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Chapter XXIV: PELARGIR

Gimli, Legolas, Cyrene and the Amazons joined Aragorn and the Dunedaín in Lebennin.

Aragorn welcomed them and greeted with due deference the Amazon warriors. They looked fierce and dangerous, their armor, shields, and weapons shining bright in daylight. Cyrene especially was impressive, wearing proudly the gear and armor befitting her station as a princess and commander, but the whole group of the hundred Amazons seemed a sight from the old legends. Cyrene dismounted before Aragorn and greeted him by closing her fist over her heart and bowing her head. All hundred Amazons did the same, almost moving as one.

"Milord, here we are, fulfilling the oath given to your allies, the Rohirrim, centuries ago. You may order, and we will follow," she said to him.

Aragorn acknowledged her saying, "I am thankful to the Elbereth to count on the bravery and prowess of the Amazons fighting by my side, Cyrene. We will ride on to Pelargir."

She nodded to him and they mounted up again. The Amazons ordered themselves behind the Dunedaín. But they kept their distance from the men. Cyrene sent Aella to ride by the warriors while she stayed in the leading group that rode with Aragorn.

Looking back to their joined forces, Aragorn wondered at the distance that the women kept from the Gray Company. Cyrene followed his eyes and smiled, answering to his unspoken question, "Milord, the Amazons haven't fought side-by-side with men for generations. We more often fight against them. So I beg you to understand us. But we will not fail you in battle."

"I am sure you and your warriors will stand your ground, Cyrene. But now I understand at once that not every Amazon is used to riding next to men and I am very fortunate to have you by my side," Aragorn replied. He saw now that Cyrene's face was drawn and exhausted, and there was an aura of sadness around her that hadn't been there before they parted. And when he looked towards Legolas, he saw the same in his friend's eyes, since the elf was watching them from afar.

He cursed Sauron and the circumstances that brought all this pain upon his friends and some of the most valuable people in Middle Earth. His thoughts wandered to Rivendell and the love of his life, Arwen Evenstar. All he had left was hope, and he wished he could give it to Cyrene and Legolas, but all he saw ahead was blood and fire.

************

The Gray Company and the Amazons were followed by the Army of the Dead, and wherever they passed all people fled. The only ruler who dared to ride out to meet them was the Lord of Lamedon. And upon swearing alliance to Isildur's Heir in his fight against the forces of Sauron, the men of Lamedon rode behind the Army of the Dead.

As they arrived at Pelargir, they saw that the Float of the Corsairs of Umbar lay ashore, and Aragorn knew they had to conquer the ships to reach Minas Tirith in time.

He gathered Halbarad, Elrohir; Elladan, Legolas, Gimli, Cyrene and Angbor, Lord of Lamedon.

"We have to take over the ships of the pirates to have the means to get to Gondor as fast as possible. We have to take them over unharmed," he explained.

"Milord, the Corsairs have been our foes for generations. Please let us lead the attack," said Cyrene.

Aragorn nodded, but continued, "You may lead the attack, my friend, but we have to think this very thoroughly and with wit, because they are thrice our numbers ... unless ...."

"Unless what, Elessar?" asked Elrohir.

"Unless we lead them into a trap and we leave the Corsairs in the hands of the Army of the Dead."

No one replied. They had tried hard to ignore the existence of the ghostly force riding behind them. It was as if a chilling breeze was blowing constantly on their necks, the shadow-soldiers always a presence out of the corner of their eyes.

Halbarad nodded and so did all the warriors present, one after the other.

"You order and we will follow, Elessar," said Legolas.

And Aragorn began setting out the risky plan that had formed in his head.

***********

Cyrene trusted Aragorn. Else she would not risk her warriors to the scheme that he had thought out for the attack on the pirates. She turned away from the gathering and started walking towards the Amazons' camp. Suddenly, she halted in mid-stride. Legolas stood in front of her, leaning against a tree. They were alone and out of sight of the others.

