FORTY THREE Night had fallen as the contingent drew upon the village. As they reached the top of a mountainous grassy knoll above it, the glow of many torches approaching from the opposite side could be clearly seen. Haldir’s eyes swept over the large mass of flickering flames and calculated the enemy’s numbers and their own to be closely matched. “Hamal! We have made it in time!” Elam cried out. “We have- but with very *little* time,” Hamal replied, drawing his sword. Haldir turned to Siddhir and Fereveldir. *“Ela sen. Tira ten’ rashwe. Lye nuquernuva sen e dagor.”* [Flank them. Be careful. We will defeat them in battle] *“An band, cano nya,”* [Be safe, my commander] Siddhir replied with a nod. He turned and gestured to the Elves behind him, and they drew apart to the left of Haldir’s group. They moved forward quickly. Fereveldir did the same with the group he headed. They split apart and veered to the right, leaving Haldir’s charge along with Hamal and Elam in the center. Haldir turned to the men. “Take your horses and move quickly. Do what you can to see that your women and children are gathered and taken to the safest place possible. We will follow.” The men nodded, mounted their horses and sped away. Haldir unsheathed his sword and raised the blade high in the air. *“Gurth goth rim!* [death to our foes] Swords and bows drawn, the Galadhrim swept rapidly down the hill and into the village of men. ************************************** Orophin yawned, shifted on the branch and removed a piece of Lembas from his tunic pocket. He took a bite and sighed, gazing out along the great divide. Tinion stole a glance at him and smiled. “Feeling a tad bored are we?” Orophin smiled. “You think me a fool? I would never admit that to my superior.” Tinion laughed. “Ah, you are wise and alert after all.” “Always,” Orophin replied as he finished eating. “How have you been faring, Oro? It is not often we share duty together and I have not seen much of you lately. In fact, the last time I did, you seemed quite upset.” “I am well. I was not really angry before- there are just so many things on my mind,” Orophin answered. “I see. Well, I will not press. If you should ever feel the need to confide in someone, you know where to find me.” Orophin smiled. “That is good to know. *Hannon lle.”* [thank you] *“Lle creoso,”* [you’re welcome] Tinion replied. Suddenly, he frowned and stood up on the branch. *“Man cenich?”* [what do you see] Orophin whispered, rising quickly to stand beside him. “Scouts. Four of them, there- in the brush,” Tinion replied softly, pointing out into the darkness. “My brother spoke the truth! They mean to try and invade Lorien!” Tinion loaded dual arrows in his bow, and whistled a call out into the night. “Try they might, but they most definitely will not succeed.” ****************************************** Instantly, they were engaged in battle. No sooner had they entered the small village, the horde of Orcs met them head on. The screams of women and children could be heard above the din of clashing metal swords and the sharp twang of spent bowstrings. Haldir noticed Elam leading a group of them away while fending off an attack from an over zealous Orc. After killing his own attacker, he swiftly decapitated the Orc that hindered Elam’s escape. His eyes constantly assessing the progress of his fellow soldiers, Haldir cut through the mass of Orcs, killing them with brutal efficiency and rapidly decreasing their numbers. As he rounded the corner of a dwelling, he saw an Orc cut down one of his own guard and then proceed to charge after a child that stood frozen with fear, tears staining his round red cheeks. As he moved to engage the Orc, Siddhir appeared suddenly and cut it down with a wide and precise sweep of his blade. He quickly pulled the child into his arms and disappeared down the path Elam had taken with the other children. Haldir could not help but smile briefly after witnessing his lover’s strength and agility in battle. Spinning around, he found himself back to back with Fereveldir fending off an assault from both sides. They quickly dispatched the snarling Orcs and moved forward with several other Galadhrim, pushing the offending pack of beasts back into the valley and away from the helpless village. Siddhir was ahead of them now, thrusting, slicing and hacking his way through the mass of foul smelling creatures with Thrandronen amongst others by his side. Haldir could see him clearly as he scanned over the mass of dueling bodies in the darkness. He knew now that the battle would soon be won. The Orcs’ numbers had been cut by more than half, and the Lorien troops were succeeding in driving them away from the village. Some had retreated long before this point in the battle, as if realizing their impending doom was close at hand. ************************************** Tinion’s arrows sliced through the necks of two of the Orcs as Orophin’s arrow hit the third in the forehead. The last Orc started to run, but was caught in the back by an arrow that came sailing through the trees to the right of them. A series of whistles echoed through the night air, and Tinion returned them. Soon after, a fire blazed up just beyond the divide. They watched as the carcasses of the hapless creatures were tossed into it. Tinion smirked and sat back down on the branch. “And I thought it would be another uneventful evening.” “Do you think they will send more scouts to follow them?” Orophin inquired. “Nay, I do not,” Tinion replied. Orophin sat beside him. “How can you be certain?” “They will think twice when they realize their scouts have not returned. Besides, I do not believe they will overtake our contingent.” Orophin sighed. “I hope