The Captain of Gondor (A LoTR/Aragorn fan-fiction)

Chapter 9-The Four Hunters (Edited)

"Their pace must have quickened," said Aragorn, his ear flat against the rock, "They must have caught our scent. Hurry!"

The four members left of the Fellowship had run for days on end. Morning ran into evening, evening ran into morning and still the company pursued their prey. Salandiel could feel herself tire but her sheer willpower urged her forward. She refused to give up; giving up would show weakness and Salandiel refused to show any kind of weakness in front of Aragorn. During the time of that long chase, Salandiel had grown an amount of respect for Aragorn. He never gave up and pushed the rest of the company to keep on. Aragorn would not rest until he had found Merry and Pippin.

Legolas turned back to shout at Gimli.

"Come on, Gimli."

Gimli came panting up the hill.

"Three days and nights pursuit," said Gimli, huffing and puffing, "No food, no rest and no sign of our quarry, but what bare rock can tell."

Salandiel grinned and could not help but feel relieved that she was not the only one of this company who had grown weary.

"Come on, Gimli," shouted Salandiel, throwing a cheeky grin his way, "Surely you would not want to be outrun by a woman?"

"Oh no, that wouldn't do!" huffed Gimli. And with that he was up the hill again and their pursuit went on.

The company soon arrived at the brow of a hill overlooking vast plains.

"Rohan," exclaimed Salandiel, "Home of the Horse-lords." 

She looked on in wonder. Many times had she traveled through these lands but still the sight amazed her.

"There's something strange at work here," said Aragorn, coming up behind Salandiel, "Some evil gives speed to these creatures. Sets its will against us."

Legolas ran ahead to scout the area. 

"Legolas!" shouted Aragorn, "What do your Elf-eyes see?"

Legolas looked far into the distance, hoping for a glimpse of the enemy.

"The Uruks turned northeast. They are taking the hobbits to Isengard!"

"Saruman," said Aragorn with dismay.

Their chase continued until Aragorn paused to look at the tracks on the ground. It was then that they heard the sound of horses neighing, their thundering hooves gaining on them. Aragorn beckoned the company to hide behind some rocks and that is when they saw the great company of men on horseback. It was an awesome sight to behold.

Aragorn came out of his hiding spot, followed by the others.

"Riders of Rohan!" shouted Aragorn to the soldiers, "What news from the Mark?"

The leader of the group raised his sword and charged his horsemen to gallop back, circle round the company and draw their spears. Within moments the Fellowship were surrounded, spears pointed towards them and ready for attack. Slowly, the leader of the horsemen rode towards Aragorn, Salandiel, Legolas and Gimli.

"What business does an Elf, a Dwarf and two men have in the Riddermark?" came the deep voice, "Speak quickly!"

"Eomer?"

Eomer looked towards the voice and was shocked to see Salandiel remove her hood and reveal herself.

The two came to face to face and silence surrounded everyone. All looked towards the two warriors facing off, their backs straight and their faces proud, Salandiel standing her ground and Eomer looking down on her from his horse.