Got another chapter filled with some danger and drama! Going through the events in these next few chapters while playing the game felt so surreal, like I had jumped into something I had read about so many times and was seeing it play out right in front of me. Along with the additions of the stories the game writers came up with, it all comes together very well. I hope you can 'see' it clear enough in words!
Chapter 141
Immediately I felt a chill run down my back, and dread filled the air with a suffocating weight. Out of the devastation of the field of battle, the figure glided nearer and nearer, approaching Aragorn with a confident air about him. Corunir was shaking with rage, and I made a note to keep close to him. I feared he would do something rash and get himself killed. Golodir had suffered under the torments of Gothmog, and I knew Corunir was not in a fit state to be thinking clearly after the death of his closest friend.
Gothmog noticed me, and hissed, "Gwinthilnel, we meet again. You thought you had defeated me, yet here I stand, more powerful than I have ever been." His face was hidden behind the hood of a cloak as red as blood, and I could only see the flickering of flames where his eyes might have been.
"Mordirith," I growled, but bit back a further retort as Aragorn held up his hand to signal I should remain silent.
"I am called Gothmog now, little Elleth," he said arrogantly. Apparently done with me, the wraith turned his attention to Aragorn and gave him an appraising look. "So this is the man who claims to be King?"
"It is not just a claim," Halbarad interjected firmly as he stepped forward to stand at Aragorn's side, "It is the truth. He is the true King of Gondor."
"Ah, but you are wrong," Gothmog replied, and I furrowed my brow in confusion. "For I am King Eärnur, and it is I who will claim the throne." I prevented my jaw from dropping with great effort, and Aragorn's brow creased with puzzlement for a moment. "The last King of Gondor, who has returned once more to my place as ruler."
"You are no longer counted among mortal men," Halbarad countered, looking unimpressed. "The King cannot be a wraith. Even if what you say of your lineage is true, none would follow you. You lost your claim as King when you abandoned your people to foolishly ride to Minas Morgul and ignore your duty."
Gothmog completely ignored Halbarad and kept his attention on Aragorn. "You are a long way from home, Dúnadan. Who are these others?"
Aragorn answered, "These are my friends and kin. We have come by dangerous roads to put an end to the evil of Sauron and all who serve him." He stood tall and proud, but without arrogance.
"I am no servant," Gothmog growled angrily.
"There is no future for you, or your master," Aragorn replied, with power and nobility in his bearing. "You know my name and the name of my mighty ancestor." He moved closer, and I was surprised to see Gothmog take a small step back. "I have come out of the darkness to defy Sauron and all for which he stands!"
"No!" Gothmog shrieked.
"Sauron will fall, and Mordor will perish," Aragorn continued, his voice soft but dangerous. "And you will know the darkness of true oblivion. Begone, for a new age is dawning and there is no place in it for you!"
Abruptly, Gothmog pulled a dark, menacing sword out of his cloak and it moved swiftly towards Aragorn, who was rushing to pull Anduril out of its sheath.
Yet before Gothmog could land a blow, someone else stepped between them in defense of his friend and King.
There was a horrible, familiar squelching sound of a sword plunging into flesh and then removed, before Halbarad sunk to the ground in a heap. The sound of a scream cut through the air, and I dimly noted it was me. Aragorn was standing over Halbarad protectively; the only sign of his sorrow was a slight quiver of his lips. "Begone!" he shouted commandingly, and Gothmog hissed as he fled.
Once Gothmog was out of sight behind the haze of smoke, Aragorn kneeled down and quickly assessed the wound. His eyes were grieved, and I suspected there was no healing this.
Yet, I tried to convince him. "Aragorn, please do something," I pleaded, my voice breaking in sorrow.
I looked beside me at my brothers, but Elladan shook his head slightly as he picked up and appraised the blade. "There is poison," he said gravely. He pulled me into a hug, but I stood limply in his arms as I stared at the crumpled body of the man who meant so much to me.
