Chapter III: For a Song
The Siege of Dunharrow was wearing on. Orcs swarmed continuously up the Stair of the Hold, and were repelled by the Rohirric archers. Up on Firienfield, however, things were beginning to look desperate.
"Théodred," called Éowyn, rushing into his tent, "the bowmen are down to their last quivers of arrows. One more big push and we'll be overwhelmed!"
Théodred bit his lip. He had never thought that the Kingship would be so hard. His father had made it all look so easy, at least while he was still in sound mind. Of course, his father had not had to fight a war, but nevertheless –
"Cousin," said Éowyn, shocking him back to alertness, "this is no time for reflection. Thus far there have been but a few minor injuries, but that will all change if – and I fear, when – the orcs break through. You must act."
"And what would you have me do?" he cried. "I am no wizard to summon magical armies to our aid, or to produce fresh arrows out of the air! I cannot fight a war with no weapons, Éowyn. Ah! If we had only had a chance to send to Gondor for aid."
Éowyn frowned, and then leaned towards him, her expression curiously intent. "Théodred," she said, "listen to me. I have sent some of the older boys down to forage used arrows from the Stair while the orcs remain at the bottom, but that is only a temporary solution. To win this battle and save our people, you must do something unexpected."
"But what?" he asked, despairing. "It seems that everything we try has already been anticipated."
"Ride out," she replied. Théodred sat bolt upright.
"Éowyn! That's…"
"Insane? Yes, it is. Suicidal? Most likely." She paused, and her expression was fierce. "But is it better than cowering here until they come for us? I would say that it is."
Théodred smiled slightly. "You might say so, cousin, but I am not sure that the Riders will agree."
"They will," she replied, grinning. "While you have been here planning, I have been moving amongst the troops. They tire of waiting here to die. If the last two members of the House of Eorl ride forth, the Eorlingas will follow."
Théodred shook his head. "No, Éowyn, you cannot come. You must –"
"Théodred!" she yelled, and he jumped. "Do not presume to say such things to me! Was I not ever a better rider, a better fighter than you? While my uncle was still king I restrained myself, not desiring to show disrespect to his wishes, but you, dear cousin, are a different matter." He opened his mouth to protest, and she leaned forward. "Or do you wish me to tell the men of what happened on your first long ride?"
Théodred winced at the memory. "There will be no need for that. You may join us." As she drew breath to speak, he added, "You may lead with me."
Éowyn's face lit up. "Imagine the songs! Théodred and Éowyn, last of a great House, lead the Riders of Rohan in a heroic charge, smashing the enemy defences, levelling their camp, killing their leaders and decimating their troops. Why, we will be almost as famed as Eorl himself!"
Théodred raised an eyebrow. "Are you, then, so sure of our victory?"
She looked him straight in the eyes. "If we fail, the Riddermark will fall, and there will be no more songs. Ever." Taking him by the now-unresisting arm, Éowyn led her cousin out to where his horse waited.
Arise now, arise, Riders of Théodred!
Dire deeds awake, dark it is northward.
Let horse be bridled, horn be sounded!
Forth Eorlingas!
Headlong they rode, charging down the steep path from the Hold of Dunharrow and smashing through the defences of the Orc army. One thousand Riders, all that remained of the Cavalry of Rohan, golden hair gleaming, swords and spears flashing. Onward they drove, the advantage of surprise with them, until they reached the very heart of the enemy horde. There, at least, they faltered, and there the casualties began to pour in.
In the thick of the battle, Éowyn appeared suddenly next to Théodred. Raising her voice to be heard over the sounds of fighting, she yelled, "We cannot fight like this! Separately we will be slaughtered! Call the Riders to you, pull them together! Then we might have a chance of escape!"
Nodding in reply, he raised himself in his saddle and called out. "Riders of Théodred! To me! To me, Eorlingas!"
All across the field the Riders wheeled and rode to their king, slaughtering the orcs around him and buying for themselves a momentary reprieve. When all were gathered, Éowyn took charge. "Form a spearpoint! We must push back to the Stair! We -!"
She was cut off by an almighty crash from the west side of the Orc camp. Wheeling to face this new threat, Théodred's mouth dropped open. From the mountain path into Harrowdale giant figures were striding, fully fourteen feet tall. Like great trees they looked, or like Men of wood. Over the orcs they trampled, heedless of the arrows striking them and the swords hacking at them, heading ever towards the beleaguered Rohirrim. As the foremost drew near, Théodred saw to his amazement a man sitting on its shoulder. His horse shifted nervously beneath him as Théodred rode forth to meet the newcomer, barely aware of Éowyn beside him.
"Hail, stranger!" he called. "I am Théodred, son of Théoden, First Marshal of the Mark! By what name are you known, and what business have you in the Riddermark?"
"And what are these things?" added Éowyn. Théodred turned to glare at her, and she shrugged. "You know you want to know."
The man laughed. "I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn, and I knew your father of old. I am here to aid you in your battles. And these," he turned, gesturing at the Tree-men, "are Ents, out of Fangorn Forest. Quickbeam here is their leader."
"Hoom," said the Ent upon which Aragorn was seated. "It is a great pleasure to meet you, Théodred of the Mark."
Théodred stared, stunned that something so large could speak. Aragorn, meanwhile, gave a little chuckle. "I think that Quickbeam's people can deal with the rest of the orcs. Do you suppose we could continue this conversation somewhere with food? I have been many days on the road, and a filling meal would be most welcome."
I do love that chapter.
Uh... as I've said before, there are more chapters written. Whether they'll be posted any time soon rather depends on whether I remember. So we'll see.
But I still love this chapter.
Cloaked Eagle