THE FORGOTTEN

The Dunadain and The Dead

Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings.

Authors note: The chapter in which – Lothril tells a short ghost story and then sees it in waking life. More quoting/paraphrasing, just because, I LOVE some of the stuff describing the dead that Tolkien wrote, and I could not bear to take it out. As always, elvish, if any in italics. Review if you like, but don't feel like you have to.

They had only just passed the Fords of Isen when a rider came up from the rear and spoke to the king saying that horsemen were coming up behind them, riding hard and overtaking their company. Theoden immediately called for a halt and the Riders turned about, grabbing their spears. Aragorn dismounted and set Merry on the ground and drew his sword and stood by the king. Lothril rode up beside him and dismounted also as Merry drew his sword.

"A noble and brave thought, Master Meriadoc, but unnecessary," she whispered, leaning down beside him. "They are Aragorn's kin."

Merry stared up at her in wide-eyed wonder. "Are you sure?"

"Certain," she answered. "Now be still and watch," she said smiling.

Éomer waited until they were some fifty paces off then called out, "HALT! Who rides in the lands of Rohan?"

"Rohan did you say?" asked a rider. "Good! We have been searching for this place!"

"You have found it," Éomer said. "Who are you and why have you been searching for it?"

"Halbarad Dunadan, Ranger of the North. We seek Aragorn son of Arathorn, and had heard news that he was in Rohan."

"You have found me as well!" Aragorn exclaimed. He sheathed his sword and gave his reins to Merry. He ran forward and embraced Halbarad. "Least expected of all joys this is!" He turned to the others and said, "All is well! These are some of my own kin!" he turned to Halbarad and asked, "How many do you have here?"

Merry glanced up at Lothril with an expression of surprise and excitement. It was fun knowing what was about to happen, especially when it was a good thing.

"Thirty. That is all could gather in haste. But Elladan and Elrohir have ridden with us as well. We rode swiftly when your summons came," Halbarad answered.

Aragorn smiled wide at mention of Elladan and Elrohir, but at summons he turned and glanced at Lothril in wonder. She shook her head.

"Galadriel!" he whispered to himself. Then he asked, "Theoden, may my kinsmen ride with us?"

"If they are anything like yourself, they are more than welcome!" Theoden said. The thirty joined the company and the riders set out again, Merry riding with Lothril.

"Shall the Dunadan ride with us to Minas Tirith?" Merry asked Lothril.

"If you mean shall they ride with Aragorn, then yes. But Aragorn shall not ride with Theoden. That is not his road. His is much darker and more desperate. Your road lies with Theoden, do not forget that. You and Pippin both have a part to play yet, and I would see you do it. That is why I am telling you this.

"What of you? Shall you go to Minas Tirith?"

"I shall."

"And will you go with Theoden or Aragorn?"

"I believe with Aragorn. I think perhaps I shall do the most good there. If nothing else, Legolas and the sons of Elrond shall be going with Aragorn and I should like to remain with my kin, such as I have."

Just then Elladan moved himself next to Lothril and said, "I come bearing messages for you. Father says: Remember what you have been taught and that great deeds are not wrought by swords alone, but a good blade is still most to be desired in battle." He touched a sword with a richly tooled scabbard hanging at his side. "I shall hold onto it for you until we stop. My sister sent word as well. Greetings gwathel Lothril! Take care, and remember that our thoughts go with you. And I say to you, word has reached our ears of a romance between you and Legolas and Arwen is already making your wedding gift so it is already too late to change your mind," he joked.

She blushed ever so slightly and wasn't sure how to respond and glanced over at Legolas who only wore a contented smile that had a hint of mischief at the corners.

The rest of the night was spent in riding and small talk. Once the night was so old that the eastern rim of the world was grey, they came back to the Hornburg and there lied and rested for a brief while, and took council. Lothril gave Merry her blanket to sleep on. Merry and Gimli lay down near each other and both were soon sound asleep. Legolas, Elladan, Elrohir, and Lothril went outside to speak for a while. For a brief while they exchanged what news as each had to share and then the sons of Elrond gave Lothril the sword that Elrond had sent.

"Come Lothril, show us the blade Lord Elrond has given you," Legolas said.

