From Wyoming, to Middle-earth

Chap. 29 - Elves, Uruk-Hai, and the Victory

I waited patiently in the armory, growing nervous for the upcoming battle. I sharpened my sword and my dagger blades, and reloaded my quiver with arrows. I watched as more men, old men, and children came into the armory. They were also given swords, shields, bows, and armor. A soldier who looked about my age came up to me, and handed me a leather chestpad, and some chainmail. I nodded my thanks and swallowed. It was now evening.

I went to the corner of the room, and took off my cloak and bow. I put the chainmail over my tunic, and then the chestpad. Rohan's symbol, the horse, was imprinted in the leather. I put my cloak on again, and then my bow and quiver. I felt heavy with the armor, but I could still move easily. Aragorn shoved the doors to the armory open, and looked around at the men. Legolas was doing the same. Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn came over to me.

"Farmers, farriers, stable boys. These are no soldiers," Aragorn muttered.

"Most have seen too many winters," Gimli said quietly.

"Or too few. Look at them. They're frightened. You can see it in their eyes," Legolas said, and the men and boys turned to him. Legolas continued, "Boe a hyn neled herain dan caer menig. (And they should be three hundred against ten thousand!)"

"Si, beriathar hyn ammaeg na ned Edoras. (They have more hope of defending themselves here than at Edoras)," Aragorn said.

"Aragorn, nedin dagor hen ú-'erir ortheri. Natha daged dhaer! (They cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!)," Legolas yelled.

Aragorn seemed to get mad, "Then I shall die as one of them!" He left the room, and went outside. Legolas tried to follow him, but Gimli stopped him, "Let him go, lad. Let him be."

I assumed what they were talking about. We couldn't win this war. Unless a miracle happened. I went outside and followed Aragorn. Gimli watched me leave.

The chilled, nighttime air made me shiver. I could see my breath. Clouds were coming in. I could see the faint torch light of the orc troops way in the distance. Aragorn was sitting on the steps, near the stone wall. A boy and a couple of older men huddled around a small fire for warmth.

I sat down next to him. "You should get your armor on. It's getting closer to the battle by each minute."

Aragorn nodded, "Yes. Thank you." He stood up, and noticed the quickly advancing torches.

We went inside, and he put his armor on. Legolas handed him his sword, "We have trusted you this far. You have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair."

Aragorn smiled, "Ú-moe edaved, Legolas. (There is nothing to forgive, Legolas.)"

I really want to learn elvish now. At the moment, I didn't need to use my Spanish skills. Gimli walked in, with a shirt of chainmail on. It reached down to the floor.

"It's a little tight around the chest, but..," Gimli muttered. I laughed, but stopped when I heard a horn.

"That is no orc horn," Legolas said, and walked outside. We followed, and I recognized Haldir, from Lothlórien. He was talking to King Théoden. An army of elves stood behind him.

"I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Long ago we fought and died together. We come to honor that allegiance," Haldir said. Aragorn approached him, and hugged him, "You are most welcome."

The elves turned to face us, and took their positions along the wall with the other soldiers of Rohan. I stood with Gimli and Legolas, and it started to rain. Gimli couldn't see over the wall.

"You could have picked a better spot," Gimli yelled over the thunder.

I laughed, "I'm sorry, Gimli!"