So starting in this chapter, we will see some plot changes from LOTRO and Lord of the Rings, due to what I want to happen in the next story arc. A lot of Rohan will be skipped due to it just not working for this story, so I apologize to any LOTRO fans who perhaps wanted to read about Gwin and her (sometimes) fruitless efforts to save the many Thanes and villages in Rohan. I hope you still like where I go with this, it's been difficult to write due to a lessening of time and inspiration. So bear with me!

Chapter 127

Only a few minutes later, he had dismounted his exhausted horse and stumbled over to Grimbold, leaning on a conveniently nearby Rohir. Unfortunately, he was speaking in rapid Rohirric, and I had no idea what he was saying. However, it clearly was nothing good, for Grimbold's eyebrows rose, before a grimly determined expression formed on his grizzled face.

Ergothorn appeared next to me, and translated. "He says Saruman's armies are gathering outside the gates of Isengard, near the Southern border of Nan Curunír. The force is not large, but clearly they are planning some sort of attack, or so the rider says." My stomach dropped; we could not afford to have an army just behind us as we rode past Nan Curunír and through the Fords. Ergothorn continued, "Prince Théodred had mentioned his suspicions that Saruman would attack the Ford, but he is not here to lead his armies."

"I think you are mistaken in this," Elladan interjected, and we all turned to see yet another rider flying into the camp, an escort close behind which included the remaining Dunedain. I had never met the Prince, but could tell by his bearing and how the other soldiers immediately bowed as he rode past. He dismounted smoothly and made his way over to Grimbold and the messenger. Noting us standing nearby, he motioned for us to join him.

"Westu hal," Theodred said to the small group of us. He studied me closely, and compassion was in his eyes. "I sense you were one of those imprisoned by Saruman?"

I had no idea how he would know this, as I was once again wearing my own clothes, but I knew I did not look my best. I could tell I was weaker, and the twins had mentioned I looked a little gaunt (although they said it more kindly). Or perhaps Ergothorn had described me, Candaith, and Lothrandir to Théodred, when he spotted us?

Whatever the case may be, I nodded and said, "Yes, my lord. Well met." I was unsure what else to say, but he gave me a small smile and replied, "I am glad you are returned from that accursed place, for I must ask for your aid." He then addressed the rest of the group. "I have been given word of Saruman's army stationed not far from here. It is supposedly not large, and something we can handle without too much difficulty."

At this, I jolted as I remembered what Candaith had learned. "My lord, if I may?" He nodded, looking at me curiously. "When I was in Isengard, I heard tell of a plan to draw you to the Fords and closer to Nan Curunír, under the guise you would be able to defeat the smaller force. Once you were in place, his army of many additional fighters would surround you. His goal is to kill you."

To his credit, Théodred did not look afraid or shaken. "Hmm," he said. "Then we will not fall into his trap. However, the question is, what will the wizard do when he realizes we do not intend to engage? I find it likely he will send his full forces to the Ford anyway."

"We have many warriors here, and Forthbrond is not far away. There are also soldiers stationed on Dol Baran, and although they have been fighting enemy Dunlendings there, it seems as if they have retreated for now. We could pull a small force from there, if needed."

"What of Marton?" Théodred asked.

"They have been dealing with small skirmishes with Dunlendings, and although I have sent scouts, they have not returned," Grimbold replied uneasily. "I fear something ill has befallen them."

Théodred sighed, "Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to investigate while we deal with the impending battle."

"I was told Elfhelm's éored was not far from here," Grimbold added. "Perhaps as near as the Hornburg. A scout will be sent to find them and reroute them to the Fords, if you agree, my Prince?"

Theodred nodded, "That I do, my friend."

"I will also send a messenger to Forthbrond, and another to Dol Baran. I trust Cadfrith to know how many men to send," Grimbold said. "If all goes well, they should be here in a few hours. I do not know how far away Elfhelm is stationed, but I am sure he will come as speedily as he can."

Théodred looked off into the distance, but I knew he would be unable to see where the enemy was gathered from here. "We will hold them off as best we can, should they attack before reinforcements arrive."

"Prince Théodred, you must take care," Candaith warned. "Their sole aim is to kill you, and from what I understand, the enemy wishes to use this to further weaken your father's resolve."

The Prince's eyes hardened, "What do you know of this matter?"

Swallowing, Candaith said, "A prisoner in the dungeons knew of a man named Grima, and he said Grima is a servant of Saruman, who was sent to put your father under some kind of spell. It seemed outlandish to me, for how could a mere man do such a thing? But with the aid of some magics of the wizard, perhaps he could."

Théodred's face fell. "He has…declined in recent months, and it did indeed start soon after Grima joined the council and became his most trusted advisor. My father seems weary and aged, and if there is more to it than just the strain of the current situation, something will need to be done."

"You must survive to do it," I added. "As much as I know you likely wish to be at the front of your armies, I would suggest you stay further back and surrounded by your best warriors." He furrowed his brow as he eyed me, so I added hurriedly, "Of course, you would know best, as these are your soldiers."

He held up a hand and said, "Your words are sound. I am not offended by your suggestions, for they are welcome. While it would pain me to stay hidden and near the back, as it is not our way, I know how important my survival is, both for the morale of my people, and because I wish to do as much as I can to protect my homeland." He smiled humorlessly. "I must be alive to do it." This somewhat grim expression seemed wrong to see on his face, and I wondered if he was more light-hearted than he could afford to be in this moment.

