Ohtacárë i nwalmë úquétima:The Girdle of Goroth

[Elbereth]

*Maedhros is reviewing war plans as a sentry enters*

"General Maedhros, the companies of Belfalas and Anorien are in position sir and ready for your command." Bellowed the sentry.

Looking up from his plans Maedhros nods an approval. "I will be sending the commands to General Narya shortly sergeant...What of the troops from Lebennin? Have they arrived at Minas Ithil?"

"They will be arriving at Minas Ithil an hour before dusk, General Maedhros. We have also received word that the troops from Andrast and Anfalas have arrived in Minas Tirith and are preparing for battle." The sentry replied.

"Very good sergeant. That will be all."

The Sentry saluted the General abruptly and exited the War tent. Maedhros then jotted a quick note on the map in front of him, rolled up the plans, and headed toward the main camp.

[¤-Elessar-¤]

As the warmaster stood in his tent, brooding over scrolls, he saw a shadow move, and thought he could distinguish the outline of a man agains the wanning sunlight.The man, if man it were, seemed to have been listening to him.

[Elbereth]

It was mid afternoon when Maedhros arrived at the main camp located just ten miles north of Osiliath. The sun was strong in the sky, and shined brightly off of the helms of the long lines of Infantrymen that stretched before him. Passing by these troops regal soldiers, Maedhros couldn't help but feel pride to be a part of such a grand army.

"Greetings General Maedhros!" Captain Marcus said with a salute.

"Greetings Captain. Have you received any news from the Scouts?"

"Yes sir, General Maedhros! We have just received word that the enemy forces have moved into the area of Cair Andros. The scouts report that several legions have already entered onto the island and have been clearing the land in and around Cair Andros. "

Maedhros remained silent in thought for several momments, his gaze hardening to anger as he looked upon the lands northward.

*to himself* "The Dark Lord has been allowed to manuever through the fair lands of Gondor far too freely. And all we have done is sit idly by, collecting our men. BUT NO MORE! "

He then turned to the Captain, "Captain, we will delay no longer. Prepare the troops for battle. We shall move out just before dusk sets in. "

"Yes sir, General Maedhros, we shall move out right away." Then with a quick salute, Captain Marcus leaves to prepare the men for their trek northward.

Maedhros then called a messenger to him, gave the boy discreet instructions, and then handed the messenger a parchment scroll. Then quickly saluting the General...the messenger hopped on his grey steed and traveled northward toward the armies of Anorien and Belfalas.

[Elbereth]

The sky is bright pink, reflecting off of the pale marble walls of Minas Ithil as the sun sets into the western horrizon. However in contrast, a threatening dark shadow falls across the mountains to the east, a omen of what may come. Already gathered, the small Ithlien army have set up camp about the city walls awaiting the arrival of the reinforcements.

At the main camp, Talierin is in council with her men when she is interupted by an eager young scout. "Governor Talierin, the forces from Lebennin have arrived, and are awaiting your command." He then hands Talierin a scroll that is sealed with the Gondorian stamp of the White tree.

Nodding an approval she takes the scroll and proceeds to review it with great attention. She then takes the scroll...and throws it into a nearby fire. "Commanders, prepare your men. We move out before nightfall."

She then dismisses the Generals and proceeds to the north end of the camp to greet the newly arrived troops from Lebennnin.

"You made good time General.", Talierin greets the Lebennin General.

"Indeed Governor Talierin. Although we hoped to get here sooner. We have no time to lose." *Talierin nods an approval* "I am confident you will find our men to be the finest cavalry and swordsmen in Gondor. You will have great strength behind you regardless of the numbers."

"I have no doubt General. I trust that your men are ready to move out?" Talierin replied

"Indeed we are Governor. We are merely awaiting your command." The Lebennin General replied earnestly.

"We move out before nightfall."

The General then saluted Talierin and returned to his troops and prepared them for the march ahead.

