(Archive) The Battle of Caldur

August 21, 1999

*Note - log submitted by Rorgan*

Crossing of Poros, N. Bank

In the pale light of the darkness, faintly to the north you see the road continue north through the grasses of South Ithilien. To the south the pale light glints off slow moving waters and moss covered, wrecked masonry. To the west the light casts a dull glow upon yellow flowers, growing on a monolith caped mound. It is too dark to make out any details of the monolith, without getting close to look at it.

The night sky is clear with only slight wisps of clouds overhead. The nighttime spring air is hot and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

Maeghan

Grey Tent(#22913)

Monument on a mound

Obvious exits:

Narakshi Camp, South, North, and NorthWest

Riding across the river at a dejected pace come the remnants of the Silver Guard, Tailor\'s Guild. Leaving some twenty-odd men strong, and now returning with scarecly ten men on even fewer horses, they arrive now from scouting to the Gondorian army\'s fore. Many of the remaining men slump unmoving in their saddles, and at their center, riding wearily, is a tall man, dressed in light colors after the fashion of the desert nomads of the region. His head and face are hooded and masked to protect from the sun and dust, and of the few men still riding single, he seems to be the least affected by the heat and abject dispair of the other men.

The group of men heads directly toward the healer\'s tents at their slow walk, the light clad man at their center directing them in that direction with a bob of his head.

Across the sand, out of the healers tent comes the young redheaded healess. She goes towards the riders at a dead run. She halts not far from the tent as they approach her. Her eyes scan each one, assessing any wounds that they might have. She cries out, \"Hail Silver Guard...\", she lifts a hand and runs towards their leader, \"Rorgan!\"

Rorgan loosens the mask about his face and finally smiles, if only a little as he carefully extracts himself from the saddle and stands in front of the healess. His eyes are sunken and surrounded by dark circles, especially just below the lower lids, but of all the men and horses arriving, only he and Ardanne seem to have remained untouched. He nods to the red-haired woman, \"Milady Maeg.\" Then his voice catches a bit in his throat as he adds, \"I was beginning to think I would never see you again.\"

Despite sensibilities and cultural mores of the time (and the dirt and sand covering the man), Maeghan throws herself at Rorgan in a tight hug. She cries softly, \"I had a premonition of evil and was frightened that you had left me for the realms that only Eru knows about...\" Though no tears fall down her cheeks, she appears to be quite choked up.

Although at first his eyes widen somewhat at the woman\'s forward behavior, his visage quickly softens, and Rorgan wraps his arms around her, saying softly, \"I will always return for you.\" He reaches up a dirt-stained hand and brushes back a curl from her forehead, looking into her eyes deeply, seeming to want to re-memorize her face ere they become parted again.

Maeghan swallows and blinks back the tears as she looks up at the blonde man, she reaches up and hesitantly brushes his cheek in a gentle gesture, \"Come, let me take you to the tent where you might clean up and rest...are there any of your men that need immediate attention?\", she glances at the rest of the Silver Guard that is left.

Rorgan smiles, but it is obviously an effort for the man to move any of the muscles in his face, \"Dehydration. Battle wounds. Poison. Every one of them is in need of assistance, Maeg.\"

Maeghan nods and says, \"I and the healers will tend to them, you go and clean up and then rest. After their wounds are dealt with we will talk...\", she takes Rorgan\'s hand and squeezes it gently before pulling away to go tend to the wounded in the tent of healers.

Rorgan nods and heads toward the indicated tent, his limp becoming more prominent with each step.

From the south comes the muted hoofbeats of a single rider. The hot spring air, although dry, seems to stifle the sound under some nameless oppression. Into view comes horse and a bald-headed rider. It is Azragath Khozadan, and he rides like his life depends on it.

Maeghan looks worriedly over her shoulder at Rorgan as she helps tend to the wounded Silver Guard. She gives all the men cool water, but does not let them drink too much too quickly, else they would be ill. She and the other healers do their best to patch up the guard. Maeghan helps each of the healers, trying to deliver a personal word of encouragement to each of the wounded.

