All Shall Fade

Chapter 31

Defence, Offence

I couldn’t help but flinch as Aragorn pushed me up against the stone pillar, out of view of everyone else.

“How did you get out?” He hissed angrily, and despite myself, I recoiled a little.

“What does it matter?” I growled, taking a step forward. “It’s too late, I’m not going back.” He gripped my shoulders tightly, his eyes darkening and I realised just how angry he was with me. “Look, I’m sorry, but I’m not leaving your side.” I softened my tone in an attempt to calm him. “I don’t want to loose you again.” He sighed and dropped his head, staring at the ground as I watched his shoulders rise and fall with each breath he took.

“How can I keep you safe when you insist upon defying me like this?” His voice rose in volume and I shrank back against the pillar.

“It’s not your responsibility to keep me safe!” I cried, trying to jerk away from him, “I can look after myself! I don’t need to be protected!”

“You don’t know what you’re saying…” He growled, looking away from me in aggravation.

“If you’re so desperate to protect me than you can do it better with me up here.” I sighed, “You can’t keep an eye on me if I’m in the caves.” I looked up as somewhere on one of the walls, someone called for Aragorn. He gave me a final, unreadable glance before his hands dropped from my shoulders and he started to walk away. “Aragorn wait!” I called after him, and to my surprise, he hesitated. “I… I didn’t mean what I said in the caves. I don’t hate you.” I sighed, and although he didn’t turn towards me, I saw his tense shoulders slacken a little before he walked away. I ran one hand through my hair as I turned and went to find Legolas. I spotted him and Gimli taking their places along the wall with the other Elves, and I squeezed in beside them. I looked out over the wall, and swallowed nervously as I spotted the flaming torches in the distance.

“Are you alright?” Legolas asked.

“Well I’m pretty sure Aragorn hates me, but aside from that I’m fine.” I sighed, slipping my bow off my back and anxiously fidgeting with the string.

“I’m sure he doesn’t hate you.” The elf murmured, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder as – speak of the devil – Aragorn appeared beside us.

“Well lad, whatever luck you live by, let’s hope it lasts the night.” Gimli muttered as I cast a nervous glance to the side at Aragorn, just as lightning flashed overhead and I jumped.

“Your friends are with you, Aragorn.” Legolas assured him, casting a very deliberate glance in my direction.

“Let’s hope they last the night.” Gimli muttered, and I went to turn to Aragorn, but he’d already walked off. Another bolt of lightning flashed and I flinched again.

“He’s so angry with me…” I sighed, glancing out at the army that grew ever closer.

“He just wants to keep you safe.” Legolas said.

“Yeah, I kind of got that.” I muttered. I wished he’d realise that he couldn’t keep me wrapped up in cotton wool forever.

“It’s only because he cares for you.” I cast the elf a sceptical glance, “He would deny you nothing, save endangering your safety.”

I sighed and looked at the ground, unable to say anything to answer him as thunder rolled across the sky, and with it came a downpour of rain. I listened as it bounced of the armour of the elves surrounding me, and plastered my hair to my head. I could hear the continuous, heavy footfalls of the Uruk-Hai army as they approached the walls.

Behind us, Aragorn walked up and down the rows of elves, shouting out commands in their language, as in front of us, the army drew to a halt. I could hear them snarling below us, sending shivers of fear up my spine.

“What’s happening out there?” Gimli asked, hopping to try and see over the wall.

“Shall I describe it to you? Or would you like me to find you a box?” Legolas asked, and I couldn’t help but smile in spite of my fear as Gimli laughed. Below us, one Uruk roared, and the others began banging their spears on the ground in a menacing display of confidence. I glanced to the side and saw Aragorn draw his sword. This seemed to be the signal for everyone else to prepare their bows, and I fitted an arrow to the taut string, pulling it back just like Legolas had taught me back in Rivendell. It seemed like a million miles away right now. Suddenly, an older man released his bowstring and an arrow flew through the air, embedding itself in the neck of a startled Uruk, who fell to the ground.

