This chapter has been changed and updated!
Hooray, a new chapter! I've been finding the past few chapters a bit difficult to get through, maybe because this is the "middle" of the books and that's always the hardest spot to fill. Now I'm getting into areas where I have a bit more inspiration and hopefully updates will be easier! Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter (I didn't follow the movie so much for the actual battle, I never was a fan of the elves going to Rohan, it also made me so sad when Haldir died!)
The four friends ran outside to find that rain had begun to fall. The grey stone steps were already slick and firelight flickered in the water's reflection. Helm's Deep was like a boat tossed in a sea of black, the only other lights being the torches of their enemies on the crest of the entrance to the shallow valley. Captains were yelling for men to get to their battle positions, archers lined along the front wall while soldiers stood behind them, ready for any orcs that might scale the defenses. From one of the towers they had a perfect view of the fortress and plain beyond.
The orcs were spilling onto the field like ants from an anthill. The crawling mass consumed the ground as they formed a long barrier and stopped short of the wall. Aragorn led the others to a lead line of archers and Legolas and Eredhel took their place among them. Gimli went with Aragorn to join the troops of soldiers that would defend against any orcs that entered the Deep. Before leaving, the dwarf pulled on the elf's arm and Legolas bent to hear his friend speak above the thunder. "Legolas, a dwarf can kill more orcs than any elf!" he challenged.
"Nay Gimli, both the superior weapon and race shall triumph!" The dwarf shook his head at his response.
"Just make sure he doesn't cheat lassie!" he said, giving Eredhel a grin.
"Aye Master Dwarf, you have my word that his count will be fair." She watched as Aragorn and Gimli made their way down the stone steps to the courtyard below and then continued to the barred entrance. Rain dripped down her face and she wiped it out of her eyes with the sleeve of her tunic. After a few moments everyone on the wall had become still, awaiting the commands from their captains. It seemed neither side was willing to offer the first blow. The Orcs were still, reveling in the fear that seeped from the keep. The men were nervous, their King surveying the battlefield. Legolas looked down the line of archers and raised his voice above the wind.
"Their armor is thick but weak at the neck and shoulders!" he said as he took his stance. Beside him, Eredhel mirrored his form, aiming at their enemies below. A shot to her left drew her attention, one of the king's archers had already released an arrow. It soared over the empty field between the two armies and landed in the neck of an orc. The creatures howled in rage and charged forward, breaking their line. A volley of arrows brought the first row crumbling but they were quickly overtaken. The orcs responded with missiles of their own and men had to duck behind shields. Most of the orcs gathered at the wall, attempting to raise ladders and posts but a small group raced up the bridge to the entrance. Long shields guarded them from arrows as they began to ram the heavy door. Already the sound of splintering wood could be heard.
"Aim for their knees!" shouted Eredhel, trying to direct some of the Rohan archers. She shot one of the Uruk-hai in the thigh and he tipped off the bridge, dragging another with him. Beside her Legolas fired arrow after arrow, trying to kill as many as possible in order to beat the dwarf. She didn't know how long it continued like this as the battle wore on, occasionally a group of orcs would manage to scale the wall and they would have to be fought with sword and axe. Eredhel and Legolas fought next to each other, their blades flashing as they swung between opponents. Their enemies were relentless, for every one that was killed another was ready to take its place. Already Rohan had suffered heavy casualties. Legolas was aiming for the rope holding up a ladder when he saw Aragorn sprinting towards them from the other side of the wall. The man was shouting instructions to the soldiers but as he got closer Legolas realized he was trying to get the attention of the archers.
"LEGOLAS, EREDHEL! THE TORCH, BRING IT DOWN! KILL IT!" he bellowed, pointing towards the ground. When the two looked they saw a path had been cleared and a torch bearing orc was running towards a hole in the wall.
"They'll destroy the defenses!" exclaimed Eredhel as her shot hit the orcs foot. Legolas shot him in the shoulder but still the beast continued. They only had seconds before it reached its mark. They shot again, both of the arrows hitting the bearer's chest and it fell, the torch flying from its hand. They breathed a sigh of relief until they saw it picked up by another and tossed into the grate beneath the wall. A sound like a hundred cannons radiated over the battlefield as the wall exploded, chunks of stone flying into the air. The force sent Eredhel flying and she hit the muddy ground hard.