The men of the Silver Guard, or what\'s left of them are carried and help carry their fellows into the Healer\'s tents as their leader limps his way toward yet another healer\'s tent on his own. The men appear to be fatigued, dehydrated, and pretty much done in from some combat, yet not one from the group has sought out the leaders of the Gondorian army.

The mighty Poros flows fierce at this time, and about it, camped in great splendour and lit by fires the arms of Gondor are prepared for their next task. It is into this fray that the Lord Indilzar makes his way, his grim face silently looking over the camp. Silent that is until...

HooomHoooom HOOOOM

Trumpets sound to the march!

Azragath pulls up the reins on his horse so fiercely that the animal nearly shrieks with anger, rearing back and kicking its front legs. The rider says nary a word, but fairly launches from the saddle and stalks over to where one of his men lies on a stretcher. \"Where,\" he spits in his ruined voice, \"is the Tailor?\"

Indilzar overlooking the river, now Indilzar turns and then cries, \"GABBARD! Come forth!\"

The horse that Azragath rode in on champs its hooves in fury, snorting as blood runs on its lips from where the bit tore into flesh.

Maeghan looks up and frowns faintly, \"What is wrong Azragath? Rorgan is over in that tent yonder...\", she gestures with a hand, \"What has happened? I have not seen you in so much of a hurry that you hurt your horse...\"

Running quickly up to the Lord, Gabbard is at his side before stops in sentence. \"Yes, Lord?\" he says.

Rorgan sighs heavily and throws up his arms, pulling a weary about-face and limping ever so slowly back toward his mount. As he turns, a young boy runs past him and he grabs the boy by the shoulder, \"Send word to Prince Imrahil, Captain-General Boromir, and Lord Indilzar, that the scouts have returned. I will find them shortly.\" He looks up at Khozadan and just shakes his head where it hangs.

Indilzar turns to his squire and says, \"Fetch my horse. We ride to war.\" He says this simply enough, and then he makes his way into the vanguard of the Host wither, as is his wont he rides with his sword lying on his lap.

Azragath stares at Maeghan for a moment even as he strides by, but no reply does he give. The fire in his eyes burns with an intensity that smacks of madness. Spying Rorgan, he shouts out in a gravelly rasp, \"Tailor!\" Long strides propel him toward the man, and every step speaks violence.

As the order is given, Gabbard runs swiftly to the temporary stable for the horses. After a few moments Gabbard comes riding on horseback leading another by his side. And when he approaches Indilzar he hands him the rains and says,\"Here you are, Lord.\"

Rorgan gives up, finally, and just stops moving where he stands, eyes covering the advance of Azragath, until the man has drawn close enough to ask, \"What have I done know, Khozadan?\"

Maeghan frowns and finishes dressing a wound. She ducks out of the tent and rushes towards Rorgan and Azragath.

Indilzar spurns his horse and then cries out, \"Men of Gondor! We march to War!\"

Horns tremble under the sickle moon and the host of Gondor moves forward, war machines and men. In the van, ride Imrahil and Boromir and their knights about them. Forth they ride.

Lifting his hand, Azragath points down the road to the South. The hand trembles, and his face is a livid crimson. \"A Fool\'s mission,\" he spits, \"born of a fool. And we have paid more dearly than you know.\" He snaps his head around wildly, surveying the troops. \"They stared at me, Tailor. And they\'ll stare at you. Mouthless will they cry, and the blood is on our heads.\"

Maeghan pauses and then asks, \"Who?\", she frowns faintly, \"What *happened* on that mission? I felt that ill was going to befall the company once they passed out of my sight...I fear that my feelings were correct...\"

Rorgan instantly draws himself to his full height, \"A FOOL!?\" He lowers his voice and growls at Azragath, \"The mission was Prince Imrahil\'s device. Mind your words, Commander.\" His eyes narrow, \"And I know, the blood of the fallen are on my hands. I\'ve had nothing else to think about on the ride back.\"