“Dartho!” I heard Aragorn yell, and for a moment everything was silent, before the army roared in anger and charged. Aragorn shouted another command, and Legolas murmured something in Elvish. None of which I understood, but when Aragorn shouted his next command, I understood perfectly, as everyone else fired off an arrow and I did the same, smirking a little as I saw my targeted Uruk fall.

“Did they hit anything?” Gimli asked as on the other walls I heard commands of ‘Fire’! Again, Aragorn shouted out in Elvish and from behind us, hundreds of arrows whizzed over our heads and I reloaded my bow, releasing my string and bringing down another creature.

“Send them to me! Come on!” Gimli growled eagerly as I caught sight of something below me which made my stomach twist in fear. Ladders. Aragorn shouted out what seemed to be a warning as I stowed away my bow. “Good!” Gimli said, brandishing his axe as below us, the Uruks fired at the walls with crossbows. I flinched as a few feet away from me, an elf was struck down.

“Swords! Swords!” Aragorn yelled in a language that I could understand – finally – and I drew my two blades as the ladders were hoisted up towards the walls. Suddenly the Uruk-Hai were amongst us, and I threw myself into battle as one leapt at me. I grimaced in disgust as I stuck one blade straight through its muscular neck, and a small flick of my wrist decapitated the creature. As I heard another behind me I span around, ducking its blow and stabbing it in the chest. All around me I could hear screams and roars, the sounds of blades clashing, flesh tearing and bone breaking – and above all of that rose the voice of Gimli as he boasted about the number of kills he had made. I turned and suppressed a cry of alarm as I saw Aragorn get forced to the ground by an Uruk. I threw one of my blades, striking it in the chest as I ran to Aragorn and pulled him up, before turning and yanking my sword out of the corpse. Thank God I had some sense of aim after all that archery training. I turned back to Aragorn to see him shouting commands at the remaining archers as he pointed at the causeway, and I stared at the long snaking parade of Uruk-Hai that was making its way towards the gates. An Uruk leapt in front of us and Aragorn wasted no time in severing its head from its shoulders, and I grimaced as its black blood splattered over my hands, before I turned and elbowed one creature in the face as I stuck one blade through its torso. I spotted an Uruk nearing the top of a ladder and I ran to the wall, jumping on top of it and kicking the ladder backwards. I yelped as the Uruk reached up and grabbed my foot, pulling me towards it, and off the wall – before I felt an arm wind around my waist and lift me to safety. I looked up to see Aragorn giving me a stern look and I murmured a sheepish ‘thank you’, before my eyes widened at the sight of an Uruk looming up behind him. I grabbed his shoulder and pushed him down as I reached over him and stabbed the offending creature. As Aragorn stood again he fired me a small smile, before running to push another ladder off the wall. I followed him and frowned at the Uruk I spotted running towards the wall wielding a massive flaming torch. It almost looked like something you would use to light explosives…

“Aragorn!” I cried, pointing to the creature, and he started shouting in Elvish to Legolas, who started firing arrows at the Uruk. I watched as he struck it twice in the shoulder, but it didn’t stop running. I jumped back from the wall, hoping my suspicions weren’t correct. “Get down!” I screamed, but my cry was lost in the impossibly loud sound of the explosion. I fell to the ground still clutching my swords as I was blinded and deafened. I clamped my hands over my ears and squeezed my eyes shut. I felt dizzy; I could hear a ringing in my ears, and the rapid beating of my own heart, and then I realised I was sliding downwards. I opened my eyes to see the world around me spinning, but I knew I was falling as the wall beneath me crumbled away and slid into the massive, gaping hole that had appeared in our defences. It must have at least been a ten metre drop, and I hit the ground heavily, my head spinning and my ribs aching after the fall. I groaned and forced myself into a kneeling position. I still couldn’t hear anything besides the ringing in my ears, but nonetheless I cursed under my breath.

