Chapter Twenty:
Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR or any of the places, characters or languages within it. They all belong to Tolkien.
A/N: Sorry it's taken so long to get this out, I had terrible writers block on this story but I think I have finally gotten rid of it….at least for now (knock wood) so will hopefully be updating more regularly.
Legolas's POV
"We need to decide if we are going to stay here and wait for Sarumans forces or make a stand and fight." Gandalf says. "Whatever decision is made must be made now by the people in this room."
"We will stay here where we have supplies and arms, I will not risk open war ." Theoden states firmly.
"Open war is upon you whether you would risk it or not." Aragorn says coming to stand beside the King.
"When last I checked Theoden not Aragorn was King of Rohan." Theoden responds looking at the ranger over his shoulder.
"For many years my people have fought to keep our lands safe from orcs and other foul creatures and I will tell you this, they do not give up simply because their enemy is not willing to fight. They will keep fighting until either they or their enemy is dead, they care for nothing and no one but themselves." I say.
"So are you suggesting that we stand up to them and fight?" one of the guards asks.
"They are coming here with one purpose, to wipe out Rohan, the loss of control Saruman suffered when Gandalf returned your King to himself is not one that he will take lightly. Stand against him and show him that Rohan is not so easily taken. " I say. "Or sit back and watch while everything you and your ancestors have built is destroyed by your enemies."
"Well obviously we're not going to do that. But what other option do we have? Edoras is too hard to defend and with Eomer and his men gone we're short on swordsman." the guard says.
"We could go to Helms Deep." another guard suggests.
"That's a possibility. It's more easily defensible against enemy attack, and it has saved us in the past." the first guard says.
"How long would it take to get there?" Aragorn asks.
"A few days at least, we'll have women and children with us most of whom will be on foot and we'll have to take supplies with us, there isn't much stored there apart from weapons and armour." the guard replies.
"I know I'm just a visitor here and that this is not my decision, but in Lothlorien I am a member of the guard and we are all encouraged to participate when we meet to discuss the defence of our city, the Captain and Lord Celeborn get the final say but they always listen to us and take our suggestions into consideration." Kieana says pausing to take a breath and glancing at the men standing around us who are looking at her expectantly. "So bearing that in mind I would like to say that in my opinion Helms Deep seems like the best option."
"We will depart for Helms Deep tomorrow morning, you have the afternoon and evening to ready yourselves for the journey. Guards remain behind for further instructions on readying our people for the journey, the rest of you are dismissed." King Theoden says.
Kieanas POV
I feel as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders not that a decision has been made about the course of action we are going to take in the upcoming battle with Saruman Uruk-Hai. While I am dreading facing the foul creatures again I am glad that King Theoden has made the choice to face them rather than await their inevitable arrival at Edoras.
I follow my companions outside and we find seats on the grass in front of the hall. Silence falls around us as each of us are lost in our own thoughts, this will be the first proper battle we have faced since beginning the quest to destroy the Ring and we are all pondering our chances of surviving it, or I am I can't speak for my companions.
"What is Helms Deep exactly?" I ask not really expecting an answer but needing to break the silence.
"It's a fortress in a valley that was built in the second age my the Númenóreans, and is now used as a stronghold and refuge by the Rohirrim, it has saved them before and they are hoping it will do so again." Gandalf says.
"Is it easily defensible?" I ask.
"It has never been taken by the enemy before, the walls are strong and it's built into a cliff so they can only attack from the front, but that also means there is only one way to escape. It is however more easily defensible than Edoras which is out in the open and can be attacked from all sides, it will not be easy but I believe tha Helms Deep is our best option if we want to stand any chance of beating Saruman's army." the Wizard explains.
"Well that's a good start I guess. Having history on our side. Even if the odds are stacked against us and we're in all likelihood going to be outnumbered at least five to one." I say.
"That is probably true yes. But there is still hope and as long as we remain true to each other and our cause that hope will remain." Aragorn says.
"Aye, and we have a Dwarf in our company, a Dwarf is worth at least five Uruk-Hai." Gimli pipes in.
"Undoubtedly my friend. Especially one of Durin's folk." Legolas says.
"And we mustn't forget our two Elvish companions, Kieana with her twin daggers and Legolas with his bow are a force to be reckoned with." the Dwarf counters.
"You are too kind master Dwarf, my skill with the blades is outshone by many in the Golden Wood. My brothers and many of the guard are far more skilled than I will ever be." I say.
"You shouldn't be so hard on yourself mellon-nin you have improved greatly with both the bow and the blade since joining our company. Your brothers would be greatly impressed by your progress and the strong warrior you have become." Legolas says.
"I'm going to go check on Talagor one last time before I head up to my room for the night. The stable boys were having a little trouble with him earlier, I just want to be sure he is safe in his stall for the night, we have a long journey ahead of us and he needs to rest." I say.
"Would you like some company?" Legolas asks.
"Only if you want to come, I know the way now and I won't be long so only come along if you want to." I say getting to my feet and brushing grass of my tunic.
"I think I will come and give Arod an apple, I put a few in my pocket earlier. The horses in Greenwood love apples." the Prince says getting to his feet as well.
"See you three in the morning." I say smiling at the Aragorn, Gandalf and Gimli who are still seated on the ground.
"Aye lass, we will meet you and Legolas at the stables just before dawn so we can prepare for the journey together." Gimli says.
A/N: Thanks for reading! Please leave a review and let me know what you think! I hope the chapter isn't too boring, its a bit of a filler chapter. But I promise more action is just around the corner! Thanks for sticking with me!