She pulled the blade from its sheath. "Our father chose this blade specifically for you, Lothril," Elladan said. "It was forged in Eregion at its height and won great renown even in defeat. When the one who bore it sailed, he left it with our father with instructions to be borne at the fall of Sauron in vengance and recompense for the fall of Eregion. He has kept it all this age in anticipation of this day and he gives it to you now. Bear it well to the vengeance of our kindred and the destruction of evil."

In awestruck silence she stared at her ancient blade, still as bright and sharp as the day the smith had finished it. "I am grateful, extremely grateful, and honored that such a sword should be given to me, but would it not be more appropriate for one of you to wield it?"

Elrohir smiled."Father said you would probably question his decision. He called the sword part of your inheritance and a means of connecting you to your heritage. And despite what you may think, you have proven yourself worthy of such a gift."

"Just accept it, Lothril," Legolas grinned.

"Oh, fine," Lothril said with an exaggerated eye roll. The elves all broke into quiet laughter and Lothril thanked the sons of Elrond for the sword. The twins bade Legolas and Lothril goodnight and went inside to catch a few hours of sleep.

The two laid down on the top of the wall and stared up at the stars in silence. They were veiled. She had gotten used to seeing the sky filled from horizon to horizon with stars, but now only the brightest ones were visable. It reminded her sharply of how the sky looked back in her old world. This realization gave her an odd feeling and made her feel strangely sad. Legolas looked at her and said, "Do you know what is happening in my father's realm?"

His question pulled her out of her reveries. She took a deep breath, "I gave word to Galadriel that both Mirkwood and Lorien would be attacked and when, so I can only assume they are preparing for war."

He nodded. "How long until we depart?"

"It shall be after noon. Aragorn will be up in the tower for quite some time yet."

"We should rest now," Legolas said. Lothril agreed and they got off the wall and headed inside to get a few hours rest as the sun began to rise over the edge of the world.

Merry was permitted to sleep only a few hours when he was then awoken by Legolas. He and Gimli told him some of the battle that had occurred the other night. Lothril stood off a little ways, watching the people around her move about and prepare for the days ride. Suddenly she heard Gimli say her name.

"What do you say, milady?" Gimli asked with a hearty grin.

"About what?" she asked. Her musings suddenly broke off.

"If days of peace and freedom come again, will you explore the caves with me and Legolas?"

"If I can, Gimli," she replied.

Poor Merry was tired and rather dismal. Lothril sat down beside him. "How do you do this morning my good Merry?"

"Not as well as I could be." He yawned widely. "I did not get enough sleep last night, and I miss Pippin."

"I'm afraid you shall not get much for a while yet. We are in the thick of it and things shall only be getting thicker."

"You really do sound like Gandalf sometimes, you know," Merry said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

She thought about this for a moment, a small thoughtful frown formed on her lips and she shrugged. "Elves will tell you both yes and no and wizards speak in riddles. I suppose I never had much of a chance," she mused aloud, mostly to herself. Her gaze went back to Merry and her face brightened, "Let me try again in plainer speech – we are in the part in the story where all the heroes are feeling as if everything will go very wrong if they do not act in time, and the listeners start creeping towards the edge of their seats. Soon, very soon we shall be at the parts where the young children start asking how things end and everything is on a knife's edge and could fall either way."

"And then the heroes win, the sun shines again, and everything goes back to how it was before?"

"I cannot give away the ending, for it is not written down as yet. Things could still change. And besides, even in the stories things never return to how they were before. Every day is new and every day forges its own path. There is no going back to the former, there is only going forward and trying to make things better than they were before."

"You're sounding like a wizard again," Merry commented, not sure if he was feeling gloomy or encouraged.

"It cannot be helped, I suppose," she said. "In any event, you should see to your packing and make sure you have what you need," With that she turned and went over to where Legolas and Gimli stood in conversation.

"Yes, Legolas, it must have been Lady Galadriel that sent for the Grey Company. Now why didn't we wish for our own kin?" Gimli asked.

"I do not think they would have come. War is already marching on their own lands," Legolas replied. "Do you think they would have, Lothril?"

"No, you are right. Everyone is where they are needed, or soon will be," Lothril said.

"I do wish you would tell us a wee bit more of what goes on," Gimli said.

"Legolas has told you as much as you could hope to get from me. I am not all knowing about what is going on in this war, despite what you may think."