“Damn you Saruman…” I growled as I looked up, my breath catching in my throat as I recognised one of the bodies lying motionless on the ground. “Aragorn!” I screamed, forcing my legs to work as I ran to him and fell at his side. “Oh my God Aragorn…” I choked, blinking back tears as I dropped my swords and rolled him over. I lightly touched his cheek and he groaned a little, and I sighed with relief as his eyes fluttered open. “Aragorn?” I breathed as he sat up, staring in alarm at something over my shoulder, and I turned to see the Uruk-Hai army bearing down on us.

“Aragorn! Alice!” I looked up to see Gimli leap off the top of the wall above us, landing heavily on top of several members of the army as they rushed towards us.

“Gimli!” Aragorn yelled as he pulled me to my feet, keeping one arm firmly locked around my waist as my legs threatened to buckle. He glanced over his shoulder at the Elves that had assembled behind us, and gave the command to fire. He held me close against him as their arrows whipped past my face, before I pushed him away.

“I’m alright.” I insisted, firmly grasping the hilts of my blades. He nodded, and then shouted something else in Elvish, which I assumed meant ‘charge’ as he and the Elves rushed forward. The Uruks pointed their spears at us, but I ducked below them, using my lack of height to my advantage as we fought through the unrelenting swarm of creatures. I yelled in frustration as they just kept coming, one after another. I was utterly exhausted, but I couldn’t allow myself to think that we would fail, not even for a moment; otherwise I knew I would just give up. Nonetheless, as I dispatched another Uruk, I looked up to see them swarming into the other parts of the fortress, and we were caught in the middle.

“Aragorn, fall back to the keep!” Théoden’s voice echoed across the fortress to where we fought, “Get your men out of there!”

I span around, searching for Aragorn in the chaotic battle, and spotted him shouting out more commands in Elvish as our army began to retreat. He called out to Haldir who still stood on the wall as I fought my way over to the steps that would lead us to safety, but moving was difficult, as I was surrounded by my enemy and had to watch my back. I heard Haldir call out to his men, and suddenly I heard Aragorn yell the Elf’s name. I looked up in horror to see Haldir be struck on the back of the head by an Uruk’s blade.

“No!” I cried as Aragorn ran up a flight of steps to catch him as he fell. I angrily ran an Uruk through on one of my blades, my exhaustion forgotten as fresh adrenaline coursed through my veins. I looked up, and had to bite back my scolding yell as I saw Aragorn push a ladder off the wall and cling to the top of it, leaping off onto the army of Uruk-Hai before it hit the ground. “Idiot…” I growled, slicing across an Uruk’s throat as I felt the first of the steps under my feet. I turned and started running up them, only pausing to dispatch the Uruk-Hai that blocked my path. I cried out in pain as one slashed across my arm and I felt blood well up and begin to soak my sleeve as I sliced across the Uruk’s throat. I turned in alarm to see that now that I was injured, I was considered an easy target for my enemies. As they swarmed around me I felt someone grab my arm, and I turned, ready to take their head off – but I saw it was only Aragorn as he pulled me up the steps, helping me clear a safe path. When we reached the second level we ran, aiming for the gates. As we neared them I spotted Théoden leaning heavily against the wall, clutching an injury. Aragorn paused, thumping the King’s shoulder reassuringly in that obscure manly fashion, before we turned to the gates. My eyes widened as I saw them being literally torn apart by the Uruk-Hai.

“Hold them!” The King commanded us as I picked up a spear that was lying on the ground and running it through an Uruk that was crawling through the gap in the gates.

“How long do you need?” Aragorn yelled as Gimli appeared at my side – hacking anything in his way.

“As long as you can give me.” Théoden answered, and I saw Aragorn look to a small side-door that must lead out onto the causeway.

