have forgotten the Sword of Elendil," Aragorn commented before withdrawing Anduril from its scabbard.
Thor gasped at his first sighting of Anduril. Anduril was just over four feet in length with a forty-inch blade with what appeared to be elvish runes down its length. Its hilt had a solid metal cross guard and pommel with gold and silver platted fittings. The pommel was inscribed with elvish runes being connected to the guard by a black leather grip. Thor thought Anduril reminded him of his initial reaction to the Evenstar pendant that Aragorn wore. Anduril may not seem to possess any magical powers but it was a sword worthy of any king. Elrond's next words made Thor revaluate the first part of his assessment.
"The man who can wield the power of this sword can summon to him an army more deadly than any that walks this earth," Elrond told his foster son before coming to the whole point of his journey here. "Put aside the Ranger. Become who you were born to be."
At these words, Aragorn's attention quickly moved to Thor. Elrond's last sentence to him was the similar to the advice Thor gave him when the Fellowship had camped between Fangorn and Edoras. Thor gave him a subtle nod as if he had read Aragorn's mind. Aragorn had always judged Men – including himself - to be weak because of Isildur's decision to take the Ring. Elrond was indeed known to make private utterances to this effect. But having this opinion blinded Elrond and himself to the strength Men possessed. The Rohirrim had demonstrated this strength in their struggle with Saruman. Both Rogers and Banner, despite possessing extraordinary power, had selflessly and humbly assisted numerous strangers much weaker than themselves without hesitation. He had impulsively dismissed Boromir's argument about this when the Fellowship travelled down the Anduin. Aragorn was horrified to think Arwen's very life could be the price he and Elrond paid for their arrogance on this matter.
Aragorn knew that countless people waited in expectation that he would fulfil his destiny as King of Gondor. But Boromir was right about another point made along the Anduin. One reason that Aragorn often tried to deny his heritage was because he feared he would follow Isildur's example of weakness. Aragorn by nature was a modest man. But Thor was also correct in that true humility didn't mean shying away from using one's strengths to make a better world. This rule applied to everyone from the highest king to the lowliest peasant. Aragorn felt he no longer had any excuse to try and be the king so many thought he possessed the strength to be. If only because the person that had always shown the most faith in him was now dying.
Aragorn spoke a single sentence that would rank alongside any of Middle-earth's key turning points throughout its long history.
"The blade that was broken shall return to Minas Tirith!"
A short while later, Banner and Thor left Theoden's tent and began talking.
"There's one thing Earth and Middle-earth have in common," Banner dryly observed. "The Avengers get together for a short while, only to go our separate ways again."
"If you remember, Banner," Thor recalled "Both of us weren't present when our friends commenced battle against the Chitauri. Just like then, I'm confident we'll all be together before the Battle for Middle-earth is ended."
Banner gave an appreciative nod at this before saying, "Look, I just want to say bye to Merry first. Do you mind keeping an eye on him?" Thor suddenly started chuckling to which a bemused Banner asked, "What?"
"My fellow Avengers see me as a nursemaid!" Thor jovially stated given Rogers had earlier asked him to look out for Eowyn. The Asgardian gave a confused Banner's left shoulder a friendly squeeze. "Forgive, me friend. I'm not laughing at your request as such. You have my word I will keep Master Merry safe. I'll meet you by our horses."
After an appreciative Banner excused himself, Thor began walking to where the Fellowship's horses were. As he got closer, he noticed Aragorn's silhouette in the shadows as dawn began to break. He noticed another smaller silhouette whose voice revealed it was Eowyn. At catching a snippet of what she was saying to Aragorn, Thor quickly hid behind a tent and didn't move least he draw the pair's attention. Thor was only yards away so he heard every word of Aragorn and Eowyn's exchange. Rogers's guess about Eowyn's feelings for Aragorn verified by her own words. And Aragorn's reply to her confirmed he could not reciprocate these feelings in kind. Eowyn didn't notice Thor as she rushed passed him in a flurry of sorrow and hurt.