[Dengen-Goroth]

Their labor, ineffable in scale, their determination, unyielding, their resolve, unfettered. The progress is beyond doubt ahead the time restraints you have endowed unto us. The platforms are being made ready, the two bridges you requested near standing (They may hold not six but seven Oliphaunts abreast). The indicated orders for the banks are hours from completion. This concludes my report. May the dawn shine upon thee.
Saew placed the scroll upon a crate which was, for the moment, holding a map of the surrounding region. About Saew was a great tent, serving as a headquarters for that moment, and within it stood a number of aids as well as one General whom he had requested to describe the cultural conditions of the region.
"What word comes, Warmaster?" spoke the General, in an attempt to strike a conversation he was at ease with.
"Good word."
"Wonderful,” A pause as was often had with the Warmaster. Though he was held as a God by the men who served under him at times those who were in his presence would not worship him as so, but fear him as such. “Yes. Well, as I was saying, those who live about Southern Ithilien-"
"Warmaster Lachadaw Saew, direct correspondence from the Morhir."
The messenger wore but black, and over the area whence lay his heart there was the emblem of a crimson flame with twin emerald serpents arching over it to bind together directly above it. The emblem a new order in the forces of Goroth. Saew nodded absently and awaited the messenger to come before him, but he did not. After a silence which hung in the air with increasing unease an aid went to retrieve the black cylinder which the messenger held. With that the messenger bowed stiffly and left.
“Those Inquisitors, they know no bounds! From the moment those damnable Monks of Darkness or whatsoever they are named came about I knew they would be contemptible, them with their haughty manners. And now these, dark and mysterious are they, more like gaunt fools with haunted expression because of the fact that they know they’re good for nothing.”
“Is that all General, for this is truly enlightening. Perhaps this should be shared with Morhir himself, for it would certainly interest him what opinions are held about his most prized force. You, bring me that cylinder, what are you deaf or dumb, or both in one body!”
The aid to whom Saew had spoken quickly brought the cylinder to him, who grasped it and quickly broke the seal. Then he allowed for the fine parchment to slightly drop. Within moments he had broken the seal which bound it, and began to read with such solemnity that one would have though he was indeed grave within, though within he was astounded. In most cases Lord Gonnilclaur would convey to him command, though only on rare occasions the Dark Lord. However as he continued reading he was visibly becoming forlorn. He quickly placed the parchment again within the cylinder it had arrived within and strode towards an opening within the large tent. His gaze turned towards the south, over the bright Andiun which gleamed with the resonance of the sun’s rays, towards whence he knew Osgiliath to be. He grinned and within thought, "The fowl hath wings, excellent. Though its mind lacking, all the better for the hunt which is second only to the kill." The tent was upon Cair Andros' southern tip, and as he turned he saw to the east all going far beyond what he had envisioned, indeed the task he had appointed for the bank was near complete. He heard a quartermaster roaring, enraged at a blemish within the foods that he had need of use.
“General, have you heard of a General Maedhros?”
“Perchance, the name is familiar Warmaster.”
“Perhaps from tales told to you by your mother.”
A slight laughter moved about the room, though all knew the comment was not intended to humor.
“Nay, not he of tales. The one within service to the infidels, correct?”
“Your intelligence within the field of the affairs of the infidels is inspiring. You are correct, I now know that they are preparing some sort of possible counter-assault. What do you think of this.”
“I have no fear Warmaster, Maedhros has not attained much renown as of yet, and if new to command all the more reason do we have to consider him inept as well as weak within stratagem.”
“Interesting, for now I have learned all which I need, and shall at least understand what not to do within Anfalas.” He allowed a grin to pass over his face, to the relief of the General. Saew remained by the entrance, gazing towards Osgiliath.
“Come, the hunter awaits.”

[Talierin]

An hour later the entire force was ready to move out. Talierin rode at the front, flanked by the Lebbenin General and his commanders, and her own three commanders. The rest of the troops double-marched behind them, in their regiments.