"Halbarad…my loyal friend," Aragorn said softly, placing a soothing hand on Halbarad's brow. "You took the blow which was meant for me."
"I…I would do anything for you, Aragorn," Halbarad croaked, his chest shuddering as he tried to breathe. His eyes then met mine, and he raised a shaking hand to beckon me to his side. "G-Gwin, do not weep for me. I am honored to die in service of my King."
"You should not have to die at all," I stuttered, kneeling beside him and placing his hand on my cheek; it was cold against my skin. "I have already lost one father to battle, why must I lose another?" He truly had become one to me over these many months, and we had survived much together. It was a cruel fate that he should be struck down in such a way. "Gothmog will pay for this." My voice had grown brittle and angry, and I swore to myself that I would not rest until that monster faced his doom.
"I…I would see your beautiful smile one last time," Halbarad whispered, and I knew he must have mere moments left. I forced my lips into what I hoped passed as a smile, and he haltingly continued, "Do not weep for me Gwin, I will go to my rest without shame."
"I will miss you," I choked, and I noticed my hands were shaking as I handed him his sword, which he held to his breast with shaking hands. I settled his cloak over him on the trampled, muddy ground, noting how he shivered; even though he was about to die, I wanted him to be as comfortable as possible. With much effort I rose and moved out of the way so the other Dunedain could say their farewells, if there was the time. Saeradan, whom had been very close to Halbarad due to their homes being in near proximity to each other, was singing something quietly under his breath. I recognized it as one of Halbarad's favorite melodies, and joined in as the others followed suit. The happy tune felt out of place on this field of death and destruction, but it brought a faint smile to Halbarad's face as he took his last breaths.
I stumbled away, wishing more than anything for time to reverse itself so I could save the two rangers we had lost within minutes of each other. Yet I knew it could not be, and it made me want to lash out in anger at the Valar for letting them die, even if it was not truly their fault. There was always risk in battle, no matter how seasoned and skilled a person was. I knew this in my head, but my heart was breaking.
I blinked as I found myself once again at the farm where I had left Candaith, not completely sure how I had gotten there. It became clearer as I noted Elladan and Elrohir by my sides, my arms looped around theirs and their eyes looking upon me with worry. Candaith had slowly made his way over, and I slumped against the shoulder of his good arm as he wrapped it around me and helped us sit down. No words were spoken, and I noted his cheeks were wet with tears.
After a time, we both looked up as Aragorn gathered everyone together. "There is too much sorrow on this field, and we have been dealt many hurts," he said, and then heaved a heavy sigh. "Let us gather our wounded and fallen, and make for the city. I have lost too many friends today."
Slowly we returned to the boats, one of which had carried our horses and other belongings, and then rode to where the gates of Minas Tirith used to stand, once sturdy and grand but now broken. It made me sad to see it, for they looked nothing like how Boromir had described them. Yet the walls still stood, although I could see the smoldering of fires in the first level.
Candaith sighed, "Things might have gone differently, were it not for many sacrifices." I knew he was thinking of those we had lost. "The city stands, and the people of Gondor have defended their homeland bravely with the aid of Rohan." He slumped against me, and I was alarmed at how pale he was. "I am weary in both body and spirit, and there is anger too, anger at the forces of evil that have taken so much from us."
"Yet sorrow is what I feel most strongly," I replied softly, feeling it settle on my spirit heavily before focusing on Candaith. "We must get you to the healers, before you lose any more blood." Losing him to death could be the end of me, I suspected, and he was not going to die on my watch. I helped him mount my horse and settled behind him with my arm wrapped securely around his waist, up the winding road to the 6th level. I moved aside as a horse rode speedily past, a cart behind it holding the body of…a woman? "It is Eowyn!" I said in shock. What was she doing here, and so injured? She looked as pale as death, and perhaps very near it.