“Go on, I’ll keep you covered from the wall.” I said and he nodded as I turned and ran back, quickly climbing a small flight of steps to the walkway above the causeway. An Uruk ran at me and I sidestepped it, tripping it and smirking in satisfaction as it tumbled down the stairs. I then looked up and saw one bearing down on me, but before I could even raise my swords an arrow struck it in the neck, and I turned to see Legolas standing behind me. I smiled as I ran for the portion of the wall above the causeway and sheathed my swords before drawing my bow. I fired off a few arrows before I spotted Aragorn’s figure peer around the wall on one side and I frowned. The gap he would have to jump was huge, and if he didn’t make it then it was a long way to fall… Legolas joined me as we tried to clear the Uruk-Hai from the causeway, just as Gimli flew across the gap and started mercilessly hacking at them. He was quickly followed by Aragorn and they both began pulling the Uruks away from the gates, which were quickly boarded up. I heard a roar behind me and I span around; luckily my bow was loaded and I quickly shot down the Uruk that had been charging at me, just as several large hooks were shot over the side of the wall. I leapt back to dodge one, and then rushed forwards only to see that they were being used to support gigantic ladders that were being pushed towards us, all bearing innumerable Uruks. Legolas pulled his bowstring back and shot out one of the supporting ropes, causing one of the ladders to fall back. I smiled at him before turning back to the causeway.

“Gimli! Aragorn! Get out of there!” I heard Théoden yell and I frowned, wondering how they would make it back. The two were suddenly caught in a double headlock by an Uruk and I aimed my bow. I wasn’t sure if I trusted my aim enough not to hit either Aragorn or Gimli, but I didn’t have much of a choice. I released my arrow, hitting the Uruk in the neck. As it fell away, Aragorn looked up and grinned as he spotted me. I turned to look for Legolas, and he appeared holding a coil of rope.

“Aragorn!” He called, throwing it down to them. I quickly grabbed our end of the rope as Aragorn picked up Gimli and grabbed the rope, swinging off the causeway and nearly jerking my arms out of their sockets with their combined weight.

“Christ those two are heavy!” I groaned as Legolas and I started to haul them up. When Aragorn’s arm appeared I released the rope, rushing forward to grab him as Legolas pulled Gimli up. I managed to haul Aragorn over the wall and then we both proceeded to collapse into an untidy heap. He pulled me to my feet as I heard cries of ‘Fall back!’ echoing around the fortress. We ran towards the keep, pausing at the entrance to usher people in.

“Hurry!” Aragorn urged them, “Inside. Get them inside!” He grabbed my arm and pulled me into the safety of the keep – but not before I saw the wave of Uruk-Hai surging up behind us. We were going to be trapped. As we rushed in I tried to think of something that would push the Uruks back, and my gaze settled on a table of food. I rushed forward, seizing up one of the bottles of wine and uncorking it with my teeth. I sniffed it and grimaced at the poignant alcoholic smell and then ripped off a piece of the table cloth, stuffing it down the neck of the bottle as I repeated the process with three others. I then lit each cloth over a candle and ran back to the door that was being closed by a crowd of guards as Uruks hammered outside.

“Move!” I cried as the rags began to burn down. I tossed the four bottles through the crack in the doors. “Close them!” I yelled, slamming my back against the door just as I heard four small explosions in quick succession, followed by the sound of shattered glass embedding itself in whatever Uruk was unlucky enough to be nearby. I caught Aragorn’s curious gaze and shrugged, “If Saruman thinks he can blow us up with retaliation he’s got another thing coming. Fight fire with fire.” I muttered, running to grab something to barricade the doors with.

“The fortress is taken. It is over.” Théoden said dejectedly as I tipped over a bench and dragged it to the door with the help of Legolas.

“You said this fortress would never fall while your men defend it.” Aragorn reminded him, “They still defend it. They have died defending it!” His angry cry reminded me of Haldir, lying somewhere out there. I watched as Aragorn ran up to where the King stood, “Is there no other way for the women and children to get out of the caves?” When he received no answer he turned to Gamling, “Is there no other way?”

