Here we have the aftermath of the Battle of Pelargir. In the last chapter, Candaith was badly injured, and Galthrod the Dark Numenorian from Isengard showed up just in time to save Gwin from death. How will things go for him, and will Candaith lose his arm? What will Aragorn do with the Oathbreakers? Read on to find out! I know it's been awhile but I'll try to do better with updating more regularly.

Chapter 140

It was tiring climbing down all the stairs to get to the piers, and I stumbled more than once as I shook off the dizziness. We had not eaten or had much to drink for many hours, and I was out of sorts after almost being strangled to death. I also could feel the pain of Candaith's injury, and thought perhaps he did not have the energy to try and shield me from it. I tried not to worry, for we would be meeting up with Aragorn, who was one of the best healers in Middle Earth along with the twins. Surely, they could get him patched up and good as new.

Finally we were nearing the others, and Aragorn quickly made his way over with the other Dunedain who had remained with him. I could see him assessing our well-beings rapidly, frowning at Candaith as I helped him sit against the wall. Before he arrived, I noted Lothrandir spot Galthrod; his eyes narrowed in anger and he quickly strode over to Candaith and I and asked, "What is he doing here?" He must have noticed the rapidly darkening bruises on my neck and growled, "Did he do this to you? I will make sure he pays for this."

Before he could storm over to Galthrod and do Eru knows what, I reached out and grabbed his arm. "It is quite the opposite; he saved my life." I disliked that I owed the Numenorian for this; I had truly never wanted to see him again. Yes, he had helped me escape, but he was associated with many bad memories from Isengard that I desperately wanted to forget. Just looking at him brought them all back, and I had no time to deal with the trauma of it. "Let Aragorn handle him."

Lothrandir sighed and only slightly relaxed his posture, "Very well, mellon nin." He remained as taut as a bowstring, not taking his eyes off Galthrod as the Dark Numenorian shifted in discomfort. I turned my attention back to Candaith, worriedly noting the darkening of the rapidly applied linen bandage wrapped around his arm. I could tell he was in great pain but trying not to worry me. Luckily, Elladan made his way over to us, and I tuned out everything else as I held Candaith's other hand tightly.

After what felt like forever, Elladan turned his gaze away from the wound and gave Candaith a somewhat apologetic look. "I am unsure of the extent of the damage done to you. Can you wiggle your fingers?" I watched as Candaith painstakingly did so, but it was slow and clumsy. "What does your pain feel like?"

"My arm feels numb, with the exception of a sharp pain right where the wound is," Candaith said haltingly. "Something is clearly wrong Elladan. Tell me truly, what are you thinking?"

"I do not want to jump to any conclusions-"

"Muindor, just be honest," I interjected, and Elladan sighed.

"I worry there is permanent damage, which could impact your ability to use this arm," he said slowly, watching Candaith's face closely. "Or perhaps, even keep it. I will clean it well and stitch it up, and use an athelas salve underneath the linen dressing. I will also make a sling for you so you do not move it too much. Unfortunately, our supply of pain medicine is running low-"

Candaith held up his other hand, "Do not waste what we have left on me; save it for others who need it more. Perhaps when we get to Minas Tirith, I will be able to procure some." He then laid his head on my shoulder, clearly exhausted and disheartened by Elladan's diagnosis. I personally worried that by the time we reached the White City, we would be too late to aid them and definitely unable to enter it. However, time would tell.

I sat quietly with Candaith and sent him whatever comfort I could via our bond, letting Elladan's quiet healing song relax me as he worked. Eventually he was done, and Aragorn settled beside our small group. "Candaith, it seems you are not well, my friend."

Candaith huffed a pained laugh, "Indeed, my King. I can give you a report of what occurred with us…" He trailed off.

"I will tell him, save your strength for healing," I said softly, squeezing his good hand.

"Very well," Candaith replied, before letting me take over.

"Did you already receive a report on our side of the battle?" I asked first, grateful when Aragorn knelt down beside us so I did not have to crane my pained neck to look up at him.

"Yes, and I am grateful you are all alive. You did well to buy me time to enter the city, and I am proud of what you were able to accomplish," he said sincerely. "Yet I am worried about the bruising around your neck. Saeradan told me about the Umbarian saving you from one of his own?"

I sighed, wishing to avoid the subject, but answered, "Yes, Galthrod killed the man who was suffocating me. I am fine, do not worry for me." Before Aragorn could protest, I asked, "What will you do with him?"

