We'll be pivoting away from Gwin's POV for a couple of chapters, so you'll have to wait until you can find out how she's doing in that creepy cell in Isengard. Prepare to see what some of the others are up to!

I also wanted to clarify the timing in this story. In canon (the game especially), many events happen in an almost absurdly short amount of time. I wanted to stretch it out a bit to something I think is more realistic. I don't really use dates in this story, so I think it'll work out ok. I hope it doesn't bother any of you!

Chapter 117

Ergothorn's POV: Eleven Days Ago

I sat on the ground, eating a warm bowl of stew one of the Rohirrim handed me. I was exhausted, not due to the pace of my travels, but rather the constant effort to conceal myself from anyone who might wish to cause me trouble. After leaving Gwin and the Rangers, I had taken the advice of one of the locals in Enedwaith, and used a little-known path into Dunland, which ran between Trum Dreng and the Bonevales. It was a difficult road, and I spent much time cutting my way through brush and branches, or climbing through the hills, with my horse following close behind. I briefly stopped in Galtrev, getting in and out quickly to restock my supplies, before continuing on to the south and east. The land was quite exposed throughout much of Dunland, so I traveled during the night and rested during the day.

Finally, I was here, at Theodred's camp in the Gravenwood. As Gwin had expected, they welcomed me due to my Rohirric heritage, as well as the Prince's judge of my character. Speaking of which, Theodred was making his way over to me, and settled down beside me. "I see you have found some food, and hopefully some rest here. Ergothorn, is it?" He had a welcoming smile on his face, and I placed his age to be somewhere in his upper 30s to early 40s.

I nodded, "Yes, my lord Theodred." Should I call him 'my Prince'?

"Just Theodred," he replied breezily. "Now, what brings you to my camp?"

I sat in thought for a moment, trying to figure out how to begin. Theodred waited patiently, and I appreciated it. "To keep a long story short, I am originally from Gondor, but have spent many months traveling around Middle Earth making maps of the topography. Recently I found myself traveling back and forth between Enedwaith and Dunland, and was drawn into a conflict due to hearing some concerning information about Saruman the White."

Theodred's smile faded, a concerned frown in its place. "What did this conflict entail?"

"I cannot give you many details, for it concerns an errand of secrecy which is not my own. However, I will tell you that there are Dunlending tribes who have chosen to side against Saruman in this conflict, and I have spent time with these people and seen their honesty and determination to fight for good."

The Prince seemed to weigh his words carefully before saying, "It is good to hear that perhaps the enemy of our enemy is our friend, in this case."

I shrugged, before continuing, "I was gravely injured, and during my recovery, I came to the realization that I wished to do some good for the people of my father's kin. If there is a way for me to help you in your aims, I would be glad to do it."

"Perhaps there is," Theodred said slowly, clearly in thought. "We have not been here long, and although we have some knowledge of the area and the roads to and from the Gap, our maps are not as detailed as I would like them to be. Could I perhaps see yours, and determine where more ground work needs to be completed to fill things in?"

"Certainly," I replied with a smile. I rifled through my pack and retrieved two casings of maps I had drawn of Dunland. "The second one is not quite finished, as I have not been into the Gap for some time."

Theodred's eyes widened in pleasure as he beheld the maps. "These are quite detailed indeed, my friend! The colors add a nice aesthetic, but also make it easier to determine certain landmarks."

"Thank you," I murmured, trying not to smile too much. I was proud of my work, and it was pleasing to know the Prince appreciated my hard work.

"Do you mind if I take these and show them to my commanders?" Theodred asked. "I will treat them with great care, for I can tell how hard you worked on them."

I nodded, and added hopefully, "Take as long as you need; I have no plans to leave anytime soon, if you will have me."

Theodred grinned, "You are most welcome! I will make sure you have accommodations, for I know we have extra tents and other supplies you may use."

"I would be most grateful," I replied, thankful I did not need to sleep unprotected from the elements. I had my sleeping palette, but nothing beat having a roof over one's head, or in this case, a tarp.

As I tried to sleep that night, my thoughts strayed back towards Gwin and her companions. Where were they now? I had not come across any of the rangers while traveling or in Galtrev, and I had thought they had planned to go there. Perhaps I had just missed them? I had heard tell of a great battle which had occurred at what was supposedly a barricade near the entrance to the city of Tur Morva in Tal Methedras, and I wondered if the rangers had been a part of it. The Dunlendings in Galtrev, from whom I overheard this conversation, reported the large force of orcs and Uruks were defeated, but I did not stick around long enough to ask any questions. I hoped the people of Tur Morva were well; I had enjoyed the brief time I had spent there, and the people had been courteous to me.

