𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐑𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 || 𝐑𝐎𝐁𝐁 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐊

ғᴏʀᴛʏ

Robb found his companions stationed on the Deeping Wall, a scant few dozen feet away from the first line of Uruk-Hai. The trench they had dug lay between them, still dark and unlit. In the dead of night it was almost invisible, but the torches of Saruman's army made the oil gleam.

Lightning split the sky in the distance, followed by a deep, rumbling beat of thunder just moments later. Robb looked up to see heavy clouds overhead. No doubt they would start to spill rain any second now.

"We should light the trench before it begins to rain," Robb said to Aragorn in place of a greeting. "I am not sure it will catch fire, otherwise."

The wind picked up, almost whisking away Aragorn's answer. "That might take away the effect of surprise."

"Aye, it probably will." Robb looked out over the army before them. "But if they want to take the castle, they will have to cross it, one way or another. Besides, rain on burning oil is a volatile combination—makes it hiss and spit. I'd wager it will hit even those Uruks who stand several feet away."

"Then I propose we light the trench as soon as the first drops fall—or the Uruks charge, whichever comes first."

Robb nodded. "In that case it would be prudent to provoke the attack sooner rather than later, lest they decide to wait until the fire has gone out. We may wait for the rain to bide our time and make the most of the oil's reaction, but the decision to start this battle must come from our side."

"Is that wise?"

Shrugging, he turned to look at Aragorn. "This is not a drawn-out siege—Saruman intends to take the Hornburg tonight, no matter the cost. They will attack either way. I would rather they did so on our terms."

Aragorn gave a non-committal hum.

"Look around you," Robb murmured, stepping closer so none other than Aragorn might hear him. "Rohan's soldiers are growing nervous—the longer they have to wait, the more frightened they will be. Battle is not only a matter of prowess, Aragorn. Mind games and intimidation go a long way in securing a victory, too—Saruman knows this as well as anyone, I'm sure."

Aragorn was silent for quite a few moments before he finally sighed. "Very well. I doubt Théoden will like it, but your arguments are sound. We provoke the attack as soon as the rain starts and light the oil the moment they charge."

Legolas sidled up to them, his lips twitching at the corners. "On your command, then, Aragorn?" he asked, half-raising the bow in his hand.

Distinctly unsurprised that the Elf had overheard their conversation, Robb let himself smile.

Aragorn nodded, then sent Robb and Legolas to relay the plan to the archers on either side down the walkway. Elves and Men alike readied their bows as Robb passed, calling out commands just loudly enough everyone would hear him, yet not so loudly that the Uruk-Hai might understand. Climbing the stairs back up to the Hornburg, Robb kept an eye out for the King. Gods knew he himself would have been incensed had his commanders implemented a battle plan without his leave. Robb needed to make sure Théoden was at the very least aware of it.

In the end, he found the man on the walkway of the inner court, high up with a good view of both his own soldiers as well as the Enemy's. It was a commander's position, something Robb knew to appreciate. Théoden's right hand man—Gamling, Robb finally remembered—stood next to him with his hands tightly gripping the stone in front of him.

"Your Grace," he said, coming to a stop a handful of steps behind Théoden. Robb waited for the man to turn around and face him before he continued. "With your leave, Aragorn and I would have the archers provoke an attack as soon as the rain starts. Lure the Uruks into the trench and then light them up. We feel it would improve morale to start the battle on our terms."