Aria the Black (Book 2 of the Daughters of Durin Trilogy)

Chapter 29: The Battle of Helm's Deep (Part III)

Treebeard was walking through the forest, still carrying Merry and Pippin. The hobbits were dejected at the Ents' decision on the fight, and were on their way back to the Shire. It was all they could do, since they were but mere halflings in a world full of so much more dangers.

"I will leave you at the western borders of the forest. You can make your way north to your homeland from there." Treebeard grumbled in his deep voice. All of the fight had left the old Ent, and his exhaustion would soon take over.

But this was not true, not for the youngest of the three. Pippin suddenly looked up with a gleam in his eyes, as if an idea would soon unravel from his conscience. "Wait! Stop! Stop! Turn around. Turn around. Take us south!"

"South? But that will lead you past Isengard!" The tree exclaimed in shock. The Hobbit must have been delusional!

"Yes. Exactly. If we go south, we can slip past Saruman unnoticed. The closer we are to danger, the farther we are from harm. It's the last thing he'll expect!"

Treebeard hummed as he considered Pippin's proposal. "That doesn't make sense to me. But then, you are very small. Perhaps you are right. South it is then. Hold on, little Shirelings. I always like going south. Somehow, it feels like going down hill."

"Are you mad? We'll be caught!" Merry exclaimed to his brother, unable to believe him.

"No we won't. Not this time." Pippin reassured him. The young Hobbit exuded such confidence that both of his fellow companions eased into the idea willingly. After all, it was optimism and hope that would save Middle Earth from Sauron's grasp.

After almost the rest of the night, Merry and Pippin came to the southern edge of the forest, Treebeard still carrying them. But it was not a happy sight, for where trees once lay were stumps and other destruction. Chopped wood and debris filled the landscape around them as they entered the barren place.

Still jabbering on about little to nothing, Treebeard was oblivious to the sight before him. "And a little family of field mice that climb up sometimes and they tickle me
awfully. They're always trying to get
somewhere where they – Oh!"

The poor Ent saw the desolated landscape of tree stumps that used to be forested grounds. It was clear that this place was very dear to him. The tree's demeanor visibly changed from it's usual easygoing spirit to one of such anger and hatred. "Many of these trees were my friends... creature I had known from nut and acorn."

"I'm sorry, Treebeard." Pippin whispered softly. He turned as saw their Entish friend's eyes fill with tears at those who he had lost.

"They had voices of their own." He continued solemnly. But then, his gaze turned to the treeless Isengard and it's smoking caverns, realizing who was to blame. "Saruman! A wizard should know better!"

He let out a ferocious roar that echoed through the entire forest, holding such pain and sorrow that anyone could hear him. "There is no curse in Elvish, Entish, or the tongues of men for this treachery. My business is with Isengard tonight. With rock and stone!"

Then, Merry and Pippin turned around as they
heard rumbles from the forest. Many Ents emerged and were marching towards them, having heard Treebeard's cry.

"Yes!" Merry exclaimed joyfully. He knew now that their stance in the war had changed.

"Come, my friends. The Ents are going to war. It is likely that we go to our doom. For the march of the Ents!"

And his people roared in triumph with him, for they would not let such desolation go unnoticed. The Ents would not stand for the killing of their own in such great number...