Sacrifices

NOTE: I apologize in advance for this chapter; it has been the hardest to get to flow and transition so far and i feel is very choppy. Any critiques would be appreciated.


The ride to Amon Din was uneventful. Eothain kept his distance from Eomer who was now riding with Elfhelm. The two friends had not spoken since the early morning. As they were setting up camp for the night under the watchful beacon Eothain decided to speak to his friend and king. However the king had decided to help with the first watch and Eothain would have to wait.

Eomer was getting more nervous and wanted to confront whatever might be hunting them head on. He guessed it was probably a party of orc. He had heard from the Gondorian soldiers that there were small parties of rambling orc walking the country side, but so far they had not caused any harm. His men knew that much weighed on Eomer's mind, and his nervousness was affecting them too. Many wished that what ever was stalking them would show itself so that it might be quickly disposed of instead of creating the tension it did now.

All was quiet during the king’s watch. At midnight Elfhelm and Eothain took over from Eomer. The king returned to his tent but could not find rest; even thinking of Lothiriel did not comfort him as it had in the past. Something was watching them, its evil eyes following their every move. He sat quietly in the dark reflecting on the events since they had left Edoras; trying to find something that he might have overlooked. A hint as to what was following them. A few minutes later he was brought out of his thoughts by the sounds of his men shouting!

Springing to his feet he had Guthwine drawn and ready for action; years of living in war had honed his reflexes. Rushing out into the cold night he finally saw the enemy, about 25 orc. It was this group that had followed them from Rohan to Gondor unseen and unheard, even unchecked by Gondorian soldiers. Now under the shadow of the signal beacon they had decided to attack!

Normally the eored would have easily bested the small band of orc; but things were not going in the Rohirrim’s favor. These orc looked like normal creatures breed for evil, were armed like their brothers had been upon the fields but they were not going down by arrow or sword! A hundred and twenty-two warriors to 25 orc should have made the battle over almost before it began; but the Rohirrim were losing.

It seemed as if by some sorcery these creatures were protected from the men’s blows. The eored was now in disarray, and things were quickly falling to the orc’s favor. The king did not know how many men and horses were already lost but he could see lifeless bodies around him. Just as two orc jumped on the king a horn blew in the distance and the creatures stopped their assault upon the men. The orc raised up and sniffed the air, terror filled their eyes. What ever or whoever was coming to the Rohirrim’s aid frightened the hideous beasts. The orc began to retreat. The two that had taken the king down stayed to finish him off but their death blows were stopped by well placed arrows.

Eomer had been injured in his shoulder and thigh but could still swing his sword. He feared that whatever frightened off the orc and had managed to kill them would be far worse then the orc themselves. However the sound of hooves filled the cold, early morning air and his fears left him; men were coming to their aid. As the sounds drew closer he could hear the voices of many men, one rang clearer above the others. Aragorn had come just in time!

Eomer was greatly relieved when his old friend arrived at his side. Elessar rode with 100 men, one elf and one dwarf. It was the elf’s well aimed arrows that had saved Eomer’s life.

“Good to see you old friends,” the young king said as Aragorn helped him to his feet. Legolas recovered his arrows from the orcs making a bow of friendship toward Eomer.

“It is good to see you safe and unmolested by these vile beasts.” Aragorn said as he left Eomer’s side to look at the carnage the orc had managed to inflict upon the men of Rohan.

“My life is owed to you Legolas.” Eomer bowed low to the elf to thank him for his help. Legolas nodded and continued to search the orcs that had fallen.

“What sorcery is at work with these creatures Aragorn? Our arrows bounced off of their hides, our swords could not even chink their flesh. Has a new plague been released upon Gondor?”

“A new plague? No my friend, these beasts are the same that we slew on the fields before the White City. The only difference is that they have come across some new form of armor that I liken to mithril; though I am sure no dwarf supplies these beasts.” He looked to Gimli as he assured Eomer that no dwarf supplied these creatures.

The king looked for signs on the ground as he continued to speak, “The armor matches their putrid flesh and is almost invisible for mortal eyes to see. I do not know where it came from but we have figured out their weakness with it. The head and eyes, those they do not have a covering over and an arrow or sword directed at those spots will kill the creatures. We have not received many reports of orc of this type roaming around. I have men looking into where they come from and how to stop them from getting their armor before their numbers grow.”

