Faramir Fiction Archive

Fairborn (PG)

Written by Paul Price

26 August 2011 | 24652 words

Title: Fairborn
Author: Paul Price
Rating: PG
Pairing(s): Faramir

This is a sixteen chapter short novel detailing curious events and various adventures in the twentieth year of Faramir and Eowyn’s marriage. The adventures and events concern them, their children, their friends, the countries of Gondor, Rohan, Dunland, and Harad, and enemies they did not know they had.

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A Prologue

Many events which influenced and impacted the Fourth Age of Middle Earth happened at the end of the Third Age. One of those events was the marriage of Faramir of Gondor and Éowyn of Rohan. This book tells of events twenty years into that fateful marriage. The book concerns not just Faramir and Éowyn, but their children, their household, and their previously unidentified enemies. Additionally, it concerns the people of Middle Earth, both high-born and low, who were impacted by these characters’ actions. Also, the book concerns the Lands of Ithilien, Gondor, Rohan, Dunland, and Harad.

This tale is not on the important and grand scale of the Lord of the Rings, but is worth telling, none the less, to see the changes in character of Faramir and Éowyn during the first twenty years of their marriage. For example, the stern, cold Shield Maiden of Rohan will scarcely be identifiable in the warm, loving Lady of Ithilien. However, some core character traits are not often changed by time and circumstance.

Hopefully, this book gives the reader the opportunity to become acquainted with Faramir and Éowyn’s household members, including their children, and to become re-acquainted with some old friends from the Lord of the Rings.

Chapter 1: Faramir and young Boromir

Now, Ithilien is a prosperous land of woods, plains, fields, streams, villages and towns. But twenty years ago, it was the charred remnants of battlegrounds and strife. Then, armies of orcs, uruk-hai, Haradrim, and trolls had burned and destroyed everything they could reach, and they reached about every part of Ithilien. Then, Ithilien smelled like burned wood and rotting corpses. Now, it smelled of new-grown crops and other growing, living things. It took much work by many people to rebuild and regrow Ithilien. Now, after twenty years of peace, the smell of burning wood and corpses had returned to parts of Ithilien.

Faramir, Prince of Ithilien, sat on his magnificent white horse atop a hill, and watched his troops form to defend the village of Syr. He was puzzled and concerned. After years of peace, suddenly orc raiding parties were showing up in all parts of Ithilien. That morning, he barely had time to send troops to meet the three raids which were occurring. In North Ithilien, he had sent the remnant of his available guard troops. Most of his guard troops, the White Company, were serving as scouts for the King in the campaign against the Dunlendings, so he had only about 50 rangers from the White Company to intercept a raiding party of about 200 orcs. This would have been an insufficient number, but he had sent about 75 Rohirrim cavalry with them. The whole party was commanded by Beregond, his Captain of the Guard. In South Ithilien, another group of about 150 orcs were pillaging the lands. To counter this threat, he had sent about 75 Rohirrim cavalry commanded by Eothain, their Captain.

Here in Emyn Arnen, he faced a band of about 400 orcs. He had available about 100 veteran Gondorian spearmen, 100 Ithilien militia, 75 Rohirrim cavalry, and 50 Rohirrim militia infantry. He watched as his nephew, Boromir, placed the troops in battle order. The formation had about 30 veterans on each flank and almost 40 in the center with about 75 militia between the units of veterans. Behind Faramir were the cavalry hidden from the orcs by the hill. His trap was set. He trusted that his two other commanders would be able to stop the orc bands. His trust was well placed, as few of the orcs in the three bands ever reached home again.

To the east of Faramir’s small army, Karm commanded the orc band. He was new to command, and wasn’t sure why his command had not included any of the most experienced orc warriors. His Sovereign did not explain this to him. The Sovereign merely sent him out with orders to attack as quickly as possible. He had marched his troops hard to get here, and they were not comfortable in the sunlight. The longer his troops marched in the sunlight, the more their morale sagged. He did not have much experience in command, but he knew that he and his lieutenants were going to have to lead from the front to encourage these inexperienced and dispirited orc warriors. Additionally, they may have to kill some shirkers to instill discipline in the orc rabble. As the enemy troops came into sight, he formed up his troops quickly and charged the center of the enemy line. He hoped to break through the center of the enemy and rout them quickly. The battle was short, much less than an hour. The orc attack on the center left their flanks vulnerable. This allowed the Ithilien veteran spearmen on each flank to push forward and pin the orcs in place. Then, Faramir led the Rohirrim cavalry around the hill and attacked the rear of the orc battleline. The orcs were quickly squeezed into a confined space which greatly reduced their ability to fight back. This and the increasing panic in their ranks led to an early death for many in the orc band. Ithilien casualties were very light.

After the battle, Faramir thought about his family, as he always did after the danger was over. His father, mother, and only brother were dead, but he now had his own family to tend.

His wife, Éowyn, was legendary. The “Shield Maiden of Rohan” had become the “Healing Lady of Ithilien”. Éowyn was famed throughout Middle Earth for felling the Witch-King and killing its monstrous steed. Now, she was additionally famed for her practice of the healing arts, and for the students that she had trained in healing. She and he had agreed after their marriage that he would name the male children, and she the female. And so it had been done.

Their firstborn, named Theowyn, was now eighteen, and she was named in honor of the late King Théoden of Rohan. She was a woman given to military pursuits. She reminded him of his brother as her sole focus was on military interests, but she looked like a younger image of her mother. She was tall, slim, agile, strong, graceful and beautiful. She had her mother’s golden yellow hair and her maternal grandmother’s light blue eyes. She liked to engage his troops in mock combat and often defeated them. Also, she spent much time with the Rohirrim, and so had become an exceptional rider.

Their son, and his heir, was named Elboron. He has named in honor of an Elven wise man. He was sixteen, and was loved by the people of Ithilien. Most people called Elboron, “The Crown Prince”, even though that title belonged to the King’s heir. Many said he possessed the best features of his parents. He had the even temperament, caring nature, and wisdom of his father, and the bravery, steadfastness, and loyalty of his mother. He too was tall, but had more of the features and look of his father. His hair was raven black, like his father, and his eyes were grey, like both his parents. Unlike his older sister, his interest in the military was primarily in strategy and tactics. He preferred to plan a successful battle and campaign, not lead troops. However, he knew he would be required to lead troops, so he trained to do so well. Additionally, like his father, he had an interest in lore and history, and had great intuitive abilities.

Their youngest child was named Ganwyn, an unusual name for an unusual girl. She was thirteen, but seemed both younger and older. She was named in honor of Gandalf, the great wizard. She shared some of her sister’s military bent, but was neither as brave nor as strong as her sister at the same age, so she took to the bow as her weapon of choice. She shared her mother’s interest in healing, and so spent much time in the woods and the healing houses. She had an interest in magic, but could find few to teach her in its ways, so she improvised. The White Company had adopted her, in a sense, and had trained her in many ranger skills. She was of average height for her age and a gangly young girl. Her hair was pale blond like her maternal grandmother, and her eyes were black like her paternal grandfather, Denethor. She seemed to have all the unfavorable physical features of each of her parents. She was not an ugly child, just not an attractive one to most people.

Lastly, there was Boromir. He had been a surprise legacy from Faramir’s older brother. Just after the birth of Theowyn, Faramir was approached by an ill Dunlending woman, named Lea, with a two-year old boy. She claimed the child was his brother’s son, and that she had named the child, Boromir, after its father. Faramir was doubtful, as his brother was not known to be involved with any woman up to his untimely death. However, the child bore a resemblance, even at such an early age. He sent Damrod, a ranger, to Minas Tirith to verify the woman’s story, but Lea died before Damrod returned. Damrod determined that the woman was the widow of a Gondorian soldier, but that the child was born two years after her husband’s death. Lea had been quite beautiful before her extended illness, and neighbors had seen Boromir entering her house and leaving the next morning several times. Neighbors knew of no other men in her favor. Given the unique circumstances, Faramir had raised the boy as part of his household. Moreover, Éowyn and the children treated Boromir as a member of the family. Many thought this a generous action, but more cynical observers thought Faramir was keeping a potential rival under his control. Faramir had long ago lost any doubt that this was Boromir’s son. The boy, like his father, was tall, strong, brave and handsome. He had Boromir’s black hair and piercing black eyes. Like the older Boromir, young Boromir was inclined toward military pursuits. He had asked to join the local unit of the Gondorean Army, but Faramir had dissuaded the young man by putting him in charge of the local militia. As Faramir had expected, young Boromir had already proven very adept in training, supplying, motivating and leading his troops. Boromir’s militia troops had been quite steady in the battle which had just occurred.

After the battle with the orcs, Prince Faramir’s army disbanded. The members of the militia and the Rohirrim went home, after burning the orc dead and burying their own dead, and the Gondorean spearmen marched back to the fortress with Faramir and Boromir.

“Your militia did well in the battle.” Faramir said to Boromir.

“They need more training, but aren’t willing to train any more than they do now. I had to move from one part of the line to another to reassure them and keep them steady.”

“You’re getting everything from them that’s possible. They aren’t regular troops, and have other vocations to tend. If the White Company were here, then I wouldn’t have used them. Fortunately, you trained them well enough that I could use them. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“So how is Halea? I think she will make a fine wife.”

“She’s fine.” said Boromir. He was surprised that Faramir knew of his fiancé, as he thought he had kept it secret. He thought he would change the subject of the conversation. “Speaking of marriage, who are you going to pledge Theowyn to? She has many suitors I hear.” He knew this was a sore point with Faramir, as the strong-willed Theowyn was not inclined to marriage, despite her many suitors.

“Are you trying to change the subject?”

“Yes, but it didn’t work. How did you know about Halea?”

“A little lastborn bird told me.”

Boromir thought, “Of course, Ganwyn knows everything that happens in the household. However, she seldom tells what she knows.” However, he said, “I wanted to keep it a secret from her family. They are very concerned with social position, and they think I have none.”

“If it’s not enough that you are part of my household, then I could make you “Lord of Emyn Arnen”, if you wish.”

“I’m greatly flattered, but your domain is barely large enough now to support your duties as Prince of Ithilien and Steward of Gondor. I do appreciate the offer though.”

Young Boromir’s answer increased Faramir’s respect for the young man. He determined to do something to help Boromir, but could not think how just now. He should discuss it with Éowyn. She always had good ideas for such problems.

As his troops marched past the fledgling Woods of Legolas, Faramir’s thoughts shifted to the good fortune and hard work that had transformed Ithilien from a land devastated by war into a green, lush and populated land. First, a group of Elves, led by Legolas, had come to help re-grow the trees, plants, and grass. Legolas and some of the Elves settled in one of the woods in Northern Ithilien, but were seldom seen now. After the remainder of the elves returned home, his wife, Lady Éowyn, had planted many medicinal herbs throughout the land, so that such herbs were potentially available to much of the population. Finally, the Rohirrim had arrived, and settled.

At first, the Rohirrim had been sent by Éowyn’s brother, King Éomer, as a rotating “honor guard” for Éowyn. Every half-year, a new eored of up to 150 horsemen would arrive and the old eored would return to Rohan. One year, Éowyn returned to Rohan with the departing eored to visit her brother, and while there was approached by a group of farmers, horse breeders, and hunters who wanted to settle in the newly-lush, but under-populated, Ithilien. She had sent a messenger to him to obtain his approval, and that of the King. Both had assented, and she accompanied about 400 Rohirrim families back to Ithilien. In the intervening years the Rohirrim had become an important part of the economy and defenses of Ithilien. Eventually, the King of Rohan no longer sent the “honor guard”, as a local eored protected Lady Éowyn and the land. Currently, the local Rohirrim provided a full eored of 120 to 150 riders, additional militia of 120 to 200 infantry and a small second eored of about 80 to 100 horsemen to the Prince of Ithilien. While the interaction between the native Ithiliens and the Rohirrim was not always friendly at first, the Rohirrim had generally become a part of the overall community in the fifteen years since their arrival. About three-quarters of the Rohirrim lived in North Ithilien, and the remainder lived in Emyn Arnen.

Chapter 2: Éowyn and Ganwyn

The young man moved stealthily to a position behind a tree. A forest was the perfect place for an assassin to work. About eight feet in front of him was his prey, the Lady of Ithilien. She had stooped to dig some herbs from a group of plants. She was unarmored, but carried a sword and shield. The shield was resting on the ground, and the sword was sheathed. He noticed her long golden yellow braid across her back. It was time to strike. He was pleased to think that he would be the man who would kill the woman who felled the Witch-King. He would be the most well-known assassin in the world, after this assignment. Maybe he should return the payment from the wizard in brown (if he really was a wizard) who hired him. His years of assassin training were finally coming to profit. He had easily dispatched the guard who accompanied Lady Éowyn, and he had seen her daughter go in the opposite direction looking for herbs. He was convinced that he was now making a significant reputation in his bloody craft; however, this belief was soon shown to be vanity. As he drew his daggers and started to move around the tree, an arrow struck him in the back of his upper right shoulder. He stopped an instant to recover his balance, and then moved quickly toward his prey. Another arrow pierced the tree next to his head. He was concentrating so hard that he had not heard the shout which warned Lady Éowyn of her danger. By the time the tree was between him and his archer enemy, the assassin knew it was too late. Éowyn had picked up the shield and was facing him, with the unsheathed sword in her hand. He lunged at her trying to land a dagger strike with his left hand, but she parried the strike with her shield. She was faster and stronger than he expected. He tried to parry her sword thrust with the dagger in his right hand, but found, to his horror, that the arrow wound had severely weakened his off hand. He died instantly.

Ganwyn ran to her mother, her long pale blond braid bouncing behind her. The girl was joyful to have thwarted her mother’s assassination. However, Éowyn was still concentrating on her attacker. She carefully kicked his daggers away from his hands, and then she felt for the pulse in his neck to see if he was dead. She then removed the sword from his face, and wiped the blade clean. This sword was Herugrim, the battle sword of King Théoden of Rohan. Her brother had given it to her as a wedding gift, and it had not drawn blood since, until now. As her daughter approached, Éowyn examined the daggers carefully, then covered them with the bloody cloth and put them in her herb bag.

“Where is Bergrond? Some guard he is.” Ganywn said.

“Likely dead, these daggers are strongly poisoned. I recognize the tint of the herbs used. Someone really wanted me dead.”

“Bergrond can’t be dead, he’s too young, and besides, I like him.” said Ganywn.

“I guess I should thank you for shouting your warning to your preoccupied mother. You usually don’t say much, my lastborn.”

“I didn’t warn you, I was concentrating on my bow shots.”

“Someone did.”

“Maybe Bergrond is alive.” said Ganwyn, hopefully.

As they walked to where they left the horses, Éowyn asked, “How did you get behind him? I thought I saw you go in the other direction.”

“It’s a really difficult illusion that I have been trying lately. I thought I heard something behind us, and I wanted to know who or what it was.”

“So you cast the illusion without warning me?”

“It could have been nothing, and I really wanted to try out the spell again.”

“You say every spell you cast is difficult. Are there no easy spells?”

“They all are difficult, until you master them. Look! One of the horses followed us; I see hoof marks in the grass.”

“The rangers have trained you well, I don’t notice the hoof marks. By the way, since you are in a talkative mood, how many spells do you know?”

“About five.”

“Only five, but you spend so much time studying magic.”