Despite my curiosity, I dared not increase my speed, for Candaith was unsteady and I was taking most of his weight. It reminded me of the dark time when Elrohir and I thought Candaith and Elladan had possibly died after the battle on the Forsaken Road; although I had also been suffering from crippling grief and weariness myself, I had somehow kept Elrohir alive. I was still tired and sorrowful now, but I was stronger than I had been. "Almost there," I murmured in his ear, and he nodded tiredly. I tried to ignore the sticky wetness of the blood seeping through his bandage, and I was puzzled at how it still bled so profusely. I knew it would need more stitching and something to clot the blood, and hopefully infection had not set in.
Once I had Candaith sorted out, I would try to get an update on Aragorn's next steps. I knew he felt uncomfortable entering the city since he wasn't officially King, but he had expressed interest in helping in the Houses of Healing for a short time if needed. Considering what I had seen of Eowyn's appearance, she could certainly use his skill and expertise.
Finally we entered the small stable, and I walked slowly with Candaith inside the cool, dim Houses of Healing. A healer spotted us quickly and ushered us into an area with many cots. Despite the calming smell of herbs, they could not fully dispel the metallic scent of blood from all of the wounded, nor dim the sounds of the dying. I tried to push it all aside and focus on Candaith. "We have made it, meleth," I whispered encouragingly, smiling slightly at his disgruntled face. "I know you do not like looking weak in front of me, but it is my turn to take care of you for once."
I moved slightly as a harried-looking healer settled beside the cot, scanning his person quickly before focusing on his mangled arm. She asked Candaith to explain what happened, and I did the best I could to add any details. "It was well done that someone promptly treated you with an athelas salve, for it prevented infection from setting in," she said, "However, the stitches have come undone and I can see there is extensive damage of the tissue and muscle." A frown of concentration was on her face, and I waited as patiently as I could as she had Candaith do some basic movements to check for function.
"I…I am sorry, Mistress Healer," Candaith gasped, and I mopped his now sweaty brow. "I am doing my best." His movements were clumsy and he was not always able to successfully complete the requested task. "My arm feels numb and cold."
She patted his good hand soothingly. "You are doing well." After a pause where I sensed she was gathering her thoughts, she continued, "I am concerned you will potentially need surgery, but I would like to consult our Warden of the Houses for a second opinion." Candaith's face went white, something I didn't think was possible considering how pale he already was. "Do not lose hope, Dúnadan," the healer added with a shadow of a smile. "I will return as soon as I am able. I will have someone bring you something for the pain, and put fresh linen soaked in herbs around the wound after stitching it once more." In a flurry of movement, she was gone.
"Gwin," he whispered, voice sounding small and scared, "What will I do if I lose my arm?"
"You are jumping to conclusions; she said nothing about amputation," I gently reminded him. Yet he still seemed to want an answer to his question, so I added, "You will continue to live by my side." I put a hand on his cheek and brushed some loose hair out of his eyes. "It would be difficult, but you are strong, and would thrive even with just one arm." Unfortunately it was his sword arm, but I felt no need to bring that up.
"Tell me truly, how you would feel if you were in my place?" he asked tonelessly.
I breathed deeply and considered my words. It was a difficult question to answer; I knew logically that I could live my life with purpose even with only one arm, but emotionally it would be a huge blow to my confidence and value. "I would struggle just as you are," I answered honestly. "I have been a fighter much of my life, and my purpose has been to protect others using my bow and swords." I smiled, "Yet I am also your wife, who loves you more than anything in this world. I would rather lose an arm than lose my life with you." Candaith cracked a tiny smile in reply, kissing the palm of my hand which was on his cheek. "I will always be by your side, to the very last, whether you have two arms or none at all."
"As will I," Candaith murmured, and I let him settle my head carefully on his chest as he wrapped his good arm around me. "Your words comfort me." He kissed my forehead and I felt myself dozing into reverie.
I went back and forth about killing Halbarad. However, it was such a tragically beautiful moment that I couldn't take it out. Definitely shed some tears on my keyboard. Thanks for reading, I appreciate each one of you.