Legolas and Gimli were also present by the time Banner joined Aragorn and Thor. The Elf and the Dwarf would be also be part of the Fellowship's journey along the Paths of the Dead. No amount of persuasion from Aragorn could deter the pair from their choice. Gimli spoke to Thor while holding onto Legolas on their white steed.
"Now remember, Odinson," Gimli gruffly reminded Thor. "The next round our competition doesn't start until Legolas and I get to Minas Tirith."
"You'd better hurry then, Master Dwarf," Thor dryly boasted. "Least I kill all the enemy before you arrive."
The five Fellowship members shared a laugh at this. Although they also knew what Thor jested about wasn't entirely beyond the realms of possibility of either. Thor then sobered and showed he'd learned something of Middle-earth linguistics.
"Banner, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli – Namaarie," he farewelled them.
"Tenna' ento lye omenta mellonanim," Legolas replied with a soft smile.
At the Elf's words, the four travellers directed their horses forward. In a matter of moments, they disappeared into the mist that hung over the Dimholt. A group of Royal Guards sat around a campfire a few yards away. They began murmuring at the actions of those entering the Paths of the Dead. Thor heard the snippets of conversation coming from behind him.
"Why Lord Aragorn and his companions leave on the eve of battle?"
"They leave because there is no hope!"
Thor spun around at this. The Royal Guards flinched at the withering look he gave them.
"If any of you are claiming my friends are cowards," Thor warned them with restrained anger. "I'll have words with you right now!"
Theoden was campfire light's edge having observed this exchange and Aragorn's departure before. He decided to intervene in case any Royal Guard was foolish enough to accept Thor's challenge.
"Lord Aragorn and his friends leave because they must," Theoden firmly stated as he walked out of the shadows. "They've gone to secure aid of those who dwell under the mountain."
A number of Royal Guards exchanged shocked looks at this. The 'mountain' that Theoden referred to was known as the 'Dwimorberg'. It was thought a given that anyone who traveled there would share the fate of those who dwelt in its caverns.
"Milord, that path is folly," Gamling argued. "We ride for Mordor within the next couple of hours. But still too few have come. We cannot defeat the armies of Mordor!"
"That will indeed be the case if we go into battle with such an outlook," Thor sternly lectured Gamling. Remembering what Rogers said to the Fellowship prior to the Battle of Helm's Deep, Thor added, "The King looks to his bodyguard to set an example. Make an example that all Rohirrim will be proud to follow."
"Prince Thor is right," Theoden agreed, quietly grateful Thor had spared him from delivering a similar lecture. "We will ride and battle the enemy as Men of Rohan should. With the God of Thunder in our ranks, victory may prove ours yet."
The Rohirrim were making their final preparations before commencing the ride to Minas Tirith. Thor was walking back to his tent to get the helmet Galadriel had gifted him. Before he entered the tent, he heard some noise coming from inside. He quietly lifted the entry flap and peered around it to see who the intruder was. Eowyn had snuck into Thor's tent to change into a suit of battle armour she had quietly secured from the encampment's smith. She figured no one would dare enter the God of Thunder's without his permission.
After Theoden's advice to her a short while ago, and Aragorn's earlier rejection, she felt she had nothing left to lose. If this was going to be Rohan's final hour, she wasn't going to wait for it with the added pain of a broken heart. Before placing on the helm she had chosen, Eowyn noticed Thor's magnificent helm resting on his bed. Out of curiosity she reached for it to try it on.
"That helm was a gift from the Lady of the Golden Wood crafted especially for myself," its owner casually told her. "I suspect it will be too heavy for you to wear."
Eowyn gave a startled yelp.
"Apologies, Prince Thor!" she blurted out. "I came in here with no ill intent."
Thor gave a dismissive wave of his hand. "Milady, you'd be among the last of such people." Seeing Eowyn visibly relax at this, Thor then asked, "However, I'm still curious why you're dressing for battle?"
"I suppose you're another who believes that war is only the province of men?" Eowyn bitterly countered with what Eomer told her a few hours ago.
