Chapter soundtrack: 'Know Your Enemy' by Green Day.

♪ = cue music

† Chp. XLVI †

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Hooves thunder against the stone path as Marian races through the quieter streets of Minas Tirith, ones which are yet to be swarmed by thick layers of orcs. Upon her back, Robin sits in a streamlined position, aiming to gift her steed as much speed as possible.

During her stay in the large city, Robin had familiarised herself with the layout, and also discovered several secret exits within the white walls, as can be expected for a renowned thief. And this does in fact prove handy, as they thunder towards one of the discovered spots.

A large wooden hatch comes into view, and swiftly dismounting her steed, Robin opens the timber door. Grabbing a torch positioned on the wall, the outlaw remounts Marian, and rides into the dark channel. Minimal light radiates from the inflamed stick, though guiding her way through the twilight tunnels proves easier than expected, for the curved stone walls only lead into one direction.

Her heart beats in a rapid pace, for if the orcs have began to swarm into the tunnel, Robin will be done for.

Squinting her eyes, the outlaw views a circle of light up ahead, and whipping the reins of her steed, they thunder towards the growing opening.

♪

In a whir of speed and the thundering of hooves, Robin breaks out onto the open fields. To her left, vicious orcs dominate the dry grounds, chanting and spitting fire towards the City of Kings. Though, mingled within the wretched beasts are riders of Rohan, and this sight causes the flame in Robin's heart to burst, spreading into a wild fire which heats the adrenaline pumping through her veins.

The courage of humanity has been displayed once again, through union and the stout hearts of mankind.

Slinging her bow from her shoulder, Robin splits the thick air with her arrows as Marian continues to ride forward. Many orcs fall due to her aim, and many more due to the brutal force of the Rohirrim.

Theoden's men display immense strength as they plunder into the depths of the orc army, beheading and culling the violent creatures. Though, unaware to the King clad in armour, his niece rides with the men of Rohan, participating in the valiant charge as a determined hobbit shares her saddle.

This fact is also unknown to Robin, who slings her bow back over her shoulder and rips a jagged sword from an unexpecting orc's grasp. Swinging the blade, she cuts through the swarm of beasts like a gardener trimming his hedge.

"Damn." She mutters to herself, lifting the uneven sword and observing the black blood which drips from its metal. "I need to get myself one of these."

Drawing her attention back to battle, the outlaw continues to plough through the thick army upon the back of her hefty steed.

"Drive them to the river!" Eomer calls above the clanking of metal and shrilling of beasts.

"Make safe the city!" King Théoden orders, adding to the command of his nephew.

With loud battle cries and raised swords, the Rohirrim charge forward, pushing the orcs towards the river. Robin adorns this army, her blade raised high and head drawn back as her cry mixes with that of the riders. Black war paint still remains smeared upon her face, the dark lines kindling her strive for victory. And victory looks to be at hand, for the orcs rush away in fear of their opponent.

Suddenly, Theoden's face drops in dread.

Large clouds of dust drift into the thick air, raising in the distance at the approach of a new threat. Across the plain, towering figures come into sight, the deep rumble of their steps causing the earth below to quiver.

A horn pierces the air, the horn of the Haradrim.

The haze clears, and the mighty creatures are identified to be Oliphaunts. Spikes and sharp tips adorn the tough skin of their ankles, and upon their hides sit wooden structures holding clusters of Haradrim. From the sides of their trunks, sharp, curved tusks protrude, and wrapped upon the ivory are sharpened spears, intended to impale any attackers. Swaying their wide heads, the beasts charge across the fields of Pelennor, creating an impossible challenge for the Rohirrim.

Orcs race to the safety of the Oliphaunts, as riders of Rohan look upon the looming creatures with still hearts.

"Re-form the line! Re-form the line!" Theoden orders. And upon his command, steeds are drawn to create a frontline. "Sound the charge! Take them head-on!"

The horn of Rohan echoes upon the swarmed plains.