“Not as much as I spend studying herbs or archery or tracking.”

“My gifted lastborn.” Éowyn said proudly, as she hugged Ganwyn and kissed the side of her daughter’s forehead as they walked.

The two white horses were grazing where they had been left. Bergrond’s grey horse was tied to a tree nearby and not far away his body lay in the grass. Near the body was a bloody rock. Éowyn checked Bergrond for signs of life, as Ganwyn held her breath. “He’s alive, but hurt. He took a bad blow to the head. He was fortunate the assassin didn’t stab him.” Said Éowyn.

“We were fortunate that father made us bring weapons.”

“I thought he was being too cautious when he insisted that we take a guard and weapons. Even if there were three orc raids today, they can’t be everywhere, as there aren’t enough of them anymore. Your father is a wise and prudent man. It took some time for me to get used to that. I have learned much from Faramir. My family tended to be more in favor of quick action, rather than reasoned action. That’s why they tend to have short lives. I’ve already lived more years than either of my parents.”

“Mother, you’re the Lady of Ithilien. You’re going to live forever.” Ganwyn said as she hugged her mother.

Éowyn began preparing herbs to clear Bergrond’s head, and herbs to staunch the blood on his still slightly bleeding wound. Gandwyn began collecting the herbs that would ease Bergrond’s headache, later.

Bergrond groaned as he regained consciousness. “What happened?”

“We were knocked out.” Said Ganwyn.

“Who by?” said the guard.

“The man who came to assassinate me.” Said Éowyn.

“Where is he?”

“Dead. Ganwyn saved me.”

“Mother, you’re the one who killed him.”

“But you’re the one who discovered him, and made it possible, lastborn. I would likely be dead, if not for you.”

The statement sent a chill through Ganwyn. She did not want her mother to die.

After tending to Bergrond for some time, Éowyn deemed him fit to travel. He did not seem to have a concussion, despite the hard blow. The three made ready to return home. As she mounted her white horse, Éowyn whispered in its ear, and the horse nodded as if in answer.

“What are you doing mother?”

“Thanking Snowfall.”

“What for?”

“With all you’ve been learning, you’ve forgotten the earliest thing that I taught you. In Rohan, we always thank our horse for its service to us, especially, a Mearas like this horse.”

“I had forgotten. Isn’t there legends that the Mearas can understand their riders.”

“There are lots of legends about Mearas. One is that they only let the Kings of Rohan ride them, but that clearly is not true, as I am not the King of Rohan.”

“You’re his sister.”

“But, not the King. Another legend says they can understand their rider and talk to their rider on critical occasions. However, they choose their riders carefully.”

“But horses don’t talk.”

“This one did. When I first met it, it apologized because its sire, Snowmane, killed King Théoden, my mother’s brother. It said it would repay the debt.”

“Did it? Did it repay the debt?”

“Yes, today!”

“How?”

Éowyn smiled at her lastborn, and did not answer.

After Éowyn, Ganwyn, and Bergrond left the area, a figure in a brown cloak approached the site of the assassination attempt. He was displeased to find the assassin dead, and shouted his displeasure for the world to hear, but only the animals of the forest heard. He was angry again when he could not find the poison daggers. They had been the payment to the assassin, and he wanted them back.

Chapter 3: Beregond and Damrod

In North Ithilien, Beregond rested as his men were piling up orc bodies for burning. Sometimes, he thought he was getting too old for field command. Actually, he wasn’t that old, as his family was long-lived, but after each battle he felt like a very old man. He would be taking back the bodies of six of his dead comrades. Another ten had been wounded. All of the dead were rangers, while most of the wounded were Rohirrim. He knew all of the rangers who had been killed, and wished that he did not have to tell their families of their deaths. He was pleased that his son, Bergil, had survived the battle unscathed, and was relieved that his youngest son Bergrond was on guard duty at the fortress. At least Bergrond was safe from harm.

He thought back to the battle. He had divided the Rohirrim into two battle groups of about 35 men, and sent five riders out as scouts. After the scouts had located the orc band and counted about 200 orcs in it, he picked a spot for an ambush. The rangers, numbering about 50, set up a line at the edge of a woods that the orcs were approaching. The two groups of horsemen were to each flank of the rangers, but about 100 paces away. As the orcs approached, the rangers fired their bows. The inexperienced orc leader had not sent out scouts, and the orcs were completely surprised. As the orcs began to recover from their surprise, the Rohirrim emerged from the woods and charged. Most of the orcs started running with the Rohirrim in their trail. Few orcs survived. However, one group of about 40 orcs charged ahead and into the rangers. He had not expected this bravery in the face of Rohirrim cavalry. Without that orc charge, he likely wouldn’t have lost any of his troops. The thought made him angry. He had done everything right, but still six of his friends had died. Again, he felt aged.

After burning the dead orcs, Beregond’s little army began its march home. Unlike his recent foe, he sent out scouts ahead of his force. Unlike his recent foe, he did not need to, as no enemy was near. His troops arrived home early the next morning.

At the time Beregond’s little army was marching home, the White Company in Dunland was trying to find the Dunlending army. The King wanted to bring about a decisive battle to end this war; however, the Dunlending King was trying to avoid a battle. He was hiding his army in the forests of Dunland. Damrod was commanding the White Company in Dunland in Beregond’s absence. This was an absence caused by legal issues. Since Beregond had been banished from Minas Tirith, he could not serve with any Gondorean Army which the King led, according to an ancient Gondorean law. This could be resolved, if the King pardoned Beregond; however, if the King pardoned Beregond, then Beregond must resume his position in the Citadel Guard, according to another ancient law. A third ancient law stated that the King must reign for twenty years before he could change the laws. The King had reigned for twenty years now, but was too busy with the war in Dunland to change any of the ancient laws. While the men of the White Company knew Damrod was a capable commander, they knew Beregond was better. They thought his absence was absurd, but they performed their duties well despite their disgruntlement. Still, they were not finding the Dunlending army, and the thought persisted among the White Company that Beregond would have found it by now.

Damrod, like most of the army, had been surprised by the amount of woodlands in Dunland. All of their maps showed Dunland to be a land of rolling plains with few wooded areas. They now found that their maps were based upon information that was over 100 years old, and the woods were now a significant portion of Dunland. The King had expected the Rohirrim and Gondorean cavalry to quickly find and overthrow the Dunlending army on the plains, but it had not happened as the plains were no longer a significant feature of Dunland. Now it was Damrod’s responsibility to find the Dunlending army in the woods, and he had not yet done so. He felt the pressure from the King and the other commanders to complete his assignment.

Chapter 4: Eothain and Anbor

Captain Eothain had mixed emotions. He was honored that Lady Theowyn had accompanied his troops on their ride to South Ithilien, but he was equally certain Prince Faramir had not approved her action. If she were harmed, then he might pay a heavy price. However, her presence seemed to raise the spirits of his troops, who called her “Daughter of Dernhelm”. He could not question her skill in mock combat, as he had seen her perform, but this was not going to be a mock battle. Additionally, he may not be able to assign troops to guard her, as he was not sure of the number of orcs he would be facing. At least she did not stand out among the troops, as her armor, weapons, and horse were similar to theirs, and her braid was not much longer than most of his men’s braids. Some of the men even had golden hair like hers. However, he wished he had brought some riders from the second eored with him.

He saw one of his scouts approaching and rode out to meet him. “How many orcs are out there?” he asked grimly.

“Just over 250.” Said the scout whose name was Gelamer.

Eothain spit and swore, and then continued his questioning. “Are they roaming, pillaging, or marching?”

“Marching. They seem to be headed North. When we first spotted the band there was about 150 of them, but then they joined another band of about 100.”

“Have you looked for a battlefield, as I asked?”

“Yes, and we found one. We also found another scout trailing them, a ranger.”

“Did the orcs send out scouts?”

“Yes, they sent out two scouting parties. We ambushed both of them.”

“Then we should be able to surprise them. Where is the ranger?”

“On his way here. He was right behind me, but stopped to examine some tracks he found.”

A short while later the ranger appeared riding a shaggy brown pony. He was a short squat man who looked to be in his middle years. He had very black, but graying, hair and a scar across the forehead of his very flat face. His eyes were brown, and his skin was similar to the dark skin of a man who spent much time outdoors, but was darker. In turn, the ranger saw a typical Rohirrim leader, a tall blond man with pale blue eyes who looked to be both strong and hard.

“Eothain, this is Anbor. Anbor, this is Eothain, Captain of the Ithilien Eored.” said Gelamer tersely, then he left to continue scouting.

“Is that whatcha call yourselves now?” laughed Anbor, “The Ithilien Eored.”

“It seemed a fitting name.” said Eothain dryly.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean offense. It just struck me odd.” said Anbor.

“What can you tell me about the orcs?” said Eothain coldly.

“I started tailin’ an orc band when they crossed the border of Ithilien this morning. There was about 100 of ‘em. I tailed ‘em until they joined a second band, then I saw your scouts and joined ‘em.” said Anbor.

“So they’ve been raiding since this morning?” asked Eothain.

“No. The group that I tailed was marchin’ the whole time. They seemed ta be tryin’ta catch the first group. The first group had all the plunder from raidin’. After my group caught up ta the first group, they stopped and talked for a while, then marched on.”

“I don’t know that they are doing,” said Eothain, “but I intend to stop it now.”

“Ya got the Crown Prince witcha, too?” asked Anbor, “I see Lady Theowyn witcha troops.”

Eothain sighed and said sharply, “She came on her own. I think she wants to be in this fight. Her brother is not here, Thank Eorl.”

“I got one more thin’ ta report,” said Anbor, “The first band likely spent last night in Ithilien. They began their raid this mornin’, and met someone, then stopped raidin’.”

“How do you know this? I thought you were trailing the second band?”

“I know from the tracks that I found. I don’t know who they met. I only know they met someone. I could track that person, if ya want.”

“No. I think I’m going to need every soldier that I can get for this battle.” said Eothain.

“I ain’t much at fightin’ from ‘orseback. But, I can use this well” said Anbor lifting his bow.

“You don’t have much of a horse to fight from.” Snickered Eothain.

“I thought ya Rohirrim appreciated good ‘orses?”

“Horse, I though you were riding a dog.”

Eothain had warmed to the ranger, and their banter continued as Eothain prepared a battle plan, organized the troops, and rode off to battle. The battle was short and decisive. Eothain’s riders slowly approached the orcs from three sides, so the orcs had only one direction to run. When the charge began, the orcs were caught by surprise, and immediately routed. The riders speared the fleeing orcs with little risk and few rider casualties. Only when a group of about 60 orcs stopped and formed a battle line, did the fighting get intense for the horsemen. It was here that Theowyn impressed the men of the eored. She charged into the orc line, forcing a breech, then dismounted and fought with sword and shield. She was even more effective than in the mock combats, as the orcs were more poorly trained and equipped than her usual opponents. According to Anbor, Theowyn killed fifteen orcs in that melee. Other riders said she killed more than that number in the pursuit prior to the melee. She had earned a high reputation with the Rohirrim. The “Daughter of Dernhelm” was welcome to join the Ithilien Eored in any battle.

After the battle, the Eored silently burned the orc dead, much more than two hundred orcs, and buried their own dead, four riders, with ceremonies and lamentations from the deceased’s friends and kin in the Eored. Then they rode away. As the Rohirrim rode from the battle field, they began to sing:

We ride,
Across our land.
For kin, our sword at side,
Our spear in hand,
We ride.

We ride,
Toward our foe.
Both horse and man, Rohan’s pride.
To lay them low,
We ride.

We ride,
From battle maul.
Victory by our side,
In saddle, tall
We ride.

It was an ancient song among the Rohirrim riders, a song of victory.

Chapter 5: The Fortress and the Manor Hall

When Faramir came in sight of the fortress, he noted that the workmen had completed more work during the day than he had expected. He was pleased that his troops would soon have a secure base from which to defend Ithilien and Emyn Arnen. The fortress was not large, like Minas Tirith, but would serve its purpose. It would house the unit of Gondorian spearmen assigned to him, and the White Company. Also, it would serve as the armory for the Rohirrim and the militia. Additionally, it contained a great hall for social and diplomatic occasions. Since most of the White Company was in Dunlend, it would be mostly empty until they returned. He would feel more secure when the White Company returned.

Faramir had wanted to build the fortress long ago, but did not have the resources to do so. Therefore, his troops had operated from a wooden stockade for most of the last twenty years. When he became Prince, Ithilien was under-populated and in ruins. It had taken almost twenty years to get to the point where he could build this fortress. Some who opposed it were calling it “Minas Faramir”; however, the recent orc raids had muted this criticism. He would have liked to restore Osgiliath and its defenses, but it was considered indefensible by some of the King’s best military advisors, so Gondor would not contribute to its restoration. Even Faramir did not like the location and size of Osgiliath, but restoring existing defenses was easier than building entirely new ones. Regardless, now his small fortress was nearly complete.

The Gondorian spearmen were relieved to arrive at the wooden stockade, near the fortress-in-construction. It hadn’t been a long march to the battlefield at Syr, but two marches and a battle (even a one-sided one) was a full day’s work. They had been in Ithilien for a year now, and the stockade was beginning to feel like a home. Not their home in Gondor, but a home.

After leaving the spearmen at the stockade, Faramir and Boromir prepared to ride the league to the manor hall which was the home of Faramir’s household and its retainers. However, before they started, the Ithilien Eored arrived. The Eored was still jubilant about their victory, and their new-found heroine. Faramir was angry that his daughter had fought in the battle without his knowledge, but was pleased that she was unharmed and surprised that she had fought so well in the battle. Despite her success in mock combat, he had not taken her military prowess seriously. If Faramir had been a less fair-minded man, he would have punished Captain Eothain for putting his daughter in danger. However, he knew that few men could have prevented his daughter from following her inclinations. He knew she wanted to test her skills in real combat, but had hoped such an opportunity would not present itself.

Faramir had not yet recovered from the surprise concerning his oldest daughter, when Éowyn and Ganwyn arrived with their wounded guard. If Faramir had been a less fair-minded man, he would have punished Bergrond for not protecting Éowyn from the assassin. However, he knew that almost any guard was a mismatch against a trained assassin. He was pleased that Éowyn and Ganwyn had returned unharmed. He was relieved that Bergrond was not injured more seriously. He knew that Beregond would have been upset if Bergrond, his youngest son, had been killed, and he valued Beregond as a friend, a counselor and a captain.

As Faramir was considering his surprises, two messengers rode up. One informed him of Beregond’s victory in North Ithilien. The other informed him that he was needed in Minas Tirith to perform his duties as Steward of Gondor. He sent one messenger back to Beregond with congratulations and a summons to hurry to the manor hall. He sent the other to Minas Tirith with a message that he would arrive in the morning by King’s Hour.

Finally, Faramir rode home with Éowyn, Theowyn, Ganwyn, Boromir, and Captain Eothain. He had invited Captain Eothain because he wanted to discuss the defense of Ithilien that night. He could not know how long he would be needed in Minas Tirith, so he would have to plan as if he would not be back soon. There was much talk among the party as they rode. Theowyn told Ganwyn and Boromir of her battle, Ganwyn told Theowyn and Boromir of the assassination attempt, Boromir told Ganwyn and Theowyn of his battle and chided Ganwyn for telling of his engagement. Captain Eothain rode with them and listened to all the talk, but said little. He was not familiar with Lord Faramir’s family, and felt out of place. As their family chattered among themselves, Faramir and Éowyn rode at the back of the group and talked.