Over the next several hours, the Rohirrim were organized into their companies, and a strategy was drawn up on a table of maps in the middle of the camp. As predicted, men from Forthbrond and Dol Baran arrived with haste, and were added to the total. If it became clear Saruman was determined to fight, the plan would be to station the majority of Theodred's forces in the Fords itself, and along both sides of the river. This would ensure that none of Saruman's creatures would be able to sneak down one of the river banks to ambush from behind. With some luck, Elfhelm's éored would arrive in time.

The big question was, would Saruman try to engage us in battle, knowing we had a sizeable force to hold him back? I knew his armies were great, but I also knew from Galthrod that he was preparing for a large-scale battle; the Fords did not seem like the right location for such a thing. "We must take things as they come," I murmured to myself.

The day seemed to drag on, and the men tried not to shift restlessly as they waited for something to happen. The one good piece of news we received was that the Dunlendings who had been captive in Isengard had crossed paths with Theodred and the others while they raced from Grimbold's camp, and they were provided with more provisions and even some weapons to defend themselves with. I was pleased at Theodred's generosity of heart, for I knew it must have been difficult for the prince to treat the Dunlendings with kindness.

Myself and the Dunedain, along with the twins, would also be joining the fray. Due to the importance of Theodred, we decided to stay near him as added protection. However, this put us at a greater risk for death, if the enemy decided to solely focus on getting to the Prince. It was Halbarad's decision, and although he was wise, I felt uneasy. I had survived so much, and positioning myself near Theodred made it all the more likely I would not survive this.

"Meleth, you are not alone," Candaith assured me, clearly noticing my whirring thoughts. "We will protect each other."

"I know," I murmured with a sigh. Lowering my voice, I added, "I admit that I am growing tired of battle, despite my skill and experience."

"Gwin, we will see an end to it," Elladan said firmly. "The enemy will be defeated, and we will see these days renewed. Do not lose hope."

Easier said than done. I did not say this out loud, and instead replied, "I will try, muindor."

He smiled weakly, and I knew he worried for me. "We will stay close." I knew he spoke of himself and Elrohir, and it gave me a little more confidence.

Night fell, and the stars and moon were veiled with clouds, which were heavy with the threat of rain. I prayed it would stay away until tomorrow, but knew it was out of my control. Torches were lit so we could see, and we all hoped Elfhelm would arrive soon…if he had even gotten the message yet. There were many fighters, but I feared it might not be enough.

I turned my attention forward as a scout came racing over to the Prince, bowed, and said, "The enemy is beginning to march toward our location."

"How many?" Theodred asked.

The scout looked uneasy and fear was in his eyes. "More than I could easily count." What did that mean? Were we to face thousands?

Another soldier was close behind, and gave a little more information. "Many hundreds, my Prince. They are an hour away, at the current pace."

Theodred nodded, and I could tell he was putting on a convincing front of confidence and fearlessness. "At this moment, we have roughly 500 soldiers, with Elfhelm's éored of 120 more on the way." If Saruman had indeed prepared to send thousands, and if many were Uruk-hai…we would be in trouble. He raised his voice to catch the attention of the others, "We are strong, and will push them back. Let us send them cowering back to Isengard!"

There was a rousing cheer, and it raised my spirits as I felt the familiar thrill of battle race through me. It was not that I was looking forward to a fight, but I was ready for one.

"Archers to the front, with the infantry close behind," Grimbold ordered. Many were mounted on horses, and I knew they were very skilled as a calvary. I noted with some surprise that we had some smaller ballistae, and soldiers were readying some heavy balls of iron, covered in a flammable substance. It would help a little, but the Rohirrim did not have the explosive black powder Saruman had created; I hoped the enemy did not bring it along to this battle. I had mentioned this possible weapon to Theodred, and he spread the word among the soldiers so they would not be as surprised, if they were to face it.

My full quiver was on my back, my bow strung and my knives newly sharpened. Elladan had the mysterious sword which I knew could shine with a brilliant light, and I wondered if he would use such power here. He along with Elrohir and Candaith were right by my side, and the rest of the Dunedain spread in a loose circle amid the strong soldiers protecting Theodred. There were a little over thirty of us in all, and I knew the Prince was very appreciative of our aid.

After what felt like much longer than an hour, the enemy was spotted by the Elves and those in the front. They were carrying torches of their own, and the sound of their marching was louder than the river flowing around us. Once they were just out of range of the archers, they stopped. There was silence, until I saw an unwelcome but familiar Uruk-hai walking with a swagger at the front. Morflak was saying something in the Black Speech to the enemy soldiers, and once he was done, they cheered. Their voices were loud and grated on my ears, and I fought the urge to cover them.

In response, Theodred called out the order to get into position, and the archers took a few large steps forward before he gave the command to shoot. I jumped as the Rohirrim broke into song, and it seemed to startle and confuse the enemy. This led to the death of many Uruks and orcs before they reacted to the onslaught.

The battle at the Fords of Isen had begun.

Whew, things are about to get intense! I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and leave a review, I love them so much!