Admiring Eowyn's nerve to turn the issue back on him, Thor calmly said, "You'll recall me telling you that Asgard has a proud tradition of shield-maidens defending the realm. But you still have not answered my question."
Eowyn also recalled that Rogers told her that America also had women soldiers actively serving in its defence. She paused for a moment before standing as straight as she could.
"I'm a Shield-maiden of Rohan!" Eowyn proudly proclaimed. "My skill at arms is the equal of nearly any man's. Unlike Asgard or America, Rohan doesn't have the sense to see one's skill in battle is not related to one's gender. If this is to be Rohan's final hour, where else should my place be but on the battlefield? If I fall, at least it will be among my kin in defence of the Riddermark. I'd rather this than wait to die within the empty confines of the Meduseld as my uncle would have it."
"And you have no other reasons why you wish to do this?" Thor carefully asked her.
Eowyn's eyes flickered a moment. "What other reasons could there be?"
Thor didn't want to humiliate Eowyn by revealing he'd overheard her conversation with Aragorn. But at the same time, he needed to be consistent in advice. Like the Royal Guards, Eowyn shouldn't face the upcoming battle with a fatalistic attitude resembling a death wish. Prior to facing the Balrog, Thor hoped to follow the All-Father's example in battle. Prior to advising Eowyn, he now wanted to be the All-Father's equal in wisdom. Thor had no doubt which of Odin's two examples was the hardest to follow.
"If you wish to fight for the reasons you say," Thor began, "I find no fault with what you've told me. But if you are doing this to prove your worth to yourself," Thor arched an eyebrow before continuing, "or someone else, then I solemnly tell you it'd be best for you to obey your uncle's instructions."
Eowyn paused to consider Thor's words before asking what was most important to her mind about this matter.
"Do you intend telling anyone about my plans?" she asked him with some trepidation.
"Of that I'm undecided," Thor remarked with a shrug of his shoulders. "But you have my word I'll tell you my decision before anyone else."
Thor collected his helmet off his bed and began to leave the tent. Just before he exited, he turned his head over his right shoulder to look at Eowyn.
"Please ride close to me on the journey to Minas Tirith so I can extend you this courtesy," Thor told Eowyn with an understanding wink.
The grin Eowyn gave in response to this reminded Thor of the one Sif gave Loki, the Warriors Three and himself when they told her she could join their company.
Thor and Eowyn faced each other while sitting on their mounts. Around them there was a swirl of activity as other Rohirrim began to mount their steeds. Horses snorted in nervous anticipation of the order to move out. Eowyn wore a helmet with a visor that covered her feminine nose and cheeks. She told Thor the name of her brown-coated steed was 'Windfola'.
"Your need for secrecy is greater than covering your facial features," Thor quietly advised her. "What name should I call you by?"
Eowyn thought for a moment before replying in a similar tone. "'Dernhelm' – it means 'secret helm' in the Common Tongue."
Thor gave an impressed half-grin at Eowyn's alias. "Stay close to me in this battle, Master Dernhelm, and all will be well. Do this only for my sake. I'd fear telling Captain America something happened to you while you were under my watch."
Eowyn gave a nervous smile in response to Thor's attempt at humour.
"Prince Thor!"
Eowyn's eyes suddenly widen with horror at the sound of her uncle's voice. The King was some twenty feet away from the pair. Inwardly, Thor shared the same reaction that Theoden may have found out about his niece's planned disobedience.
Thor turned to Theoden and calmly replied, "Yes, milord?"
"Once you've finished with that young Rohirrim, I'd like to speak with you please," Theoden replied as if nothing was untoward.
Before joining Theoden, Thor remarked to a relieved Eowyn, "If Theoden believes from twenty feet away I'm speaking to Dernhelm, your chances of escaping detection are better than I first thought!"
Thor began riding alongside Theoden's left.
"Who you were speaking to?" Theoden innocently asked.
Theoden had unknowingly provided Thor a way to answer his question without having to directly lie.