you are right.” Tinion smiled and placed and hand on Orophin’s shoulder. “Have you not heard? Much like your brother, I am *always* right.” Orophin could not help but laugh. ****************************************** Hamal charged forward and beheaded one of five Orcs that encircled Siddhir and Thrandronen while Haldir fought against the three who had decided to rush him. Desperate now, the Orcs that remained were teaming together in their assault with every opportunity that presented itself. Fereveldir took several slashes on the arm as he thwarted an attack on Hamal from behind. They drove the Orcs further and further into the valley beyond the village. Suddenly, arrows began spraying from the cover of the trees on both sides of them and Thrandronen was cut down along with two more of the Galadhrim. Angered now, covered in black Orc blood, Siddhir found new strength as he took on Orcs who had cast aside their bows and were coming forth in droves from the trees with blades drawn. From the corner of his eye, he saw Haldir and more of their contingent moving fast towards them to counter the new onslaught. Siddhir battled two Orcs now, and was about to strike a deadly blow when they suddenly retreated, looking past him. Puzzled, he turned around, and his eyes grew wide. The creature behind him was nothing he had ever seen the likes of before. It was Orc-like in most respects, but far larger and more powerfully built than the slighter creatures he had always known. The creature shot its arm out, grabbed him by the throat, and hurled him through the air. He landed hard on his back against the base of a large tree. Stunned and paralyzed from the impact that left searing pain running up the base of his spine, Siddhir could not react to fend off the attack of the nightmarish beast. The creature came at him full speed, with blade drawn and the might of its great weight behind him. It plunged its sword forcefully into the helpless Elf’s chest, impaling it and him to the tree itself. “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” Haldir’s cry could be heard above the clashing blades and the grunts and squeals of the Orcs. He ran forward like a madman towards the offending beast, slashing and ripping apart every Orc in his path as he went. A few Orcs further ahead saw him coming and backed away in fear at the largely built, silver haired Elf who had suddenly transformed into a hurried, blood thirsty killing machine. The lone Uruk Hai kneeled down, took the blade of a nearby dead Orc, and stood waiting bearing a wolfish, jagged toothed grin. Fereveldir pulled his bow and fired several arrows in rapid succession at the beast when he turned suddenly and saw it, while Haldir kept charging forward. When Haldir reached the abomination he dove immediately at its feet, forcing the monster to the ground. Without a moment’s hesitation, he pulled out his short daggers and plunged them deep into the creature’s neck. Then he jumped swiftly to his feet, drew his sword, and brought it down hard on its face. Blinded by his rage, Haldir continued to strike mercilessly at the twitching Uruk Hai. “Haldir! Haldir!” Fereveldir cried out, running quickly to assist him. Haldir continued to bring his blade down with all the force he could muster, even though he could no longer see. His entire face was blackened by the spurting blood of the beast, but he could feel his sword meeting flesh and that was all he needed to continue. “Haldir! It is dead!! Stop! The battle is over!! All that are not dead have retreated! Hear me, Haldir! It is over!” Fereveldir cried as he neared him. With a last powerful strike, Haldir stopped and stood there- his breath coming in ragged gasps, glowering at the dismembered carcass of the dead Uruk Hai at his feet. Fereveldir ran fast to his side. *“Mellonamin,* [my friend] it is over. We have won,” Fereveldir panted, gathering his breath. Haldir wiped his face with the back of his sleeve and looked around. The valley was littered with dead Orcs and his guard stood waiting for direction. He sheathed his blade and walked away. “Haldir! Where are you going? What-” Fereveldir stopped in mid sentence when his eyes focused on where Haldir was heading. There, impaled on a tree- to his horror, was Siddhir. “Elbereth,” he whispered. Blinking back rapidly forming tears, he ran behind his lifelong friend. ********************************** “Are you not being relieved as well?” Orophin asked. “Not until morning,” Tinion replied. “I can stay on,” Orophin offered. Tinion waved a hand. “’Tis not necessary. Taurnil will arrive soon. I will come down with you and stretch for a time though.” They descended the Mallorn and dropped to the ground. Rumil was there to meet them. “Captain, did I do well? It was my arrow that felled the last of those fiends,” Rumil stated happily. Tinion smiled. “You did indeed, as did Oro. I assume you have been relieved?” “Yes. Belurion has taken my post,” Rumil answered. “Good. Your replacement has arrived as well, Oro.” All turned and nodded when Peldor, a large blond Elf with sharp chiselled features stepped up to them. Peldor nodded in return. *“Mae Govannen.* [well met] Is all still this night?” Rumil and Orophin chuckled. Tinion grinned. “It is *now.*” Peldor smiled and scaled the Mallorn. Tinion placed a hand on both Orophin and Rumil’s shoulders. “Haldir will be very proud of you both. *Quel du.”