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━━━━»•» act three. age of anguish

44. and still, we stand «•« ━━━━

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ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ third age ━━ year 3019

𓇻 rohan; helm's deep

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FOR A MOMENT IT FELT AS IF SHE WAS NO LONGER STANDING IN THAT ROOM. She watched as the soldiers shouted instructions to each other as they barricaded the gates. But it all sounded muffled, as though she was underwater, nothing but a bystander forced to watch helplessly as their last defenses came crumbling down. Was this how her father felt in his very last moments?

The deafening boom of a battle ram hitting the wooden gates brought her back to reality, the sound vibrating through her very bones. She grabbed Aragorn's hand, steadying herself as she felt his steady presence beside her. But the flimsy barricade held together. For now...

She could hear the Uruk-Hai shouting at each other in their foul language. It seemed like their bloodlust grew greater as their victory got closer. Beside her, Aragorn softly squeezed her hand before walking up towards the soldiers to help fortify the barricade.

At the sight of him, Théoden spoke up: "The fortress is taken. It is over." The king sounded exhausted; his eyes wary as he looked at his men.

Aragorn, on the other hand, possessed a fire that had not yet been extinguished. "You said this fortress would never fall while your men defend it!" He gestured at the door. "They still defend it! They've died defending it!"

He might as well have been talking to the stone walls, for Théoden did not respond. The king was staring into nothingness, overwhelmed by fear and grief. Just like she had been mere moments ago. Just like she for sure would be if this was her kingdom balancing at the edge of ruin.

"Is there no other way for the women and children to get out of the caves?" Aragorn asked, hoping to get through to the king, but he still did not speak. "Is there no other way?"

It was Gamling who answered instead. "There is one passage. It leads into the mountain."

A small breath of relief left her lips. Perhaps today would not bring about the total annihilation of Rohan after all.

Gyda stepped forward. "Can they make it?"

The soldier looked at her with saddened eyes. "They will not get far. The Uruk-Hai are too many."

"Tari Elgarain can lead them to safety," Gyda said. "I am certain she can."

A flame of anger, sudden and bright, ignited within her chest. For there was only one reason her guard would suggest such a thing; to get her away from the battle, to make sure she would survive. But how could she just go and leave her friends to die? How would she be able to live with herself if she just left them here?

But as her eyes met Gyda's, she knew her guard had another reason for asking. If they had to ensure Rohan's survival, they had to make sure there were people who survived. What could be a more noble task than that? Wasn't it her duty, as both queen and healer, to save people?

Slowly the flame within her died out and was replaced with a steadfast resolve. "I'll make sure they're safe. I promise."

Gyda nodded at her, eyes sparkling with gratitude.

"Send word for the women and children to make for the mountain pass," Aragorn instructed. "And barricade the entrance."

Before any of them could make a move, a low and solemn voice suddenly spoke. "So much death."

She turned to look at the king, her heart breaking at his teary eyes as he grieved for his people.

"What can men do against such reckless hate?"

There was no easy answer, perhaps there was no answer at all. Was not her own life the very testament of it? Losing her father when he tried to answer hatred with light. Losing Boromir as he tried to amend the own hatred within him. Losing Aragorn because she had chosen duty over love...What was men to do against hatred?

But it was because of all that pain, that darkness and hatred, that she was standing here now. If her father had not given his life, Middle-Earth would have been lost to Sauron's darkness long ago. Had Boromir not sacrificed himself, the Ring would have destroyed all that was good within him. Had she not chosen duty over love, she never would have become the person she was today.

There was light to be found even in the darkest of times. Was that not the entire purpose of this Fellowship? Why they had set out on this mission with nothing but a fool's hope.

"We persevere," Gyda spoke firmly, as if she had been thinking the exact same thing.

Her words seemed to fill the room, planting themselves into their hearts.

Aragorn took a step towards the king. "Ride out with me. Ride out and meet them."

A cold dread slowly crawled up her spine and settled within her very bones. It was the only way to face what was coming with some sort of glory and give the women and children time to get out of the caves. Still, the thought of them charging into the army of bloodthirsty Uruk-Hai made her tremble with fear.

"For death and glory," Théoden muttered, as if waking from a dream.

But Aragorn shook his head, providing him with a better reason. "For Rohan. For your people."

At the sight of their king finding his strength once again, the heavy tension within the room was lifted. The soldiers looked to their king with newfound hope. If they were supposed to die today, they would not die for nothing.

"The sun is rising," Gimli said.

Upon seeing the look on his face, Elgarain realized with a start what he meant. The dwarf was reminding them of the words Gandalf had said before riding out. "Look to my coming at the first light on the fifth day. At dawn—look to the east."

They might just persevere once again.

"Yes," Théoden said, his voice growing in strength. "Yes. The horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the deep one last time."