Aragorn reluctantly let me skirt past speaking on my injuries and said, "He will come with us as a prisoner of war, but we will not treat him poorly. Perhaps he can give us some insight on the plans his people have made, and we can be better prepared when we reach the battlefield. Do you think he will help us?"

I shrugged, "I do not know. He seems like the sort of person who will do whatever he must to save himself, and considering what he did to that archer Thisarti, he will want to avoid death in his own lands. According to Galthrod, he did not agree with his peoples' decision to follow Sauron, but I cannot be certain he is telling the truth. He did work for Saruman in the past, who turned to great evil."

"Very well; I will take what you said into consideration". He straightened up and added, "We will rest here for a few hours to patch up the injured and eat and drink a little, but first I must hold the oaths of the Dead fulfilled."

He stood up and, in that moment, despite being in torn clothes and battered armor, he looked kinglier than I had ever seen him as he strode over to where the Oathbreakers were gathered. Their 'King' stood in front, his ghostly face trained on Aragorn. "Release us," he demanded, his voice echoing strangely in the still air.

"I hold your oaths fulfilled," Aragorn proclaimed. "Go, be at peace."

The King of the Dead strode closer, broke and discarded his spear, and bowed to Aragorn. He then rejoined his people and they slowly vanished, finally, out of Arda and to the unknown. It was as if a sigh was on the wind, one of relief for being unchained from their everlasting curse. Aragorn, for his part, bowed his head in a quiet prayer to guide them on their way. He then turned to face us and those of his people who were watching this unbelievable event take place, and said, "We have driven back the Corsairs, and stopped them from assailing Minas Tirith. Now we must go with all haste down the Anduin to save her from those who attack from the Pelennor!" A great cheer was heard from the people, and I knew the men would follow Aragorn to whatever end.

He then made his way over to where the Dunedain, the twins, Legolas, and Gimli were waiting for him. "We have ended the threat of Umbar for now. The memory of the Dead will keep others from taking up arms against Gondor. Now my attention must turn to the foe in the East." He paused, clearly considering what to do next.

Elrohir decided to share his thoughts on the matter, "The shadow of unending night will lend speed and surety to the armies of the Enemy. They will march upon Minas Tirith. Indeed, they must have already begun. We must get to the city with utmost haste, but how?"

Aragorn thought for a moment, then a strange light flickered within his eyes. "Black sails. I will sail the ships of Umbar to Minas Tirith. Let us rest for a brief while, and then we will make ready the ships."

"Will this not strike fear in the hearts of the Gondorians who fight?" I countered. "They will feel naught but dismay as they see these black sails approaching the Harlond."

Halbarad shuffled forward, the standard of the King in his hand. "We will unfurl this as we approach, so they will be encouraged and not afraid." I nodded slowly, hoping it would be enough.

As was discussed, we were only allowed a few hours rest before we needed to keep moving. Aragorn looked apologetic but I understood the need for haste. I felt uncomfortable as I helped Candaith to board the ships with the evil-looking black sails. I knew the enemy held them no longer, but I wished there was some way to alter their colors.

Some of the men of Gondor coming along with us knew how to sail, so we slowly set off without too much fuss. Aragorn even had Galthrod give his input, having some experience sailing these particular vessels. I was glad to see him put to good use, and wondered how else he could help us.

The lighting was an issue, for the darkness of what Aragorn called "The Dawnless Day" made things more difficult to see. Luckily the ships were large and seemed sturdy enough, and I hoped they would hold up to any small boulders and other obstacles along the way. I could not help but fret over Candaith, with the possibility of him losing his arm hanging over us. I knew it was too soon to tell what would happen, but if the wound somehow got infected or the damage could not be repaired by the limited supplies we had, it would be too late when we got to the Houses of Healing.

If we even survived long enough to do so, and if Minas Tirith still stood when we arrived.

As we sailed, we saw with dismay the smoking ruins of small seaside villages and outposts which had been assailed and destroyed by the Corsairs. Galthrod's face was flushed with shame, and I suspected he had perhaps participated in the destruction. As much as we wished to stop and see if we could aid them, there was no time. Sailing against the current was already slowing us down, and we had no time to spare. Being the overly helpful person I am, it was breaking my heart.