“The mountain pass.” I breathed, remembering the route I used to escape the caves as behind me Legolas tipped over a table.

Gamling nodded at me as Aragorn looked back and forth between us. “There is one passage. It leads into the mountains. But they will not get far. The Uruk-hai are too many.” He said as outside the Uruk-Hai bashed against the door.

“Send word for the women and children to make for the mountain pass. And barricade the entrance!” Aragorn ordered him as Théoden looked up.

“So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate?” He asked, all the fight gone from his spirit. I sighed, glancing at Aragorn as he stared at the King.

“Ride out with me. Ride out and meet them.” He said determinedly.

“For death and glory?”

“For Rohan,” Aragorn insisted, striding forward, “For your people.”

“The sun is rising.” Gimli murmured behind us, and I turned to see the hopeful, pale light of dawn shining down through a high window. There was a moment of silence, before Théoden finally spoke.

“Yes.” He murmured, “Yes! Horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the Deep one last time.”

“Yes!” Gimli cried, rushing out a side door as Théoden approached Aragorn, laying a hand on his shoulder.

“Let this be the hour when we draw swords together.” He said, with the hint of a smile crossing his face before he turned away, ordering for the horses to be brought up. I turned to Aragorn, smiling weakly.

“Well… I’m glad to see we’re not going down without a fight.” I sighed as he walked up to me, laying his hand on my shoulder. “For the record… I’m sorry we argued so much.” I murmured, glancing down. I felt his fingertips brush my chin, forcing me to look up into his silver-grey eyes.

“It is not the end.” He assured me with a smile, and I felt myself smiling too.

“I know… But just in case…” I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. “It’s been a blast.” I grinned as he hugged me back. I released him, still smiling as I turned to see Legolas standing nearby. I grabbed his arm and pulled him into a hug, just as the horses were brought up and the guards at the door stepped back. I smiled as I spotted Aduial amongst the other mounts and I quickly vaulted into her saddle as Aragorn mounted a horse that wasn’t Hasufel. I recognised it as the horse he had calmed in the stables back in Edoras – Brego. I rode up to him, knotting Aduial’s reins and drawing my swords as we turned to look at Théoden.

“Fell deeds awake.” He growled, “Now for wrath. Now for ruin. And the red dawn!” Somewhere in the fortress, a loud horn sounded. “Forth Eorlingas!” Théoden yelled as the doors burst open and we charged forward – meeting the swarm of Uruk-Hai head on. We galloped through the fortress in a blur of blades and hoof beats, striking down everything in our path. We certainly were going down in a blaze of glory. As we reached the causeway I spurred Aduial onwards as we bowled every Uruk out of the way, and soon we had reached the army outside. I tried to remain close to Legolas and Aragorn as we galloped, clearing a path through the army. I hacked wildly at the Uruks that grabbed at me, until I heard a loud whinny echo towards us, and I looked up to see a familiar white rider, perched on a rearing pure white horse on top of a high ridge in front of the rising sun.

Gandalf certainly knew how to make a fashionably late entrance.

Another rider appeared at his side and drew his sword, and suddenly an entire cavalry appeared behind him. I grinned, realising that our final attack was swiftly turning into our victory.

“To the king!” The other rider yelled, and they started charging down the steep slope towards us. In a wild panic, the Uruk-Hai tried to form ranks again, but as the riders reached them, they were overwhelmed. We fought on, easily pushing the Uruk-Hai back with the addition of our new reinforcements, and I frowned as I spotted a forest in the distance that definitely hadn’t been there last night. As the Uruk-Hai turned and fled, the riders formed ranks and I found my way to Aragorn’s side.

“Victory!” Théoden yelled, “We have victory!” I smiled as I watched our enemies flee for the cover of the forest.

