As Far As The Heart Can See

Chapter 6
“News from Afar”

It had been a month. Over a month to be exact and still no word.
The people remaining at Helm’s Deep had not been idle, though. Much had been done. The repair of the Deeping Wall came along and the injured had almost all recovered.
Some vegetables had been cultivated not far from the Burg as well.
Yet, there were many things still to be done. Many still had no home and were living in the caves or the Burg. And most of them had no clothes except those they wore.
And many feared that the worst was yet to come.
Despite all of that, a routine had settled in among those able to work. And not only Ósle was starting to grow restless.
Every day had become almost the same: wake up, help making breakfast, start work on some clothing, help making lunch, work some more, help making dinner, more work and go to sleep.
After the initial shock wore off, Ósle and Asthryd had sworn to never loose hope. And at first it went well, they could even laugh again. But as the days went on and there were no news, it became harder and harder. Almost unbearable.
Still not a day had gone by that Ósle hadn’t thought of Beda, Ceredig, Alden, the King and Éomer praying they were save.
Ósle sighed and threw a sideways glance at Asthryd seated beside her. Both women had needlework on their laps making one or the other clothing item and since the weather had steadily grown warmer they sat outside in the sun.
Suddenly an excited shout went up. The gates were opened and a group of riders entered the inner court. Riders of the Mark.
Within minutes a whole crowd had gathered around them, awaiting the news. Ósle and Asthryd were among them, having abandoned their work for the time being.

All of a sudden, the older woman’s pose stiffened before she cried out and rushed forward. Ósle at first did not understand but when one of the riders removed his helmet, her eyes widened. It was Ceredig. She too rushed to his side and hugged him tight as soon as Asthryd had released him.
“Ósle,” he whispered and it sounded so very sad that it almost broke her heart. Yet, there was no time to dwell on it as the rider in charge called for quiet to deliver the news.
The war was over, Mordor overthrown. They were safe. Or at least safer than they had been before. Murmuring grew louder but dissipated upon hearing of Théoden-King’s death.
One or another of the older men asked who would lead them now and the answer took Ósle by great surprise.
“The King’s sister-son, Éomer is now King,” the rider announced. Once again the murmuring started. So he was now King. That simplified things. She would just have to forget him.

The riders were rushed inside, food was prepared and baths provided as well as some fresh clothes.
Through all of this Ósle watched Ceredig who seemed defeated, lost despite their victory over the dark lord. Not once did she see him smile. He was frightfully detached from all the happenings around him. What had happened to him?
Ósle volunteered to help with the distribution of the food to give mother and son some privacy although she knew they included her in their family.
During the whole time she walked around with baskets of bread, she watched Ceredig and Asthryd. And when she saw the older woman pale visibly she knew for sure something must have happened.
From where he sat, Ceredig found her and their gazes met. And then she knew. She did not need him telling her. She just knew. Alden had fallen. Alden was dead. She would never see his face again, would never see him smile, hear him laugh or be able to hug him.
Silent tears ran down her cheeks. She could not move, could not think. But her inside screamed that Alden would never come back. Sobs shook her body.
And only as a rider lightly touched her arm did she become aware of the bread basket still in her hands. Without thinking she dropped it onto the nearest table and ran from the hall – all she could think about was Alden.

TBC
-------
Just a short chapter this time. More to come soon. ~ Chrissie