"Charge!" The king calls, and with that, the Rohirrim thunder towards their dauntingly mighty enemy.

With heavy swings of their tusks, the Mumakil plough through the soldiers of Rohan, sending them flying from their steeds. From the bridges, Harads shoot arrows at the men below, their height proving to work as an advantage.

Lifting his spear, Eomer sends the weapon flying towards the leader of the Haradrim, who steers a charging Oliphaunt. The spike thumps into the Harad's chest, causing the dark man to fall from his mounted position. The weight of his body tugs at the Mumakil's reins, pulling the great beast sideways. The Oliphaunt drives into the legs of another Mumakil, causing both beasts to collapse.

Meanwhile, Merry leads the steed in which he and Eowyn sit mounted upon. Grabbing an extra blade from the hands of an orc, Eowyn swipes at an Oliphaunts joints, her swords slicing its thick skin as they ride beneath the belly. With a loud groan, the beast falls to the ground.

Suddenly, their steed rears up in a whir of panic, before losing its footing and stumbling to the ground. A Mumakil begins to fall from above, and Eowyn is quick to leap out of its way, though the halfling is not so fast.

"Merry!" The lady of Rohan calls in a desperate cry, frantically searching her mayhemic surroundings, though there is no hobbit in sight.

•

↛ Røbin's P.Ø.V ↚

Marian races forward, and I tightly grip her reins, weaving between the Mumakil which tower over head. Raising my bow, I fire arrows towards their stomachs, however no damage is made, for their skin is as thick as Pippin's curls, though unfortunately not as cute.

How do they breed? I don't see a mighty willy under here.

I shake my head, snorting at the stupid thoughts which adorn my head.

Suddenly, I am drawn back into battle by a Mumakil swerving to my side, its head low as a hanging body pulls on the reins. Marian dashes to the left, though another Oliphaunt stomps to our side, quite literally putting us between a rock and a hard place.

I viciously whip the reins of my steed, streamlining by back upon the hide of Marian. With speed, we race ahead, though the Mumakil still rapidly approaches to our side.

With a great clash, the oliphaunt drives its tusks into the legs of the other great beast. Both bodies fall from above, creating a narrow escape as Marian barely manages to flee the impact of their crumbling bodies.

Once out of the frenzy, I leap from Marian's saddle, slapping her hide in an order for her to retreat. Slipping my hands to my belt, I unsheathe my daggers, and dash forward.

The orcs are thinning out, though more continue to flood our defences, crawling in like roaches from a drain pipe. The men of Rohan are stout, though being horrendously outnumbered whilst fighting elephants on steroids may just test the strength of humanity.

My blades meet with the skin of several orcs as I step forward, ploughing into the swarm of beasts. I cross my daggers to block the blow of an axe, and the beast proceeds to press down, causing its stained blade to near my face. My strength is no match to the orcs, however with a forceful kick to the stomach, I send it flying back. With hasty steps, I move forward as the beast regains its footing, and slice its thick throat, kicking down the stiff body.

My attention snaps towards a harrowing screech, and my heart gains in heaviness as I view a fell beast toss a rider and his steed to the ground in a brutal heave. Though, dread soon pools into my veins as I view the man who lays crumbled against the ground, his horse limp atop his armoured body.

Theoden.

Holding my breath, I rush over to the scene, my blood running cold at the sight of the King pinned beneath his steed. Sliding to my knees, I place a hand beneath Theoden's cold head, my breaths laboured as I take in his withering demeanour.

"Eretria." He utters, his voice soft and fading.

"I can get you out of this." I speak out with rushed words. Placing my hands beneath the horse, I attempt to lift, however my efforts come to no avail.

"It's okay, it's okay." I breathe, working to reassure myself more than the diminishing King of Rohan. "I will get you help."

"My child-" Theoden begins, though he is cut off by a vicious snarl. Lifting my head, my jaw tenses as I view the fell beast prowling forward with its sharp teeth bared.