“Aragorn, we take leave of you now,” Legolas spoke as he helped Gimli onto their horse. “We must overtake the surviving orc ere the morning or I fear all might be lost.” Legolas mounted and with a swift goodbye to the kings he set sail after the fleeing orc.

“The carnage of battle will never end Aragorn. It looks like even our fair elven friend flies to find it.” Eomer looked to those that had been lost to the orc. He looked at the dead and wounded around him. He counted the loss of 22 great men to these foes and five fine horses. Grief and guilt filled him. They had ridden out on their journey in high spirits, now as the dead and wounded were attended to all joy was gone. The previous nights meant nothing, the easy days of riding meaningless. Tonight they had battled and had lost. The king could not take it anymore he let out a piercing scream into the dark night and fell to his knees in despair!

Sensing the emotions running so violently in his friend Aragorn called the remaining soldiers that had not rode with Legolas back to him to gather the fallen horselords and take them to the Minas Tirith. The horses would be immortalized in flame and from that day forward those that past by the sight would always be aware of the brave Rohirrim that had died. The king now directed his attention to his young friend; trying to sooth and heal the young king’s soul and body.

For those that remained there was still part of a days ride before they reached the White City.


Aragorn arrived at his home before noon, bringing with him the surviving Rohirrim and their king. Eomer was taken to the Houses of Healing to reunite with his men that had been wounded and to have his own wounds looked at.

Eothain had sustained a concussion and when Eomer knew of his friend’s status he joked with him. “Now maybe there will be sense knocked in your stubborn head Eothain and you will mind your tongue.” Eothain did not find Eomer’s joke funny, but at least they were on friendlier terms now. Elfhelm overheard the joke and wanted to know what it was about but both remained silent on the events a few nights back.

The hall was beautifully adorned with murals and lights. At the head of the table sat Aragorn and Arwen, as usual the queen was radiant! Eomer had a difficult time diverting his eyes from constantly staring at his friend’s wife. But the King and Queen of Gondor seemed not to mind. This evening it would only be the king, queen, and Eomer dining in the hall since Legolas and Gimli had left to pursue orc. The smallness of the group pleased the Rohan lord who now desired peace and quiet.

As the first course was served and the drinks poured Arwen spoke to Eomer. “You have ridden many miles my friend. Please find the shelter you desire under our roof, it is yours for as long as you wish it.”

“The queen speaks words that I am not deserving of,” he spoke but had his eyes cast down. “I will gladly accept your hospitality for the eve and tomorrow, but my task carries me on the next morn.”

At this Arwen smiled broadly and looked at her lover, then at Eomer. “Your task carries you to the chief city and port of Belfalas, Dol Amroth.”

“Yes my lady, there I will wed princess Lothiriel of said city and bring her back to be queen of Rohan.” He looked to Aragorn as if seeking conformation that he was doing the right thing.

“But you will only be married in Belfalas tradition, when do you plan on marrying her in your own custom? "

“That shall depend on the princess herself my lady.” He was now looking at Arwen as he spoke. “We will be husband and wife in Gondor’s eyes before the end of the year; however I will wait until she has learned the ways of my country before I marry her in our style. Even if I have to wait until the end of 3020, my lady’s comfort will come first.”

“You speak well Eomer of the Mark,” Arwen said “Lothiriel is honored to have a husband that admires her so much as you have spoken this evening. I am concerned though, you do not know the princess other then a quick meeting and from words spoken by her family. She does not know anything of you besides what her father has spoken of your character. How do you plan on making a union work under these circumstances?”

Aragorn gently nudged his wife trying to get her to be silent on that matter, but the question had already been posed and Eomer thought it would be bad form not to answer.

“Honestly I do not know my lady…” he did not get another word out.

“Honesty is exactly how you will make the union work Eomer. From your very first meeting in Dol Amroth till your deathbed you must be honest and speak your heart to your lady to be. She is giving up her life for you, being honest is the least you can do for her. Love her, honor her, cherish her and be honest with her.”

Eomer bowed at the lady’s words. “I will forever keep your words in my heart my glorious lady of Gondor. Be assured that I will love, honor and cherish her.”

Again the lady of the hall spoke, “What if she does not return your feelings as quickly as you give them, what then?” Aragorn pinched his wife now to get her to stop tormenting the young king.

“Then I will work harder to earn her love.” That answer satisfied the queen. The remainder of the meal was eaten among friendly banter.