He looked at her, his deep blue eyes scanning her face, and Cyrene felt her heart beat wildly in her chest. By the Goddess, he had so much power over her.

She smiled at him, all thought about the fight ahead blown away like clouds in a strong wind. But Cyrene did not dare to cross the few paces that separated her from him. Once he touched her she would be lost.

Legolas continued watching her, not moving. He was dying to hold her, feel her against him and reassure himself she was all right; he had been so close to losing her. But she had to take the first step.

Cyrene sighed loudly, trying to rein in her raging emotions and set her priorities. Torn between her mind and her heart, her disciplined mind took over and won the battle.

"I have missed you, Legolas," she said softly, but she did not walk to where he stood.

Legolas saw the stubborn set of her jaw and understood. Cyrene was fighting inside, and he would not force her.

"My heart longs to be close to you, amaelamin. But I know that you have other worries in your mind. Are you well? How is your wound?" he asked her.

"I am well. Don't fret about me. How is Gimli?" she asked, trying to speak of other matters.

Legolas grinned at her. "As saddle-sore as ever. We rode hard, and he still cannot get used to it. I may suggest he ride with Aella: that could make him more agreeable to it."

Cyrene laughed at that. "Aella seems to be very interested in Gimli. I am sure she would be a welcome challenge for him, and he would be good for her as well. She said she will stay by me, whether I return to the island or not. Do you think they could be together? Would Gimli ever consider being with her even though she is an Amazon?"

"I do not think that the choices of the heart are bound to reason. There are as many chances of them succeeding together as there are for an Amazon and an elf having a future to share," Legolas said softly. He took one step towards her. He needed the reassurance of her touch, her skin, before being able to go on into the fight.

But Cyrene did not trust herself enough to let him touch her. She shook her head. "I cannot discuss this now, Legolas. I have duties and responsibilities. And the Amazons always comply with their duties. I bid you a safe journey; my heart goes with you." Then she turned and left without looking back. She did not dare to look at him again, because tears were slowly running down her face, and Amazons did not cry.

*************

The scheme was not complicated: the Amazons would silently go aboard one of the ships and lure the pirates to the shore. They would be supported by the bows of the elves and the Dunedain. Once they tricked the Corsairs closer to the shore, Aragorn would call the Army of the Ghosts.

It was dark night as Aragorn, Elladan, and Halbarad stood watching Cyrene and Aella choose two dozen Amazon warriors out of the group. Then Cyrene and the chosen fighters took off their cloaks, outer tunics, and heavy armor and left it all on the ground. Their part of the plan required them to swim to the ships, climb into the smallest one, and take it over.

Cyrene stood in front of Aella, clad in only her light tunic, her sword and labryss at her waist, a long dagger strapped to her calf. All the chosen amazons were in light gear as well.

"Cyrene, you should let me lead this mission," said Aella. She appeared to be adjusting Cyrene's sword, but she was securing the bandage over her friend's wound.

The commander smiled at Aella. "You now I cannot. I am the better swimmer and sailor, my sister. And I need you to stay behind, just in case you have to lead the remaining warriors to Gondor. Do not fret, Aella. With the Goddess's help, I will return shortly," she said, saluting her friend and turning then to Aragorn. "We will see you, Milord, once the fight is over. May the Goddess be with you."

She walked to the shore, and made a sign to the Amazons who would swim with her. From the corner of her eye, she saw Legolas approach the shore as well. He had also shed his armor and outer tunic, and now wore only his leggings, shirt and his two swords fastened at his back. A long knife was at his waist and he walked purposefully towards her. He looked at her and at the other women and asked simply, "Shall we?"

Cyrene turned to Aragorn, who nodded. She could not begin an argument with the elf right now. And she did not want to. Turning to her warriors, she made the sign and they dived into the waters of the Anduin. Before taking the dive herself, she looked at Legolas, and their eyes met. Cyrene managed a smile before plunging into the river.

