I awake from my short nap, but feeling rather refreshed. I stayed up for many hours, talking about our journey to Lord Elrond, though he must be aware of most of it, I suppose he appreciates my point of view somehow. We also talked about 'other' things. He was very pleased to hear about Legolas and myself. It was then that we had to say our goodbyes. He wanted me to rest at least a little before everyone would rise and ride on.
When I arrived at Éowyns' tent, which I chose as the best place to turn in, I was surprised to see dried tears on her cheeks. I wonder what happened, but I didn't dare rouse her. Instead, I silently wiped away the salty streaks, before making myself comfortable and closing my eyes.
Seeing her not here now, means she must be tending to breakfast of be by the side of her family at present. I have no doubt that I will see her soon. She would hate to be left behind and she still has to change into her armor.
Stepping outside, my eyes roam the site until stopping at the row of horses. I'm surprised to see Arod and Brego among them. 'They couldn't have possibly returned so soon.' I think, walking up to the two horses.
"They returned without rider early this morning." Hama explains, walking up to me. Worried, I quickly look them over, but they seem fit and strong. "That's fine. A mountain is no place for a horse after all. They should be fine." I tell myself more than him.
After eating breakfast, everyone was up and about. I decide to prepare Arod, doing so with the help of a soldier. For me to keep up, I'll have to ride for myself, and that is not something I often do.
Meanwhile I keep an eye on Éowyn and Merry. And when it is time to go, I watch Éowyn emerge from the back of her tent, clad in armor. She goes unnoticed in the fray of preparations, for now that is. A small smile comes to my lips, feeling proud of the woman, but quickly I look away, afraid that when my eyes linger to long, someone will catch on. I will stay close to her, but without rising suspicion.
Mounting Arod, I wait for her to pass me by, picking up Merry as she does. I heard him speak to the King before, and he was blatantly told not to come, much to his dismay. So, now it seems now we have to secret soldiers among us.
I'm glad Éowyn decided to take him and saved me some trouble. I would have to take him otherwise, gladly I would, but the King would no doubt take notice, resulting in an argument. Spurring the horse on, I quickly follow after the two of them, staying behind them for only a few footfalls the whole way and joining in with the wave of horses and riders that flows out of the campsite.
For three full days we ride though the different sceneries and weather. We sleep little and eat our full quickly each time we halt. Not being used to this way of travel, I can feel the effect it has on me, but as haste is more important, I push any discomfort aside. The quick pace bares fruit and before long Minas Thirith is within reach.
In the distance a city set against the mountains sits, its walls gleaming white. It's a magnificent sight as the afternoon sun is cast upon it. It would be wonderful to visit, were it not for the many legions of orcs running rampant within the walls and many more standing outside, waiting to enter. Above, in the air, a few ringwraiths supervise the creatures. We are late it seems. The city is already being besieged.
When a horn is blown, the Rohirrim come to a halt, gathering on the hill before the army of orcs, casting a long shadow over the plains. They take quick notice of us.
I come to a halt next to my friends, glancing at them to see them looking rather worried. I suppose they are right to do so. This will not be easy, not for beginning soldiers, nor for veterans. We will likely not survive, unless Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli arrive with the much needed help. I really hope they do.
"Form ranks you maggots! Form ranks! Pikes in front, lances behind!" I can hear a captain of Orcs call out below and watch them do as ordered. In return, King Théoden rides to the front, turning to his captains; "Éomer! Take your Eored down the left flank. Gamling! Follow the King's banner down the center. Grimbold, take your company right after we pass the wall. Forth and fear no darkness!"
He then turns to his soldiers; "Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden! Spears shall be shaken, shields shall be splintered…" Éowyn quickly hides her face as he rides past us. "A sword day, a red day 'ere the sun rises!" he calls out, riling up his men.
Once he's out of earshot, I turn to my companions. Merry is shaking just slightly and Éowyn's posture is stiff. "Do not be afraid." I tell them. "I will be looking after you both. I will defend you with my life if I must." I promise them, seeing them relax if only a little. "Meanwhile, let us show that scum how much damage women and Hobbits can deal them. Soon we will scrape them from the bottom of our boots." I smirk, looking forward to it.
Éowyn nods in response, gripping her spear tightly. Merry licks his lips in anticipation, looking down on the Orcs below. "They won't know what hit them." he whispers.
I watch as Théoden rushes past his men a final time, clanging his sword against the spears, ready to pierce the Orcs. "Ride now, ride now, ride, ride for ruin and the world's ending…. Death!" he shouts. The thousands of men behind us echo his call and we are quick to join. "Death! Forth Eorlingas!" Théoden calls out, followed by the sound of many horns, the sound resonating through my body.
I can feel my blood rushing through my veins, my heart beating in my ears as the familiar feeling of the anticipation before battle overcomes me. Before I know it, we are moving…dashing down the hill and towards the gleaming spears below. I pull out my sword as Arod fastens his pace, the light falling on the polished blade making it gleam dangerously.
I ignore the falling men as a volley of arrows strike them down left and right. As we near the Orc army, shouting out loud and with the angry clatter of thousands of hooves, their formally unimpressed state is slowly changing into one of fear. By the time the first stroke is dealt, they are already scampering back.
Lashing out, I cut down those that are not trampled by Arod and the other horses. I'm surprised by how little resistance they offer, but relieved non-the-less. I can tell that the Rohirrim frighten these creatures. Their power, vigor and determination…it is wise to fear them.
Looking over towards Merry and Éowyn, I see them become a part of this well assembled army. They fight just as hard, reaching equal results and I feel proud.
Victory looks to be near as we drive the Orcs towards the river. There, pushed in a corner, they will be slaughtered. They don't stand any chance. After that, all we have to do is clear out the city.
But before we can start celebrating, a sound reaches my ears, putting me on high alert. I look over to see movement coming from the dark mountains. Through the dust, I set my eyes on the cause of the heavy footfalls and my eyes widen as dread fills my heart. An army of Haradrim accompanied by Mumakil approaches.
"Careful! Stay back and out of their range!" I hiss over the noise of chanting towards Éowyn who, along with Merry, looks up at the giant beasts with fright.
Taking the advantage of our surprised stupor, the Orcs flee between the feet of the Mumakil and back towards their master, leaving the battle to the Haradrim.
"What are you doing?!" Merry whispers harshly as I jump off of Arod and send him away. Turning to the two of them I say; "I'm better off on my own two feet, or rather yet, in the sky." "Are you leaving us?!" he wonders, his eyes wide as a panic sets in. I walk up close and take hold of his hand that rests on the saddle before him.
"I'm very impressed on how you hold yourselves against our enemy, so much so, I need to put my talents to use elsewhere. However, if it comforts you, I may not be next to you, but I will keep my sight on you. I meant what I said before,…just…don't get yourselves into trouble on purpose." I warn, looking up at Éowyn sternly. "And I shall leave you with another warning: you two are doing very well, but pick your battles wisely. If you happen to need my help, just call."
I let go of the Hobbit who nods slowly, a mixture of worry and relief in his eyes. "Therith." Éowyn calls out as I turn to leave them. Looking over my shoulder, I nod in reply to the silent words on her lips. I will be careful.
Sheathing my sword, I prepare my bow, knowing an arrow. A horn is blown and the Rohirrim charge forward. I watch my friends follow with the flow of horses, before taking off in a run. As soon as I have enough space, I release my wings, taking to the air.