I huffed in frustration; whenever I would close my eyes, I'd see Gwin behind my eyelids, laughing at me by the fire. As much as I hated to admit it, I had feelings for her. Nothing as strong as the love between her and Candaith, but it was…something. More than just attraction; I had tried to ignore it and brush it aside constantly, yet found it was difficult. Perhaps time and distance would make it lessen.

After a few restless hours of sleep, I groggily exited my tent into the dewy morning air. Breathing deeply, I smiled at the fresh smell of the forest around me. It would be a beautiful day.

Theodred found me at the fire, where someone handed me some waybread and dried meat, despite my protests that I had some things in my pack. "I have a job for you, if you would be interested."

"Of course, what can I do to help?" I replied curiously.

"I was hoping you could travel south along the road from here, and do a bit of annotation to the maps of the current state of things. I know some places which were deserted now have settlements, or are suddenly lairs of wargs or other foul beasts. It would be good to be able to mark them so we know what we are dealing with," Theodred explained, looking hopeful. "I know you are not a trained scout, but I get the sense you know how to travel carefully and keep out of sight of danger."

"I do my best," I replied humbly. "I will set off as soon as possible."

Theodred grinned, dimples flashing. He certainly must be a heart-breaker back in Rohan. "Thank you very much, my friend. Do you have weapons to defend yourself, should you need them?"

My thoughts briefly went to Gwin, and how she would be pleased I had a couple of daggers and my trusty sword with me, along with some healing supplies, before I shook myself. Focus, Ergothorn! "Yes, I am armed, although I am not much of a warrior."

"I will have my men give you some pointers, if you would like," Theodred offered.

I smiled, "I may take you up on that." I stood up and brushed myself off. "Farewell, for now." Some of the others waved at me as I departed, and it was comforting to be around them. I had traveled alone for so long, and then had gotten used to spending time in the camp with the Dunedain; it had been strange being by myself again, on the road.

Taking another deep breath, I set off to the east, pencil and parchment at the ready.

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The day had been a productive one, and I had noted many things which had not been on the most recent map. To be fair, it had not been updated for several months, and things had deteriorated greatly with Saruman during that time. There was an unfriendly-looking orc camp, and I barely avoided a skirmish between them and some Dunlendings in a small village nearby. I had noted a shadow wolf den, hidden in some caves in the hills, which I knew would be useful for Theodred to know about, should he move any troops back and forth.

I had just come to the edge of a forested area, which was above the main thoroughfare, when I heard many voices coming from the North. I hid myself and waited; perhaps it was unwise for me to risk being seen, but something about this made me feel uneasy and worried. Theodred would surely wish to know as many details as I could provide him with.

Many Uruks and some dark-looking men were making their way down the road, and I flinched as I heard a whip crack. Prisoners then? I could hear a cart rolling across the ground, and after a moment of squinting behind a large bush, I was able to see who was in it.

I thought I had to be seeing things, for my breath caught as I saw Gwin sitting stiffly in the front seat of the cart, next to an evil-looking man. Two rangers were behind her, and looked to be Candaith and possibly Lothrandir. Everyone seemed rather the worse for wear, but I could see the two men had lashes from a whip on their backs and shoulders. I felt like I couldn't breathe, and I was both furious and terrified.

Using all my willpower to focus, I counted the enemy the best that I could, and scribbled it down so I would not forget. When I stood slightly to double-check something, I noticed Gwin's eye seemed drawn to my location. Not wanting to be seen, I threw myself to the ground and out of sight. I wanted so badly to call out to her, and somehow rescue the three of them from their captivity, but I was just one man. I knew they must be headed to Isengard, and perhaps would never return. Theodred will help, right?

As soon as they were far enough away, I jumped up and ran as fast as I could back to the camp. "Theodred!" I called out, my heart racing.

The prince looked up at me from a table he had been writing at, and made his way over to me. "What is it, Ergothorn? You look as if you've seen a ghost!"

"There…there was a large force…of Uruks and…dark men, going down the…road south," I gasped, trying to catch my breath.

"How many?" Theodred asked sharply.

"Here," I said, and handed him the parchment with the information. His eyes flew across the page, his frown getting deeper as he read.

"You are sure of this?" he asked.

I nodded, "I am, and there were three prisoners with them, who are known to me." I hastily explained who they were, without getting into the particulars of their mission. "Suffice to say, I care greatly for their welfare."