They swam against the current, towards the smallest ship anchored. Once they had reached it, Cyrene divided the group and they began the climb on the ropes and chains of the anchors.

The Amazons and the elf climbed easily, silently, and they met on the deck of the ship, because the pirates did not suspect any attack and felt safe in their vessels.

At a silent gesture, the Amazons fell upon the corsairs on the deck, their swords drawn, and in a matter of moments, they were facing their sworn enemies aiming to take the vessel.

Cyrene's sword slashed of its own volition; the dance of battle was second nature to her, and she fell into the steps easily. She did not even notice the gore oozing down her sword arm or the slight nick in her shoulder. Legolas kept an eye on her, but he recognized her prowess and focused on the corsairs attacking him. The Amazons around him were formidable foes, and soon the ship's crew was either dead or turning themselves over to their enemies' mercy. The Amazons spared no mercy for their ancient foes.

Legolas approached Cyrene. "Cyrene, they are surrendering …"

She turned to him, her face a mask of impassivity. "Legolas, you might not understand this, but these are the creatures who torture, rape and sell my people into slavery. I know no mercy for them."

A young Amazon approached them. "Mistress, the ships are moving towards us. Shall we set sail?"

"Yes, full sail towards the shore. And make light-signals to Lord Aragorn: we are bringing in the prey, now he should seal the trap," she instructed.

Cyrene looked to the shore and caught her breath. The Ghost Army crested the horizon, and all she could do was watch

*****************

The Army of the Forsworn Ghosts came up like a gray tide, sweeping all away before it. It was like the echo of some forgotten battle in the Dark Years long ago. Pale swords were drawn; it mattered not whether their blades would still bite, for the Dead needed no longer any weapon but fear. None would withstand them.

They came to every ship anchored there, passing over the water, and all the sailors were filled with madness and terror and jumped overboard, except the slaves chained to the oars.

The joined forces of Dunedain, Amazons, and men from Lamedon rode among the fleeing foes, driving them like leaves before a gale, until they reached the shore.

Before the end of that dark day none of the enemy were left to resist: they were drowned or on the run, fleeing south in the hope of reaching their own lands.

The black fleet was in Aragorn's hands; and he chose the biggest ship to be his flagship. At the sound of trumpets taken from the enemy, the Shadow Army withdrew to the shore. There they stood silent, hardly to be seen, save for a red gleam in their eyes that caught the glare of the burning ships they had to leave behind.

And Aragorn spoke in a loud voice to the Forsworn Warriors: "Hear now the words of the Heir of Isildur! Your oath is fulfilled. Go back and trouble not the valleys ever again! Depart and be at rest! "

Swiftly the ghosts turned away and vanished like a mist dispersed by a sudden wind, disappearing as if they had been only a dream.

During that evening and night the corsairs' ships were made ready and manned; and in the morning the fleet set off.

The river seemed tranquil even though the skies were darkening by the hour. The threatening clouds came form Mordor, obscuring the moon and the stars.

Aragorn looked up to the sky and knew they were running against time. They had to reach Minas Tirith as soon as possible.

They were now sailing slowly up the Anduin. The sea-knowing men of the Ethir at the oars had announced a fresh wind from the Sea. But Aragorn was still restless, for he knew Minas Tirith might be lost when they arrived.

***************

On the deck of the next ship, Gimli was quietly watching Legolas and Cyrene. The elf was leaning on the railing, drinking in the sight, smell, and sounds of the water beneath them. The salty air, the blue vastness, the freedom of the seagulls soaring high in the ocean breeze was enchanting him and pulling at his soul. And even though Legolas was not even looking towards the Amazon on the other side of the ship's deck, Gimli could almost feel his friend reaching out for the woman.

The strong connection between them was dimmed by the circumstances of her having to avoid their company since she had taken the command of the Amazons. The other warrior women seemed to be unable to understand the elf's and Cyrene's relationship, except maybe for Aella.

The short woman stood by her friend and commander night and day. And many times during the last two days, Aella's eyes had met Gimli's and there had been silent understanding.