When she looked up, bodies of fallen warriors surrounded her and she could see the orcs swarming into the keep. The men cried out in confusion as commanders yelled for them to defend the rest of the wall. Eredhel got to her feet and wiped dirt and blood out of her eyes. An orc swung at her and she grabbed his axe, kicked him in the stomach and stabbed him with his weapon. To the right she could see an Uruk-hai chasing after a limping soldier. She ran towards him, shooting the Uruk-hai in the stomach before taking the man's weight. Moments later two swordsmen arrived and relieved her, taking him deeper into the Keep. Eredhel turned and wrenched her arrow from the dead orc as she heard an order for retreat sound from above. "Go, go!" she shouted, urging the men towards the fortress. Her arm ached as she shot arrows to cover their flight. Soon she was running with them, her boots dragging through the mud.
They were now behind the second wall, trying to prevent the orcs from advancing any further. Eredhel ran towards a group of them, ducking beneath an enemies sword and stabbing him in the back with her blade. A large Uruk came toward her, a mad gleam in his eye. He raised his axe above his head, slashing it down towards her. She blocked it and pushed him back with a great effort. He swung once and Eredhel caught his wrist and twisted his arm before driving her blade through his stomach. That was when she saw the boy.
He was sprinting, his feet dragging through the mud. An orc was on his tail, cackling madly. Eredhel felt her stomach churn. In seconds her bow was drawn and a shot released to claim the orc. Her arrow hit him in the skull and he stumbled, falling the to the ground. Eredhel ran towards the boy, jumping in front of him as another enemy advanced on him. After exchanging a few blows she disarmed him and swung for his neck, sending his head flying. Finally she turned to the young fighter. "What's your name?" she said, panting slightly. He took a moment to respond, his eyes wide with fear.
"Findred my Lady," he said, his eyes flying from side to side.
"How old are you?" she demanded, sizing him up. Brown hair peaked from beneath his oversized helmet and his shirt of mail hung loosely on his chest. He was small, it was a wonder he had lasted this long.
"Ten summers my Lady," he replied, his eyes finding the ground. He was young, far too young to be on a battle field.
"Findred, I want you to do exactly as I say. You will go to the Glittering Caves, to bring a message to the Lady Eowyn. Tell her how the battle is going, so she may be prepared in case the orcs break through our last defenses. Stay there after you have delivered the message, do you understand?" The boy nodded ernestly. "Good, now go and be careful!"
Eredhel watched him scamper away, ducking behind chunks of rock when orcs passed by. Occasionally she would shoot down a Uruk that crossed his path. The message was simply a means to get him off the battlefield, Eowyn would know just from the noise how their defenses were holding. Once Findred has disappeared from her view, Eredhel returned her attention to the battle. There were few men left around her, in her attempt to watch over the boy she had not noticed the men retreating. Now orcs were all around her and some of them had begun to notice the lone elleth.
Atop the second wall Legolas scanned the battle field. The orcs were swarming into the keep and the front gate would not last much longer. Even now, Gimli and Aragorn were trying to buy the men time to retreat. The two had slipped out a side entrance then taken the orcs by surprise. Now they were slaying their foes as they advanced up the ramp. But the orcs were too many and soon they would be outnumbered. Legolas called for some rope and a soldier came running towards him, bearing the thick cord that the orcs had used to hold up their ladders. The elf dropped it down towards his friends, calling to them. "Aragorn, Gimli! Climb up!" The man and dwarf grabbed the rope, slashing at the orcs at their feet as Legolas and several other men heaved the pair up. They had just made it up when splintering wood was heard and it was clear that the orcs had finally broken in. Now that his two friends were safe Legolas turned his attention to finding Eredhel. He had not seen her since the explosion and now fear had settled in his heart. He tried to search for her as he ran to the keep, hearing the King call for a total retreat. But he could not see her anywhere and he was caught up in the wave of men running for the inner hall.
Once all the men they could see had fled inside the keep they sealed the doors, sliding iron bars across the thick wood. The entrance would give them fifteen minutes at most, even if they added more barricades. Legolas could hear people weeping and beams being towards the door. He looked around the room frantically, his eyes searching for the elleth. Theoden was in the center of the hall having a wound in his shoulder bound. Legolas hastily made his way through the crowd, looking in every corner. His chest grew tighter with every second that passed, praying that she was inside. Finally he caught a glimpse of a dark braid leaning against a pillar in corner and he let out the breath he had been holding in, quickly making his way towards her.