“Fairborn, what can we do to keep our firstborn from dying in battle?” Faramir said.

“Lock her in the dungeon until she’s too old to fight.” laughed Éowyn “That’s what my father would have done.”

“We don’t have a dungeon. Maybe we can marry her off to someone who can keep her in line.”

“And who would that be?”

“How about Prince Imrahil or Lord Erkenbrand?”

“Aren’t they much too old?”

“They’re still considered mighty warriors.”

“The first thing she’d do is challenge either of them to mock combat?” Éowyn laughed.

“True. But, she might lose.” he laughed.

“Then she would challenge again and again, until she wins.”

“You know her well.”

“I used to be like her. I think we’ve done everything we can fairly do to protect Theowyn. All we can do now is give her a good shield, a good set of mail, and a good sword and hope she changes her interests. Besides, if she married Prince Imrahil, then my daughter would be my brother’s mother-in-law.”

“Yes,” he laughed “I thought of that and rather liked the idea. Every family tree should have some confusion in its branches.”

Éowyn laughed at this idea.

“Is it really possible that she would change interests?” he said.

“I did.”

“Then, on to another topic. What can I do to help Boromir?”

“Why does he need help?”

“He’s engaged to Halea, and her family thinks he is unworthy of her because of his low social status.”

“He’s engaged? Why didn’t he tell us?”

“He was keeping it secret.”

“How did you find out?”

“Ganwyn told me.”

“My quiet lastborn told you, but not me.”

“She really doesn’t say much, does she?”

“She was talkative today; I think the day’s events excited her. I would have been dead, if not for her.”

“I didn’t realize that it was that closely run, Fairborn. I don’t want to lose you, you know.” He leaned over to kiss her, and nearly fell off his horse.

She laughed, “In Rohan, men can kiss and ride at the same time.”

“Wait until we get home, I’ll show you kissing and riding.”

“Fairborn, I have an idea of how to help Boromir.” said Éowyn. She then explained her idea. Faramir added some of his own ideas, and together they came up with a plan.

Chapter 6: Planning and Reality

When Beregond arrived late that night, Faramir and his group had been talking about the situation in Ithilien for several hours. Captain Eothain, Boromir, Elboron, Éowyn, Theowyn, and Ganwyn were all there. Also, Bergrond and Anbor were there. Accompanying Beregond, were two rangers, Mablung and Bergil. The assembled group quickly told Beregond and his companions of those day’s events. Once all attendees had roughly equal knowledge of the day’s events, Faramir explained his plans. He intended to have the rangers scout the borders of Ithilien during his absence with Beregond coordinating this information gathering. Elboron would act in his stead as Prince of Ithilien and Lord of Emyn Arnen, with Éowyn and Beregond as advisors. Faramir would create three new governing positions, one for each of the three provinces of Ithilien. Each position would be titled “Thane”. Eothain would be the Thane of North Ithilien. Boromir would be the Thane of South Ithilien. Theowyn would be Thane of Emyn Arnen. Beregond would command the Gondorean spearmen and the White Company. Eothain would command the Ithilien Eored. Boromir would command the militia troops. Theowyn would command the second eored. All three Thanes were to cooperate, and were to follow the orders of Elboron. Faramir’s plan caused debate among the assembled group. Beregond, Bergil, Anbor and Mablung argued that Elboron, Boromir and Theowyn were too young for such offices. Faramir agreed, but said Boromir had showed his competence, despite his age, by his training and command of the militia, and Elboron needed to start training to be the Prince of Ithilien. Additionally, Mablung argued that a woman was incapable of commanding men in battle. Faramir had managed to step between Theowyn and Mablung and restrain his daughter before she could act upon her anger, and so avoided a confrontation. He explained that these were temporary governing positions during his absence. He wanted it understood who had responsibility for the various military units, if it became necessary. When he returned, he would assess the continuance of the Thanes, based upon how they had performed. He also noted that Emyn Arnen, was the least difficult province to defend and govern, as it did not border any foreign lands and had few current problems. Thus, it could be governed by a less experienced person. Additionally, he noted that his most experienced captains, save Beregond, were in Dunland. Thus, he had to use younger leaders than he would generally prefer. Further, he explained that Eothain was highly regarded among the Rohirrim who constituted much of the population of Northern Ithilien, Boromir was highly regarded among the native Ithiliens who constituted most of the population of South Ithilien, and Theowyn was highly regarded for her military prowess by both Rohirrim and Ithiliens. The meeting lasted about two hours after Beregond and his companions arrived.

Faramir awoke to Éowyn’s touch. “Fairborn, you should get ready to leave, if you’re to get to Minas Tirith by King’s hour.” she said. He groaned, and said, “It’s too early, and I’d rather stay in bed with you. I may be gone a long time.”

“Or you may be back tonight. Minas Tirith is not that far away, and you do not know why they summoned you.”

“True.” They kissed, and he began to prepare for his trip.

About an hour later, Faramir and his escort of two rangers (Bergil and Mablung) left for Minas Tirith.

About two hours after that, the household began to awake. The retainers were performing their assigned tasks, including preparing breakfast, and Faramir’s family, their guests, and the household troops were waking.

“Good mourning, Thane Theowyn.” Said Boromir, as he met Theowyn in the great hall.

“Good mourning, Thane Boromir.” Said Theowyn, “Wasn’t that a surprise?”

“A large one. I can’t wait to tell Halea.”

“I want to be a Thane, too.” Said Ganwyn, as she joined the group.

“You’re too young, lastborn,” Said Éowyn, also joining the group, “but, your time will come.”

“I like the idea of being a Thane, but I like acting as Prince of Ithilien better.” Said Elboron. It was his first time acting for his father. Usually, Éowyn acted for her husband when he was away, and Beregond advised her. This time, Elboron would have a hand in making decisions.

“I’m surprised at being a Thane,” Eothain said, as he arrived for breakfast, “I didn’t know Prince Faramir regarded me so highly.”

They had breakfast at what the retainers called “Faramir’s Table”. It was an ornate wooden table with six matching wooden chairs. It had been in Faramir’s family for several generations. The kitchen staff soon brought a breakfast of eggs, ham, bread, butter and blackberry jam. The family ate slowly, as they were still tired from the late night. As they finished breakfast, a servant approached and whispered in Éowyn’s ear.

“Send him in.” Said Éowyn.

Éowyn announced “A ranger has arrived. Apparently, Beregond has already started the scouting missions.”

The ranger entered the great room. It was Bergrond. He was tall, with black hair and grey eyes. He looked like most of the rangers, except Anbor. He wore the green cloak and brown livery of the White Company. “I’m here as your body guard, Lady Éowyn.”

Theowyn was the first to speak, “You did so well last time.” She said sarcastically. This caused laughter among the family, except for Ganwyn. Theowyn had disliked Bergrond for many years. They had attended school together as small children, and she thought him weak and sluggish, which he was as a child.

“He did the best he could.” Ganwyn said, almost inaudibly.

Bergrond said sheepishly, “I wrongly measured the danger, but I know better now. I asked my father for a second chance. Shouldn’t I have one?”

“No!” Shouted Theowyn.

Boromir, who considered Bergrond his best friend, attempted to shield him from Theowyn’s anger. “When did you become a ranger?” He asked.

“I passed the trials two mornings ago, and was sworn in this morning.” Said Bergrond.

“I was so busy with the militia that I forgot about the trials. Congratulations!” Said Boromir, “Those trials are a stern test for anyone.”

“Thank you.”

“If I pass the trials, could I be a ranger?” Thought Gandwyn, but she remained silent.

“Yes,” said Éowyn, startling Ganwyn who was not expecting an answer to her unasked question, “You should have a second chance, Bergrond. We all did not understand the danger. Besides, we owe it to your father to give you a second chance. He has served Faramir very well over the years. I’m sure you will do the same.”

“It’s your life at risk, mother. You better carry Herugrim with you at all times.” Theowyn said, sharply.

“Firstborn, I understand your concern. I’m concerned too.” Éowyn approached and hugged Theowyn.

“Why do you call Theowyn your “firstborn” and Ganwyn your “lastborn”, but you don’t ever call me your “middleborn”?” Laughed Elboron in an attempt to lighted Éowyn’s and Theowyn’s mood.

“Or me your “unborn”?” Joined Boromir.

Another ranger entered, and was surprised at the laughter. He said grimly, “I have a message from Beregond. He said that scouts have reported a raid by corsairs on the South Ithilien coast. He suggests that the Thanes call out their troops.”

The news silenced the laughter.

“There hasn’t been a corsair raid since the Great War, twenty years ago.” Éowyn stated. “First, orc raids, then an assassination attempt, and now corsair raids. Little wonder that Faramir was called to Minas Tirith. Who knows what is happening in other parts of the kingdom?”

At that moment, Faramir was hearing what was happening in the kingdom, and he was not prepared for the extent of the problems. Spies had confirmed that a Haradrim army of about 1,000 men was marching toward South Ithilien. An earthquake had damaged several towns in Dol Amroth. Residents had reported corsair raids in six coastal provinces. Rohirrim sources had reported orc raids near Isenguard. And the King’s army had been unable to locate the Dunlending army, so the war continued.

In the last twenty years, Faramir had become adept at solving problems with minimal resources; however, this seemed a challenge even for him. He quickly sent messengers to inform key lords and captains of the problems, and to obtain more information. He resolved to tackle the corsair problem first, and so summoned Prince Imrahil to Minas Tirith. Additionally, he sent word of the Haradrim army to Beregond. Also, he ordered the militia mobilized in the provinces near Dol Amroth to help the injured and to start re-building damaged buildings. Finally, he asked for more details about the orc raids in Rohan. Lord Erkenbrand was acting as Underking of Rohan in King Éomer’s absence. Like Gondor, much of Rohan’s military might was in Dunland.

When Prince Imrahil received Faramir’s summons, he was angry. His people in Dol Amroth were suffering, and he did not want to be called away before he could organize help for them. However, it was his duty to answer the summons, so he did.

He arrived in Minas Tirith a week later, and met with Faramir. Faramir asked him to organize a force to defeat the corsairs, and promised that people from other provinces would help Dol Amroth. Faramir asked that Prince Imrahil act quickly to defeat the corsairs. Imrahil put together a small army and fleet to sail to Umbar, the home of the corsairs. Within two weeks, he had destroyed one-quarter of the corsairs’ fleet, and defeated their army. This ended their raids, temporarily.

In Ithilien, the Thanes had mustered their troops as Beregond had advised, and so were somewhat prepared when they received news of the Haradrim invasion. They quickly put together an army consisting of about 100 Gondorian spearmen, 400 Ithilien militia, 120 Rohirrim militia, 200 Rohirrim cavalry, 50 Ithilien militia cavalry, 30 household troops and 50 rangers.

As soon as she heard about the earthquake in Dol Amroth, Éowyn started to make ready to travel there, as they would need her healing abilities. She wanted to travel alone, but her children would not hear of it. Finally, she agreed that Ganwyn and she would go, accompanied by Bergrond and Anbor. They left before the day was over.

The Haradrim army arrived in South Ithilien about noon.

The Haradrim army consisted of about 700 infantry and 300 cavalry. About one-fifth of the infantry in the army were bowmen. The Haradrim general set up his troops in a traditional formation with infantry in the center and his cavalry equally divided on each flank. He counted on his cavalry to win the battle. He had many untrained spearmen in his army. His bowmen supported the spearmen in the center of his line.

The Ithilien army was deployed with the Ithilien Eored on the right flank lead by Thane Eothain, the militia and veteran spearmen in the center supported by bowmen and lead by Thane Boromir, Lord Elboron, and Captain Beregond, and the second eored, the rangers of the White Company, the household troops and the militia cavalry on the left flank lead by Thane Theowyn. This meant 120 Rohirrim cavalry faced 150 Haradrim cavalry on the Haradrim left flank, 620 Ithilien infantry faced 700 Haradrim infantry in the center, and 210 mounted troops faced 150 Haradrim cavalry on the Haradrim right flank.

The battle was an Ithilien victory. Elboron and Beregond had prepared a conservative battle plan and were relying on the Rohirrim cavalry to sweep the flanks and win the battle. However, Theowyn fought a more aggressive battle. She used her rangers, mounted on ponies, to circle around the Haradrim flank and deploy in the rear of the cavalry she faced. Just after the Haradrim army started forward to attack, the rangers fired their bows into the rear of the Haradrim right flank cavalry causing disorder and confusion to those troops. Theowyn led her Rohirrim and militia cavalry in a spirited charge that swept the disordered Haradrim cavalry from the battlefield. Then, she returned from the pursuit and led her remaining troops, the household cavalry, in a charge into the flank of the Haradrim infantry, while the rangers attacked the rear of the infantry, and Boromir’s, Elboron’s, and Beregond’s troops attacked the front. This led to the collapse and rout of the Haradrim infantry. On the Haradrim left flank, the Rohirrim cavalry and Haradrim cavalry fought an unexpectedly even fight in which the Haradrim were being slowly pushed back. When the Haradrim center collapsed, their left flank cavalry retired. If not for a skillful rear guard action by one of the Haradrim captains, their army would likely have suffered very heavy casualties. The Haradrim army retreated home. The Haradrim casualties were about 150 men, while the Ithilien casualties were about 50 men. While the Ithilien casualties were relatively light, they did not seem so to the troops. Ithilien seemed to be facing a never ending series of attacks lately.

The young Ithilien leaders were jubilant, as they met after the battle; however, Beregond gave words of caution. “Something we do not yet understand is happening.” He said, “It is too early to conclude that we have eliminated all threats and won a war.”

“We may not have won a war,” Said Theowyn, proudly, “but we have won the day. That is enough for now.”

“Sister, I did not know you could handle troops so smartly.” Elboron said to Theowyn as he hugged her, “We shall have to make plans which better use your talents.”

“Too bad Mablung was not here.” Theowyn said, “I’d make him eat his ignorant words.”

“I certainly underestimated you all.” Said Beregond. “You may be young, but you are all gifted. Boromir, I would never have thought your militia troops could have been so steady in battle. Elboron, you led troops like someone thrice your age. Theowyn, you won the battle with your head and heart. And, Eothain, you did better than we had any right to expect.”

“I’m embarrassed.” Said Eothain, “The Rohirrim are used to winning against such numbers. We were only outnumbered about 5 to 4.”

“I have seen these troops before, and you have not.” Said Beregond, “That cavalry was a unit of the Sultan’s Guard, the best troops in the Haradrim army. It is rare that those troops are sent to such a small battle, and even more rare that they are beaten by less than their number. You did better than you knew. If I had known who you were fighting, I’d have given you the rangers, as well as your troops.”

“Was I fighting the Sultan’s guard, too?” Said Theowyn.

“No.”

“Drat, I was hoping we had routed the Sultan’s guard.”

“Now that you’ve proven your worth as a warrior and a captain, you can retire and marry one of your suitors.” Laughed Elboron.

“That’s not funny, brother. I plan to serve Ithilien as long as I can lift my sword.”

“It wasn’t your sword that won the day, it was your head.” Said Beregond.

“Okay, I plan to serve Ithilien as long as I can lift my head.” She laughed.

“Well said.” Said Beregond.