* [good night] The brothers smiled and nodded as Tinion ascended the Mallorn again. They turned then and started walking home. “Oro, could I share something with you?” Rumil asked. “Certainly,” Orophin replied, looking curiously at his younger sibling. “I have a bad feeling and I am worried.” “About Hal?” Rumil nodded. “Orophin sighed. “So am I, Ru. So am I.” ***************************************** Haldir reached out and lifted Siddhir’s chin. To his astonishment, Siddhir’s eyes opened and gazed deeply into his own. His bloodied lips spread into a warm smile, and then the light in his eyes faded. The slack in his body confirmed he was dead. Haldir choked back his tears, closed Siddhir’s eyes and held him close, cradling his head against his chest. Behind him, Fereveldir and the others stood in silent shock and waited. Finally, Fereveldir quietly slipped up beside him. “Haldir, we have to free him now,” he whispered. Haldir held up a hand. “Do not touch him. I will do it.” Fereveldir wiped his eyes and exhaled. “Haldir, you cannot hold him and free him too. Please, let me help you.” Haldir said nothing for several moments. Finally, he nodded. “I will do it as quickly as possible. Hold tight onto him,” Fereveldir stated. Haldir nodded again. Fereveldir took the handle of the blade in both hands, gripped it firmly and secured his footing. Taking a deep breath, he pulled with all his might, freed Siddhir’s body from its deadly embrace and fell backwards down onto the ground. Another soldier quickly moved forward to help him up. Haldir caught Siddhir’s body in his arms, caring little that his lover’s blood spilled forth fresh from the fatal wound and was spreading rapidly over his own tunic. Silent tears streamed down his bloodied cheeks, cleaning the skin underneath and leaving grotesque stripes on his cheeks. Haldir lifted Siddhir’s lifeless body in his arms and began walking away. Fereveldir nodded to the others. They fell in step behind him, and he hurried to catch up with Haldir. “Will we be leaving straight away, or will we set camp?” Fereveldir queried. Haldir looked at him. “We will rest. See to it that our dead are collected. We will set camp at the base of the hill outside the village. Have them brought there.” ************************************* “We have won, Hamal. With the help of the Elves, we have won,” Elam remarked excitedly as he looked around the village. Hamal sheathed his sword and sighed heavily. “We have paid a high price for the victory. There are many dead, and that makes for more widows and fatherless children.” “How many dead?” Elam asked. “Fourscore easily- most likely more,” Hamal replied. “I witnessed one of the Elves falling. I wonder how many they have lost in our defense.” Hamal sighed again. “I would hope it is not many. Come; let us first see to the women and children.” *********************************** Awhile later, Haldir looked up as Fereveldir approached with the last of their contingent. He looked around briefly at those behind him in the tents, and then back at Fereveldir. “How many lost?” “Five,” Fereveldir replied solemnly. “I saw Helas cut down. Who are the other three?” Haldir questioned. “Thrandronen, Thelmir and Andril.” Haldir nodded and watched as the soldiers with Fereveldir gently placed the four bodies inside one of the tents next to Siddhir on the grass. He groaned and closed his eyes. Fereveldir sat beside him. “Rest for a time, Haldir. I will keep the watch.” *“Hannon lle,”* [thank you] Haldir replied, his voice barely above a whisper. He rose then and left. An hour later, Fereveldir pulled himself to his feet as Hamal and Elam approached. Calaglin and Dinendal had already rushed forward to intercept them. “It is all right, sentinels. Allow them to pass,” Fereveldir called out. The two men bowed and slipped up to Fereveldir. Calaglin and Dinendal fell into place behind them, watching their every move. “Where is your Commander? We would like very much to thank him for all of your help in this unfortunate situation,” Hamal remarked. “He is taking some much needed rest. I command now,” Fereveldir answered. “Then we would thank you,” Elam chimed in. “There is no need,” Fereveldir replied. “Have you taken any losses?” Hamal queried. “Five.” “Only *five?* That is a miracle,” Elam noted. Fereveldir’s brow creased. “How very different we are from each other. You perceive five as an acceptable number whilst we perceive *any* loss of life as totally *unacceptable.*” Elam’s face grew red. “Forgive me, I did not mean to sound uncaring. We lost so many more. That was all I meant.” “No matter,” Fereveldir responded. “How else might I assist you?” “It is we who would like to assist *you,*” Hamal replied. “Besides having our deepest gratitude for all you have done, we wanted to inform you that our women and children were spared. We would like to assist you in any way we can with whatever provisions you might need as well,” Hamal answered. “That is good to hear, and many thanks, but we have what provisions we need. We will camp here the remainder of the night, and will depart sometime in the early morning.” Hamal nodded. “Very good, then. Perhaps we might thank the Marchwarden personally before you set off on the morrow?” “Perhaps,” Fereveldir replied. “You should see to your wounds,” Elam suggested, looking at the slashes covering Fereveldir’s arm. Fereveldir nodded, but did not reply. “Very well, then.” Hamal spoke up. “We will leave you now to your rest. Good night.” “Good night,” Fereveldir responded. The men turned and walked back towards the village. Calaglin and Dinendal eyes burned holes in their backs as they disappeared from sight. Then they turned and re-entered the tent. Fereveldir strolled quietly over to where Haldir slept, his heart full of sorrow as he gazed upon his dear friend. He had not always agreed with Haldir’s extreme hatred for men, but now he could certainly empathize with his reasoning. Sighing heavily, he slipped out of the tent and took his place again by the fire.