Legolas pulled Eredhel into an embrace from behind, startling her. The elleth's alarm subsided however when the smell of pine momentarily overwhelmed the stench of sweat and blood. He spun her around and ran his eyes over her searching for any injury. "Are you alright?" he demanded.
"Yes, Legolas I'm fine," Eredhel answered. She placed her hands on his shoulders and noticed he was shaking.
"I've been searching for you, I feared you did not make it into the keep," he explained.
"When the wall exploded none of us saw you, we were worried mellonin," said Aragorn as he and Gimli joined them.
"I don't know where exactly I landed but it was rather close to the Keep. What happened to you three?"
"After Saruman's devilry destroyed the wall we had to defend the main entrance," explained Gimli. "That's when the King was injured. Aragorn and I held them off for a bit before Legolas had to haul us up, they broke through."
"And now were are stuck in here," finished Aragorn. Just then they heard banging on the Keep doors. The four of them ran to help the men improve the barricade.
"What use is it?" demanded the King, drawing the attention of his men. "It is over." Aragorn however, continued to pile wood against the doors.
"You have said that the Hornburg would not fall while your men defend it. They still defend it, hundreds have died defending it! Would you have them die in vain?"
"What can be done against such ruthless evil?" asked the King hopelessly.
"Fight against it, do not let them kill you like mice cowering in a cage. Is there any way for the women and children to escape?" demanded Eredhel.
"There are caves and tunnels that run beneath the mountain, but the orcs would overtake them," answered one of the commanders.
"Get them down there, with a few men to guide them," instructed Aragorn. "My lord, will you ride out to meet your enemies, to buy your people time to escape?" A look of realization dawned on the King's face and he smiled.
"Yes, a final ride to glory! For the freedom of Rohan!" exclaimed Théoden and his men cheered. They grouped all the horses that remained at the head of the column. Aragorn, Legolas and Eredhel jumped onto mounts while Gimli was instructed to climb to the second watch tower and sound the King's horn. As the remaining soldiers readied to fight Eredhel glanced towards the window and a smile lit her face.
"I anarórë! (The sunrise!)" She half whispered. Aragorn and Legolas looked upwards, and Aragorn yelled to the men.
"The White Rider joins us at sunrise, let us ride to hope!" At that moment Gimli's first bellowing note echoed over the field and the soldiers threw open the entrance. The riders charged down the steps, hacking at orcs right and left. Legolas drew both of his knives, twirling them as he beheaded one of his enemies. As they reached the bottom of the steps a bright light shone over the entrance to the valley. As the sun crested over the hilltop Gandalf appeared on Shadowfax, with Éomer beside him. Éomer raised his sword and galloped down the hill with his riders following him. They crashed into the orcs' ranks, their enemies blinded by the brilliant sun. The servants of Saruman scattered, crushed by the riders and Théoden's men on both sides. Eredhel turned to watch as the orcs fled towards the mouth of the valley. But it was a forest now, trees seemed to have sprung up overnight. The orcs vanished into the darkness of the forest and the sound of their screams were swallowed by the shadows of the trees.
The battle had ended and a small group of riders were traveling over the field of battle. At the head of the group was Théoden with Gandalf and Éomer beside him, followed by a few of his men. Aragorn, Eredhel, Legolas and Gimli rode behind them, speaking quietly amongst themselves. The two elves rode side by side while Gimli sat behind Aragorn. They were journeying to Isengard, to see what had befallen Saruman in his black tower. Gandalf had offered them only hints as to what had happened at Orthanc and they had given up trying to figure out his riddles. As they came within the shadow of the forest quiet fell upon them men and it took some urging from the riders to get the horses to enter. "I don't like the look of this place," said Gimli gruffly as he cast a nervous glance up at the trees. "The air is pressing in around me, these trees hate all with two legs."
"Not all Gimli," said Legolas. "They despise only orcs, but they know little of elves and even less of men and dwarves for it is deep within Fangorn that they took root."