“Now that the battle is over, I have something to discuss.” Said Theowyn, “I suggest that we send the household troops to escort mother to Dol Amroth. I do not think two guards are sufficient.”

“Is that so, or is it that you think those two guards are not sufficient?” Said Boromir, “I know you dislike Bergrond, and I have heard you say that Anbor looks like a half-orc.”

“Anbor is a half-orc,” Said Beregond, “but he has proven himself a hundred times in the past.”

Beregond’s statement shocked the listeners. The idea of a half-orc serving as a ranger was so foreign as to be unthinkable. After a brief discussion, Elboron decided that a small traveling party was less conspicuous than a large one. Additionally, the household troops may be needed in Ithilien.

After Beregond left, Theowyn said to herself, “Oh great! Mother and Ganwyn are being guarded by a half-orc and a slug.” She was barely able to overcome the urge to ride after Éowyn’s foursome. For all her reputation as a strong-willed woman, Theowyn was also intelligent and wise; however, she frequently let her confidence, aggressiveness, and impatience overrule her intelligence and wisdom. This led many people to conclude that the intelligence and wisdom were not there. For her opponents and enemies, this was often a fatal mis-read of her character. For her, her under-use of her intelligence and wisdom, sometimes needlessly increased the danger in the situations she encountered. However, her aggressiveness and confidence made her an ideal commander of battle cavalry, such as the Rohirrim eoreds.

Chapter 7: Ramah and Timah

Prince Ramah was angry as he met the Harad army retreating from Ithilien. He had expected an easy victory, but it had not occurred. His spies had indicated that Ithilien was lightly defended, and that Gondor, as a whole, had many problems. He had staked much of his reputation on a quick victory in Ithilien. His brother, the Sultan, was reluctant to incur the hostility of Gondor, as were most of the noble families of Harad. Ramah had convinced his brother that they could send a small army, stiffened by some guard troops, to demonstrate the weakness of both Ithilien and Gondor. Then, they could fan old animosities to raise a larger army from the reluctant Haradrim nobility. If the small army was defeated, then the Sultan would disclaim any knowledge of the action and execute those that he would blame for the incident.

Ramah was aware of the large Gondorian and Rohirrim commitments to the war in Dunland. Additionally, he knew of the earthquake in Dol Amroth, the orc raids in Rohan and Ithilien, and the Corsair raids on the Gondorian coasts. In fact, he had encouraged the Corsair and orc raids as part of his plan. He had been contacted by the Brown Wizard, who had indicated that he could make the orc raids happen. He was unsure of whom that person was, but the man had delivered the raids, as promised. He knew from his research (or rather, his servants’ research) that this wizard was not Radagast the Brown; however, the man had delivered what he promised. Additionally, Ramah had influence with the leaders at Umbar, who also delivered corsair raids as promised.

It was the Haradrim who had not delivered. He had wanted his best captain, Captain Timah, to lead the Harad raid, but the Sultan had insisted on one of the royal cronies leading the force. If Captain Timah had not brilliantly led the rearguard action, then the entire force might have been lost. Fortunately, the Sultan’s stooge general, Thah, had been killed in the battle. Further, reports were that he had been killed by a woman. This was beyond belief. Had the Ithiliens been reduced to putting women and children in their battlelines? He could not understand this lost opportunity.

He called for a meeting with Captain Timah and he found that his favored Captain had been wounded in the battle.

“What brought such misfortune on you and your army?” He asked Timah.

“Three things.” Timah replied, “The incompetence and vanity of Thah, the presence of Rohirrim cavalry, and the skill of the Ithilien she-demon.”

“What foolishness is this?” Shouted Ramah, “Rohirrim and she-demons?”

“Never the less, they had a unit of Rohirrim on each flank, and one was lead by a she-demon. She killed Thah, wounded me, and turned the battle in their favor by maneuvering her troops skillfully.”

“How could this be?” Questioned Ramah, “Who was she?”

“We captured some of her troops, and they called her the Daughter of Dernhelm. They said she was the daughter of the Dernhelm who killed the Witch-King twenty years ago, beyond that I do not know more.” Said Timah.

“Killed the Witch-King! I do not understand how these things can be, but I trust you. Something quite unexpected occurred. I will need to know more before I make further plans and take further actions.” Ramah said, “And take further risks.” He thought.

He mused on the way back to his fortress. Twenty years ago, the largest Harad army ever assembled had gone to Gondor at the orders of Sauron, and had never come back. His father had led that army, and was never buried with the honored dead Sultans of Harad. He knew that Sauron’s entire army in Gondor was led by the Witch-King, who had not been seen since. The Haradrim considered the Witch-King invulnerable to any man; however, if he had been killed by a demon, then it would explain much. Who knew what foul magics had been used on his father and his father’s army? The Gondorean devils should pay for their use of evil wizardry.

In Minas Tirith, Faramir had received news of the Ithilien victory, and of his new Thanes’ roles in the victory. He was pleased, and was relieved that his trust had not been misplaced. He also heard that Éowyn was on the way to Dol Amroth along with Ganwyn and two rangers. However, by the time he had received the message, she had already stopped in Minas Tirith to see him. He talked her into staying with him for the night, and then continuing to Dol Amroth the next morning.

He kissed her and said. “I’m pleased that you’re here, Fairborn. I missed you much.”

“We’ve only been apart two days.”

“It seemed longer. Are you sure it was only two days?”

“Quite sure. However, I missed you too.”

They entered the Steward’s Room, which Faramir used when in Minas Tirith. It was a large room in the Steward’s Tower with a very large, ornate, wooden table, a large fireplace, several chairs, and a library. The library included some of the newest and most detailed maps of Gondor.

“I always liked this room,” Said Éowyn, “the window has such an amazing view of the countryside.”

“I’ve used that view many times to remind me of the importance of my duties.” Said Faramir.

“I’m surprised you need reminding, Fairborn, you’re the most conscientious man I know.”

“Really, I don’t think you ever told me that.”

“I thought you knew. You’re so intuitive, I just assume you know these things.”

“My intuition does not work well on those I love.”

They moved toward the attached bedroom. They had spent their honeymoon and many days in the early years of their marriage there, but had stayed there very few nights in recent years.

“This seems strange,” Said Éowyn “Usually when you’re here, I’m acting for you in Ithilien.”

“Would you like to accompany me here in the future? I would like Elboron to act for me more, and I could use your good counsel here.”

“Good counsel and sex, too, no doubt.”

“What can I say, you’re a multi-faceted jewel.”

“Are you trying to subtly tell me that you want another child?”

“Why would you think that?”

“I’m sure we conceived Theowyn and Elboron here.”

“I hadn’t thought of that. Actually, the opposite is true. I know you are a strong, healthy woman, but even a healthy woman can die in childbirth at your age. I told you the other day, I do not want to lose you, and I meant it. I can’t picture my life without you in it.”

“I am relieved by your words. I do not want to lose you, either.”

They kissed, undressed and went to bed.

In another part of the Steward’s Tower of Minas Tirith, Ganwyn slept in a room which her father had ordered prepared for her. She was not used to such luxury. The room was much larger than her room at home, the bed was much larger, and the pillows and mattress much softer. After the excitement of the last few days, she was very tired and fell to sleep quickly. In the room next to her, the two rangers also slept deeply. They felt a lifted burden of responsibility, as the guards of Gondor were now responsible for the safety of Éowyn and Ganwyn.

The pudgy assassin stood looking up at the window in the Steward’s Tower. It was about eighteen feet above him; however, just under the window was a huge boulder which was a remnant of the Great War. It was a boulder thrown by one of Sauron’s siege engines and had been left in place as a reminder of the war. The assassin climbed to the top of the boulder and skillfully threw a wooden grappling hook to catch the window ledge. The grappling hook was cunningly made to make little sound when used. He then tested the rope to make sure it had hooked solidly, and began to climb. As he gained just over half of the distance to the window, he saw a shock of yellow hair appear and disappear, and then a bare arm holding a sword cut the rope to his grappling hook. He tried to throw one of his poison daggers before the rope was cut, as he guessed that the Lady of Ithilien, his target, was cutting the rope. However, nothing worked as he wanted. He fell as he was throwing the dagger, and the dagger went straight up, instead of toward the window. He landed hard upon the boulder, and the breath was knocked from his lungs. As he watched helplessly, the dagger came down on his chest and imbedded in his leather jerkin. He was relieved that it had not cut his skin, but was not yet able to remove it, as he was still recovering from the shock of his painful landing. Then, the unexpected happened. Lady Éowyn haphazardly threw the grappling hook from its window perch, and it landed squarely on the dagger, driving it into the assassin’s chest. He died painfully within minutes. About an hour later, a figure in a brown cloak pulled the assassin’s corpse from the top of the rock, carried it to a sparsely populated part of the city, and dumped it there. Then, the figure searched the body, and reclaimed the payment which she had made days before, two poison daggers.

In the midst of the night, Faramir suddenly awakened. He realized that Éowyn was not in the bedroom, and quickly went to the bedroom door. As he opened the door, he was awed at the sight. There was Éowyn, unclothed, looking out the Steward’s Room window with Herugrim in her hand, and its scabbard on the floor at her feet. The moonlight made her skin look alabaster, and softened the yellow of her hair, including the long braid down her back. The moonlight glinted off the blade of the sword and the green jewels in its scabbard. It was a sight he would remember the rest of his life. However, there was more. She wore a look he had not seen before, a strange pensive look. In their twenty years of marriage, he had seen her in many moods, but this was unknown to him. He mentally debated whether to interrupt her reverie, and decided he had to know her thoughts.

“Fairborn, why are you out here in the cool night air naked with your sword drawn?” He asked, softly.

She replied, “I thought I heard something. I have been nervous since that assassination attempt. It bothers me that someone wanted me dead, and that I had to kill that man to stay alive. I want to heal people, not kill them.”

“You had no choice. You have a right to live, and he was trying to take your life from you.” He was trying to comfort her, as he knew she was deeply hurt. He had killed men in war, and knew the emotional aftermath that could occur. It bothered him that he could not immediately remove her pain. They went back to the bed, and consoled each other until sleep came.

The next morning, the Ithilien foursome continued their trip to Dol Amroth.

Chapter 8: Éowyn and the Outlaws

After the foursome had ridden for several leagues from Minas Tirith, Éowyn called a halt.

“We need to be wary. There was another assassination attempt last night.” She said.

The two rangers and Ganwyn were astonished, as they thought Minas Tirith was safe.

“Why didn’t you tell us this morning?” Said Bergrond.

“I didn’t want Faramir to know. He would have stopped me from making this trip, and I really need to heal people right now.”

“Ya can’t ‘eal ‘em if you’re dead.” Said Anbor.

“Then make sure that I’m not dead anytime soon.”

“Then I’ll scout ahead from now on.” Said Anbor, “and Bergrond will stay close to ya.”

Several leagues later, they approached a woods, and Anbor returned.

“There are five men in the woods. It ‘d be a good spot fer an ambush.” He said.

“What do you propose we do?” Said Éowyn.

“We can either ride around ‘em, which would slow us down much, or we can set our own trap.”

“Let’s set our own trap.” Said Ganwyn excitedly, and Éowyn agreed.

“Not everyone we meet on this trip will be an assassin, and we need to find out what these people’s intent is.” Said Éowyn.

Éowyn and Bergrond rode slowly forward on the path through the woods, while Anbor and Ganwyn rode ahead into the woods and tied up their horses at a spot near the possible ambush point. Ganwyn took one side of the road and Anbor the other and they searched for the five men. Soon they found the men. Three of the men were in the road with swords, and two others were hidden in the woods with bows. Anbor quickly knocked out the two archers, and he and Ganwyn took their places with bows in hand.

Shortly thereafter, Éowyn and Bergrond approached.

“Halt!” Shouted one of the men, who was their leader, “you will not pass here without fair payment for passage.”

“And what is fair payment?” Said Éowyn.

“Whatever I say it is.” Said the outlaw leader.

“I am going to Dol Amroth to heal the sick and injured, and have nothing you would want.”

The outlaws laughed, “Who do you think you are, the Lady of Ithilien?” Said the leader.

“Yes, I am Éowyn.”

The three outlaws stepped back. “The woman who killed the Witch-King?” Said one of the outlaws. “We better let her pass.”

“No!” Said the leader, “Not without fair payment. They can go if she leaves her horse.”

“This horse is worth a kingdom. There are only four like it in the world, and only one other is a mare like this one.” Said Éowyn.

“I will take it whether you’re alive or dead. I have ten hidden archers who will loose on you at my command.”

“Ya ‘ad two archers, but now we ‘ave two.” Said Anbor from hiding.

The other two outlaws stepped back another step, but their leader had not lost his bravado. “I will have your horse as fair payment!”

A younger Éowyn would have drawn her sword and charged them, but this was a more experienced and cleaver Éowyn. “You may have her, if she wants you.” She said as she slid off Snowfall’s back. “I’ve killed enough men this week.”

The outlaw leader ran to Snowfall, as Éowyn climbed behind Bergrond. The two Ithiliens then rode away, as the outlaw leader chuckled with glee. “What a beautiful horse.” He said. Soon he noticed that the horse had no saddle, bit, reins, or bridle. Shortly thereafter, he found his two archers hanging by their feet from trees, unconscious. Still later, he tried to mount the horse, and was thrown so high and hard that the landing broke his left arm. Snowfall then rejoined Éowyn farther down the road to Dol Amroth.

“I think he received his fair payment.” Laughed Snowfall to Éowyn later. It was the third and last time Snowfall talked to her.

As the trip continued, Bergrond asked Éowyn about Snowfall. “Are there really only four Mearas in the world?”

“Yes, Faramir helped me research it after Theowyn was born, back when I was learning to read. Shadowfax was the Lord of Horses and mated with several exceptional mares. He sired some horses and some Mearas. One of the Mearas was a mare named Swiftshadow, the only known Mearas mare now alive. Swiftshadow is still alive in Rohan. Swiftshadow mated with Snowmane and produced Snowfall. However, no more Mearas have been foaled since. Snowfall is the youngest Mearas, and could eventually be the last. Of course, Shadowfax is still alive, but quite old for even a Mearas.”

“Where is the fourth Mearas?” Said Bergrond.

“He is my brother’s warhorse, Shadowlightning. The King of Rohan’s warhorse. He was born the same day as my brother, I’ve read. Some say they are fated to die on the same day.”

“What happened to the other horses sired by Shadowfax. The ones who were not Mearas.” Asked Ganwyn.

“They were magnificent horses, but only one is still alive. The others aged and died over the many years of Shadowfax’s life. You have ridden the last remaining horse that Shadowfax sired; he is your father’s horse, Donder. You’ve ridden him, lastborn, but didn’t know his history and importance.”

Chapter 9: Arriving at Dol Amroth

Five and a half days after their adventure in the woods, the foursome arrived at the border of Dol Amroth. From then, the pace of life was frenetic for the next three weeks. Éowyn found that some of her students and even some of her teachers had come to Dol Amroth to help with the injured. Éowyn and the other healers were busy for many days before they began to see the success of their hard work. Meanwhile, Ganwyn and Bergrond were constantly at her side; Ganwyn as an aide and student, and Bergrond as a bodyguard and laborer. Additionally, Anbor disappeared each day, and re-appeared each evening. He said he was scouting, and assessing the damage. “I’ve no gifts for ‘ealin’.” He explained.