They pulled out of Minas Ithil heading west until they reached the crossroads, then they turned to the north, marching throughout the night until they came a little bit above the path to Henneth Annûn. Then they turned northeast into the woods, slowly spreading into a line as they neared the Anduin. A couple hours before dawn they had reached the last fringes of the forest, and Talierin commanded them to halt, form their attack positions, then rest for the little time they had. Talierin did not, spending the precious time going over their attack plans with her general friend and commanders, all the while silently praying that Mithrandir would get there soon.

At dawn, the force was in place, awaiting the signal...

[¤-Elessar-¤]

A velvety dark voice laughed outside the tent. "I am not the only one who holds no advantige of surprise, Mr. Warmaster. The West has knew of your plan before your first soldier laced up a boot. Those 'infadels' are strong, and intellegent, and more than capable of whiping out an unprepared army of imbaciles like those you have defending this tent." He drew his sword, and pointed over to a patch of bushes, "You might also want to do something to make sure that those spies don't repeat what they've heard." Two men, dressed in earth-toned cloths made a dahing run for it, but they had tried to hard to learn the secrets of the east, and were slain in a hail of arrows. The man smiled to himself as the warmaster finnaly immerged from the tent. "And yes, I am the Hunter"

[Mithrandir]

Tensions rose, as dawn arrived and general Talierin waited for the signal. Sweat grew on her brow, as her husband had still not arrived. She sat staring at the sky, every minute seeming like an hour. Then out of no where, there was a sound, a rumble in the bush.
"Guards see what that is immediately, "but the skilled soldiers were already on the danger leaping into the bushes, swords drawn.

When they returned they had in their hands a hooded man, cloaked completely in white. Talierin knew who it was in an instant.
"Release him immediately, do you not know the great Mithrandir when you see him."
The guards let go of the stranger in a flash, a touch of embarrassment on their faces. "Lady Talierin, "Mithrandir said with a touch of relief," me and my men have traveled for days without food or water, I request a small meal for them if it can be spared, and may I had that you are looking more beautiful than ever." A light seemed to glint in his eyes as he finished his last thought, for it had been too long since the White Wizard had seen his wife.
"I thank you my dear, but what is this of forces, we surely would have seen you had they been with you."
"Indeed you would have, but we are small I number, and have taken extra care as to how we traveled the forest. The enemy must not know I am here if it can be helped, it is not something I believe they planned for, having me here to fight, nor the likes of the legendary Mithril Knights."
With that Mithrandir clapped his hands, and 20 lightly clad men fell from the trees around the general and her groom. Each carried a short, double-edge sword and a small bow and quiver on their back. Their cloaks were like that of Lothlorien, blending in with the background around them.
Talierin never looked so happy on the battlefield, "You have done it again Mithrandir. Guards feed these men something light and give them water, we do not have time for anything else." The Knights and the guard left at the signal.
"Now, my love we shall wait."
"Yes, indeed we shall. I have long feared the bloodshed we will see today, but it is for the right cause, and I have no regrets." He said that with a glint in his eyes, and as the words crossed his lips he squeezed his wives hand and looked up at the sky, praying that the enemy had not caught sight of him....

[Dengen-Goroth]

Warmaster Saew stood, glancing about the sight of the men who lay afore him.
"Infidels, it is a heresy to lay eye upon their blasphemous cadavers. the Inquisition shall come unto their lands, and they shall burn and lay ruin and slaughter these beasts as they should be, as the One should have, and then their lore masters will sing no more, and their ways of life, those of true heretics, shall be purged from the earth."
A movement and words to the side caught his attention, and with the keen eye of a hunter and proud warrior he beheld the man. Saew glanced over him, and in an instant his whip was about his waist, driving him into the earth. Saew flipped within the air, landing so as his knee was upon the man's neck and his other foot placed at the lower end of his spine. A yataghan was held at the ready in the other hand, near to the back of his head.
"Ah, but prey correct. Interesting, of what breed are you creature, to taunt my men who are trained in such arts as the western apes would quiver before. I have little time for errands such as these, though I assume by your raiment you are some sort of rogue, correct. Not held in favor by the Westerners much are we?" He allowed for a cruel laugh to escape from his lips. He pressed his knee against the neck till it was driving against the very head. But the man was not foolish within himself, for in a convulsion he rolled unto his front and flipped into a crouched position. Saew leapt at him, his left arm seizing the man as he was to roll to the side. Now the Yataghan was pressing against his neck.
"You have prowess, most interesting. I do not assail my own, and thus I have become weaker then I was. This sport enlivens me. Now come, either present use for yourself or you shall be purged from this Earth." Quickly, unheard, came a column of twelve guards, who seized the man and bound him tightly, and held him before the Warmaster.
"You amuse me Warmaster, and are quite livid game, though still not much challenge for my prowess. And I assure you, these men who hold me now are nothing, inconsequential you might even say. I have made my way from situations far more...challenging then these. Do not tarry your time with this sort of-"
"Silence, speak your purpose or meet your demise." Saew was quickly handed a blade which he now held before the man, who was now surrounded by an ever increasing amount of guards.

