Prequel to my version of The Lord of The Rings trilogy

Exodus from Edoras

The golden halls of Edoras stood in the distance, shrouded by the veil of dust kicked up by the long line of people now leaving through the city gates. Théoden, at the head of the procession with his guards, paused on his horse for a final look back at his city. His eyes lingered on Meduseld, the seat of kings, and for a moment, the weight of leadership bore heavily on his shoulders. He knew what must be done.

"We'll return," Théoden muttered under his breath. With one last glance, he gave a nod and rode off, leading the way as the people of Rohan slowly descended the hillside, forming a long, winding line.

The sun was beginning to dip low, casting shadows over the procession. Behind Théoden, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli rode in silence, their eyes scanning the terrain around them, ever vigilant. Liv rode beside Aragorn, her gaze hard and focused. Behind her were David, guiding the cart with Lily, and Saya, walking just behind them, her steps restless.

As they moved further from the city, Liv broke the silence. "Saruman will pay for what he did," she said darkly, her knuckles white as she gripped the reins.

Saya smirked, cracking her knuckles. "Tell me about it. When I get my hands on him, I'll burn him all the way to hell with Fireball Jutsu." She shot Liv a look that was half-joking, half-deadly serious.

Legolas, riding close beside them, shook his head slightly and cast an amused glance at Liv. "Is this really the example you want to set for your daughter?" he asked, raising a brow.

Before Liv could answer, a small voice piped up from the cart. "You're no fun, Uncle Legolas," Lily giggled, her bright eyes sparkling with mischief as she swung her legs.

Legolas gave her a mock stern look. "Is that any way to speak to your uncle?"

Liv couldn't help but laugh. "Legolas, don't forget she's only three," she said, her voice softer now. "And for the record, blame Saya, not me," she added, throwing a glance at her cousin.

Saya feigned hurt, clutching her chest dramatically. "Ratting me out, Liv? Some cousin you are."

Lily laughed even harder at their banter, her innocence a stark contrast to the somber mood surrounding them.

Aragorn turned his head slightly, allowing a smile to touch his lips at the scene. "We could use more of that light-heartedness on this journey," he murmured to Gimli, who grunted in agreement.

Gimli, gruff as always, muttered, "Aye, but I wouldn't mind a few less mentions of jutsu and fireballs."

"Don't worry, Gimli, if it comes to it, I'll leave some orcs for you to bash in with your axe," Saya teased.

Gimli chuckled. "Just as long as you don't fry them before I get my chance."

As they continued down the hillside, Théoden's expression remained distant, the weight of their journey ahead heavy in his mind. Aragorn, sensing the king's unease, rode closer to him. "Your people trust in you, Théoden. They will follow wherever you lead."

Théoden glanced over at Aragorn, his voice low. "I only hope that Helm's Deep will offer them the safety they seek."

"It will," Aragorn said firmly. "We will make sure of it."

Inside the tower of Orthanc, Gríma Wormtongue slithered to Saruman's side. The pale wizard stood before his seeing stone, his hands clasped behind his back as he stared into the dark future unfolding in the visions within the palantír. The armies of Isengard churned below like an unholy sea.

"Theoden will not stay at Edoras," Gríma said, his voice oily and filled with malice. "It's vulnerable, and he knows this. He will expect an attack on the city. They will flee to Helm's Deep, the great fortress of Rohan. But it is a dangerous road to take through the mountains. They will be slow. They will have women and children with them."

Saruman turned his gaze to Gríma, a cruel smile forming on his lips. "Yes," he mused, his voice low and menacing. "And we shall greet them with death."

Saruman turned away from the palantír and waved his hand, summoning his chief orc, Lurtz. The hulking creature approached, awaiting orders.

"Send out your Warg-riders," Saruman commanded. "Leave none alive."

Lurtz snarled and bowed, disappearing into the shadows to prepare the hunt.

As the people of Edoras continued their journey, the night slowly began to fall, and the tension grew thicker. Liv's earlier words echoed in the air like a promise—Saruman would pay for what he had done. But for now, their focus was on keeping Théoden's people safe.

Lily had fallen asleep in the cart, her tiny hand clutching her mother's. Liv looked down at her daughter, her expression softening for the first time since they had left Edoras. Saya walked beside them, her energy subdued by the creeping nightfall.

Legolas moved up beside Liv. "We should be cautious. The night brings dangers, especially with Saruman's eyes watching."

"I know," Liv replied quietly. She glanced at the sleeping Lily and then at her cousin Saya, who was silently keeping watch. "We won't let anything happen to them."

Legolas nodded, his hand briefly touching her shoulder. "Stay close to us, Liv. You, David, Saya, and Lily are family to me. I won't let you face this alone."

Liv smiled at him, grateful for his unwavering support. "I know, Legolas. We'll stand together."

Gimli, overhearing their conversation, grumbled, "Just make sure we get to Helm's Deep without frying anything in the process. I've had enough excitement for one day."

Saya smirked, cracking her knuckles again. "No promises, Gimli."

As they pressed forward into the night, they knew the road ahead would not be easy, but with each other, they would face whatever Saruman sent their way.