Riding down the length of the van, Indilzar comes at length to Rorgan and he says hastily, \"The Prince is in the vanguard and we are ready to move forth. What news do you bring Rorgan?\"

Azragath roars at Rorgan, a vein standing out on his neck, \"I know bloody well whose mission it was!\" His finger still points south, his words heavy, \"There - are - no - words - for - our - dishonor.\" The pointing hand drops, and so does the man, to his knees. It is only a whisper now, \"The stars burn me to the marrow, they /stared/ at me.\"

Indilzar holds up his hand and then says to Azragath, \"Enough Azragath of Gondor! The time for words has passed and now deeds would better make the man.\"

Rorgan looks up to the mounted lord, but his full attention is drawn back to the Commander, \"Speak sense, man!

You say, \"What has happened?! Slowly, now, Azragath. Calmly.\"

Maeghan drops down beside Azragath and shhhs, \"Az, come with me....lets take you to the tent to get some water...it will be alright, we will avenge the evil that has been done...\", she glances up to Rorgan and Indilzar, \"The heat and some great shock have harmed his mind...I wish to get him to a cot where he might rest, and where he might drink some water...\"

\"There is no time for rest healess,\" says the Bragollach coldly, \"Every minute we stand here our enemy gains a new throw.\"

Azragath looks up at Rorgan, his attention solely on that man. His voice is still quiet. \"I ride with you, Tailor. But there will be a reckoning.\" Looking south, he says loudly, \"There will be a reckoning, indeed.\" Slowly he regains his feet, standing as a man awaking from a dream. He shakes off the healer\'s touch, but his expression softens. \"Later. Later. It is the time for blood, now.\"

Rorgan raises a brow, still bristling, voice still sharp, \"Speak now, Commander. Give us your news, ere I make my report to Lord Indilzar.\"

Maeghan nods as she sees that Azragath has regained his senses, \"Alright....\", she gestures to three of the healers, \"You, You and You...find your horses and saddle up...\", she turns and goes into the healers tent, re-emerging with a bow and a quiver of arrows strapped to her back.

Azragath nods once. \"Our dead...\" he takes a breath, looking up at the mounted Bragollach, \"fell into the hands of the enemy.\" He shrugs wearily. \"The rest you can see for yourself. I will name the deeds not.\"

Azragath adds in a hoarse whisper, \"Nor forget them, till my own brains are spilt on this putrid soil.\"

Indilzar looks grimly at Azragath, \"They shall be avenged. Be glad that you may now issue forth in what strength you may is bring upon them such righteous vengeance that you may ere the sun goes down in red blood.\" He then turns to Rorgan, \"Well, is the way clear, for a host such as we possess?

Rorgan\'s contenance falls, and he stares at his feet for a long moment before raising his eyes to the mounted Lord, \"Our scouting party was ambushed, Lord. Of twenty and five that left, ten and three have returned. The enemy is scattered before us, yet still resists bitterly any attempt to penetrate their land.\"

Rorgan nods thoughtfully, \"I think that the way is only clear for a host such as our own.\"

Indilzar smiles for a moment and says, \"At the coming of our strength they shall fly before us as if the west wind against the leaves of Autumn.\" He then motions to the heralds, \"Tell the Prince that the way is clear, let us ride.\"

Azragath looks wordlessly at Maeghan as Rorgan and Indilzar speak, an unspoken question burned into his eyes. He shakes his head faintly at the healer for some reason, but his hand strays to its hilt.

Horns leap up that suddenly fill the valley of the Poros and then slowly, the host of Gondor moves forward.

Maeghan growls as she strides towards towards her warhorse. She flings herself up onto the tall stallion and then checks the pouches hanging from her belt, and glances over her shoulder to make sure the litter is attached properly. Her emerald eyes flash violently and her youthful face is set into a permanent scowl.

