Book 2: Where They Are Going [Legolas]

Chapter 5

"By order of the king, the city must empty!" Háma shouted in the courtyard. "We make for the refuge of Helm's Deep! Do not burden yourself with treasures. Take only what provisions you need."

Villagers instantly began to scatter at this news. Rushing to their homes to gather what they needed as women scooped up their young children in haste. Many were frightened, wondering what marched on Edoras, but knew not to ask. Questions would only slow the evacuation and place them in more danger. Whatever the threat was wasn't good. The decision did not sit well with the Wizard. He marched out of the hall with Aragorn, Legolas, Linnéa, and Gimli swiftly at his heels.

"Helm's Deep," Gimli huffed. "They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight. Who will defend them if not their king?"

"He's only doing what he thinks is best for his people," Aragorn tried to reason.

"By cornering themselves?" Linnéa questioned exasperated.

If Dáin were here, the ruler would knock the Man's head around. It wouldn't surprise her if the Dwarf opted to stay behind alone to fight the coming Wild Men.

"Helm's Deep has saved them in the past," the Ranger said.

"There is no way out of that ravine," Gandalf said. "Théoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he's leading them to safety. What they will get is a massacre."

They entered the stables where guards prepared their horses to ride out. The five maneuvered through the crowd to the back where the Wizard's horse waited, completely at ease.

"Théoden has a strong will, but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan." Pausing at the door to the stall, the older man turned to the Ranger. "He will need you before the end, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you. The defenses have to hold."

"They will hold," he stated.

"Good." And more to himself added, "The Gray Pilgrim. That's what they used to call me. Three hundred lives of Men I've walked this earth, and now I have no time." Without further pause Gandalf mounted his horse as Aragorn held open the door. "With luck, my search will not be in vain. Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the east."

Nodding, the man said, "Go."

Kicking the animal's sides they shot off through the stables and out the door to the road. He was out of sight before Linnéa could even blink. Saddling up her horse, the princess led the steed outside pausing beside the white horse Legolas and Gimli shared. The Elf checked over the restraints one last time.

"They are still bringing too much," Linnéa stated. He followed her eyes over the villagers to watch them hook up their carts to horses or prepare to carry everything themselves.

"We will be slow," he agreed.

That didn't sit well with Linnéa. If the Wild Men were moving swiftly through the Westfold they could cross paths with them before reaching Helm's Deep. If their route was cut off it would leave them stranded out in the open without protection.

"You're worried."

"And you're not?" she asked, looking him in the eye. "We've both traveled these lands before and met our own fair share of challenges either by ourselves or in the company of others. We can manage."

They would not be taking the mountain passes because of the women, children, elderly, and sick though that would be the quickest route. Only a day's journey. But the king refused to leave any behind, which only proved he was a true king and leader, not allowing those weaker and unarmed under him to perish to such a terrible fate. Though in the end that could bring about all of their deaths in the end. The young woman turned back to the saddle and tightened the last strap into place.