They were not talking very long when they were summoned to noon meal. They went into the hall and sat down, Legolas across from Lothril. All during the meal he and Lothril spoke mentally on this and that. They finished before anyone else did, and excused themselves by saying they were going to inform Aragorn that it was almost time to leave, and walked off towards the place Aragorn was. They were about four doors away from the room he was in when Legolas suddenly stopped.

Lothril kept going for a step or so, and then turned. Legolas had a strange gleam in his eyes.

"What?" she asked.

He took a step towards her and without a word wrapped his arms around her and kissed her.

"This is hardly the time or the place Legolas," she said.

"The time and place are too far off to wait for them," he replied.

He peppered her with kisses for a few seconds then paused."You seemed rather hesitant to return the kiss. Why mel nin?"

She lowered her eyes, troubled by something.

His face became full of concern as he asked, "Lothril, mel nin, what is wrong? Tell me, please," he softly pleaded.

"We are about to fly into danger and darkness, against which I have not ever been tested. I know what the road ahead holds. I am afraid that I shall falter."

"I think you are wrong. You have not faltered yet. You are Lothril of the House of Elrond, emissary of Valinor. A more noble title than many kings could boast. You did not falter before in darkness. You shall not falter now," he said.

"Legolas, you encourage me."

"I do my best," he smiled and he gave her another kiss then said they should go fetch Aragorn. Just as they turned towards the door, it opened. Out of the door came Aragorn and Halbarad. Aragorn had changed so drastically in appearance that night that both Legolas and Lothril balked.

"Legolas, are the Rohirrim preparing to leave?" Aragorn asked. His voice sounded as weary as his face looked.

"Yes," Legolas replied.

"Even as we speak the King is preparing to mount his horse," Lothril said. The four walked out towards the place where everyone was. As they walked, Gimli, Elladan, and Elrohir joined the procession.

"Estel, are you well?" Elrohir asked.

"Yes, I think so," Aragorn replied. The twins looked at him with some concern; never had they seen him so exhausted.

Out they walked to where Theoden sat upon Snowmane and Merry on Stybba. Both were startled by the appearance of Aragorn. Before they departed, Lothril gave Merry's hand a tight squeeze and kissed his cheek.

"We will meet again, Merry," Lothril said.

"I do hope you're right," Merry said grimly. "The Paths of the Dead sounds ominous."

She nodded.

"Merry! I leave you in good hands," Aragorn said to his friend and told him they would not forget him."

It had a note of finality to it and all Merry could think to say was 'Good-bye!' and then the call went out and they left.

They returned to the hall and Aragorn ate in silence for a few minutes before he told his companions he had dared to look into the palantir. After he told his tale and declared they must reach Gondor in ten days time, he told them he planned to take the Paths of the Dead.

"I bid you come with me, if you would understand the words of the seer better. That is the way I shall now take. Need drives me, therefore, only of your free will would I have you come with me. The way shall be hard and there shall be great fear, maybe worse," Aragorn said.

"I will go with you Aragorn, to whatever end they may lead," Gimli said.

"I shall go with you also. I do not fear the dead," Legolas said.

"I shall go as well," Lothril said.

Aragorn gave a grim smile before he continued. He told the story, in brief, of how the Paths of the Dead came into being. Once finished he stood and said, "Come with me who will!" and drew his sword. "I seek the Paths of the Dead and Stone of Erech! Come with me who will!"

Legolas, Gimli, Lothril, and the rest stood and followed Aragorn from the hall. Lothril mounted Leofa, Legolas and Gimli mounted Arod, and Aragorn mounted his horse that the Dunadan had brought from the north named Roheryn. Then Halbarad lifted a great horn and blew a note that it echoed in Helm's Deep. They rode away down the Coomb with a great noise and all the men that were left on Dike or Burg stared in amazement.