Noticing Candaith slept, Saeradan quickly picked up on my mood and quietly sat beside me, being a man of few words. I appreciated his support, and gave him a fleeting smile in thanks. After a time, he murmured, "Once Sauron is defeated, we will come back." I knew this was not a promise he could keep, but I appreciated the sentiment. Aragorn would likely want to keep the Dunedain close if we triumphed, to help him in his transition to the Kingship. Nevertheless, if there was a chance I could help, I would indeed return.

Two days, which felt like two years, passed before we saw the Harlond on the horizon. It was smoking, and once we got close enough, I could hear the shouting of orcs and the croaking of trolls and Olog-hai. This would not be an easy fight, but I prayed there were enough soldiers already there to help. I knew they would despair initially at the sight of black sails, but as Halbarad unfurled the banner of the King, surely it would bolster them enough to fight with vigor once more. Halbarad waited until the last moment to do so, and I heard cheers of amazement as the soldiers on shore spotted it. The screams of the injured and dying enemy rose with a clamor as the Gondorians were emboldened.

Aragorn came and stood next to me, watching the battle before us as we approached. "I knew the sight of the black sails might cause despair to rise in the hearts of the city's defenders, but I hoped to catch the enemy off guard in the confusion that followed the banner's unfurling. And so it was! The White Tree is for Gondor, and it is surrounded by seven stars with a crown above, and they are for Elendil. That sign has not been seen by the forces of Mordor for a great many years, and seeing it again must fill them with fear and confusion." Indeed, the evidence was before us in the battle, and I nodded grimly as the orcs ran around in a panic, dying to the weapons of the soldiers.

It took some time for us to disembark the ships, and once we gathered on land, we were directed to establish a temporary foothold at a nearby farm. After I helped Candaith settle onto a log, which was once part of the fencing around the perimeter, I turned my head sharply as I heard the unmistakable shouting of Golodir. "Dark hearted villain! Treacherous snake!"

I quickly approached with Halbarad close behind to see the elderly ranger shaking with anger, right in the face of a terrified soldier. "You spew lies, and deserve death for the words you speak!" Very alarmed now, I carefully approached Golodir, "What is happening, my friend? What has he done to anger you so?" Death threats were no small thing, and I had not seen Golodir with this unfortunately familiar crazed expression in many months.

The soldier, whom I learned was named Amegil, stuttered, "Are you not Golodir the traitor?"

I frowned, and said firmly, "There is no traitor here, soldier."

"But…but he sided with Gothmog!" the man replied, his voice sounding stronger as the anger replaced his fear. "Gothmog, the commander of the enemy forces, is Golodir's friend and leader! Hated among our men for his treachery!" He moved closer, and my jaw dropped as he spit at Golodir's feet. "If you know what's good for you, you would cast yourself on your sword and repent of the dark bond you share with Gothmog."

Corunir, who considered Golodir as a brother, shouted, "You say slanderous lies, and speak things of which you know nothing! I shall tell Aragorn King of these false accusations and have you punished!"

"Corunir," I said softly, leaning in closer, "Gothmog is another name for Mordirith. We both know Golodir shares a connection with him through their time together in Carn Dum."

"But he is not friends with the vile creature," he replied angrily, voice just as low.

"Of course he isn't, and we both know that, but rumors take shapes of their own and spread rapidly. The soldiers do not understand what truly happened; Golodir was a captive of Mordirith in Angmar and suffered terribly under his torments."

"He overcame it," Corunir replied vehemently. "He is strong and brave, and forever loyal to Aragorn. He holds no allegiance to Gothmog or Mordirith or whatever he is called."

"We know this, but the soldiers do not. All they know is the rumors they have heard, which have surely grown in the telling," I said calmly. "Nevertheless, Amegil's words were cruel. I agree Aragorn should hear about it, but first we must assess Golodir's well-being." I scanned the immediate area for Golodir, and my eyes widened as I saw him stalking in the direction of a large force of the enemy. I noted Aragorn and many of the other soldiers notice and begin to move the same way.

Candaith had hobbled over, the white of the bandage on his arm being replaced by red once more. He swayed and I helped him lean against me. "Meleth, you must rest," I insisted with a sigh.

"I cannot rest while the fight still rages," he said faintly, looking pale. "I promised not to leave your side."

"While I understand why you wish to fight, you are in no shape to do so," I replied firmly. "Please Candaith, return to where the wounded are gathered. I promise to be careful, and my brothers will protect me in your stead." Elladan and Elrohir nodded, before helping Candaith back to the healers.

