Serafina the Grey (Book 3 of the Daughters of Durin Trilogy)

Chapter 11: Facing Demons

"What is it? What do you see?" Gimli beseeched as they continued forward. Aragorn, Legolas, and the dwarf were still in the dead's abode, continuing further into the darkness that they had met whilst entering the gates. They stepped on many skulls and other bones of skeletons as they walked; it was not a sight for the faint-hearted.

"I see shapes of men and of horses." Legolas responded, peering at what seemed like nothing to the others. However, Elf eyes were much more nimble than those of dwarves and men, and were sometimes even in tune with those of other dimensions.

"Where?" The dwarf queried again, looking around.

"Pale banners like shreds of cloud." Legolas continued his description as they stepped tentatively over the piles of skull and bone. Aragorn's eyes widened with concern, but they still moved on. "Spears rise like winter thickets through a shroud of mist. The dead are following. They have been summoned."

"The dead? Summoned?" He spun around, trying to see what his friend had, though he was still blind to the eternal presence. "I knew that! Very good. Very good." Gimli turned back slowly, but saw that he was alone, and cried, "Legolas!" before running after them.

Now, all three members could see the ghostly hands writhing around them, ethereal in nature. Gimli tried to blow them away, wafting them away with his fingers. Aragorn and Legolas turned, looking at the pale hands. Aragorn glanced down, not daring to announce what they walked upon.

"Do not look down."

Gimli paused, and then looked down with curiosity, seeing the human skulls on the floor. He stepped forward gingerly, causing the skulls to crunch beneath his feet. Walking onward, they emerged from around a corner, with Aragorn leading them forward. The trio came upon an open space which contains a large building of ominous threat. Aragorn turned, looking around with his torch.

"Who enters my domain?" A voice boomed from behind them, causing Gimli to jump in shock. Though the sound was sudden, it neither was particular loud, nor unexpected. The eerie tone was what truly struck fear in them and gave them a new chill to their bones.

Aragorn now faced the King of the Dead, who's ghastly figure had appeared before the steps in front of him. "One who will have your allegiance." He responded carefully. This situation would require great tact and care, and the words the three of them chose could make or break their chances at successfully convincing the dead to fight.

"The dead do not suffer the living to pass." The King nearly scoffed, his brow furrowing with slight anger and wariness.

"You will suffer me!"

But the King of the Dead only laughed menacingly at Aragorn because of his outburst. As he does so, the whole Kingdom of buildings became visible around them, with dead soldiers flooding from every exit. Finally, they formed a deadly army, who surrounded them and began to chant. It was clear this was the typical ruse for visitors; one newcomers usually did not survive.

"The way is shut! It was made by those who are dead. And the dead keep it." At their King's words, the ghostly army closed around them, intended to intimidate. "The way is shut. Now, you must die!"

At the commination, Legolas fired an arrow, which passed straight through the King without affecting him. It clattered to the ground while Aragorn stepped forward, undeterred. His newfound confidence would not be shaken so easily. "I summon you to fulfil your oath!"

"None but the King of Gondor may command me!" He had suffered enough of Aragorn's folly attempts. But when he moved to attack him, the heir retaliated, blocking the dead king's sword with Andúril, the sword that Lord Elrond had bestowed upon him. The King gasped in shock. "That blade was broken!"