They Grey Company rode so swiftly over the plain that they came to Edoras and then Dunharrow by late evening before Theoden and his company, and there they were there greeted by Éowyn. As they had approached the place, Lothril got the chills. She had never put much stock in ghost stories back home, but she knew full well those stories were true and real and she was about to see it firsthand. They were greeted by Éowyn who looked both surprised to see a party reach her so soon as well as glad to see such mighty men at arms. If such were joining the Rohirrim, surely things would go better with them! Quickly she saw to getting them their supper and was glad to hear all of their news, as she had only gotten a quick word from a messenger thus far. As they ate, Lothril couldn't help but notice Éowyn's eyes resting often on Aragorn. It made her a little sad, because it was obvious she was drawn to Aragorn, and it was clear her being stuck in Dunharrow was very nearly painful to her. Indeed, once or twice Lothril caught the lady of Rohan looking at her with a twinge of envy. The elfmaid got to ride to war. The elfmaid had won great renown at Helm's Deep (something Lothril wished Gimli hadn't been so eager to share) while she had been stuck finding beds. She didn't dislike Lothril per say, but she was very jealous of her circumstances.

After news was told Éowyn apologized that nothing better could be arranged for their sleeping that night, but promised better for the morrow, and Aragorn informed her it would not be necessary as they were leaving with first light. She did not much like the news that they planned to take the Paths of the Dead and tried to dissuade him from that road, but it was in vain.

Lothril had gotten up during that conversation and headed and to one of the four tents that they and the Dúnedain were sharing. Each tent had partitions that could be set up if they wished, and as it seemed Aragorn, the sons of Elrond, Legolas, Gimli, Lothril, and Halbarad would all be sharing one tent, they went ahead and partitioned it so Lothril could have some privacy.

"What novelty! A space to myself," Lothril joked as she entered the tent and unrolled her bedroll on the mat.

"We thought you should appreciate it," Elladan said from the other side of the partition.

"After months traveling with nine binn, we supposed you might be desperate for it," Elrohir added.

"You have no idea. Thank you," she said as she sat down on her bedroll with her back to the flap (which she had closed and tied off, but this wasn't her first camping trip and things happen) and removed her outer tunic and shook some of the dust and dirt off of it, then took off her under tunic and beat that out too, and took full advantage of the wash basin that was on the low table in the corner.

"You are welcome," Elladan replied.

Suddenly Aragorn and Éowyn's conversation was outside their tent and she heard Gimli and Legolas come inside.

"The lady seems set against our going tomorrow," Elrohir commented in elvish.

"Indeed, and so her brother and the king," Legolas said. "It seems that road is very dark."

"It is especially so to the Rohirrim. They lost the son of a king to those paths after a rash vow," Lothril added and then sighed. The conversation was very nearly painful to overhear.

"Do you know the tale?" Elladan asked.

"I do know the tale, but it is short. Baldor the eldest son of Brego the king who finished the Golden Hall made a rash and probably drunken vow as they celebrated the finishing of the Hall and said he would walk the Forbidden Paths. After the feasting and so forth, he put on his armor and took his sword and went into the Paths of the Dead and was never seen or heard of again."

"You were not kidding when you said it was short," Elladan said wryly.

"But why would he make such a vow?" Elrohir asked.

"As I recall, Baldor was son of Brego son of Eorl, and when Brego and Baldor were exploring, they found the entrance to the Paths of the Dead and an old man with a riddle forbade them entrance. Baldor was intrigued by this and instead of heeding the warning, he decided to ignore it and pass into the cursed place anyway. If I had to put a word to the reason, I should say 'pride' or if I am feeling less generous in my assessment, 'stupidity,'" Lothril answered.

"And yet we shall attempt it," Elrohir said grimly.

"Yes, but with one who has the right to tread there," Lothril answered.

"If the fair folk are done telling their secrets, some of us should prefer a little sleep. Unless of course they wish to share their tales in words we can all understand," Gimli complained.

"We speak only of plots to make you cease snoring," Lothril teased.

"I do not snore!" Gimli protested.

"Yes, you do," answered everyone in the tent.

"Nay, dwarves do not snore, we merely breathe deeply. It is your delicate ears that mistake deep breathing for snoring," he retorted.

"No Gimli, you snore," Aragorn confirmed as he joined his friends in the tent. "Where is Lothril? I thought her heard her in here." he asked, looking around slightly confused.

"She gets her own room tonight, Aragorn," Elladan said as he nodded towards the partition.

"I see. I did not notice it before," Aragorn said. "I am surprised to see Legolas on this side."

"I have not been invited over," he answered.

"Nor shall he be," Lothril added. "At least not until I have had a chance to finish beating out my clothes. I swear, when this is all over, I shall need to burn these things and live in a bathtub for a week."

