Hope Rises

Part 3

A low bellowing shook through the caves, and those sleeping woke to frantically search for the source. Alana looked toward the door, to see Eowyn standing there with a small smile on her face. 

"The Horn of Helm Hammerhand! They are rallying!" Eowyn calms the women with reassurances, but shoots Alana a worried look. They both know that the battle is not over and settle in to wait for word. A sudden pounding on the door and a cry of, 

"Lady Eowyn! Open the door! I bring word from Theoden King!" brings the word they waited for. Fear flashes over Eowyn's face, and Alana sets a still sleeping Jadin down and moves to her side. 

"Come, I'll help you." She whispers to her friend taking her hand and leading her toward the door. With a heave the women lift the bar closing the door and open the door. 

"Oswin? What is it?" Eowyn questioned the man, allowing him entrance to the caves. 

"My lady, Theoden King orders the caves be evacuated. We must make all haste!" The man warns as he helps bar the door. "I was sent to help you through the passageways, and do what I can to protect our women and children." Alana guessed he couldn't be more than 25, but the man carried himself like a warrior. It was good Theoden had  not sent them an untried boy to help evacuate. 

"Daughters of Rohan!" Eowyn's voice rang through the caves. "Gather your children and a few provisions! Theoden King has ordered us to head through the mountain pass, we will do so with haste! There is only one pass, so those closest will follow Alana" Alana looked at Eowyn in shock "Oswin and I will stay in the rear to help should the need arise." Alana dared not argue with Eowyn and moved to scoop Jadin into her arms. Eowyn touched her arm and quickly told her where the pass was located. "Just follow the path, and wait for us all to exit the pass. When we get out I will lead them." Eowyn assures Alana, and she nods. 

"Be safe." Alana whispers with a grin and heads for the pass. 

...

The rocks were damp and other than the shuffling of feet, and a few whispers, the pass was quiet. Alana glanced down at Jadin to see him still quietly sleeping. 

"You must be tired to sleep through all this." Alana whispers, shifting his weight so her arm could get some blood. They had been walking for almost an hour, and the women had begun glancing behind them to make sure nothing was coming. They knew why they had to evacuate, and the fear was starting to take hold. 

Jadin stirred in Alana's arms and sleepily rubbed at his eyes, banishing sleep for the present. 

"Where we goin'?" He mumbles and Alana smiles. 

"We are going for an adventure, and we brought everyone along. See?" Jadin looks back at the people following them and gives them a smile. 

"Are we going to fight the orcs?!" He questions excitedly, squirming to be let down. With a laugh Alana sets him down and tousles his hair. 

"We'll see, but first do you think you can find the way out? We need a brave warrior to lead us." Jadin puffs his little chest out and marches a few steps before her. 

"I know just the warrior--Jadin the Mighty! I shall lead you!" Alana laughs as he wiggles to be let down and then runs ahead. His short legs drive into the ground in a steady marching beat and he begins to sing one of the riding songs of the Rohirrim. Alana watched as the women's countenances began to lift a little with small smiles at the little boy as he marched along. 

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I believe this is the part where I apologize for not posting....

I'M SO SORRY!!!! I have no excuses, so accept this chapter as penance!