Indeed, Aella had even managed to get away for moments from Cyrene's side and go over to Legolas and Gimli to inquire about their well being, especially after the fight in Pelargir. The elf had asked if it would be proper to approach Cyrene in the same fashion, but Aella had said that Cyrene sent her regrets. The Amazon commander was looking over the minor wounds some of the Amazons had received. Seeing the disappointment on Legolas' face, Aella added that Cyrene was well and sent her friends her apologies and best wishes.

After this, Legolas had turned even more silent and hadn't asked again, even though Aella continued to approach his group. She spoke mostly to Gimli, and the dwarf enjoyed the moments he shared with the little Amazon. But his heart hurt for the two friends who were now aching for each other but were forced apart by war and culture.

Aella had sworn to Cyrene not to tell the truth. Cyrene was still weak and hurting from the wound on her side, and the attack at Pelargir had left her absolutely exhausted, which wasn't helped by her having to feign strength and health for the sake of her warriors. Aella had also noticed how much her friend was missing Legolas. Cyrene was suffering as much as the elf, but she had decided to resist the urge to be near him and throw all of the Amazon rules of behavior to the wind and shout to the world that she belonged with him.

She was much too responsible to that, and she avoided him at all costs, though Aella saw the effort and longing take a toll on her friend's energy and health. Cyrene had slept badly the last two nights, and the meager but constant bleeding of the wound was weakening her body. She looked as if she belonged to the Forsworn Army herself.

************

Though the night sky was still darker than usual due to the clouds coming from Mordor, at midnight a strong and steady breeze filled the sails and sped up the journey to Minas Tirith. They could soon see the eerie red glow in the horizon that announced that the White City was in flames.

Aragorn prayed to his forefathers that he would arrive in time to at least save the people and keep his promise to the dying Boromir.

The last night before they engaged battle in Pelennor, few of the warriors slept.

Gimli and Legolas stood silently on the deck of their ship again, watching the shadows gliding along the swift river as the ships steadily advanced on their way to Minas Tirith.

Both were surprised when Aella emerged from the shadows, and without a single word she took Gimli's hand and led him away to where the crew's quarters were set under the deck.

Gimli looked back at Legolas in annoyance and surprise, even with a hint of fear in his eyes, and the elf smiled to his friend. At least Gimli was going to have a good night before the battle that could cost his life.

Legolas himself sat on the railing, looked out over the deck, and sighed. He did not see her familiar silhouette anywhere. But he could not allow himself the luxury of sorrow. He would put his emotions aside and prepare for the battle ahead.

As usual, his keen elven hearing almost didn't register her approaching, but he waited until her cool hands settled on his shoulders, lightly caressing his neck.

"Forgive me, Legolas," she whispered softly.

"Forgive you?" he asked.

"Yes, for putting everything else above what my heart is crying out for," Cyrene said.

This gave Legolas all the hope he had been longing for. He reached out for her hands and kissed the palms. He felt her shiver and turned around to look at Cyrene.

She looked tired. But the light he saw in her eyes shone for him, and it was the most beautiful sight in Middle Earth. Her love for him was still there.

Legolas pulled her into his arms. "You need your rest, amaelamin. Tomorrow will be a hard day for all of us."

"My Elf, I realized at last that I need you. No sleep, no food, nothing else but you next to me," Cyrene said.

"And you have me, Cyrene, as long as you want me by your side. But now you will have your rest, and me as well," and saying this he swept her up into his arms and brought her to her pallet under the deck. He set her down and laid next to her gathering her into his arms.

"Rest, amaelamin, I will guard your dreams," and he began to sing softly in elvish, smiling as he felt her relax in his embrace and her breathing become regular and deep. Her gathered her close to her chest and swore to himself: "I will guard you, my heart. No matter what, we will rise from the trial and survive in the midst of adversity."

And Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of Mirkwood, lost himself in the depths of sleep. Dawn and battle would reach them soon enough.