Chapter 74

We spent the next four days planning on ways to better protect Edoras, and I found myself getting anxious. I hated waiting. We did nothing, and if we didn't know any better, life would have seemed normal. I was enjoying an early lunch when Aragorn suddenly threw open the doors to the hall. Turning my head, I watched him.

"The beacons of Minas Tirith! The beacons are lit!" he yelled, running forward. "Gondor calls for aid!"

Surprised, we all turned to Theoden who stood in silence for several minutes. I wasn't sure what he was going to do, but this was the point I knew something was going to happen.

"And Rohan will answer," Theoden declared. "Muster the Rohirrim."

Eomer dipped his head in a nod, and left Eowyn's side after giving her a look. I was surprised at the answer, but part of me was extremely happy that he decided to do something. Turning, I walked off to go and get ready for what we had to do. I changed into something easier to move in, and grabbed my weapons. As I walked back out, I had every intention of using my powers.

Going down the steps and toward the others who were getting ready, I paused when Eomer came over with a horse. It was a stunning black gelding, already saddled. I arched my brow at the man and snorted a little.

"Save your powers," he rumbled. "Here. He has everything you need already packed."

"You are kind," I nodded, grateful for the help.

Reaching up, I took the reins and got into the saddle. Aragorn and Legolas soon joined my side, and Brego snorted toward me. The horse had seen such horrors, but he was firm in standing with Aragorn. I reached out and stroked his nose when he turned toward me.

"You're a hero," I whispered to the stallion, and watched his chest puff out proudly. "Never forget that, darling."

"I wish I could muster a legion of dwarves, fully armed and filthy," Gimli sighed, looking around.

"Your kinsmen will have no need to ride to war," Legolas said quietly. "I fear war already marches to their lands."

"What?" Gimli demanded. "My Lady!"

"I am aware of that, Gimli. Thorin knows as well," I said quietly, keeping my gelding still. "But, they have the advantage for now. Akira and Thane both have the ability to use their dragon forms now. They are safe. I will be joining them as soon as I can."

"Riders of Rohan!" Eomer shouted from the front. "Oaths you have taken! Now fulfill them all, to lord and land!"

The army rode out at his order, and I watched cued the gelding after them. Aragorn looked toward me, and I saw the uncertainty in his eyes. We had no idea what we were riding toward, and it very well could be death this time. I had more faith than that, and I wanted to keep believing that we were going to make it out of this alive. Wounded, but alive. Cantering forward, I rode in silence as we headed for Gondor.

Theoden took us to Dunharrow, a large refuge that was used by the Rohirrim, hidden among the White Mountains. It overlooked the valley of Harrowdale, and Theoden had sent out Eomer and his other captains to gather as many men as they could. We had three days to get this done, and then he wanted to ride to Gondor. I was worried about home, but this was going to be just as big. If I left now, what would happen to Gondor?

Stay as long as you can. You bring them hope.

Gandalf's words stuck in my head, and I sighed quietly. The first twenty four hours brought thousands of men to the valley of Harrrowdale. It was an extremely amazing sight to behold. I had never seen so many men gather together in my life. We had ridden to the top of Dunharrow, passing the gathering men. As camp was set up, I followed Aragorn as he went to Theoden who was looking over the valley.

"Six thousand spears," Theoden sighed. "Less than half of what I hoped for."

"Six thousand will not be enough to break the lines of Mordor," Aragorn said quietly.

"More will come," Theoden answered.

"Ever hour lost hastens Gondor's defeat," Aragorn rumbled. "We have till dawn...then we must ride."

"If we do not have enough riders, that will not be a problem," I added in finally, making both men look at me.

"What do you mean?" Theoden asked.

"At Helm's Deep you asked me to take the form of a dragon. I will do so again at this battle," I said slowly. "I do not know how long I can stay, but I will stay long enough so that our numbers are not crippled. A dragon on the lose with no black arrows..."

Theoden looked at me, and nodded his head with a smile. "With a dragon...and nothing to defeat it…it will be a most welcome ally."

"With Saruman dead, Sauron has no way of knowing about where I'm at anymore," I nodded. "He will not expect it. He's grown bold and foolish."

We all smiled at each other, and I saw hope in Theoden's eyes. He laid a hand on my shoulder quietly and squeezed. No words needed to be said, because I knew how grateful he was for the help I was giving them. As we turned, several of the horses caught our attention. They were nervous, becoming skittish for no apparent reason. I left the men, and found Legolas and Gimli as they walked through the camp.

"The horses are restless, and the men are quiet," Legolas said quietly, looking at Eomer as he carried a saddle over.

"They grow nervous in the shadow of the mountain," Eomer replied.

"That road there," Gimli said, pointing to the path that led to the mountain. "Where does that lead?"