“Stay out of the forest! Keep away from the trees!” The leader of the new company of riders commanded us, and I sheathed my swords as I reined Aduial in, watching in fascination as the last of the Uruk-Hai disappeared, and suddenly the trees started moving. Literally bending and swaying, and I could hear the cries of the Uruks and the sickening sound of snapping bones. I shuddered, but was unable to look away until I heard Théoden’s command to ride back to the fortress. I turned Aduial, taking one last glance over my shoulder before following the column of riders back to the causeway. Once I was inside I dismounted, smiling as I saw that the people from the caves were milling around. I spotted Eowdrin and she ran over to me, catching me in a tight hug.

“So the caves were pretty boring without me then?” I joked lamely as she pulled back, frowning at my blood-covered arm. I’d almost forgotten about my wound. “It’s fine.” I assured her as Aduial was lead away. Eowdrin caught sight of something behind me, and I turned to see the leader of the party of riders that had pretty much saved our asses.

“Eómer!” She cried, throwing herself into his arms as I smiled and turned away, searching for Aragorn. I needed to gloat about how I wasn’t dead and how all his worrying had been for nothing. I didn’t need to look far to find him though, and my heart fell as I saw him standing on a flight of steps, being enthusiastically embraced by Eówyn. She released him when she saw Eowdrin and the guy she was hugging, and rushed over to them, leaving Aragorn alone. I walked over to him, and he turned smiling as he saw me.

“See? I’m alright.” I smirked, “Barely a scratch on me-” I was cut off as he caught me up in a suffocating hug, practically lifting me off my feet as I laughed, wrapping my arms around his neck and hugging him back. “Good to see you too.” I smiled breathlessly as he released me, but the second his arms weren’t holding me up, my legs decided it would be a good time to stop working. I squeaked in alarm as I stumbled, but he caught me.

“Are you alright?” He asked and I nodded.

“Yeah… I don’t know what came over me-” I staggered again and he smiled gently, leading me over to the steps and sitting me down on them and sitting beside me.

“It’s just the shock. You’re not used to fighting like that.” He explained as I nodded weakly and rested my head between my knees as the uncomfortable feeling of nausea churned my stomach. Now that I was given the chance to rest, I realised how tired I was, and how much everything hurt. The deep wound on my arm burned painfully, but I knew I could tend to it later, we had time. We weren’t about to die. That feeling of elation made me feel a little better, and I when Aragorn gently started rubbing soothing circles on my back I instantly felt much better. I had to admit, he had a curious effect on me. “How do you feel?” He asked quietly.

“Erm… Tired… Everything hurts and… A little sick.” I sighed, smiling weakly as I forced myself to sit up and get pulled into another hug by Aragorn. As I leant my head on his shoulder Théoden approached us.

“Prepare to ride out.” He said to Aragorn as I looked up, “We ride for Isengard.” He explained before walking off.

“Aye, aye sir.” I mumbled as Aragorn laughed quietly and helped me to my feet. I swayed a little, but by the time Aduial was brought to me I felt better. I swung myself into her saddle as Aragorn mounted Brego, and we joined the small party of Gandalf, Théoden, Gamling, Eómer, Legolas and Gimli that had assembled at the gate. We rode out, across the battlefield and up the slope Gandalf had ridden down earlier. As we reached the summit, I frowned at the red sky I saw in the distance, and I knew we were looking at Mordor. Lightning flashed over the distant mountains as we drew the horses to a halt.

“Sauron’s wrath will be terrible, his retribution swift.” Gandalf stated to our small party as thunder rumbled in the distance, “The battle for Helm’s Deep is over. The battle for Middle-earth is about to begin.” I bit my lip as I thought of the prospect of another battle, before I glanced over at Aragorn and smiled weakly, “All our hopes now lie with two little hobbits somewhere in the wilderness.” Gandalf said, and I sighed, wondering where Frodo and Sam were, and how close they were to the menacing land that loomed before us.

Gandalf turned Shadowfax and began to lead us across the ridge, and I swallowed hard as I was reminded as I was about to meet the wizard that had plagued my dreams in person.

This should be interesting…