At the end of the first week, Anbor reported that the militia and craftsmen had made much progress in repairing many of the damaged cottages, piers, and houses, and were beginning to work on the larger structures, such as the fortress of Dol Amroth. He also stated that he had seen two childhood playmates of his. He did not think this was good.

“I never met two crueler kids.” He stated.

“Who were they?” Asked Bergrond.

“They was a pair of twins, a brother and sister.” He said, “Saruman was takin’ care of ‘em for their father, if you can believe anyone trustin’ ‘im to raise their kids. Course, maybe their father ‘ad no choice, maybe the kids was ‘ostages.”

“Saruman!” Exclaimed Éowyn, “Where were you raised?”

“Isengard. Where else would a ‘alf-orc be raised?”

“You’re a half-orc?”

“Yeah.” His statement astounded Éowyn, Bergrond, and Ganwyn.

“How did you get to be a ranger?” Bergrond asked.

“I passed the trials like ever’ ranger ‘as ta.”

“No, I mean why did you want to become a ranger, if you are a half-orc?”

“I don’t rightly know. It just seemed like the right thin’ ta do. I’d been surrounded by rage, cruelty, violence, and death all of my life, and it all didn’t seem ta make no sense. I wanted somethin’ different for my life, so I moved ta Ithilien, and, in time, took the ranger trials. I found I was good at tailin’ and scoutin’.”

“Wasn’t it difficult for a half-orc in Ithilien after the war?” Asked Éowyn.

“Sure, but not as difficult as in Isengard. Some folks bein’ rude to ya and occasionally beatin’ ya is not as bad as everyone bein’ rude to ya and beatin’ ya most of the time. Once I joined the rangers though I got respect from most folks in Ithilien. Now, most folks don’t even know what a ‘alf-orc looks like, so they don’t know I’m one. There ain’t many of us around no more.”

“How old are you?” Asked Ganwyn. Her usually silent demeanor had been overwhelmed by her curiosity about this strange man.

“About thirty-five.”

“But you look much older.”

“Thirty-five ‘d be ancient for an orc, but I’m only ‘alf orc. Guess I age faster’n most folk, but not as fast as orcs.”

“I thought orcs had long life spans?” Asked Éowyn.

“None that I lived with.”

“Were you in Isengard when the ents attacked it?” Asked Éowyn.

“No. Some of us saw ‘em comin’ and got out. Most stayed ‘cause they thought Saruman could stop ‘em, but he couldn’t. The twins was with those of us who left. Their father was to arrive later that day, and they wanted no part of ‘im, as ‘e was prone ta beatin’ ‘em. So they left. We all lived with an orc band in the mountains for several years, ‘til I couldn’t stand it no more, and left for Ithilien.”

“Did you ever see the twins’ father?” Asked Éowyn suddenly.

“Sure. ‘e was a ruddy, pudgy man with puffy lizard-like eyes, but unlike most Rohirrim had brownish hair.”

“You’re sure he was from Rohan?”

“Sure, ‘e wore the livery of the King’s household, I was told.”

“Gríma Wormtongue!”

“His son referred to ‘imself often as the son of Gríma, but I never ‘eard the name Wormtongue. Gríma’s son said ‘is father would be King of Rohan after the King and King’s nephew died, and ‘is father married some royal lady.”

“I was that royal lady. We called him “Wormtongue” as we did not trust him. You bring back many painful memories. None of us knew Gríma had children or that they lived with Saruman. How old are these twins?”

“About my age.”

“What can you tell me of them?”

“Not much. ‘aven’t seen ‘em since I left the orcs lair, ‘til the other day.”

“What do you know about them at Isengard?”

“They spent some time with Saruman, which few folks did. Some said ‘e was teachin’ ‘em magic, but others said ‘e didn’t trust nobody enough ta do that. The orcs treated ‘em like royalty after we left Isengard. I seldom saw ‘em in the orcs lair.”

“Could you find them again? I want to talk to them.”

“I’ll look for ‘em. They was wearin’ brown cloaks when I saw ‘em before.”

Chapter 10: Theowyn and Halyn

While Éowyn and her party worked in Dol Amroth, Theowyn began to explore Emyn Arnen, so she would better know the land she was charged with governing and defending. She took her best friend Halyn, Helia’s younger sister, with her on these explorations. Halyn was a short, broad-shouldered young woman who, though a friend, shared few of Theowyn’s military interests. However, Halyn did share Theowyn’s interest in adventure. Halyn had light brown hair, brown eyes, and an elf-like face. Much to her parent’s distaste, she wore her long hair in multiple braids, like some Rohirrim. She loved to swim, and did so very often, and so had developed the strong, broad shoulders and strong, muscular legs of a swimmer. Theowyn envied this physical trait of Halyn’s, but did not enjoy swimming as much as weapon training and so did not duplicate the physical features of her friend. One of the first places that the two young adventurers explored was the ruined fortress of Osgiliath. It became a fateful day for both of them.

When Theowyn suggested that they explore Osgiliath, Halyn was pleased. Osgiliath was on the Anduin River and should be a fine place to swim, so she agreed to come with Theowyn. Osgiliath was also a place of mystery, which few Ithiliens or Rohirrim visited. It bore the spectre of orcs, trolls, wraiths, and other dangerous things, even twenty years after the war. This implied danger appealed to Halyn. She took a falchion with her on the trip. It was her favorite and only weapon. She had learned to use her arm and leg strength to drive the single-edged blade with exceptional force, but had never used it in battle or self-defense. She wore it in a scabbard slung across her back.

The two young women rode to Osgiliath with much anticipation of an adventure; however, they could have never anticipated the adventure which occurred. In a tower high above them, a large beast watched them approach. It leisurely started down the stairs to the ruins of the town to meet them.

As they reached the ruined town gate, the two young women dismounted and tied their horses to some nearby trees.

“This must have been a great city at one time,” said Halyn, “I can see why your father wanted to rebuild it.”

“And I can see why the King’s men refused,” Theowyn said, “It has too much wall to defend with the number of men available to my father.”

They began to look around the ruined houses, and other buildings.

“This building looks like it has hidden rooms,” Halyn noted to herself, “It is much smaller inside than out.” She was always good at such puzzles and games. She had just found the entrance to the hidden room, when she heard voices outside. She quickly left the building, and saw Theowyn speaking to a huge beast. Theowyn was in front of the beast, while she was behind it.

“I thought trolls could not be understood by men!” said Theowyn to the troll.

“I had a good education, probably better than yours.” replied the troll. “Where is your companion? I would hate for her to miss lunch. My lunch, that is.”

The troll had a large club, and was lifting it to strike. Concurrently, Theowyn was drawing her sword and backing away. She did not have her shield, and did not want to fight this beast without it. However, she did not dare shift her gaze from the troll to locate her shield. She resolved to fight the beast without it.

The troll swung the club mightily, but Theowyn dodged the blow and slashed at the troll’s arm hoping it would drop the club. It did drop the club, but also it fell dead. Halyn had timed her attack so that she could strike the troll as it was off balance at the low point in its club strike. She struck its head off.

“I didn’t think you were tall enough to do that,” said Theowyn, “Thank you for your help.”

“I think I saved your life.”

“We’ll never know. I think I would have defeated it.”

“You’re the most confident person I know. Don’t get yourself killed because of it. Occasionally, be careful and grateful. Say ‘thank you’ to me and come see what I found.”

Halyn led Theowyn to the hidden room. It was dark inside, and they had to light a torch to see. Theowyn complimented Halyn for having the foresight to bring a torch, and implements to light it. “For someone whose father is noted for his foresight and attention to detail, you seem to lack those traits,” Chided Halyn, “Except maybe when it comes to planning a battle.”

They entered the dark room with the torch, and were quickly surprised by the reflection of the torchlight on metal and shiny stone. They saw weapons and armor of an unusual hue, and a head-sized shiny round stone, and much dust and many cobwebs. “These must have been here for many, many years.” Said Theowyn, still awed.

“I should have known that if you were here that I would find weapons, and armor.” Laughed Halyn.

The room contained armor and weapons of an unusual metal. There were thirty suits of chain of various sizes, thirty helmets, thirty shields, and sixty weapons. Twenty of the weapons were daggers and knives, twenty were spears, and twenty were swords and axes of various kinds. The shafts of the spears and axes and parts of the shield were of a type of wood that they did not recognize. In addition, there was a very unusual bow and a sheath of arrows. The bow appeared to be made of the strange metal, and was formed in a cunning way. Outside, they tested the bow briefly and found that it greatly magnified the strength of the user; however, the bow string broke before they had completed their tests. They returned to the weapon trove.

“I guess this is your treasure.” Said Theowyn, “After all you found it.”

“But this is your expedition.” Countered Halyn, “And what would I do with all these weapons and armor.”

“Trade them to the King. If I am right, then these are worth half the kingdom. I think these are all made of mithril.”

“I thought that mithril was imaginary.”

“I am reasonably sure that this metal is mithril and I think that the stone is a palantir.”

“Then I donate all of this to the defense of Ithilien.”

“You’re too generous. Let’s both choose armor and weapons for our use, and give the rest to my father to use for the defense of Ithilien.”

“Agreed.”

To her surprise, Halyn found a falchion among the weapons. It was just slightly larger than her current weapon, but was much stronger, lighter and sharper. As the new falchion did not fit her old scabbard, she regretfully took the scabbard which housed the mithril weapon. She had made her old scabbard with her own hands and so was not about to abandon it. Therefore, she wore two weapons and scabbards across her back. Additionally, she found mail which fit her reasonable well, a helm and a hexagonal shield. “I feel like a warrior of legend” She said. Unknown to her, the armor that she chose was that of a legendary dwarf warrior. He had been exceptionally tall and strong for a dwarf, and so his armor fit this broad-shouldered, but short woman.

Theowyn also chose. She found a suit of mail that fit her quite well, a longsword, a spear, a winged helm, a dagger and a round shield. Additionally, she took a throwing axe and the bow and arrows. “I think Ganwyn would find this bow interesting.” She said. “Are you going to take something for your brothers and sisters?”

“No. They’re merchants and craftsmen, not soldiers or woodsmen.”

As they left the door of the house, they came face to face (or actually face to chest) with another troll. “Blimey, ya found ‘em. Ya found da weapons of da King’s Elites.” He said. Then he swang his club. If Halyn had not been wearing mithril armor, she would have died instantly from the blow. Instead, she was thrown against the wall and fell unconscious on the ground at Theowyn’s feet. Theowyn dropped her treasure and drew her new sword, as she backed away. She was going to fight a troll without a shield again, and without the unexpected help she had received earlier. Further, this troll was slightly larger than the previous one. The troll charged, but she easily avoided both the charge and the club, and again tried to strike its arm to disarm it. However, she was too far from the troll to strike its arm solidly, so she lightly grazed its lower arm with the blade. The troll howled in pain and became angry. It turned surprisingly quickly and charged again. Theowyn’s sword thrust easily pierced the hard skin of the troll, but it kept coming with her sword in the right side of his chest. She was trying to pull her sword free, when the troll’s club broke her left arm and damaged her left shoulder and leg. Her sword came free as the troll backed away and prepared to hit her again. She dodged its blow, and counter struck with her sword, and again it howled. They both were bleeding from their wounds, but the troll was more severely wounded. Both were moving slower now. Theowyn would no longer have been able to avoid the original charges of the troll, but the troll was no longer capable of such speed. It charged again, but much more slowly. She avoided the charge and cut its leg with her sword. It fell, and she buried the sword blade where she guessed its heart would be. She guessed right, and it died. That was fortunate for her, as she was nearly incapable of continuing the fight. She slowly limped toward Halyn. As she approached, Halyn groaned and began to move.

“I thought you were dead.” Theowyn said.

“I feel like death. I’ve never been hit that hard before. Do you remember when I fell from that tree we were climbing years ago? It didn’t hurt his much.”

“At least you’re not bleeding. Help me stop this blood.”

Halyn’s eyes finally focused on Theowyn and she saw that her friend was severely hurt and bleeding steadily. She also noticed the body of the troll. “You fought that thing?”

“I didn’t have much choice.”

Halyn pulled some leaves from a nearby bush, and used them to staunch the blood.

“Shouldn’t you use cloth to do that?” Asked Theowyn.

“Haven’t you learned any medicine from your mother?” Asked Halyn, “This is about the best herb to use to staunch a bleeding wound. Whoever built these city walls must have planted these bushes as a part of the defense of the city. They’re growing all over this area.”

“We need to get out of here. Neither of us is fit to defend ourselves.” Said Theowyn.

“Were not fit to travel either.”

“Then, we better not travel far. Minas Tirith is the closest city, and it has a House of Healing.”

They agreed to attempt to reach Minas Tirith. They left most of their treasure behind in the secret room. They were relieved to find that their horses were undisturbed, and they began a difficult, slow, and painful ride to Minas Tirith which was about a half an hours ride normally. It took them over two hours.

Chapter 11: Faramir and Imrahil

Prince Faramir decided that the problems in Gondor were subsiding, and resolved to visit Dol Amroth to determine the extent of the repairs. Therefore, when Prince Imrahil returned to Minas Tirith after defeating the corsairs, Prince Faramir accompanied him to Dol Amroth.

“I’m still not pleased that you sent me to Umbar at this time.” Imrahil said to Faramir as the two of them rode to Dol Amroth. “You could have sent someone else.”

“Who else has your military prowess, reputation, and skills?”

“Your daughter is building a reputation quickly, I hear.”

“She does not have your experience at sea warfare, and is still young and learning.”

“I’m told she is as beautiful as her mother. Is that possible?”

“Yes. She is the image of her mother when younger. Suitors do not cease in their written proposals to her.”

“And what of your younger daughter? I hear no rumor of suitors for her.”

“Ganwyn is not perceived as attractive, save by her mother and me. No men have sent me offers for her hand, but that may change when she is older.”

“My late wife and I worried to no end that our young daughter would never receive a proposal. Then, when she turned sixteen, she blossomed beyond all expectation, and the proposals flowed like the Anduin.”

“Lothiriel is a beautiful woman. You give me hope for the future.”

“Sometimes I forget that she is your sister-in-law.”

“Yes, and if you married Theowyn, then my daughter would be my brother-in-laws’ step mother.”

“I never thought of that. It makes my head hurt to think of. However, I think marrying your daughter would be worth the pain.”

“I’ll tell Ganwyn of your interest.” Laughed Faramir.

“You know of which daughter I spoke.” Imrahil said with a mock sternness.

As they rode through a path in the woods, the road was blocked by five men. Three held swords while two held bows.

“Halt!” Shouted one of the men, who was their leader, “you will not pass here without fair payment for passage.” The leader was holding a sword in his right hand, while his left arm was in a sling.

“And what is fair payment?” Said Faramir.

“Whatever I say it is.” Said the outlaw leader.

“Do you think the five of you can defeat an armored rider?” Said Imrahil.

“Easily. I have ten hidden archers who will loose on you at my command.”

“If I draw my sword, then you shall die.” Said Imrahil. While Imrahil was the focus of attention, Faramir quietly took his bow from its saddle case and fitted an arrow to it. “There are no ten hidden archers.” Faramir said quietly to Imrahil. Then he spoke to the outlaws, “You may have my horse, if you will let us pass.”

“Who are you?” Said the outlaw leader.