"Morhir, Maetha hath been made ready."
"Most excellent Inquisitor. The orders have been given, and I do hope you have not failed." The tone was lifeless and barren, had death a voice it would have been kindred to that which spoke. neath the cover of night word was spread.

[Talierin]

They conferred with their commanders one last time, then Talierin and Mithrandir slowly snuck up to the very edge of the forest, where from across the Field of Cormallen, once a place of battle, and soon to be another, they could see the island in the Anduin, the construction already beginning to show on it. Before them on the banks of the great river lay half of the Enemy's troops, and the Mumakil.

Talierin gazed on this sight for a minute, half in terror, and half in rage, then squeezed her husband's hand and kissed his cheek. "Let's do this..." she said quietly.

Spreading their free hands out, they called up their magic of earth, blending their strength together. The island and the bank seemed to tremble, and within minutes the earth seemed to break apart as many hundreds and hundreds of growing things thrust their way up and out. They grew faster than seemed possible, and with the strength of the elusive ents, broke through the buildings the Enemy was building, and the camps. As the minutes passed, they spread out great branches, and their trunks spread, becoming trees that seemed to have been there many hundreds of years. Beneath their leafy bows up came huge thorn bushes, some with thorns as long as a man's arm, and needle-sharp.

Chaos broke out amongst the Enemy's troops as they tried to escape the growing things, and seeing this, Talierin cried the hunting call of a hawk, calling her forces to the battle. First the archers came out in a line, 10 men, then a space, then 10 more, all the way down. Talierin gave the cry again, and they began to fire a hail of arrows down on the Enemy, piercing through armour and flesh. Then she whistled another sharp cry, and then the calvary came charging, followed by the infantry, through the gaps between archers. The Mithril Knights each lead groups of 300 infantrymen.

The commanders came up to Talierin and Mithrandir, bringing their horses with them, and as soon as they were upon them, they rode forth into war...

[¤-Elessar-¤]

He bowed his head, and with his yellow teeth he gripped the bounds. In one swift motion he bit a chunk out of the sturdy rope, and it fell to the sides. After spitting out the horsehair, he addressed the warmaster. "My purpose, as you asked, is to slay the armies of the west, and have their leaders die at the tip of my sword." He drew the fell blade, and held it at the ready. "One in particular draws my eye. His name is Elessar." He said the name with great distaste, and his voice sounded like the hissing of a snake. "You are a lucky man, I have chosen to go with your army. You will not fail when my army weilds this blade for your side." The man ran the palm of his hand over the swordblade, and a blackish-silvery blood ran from his hand. He walked over to the fire, and flicked the bood off of his hands and into it. The fire roared with the noise of a dying dragon for an instant, and then it's flames turned black, and the logs were no longer burning. The warmaster suddenly looked from the hypnotysing flames to the surrounding area, and saw that the man was gone, and that there were sindarian runes inscribed the the dirt where he had stood.