Once they joined me again, we hastened to join Aragorn. "Elladan," I gasped, pointing. "Golodir is confronting the Olog-hai we saw at the Barricade in Dunland!" The Battle of the Barricade, as it was now called, felt like an Age ago, but I remembered this particular creature. Rakothas was his name, and his intelligent eyes looked at Golodir with cruel amusement.

When we got closer, I could hear what he was saying. "Run away, little man," he shouted mockingly.

"I will not run from the likes of you," Golodir growled. "A servant of Sauron has no place among the living!"

"That is a pity, I could use the sport of chasing you," Rakothas replied, chuckling darkly. "Gothmog will be pleased to hear of your death. You will not survive this fight, you fool!" The memory of Golodir's struggles against Gothmog, or rather Mordirith, filled me with rage and I made to storm forward in defense of my friend.

"Perhaps not," Golodir answered softly. "But I will be satisfied to give my last removing you, and your master, from this world!"

I was close, but not close enough.

With a battle cry, Golodir dodged the sword blow which caused the Olog-hai's sword to stick in the muddy ground, and the ranger used it to leap into the air. My eyes widened as Golodir stabbed the creature right in his heart. Rakothas roared in pain and tried to shake Golodir off, but the ranger stabbed him once more with a dagger he pulled from his boot.

As Rakothas fell, I cried out in horror as Golodir was crushed underneath him.

In shock, I stumbled towards Golodir, but Corunir got there first. "Golodir! Oh my brother, what have you done?" He looked around wildly, likely trying to find a way to lift the Olog-hai off of the injured ranger.

"Corunir," I murmured, my voice wobbling as I placed a comforting hand on his shoulder while trying to push my grief aside. "I…I think it is too late-"

"It is not too late!" he shouted, unshed tears heavy in his voice. "We…we must remove this monster so he can be healed." He looked around once more, noticing the rest of us gathered around. "Help me!" Corunir's voice broke in frustration and grief.

"Corunir," Golodir murmured, beckoning him closer with his fingers. "Come here, my lad."

"No…no please, do not give up," he replied, the tears finally beginning to fall. "I cannot do this without you. How could you be so foolish as to fight him alone?"

"Foolish?" Golodir coughed, and I noticed a trickle of blood coming from the corner of his lips. "I do not think so, my old friend." He reached out a trembling hand to grasp Corunir's fingers weakly, and the younger man held on tight. "I was…tormented by Mordirith…for many years. He…he took my daughter from me, and…and I thought I would never escape him." His eyes met mine. "Yet I did, with your help and Gwin's."

I moved closer, swallowing my grief to give him a small smile. "You have fought bravely, mellon nin," I whispered. "I will always treasure our friendship, and the memories will stay with me forever."

Golodir sighed, and more blood spilled from his mouth. Corunir fumbled for something to wipe it with, and ended up using the corner of his cloak. "At last…I will escape Mordirith…and go beyond his reach." Despite his broken body, Golodir smiled.

Aragorn had quietly settled beside Corunir, who was crying silently as he continued to hold Golodir's hand. "Corunir, it is time to let him go to the Halls of our Forefathers," he said soothingly, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.

"How?" Corunir whispered.

"Lean on me, my friend," Aragorn answered, before turning his attention to Golodir, who was looking very pale but also at peace. "Say hello to Lorniel for me."

"Ah, Lorniel," Golodir said faintly, his lips curling into a fond smile. "It is…enough, to…to die thinking of Lorniel…as I always…" He did not finish his sentence, as he breathed his last.

"He…he is gone," Corunir said quietly. "I…I do not know what to do." He looked much younger in that moment, like a lost child. "My brother has left me to face the evils of this world alone."

"Not alone," I said soothingly, unable to stop a few tears from falling. Aragorn and the other Dunedain around us murmured in agreement. "We will all miss Golodir, and when the war is won, we will take time to mourn, but…"

"We cannot stay here," Aragorn finished for me, assessing the surrounding area. "We had a respite, but there are more foes between us and the Rohirrim. I do not see King Theoden, but Theodred and Eomer ride far off, rallying their people."

"Estel," Elrohir said lowly, and I noted some alarm in his voice. "Gothmog approaches."

This was a very difficult chapter to write. Golodir is a character you spend a lot of time with in LOTRO, and it was hard to let him go, but his death scene in the game is so fitting that I had to give him the heroic end he deserved. Thanks for reading, and leave a comment if you feel so inclined!