"Legolas is right master dwarf," added Gandalf and then turned to the men, "Raise no weapon against them and you shall pass unharmed. Let us move on!" With that the company continued forward, the two elves staring up at the trees in amazement. Gimli looked at them and simply shook his head.
"You look at oaks as if they were precious gems beneath the earth. The Glittering Caves, that is a place of wonder. My people could spend lifetimes there only to carefully chip away the stones which hide the jewels. We would not carve homes or halls, we would simply free the beauty of the stone!" Gimli slumped slightly, looking off into the distance dreamily. Legolas turned to him, amusement in his eyes.
"Though we may not agree on that which is fairest, I will make a bargain with you my friend. If we find ourselves victorious and free after the perils of our journey I will return with you to the Glittering Caves and ask that you in turn would explore Fangorn with me." The dwarf considered him for a moment before chuckling.
"Aye, I believe we have a deal! Though there is one more small matter I would like to discuss, with both of you," he said slyly.
"And what would that be?" asked Eredhel.
"Our little competition. What was your final count laddie?" Gimli asked.
"42," said Legolas proudly but the dwarf scoffed.
"Ah, I suppose that's alright for princeling, but the real warrior managed 43!" He slapped his knee and laughed. The elf scowled at the condescending name but then his face brightened.
"I thought we were seeing which race was superior. You have yet to account for Eredhel's kills," argued Legolas.
"Fine an average of the two then," agreed Gimli with a shrug of his shoulders. "What was your number lassie?" The elleth looked at him, thinking.
"I killed 23 orcs," she said and saw a smug grin spread over the dwarf's face. "And, 25 of the Wild Men who marched with him." Gimli's face fell.
"So that makes our overall count 88 and our average 44! That would be a victory for the Eldar," smirked Legolas as Gimli scowled. Eredhel turned her attention to their leaders as the two began bickering over whether or not Legolas should be counted in the victory seeing as it was Eredhel who had the superior number. She rolled her eyes and saw that sunlight was now streaming through the leaves, they were getting close to the end of the forest. As they came through the break in the trees they stopped, Gandalf turning back to look at the dark path.
Several pairs of deep golden eyes were staring mournfully back at them. They were filled with wisdom and age, their amber depths seeming to go on forever. "My, Ents!" exclaimed Théoden. "The stories of old are true! It seems that in these days it is common for legends and myths to simply spring out of the ground!" He was recounting the tales they often told around the hearth in Meduseld when a voice sounded in Eredhel's mind. She shook her head, her grip on the reins tightening.
"Young one, you are riding into great peril," said Galadriel. Eredhel was surprised to hear her grandmother's voice but knew it was not uncommon for her to communicate like this when it was urgent. She wondered if Galadriel was speaking with Gandalf as well. "You know of what I speak, the Ringbearer's life is in danger. If he should fail the war will be lost.
"Be that as it may, if we do not fight at all, the war will definitely be lost," answered Eredhel.
"I did not wish to speak with you about the battle, Saruman is still dangerous. Be cautious, he could look to use you against your companions. They value your life just as you value theirs. His voice still holds much power." Eredhel closed her eyes and sighed.
"I know. Please, what news is there from Lórien and Mirkwood?"
"Our borders have been assaulted since your departure but none entered. A darker shadow has fallen over the great forest, there have been attacks, even fires over the past month. The enemy sent the Nine back to Dol Goldur, where they have once again began gathering evil to them."
"We have been departed from the Golden Wood for only two weeks, why did you not tell me of this sooner?"
"I did not want to burden you."
"Myself aside, Legolas especially had the right to know," said Eredhel.
"You know how strong the forces in that forest are, would you wish to be told your home is under attack when you have to fight another battle?" Eredhel felt Galadriel's presence lessen and knew their discussion was over. She rubbed her eyes as the weight of the Lady's news settled on her shoulders. If Rivendell was in danger she would want to know about it. Legolas would fear for his home and she was not looking forward to having to tell him. The blond elf was looking over at her in concern.
"Eredhel?" His forehead creased in a frown.
"It's nothing, I will tell you after," she answered, giving herself a shake.
