Unexpected Fate

Chapter 18: Facing Isengard

A/N: tw...descriptions of death, suffering.

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While Svellevarina scouted the plains, I joined a group of healers inside Helm's Deep to tend to the wounded. Those that had lost their lives in battle were carried outside the keep to a designated spot where the king would offer an honorable burial. The Orcs, meanwhile, were piled into a heap in the plains a safe distance from the stone walls, where my dragon set fire to them, burning away their presence.

It was reassuring to see the positive impact of my magic as I was able to ease the suffering of the injured and heal up wounds that would have otherwise left them impaired. My heart twisted as I watched two Rohirrim carry out the body of a young boy. His face, though covered in grim, looked as though he were in peaceful sleep, his gentle features listless. The arrow embedded within the boy's torso, however, told me that his sleep would be an endless one. With a dip of my head, I whispered a spell for the family of the perished young: that their grief and pain would be at least bearable.

"Vilansia!" someone called.

I straightened my back to peer behind me. Eowyn's wide eyes met my own and she rushed toward me, pulling me into a tight hug. She stepped back after a moment.

"Thank you," she said.

I raised an eyebrow. "May I ask what for?"

"Word has spread about how much you and your dragon did to keep our people safe. The men say that you were glorious in battle...without you, I'm not sure how many more we may have lost,"

"We did what we could. I only wish that less would have to suffer,"

"As do we all. But the dead are granted a special honor, as they gave their lives to defend Rohan, defend her people,"

I watched a family carrying baskets of belongings shuffle past. "Are we to return to Edoras?"

Eowyn nodded. "Yes. I was instructed to lead them there,"

"Very well. I'll call for Svellevarina, she'll be able to carry some of the heavier bags,"

"Oh! No, I heard from Lord Aragorn that you will be going a different way. That is partly why I was searching for you," she smiled softly, "but I wanted to see for myself that you were all right,"

Resting a hand on her shoulder I returned her smile. "I appreciate your concern, skölir kona. I wish you safe passage back to Edoras," I paused to pick up a piece of stone from the ground. I curled my fingers around it as I cast enchantments on the stone, then offered it to Eowyn. "If dangers arise, speak to this stone, and I will hear,"

She clutched the stone tightly, bringing it to her chest. "Thank you,"

"You are most welcome, my friend. Now, I suppose I must find out where it is we are off to,"

Eowyn bowed her head and wished me farewell.

I found my companions with Svellevarina outside of Helm's Deep. In addition to the four members of the fellowship, King Theoden and Éomer—the Rider of Rohan that had questioned our presence in his country, then directed us toward Fangorn Forest—sat tall in their saddles next to Aragorn.

Gandalf inclined his head at my approach. "Greetings, Lady Vilansia,"

"We are glad to have you returned, Islingr," I replied, climbing up Svell's front leg and seating myself in the saddle.

"He is to lead us to Isengard," my dragon informed me.

"Isengard?" I questioned aloud.

"Aye!" Gimli shouted from behind Legolas. "It's about time we knocked him off his tower, eh?"