[Dengen-Goroth]

Night had drawn upon the great legions of the Dark Lord, their minds at rest for their command had been issued, they knew well what to expect of the dawn. However they were not prepared for the great greenery which thrust itself, as a cancer, over their camps, they at first began to panic, at first till the hail of arrows blossomed in the skies, still streaked with light blues and striking hues of orange and crimson, intertwined in a celestial portrait of the image of the One, glorious in its simplicity, powerful in its scale, unfathomable, unattainable. A great horn pierced the silence, the men began to form and hack at the trees, the thorns, with little concern, and in most cases went uninjured. Soon however the brush, trees, and other that had sprang began to wither and crumble to naught. They formed within ranks, and stood facing the offence. Archers began to unleash volleys of arrows, which were so crafted that upon impact they would combust, in a slight burst which, if the arrow struck well, would inflict mortal wound, in least the burst would make the prey cease movement for a moment, to regain from the shock. It was especially fruitful upon the steeds.

Saew awoke, prior to dawn and moved as a phantom amongst the aids which now rested the others which were entangled with duties. He began to flip, twirl, swing with his great axe, unexpectedly. This all occurred, of course, when he had left the company of other beings, and was alone in a clearing overlooking the south, the enemy. Saew, prior to dawn, would go forth and complete these, what he called, enlightening routines. In such a way he would pay homage to the One, to whom he had sworn his life unwavering. In that pre-dawn he lingered midstep, as he was to bring the axe down vertically, and roll as such. An enchantment cast a veil upon his sight, voices rose in choir from the east. Theirs were words of lament, radiant within its serenity. They wove about certain areas, only discernable by their words, for they were cloaked in a black as infinite and unperceivable as the void. Saew was in awe of these seemingly ethereal beings, weaving about as if the Final Battle was nigh, and the envoys of Him had come unto the lands, to bestow the words which would enlighten the lands, and bring at last the age of peace. Saew issued upon himself a harsh reprimand, “To cease now is to debase Him. I am doing injury on His name when I should pay but Homage.” He returned unto his routine, though by the conclusion he was exhausted, not by it within itself, but by them, their voices bidding peace. He then sat upon the ground, and allowed time for thought, as the first light of dawn struck him. Moments passed in a tiresome march, his mind weaving theories and structures which fell instantaneously after being uplifted, some remaining, others firmly set. Afore him came three men, in the armor of a General and aside him an Overlord.
“Hail Warmaster! We have news for thine eyes only.”
He paused, remaining in peace, that moment where there was but the rapture, the ecstasy of the divine boon of thought which was his most capable bow, his most puissant blade.
“Yes Overlord Thaunsaw, speak.”
The Warmaster and General began to grin, for that was the name given to the Overlord from the moment he had made outlandish claims of finding a brook of sweat nectar within some wood dense with pine trees, within one in fact. In truth it was Aglarebhador, far to long for most to bother the burden of naming.
“You may rest assured we do not have before us the forces of Ereinion, not at this point.”
“Yes, never will we be faced with such a force as he had, perhaps in number, never in honor and strength of mind. Continue.”
“The few from this native land are now afore our lines, and some peculiar man in white had been taken by them. Tidings also come from the south, Lord Morhir hath begun-“
At this moment a great rumble permeated from every pore of the earth, and the very isle and its surroundings began to rupture. From each orifice sprang green claws, grasping for the heavens in determination. Saew remained seated, an increasing grin blooming upon his features as he beheld the shock and then utter fear of the two men before him.