"That is the road to the Dimholt," Legolas answered. "The door into the mountain."

"None who venture there ever return," Eomer added quietly, looking at us. "That mountain is evil."

"Well, that's comforting," I said sarcastically, and it made him smile.

I tilted my head a little and my stomach rumbled, taking my attention away from the mountain for now. We found something to eat, and I decided to keep Eowyn and Merry some company. She had dressed him for battle, since he had given his service to Theoden. I smiled as she ushered him out of the tent to go sharpen his sword. Eomer was eating at the fire next to where she stood, smiling. I took a bite of my bread as he looked at his sister.

"You should not encourage him," he grunted.

"You should not doubt him," she answered.

"I do not doubt his heart...merely the reach of his arm," Eomer rumbled, earning several chuckles.

"Oh, please," I sighed. "Give the lad hope."

"Merry has every right to go to war as the rest of you. Why can he not fight for those he loves?" Eowyn asked, and it promptly shut the men up.

That had me chuckling softly and giving the woman a fond look. Eomer glanced up at my voice, and gave me a glare. I returned it with one of my own, and left them to gaze into the stars for the night.

As I was keeping watch, I noticed a white horse slowly making its way up the Stair of the Hold. Tensing slightly, I caught a blast of wind and for a moment my heart beat in happiness. I knew who was coming up the path. The horse came into the camp just a little while later, and I walked over and reached out. A hand came down, and took my own gently, giving it a slight squeeze.

"Take me to Theoden," he rumbled.

I nodded, and led him toward the tent and asked to see Theoden. Waiting outside as they spoke, I watched as a guard left to fetch someone. It took minutes, but Aragorn came hurrying toward the King's tent. I bowed my head slightly as the man walked in. I wasn't sure what was going on, but I heard Arwen's name being said. He brought grave news then, not just about her but about the battle to come as well.

Tilting my head, I heard the drawing of a sword from its sheath, and I tensed. There was a bit of silence, and then Aragorn walked out. He paused when he saw me, and I looked at what was in his hands.

"The sword..." I whispered, seeing the handle. "You've put aside the ranger..."

He nodded slowly, and I reached out and touched his arm. Aragorn gave me a quiet smile, and he sighed.

"He wishes to speak with you," he rumbled, and walked off.

Turning back toward the tent, I walked in and watched as Lord Elrond turned around. He gave me a soft smile, and I dipped my head in a slight bow.

"You have shown extraordinary courage," he sighed. "Your task is almost complete, before you must return home."

"What must I do?" I asked, my heart leaping.

"You must stay for the battle that is to come. Once it turns to our favor if it does, make your journey toward Erebor. Sauron sends an army of Easterlings to march upon Erebor and Dale. I fear they have already made it past the Iron Hills."

My heart jolted at the thought of Dain. "If they got past Dain..."

"Aye, I fear he is dead," he nodded, looking down. "I only know enough that you must finish this piece of your journey here. You give them a chance, and so does Aragorn."

"You sent him down the Dimholt road," I replied, looking up.

"He is becoming who he is meant to be. If he can summon that army, it'll be the most dangerous force ever to walk on this earth," Lord Elrond nodded. "Our time is coming to an end. Do what you must, Arina."

"I will, you have my word," I answered softly. "It brings me joy, to see you in this dark hour, I have to admit."

He smiled at me, and sighed softly. "Do not fear," he murmured. "Have courage. Courage for what must be done."

I nodded my head, and he brought me forward into a tight hug. He left after that, and I stood in silence for a while, until Theoden walked back in. I jumped in surprise, and then flushed with embarrassment.

"Apologies," I chuckled.

"We ride out at dawn," he rumbled. "Best you get some sleep. It's a three day ride to Minas Tirith."

Letting out a breath, I walked out of the tent and went to go bed down at the tent we had made. I paused when I saw Aragorn getting into the saddle, and Legolas was not far behind with Gimli. I watched them for a moment, and caught Aragorn's eyes. Walking over to them, I reached up and patted his knee.

"You will not come with us?" Legolas asked.

"No, I need to be here," I answered. "I was given special instruction. I may not see you on the battlefield, but this war will be won, and I will see you crowned, Aragorn."

He gave me a smile. "It's refreshing to hear such hope."

"I will always have it, so get used to it," I chuckled. "Ride safe. We'll meet again when this is over."

As they left, I listened as many of the men expressed their worry. Their loss of hope at seeing Aragorn leave was sad, but Theoden walked forward, knowing what was going on.

"He leaves because he must," Theoden answered.

I didn't want to hear anymore, and pushed a transformation into a wolf again and walked over to the fire where Eomer and Eowyn were at. Eowyn let her hand trail through my thick fur, and I laid down beside Eomer as she also took a seat. We slept together for the night, taking in the last peaceful night we'd have.

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