Theodred narrowed his eyes in thought, before swiveling his gaze to me. "Are you asking me to save them?"

"I…well…" I stuttered, unsure what I had meant to say.

"I am sorry, Ergothorn, but I do not have the armies to besiege Isengard in my camp, even to save your friends," Theodred said with a sigh, squeezing my shoulder in comfort.

My heart sank, but I knew he would likely say that. "I understand; Saruman's forces are vast, and his defenses strong, from what I hear."

"We are hoping to assail the fortress in the near future, once we muster with more of my people at the Fords of Isen," Theodred added. "Perhaps there will be a chance to rescue them during the chaos such battles can cause?"

"Perhaps," I murmured, trying to feel hopeful. "My friends are strong, and do not give up easily. I am sure they will give Saruman hell."

Theodred smirked. "I hope so too, for anything that causes the wizard distress can help, however small it is." With that, I tried to push Gwin and the rangers out of my mind and focus on presenting my findings during the day.

Which seemed impossible.

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Ergothorn's POV: The Day Before Gwin's 2nd Encounter with Saruman

After spending over a week helping Theodred with various mapping and scouting tasks, I was becoming restless. A shadow was growing in my mind over Gwin, Lothrandir, and Candaith's fates, and I felt I needed to do something to aid them.

But what?

"Ergothorn, my friend, why do you sit alone by your tent?" a voice asked, and I turned to look into the concerned eyes of Theodred. "Come join us at the fire, for there is a chill in the air."

I managed a small smile and replied, "Some company sounds nice." Perhaps it would distract me from the racing thoughts in my head. I settled myself down, and next to a soldier named Léofward. He was a quiet man, but intelligent and friendly. He handed me a bowl of stew with a quiet, "Here you go; eat up while it's warm." I took it gratefully, and absentmindedly ate it as I listened to the light-hearted chatter around the fire.

Eventually, talked turned to the current military situation. "Do you think we will be ready to ride soon, my Prince?" Léofward asked.

Theodred sighed, "Not yet; I have yet to hear back from Grimbold, for our messenger has not returned." He furrowed his brow in worry. "I do hope he is all right."

"Andreg is very skilled," another soldier argued. "He would not be taken unawares easily, nor captured."

"I will wait a little longer before sending out another, but until then, we must continue to be diligent in protecting our camp and the surrounding areas from evil. We cannot do the others any good if we end up dead," Theodred said grimly.

"What of the movements in Isengard?" Hogawise asked; he was Theodred's 2nd in command, and one of the tallest men I had ever seen. "Until a messenger arrives, we cannot know what his movements are."

"You make a fair point," Theodred murmured, propping his chin up with his hand in thought.

"I will go," a voice said, and I realized it had been mine when everyone turned to look at me in surprise. Deciding to continue pitching it, I added, "I can dye my hair black, as I have in the past, to hide my Rohirric looks, and carefully sneak my way to the gates."

"But you are not learned in scouting, especially at such a caliber," Hogawise stated, eyeing me doubtfully. "You would be caught."

I shrugged uneasily, "Perhaps, but I must do what I can to both aid you, as well as my friends, who are prisoners in Isengard. Even getting a lay of the land would help me figure out some way to infiltrate it, despite me likely being unable to rescue them. There are others more skilled than I in such things, and any knowledge I could provide would be useful." I turned to Theodred and looked him square in the eye. "I grew up in Gondor, but after spending this time with you, I finally feel like I belong. We are Rohirrim, and I want to do all I can to aid in the efforts to throw Saruman down, once and for all." I was breathing heavily after the impromptu speech, and Theodred's eyes were twinkling in amusement as he sat in thought.

After what felt like an Age (as Gwin would say), Theodred came and kneeled down next to me. "I give you my blessing in this, for your causes are just. Friendship and family are some of the strongest bonds of all, and if I were in your place, I would feel compelled to do the same. If Léofward and Haldred agree, I would have them accompany you on this errand." Both Rohirrim nodded immediately in agreement, and Theodred looked pleased. "You may set out at first light. The journey will take a couple of days, so make sure you have the provisions you need."

After triple checking that I had everything necessary in my pack, I settled down for sleep. I knew I would need all my wits about me to stay alive.

Hopefully, it would be enough to succeed. I refused to entertain anything less.

We are coming, Gwin.

Ergothorn is back! He's trying to find a purpose, and a place to belong. I think doing this work for Theodred is a good thing; he's gone through a lot in a short time, and wants to help his new friends however he can.