“Come now Overlord Thaunsaw, do you fear these trees which sprout about you. Watch for the thorns, they shall bloom upon the bark soon.”
The overlord turned to the Warmaster, his eyes enlarged, his mouth open, though no word would come forth.
“Yes, I did know of this, though not well admittedly, in fact scantly. Our Lord sent to myself a correspondence, here it is if you wish to view it.” Saew produced the black canister and handed it to the Overlord, in truth the man commanded much respect from both the Warmaster as well as his men, and the Warmaster had naught but utter resolve that this man was as keen in mind, or near to, as the most learned. He simply was a bit strange, what with the mad tales. His eyes seemed only to bugle more, and, his hands racked with shudders, attempted to place the parchment within the cylinder upon completion of overview, however he was unable to.
“Allow my Overlord.”
The general spoke in earnest.
“What are you, we, doing here simply lying about? We must go to the men, they must be in panic!” The overlord began to speak, his voice rising higher with every syllable.
Calm yourself, this is a boon which comes unto us. Now our fire will come from unknown locals, as their own sorcery conceals it. Our mages have seen to that.”
Saew was referring to the procession of the cloaked figures prior to dawn, which had allowed powerful enchantments to allow select regions to be held in peace whilst others were utterly ruined by the strength of the greenery.
“Overlord, would you by any chance have some form of horn?”
“A horn. What in the name of Goroth-“
“Overlord, you know well how I am most devoted to our Lord, and how I find it that if his name is to be used in such a manner it deserves but contempt.”
“Yes, here, here. Take it. Blast those westerners, them with their infernal tricks. “
The remainder of his words died as Saew, who had quickly stood and accepted the horn, sounded a note which could be heard quite a distance, in fact as the Lady Talierin and White Wizard Mithrandir mounted their steeds to proceed to the war, the note rang, and they paused, for to them it was low in tone, and out of place. However their charge continued.
“Now then, unfortunately we have no time for pleasantries for there is quite simply, a battle to direct. I have confidence you will find a way through this, correct Overlord.”
The Overlord turned towards the south and spoke with utter unction, “Why, yes Warmaster. I shall strike those damnable Westerners with fire in my heart, lord, and I assure you none shall live to speak unto the offspring of their children of this day.” He gripped the hilt of his blade, secure in an ornate scabbard, and turned to go in follow of the Warmaster. They quickly wove about the wood, and appeared before the Anduin. About them the wood began to wither about them, the chant of the “Mages” was audible, eerie amide the pantheon of horror which is war. Not so to the Warmaster, he relished it.
“Ah, look there Overlord, how our men have already formed in lines, and are now preparing for the cavalry onslaught. And look there, the archers are in position, and the cavalry is mounted far to the east, excellent. Come, the bridge is far northward, let us exercise our physical matter as well as mental.” With that he dove into the waters and began to seemingly glide through the water. At that moment catapults which had been installed in pits, the same that had been enchanted to restrain damage and had been dug but days earlier, thrust the first projectiles towards the lands before the lines of Saew. The ground quaked neath this first barrage, leaving pits of varying depth, but scarring the approach path of the enemy well, the line of these impacts was becoming broad, and to curve would take time, and possibly cost lives. Lady Talierin became grim, turning towards Mithrandir. Words were not needed. Both paused simultaneously, as though one mind, and within moments more quivering of the earth. The power of the Mages was great, but theirs was greater. Many of the pits housing catapults were brought to ruin, but others, by the utter concentration of numerous mages, were saved. Silence fell on the filed, as they waited for the Ithilien force to draw close. Then the hail of arrows would begin anew.