"And I will hold you to your word," he said seriously. By now they had come within view of the tower of Saruman. The men gasped as they saw the great wall surrounding the Orthanc in a state of rubble, water filling the inside of it like a giant pool. The main entrance was still intact and as Eredhel gazed at it she smiled and reached over to nudge Legolas' arm. He looked at her quizzically and she nodded to something in the distance. He looked and a grin spread across his face.
"Oi, what are you two getting on with?" Gimli demanded
"You'll see shortly master dwarf," replied Eredhel with a smirk. As they got closer they could see several barrels piled onto the small island of stone and a brightly colored cloth was laid on the stone walkway above the arched entrance. Two figures stood up to meet them, throwing their arms upwards in greeting as they puffed on long pipes.
"Welcome, my lords-" began Merry with a huge grin.
"And lady, Eredhel is there as well," interrupted Pippin.
"Yes, I was getting to that," said Merry, elbowing Pippin in the ribs. "Welcome, my lords and lady to Isengard!" He bowed low. "It is our honor to welcome you on behalf of Treebeard, the new master of this land!" Several of the men laughed but Gimli growled.
"You rascals! We chase you over hill and under tree and then we find you smoking and feasting and smoking some more!" he exclaimed. The hobbits looked down at him, abashed.
"We also have been having our own adventures. The least of which was nearly getting eaten by an orc! We are sitting on the field of a victorious battle, enjoying the spoils of war!" explained Pippin. "Treebeard has instructed us to tell Gandalf and the King (he once again bowed low) that a respite of food and drink can be had before you continue towards the tower."
"Yes, thank you very much young Peregrin," Gandalf indicated to Théoden, "Come let us leave these friends to tell their tales. We will return for them once we are refreshed!" Théoden, Éomer and the men followed Gandalf, leading their horses through the murky water. The other four remained behind, leaving their horses on a spot of land below and climbing the steps up to where the hobbits sat. Once they were comfortable and everyone had eaten and drank their fill, they began telling them of their adventures since Amon Hen. Merry and Pippin eagerly told of their meeting with Treebeard and their long wait at the Entmoot. Then they recounted the battle at Isengard, where the Ents broke the stone wall and filled Saruman's forges with water and steam. It seemed they were unable to damage the Orthanc and that was where Saruman was now trapped. Once they had finished Aragorn began to tell them how they had hunted for the troop of orcs and then met the Riders of Rohan and Eredhel. He spoke of the healing of Théoden and the battle of Helm's Deep. By the time they were finished they could see Gandalf and the others making their way back through the water, with Treebeard walking beside them.
He was a giant tree, with limbs and a face that resembled those of a very old man. He had a beard of moss and lichen and the same thoughtful, golden brown eyes of all the herders of the trees. When he reached them he looked at each of them, analyzing them slowly. His eyes lingered on Gimli's axe before moving to Eredhel and he smiled kindly. "Ah, Varyor. It seems only a brief time ago when you ventured into the deep heart of my forest."
"Perhaps, in the time of a tree but it was in fact almost three hundred years ago," answered Eredhel, chuckling. The Ent raised his bushy eyebrows.
"Indeed aldandil (tree friend), well have you seen any of the Entwives I told you of?" he asked.
"No, I'm afraid not. But I do remember the lists you taught me:
Learn now the lore of living creatures!
First name the four, the free peoples:
Eldest of all, the elf-children;
Dwarf the delver, dark are his houses;
Ent the earthborn, old as mountains;
Man the mortal; master of horses"
She looked to him for approval and he nodded but raised a gnarled finger. "Ah yes, very good but we've made an addition since you and I last met. Now we have "Hungry as hunters, the Hobbit children, the laughing folk, the little people." Merry and Pippin clapped eagerly and a wide grin spread across Gandalf's face.
"It seems the influence of halflings is spreading. Well now that we are rested and refreshed we must attend to Saruman," he said, becoming grave once more. "We must be careful for even now his voice can be treacherous. He will be bent upon escaping retribution for his work." The six companions climbed down the steps and the elves, Aragorn and Gimli mounted their horses. Éomer pulled Merry up behind him while Gandalf took Pippin. When they got close enough to the tower Gandalf pulled his grey cloak tighter around him and called up towards the platform overlooking Isengard. "Saruman, come forth and answer for your betrayals!" he commanded. A moment later the great black door slowly opened and the white robed wizard stepped out onto the balcony, staring coldly down at the visitors below.