"If all goes well, I shall give you the fire to burn them with and the biggest bathtub I can find," Aragorn pledged.

"If you find a screen also, I shall let you sit on the other side of it and I will explain to you how I came to be a seer," she replied as she put back on her under tunic and began beating out her pants.

"Consider it done," Aragorn said.

Legolas got a funny look on his face, but said nothing. Sometimes he very much enjoyed being able to use ósanwe.

"Come join me after the others have fallen asleep."

"I shall," he replied.

The talking continued but a few minutes more and soon the others were asleep. Legolas sat up and asked, "May I join you?"

"Please do," she answered. "Being near this mountain makes me very uneasy."

"In that case, I must stay with you all night," he answered as he silently folded up his blanket and joined her on her side of the tent.

He sat down beside her on the mat and placed a kiss on her lips, and then lay down beside her. She smiled and drifted off into a deep sleep. For as grateful as she was to have a few minutes of privacy, she was far more grateful to feel him beside her as she wasn't sure she could have slept at all otherwise. She could hear and feel the dead under the mountain and she found it unsettling. Legolas lay wakeful for a time longer, thinking about her. He loved her, more than anything else. He propped himself up on one arm and gazed into her face, thankful they had these few hours. The Paths of the Dead did not sound like a cheery proposition. He was no great lore scholar nor did he pretend to be an interpreter of prophecy, but the lines Aragorn had recited of Malbeth the Seer felt ominous. Not that he was afraid of the shades of men, but that didn't mean things wouldn't be gloomy, desperate, and hard. He was not looking forward to what the next day might bring, but it was still night and he was beside his beloved and that was enough. Her face was serene as she slept and he marveled again at how different she looked now from their first meeting. She still looked like herself of course, but her features were more refined and the hesitancy and needless guilt and apology were gone from her manner and speech. She was far more confident now and open and free in her manner and he found that very attractive. He had still liked her when he had to coax things out of her, but now that he didn't have to he found he could spend more time actually talking with her and the more he got to know her, the more he loved her. At length he grew tired himself and lied down beside her and found her hand and held it as they slept.

The moon had gone down, the morning star had appeared, and on the eastern rim of the world the first faint traces of light could be seen, yet the sun was still hidden. Aragorn and most of the Dunadan were up and quietly preparing to leave. Legolas heard the quiet footfalls and awoke, still holding the hand of his fair Lothril. He sat up and looked over at her; she was still sound asleep.

"Lothril, get up. We must leave," he quietly said and attended to packing. She did not stir. He returned a few minutes later holding a cup of water and expecting to see her up and packed, but she was yet asleep. "Lothril!" he said in a normal voice.

Her head moved slightly

"Lothril!" he said as he crouched down shook her gently. "You must hurry, we are leaving soon."

She blinked and saw Legolas crouching next to her. "Why did you not wake me sooner?"

Legolas shook his head, "I did. Now, get up, we must leave quickly." He handed her the cup and then stood and offered her a hand and stood. Both put on their bows and quivers and went outside to where the good Arod and faithful Leofa stood waiting for them.

As they made ready to depart, Éowyn came up to Aragorn and it seemed like there would be a continuation of the conversation from the night before. She was dressed as a rider and wore a sword and bore a cup. Both drank the cup of parting then he said, "Farewell, Lady Éowyn, I drink to the fortunes of your House, and of you and all your people. Say unto your brother: beyond the shadows we may meet again."

Lothril, Legolas, and Gimli thought she wept as she asked, "Aragorn, will you go?"

"Yes," he answered.

"May I ride with you as I asked?"

"No, lady. I could not grant that without leave of the king and your brother; and they will not return until tomorrow, and I must now count every hour, yea, every minute. Farewell."

Lothril looked on her with pity. She did not desire to go to war as Éowyn did, yet that was where she was going while the one who desired it greatly was being told she could not go. She seemed so cold and despairing. It was a shame she had not had much opportunity to speak with her, but things had moved quickly. Though she doubted any speech could have cheered her or dissuaded her from wanted to go with Aragorn.

Éowyn fell on her knees and begged him, but he told her she could not as he raised her with his hand. He kissed it, sprang into his saddle and rode away, not looking back. Only those who knew him well could see the pain he bore. Lothril felt horrible for both of them. Aragorn was a sweet soul who wouldn't wish to hurt anyone needlessly, and Éowyn was a miserable soul who felt trapped by every circumstance and was denied escape once more.