[Elbereth]

As the Mornclaur federation began their strike against the forces of Ithilien in the East of Cair Andros, from the Southwest appeared a single silver eagle of great majesty and might. From a great distance, it appeared to be but a shining star in the early morning sky. Therefore the first witnesses did not pay it any mind, dismissing it as a celestial illusion and nothing more. However, as it drew closer, none could ignore the enormity and power of such a grand eagle as it approached the battlefield with great speed. Flying high in the firmament above, the majestic Silver Eagle began to fly circles over the Mornclaur army, like a carrion bird over its prey.

Distracted, many of the Dark Lord’s men stopped their fight and looked up at the circling Eagle with curiosity and hate, for they had no great love for Eagles, who had long been an enemy to the forces of the Dark Legion. Such distraction proved fatal, as Talierin’s forces rallied and rained arrows upon the unsuspecting men. In anger, many of the Mornclaur troops, ignored direct orders to fall back in formation…and began to shoot arrows into the sky in a desperate attempt to fall the large silver beast. However, their efforts proved unsuccessful as the eagle circled high in the air and let out a great scream, mocking the enemy forces below.

“Ignore the Winged monster! Get back to your positions” screamed a commander of the Dark Legion.

However, his screams were ignored as the Silver Eagle swooped down at incredible speeds, a hail of Mornclaur arrows trailing behind it. The eagle then positioned itself in front of the rising sun…it’s vast wings stretched out…beams of light radiating from behind its massive form. Then from the heavens a clear voice sang out:

Utulie ‘n äure!
(The Day Has Come!)
Aiya i Eldalie ar Atanatari,
(Behold the people of the Eldar and Fathers of Men)
nai ortane!
(May it be lifted up!!)

The fighting ceased momentarily, as the armies of the East and West gazed up at the brilliance of this winged wonder. Then from the empty fields, surrounding Cair Andros from the south and west, a chorus of voices rang out in response:

A Elbereth Gilthoniel
(O Star Queen Star Kindler)
O menal palan-diriel,
(from firmament afar-gazing,)
Le nallon si di’nguruthos!
(to thee I cry here beneath death horror!)
A tiro nin, Fanuilos!
(O watch over me, Fanuilos!)


The Eagle then fell away from the blinding sun, revealing the radiant white figure of Queen Elbereth Gilthoniel, Star Queen of Valinor and High Queen of Gondor, standing atop the majestic bird. She then stretched out her arms toward the southwest, and as she lowered her arms slowly, a filmy cloud lifted from the seemingly empty fields just below Cair Andros, to reveal the vast armies of Gondor surrounding the Mornclaur forces, General Maedhros’ army to South and General Altaira Telquiare's army from Belefas and Anorien to the West.

Without haste, General Maedhros sprang to action, sending a hail of boulders catapulting into the enemy’s camp, knocking over three Oliphants and killing dozens of unsuspecting enemy soldiers. Those first to fall from this unexpected siege, did not even see their fateful demise coming. From the west, General Altaira Telquiare called out the skilled archers of Anorien. who rained hundreds of arrows upon the western flanks of the enemy, each arrow fatefully landing in enemy flesh.

And as the Gondorian armies continued their siege upon the Dark Lord’s army, Elbereth departed southward atop her majestic silver eagle unnoticed.

[Narya]

For Gondor!!! Shouted the heavily clad army of Belfalas. Heading them was a mighty warrior reknown for her valor, courage, and strength though woman she be. And though she is an equal to any man in her infantry when it comes to agility and power, she can match any elf queen when it comes to beauty, though her heart has been sealed with a memory so bitter it concealed her soul. She is both dark and heartless toward the enemy, yet kind and tender toward her people. She has just been appointed as the new Governor of Dol Amroth. Now she heads Gondor's attack from the west. Down they came like a hurricane on their unsuspecting enemy. They fled from the light in her eyes, though not fast nor far enough, for the edge of her sword caught their bodies as they fled and their dark blood spilled, and if one was cut too lightly and was able to stand or crawl, she goes back to hack it again until the life is out of it's nostrils.

Cair Andros belongs to the west, you fowl worm!!! she cried and slashed the enemy between its eyes before it can cry out for mercy.

As the silver eagle of the Queen sped towards the mountain tops, Altaira Telquiare looked up and renewed strength returned, for her love was for the Queen, like a sister she was to her, dearest of all counselors, she would die for her. She fitted an arrow unto her bow, and upon her command another storm of arrows filled the enemy camp.

[Dengen-Goroth]