“I am Prince Faramir of Ithilien, and this mighty warrior is Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth. I suggest you take my offer, if you have heard of him.”

“Your wife tricked us in just that way, and you shall pay for it with your lives.”

The arrows of both archers imbedded in Imrahil’s shield as he charged them. After that, one archer fell with Faramir’s green-feathered arrow in his shoulder, and the other was knocked down by Imrahil’s charging horse. The outlaw leader thrust his sword at Imrahil, but Imrahil was already past him. The outlaw’s two sword-bearing companions fled into the woods, as did the two archers. Meanwhile, the outlaw leader charged Imrahil. It was a foolish, angry charge and lead to an absurd finish, as Imrahil smashed him in the head with a cooking pot, knocking him cold.

“What caused that?” Said Imrahil “They should have taken a magnificent horse such as yours.”

“I’ll have to ask Éowyn.” Said Faramir. “I would have missed Donder, so I am somewhat pleased they did not take my offer. However, if that outlaw was that irrational, then this road may be much safer without him astride it. I suspect that you would perform a service to the kingdom, Prince Imrahil, if you finished him off.”

“I have no desire to become an executioner, even for a deserving client.”

“Where did you get such a sturdy cooking pot?”

“I always carry it when I go on campaign. It was a gift from Gimli’s people.”
Faramir checked the outlaw for life signs, and concluded the miscreant was still alive.

“What do you suggest we do?” He asked Imrahil.

“I’m sure his comrades will return soon. I suggest we leave him here.”

“I agree, but we may regret this charity some day.”

The two men mounted and rode down the road toward Dol Amroth. Twenty minutes later, the outlaws warily returned and carried their leader into the woods.

Further down the road, Faramir and Imrahil continued their interrupted conversation.

“Ithilien was attacked by orcs, then corsairs, then Haradrim, and someone attempted to kill your wife. Why do you think this is suddenly occurring?” Asked Imrahil.

“I think someone arranged it all, but I do not know who.” Answered Faramir, “Did you learn anything in Umbar about this?”

“Word in Umbar was that Prince Ramah of Harad influenced them to raid us. I am sure he also was behind the Haradrim attack.”

“I agree; however, he has no influence with orcs nor would he want Éowyn dead. Some undiscovered person who was influence with the orcs and wants Éowyn dead must also be involved here.” Said Faramir.

“I hope you find them and stop them before they cause more mischief. I have no head for such puzzles. Give me a straightforward sword fight, instead of a puzzle.”

“I think whoever is responsible picked this time to strike because the King is busy with the war, and I am busy stewarding the kingdom for the King. They are counting on me being distracted, and on the forces of Gondor being spread thin.”

“That makes sense. But, who could it be? Who has the ability to influence the orcs to war with us? Who would want Éowyn dead?”

“Perhaps it is some remaining followers of Sauron or Saruman, some residue of our past enemies’ forces. Éowyn did kill the Witch-King, and someone may resent that or some other act from her past. Now that I have breathing space, I can concentrate my attention on this matter.”

“If any man, other than the King, is capable of solving this puzzle, then it is you.”

“Thank you, my old friend. And thank you for your service in Umbar.”

“You need not thank me for doing my duty, or performing a friend’s request.” Said Imrahil courteously. He was over his anger at being called away from Dol Amroth during its time of rehabilitation.

Chapter 12: Minas Tirith

Eight hours after Faramir and Imrahil left Minis Tirith, Theowyn and Halyn arrived. Theowyn’s arm wounds had reopened, so she was bleeding slightly as they approached the main gate. However, the guards’ attention was more drawn to their arms and armor than their physical distresses. None of the guards had seen mithril weapons or armor before. Additionally, Theowyn was not known by sight in Minas Tirith, despite her recent deeds of renown.

“Who goes there?” Barked the Captain of the Guard.

“I am Thane Theowyn of Ithilien and I ask for aid. My father is the Steward of Gondor.”

“Your father left for Dol Amroth earlier today. Can any others vouch for you?”

“Have you ever seen my mother, the Lady of Ithilien?”

“Yes.”

“Do you doubt that I am her daughter?”

“No. Not now that I consider it. But where did you get such arms, may I ask?”

“In Osgiliath, but we can talk of this later. I am bleeding, and my companion can barely sit her horse. Help us.” Her last two words were more command than request and the Captain responded to the command. His men helped the two battered riders from their horses, and took them to the House of Healing. A young apprentice healer attended the two women.

“Most of our healers are in Dol Amroth.” She explained, “But, I should be able to aid you, as I am nearly finished with my apprenticeship. My name is Alawyn.”

“I think my arm is broken and maybe my shoulder.” Said Theowyn.

“How did this happen?” Asked Alawyn.

“We were attacked by trolls.”

“Where?”

“Osgiliath?”

“We should notify the guards that there are trolls in Osgiliath.”

“The trolls are dead. We killed them both.”

“You two killed two trolls by yourselves?” Said the astonished apprentice, “You must be great heroes. Who are you?”

“I am Theowyn, daughter of Éowyn and Faramir, and she is my friend Halyn.”

The apprentice checked Theowyn’s shoulder and arm. “You’re right. The arm is broken. It should take several months to fully mend. I can splint the arm, to aid its healing, but the shoulder is not as easily treated, nor is the extent of the damage as easily determined.” She then examined Halyn. “What happened to her?” Alawyn asked Theowyn.

“A troll hit her with a club and knocked her against a wall.”

“Was she conscious the whole time?”

“No.”

“Can your understand me?” Alawyn asked Halyn.

“Yes, but my head hurts heroically and everyone is talking too loud.”

“I have herbs that should lessen the pain for both of you.” After she splinted Theowyn’s arm and bandaged her shoulder, Alawyn said “You need sleep.”

“Good!” Said Halyn “I’m exhausted.”

“Not you. I need to determine if you can safely sleep. Sometimes people who receive blows like that never awaken when they go to sleep. I do not like to lose my patients.”

Eventually, Alawyn determined that Halyn should be able to safely sleep, and both Theowyn and Halyn slept.

In the morning, the Captain of the Guard came to talk to them.

“I understand that you two claim to have killed two trolls in Osgiliath. There have been no trolls in Gondor since the war.”

“If you send people there, then they should find the troll bodies.” Said Theowyn.

“I am more concerned about your arms.” Said the Captain.

“I think they’re mithril, we found them in Osgiliath. One of the trolls called them the Weapons of the King’s Elite. Have you heard of them?”

“More children’s tales. First trolls, then mithril Weapons of the King’s Elite. You waste my time.” Said the Captain angrily.

“What is your name?” Asked Theowyn.

“Captain Belegon.” He said, “When you’re ready to talk sense, call for me.” Then, he left. Theowyn noticed that he left behind a guard.

“What a double O!” Said Halyn, referring to their code for Officious Oaf.

“We need to go back to Osgiliath.” Said Theowyn. “Our treasure is in danger. I don’t trust that man.”

“Sure. We’re in great condition to fight more trolls. You have one usable arm, and my head is buzzing like a beehive.”

“Neither of us is currently bleeding.”

“True, but that could be a temporary condition. I feel like I’m bleeding from the ears. I’m not, am I?”

“No, you’re not. Where is your sense of adventure, Hal?”

“It’s standing safely behind my sense of self-preservation. We couldn’t handle another troll. With these wounds, we probably can’t handle a field mouse.” Halyn knew Theowyn was very serious about her idea. Theowyn only called her “Hal” when she was very serious.

“There shouldn’t be another troll. There never were many of them. We may have killed the only two trolls in Gondor.”

“No one found that treasure for many years, except us. No one will find it now. That treasure would be useless to us if we get ourselves killed.”

This made sense to Theowyn, but she was still impatient to go back to Osgiliath.

At that point in the conversation, Alawyn entered the room. “Are you two feeling better?” She asked.

“Yes, much better. We’re ready to leave.” Said Theowyn.

“No!” Said Alawyn firmly. “Neither of you is in shape to travel.”

“You know she’s right.” Said Halyn to Theowyn.

Late in the day, Captain Belegon returned. “I sent a rider to Osgiliath, and he found two dead trolls, but no armor or weapons such as yours. Where did you say you found them?” He said.

“We didn’t say. How long did he look for them?” Said Theowyn.

“Not long. A troll chased him away.”

Halyn and Theowyn exchanged glances, and Halyn stifled a laugh.

After the Captain left, Halyn said, “Get use to this place. We are going to have to be fully healed to take on another troll.”

Chapter 13: Damrod and King Elessar

In Dunland, Damrod continued to lead the White Company during its search for the Dunlending Army. The White Company had scouted almost half of the forests of Dunland, but had discovered nothing of the Dunlending Army. King Elessar was getting impatient. As he had been a ranger for many years in the War against Sauron, the King was frustrated that his rangers could not find the enemy. It was then that Damrod received a letter from Faramir, and changed the area of his search. Damrod moved the search area to the northernmost woods, near the Misty Mountains. As a result, the White Company found very recent traces of the Dunlending Army. Damrod sent some rangers to track the Dunlending Army and he sent others south along the mountains. Then, he reported to the leaders of the allied armies.

Damrod reported to King Elessar of Gondor, the acknowledged leader of the armies, but King Éomer of Rohan was also present. Additionally, important captains from both armies were there.

“Sire, the Dunlending Army has moved to the eastern side of the Misty Mountains.” He said to King Elessar.

King Elessar was surprised. “Why would they do that? Why would they abandon their country to us?” King Elessar was a great fighter and battle leader, but he was not a great strategist. He did not immediately see the cleverness of the Dunlending maneuver.

“I think they are either marching on Rohan, or preparing to come through the mountain passes further south to attack us by surprise.” Said Damrod. “I have sent rangers to scout the southern passes against this latter possibility.”

Damrod’s report caused much discussion among the assembled leaders of the armies. The Rohirrim leaders knew that their country was lightly defended. They would need to send troops home, if Rohan was not to fall to the Dunlending Army. Additionally, the northern part of Gondor would be vulnerable if Rohan fell. In the end, the allied leaders decided to send King Éomer and his Rohirrim army to defend Rohan. Also, the Gondorian Army would move to defend the southern passes of the Misty Mountains. They were all surprised that the young King of Dunland, Unverfurth, was cleaver enough to envision such a plan. They had underestimated him.

In the next several days, Damrod received reports from his rangers. The Dunlending army was heading south at a rapid pace, and soon must march for either the mountain passes or for Rohan. Additionally, the rangers scouting in the passes were being attacked by orcs. The presence of orcs in the area was a surprise. Saruman had forged an alliance of Dunlendings and orcs twenty years before, but that had been exceptional. Generally, Dunlendings and orcs were not ready allies and did not usually live near each other peacefully. Dunlendings were humans after all, and orcs seldom tolerated humans.

King Elessar called Damrod to a meeting three days after the previous council.

“Which way are the Dunlendings going?” He asked Damrod.

“Toward Rohan, Sire.”

“How long would it take the Dunlending army to reach Rohan?”

“About five days from now.”

“King Éomer thinks his army will not get to Rohan for seven more days. So, Erkenbrand will have to hold the entire Dunlending Army in check for about two days. Has anyone notified him of his peril?”

“Yes. I sent three couriers by different routes, and one message by sea, two days ago. He should be aware by now.”

“How was it that you discovered the Dunlending’s plan?”

“I received a letter from Faramir and he suggested that I assume that the Dunlending Army had made the move that we would least expect. He noted that corsairs had raided Gondor and orcs had raided Rohan to take advantage of the military weakness of the two countries. He suggested that I consider how the Dunlendings could exploit the same perceived weakness. Therefore, I shifted our scouting to the North mountain passes where they would likely organize an attack on Rohan. There we found traces of the recent camps of the Dunlending Army. The Misty Mountains could shield the march of their troops from our scouts and our army, just as the forest had shielded them up to then.”

“So, Faramir serves me well, even when he is not here. You did well in interpreting his suggestion.”

“Thank you, Sire.”

“What do you suggest we now do with our army in Dunland?”

“We could march through the southern mountain passes, and trail the Dunlending Army. Then, when they reach Rohan, we would have cut off their path of retreat.”

“What is the risk in that plan?”

“We could be ambushed by the orcs in the mountains, or by the Dunlending Army circling back on its tracks. We do not know exactly how large the Dunlending Army is, or how many orcs are in the mountains.”

“Others have suggested the same plan. Some have suggested that we follow King Éomer to Rohan and aid him there. Some have suggested that we return home by sea and let Rohan carry the burden of the fighting. I will consider the various plans.”

“My suggestion has the largest risk, and the largest reward. We could end the war by trapping Unverfurth’s army in Rohan.”

“Or, we could be ambushed in the mountain passes at great loss to our army.” Said the King.

Two days later, the Gondorian Army in Dunland began to move south to aid the Army of Rohan. It was the safest choice which did not abandon Rohan to fight the war alone.

h3. Chapter 14: Erkenbrand and Unverfurth

Erkenbrand had received the message from Damrod and had acted quickly. He pulled together most of the remaining troops in Rohan. This was about one third of the entire muster of Rohan, as most the other two thirds were with King Éomer in Dunland. Erkenbrand planned to defend Helm’s Deep, his home, as King Théoden had done twenty years before. He thought that the Dunlending Army would not enter Fangorn Forest because of the threat of the ents, but he thought wrong.

As his army approached Helm’s Deep, Erkenbrand found an advance force of Dunlendings in the way. Unverfurth had safely led his troops through Fangorn. In doing so, he had cut one day off of his march time to Rohan. Thus, Erkenbrand would have to fight a battle in the open field, rather than defend his fortress. Further, as Erkenbrand expected to have more time to pull his army together, his troops were strung out along the road from the mustering place near Edoras. Thus, he was still organizing his troops, when the Dunlendings began to move toward him. He had expected the Dunlending advance force to wait until the rest of their army arrived before attacking, but he had underestimated them. King Unverfurth was an aggressive general, and had promoted captains who were aggressive, brave, and talented. The captain of his advance force, Captain Hafwulf, was the best of these new captains. Hafwulf saw that the Rohirrim were not organized for battle, and quickly led his troops to an attack, even though he was slightly outnumbered. His attack caught Erkenbrand unprepared, and routed the Rohirrim. Erkenbrand was wounded rallying his troops, and was captured by the Dunlendings. The Rohirrim troops were in total disarray, and the troops and their captains were not sure who was in command. Most of the troops headed to Edoras, and some went home. Meanwhile, Captain Hafwulf and his advance force used the captured Rohan standards to trick the skeleton garrison at Helm’s Deep into opening the gates for them, and so captured the legendary fortress. It was a dark day for Rohan.

When King Unverfurth arrived in Rohan, he found Helm’s Deep and the Underking of Rohan, Erkenbrand, in the hands of his troops, and the Rohirrim army in confusion. The wounded Erkenbrand was led, as a prisoner, to meet King Unverfurth at Helm’s Deep. Erkenbrand saw a short, somewhat pudgy man with light brown hair and grey eyes. The eyes gave an impression of great intelligence. In the short time he stood before King Unverfurth, Erkenbrand noted that the King was performing many small tasks at the same time. He appeared to be energetic as well as intelligent.

“I have heard of you.” Said Unverferth to Erkenbrand. “You captured my father here twenty years ago, and you treated him well. He spoke highly of you.”