"Yes!" Gimli cried out, as if gathering the strength of an entire dwarven army within him.

As if hearing the challenge, the Uruk-Hai rammed the door once again, but the wood held.

Théoden looked at the door but there was no longer any fear within his gaze. Instead, he placed his hand on Aragorn's shoulder and spoke with the might of a king. "Let this be the hour when we draw swords together."

A soldier was sent to the stables to fetch the horses, while the soldiers prepared to ride out. Elgarain made her way over towards Aragorn but was stopped by Gyda placing a hand on her shoulder. She frowned at her friend. "Gyda?"

As always, there was strength to be found in her guard's gaze. "I have faith in you Elgarain. I know you will do well."

Despite her exhaustion and fear she managed a grateful smile, determination flaring in her green eyes. "Promise you will return?" She knew she was asking the impossible, but she needed to hear Gyda say she would at least try. Her friend would sacrifice herself if need be, perhaps with this promise she would think twice before throwing herself into danger.

Gyda faltered but then straightened her back. "I shall try my best."

It would have to be enough.

Gyda released her grip on Elgarain's arm, and she looked at her friend one last time before she hurried towards Aragorn. He was saddling Brego when she reached him. As soon as he saw her approach however, he dropped the reins and embraced her tightly.

"Is this all we are destined for?" she whispered. "Saying goodbye to each other?"

Gently he took her face in his hands, his gray eyes holding her captive. "I do not believe fate to be so cruel," he replied softly. "But if it is, I will bear it."

She choked back her tears, though her voice still shook when she spoke. "How?"

The smallest of smiles tugged at his lips. "Because destiny has always allowed us to find our way back to each other."

Her heart glowed at his words and she replied the only way she knew how. She kissed him and poured all her love into her touch. Every thought in her head; of their impending doom, of the dark future ahead, it exploded into an all-consuming light. It set her very bones on fire, made her skin glow, and drowned her in warmth.

His hands were on her waist, pulling her closer. He tasted of rain, the thought sending her back to the downpour after he told her of his true heritage. Even after that they found their way back to each other. Perhaps he was right, perhaps destiny meant for them to always return to each other. Inevitable.

Slowly she untangled herself from his grasp. Time was running out. There was no use in delaying it any longer. She allowed herself one last look at his face, smiling softly. "I love you."

He smiled and kissed her forehead. "And I you."

Aragorn hoisted himself up into the saddle. Without him by her side, the horror of what awaited them reappeared in full force. But as she looked at the sun slowly crawling up into the sky, she forced herself to remember Gandalf's promise. All was not lost yet.

She stepped aside, pressing herself against the wall as the soldiers positioned themselves to charge. Their bravery seemed to calm their horses when the animals should have been trembling with fear. After all, the people of Rohan were first and foremost horse masters. They sat proud and tall, ready to defend what was left of their people to the very death. They would prove Saruman wrong for dismissing them so quickly.

Théoden raised his sword, his voice commanding and proud. "Fell deeds awake, now for wrath, now for ruin and a red dawn!"

And then, proud and strong the sound of the great horn of Helm Hammerhand rang out from the tower above. The sound carried through the air as though an avalanche came rolling down into the valley. Fearful shouts came from beyond the door as the Uruk-Hai were overcome with fear.

Just before charging forward, Gyda looked over her shoulder, her gaze settling upon Elgarain. Her guard grinned at her, pridefully and confident. Elgarain nodded at her, feeling her own strength grow at the sight of her friend.

Beyond the door, the Uruk-Hai seemed to have recovered somewhat as they continued banging on the door. The barricade broke but the Rohirrim would not give their enemy the chance to break through.

"Forth Eorlingas!"

The thundering of their hooves was overwhelming as they charged. The soldiers rallied around their king, answering his call with one of their own: "Helm! Helm!" the Riders shouted. 'Helm is arisen and comes back to war. Helm for Théoden King!"

As soon as the last soldier had left the room, Elgarain hurried to the gates and placed the barricade back into place. She casted a look outside, watching the riders as they charged. Through the gates they went, down to the courtyard and over the causeway, swords and spears singing. And all the while the horn continued to sound above, sending the Uruk-Hai into a frenzy, giving her some time to put the wooden table and chairs back in front of the gate. It wasn't much, but she needed every advantage possible if she were to lead the women and children to safety.

She grunted as she lifted the table, struggling with its weight. Hurried footsteps approached her and suddenly the weight lessened. She looked up to see Eowyn had grabbed the other end of the solid oak table. The healer nodded at her and together they finished the makeshift barricade.

"We got Lord Aragorn's message to make for the mountain pass," the White Lady of Rohan said. "But I could not leave without the wounded. I ordered my shieldmaidens to carry those who cannot walk."

Elgarain nodded, a feeling of companionship tugging at her heart. If these were her people trapped inside a fortress, she would have made the very same call. "We must make haste. There are some Uruk-Hai bound to slip past them."

