Changing Fate

Chapter 1

Aboard the captured Corsair ships that are making their way to Harlond is a hassle of activity. They have almost reached their destination and have to prepare the ships for docking at the port. Onboard Halbarad is making sure that the standard he received from the lady Arwen is ready to be shown to the world once they leave the ship. Looking at his cousin he can see him making sure everything is ready and helping wherever his assistance is needed. Halbarad is glad that he is here with his cousin to aide him in saving Gondor form the attack of Mordor. He has seen in a vision that he would be wounded in the battle and really hopes to survive it. There is nothing he would love more than to see Gondor and Arnor returned to the glory of old at the side of his cousin. Should he die then he will be relieved that it will be while fighting the servants of Mordor.

Halbarad puts the straps on the standard to make sure it stays in order before stands up and making his way to where he can see his cousin standing. As he looks over the railing of the ship he can see why his cousin is standing there. The lower levels of Minas Tirith are burning and on the field of Pelennor, a fight is occurring. From what he can tell most of the forces of Mordor are still outside the gate and fighting the riders of Rohan and forces of Dol Amroth who do their best to protect the city. He can tell that they are doing so as he can see the standards of both on the field and also he can see some their warriors from afar. This tells him that the battle is not yet lost or over. But he can also tell that Rohan and Dol Amroth are on the defense based on their movements. What is actually happening in the city Halbarad doesn't know as he can't see inside it. Based on this he knows that they will be coming to the rescue of the city. Halbarad is certain that their forces will win this battle.

"Is everything ready, cousin?" Halbarad asks Aragorn after a few minutes of silence have passed between them. They could hear the sounds of activity on the ship in the background.

"Yes, everything is as ready as it can be. Once we dock we will show the banner you brought with you to the world. We will make it clear that the heir if Isildur has come forward and will lead the fight against the enemy. Do you want to give the duty of standard bearer to someone else as I'm sure you know that being the standard bearer will be dangerous" Aragorn asks his Halbarad. He does suspect that his cousin will refuse to surrender the duty but feels that he has to at least offer the opportunity to him.

"No, my lord. The honor of being the standard bearer is one I would like to retain if you will allow it" Halbarad answers formally and can see the smile on his cousin's face. They are rarely formal in their interactions with each other. The only time they are is during the most formal events they have to be present at.

"Then I will see you among the front of the troops at my side as soon as we dock the ships" Aragorn tells Halbarad.

"Yes, cousin. See you soon then" Halbarad says as he moves back to the area where the horses are being kept. He quickly saddles his horse and makes sure that everything is surely tied to his faithful steed. By doing this he knows that he has everything prepared as they will soon be docking at the port of Harlond.

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Arriving at the port of Harlond everyone is busy making their final preparations for the coming battle and also making sure that the ship will be docked as it should be. Halbarad is sitting on his horse next to his cousin and lord with the folded standard in his hand. He waits for his cousin to give the signal to show the standard to the world. When he gets the signal he pulls the cords from the standard and lets it flow freely in the wind for all to see. Not long afterward the ships are completely docked and they join the battle. As they are leaving the ships he can see swords flashing on the other side of where the orcs are standing and he can hear the music of trumpets and ringing bells coming from the city. As they are coming up on the forces of Mordor he can see that they are being driven away from the city to their position by the defenders. As he looks to see who is driving them he sees the standard of Rohan to the north and blue standard with a swan on it to the west. To which lord that belongs he isn't entirely sure but he believes that it belongs to the Prince of Dol Amroth.