Erkenbrand was silent. He did not know what to say in this circumstance. He did not remember any of the Dunlending prisoners from twenty years ago. Finally, he said, “I hope I can speak just as highly of you in the future to my son.”

“I intend that you shall have that opportunity. I did not come here to conquer Rohan, but to maneuver your armies out of Dunland. However, it looks like I can conquer Rohan, despite my original plan.”

“Tell me, how did you get through Fangorn?” Asked Erkenbrand.

“I marched through it.”

“And you had no opposition from the ents.”

“None. The Brown Wizard had told me there were few ents left. Additionally, she said the ents hated the orcs and Saruman, not Dunlendings, so we had no reason to fear the woods.”

“And you trusted this woman, this Brown Wizard?”

“My father always said “Trust, but verify!”, so I did. I sent a large party of horsemen through Fangorn a month ago, and they found no opposition.”

“Who is this wizard? Is she with you?”

“I do not know who she is, but her suggestions are always profitable if followed. She is not with us. She has her own agenda and it seems to coincide with ours, currently. She is off on her own business.”

“You may not hold Rohan long. King Éomer is on his way with his army, and I did not lose many of my troops in my defeat.” Said Erkenbrand.

“I do not want to hold Rohan at all. I just want Rohan and Gondor out of Dunland. If Éomer and Elessar will sign a treaty, then I will leave Rohan in peace. However, I do not think the orcs will do the same.”

“The orcs? What do they have to do with this?”

“They have grown to great numbers in the Misty Mountains, and they treat the Brown Wizard as their sovereign. She hates Rohan so much that it is almost beyond hatred. I have never seen such extreme passion before.”

“For an enemy, you are giving me much useful information. Are you sure I will live through this?”

“Yes, you will. Unlike previous leaders of Dunland, I do not wish Rohan ill. Yes, I do not think you have treated us fairly in the past, but my father taught me that the Rohirrim treated the Dunlending prisoners well twenty years ago. This is not the act of an evil people. When my father overthrew the previous King, he changed Dunland in many ways. We are far more prosperous than in prior times, and our prosperity has softened our desire to reclaim our former lands in Rohan. We now understand that Dunland is a land worth living in. We can prosper there, as we prospered in Rohan in ancient times. Also, my father changed the army. As you have found, our army is better trained and led than previously. I do not advise Rohan to continue this war, if Rohan is to survive. Our army is better than yours, and very capable of defeating you.”

Erkenbrand listened and did not quite know whether to trust the King’s words. The words sounded too grandiose to be real. He decided to reserve judgment and see if King Unverfurth’s actions supported the words.

“If you bear Rohan no ill will, then why have you been attacking our border for the last several years?” Asked Erkenbrand.

“We have not been attacking you. The Brown Wizard’s brother and his outlaw followers have been attacking you. It is true that he recruits Dunlending malcontents to his cause, but I can not control that. I discourage it as much as I am able. I have told Éomer and Elessar this, but they believe it is fiction. They invaded us to stop the attacks, but the real culprits escaped into their camps in the Misty Mountains.”

“Why should I believe this?”

“You are our prisoner, so it is irrelevant whether you believe me or not. I need to convince Éomer and Elessar. I would have thought their spies would have confirmed my story by now.”

“You think we have spies in your country?”

“Of course, you do. A spy is just someone who gives you information you want. Given the intermarriage and commerce between our peoples, there are many spies, intentional or not, providing information to both sides.”

“Spying is an act of war.” Said Erkenbrand, angrily.

“Nonsense! Spying is an act of survival. Every nation needs to know what its neighbors are doing. Otherwise, it will fail to recognize its enemies, or its friends.”

Erkenbrand was not sure if he trusted King Unverfurth, but he was sure that Unverfurth was unlike any previous leaders of Dunland.

Chapter 15: The Brown Wizards

Faramir and Prince Imrahil arrived in Dol Amroth, and they greeted Éowyn, Ganwyn, Bergrond, and Anbor. Just after the introductions to Anbor and Bergrond, Imrahil pulled Faramir aside.

“I suspect that man, Anbor, is a spy. I am sure he is a half-orc.” He said to Faramir.

“He is a half-orc, but not a spy.” Faramir laughed, “He has proven himself trustworthy often over the years.”

“Do not expect me to trust him until he proves himself to me!”

“Fair enough, I’m sure he will.”

They returned to the group.

“You look as beautiful as ever.” Imrahil said to Éowyn.

“Thank you. I’m sure I look better than the first time you saw me. I’m told you first saw me as they were carrying me from the battlefield at Pelennor Field.”

“That is so. I am still in awe of such a beautiful face topping a chain mail shirt, as I saw there. When I saw the Fell Beast you slew, I was convinced you were some Valar come to the battlefield. Then, they told me how you slew the Witch-King and I was convinced you were above even a Valar. If I had not been married, I would have pursued you in rivalry to Faramir.”

“You would have failed in that rivalry, despite your chivalry. Faramir won my heart as no other could have.”

“Then I shall have to pursue your daughter.”

“Ganwyn will be thrilled.”

“Faramir already used that joke on me.” Laughed Imrahil.

“Our senses of humor are very similar, it is one of the reasons we grew so close.”

“By the way, we encountered brigands in the woods. When Faramir offered them his horse, they attacked us. They said you had tricked them in the same way. What was that about?”

“Oh no!” Exclaimed Éowyn. “They demanded my horse, a Mearas, as the price of passage. I gave it too them, and it returned later in the day. I knew that a Mearas chooses its rider, and would not be forced. I expected it to escape and return to me, and it did.”

“So you did trick them, and they thought Faramir was doing the same. What an incredible coincidence!”

“Not really, after twenty years of marriage, we have similar ways of approaching many problems.”

“It sounds like you are one person, instead of two.”

“No. We still have our differences, and sometimes they are very great. But, we have learned much from each other.”

Faramir joined them at that point.

“How is everything going here in Dol Amroth?” He asked Éowyn.

“It’s been exceptionally hard work. Many scores were injured in the earthquake, but we have healed many of the injured. Despite our efforts, scores have died. Also, Anbor tells me that the workers have repaired many of the damaged buildings.”

“Have you been safe? Have there been other attempts to kill you?”

“Not since Minas Tirith.”

“Was there an attempt in Minas Tirith? You should have returned to me immediately.”

“I did. We had that wonderful night together.”

“I mean returned and stayed.” He was getting angry as he realized she had deceived him.

Imrahil diplomatically backed away, and left.

“Fairborn, I really needed to be here to help. It was very important to me.”

“Important enough to die for?”

“Yes. I wanted to help these people that much.”

Faramir was still angry, and was hurt by her deception. “Don’t do it again!” He demanded.

Her inclination was to answer sharply, as she felt guilt at deceiving him and did not like being ordered to do anything, but she curbed that inclination. “I am alive, and I helped many people. You should appreciate that.”

“I do. I do appreciate that, but I do not want you killed.” His anger was subsiding quickly, as it often did.

She kissed him. “You know I love you, but I do have my own needs sometimes.”

“So do I. Where’s the wenches?” Both of his sentences were the punch line to an old, ribald Rohirrim joke she had told him long ago. He was over his anger, and she couldn’t help laughing at the unexpected appearance of the old punch line.

After he left Faramir and Éowyn, Imrahil approached Anbor. Imrahil usually approached problems directly. “Faramir tells me you are a half-orc, but he trusts you anyway.” He stated.

“I think I’ve served ‘im well.” Said Anbor.

“If you earned his trust, then you must have served him well. He is a very good judge of men.”

“I ‘eard one of the rangers say that I was the most ‘onest ‘alf-orc ‘e ever knew. I laughed, as I never ‘eard nobody talk of an ‘onest ‘alf-orc. I took it as a compliment.”

“So, have you been helping with the injured?”

“No, I’ve not much talent for that. I’ve been keepin’ Éowyn informed of the repairs, and lookin’ for more assassins. Somethin’ don’t seem right here. Seein’ the twins has me uneasy.”

“What twins?”

“Some twins I knew at Isengard twenty years ago. A mean pair. Éowyn knew their father, but did not know of the twins. She wants ta meet them, but the idea makes me real uneasy. I’m not sure I wanta find ‘em for her. I sense that they ain’t upta anythin’ good.”

Imrahil found that he trusted this strange man. It wasn’t what Anbor said, but it was the Elf-like honesty with which he spoke which won Imrahil over. “With Faramir and me here, you can be more at ease about Éowyn. You can find these twins, and arrange the meeting and we will protect Lady Éowyn. If it will ease your concerns, then you can determine the twins’ intentions before setting up any meeting.”

“I think that’s wise.” Said Anbor. “I’ll do it.”

Bergrond asked Ganwyn about something which had caught his attention. “Your parent’s call each other “Fairborn”. What is that about?”

“They’ve called each other “Fairborn” as long as any of us children can remember. He calls her “Fairborn” because she was born with fair skin and yellow hair. She calls him “Fairborn” as a play on the pronunciation of his name, “Faramir”. So, they were both born “fair”. It seems to mean much to them, but I don’t understand it.”

Several days later, Anbor spotted the twins in the village of Yark. He greeted them, but did not bring up the subject of meeting with Éowyn. After their brief meeting, he began to carefully follow Grifa, the male twin. He thought he recognized Grifa’s boot print from South Ithilien, but he had some doubt. He wished he could have studied the boot print in South Ithilien more thoroughly, but he couldn’t at the time. Late in the day, he followed Grifa into the mountains. Grifa met with a group of orcs. Anbor was surprised, as no orcs were ever known to live in these mountains. He attempted to get close enough to hear their conversation, but the meeting dispersed before he could hear anything. He then followed Grifa back to Yark. As Grifa returned to the cottage in which he lived, his sister, Grifwyn, was also returning. Anbor wondered where she had been. He decided to have someone follow her, also.

That night, Anbor talked to Prince Imrahil.

“There are orcs in the mountains.” Anbor told Prince Imrahil.

“Orcs? There have never been orcs here.”

“I saw Grifa talkin’ with ‘em, but couldn’t hear what they said.”

“Grifa is the male twin? I never have understood Rohan names.”

“Yea.”

“I better put some troops together. We may need them.”

“That’s a good idea. If you and Faramir can guard Éowyn, then I have use of Bergrond and Ganwyn. Bergrond can tail Grifa, and Ganwyn can tail Grifwyn. Meanwhile, I’ll look for the Orc camp.

The next night, Anbor, Bergrond, Ganwyn, Faramir and Imrahil met.

“I found the orc camp. It’s high up in the mountains. There’s about three hundred of ‘em. I recognize some of the clan symbols. They’re from the Misty Mountains near Isengard.” Said Anbor.

“The Misty Mountains? How did they get here?” Asked Faramir.

“Quietly, I’ll wager.” Said Anbor. “There’s no easy or safe route for ‘em from there ta here.”

“Three hundred. Now that I know they are here, I should be able to handle that number.” Said Imrahil. “If they had attacked us by surprise, then they would have done much damage.”

“What did Grifa and Grifwyn do today?” Asked Faramir.

“Grifa watched Éowyn all day.” Said Bergrond. “It felt strange watching someone watch the person I had been guarding.”

“Grifwyn was gathering herbs and plants in the woods. Most of the herbs were related to a poison that Mother had told me of. Most of the plants had magical uses.” Said Ganwyn.

“Magical uses? How would you know that?” Said Imrahil, glancing at Ganwyn.

“I study magic, when I have time.” Said Ganwyn softly.

“Indeed. There is much more to you than meets the eye, young woman.” Said Imrahil. “You can track, can practice healing, and know something of magic.”

“Also, she shoots a bow well. In Ithilien, we believe in a well-rounded education.” Laughed Faramir. “Are you sure you are not going to propose to her?”

Ganwyn blushed, as Imrahil laughed along with Faramir, and Bergrond and Anbor exchanged puzzled glances.

The next day, Éowyn received a note inviting her and her family to dinner that evening with “the children of Gríma” in Yark. Early that evening, Éowyn, Faramir, and Ganwyn went to dinner in Yark and found a large table of food just outside the village.

“Welcome to the Lord and Ladies of Ithilien from the Brown Wizards.” Shouted Grifa. “We are Grifa, son of Gríma, and Grifwyn, daughter of Gríma.”

“Why do you call yourselves the Brown Wizards?” Asked Faramir.

“Because we are wizards, and we choose to wear brown.”

“Are there really any wizards in Middle Earth anymore?” Asked Faramir.
“Saruman, Gandalf, the High Elves, and Sauron are all gone, and no one hears of Radagast the Brown or the Blue Wizards anymore.”

“You seem well versed on this topic,” Said Grifa sharply “But, actually you know little.”
“My sister and I are the last of the apprentices of the great wizards.”

“You were taught by Saruman.” Said Éowyn.

“A wild guess from an unlikely source, but it hits the target.” Said Grifa. “We were trained by Saruman.”

“Why do you tell us this?” Asked Faramir.

“To inform you of how important we, your hosts, are.” Said Grifwyn. It was the first time she had spoken, and her voice was soft, friendly, and oddly comforting.

“Enough talk, on to the feast.” Said Grifa.

“I am not sure a feast is appropriate at the scene of a natural disaster.” Said Faramir.

“ Nonsense. We will share our food with the populace of Dol Amroth.” Assured Grifwyn. “This is a special occasion to us.”

“Fairborn, I am not sure we should be here.” Faramir whispered to Éowyn. “I fear for you and Ganwyn.”

“Do not fear, we are prepared.” She whispered back.

Soon servants began serving food to the five people sitting at the table.

“What are you celebrating?” Asked Éowyn.

“The death of our father’s banes.” Said Grifwyn.

“And who would that be?” Said Éowyn.

“The ents. The last ent died three month ago. Radagast the Brown tried to save them, and he also perished.” Trumpeted Grifa. “We celebrate his death by wearing brown.”

“They were killed?” Asked Éowyn. Her stomach was knotting.

“Yes, we ordered their deaths.” Said Grifwyn.

“And who carried out your orders.” Asked Éowyn steadily.

“Our orcs. I am sovereign of the Orcs of the Misty Mountains. And my brother has just become sovereign of the Orcs of Mordor.” Said Grifwyn proudly.

“It is you two who have been trying to kill Éowyn.” Said Faramir angrily. He tried to stand, but quickly fell back to his chair. Éowyn and Ganwyn had slumped in their chairs and appeared to be asleep.

“You are all three poisoned to some extent, but you, Faramir, will not die of it. We want you to watch Éowyn die, and us take your daughter. When you follow us, you will find Ganwyn’s body pinned to a tree somewhere between here and the Misty Mountains. Gandalf, our father’s greatest bane, is beyond our reach, but his near namesake isn’t. Your daughter will die in his stead.”

Four orcs appeared from the woods, and one threw Ganwyn’s body across his shoulder. Faramir again tried unsuccessfully to stand. Grifa approached and tied him to the chair.

“Shortly, a unit of orcs will come from their camp in the mountains and hack Éowyn to pieces before your eyes; however, they will leave you untouched, if our orders are followed. That way you can follow us and recover your daughter’s corpse.” Gloated Grifa.

“However, orcs being orcs, they may hack you to pieces, too.” Laughed Grifwyn. Her voice still sounded oddly comforting.

Grifwyn, Grifa, and their four orcs left with Ganwyn’s body. Minutes after they left, Éowyn arose from her seat, pulled a dagger from the bodice of her dress, and cut Faramir’s ropes.