Rorgan sighs, \"But we were unable to travel the road as far as we had hoped. There may yet be peril beyond the bend where this treachery took place. I urge caution, Lord Indilzar, beyond that point.\" He shakes his head, \"And I think the place of battle will be easily marked.\"

\"If treachery comes Rorgan of Gondor,\" replies Indilzar, \"then it shall be our own doing. I refuse to be overthrown.\"

Azragath laughs at Rorgan\'s last remark, a laugh tinged with madness. \"Indeed, Tailor. Indeed. It will not be o\'erlooked.\" His whole body shudders, and he calls to the remaining men bearing the sigil of the Silver Shield, \"Mount up, Silver Guard, if you have four limbs and can carry a sword!\" In a growl he adds, \"There is blood to let.\"

Rorgan whistles shrilly. Twice. Ardanne runs toward the tailor, at a full gallop, and right past! As the dust settles, it becomes clear that the half-Rohir no longer stands where he did. He now sits atop the chestnut stallion, wheeling it about to join the forces of Gondor at Lord Indilzar\'s side. The grim line of his mouth is the last thing seen as he reaches up and re-covers his face to protect it from the dust.

Indilzar rides now along the host and as is his wont he rides by Azragath and Rorgan. Slowly, oh so slowly they move forth.

You head south, crossing the river which comes up onto your waist.

Crossing of Poros, S. Bank

To the north the Poros spreads out in its wide banks, forming what looks to be an easy ford--though in the pale moonlight of the night who can tell? The remains of several wagons jut up out of the water, barely visible in the night. The ruins of a ancient bridge\'s foundation sit on either bank, and some of its rubble marks the passage of the ford. To the south the Harad Road cuts through the tall ghostly grass of the Harondor savannah.

The night sky is clear with only slight wisps of clouds overhead. The late night spring air is hot and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

Indilzar

Ardanne(#22905OQXaeMp)

Gondorian Beachhead

Obvious exits:

North and South

Comes back from the assembled Minas Tirith guards that are ready to march to war. Galdorim Moves towards Lord Indilzar. He salute him respectfully. \"Where do you wish the Minas Tirith Guardsman, Lord INdilzar? The men are ready to march to war and burn down Umbar!\" He grins broadly as the proud Seargant is once again in command.

Indilzar says to Galdorim as he rides, \"You and your folk by order of Lord Boromir will guard the Siege engines.\"

You head south for several hours.

Harad Road

The outlines of the warm, parched grassy savannah stretch off endlessly to the horizon. To the south it appears the grass thins, giving way to scrub brush and patches of bare earth.

The sky is clear and the stars shines brightly. The late night spring air is hot and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

Indilzar

Obvious exits:

North and South

Indilzar mutters, \"The Harad road...\"

Rorgan grumbles to the Lord, \"It was near here, at that bend in the road, Indilzar. There.\" He points.

Galdorim nods towards the noble swan-knight. \"Aye, Sir. The guard are ready!\" He then falls back with the his men as the march in proud straight lines with the seige engines behind them kicking up dust as the rumble along on the mightly wheels.

Indilzar glancing where Rorgan points Indilzar\'s face grows pale, \"Can it be?\"

Garafan swings up into the saddle, his raven locks flowing, looking over at Rorgan with a stern nod. His jaw set as he recalls the carnage of the previous scouting trip.

Rorgan looks to the site of the ambush, and he too pales and draws a sharp breath inward, exhaling a stream of curses audible to all but the eldest of blacksmiths within many miles of the advancing army.

Indilzar then turns to several men and instructs them to clean this land of the dead. He then turns to the others and says, \"A monument shall be placed here to honour them and remember those who perished on this ground.\"

Maeghan looks sick and a tear rolls down her cheek. She shakes her head and halts the healers. She slides down off of her warhorse and says, \"Please my Lords, allow my healers and I to give them a proper burial as they deserve...it dishonors their bravery to let them stay thus.\", her jaw tightens as she surveys the horror..