Eowyn nodded; her gaze determined.

The two of them rushed into the healing room, where preparations were already being made. The wounded were loaded upon stretchers. Fridwyn had ordered crutches be made for those who could still walk themselves. Even with most of the wounded upon stretchers, they would not be able to carry everyone. Her heart sank when realizing they would have to leave the most mortally wounded behind.

"This cannot be how it ends," Eowyn spoke from beside her, watching her people with saddened eyes. "We should be making a stand."

"We are," Elgarain assured her. "By making sure we survive."

For a moment Eowyn looked as though she might protest, but one last look at the wounded made her nod. "Then survive we shall."

Eowyn went ahead, leading the way down into the caves where the women and children were waiting for them. Behind her, her shieldmaidens carried the stretchers or supported those with crutches. Elgarain came last, eyeing the flimsy barricade warily. They had almost made it down the hallway when a loud snarl resounded through the room.

"Go!" Elgarain yelled towards the fleeing wounded as she watched the barricade shake. Some of the Uruk-Hai had escaped the riders and were coming for them. She grabbed her spear tightly, taking a stand in front of the entrance towards the cave.

The barricade caved once again and at least a dozen Uruk-Hai came charging through.

"Elgarain!" Alys shouted from somewhere behind her.

"I said go!" she shouted. She swore to protect these people and she would not fail.

"You don't command me," came a different voice from her left.

With wide eyes she watched as Fridwyn came standing at her side, sword in hand. The two women nodded at each other, then they met their enemies head on.

Somehow, she managed to find the strength within her exhausted body to lift her spear and block the blow of a sword aimed at her head. Soon she was once again caught in a dance of blood and steel. She could feel her tired limbs protesting but she gritted her teeth and fought on. Beside her, Fridwyn roared with fury as she brought her enemies down, the sword like an extension of her arm, hitting with deadly precision.

Everything became a blur to her as she fought, but not one Uruk-Hai managed to sneak past them into the caves. More of their enemies came into the room and Elgarain knew it was only a matter of time before one of them would slip through her defenses.

A yell made her look up, eyes wide.

"No!" she shouted, but she was too late.

Fridwyn was on the ground, an ax buried into her stomach.

Elgarain stumbled on her feet and that one moment of distraction was enough for one of the Uruk-Hai to tear her spear from her hands. She screamed in frustration and pain, but the monster only laughed at her.

A small, dark figure launched himself from a hidden staircase leading up to the tower and gave a hoarse shout: "Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!" his ax glittered in the light of the rising sun, forcing the Uruk-Hai back. Two orcs fell, headless. A third one caught the steel in his back, howling as it died. A fourth fled the room. The dwarf went through the room like a hurricane, slaughtering all who dared venture too close.

With a newfound fire blazing within her, Elgarain threw her entire weight at her attacker. The monster swayed, then fell with the Elleth on top of him. Elgarain reached for the knife in her boot and killed the Orc with a strong blow.

Silence returned to the room and this time; no enemy returned.

"I thought the lass told you to flee," Gimli panted as he walked up to where Elgarain was seated on the ground.

She gave him a half-hearted shrug. "I have a tendency to ignore her orders."

Gimli snorted, then offered her a hand and pulled her to her feet.

"Thank you, truly," Elgarain said with a smile. "Never let it be said dwarves do not fight for anyone but their own kin."

"T'was nothing, lassie," the dwarf said, turning away from her, but she managed to catch the smile beneath his beard.

A loud rumbling coming from outside made the two of them pause. They glanced at each other, then hurried towards the gate. For a moment, she thought the storm had returned in full force. But when she looked outside, she realized the sound did not belong to the thunder.

It was the White Wizard who had returned to full-fill his promise. By his side were Éomir and his riders, filling the valley with the thunder of their horses as they charged down the hill. And so, Saruman's army was slaughtered at the hands of the Rohirrim. And once they saw they could not win, the Uruk-Hai cowered in fear and fled.

But they did not get very far. For the trees of Fangorn forest were waiting for them and none of the monsters who ventured beneath their branches were ever seen again.

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𝕬𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝕹𝐎𝐓𝐄 . . .

And so we end act 3! Kinda sad about it, considering Two Towers is both my favorite movie and my favorite book. But I'm also insanely proud that Chloe and I managed to get this far! Hopefully you guys enjoyed this act, please leave some comments and votes.

I cannot wait to show you all that we still have planned. Very exciting things are coming. Honestly some of the most galaxy brain ideas I've ever had. All thanks to -voidlegends best writing buddy I could ever ask for!

And of course thanks to some of the best readers I've ever had. Thank you all so much for your endless support.

xx Nelly

TRANSLATIONS:

Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu! ― Axes of the Dwarves! The Dwarves are upon you!