Éowyn watched Aragorn ride away and Lothril. "Fortunate elfmaid. She is permitted to ride to war and honor and glory, and I am not. She has an elf lord that gave her leave, and now she is permitted to do what she will. How I wish I could do the same!" Éowyn thought to herself. She had not spoken to her much, but she sensed the great power that Lothril tried to conceal, just as she sensed the greatness of Aragorn. She felt it in her uncle and brother as well, perhaps that is the reason she loved them both so much. In a way, she was envious of them all. Even though she could sense the greatness in those around her, she could not sense it in herself, though it was there. Perhaps that is why she wanted to go into battle so much, to find, or prove to herself the power and greatness that she had. The honor, glory, and renown would be a fortunate consequence of her going to battle. The sternness and pride that she always kept was a smoke screen, so the rest of the world would not know how she truly felt.

Lothril may have felt it, and perhaps that is how she understood, and why she pitied her. Lothril's thoughts, however, soon left the weeping Lady of Rohan and turned to the Paths of the Dead and what would happen there after.

As they rode, Legolas asked her mentally, "How are you this morning?"

"Rested but not enthusiastic. I know what lies yonder, and – I am anxious for the end of that road."

He paused a moment. Even now he was starting to get that strange and foreboding feeling he would get at times in Mirkwood when the Necromancer's power had been growing. It was a feeling of rot and decay and ill intent. "I think I am too."

The light was still grey when they reached the Dimholt. A dread fell on them as they passed into it. Into the gloom they passed and it was so thick and heavy that even Legolas could not long endure it. It reminded Lothril of the coming of night in Mirkwood, but without hope of dawn on the other side. She somehow doubted that any true light ever was found here. After a time they found a hollow opening at the mountain's root. In their path stood a single great stone that was like a finger of doom. Lothril had never seen anything that looked so ominous and warning and she began getting a peculiar feeling. A feeling she had had only once or twice before in her old world, and each time it was accompanied by the distinct impression that great evil was there and to run. The urge to run was there again, but every instinct she possessed told her the only way out was with Aragorn or not at all.

"My blood is chill," Gimli said. Everyone else remained silent. All sound fell dead on the dank fir-needles. The horses refused to pass the finger-like stone until the riders dismounted and led them about. They came deep into the glen and there stood a sheer wall of rock, and in the wall the Dark Door opened before them like the mouth of night. The door had signs and marks about it that later caused Lothril to wonder what language they were. The company halted, and as they did, Lothril felt fear flow that door like a grey vapor. The hearts of the men quailed, but Legolas and the twins did not. The heart of Lothril became defiant. She had, in a way, been born in Valinor and, most all would say, had died. Death had no terror on her as a human (for perhaps subconscious knowledge of her immortality) and most certainly had no terror on her now. However, she knew evil when she felt it and this place was thick with it. If she had not known what she did and did not believe Aragorn had full right and power to summon them, she would have never ventured into the Dimholt. She was not afraid of death, but being surrounded by such a thick feeling of evil and death was very uncomfortable and unsettling.

"This is an evil door and my death is beyond it. Yet I will dare to pass it; but no horse will enter," Halbarad said.

"But we must go in, thus the horses must as well. We shall need them on the other side. Follow me," Aragorn said, then in he went.

Aragorn's strength and lineage were revealed in that moment when all the Dúnedain and their horses followed him. However, Arod and Leofa, noble horses though they were, did not love their riders like the horses of the Dunadain and would not go in. They stood trembling and sweating in fear. Legolas and Lothril both covered the eyes of their horses, and both sang a few words. When Lothril finished she kissed the horse's nose and led her in.

She glanced back and saw the dwarf with his knees shaking. She did not want to lose him so said unto him, "You shall survive if you keep up, now come before Elladan's torch is beyond sight." The dwarf reluctantly went in and ran to catch up with the torch he saw. He passed it and ran into the back of Lothril.

As they walked, Gimli looked back and somehow knew that the dead were following. Then he looked in front of him and saw Lothril, glowing faintly, and no torch light was touching her. It was then it was confirmed that she had indeed died. She saw the shades of men, and they saw her as she would appear in Valinor.

