Forty Two - Inferno

“The fortress is taken. It is over,” Theoden said as we barricaded the doors. “You said this fortress would never fall while your men defend it. They still defend it! They have died defending it!” Aragorn shouted as he and Cleos ran for more things to barricade.

“Is there no other way for the women and children to get out of the caves?” Aragorn asked. Theoden didn’t answer him. Legolas and I flipped a table on its side, knocking everything off of it and taking it over the doors. “Is there no other way?” Aragorn asked again.

“Over here,” Nik said and Zion took the table from us and put it in place. “This is the end of us, isn’t it?” Iston asked. Nik stopped and turned to him. “It will be the end of me before they take our family,” Nikolas said. 

“You’re too important to Tiseah, Nik,” I said bluntly. “As are you. You’re the second in line,” He said and I stopped in my tracks and turned to him. “Do you really think I would ever want the throne?” I asked. 

“I understand the tension, but we have more pressing matters,” Alek strained as he and Hadrian carried the head table over. 

“If it is you or me, I’ll die for you every time,” Nik said. “Don’t say that,” I said. 

“It should have been me in Mirkwood all those years ago, as well,” He continued. “That was my fault, not yours,” Le said. “It was no one's fault! Who could have known Sauron was back all that time ago?” I said. 

“Look, we’re all gonna die if we don’t deal with them,” Zion said and pointed to the barricaded door. 

“The horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the Deep one last time,” Theoden announced. “Yes!” Gimli shouted and took off up the stairs to the horn. 

Guards brought in horses, and we went over to them. “Tempests,” Nikolas said and We turned to him. “I love you dearly… I am proud to call you my family,” I walked over to him and hugged him. “We will survive this,” I said. 

“Ver,” Le said from and I turned to him on Arod. He reached his hand out and I grabbed it, getting on the horse behind him. 

“Fell deeds, awake. Now for wrath, now for ruin and a red dawn!” Gimli sounded the horn and the door broke as I drew my swords. 

For my family.

We galloped through the masses of Uruks, killing those in our path. We rode through the halls and down the path to the Causeway. 

So. Many. Uruk-hai. 

We looked up at the sunrise where Gandalf appeared on a hilltop on Shadowfax. Eomer rode next to him and I smiled in surprise.

The masses of the Rohirrim stood behind them as well. “To the king!” Eomer and Gandalf led the new army down the hillside, the sun blinding the Uruks. 

“I have an idea,” I said to Legolas as I continued fighting. “Take us to the other side,” I said and he nodded, riding away from the major fight. “What are you going to do?” He asked. “An Inferno,” I answered. “Ver, it’s too dangerous,” He said. “It’s the only way,” I said. 

I got off of Arod and he turned to look at me. “Get back over there,” I said and he nodded as I turned. 

“Ver,” He said and I turned back to him. He struggled with his words for a second, then said “Don’t die,” 

“Go,” I said and he reluctantly galloped away. I turned back to the Uruks. “Let’s get started,” as the Uruks tried to touch me, they turned to ashes instantly.

They tried to pierce me with their spears and swords but failed, burning as well. Once the build-up was enough, I released all of the emotions I had bottled up, burning out the Uruks like I did the Orcs in the Battle of the Five. 

Their screeches of pain filled my ears as the fire spread, not touching anyone that wasn’t an Uruk. Once I let it all out, I dropped to my knees in the centre of the destruction and fire I caused.

“Verena!” Cleos shouted as he and Nik ran to me. “What happened to me over you?” Nikolas said as he dropped next to me. “I don’t see you burning out half an army,” I said exhaustedly. 

“You got nearly all of them, Ver,” Cleos corrected and I huffed a laugh. “Wildfire in dry grass,” I smiled and he smiled too, starting to laugh. 

“You’re the maddest of us,” He said. “I might be,” I agreed. 

“What happened to the rest?” I asked, standing shakily. “The forest got them,” Nik answered and I nodded. 

~~~

“Final count, forty two,” Legolas said, inspecting his bow. 

“Forty two? That's not bad for a pointy-eared Elvish princeling. I myself am sitting pretty on forty three,” Gimli said. 

“Well, neither of you won. I got sixty,” He said triumphantly and I began to laugh. “One hundred and seventeen,” I laughed. 

“Without your abilities,” Le said. “I know. It’s still one hundred and seventeen. Wouldn’t be fair if I counted the thousands I set ablaze,” I bragged. 

“Ver, Cleos,” Hadrian called and we looked at him. “Nik wants to see us,” He said and we nodded and followed him through the battlegrounds. 

We stopped near one of the taller points, Vardos and Martarys’ bodies lying side by side and Haldir’s nearby. 

Aurelia walked over and hugged me. I smiled at her then knelt next to them. 

“May they rest peacefully,” Nik said. “May they rest peacefully,” We repeated. 

Rumil and Oropher stood nearby as well with Iston and I went over and hugged them. 

“He knew what he was doing,” Oropher said in Elvish and looked at Haldir. “We all did, my friend,” I added and wrapped my arm over Iston’s shoulders.

 “Make sure your people know what he died for. Make sure they know he was a hero that gave his life for a greater cause. All of the people who died here today,” I said and they nodded. 

“We will take our leave with the Elves,” Rumil said and I nodded. “Thank you for all you’ve given us, my brothers,” I said and hugged him again. Oropher and Rumil turned to walk away but Iston was reluctant. 

“Iston,” Rumil said and Iston looked at me, then his father. “I want to stay,” He said and looked at Rumil. “This night was sacrifice enough, you have given more than enough,” Rumil said. 

“I may be Elven, but I am a Tempest too. I want to continue to fight,” Iston said. “You do not have to stay, Iston. Go home to your mother and sister,” I said and he looked at me. 

“If I don’t stay, Ver, I will not have given everything I have to give,” He said. “Alright,” I nodded. “I will see you again, father,” Iston said in Elvish and Rumil hugged him. “Be careful, my son,” he whispered.