Journey to the North (Sequel to Rangers of the North)

Chapter Ten: Annuminas

When Averael rode into the eastern part of Annuminas, there was no one to be seen. She slowed Brego to a walk, tried to control her breathing, and looked around. The northern part of the city was partially submerged in the rising waters of Lake Evendim, and the rest of the city was old and dilapidated. They had work to do for sure. But she wasn't worried about that at the moment. She needed to find Deora. 

"Hello? Anyone?" She called, with no answer. Her stomach fluttered with uneasiness. Had the enemy attacked Annuminas first? Was she too late? She kept moving and looking for any sign of life. "My name is Averael. My husband is Aragorn, King of Gondor. We were traveling north with my brother Eros and were attacked." She called out, trying to speak through the rising pain. 

A cloaked ranger stepped out from behind a fallen pillar and approached, bow at his side, but a wary look on his face. "You said your brother is Eros?" 

She sighed in relief at the sight of the man. "Yes! Please. They need help. The fire in the wood- we were ambushed- orcs, I think, and a Nazgul-" She paused to suffer through another contraction and the man whistled a few notes. More rangers appeared. The man barked some orders and gestured to the smoke in the air behind Averael, and they disappeared in that direction. The man grabbed Brego's reins and led the horse deeper into the city. Averael could see some rickety buildings, some tents, and lots of campsites. More people appeared as they moved closer to the living areas, and Averael could see women tending campfires, children playing, and men working. She wished she could appreciate being home more, but she couldn't at the moment. 

"Deora. I need to find Deora." She managed to say, and the man glanced back at her. 

"The midwife?" He frowned, then seemed to realize that Averael was not just frantic from the attack, but that she was in labor. His eyes widened and he caught sight of a young boy running around. "Talion!"

"Yes Galen?" The boy stopped. Averael could see her nephew look at her with confusion, then back to Galen.

"Where is your mother?" Galen called out. Talion only pointed, and Galen led Brego in that direction hastily. As they moved, Galen called out for Deora, and a moment later a woman appeared, wiping her hands on her apron. 

"Deora, this is Eros' sister. He and King Elessar were attacked in the forest. I sent rangers to help, but she needs you now." Galen said, helping Averael off of Brego. Deora nodded and ran off to a larger tent, calling after a young woman for help. After she managed to swing a leg over, Galen lifted her and carried her off to where Deora had disappeared to. 

They entered the tent and Galen set her down on a pad. He left, and held the tent open for Deora and the young woman to enter. They carried blankets and water. 

"Averael, it is good to finally meet you. Eros told me great things. This is Niella, my apprentice." Deora said as she worked. 

"Eros didn't tell me I had a sister until just before they sent me here," Averael laughed slightly. "Wanted to surprise me. You know Eros." 

Deora laughed, then her smile faded. "I'll introduce you to Talion and Asta later. I hope Eros is okay." She said now, worried. Averael just nodded. "But let's not worry about them now. Niella," Deora continued. She began to show Niella what needed to be done, and as she coached Averael through another contraction, Averael hoped Aragorn would be there soon. 

***

Aragorn and Eros stood back to back, eyes searching the trees around them. Eros fired an arrow every few moments, and it was quiet. All at once, then, the orcs moved in, brandishing scimitars and maces. Some stayed out of melee range, firing arrows from a distance. Eros switched to his sword and the two men fought wildly.