I slowly raise to my feet, looking towards the Nazgul with fear masked by a fierce glare and a deep breath.

"Feast on their flesh." The rider hisses in a low growl. My heart leaps to my throat, though my protective stance remains steady.

What happens next is quite unexpected, as an armoured soldier steps before us, a sword drawn towards the maul of the Nazgul.

"I will kill you if you touch them!"

My eyes widen at the familiar voice.

"Do not come between a Nazgul and his prey." The black rider seethes, his voice drifting like a whisper of death.

The fell beast leers forward, snapping at the soldier with a hard bite, and I leap from my position, grabbing one of the many swords which litter the ground, before swiping with all the strength I can endure. The blade plummets deep, and as the soldier also sends a hack upon its thick skin, the beast's head topples to the ground.

With a heavy breath, I raise my eyes to view the brave hearted Rohirrim.

"Eowyn." I utter, both shock and pride adorning my senses. The lady of Rohan opens her mouth to reply, as her pale eyes gleam with a smouldering fire, though there is no time for a happy little reunion.

From the fallen body of his beast, the black rider rises, cloaked with a sinister evil as he slowly turns to face us. Within his grasp lies a studded mace, attached by a thick chain. Both Eowyn and I watch the dark figure with a suppressed panic, as it is now that I come to realise we have started a fight with the Witch King.

How the bloody hell are we supposed to take this bastard down?!

"Grab a shield." I order to Eowyn, lifting one of the scattered boards from the ground. She hastily follows my command.

With a harsh screech, the Nazgul hauls his weapon towards us, and we both dash to the side as the studded mace embeds within the ground between us. Taking the chance, I sprint forward before he can retract the metal ball from its spot in the ground.

Though, I am unfortunately not fast enough, and as the mace is forcefully lifted, it comes into hard contact with my shield. My body flies to the side, slamming hard against the ground.

The next few seconds whir around my head in a daze of clashes and heavy thuds. I press my palm against my pounding skull, and with great effort, raise my head to view the scene. My heart comes to stop.

Eowyn has been lifted from the ground, the Witch King's claws grasped tight around her neck. She struggles for breath, and I quickly knock an arrow, noticing it is the last within my quiver. My fire hits the side of his metal clad head, though no damage is done, and he simply turns his pit of a face in my direction.

"You fools." The empty voice curses, turning his attention back to the lady suffocating within his grip. "No man can kill me."

What he doesn't notice is the halfling who sneaks up from behind.

I wink at the evil bastard, and once again, a loud screech fills the air as Merry's dagger digs into the Nazgul's back.

Raising to my feet, I watch as the Witch King falls to his knees, Eowyn lifting to stand before him. She removes her helmet from atop her head, allowing her golden curls to fall upon her back. A fire like summer-light upon the trees glows on her soft face.

"I am no man." She proclaims, before plummeting her sword into the darkness of the Witch King's face.

"That's my bitch!" I shout, filled with a flaming pride towards my best friend upon watching the Nazgul's head cave in upon itself.

My glee is short lived.

Suddenly, from the corner of my vision, I spot two figures fighting within thirty yards of where I stand. My breath hitches as I recognise one of the men to be Koda. His opponent looks to be one of the Haradrim warriors, and a strong one at that.

Within a cluster of swipes, Koda's blade is dislodged from his grasp, flinging to the ground beside him. I step into a run, my jaw tense as I reach to knock an arrow, though my quiver is empty. With heavy breaths, I sprint towards them with as much speed as I can muster.

My body freezes upon the warrior's blade embedding into Koda's chest.

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G'day my Merry Men / Women! (At this point I should probably stick with Merry Women, because I'm pretty sure no dudes read this book lol)

Question of the chapter: do you guys like going to the gym? If so, what's your favourite exercise / machine?

I love the leg press and the rower.

P.s I'm so keen for you guys to read the next chapter, I think it's one of the best ones I have written so far (;