Iron Stars

Chapter 29: The Storm Breaks

TA 3019
Helm's Deep

     Nyx tightened the strap around her vambrace, securing the arm guard to her left forearm. The design upon it was simple, copper weaving between silver in a flame pattern. Alongside the bracers she wore greaves, pauldrons, rerebraces, cuisses, gauntlets, and a chest piece all with a kindred design to the bracers. She had chosen not to wear a helmet as her style of fighting required the use of her peripheral vision. A helmet would only hinder her.

     The armor had been crafted by her own hands and she had worn it into battle many times before. It was light and mobile, allowing her to move easily within it. The captain had brought it upon receiving her message, knowing she did not have the armor with her at the time. Fastening her cloak around her shoulders, she left the armory, long legs carrying her towards the walls.

     Her bow and quiver were slung across her back, her double bladed sword there as well. At her belt were a pair of daggers as well as one in her boot. In the cuffs of her sleeves she had put what she called her thorns, the small poison coated daggers. All in all, she made for a menacing figure, one not to be trifled with.

     She passed by Théoden who stood further up, out of the main fighting but still able to see the battle that was about to take place. In the distance, Nyx could see lights appearing, likely the orcs moving in. She could even hear the sounds of their calls and their drums from such a distance. Rain had already begun to fall and the night had fallen long ago. Battle was upon them.

     The Battalion had been placed near the elves right upon the walls near the frontlines. Those of the Fellowship were there as well and she strode towards them. Her friends glanced over as she approached and were reminded again she had been in battle long before any of them had been born. She had battled dragons for Eru's sake.

     As she approached, she heard Gimli grumbling as he was too short to see over the wall. Nearby Aragorn stood by and Gimli addressed him next, "Well lad, whatever luck you live let's hope it lasts the night."

     "Your friends are with you Aragorn," Legolas said, his eyes still fixed on the approaching army.

     Boromir, who appeared to deeply dislike the rain commented, "Let's hope they last the night."

     Nyx could not blame him for his fear. This battle would be bloody even with the reinforcements. Many would die and they might not even succeed in beating Saruman. Victory might elude them but death certainly wouldn't.

     Aragorn moved slightly so he could help command the elves while Nyx stood on the other side of the three Fellowship members. The Battalion was over there, their eyes focused upon the army. Not many had ever fought beside Nyx but each of them would fight and die beside her. They knew she had worked for millennia to help others, heedless of injury to herself. They trusted their Commander.

     "Show them no mercy for you shall receive none!" called Aragorn over the rain and thunder.

     In the army below them, an orc stood and let out a cry, evidently a command for the army to halt. Nyx calmed her nerves as she stared at the ranks upon ranks of Uruk-hai. She had sworn to die if necessary, to lay down her life if it was needed. She would not balk now.

     "What's happening out there?" Gimli asked, frantically jumping up and down in an attempt to see over the wall.

     "Shall I describe it to you? Or would you like me to find you a box?" Legolas replied causing laughter from the others.

     The orcs began their hideous drumming, chants ringing out in the storm. The nocked arrows stood steady though one was sent flying into an orc's chest. "Hold!" called Aragorn.