“What? You’re not poisoned.” He said.

“Fairborn, I’ve had weeks to work on the antidote to their poison. They underestimated me just as their father often did. Both Ganwyn and I are alive.”

“I apparently underestimated you, too.”

“I have a herb that should clear your head, but you will still have trouble walking steadily and we need to move before the orcs come.”

“The orcs are likely fighting Prince Imrahil and his troops by now. Anbor led Imrahil’s men to the orc camp about an hour before we came here.” Faramir said.

“ I ordered Bergrond to follow anyone who left this dinner before we did. He should be following our hosts. We can catch up to him when you are more able to walk.” Said Éowyn.

“I guess our mysteries are solved. Now we need to solve our problems,” Said Faramir. “and these two children of Gríma Wormtongue are at the root of our direst problems. I hope Ganwyn will escape the children of Gríma before they really kill her.”

“Our daughter is an extraordinary young woman. I am sure she will escape.”

“She is still a young girl in my eyes.” Said Faramir.

“She grew two inches in the last year and her body began changing months ago. She had her first period last week.”

“I didn’t need to know that.”

Chapter 16: Two Escapes and an Argument

As the orc carried her from the banquet site, Ganwyn knew she had to escape, and her small arsenal of magic seemed to provide the best chance. The opportunity happened quickly, and she took it. The orc dropped her and began to talk to its sovereign. She quickly worked and cast her illusion spell, and crawled behind a bush. Now she appeared to be lying on the ground, while she actually was behind a bush drawing her hidden dagger. Now she needed something of suitable size to take her place. She noticed a short log lying not far from her illusory form. She shifted her illusion from the current site to the log, and waited. An orc hoisted the log over his shoulder and continued the journey, following Grifa and Grifwyn. She prepared to follow them, but heard a sound and froze in place. Bergrond stepped stealthily out of the trees, carefully following the orcs. She called his name in a stage whisper. He stopped and looked around in confusion. Then he saw her and smiled broadly.

“Your mother said I should expect you to escape them.” He said quietly as he hugged her.

She was pleased with his reaction, as she had been smitten with Bergrond for the last year. However, he was unaware of her affections. Quietly, they began to follow the orcs.

“My illusion won’t last much longer.” She whispered to Bergrond.

Fortunately and unexpectedly, the illusion did not have to last much longer. Night had fallen, and the orcs and their leaders stopped in a rock outcrop near the edge of the woods. Grifwyn pointed to a tree and one of the orcs drove a spear through the illusory Ganwyn and into the tree. Of course, the spear did not penetrate through the log, but Ganwyn cast another illusion to make it appear as if she were pinned to the tree. Meanwhile the log with its attached spear tumbled to the ground, unheeded by the orcs and Grifwyn.

“I wonder if I could use a variation of this spell as an invisibility spell.” Thought Ganwyn. “No one seems to notice the results of some of the actions caused by the illusion.”

Suddenly, giant bats appeared over the heads of the Brown Wizards and their orcs. They scooped up the Wizards and the four orcs and departed over the mountains.

“There must be hundreds of them.” Said Bergrond, in awe. “They look larger than horses.”

After a few minutes, the bats were out of sight, and Bergrond turned to Ganwyn. “You can take the illusion away now. It’s rather gory, blood is everywhere.”

“I wanted them to believe it. They seemed a blood-thirsty group.”

“I don’t like seeing you bleed like that, even if it is an illusion.”

She was pleased by his sentiment.

Bergrond and Ganwyn went back toward Yark, and soon found Faramir and Anbor tracking the orcs. Both men were very pleased to see Ganwyn unharmed.

“Lastborn, your mother said you would escape, but I doubted her.” Faramir said as he hugged and kissed his daughter. “How far ahead are they?” He added.

“Too far. They were being carried away by giant bats when we last saw them.” Bergrond said.

“Giant bats?” Faramir said incredulously.

“There were hundreds of giant bats.” Bergrond said.

“So they escaped us.” Faramir concluded.

“That explains ‘ow three ‘undred orcs from the Misty Mountains got ‘ere unspotted.” Anbor said. “The bats won’t ‘ave many orcs ta carry back ta the Misty Mountains. We killed most of the orcs up in the mountains. Other than Theowyn, I’ve never seen anyone fight like Prince Imrahil.”

“Where’s mother?” Ganwyn asked.

“On her way to Minas Tirith. We received a message from Elboron that Theowyn was in the House of Healing there. Éowyn said she was sure you would escape unharmed, so she thought she needed to tend to Theowyn.” Faramir said.

“What happened?” Said Ganwyn with worry obvious on her face.

“Apparently, Theowyn and Halyn fought some trolls at Osgiliath, and were both hurt.” Faramir said.

“As if we didn’t have enough problems, Theowyn finds trolls to fight.” Bergrond said angrily. “She’ll get herself killed.”

“They apparently killed two trolls and found mithril armor and weapons. It’s the talk of Gondor. No one’s seen mithril arms in many years. For that matter, no one’s killed a troll in many years.” Faramir noted.

“Two women killed two trolls? I’d be amazed, but I’ve seen Theowyn fight.” Anbor said.

“What about the assassins?” Bergrond said. “Should Éowyn travel alone?”

“The people who hired the assassins think Éowyn is dead. She should be safe, for now.” Faramir stated firmly. He had stated the same doubts to Éowyn, but had been unsuccessful in curbing her desire to go to Theowyn. Now, at least, he could follow her to Minas Tirith.

At that time, Snowfall was swiftly carrying Éowyn down the road between Dol Amroth and Minas Tirith. “Good girl!” Éowyn said to Snowfall. At the speed they were traveling, they could have been in Minas Tirith by sunrise; however, Éowyn stopped to eat, and to graze and water Snowfall. She knew Snowfall was determined to get her to Minas Tirith quickly, but she did not want Snowfall to harm herself in the effort.

As they approached a familiar spot in the woods, Snowfall sped up.

Three men with swords stood in the road. One had a bandage on his head and on his left arm.

“Halt!” Shouted the damaged man, who was their leader, “you will not pass here without fair payment for passage.”

Snowfall ran through the three men and bowled them over. The outlaw chief took the worst of the collision, and was knocked ten paces from his original spot. The two archers who were hidden on opposite sides of the road loosed at Éowyn as she sped by. They narrowly missed shooting each other, as Snowfall was far faster than they anticipated. As she sped away, Snowfall made a laughing sound. After some confusion, the outlaws gathered and angrily carried their unconscious leader into the woods. “I think we need a better plan.” One of the swordsmen said, tartly.

About two hours after sunrise, Éowyn arrived at Minas Tirith.

“Halt, who goes there?” Said Captain Belegon.

“Lady Éowyn of Ithilien. Where is my daughter?”

“At the House of Healing. Would you like an escort there?”

“No. I know where it is. First, I have to tend to Snowfall. She has served me very well this night.” Éowyn affectionately patted Snowfall’s flank as she dismounted.

“Thank you.” She said to Snowfall, once the Mearas was well stabled. Snowfall nodded in answer. “I’ll see that you’re in pasture before the day is over.” Éowyn promised. Again, Snowfall nodded. Soon, Éowyn’s promise to her was fulfilled.

As Éowyn walked to the House of Healing, she heard a minstrel singing to an enthusiastic crowd in one of the city squares. He sang:

I sing of mighty Theowyn,
Slayer of a troll-thing,
And daughter of great Éowyn,
Slayer of the Witch-King.

Theowyn and her loyal companion rode
To Osgiliath, home of Kings.
With mithril chain and swords they strode
Looking for an adventurous fling.

Theowyn, Theowyn,
Daughter of Éowyn,
Protectors from our enemies
And from evil’s enmities.

Two large trolls they defeated,
One by battle and one by stealth.
Both warriors, the trolls exceeded
In power, size, and battle wealth.

And when the battle finished
And all blood had been shed,
The trolls were much diminished
And lay in the city dead.

Theowyn, Theowyn,
Daughter of Éowyn,
Protectors from our enemies
And from evil’s enmities.

Theowyn left the City of Kings
Wounded and bloody, but unbent
A great tale for bards to sing
A great epic for poets to vent

Mighty Theowyn, player of battle games
And slayer of orcs and Haradrim
Again achieved war-fame
For Gondor and her great kin.

Theowyn, Theowyn,
Daughter of Éowyn,
Protectors from our enemies
And from evil’s enmities.

Éowyn was amazed by the song, and the enthusiastic reaction to it. The crowd was particularly amused by the difficulty that the singer had singing “enmities”, but they obviously enjoyed the song. She listened to the entire song, then quietly slipped by the square unnoticed.

At the House of Healing she met its surprised staff. “How are things going in Dol Amroth?” One of them asked.

“The worst is over there. Soon the healers will be returning here.” Éowyn answered, then said. “Where is my daughter?”

“She looks much like you.” Alawyn said. “She is in the Éowyn room, where else.”

Éowyn had always been slightly embarrassed that they had named a room after her. It was the room she had occupied after the Battle of Pelennor Fields and where Aragorn had healed her of the Black Breath. She thought it ironic that in the years she studied there, she had spent so little time in that room. Now, she went to the room named for her.

“Firstborn, they will have to name this room after you, if you continue to collect wounds in pursuing battle-fame.”

Theowyn was surprised to see her mother. “I thought you were in Dol Amroth?”

“When I heard of your wounds, I came immediately. What were you thinking in fighting trolls?” Éowyn said to Theowyn. “Don’t you know when to run?”

Halyn answered, sheepishly, for them both. “We didn’t plan to find trolls. They surprised us. You know I don’t usually fight.”

“But you do fall out of trees that you shouldn’t climb.” Éowyn said sternly. “And my daughter draws a sword at any excuse.” Halyn had forgotten who treated her after the fall. Halyn had never told Éowyn that she was following Theowyn up the tree.

“Mother, we were exploring Osgiliath, and did not expect to find trolls there. However, once they found us, we had no choice but to fight.”

“When have you ever backed away from a fight, firstborn. The two of you killed two trolls, so now you’re both being sung of as heroes.”

“At least Theowyn is. I’m referred to as her “brave companion” in the song.” Halyn said ruefully.

“I’m proud of you both, but I’m also afraid for you both. You can’t court danger often without paying with your life.”

“You felled the Witch-King and his steed, and won great battle-fame.” Said Theowyn, accusingly.

“And came very close to death in this very room. I fought one battle in my life, and am renown as a warrior for it. I have healed many scores of people since, and am lesser known for those deeds, which I consider more difficult.”

“Mother, what would you have me do?” Theowyn asked, in exasperation.

“I would have you pick your fights more carefully. Do not throw away your life for no good reason.”

“Would you call these ‘no good reason’?” Theowyn said as she showed the two mithril mail shirts, the two helmets, and the weapons with which they had returned to Minas Tirith.

“I’ve never seen their like.” Éowyn said temporarily awed. “No, wait; I recognize the device on that helm. I’ve seen it in one of Faramir’s books of lore. These are legendary arms.”

“So, they were worth the risk.” Said Theowyn proudly.

“No, first born. I would rather have you alive than have these arms.”

“Thankfully, you have both, and both of us are healing well.” Halyn interjected. She knew that neither strong-willed daughter nor strong-willed mother would give in during this dispute.

“How badly were you hurt?” Éowyn asked.

“I have a broken arm and damaged shoulder and leg, and Halyn has a concussion.”

“You were fortunate. I saw trolls kill many men and horses at Pelennor Field. I even saw one kill a Mumakil.”

“I would rather not fight one again, but I may have to.” Theowyn said.

“Why would you have to fight one again?” Éowyn asked sharply.

“We left behind a trove of mithril arms and at least one more troll.” Said Halyn. She wanted to act as peacemaker, but Éowyn and Theowyn seemed determined to continue this.

“You will not go back to Osgiliath!” Éowyn said angrily.

“Mother, I’m a grown woman, not to mention the Thane of Emyn Arnen. I should be able to do what I want.”

“Did I mention that we are healing well?” Interjected Halyn.

Éowyn ignored Halyn’s comment. “You are a willful child who is going to get herself killed by her vanity and glory-seeking.”

Theowyn was hurt by her mother’s anger. Éowyn had always been supportive of her military training and her interest in weapons.

“I will go back to Osgiliath.” Theowyn said angrily.

“My concussion is virtually gone.” Said Halyn, realizing that she was not talking to anyone, but herself.

“I’ll lock you in a dungeon until you’re too old to fight.”

“We don’t have a dungeon.”

“I’ll build one. It’ll be done by the time you’re healed.” Éowyn said as she left the room, angrily.

“I’m almost healed now.” Halyn said with an amused smile. “I’ll break you out of the dungeon, if it’s not too large a crime.”

“That’s not funny.” Theowyn said.

“You should catch up to your mother and make peace.”

“No. She shouldn’t have said those things to me.”

“In other words, you’re still angry, so you won’t make peace.”

“So is she. Mother’s anger doesn’t fade as easily as Father’s.”

“Your anger doesn’t fade either. She won’t really build a dungeon, will she?”

“She will if she stays angry.”

Éowyn angrily strode the streets toward the Steward’s Tower. As soon as she reached the tower, she intended to summon a mason to begin planning a dungeon near the manor house in Ithilien. Those who saw the tall and impressive women were inclined to stay away as anger radiated from her face like light from the sun. However, her trip to the Steward’s Tower was brought to a sudden stop. She heard a song which caught her attention and brought her to a halt. One reason the song caught her attention was that it was mournful and sad. However, it was also in her native tongue, the language of Rohan. She seldom heard that language in Minas Tirith. The song was in a form which the Rohirrim called “the wedge”. The minstrel sang:

After you,
My heart is bone.
I don’t know what to do.
I’m now alone,
After you.

After you,
All food is hay.
I do not want to chew.
My gut is fey,
After you.

After you,
Colors are grey.
I do not like the view.
My eyes betray,
After you.

After you,
My friends seem cruel.
They all seem so untrue.
I am a fool,
After you.

After you,
I ‘m overthrown.
How can my life renew?
My hopes have flown,
After you.

How do I end this pain?
I burn for your touch,
But all I feel is rain.
I hurt so much.
Am I insane?
After you.

For many reasons, the song soothed Éowyn’s anger. The memories that the song recalled were not all pleasant, but they made her current woes seem smaller. She thought of the dark time when she thought she loved Aragorn and he seemed lost on the Paths of the Dead. She had wanted to die, and had intended to die, but had lived.

She thought of the many proposals that she had received as a young woman. However, King Théoden had rejected all the proposals, undoubtedly influenced by Gríma. As the years passed and she approached the age of twenty-five, she mourned that she would never wed, but she had wed.

She remembered something now that had not occurred to her before. Faramir was among those prospective husbands. Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, had sent a proposal when Faramir was eighteen and she was seventeen. She had not known Faramir at the time, and did not relish being married to a foreigner and a stranger. Now, she had been married to this exceptional man for twenty years.

She remembered the birth of Theowyn. It had been a difficult, painful, and bloody birth. However, the birth of her firstborn had changed her life in more ways than she could consider. Faramir had been ecstatic, and she had been happier than at any time in her prior life. Theowyn had been feisty and energetic from birth.

It seemed that in Éowyn’s life, joy sprang from sorrow and pain.

When she finally arrived at the Steward’s Tower, Éowyn no longer had thoughts of building a dungeon for her firstborn.

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