Sacrifices

As Aragorn arrived at the city gates the sun was beginning to rise, creating the illusion that the brilliant red-orange sphere was coming out of the sea. He supported the young King of the Mark in front of him; Eomer’s lifeless body bouncing limply with each step the horse took. Riding beside Aragorn was Elfhelm on Eomer’s faithful Firefoot, behind him were a small host of Aragorn’s Gondorian soldiers. Aragorn considered Eomer’s eored a liability to the city in the mood that they had come under since the king was shot so they stayed behind to break down camp and search for clues to the identity of Eomer’s assassin. To keep balance Eothain volunteered to stay with the eored until they arrived in Dol Amroth later in the day.

Aragorn whispered into Eomer’s ear as they entered the city, “I wish you could see this friend. Linhir falls short of the beauty of Dol Amroth. The inlet of Cobas Haven is reflecting the early morning sun on its surface. Tirith Aear rises majestically from the city’s center. Prince Imrahil’s blue and silver banners are flying from every building along with brightly colored garlands. You would love the sights.”

Their early arrival in the city brought the citizens out to see what was going on. They quickly lined the streets; no one had seen the King of Rohan before so confusion was everywhere and soon escalated to drama. The citizens recognized their king and the colors of his soldier’s armor, but the young man in front of Aragorn was a stranger to them. Several women whispered that the lifeless form had to be the princess’ groom and began to shout out “Make way for the kings!” Soon the entire city was following the king toward the castle.

Aragorn knew the arrows were from the prince’s armory; the characteristic silver shaft with a blue tip made that fact clear. The archer’s of Dol Amroth had been valuable upon the field of war and last night one of them showed their deadly accuracy again. Aragorn had a lot of questions on his mind and he hoped to have them answered soon. But for now he had to get Eomer somewhere where his body would be safe from prying eyes and further harm. He arrived at the castle and was taken to the prince and his sons.

Imrahil and his sons were in the library when it was announced that King Elessar had arrived and requested a meeting with them. Surprised but not alarmed at the early arrival the princes invited Aragorn into the library. The mood was joyous until Aragorn appeared with the king’s lifeless body.

“What has happened?” Imrahil rushed to his dear friend not believing that Eomer was dead.

“We were ambushed last night about 50 miles out of the city. These are the arrows that hit the king.” Aragorn motioned to Elfhelm to show Imrahil and his sons the arrows that had pierced the king’s armor. The prince gasped!

“These are arrows from my armory Aragorn! I do not think that any man of mine would have done such a horrific deed. I can not believe it, I will not believe it!” He gripped the arrows tightly in his hand. “Where are the tips?”

“Those are still embedded in Eomer, my prince. I did not want to dig them out as he lay dying. There will be time when his body is prepared to remove the tips.” Aragorn was stoic and not once cast his eyes to Eomer’s body.

“Lay him on the couch.” Amrothos pointed to a couch in front of a window. “Poor Loti,” he said as he adjusted the king on the cushion. “My dear sister will not take this well father. First Rufio and now the King of Rohan. I fear she will be overcome with grief.” He looked to Imrahil for comfort. “Poor Loti.”

“No, I do not think she needs to know of this as of now. We will close the library off while the king’s body rests in state. Aragorn, I will do what ever you wish of me.” Imrahil spoke with a slight quiver in his voice.

“Keep the library guarded; I do not want anyone prying at the king. Erchirion, Elphir take me to the armory. Amrothos talk to your men to see if they might know anything about the attack on the king. Imrahil, keep your daughter content for now. Elfhelm will prepare for the remainder of the eored to come into the city.”

“There will be time to grieve for our dear friend later Imrahil.” Aragorn had to pull the prince away from Eomer’s body. “Right now we need to find out who pulled off the attack and what else they might have in store. Even the princess might be in danger." He was trying to get Imrahil to focus on something other then Eomer’s still body and when he mentioned that Loti could be in danger the prince snapped out of his stupor.

“Lothiriel in danger?” It seemed as if he had never thought that while in his castle his daughter could be in danger. The thought shocked him into action.