"A rider named 'Dernhelm'," Thor answered. "I'd like to take up your offer of squire, milord."
"Say no more, Prince Thor," Theoden replied. "I fully trust your judgment."
As he was looking ahead, the King didn't notice the awkward look on Thor's face to these words. After a beat Theoden began raising the matter he truly wished to discuss.
"I understand your anger at my guard earlier," he prefaced. "And you had every right to chastise them. But a major reason they're afraid is we will likely be facing the Nazgul in this battle. It's said no living man can kill them. My standing orders to all Rohirrim for this battle are to fall back in the face of an attack by one of the Nine - even if my own life be in danger." After a moment, Theoden then looked at Thor before continuing. "I do not try to understand how you bested one of the Dwimmerlaik, I merely accept you did. Not to mention your feats at Helm's Deep. What sort of man you truly are, Prince Thor, I –"
"I understand you perfectly, Theoden-King," Thor helpfully interrupted. "Whatever powers I can bring to bear in this battle, they are yours to command."
Theoden gave an appreciative smile before he brought Snowmane to a halt. Thor followed suit on Graegwind. They had just stopped in front of Merry who was preparing his pony to join the ride to Minas Tirith. Merry wore a leather metal-reinforced helm that had a nose guard. He also had on a sturdy leather chest pad that was red in colour.
"You indeed look every part an Esquire of Rohan," Thor complimented the Brandybuck.
"Lady Eowyn found it for me," Merry replied somewhat embarrassed. "It actually belonged to King Theoden when he as a boy." Merry looked at Theoden before telling him, "I promise I'll return it in good nick, milord."
Theoden didn't even smile as he spoke his plans for Merry
"Little Hobbits do not belong in war, Master Meriadoc," Theodon coldly told him.
Thor's head snapped in Theoden's direction. Why was Merry squired if Theoden didn't intent for him to go into battle? Were Theoden's decision then and now a simple kindness to spare Merry the horror of war?
"All my friends have gone to battle!" Merry passionately argued. "I would be ashamed to be left behind."
"It's a three-day gallop to Minas Tirith, and none of my Riders can bear you as a burden," Theoden said seemingly unmoved.
"Thor, please!" Merry pleaded in a call for Fellowship unity.
Despite personal feelings to the contrary, Thor wasn't going to break his word to Theoden by commencing to argue with him in front of his subjects.
"I will say no more," Theoden ended the matter before turning to Thor. "Prince Thor, I would welcome your input into our planning session later this evening."
After Thor gave a small nod in response, Theoden left the pair to take his place with Eomer at the head of the army. Before Thor could say anything, a rider grabbed and lifted Merry from behind.
Sitting behind Merry, the rider whispered into his ear, "You can ride with me."
"Milady!" Merry gasped in recognition of the Eowyn's voice.
Merry quickly sobered after Thor put a finger to his lips.
"Understand, Merry," Thor instructed him. "You accompany a young Rohirrim named 'Dernhelm' who I've appointed to be my squire."
Eowyn proudly nodded her acceptance of Thor's offer. The trio joined the mass of Rohirrim as they urged their steeds towards Minas Tirith.
Without missing a beat, Merry asked Eowyn, "Were you as nervous as I was when you were squired, Master Dernhelm?"
"Due to some earlier advice of Thor's," Eowyn knowingly replied, "not as nervous as you might think, Master Meriadoc."
Some readers will probably be disappointed that Hulk won't be there when the Battle of Pelennor Fields immediately begins. But who am I to go against the advice of Galadriel and Elrond? I also wanted to swap around the usual Avenger/Fellowship pairings that have taken place in this crossover before final hostilities commence.
I know Ragnarok was played out in one Marvel line but as it hasn't (so far) in movieverse, I thought this chapter could refer to in the manner it did.
I appreciate that my translation of 'Dernhelm' isn't quite exact but I thought it good enough given the context.
[RD: Of course, Thor: Ragnarok is now scheduled for release in November 2017. And 'Galadriel' won't be voicing a giant serpent even if 'Doctor Strange' has.]