The procession only paused once, when Aragorn found the bones of Baldor; his skeleton wearing rich armor and his fingers still clawing the door, his legs clearly broken. As Aragorn spoke, Lothril felt like wherever this door led, it was perhaps the heart of all the evil in this place. She turned around to ask Legolas if he felt it too when she saw a great mass of people behind them. She tapped Legolas on the shoulder and told him to turn around. He did.

"I see nothing, though I feel them," Legolas said with ósanwe.

"Truly? For I see the shades of men, many and great. They follow and whisper their dark designs against us, but they know who leads us, and what the seer spoke, and that they can do us no harm. They are ill pleased we are here."

"It is strange you can see them and I cannot. It must be because you died in Lothlorien and are Maia."

She nodded her head as a chill, dead wind came and blew out their torches. Now, all near her could see her glowing faintly in the dark. The elves more clearly and the others almost as a trick of the imagination. In the end, the will of Aragorn and the glimmer of light from Lothril were the only things that kept the Grey Company from insanity in the darkness and gloom. As they went along, the elves became convinced the dead hated them all, but Lothril most of all, for it seemed she was dead and yet walked freely under the sun unbound and was more than them and untouchable. They hated Aragorn too, but knew him for Isildur's heir and so suffered him for freedom from their oath.

Suddenly all heard the tinkle of water, and saw a growing light. They came to the end of the horrid path and found themselves going steeply down on a road between sheer cliffs. In the thin strip of sky that was above them, they could see stars.

The company mounted their horses again, and poor Gimli returned to Legolas. Legolas turned to speak to Gimli, but he stopped. "The Dead are following. I see shapes of Men and of horses, and pale banners like shreds of cloud, and spears like winter thickets on a misty night. The Dead are following," said Legolas.

"Yes, they have been summoned," Elladan said.

"Then you see them now," Lothril said with a grimly. Legolas only nodded in reply.

They had come out by the place men call Blackroot, but also known as the Morthond Vale. Suddenly, Aragorn cried, without looking back, "Friends, forget your weariness! Ride now! Ride! We must reach the Stone of Erech before the day ends, and we still have a long way to go!" and he set off. They rode on, through fields,over a bridge and on and on. Hard and fast they rode until their horses stumbled with weariness. Finally, when the time was almost midnight, they came to the Hill of Erech.

Upon the top of it stood a black stone, perfectly round and half buried in the ground. That which was above ground was the height of a man. Aragorn dismounted and stood near the stone and cried in a great voice.

"Oathbreakers, why have you come?"

A voice responded, but it sounded far away. "To fulfill our oath and have peace."

"The hour is come. Now I go to Pelargir upon the Anduin, and ye shall come after me. When all this land is clean of the servants of Sauron, I will hold your oath fulfilled, and you shall have peace, for I am Elessar, Isildur's heir of Gondor!"

With that he told Halbarad to unfurl the great standard that he bore. It was black and the devices on it did not show in the darkness. That night everyone slept beside the stone, well rested there. The dread of the Shadows about them caused most of them to stay awake. Lothril, however, was not concerned about the Dead and the feelings of evil and death had departed as soon as they came out at Morthond Vale. As they settled down to make camp, she wondered why it was but then remembered something about them maybe worshiping Sauron in secret and wondered if maybe they had a temple there. Vaguely she recalled something about what the Numenoreans did in their worship of Melkor and wondered if perhaps Sauron demanded the same. Either way, a temple dedicated to either of them was bound to exude evil. Regardless, they were far from the place now and she was tired enough that she could fall asleep and did. Most of the Dunadain that looked at her thought she was either extremely fortunate to be able to sleep, or else she was mad and did not heed them.

The dawn came pale and cold. Aragorn rose at once and led the Grey Company forth. A whole day and night in the presence of the dead was enough to try the nerves of even the boldest of them and in the end it was Aragorn's will that held them together. If they had been any other men besides the Dunadain of the North, they would never have made it. The host came to Lamedon and continued up to Calembel upon Ciril.

The next day there came no dawn. On that day, Lothril felt a heaviness that she had not known. Things were beginning in earnest. Then the Grey Company rode into the darkness of the Storm of Mordor and were lost to mortal sight, but the Dead followed them.