Saew looked about the filed of battle as he emerged from the water.
"Interesting, they are greater fools then I would have imagined." He spoke, with a grin spreading over his face. For the entire field southward of Cair Andros was filled with craters from the aforementioned bombardment. The initial assaults made by the forces of Belfalas took many injuries as well as deaths. The initial men who had broken from the onslaught reformed, malicious grins upon their faces.
"For the Dark Lord, for your People! Smite the Infidels!"
With this rally cry the first two lines of infantry charged forth in a wedge formation, driving through and splitting the Belflas force. Catapults, now re-aimed, were bombarding their counterparts, and as the Warmaster had spoken, their rivals could not do the same, for they were covered by the thick wood which even seemingly distorted the initial point of launch. From air it was cloaked as well, by the canopy. The men tied very great ropes about the trees directly about the catapult site, and when it was time to strike they would pull and bend them, many to one tree. Not even the sight of the eagle which had "stirred" the men so could penetrate, for the magery of the Black Robed beings ensured the beast would only behold natural foliage. There was success, as many catapults fell silent as their operators fled in terror, or the machines themselves were ruined.
Saew strode forth, the Overlord slightly behind as he was not as capable a swimmer and had emerged after the Warmaster. At the sight of the two the few men who had been foolhardy to subdue to the magery cast by the beast above their heads reformed quickly, and the lines were more powerful then prior. For wrath over the sorcery of the Western Witch on her flying hag, as it was from then on known, drove them. Archers began a centralized assault, their arrows meeting the enemy from three sides. The foes of Belfalas wavered, having been divided. A horn blew and a century of cavalry charged the eastern section of their forces. great black steeds with armor about them, and mace men atop, fell upon the enemy cheering, "Death to the Heretics, Death to the Blasphemous Swine!" They themselves were armored, and wore masks which instilled fear in the heart of their enemy. Saew strode behind the seventh infantry line, between every infantry line there was a stretched line of archers. The flank to the east consisted of cavalry and hearty axe-wielding men with stout hearts. From Cair Andros' tip, nestled on great branches, lay archers who were unseen, but began to fire on any who were foolhardy enough to come on assault by the banks of the Anduin. Thus they were forced to curve around the land rent apart by the bombardment, else wise they would be within the line of fire from the enemy for ever more period of time. Oliphaunts began to make great sound, which brought fear to the steeds of the enemy, as they were not accustomed to those beasts, unlike the steeds of Mornclaur. Great broadswords glinted in the sun, as two centuries charged within the western division of the Belfalas assault. Great cries of death and agony flew as the wind about that field of battle, for in that region there were more numbers then in the whole of the War of the Ring. Saew moved quickly amide the lines, enhancing the moral of the men, who thus would no longer venture to look towards the heavens if a creature was above least ordered to. Their training, superb and superior to that of the west, was never more evident. When one century would inflict a certain amount of harm they would retreat and another two would move forward. And thus there would be a rotation, they themselves not burdened with the leaguer of consistent assault, however still aiding by guarding the flank of the two assailing. Saew quickly strode towards what was known as “The O Post”. Basically his observation post, which was mounted upon the backs of the elephants. From there he would quickly behold the lines of the enemy, and fathom their assault plan. As he ascended he beheld a glorious rally of the Belfalas force amid one warrior which began to drive through the infantry and cavalry and near the front lines of the Mornclaur defense. However they were halted s the cavalry wound about and struck at the flank and rear of that force driving them forward, and the infantry charged the front of the force. They were thus pitted, and soon broke and ran, many being slaughtered by arrows. However soon Saew realized this was a calculated retreat, that the enemy knew what impression would be made if they would retreat in the fashion, and thus they reformed southward. The lines held well, far beyond expectation, which was high. Saew noted the Gondorian lines, southward and westward by the banks. All went as planned.

Lord Drygo gazed upon the city which lay before him, it was not near empty though once it had been rich with folk from many lands. The triangulare design was indeed captivating, and the great pillar set within the apparent middle of this city was easily visible. An inspiring city, though it had been with the enemy for far to long.
“Commence bombardment!” He yelled, and then numerous trebuchets and catapults began to deliver their devastating barrage upon the city. His men stood at the ready, and soon began to charge towards it, encountering till that point no resistance. A small militia sprang from the outskirts and began to fire arrows, in vain. The men quickly formed amide the light of dawn, which was not needed for great fires burned now within the city and the plumes of smoke were as pillars of warning to any and all who would oppose the Dark Lord. The bombardment only intensified, there was not a moment when ten to fifteen blasts did not herald yet more damage. By mid-day there would be nothing left of the city whatsoever, simply leveled ruins. However Drygo had been instructed to take it with the least amount of damage. Indeed he wished to spare it from great grievance, it would serve Mornclaur well, though by mid-day it's fate would be well known.