Rorgan nods, the jut of his jaw visible even under the cloth draped across his face as he draws his sword and holds it high, raising his voice to reach all those assembled, \"AND THEY SHALL BE AVENGED!!!\"

Indilzar sighs and then turns swiftly on his horse and his voice carries with the rage of ages, \"Men of Gondor! Blood has been spilled here, but now has the hour come to avenge it! Let not the swift wait for the slow! We ride, for vengeance!\" And then as if as a mighty giant awakening the host marches forth, the grim Men of Gondor with their cries.

You head south farther into the savannah.

Harad Road

The Harad Road changes direction again slighty. You\'re skirting the border between the savannah and the vast Harad desert to the south. You\'re quite relieved to be out in the cooler night air, rather than being exposed to the oppressive hot days. Wind rustles throught the patchy grasses...you think you see movement off to the east, but cannot be sure...

The night sky is clear with only slight wisps of clouds overhead. The before dawn spring air is hot and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

Gabbard

Indilzar

Feral Mumakil

Obvious exits:

North and South

South you go, Rorgan.

Harad Road

The nighttime adds some coolness to this dry and barren savannah. The moonlight allows you to see some few patches of scrub brush, sage, and grasses covering the otherwise bare earth. You catch a slight tint of moisture in the air--perhaps you are near a river? The road beneath your feet is hard from being sun-baked--the soil crunches loudly beneath your feet.

The night sky is clear with only slight wisps of clouds overhead. The before dawn spring air is hot and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

Indilzar

Obvious exits:

North and South

You head toward the Harnen River, a narrow and shallow stream of water.

River Harnen, N. Bank

A narrow strip of fertile grassland stretches a few hundreds of feet from the river. You can barely discern the many sand and gravel bars which have built up in midstream--you decide the ford must be shallow. Upstream you think you see the glint of a fire--however you get the feeling you would not be too welcome, whoever it is.

The night sky is clear with only slight wisps of clouds overhead. The before dawn spring air is hot and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

Indilzar

Obvious exits:

East, North, and South

River Harnen, N. Bank

A narrow strip of fertile grassland stretches a few hundreds of feet from the river. You can barely discern the many sand and gravel bars which have built up in midstream--you decide the ford must be shallow. Upstream you think you see the glint of a fire--however you get the feeling you would not be too welcome, whoever it is.

The sky is clear and the stars shines brightly. The before dawn spring air is hot and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

Gabbard

Garafan

Obvious exits:

East, North, and South

You splash across the narrow and shallow river.

River Harnen, S. Bank

The star-lit south bank of the Harnen has a thin strip of fertile grassland that stretches a few hundred feet from the river. The river looks shallow--sand and gravel bars are littered thoughout the riverbed. Far upstream you can see the campfires of a desert camp, but you\'re certain you would not be welcome there! In the distance to the south you can see that the warm, parched Harad Road splits to the southeast and southwest, and a small group of brightly-lit buildings lies in the angle created by the roads. The buildings are in part obscured by an out-of-place and particularly lush growth of palm and nut trees which mark the presence of a flowing spring.

The sky is clear and the stars shines brightly. The before dawn spring air is hot and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

Indilzar

Obvious exits:

North and South

River Harnen, S. Bank

The star-lit south bank of the Harnen has a thin strip of fertile grassland that stretches a few hundred feet from the river. The river looks shallow--sand and gravel bars are littered thoughout the riverbed. Far upstream you can see the campfires of a desert camp, but you\'re certain you would not be welcome there! In the distance to the south you can see that the warm, parched Harad Road splits to the southeast and southwest, and a small group of brightly-lit buildings lies in the angle created by the roads. The buildings are in part obscured by an out-of-place and particularly lush growth of palm and nut trees which mark the presence of a flowing spring.

The sky is clear and the stars shines brightly. The before dawn spring air is hot and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

Garafan

Obvious exits:

North and South

You head south through the horrid desert weather.

Harad Crossroads

The warm, parched Harad, Harnen, and Khand roads merge here from the north, southwest, and east into a single northbound road. To the south lies a small lane leading to a cluster of buildings with glowing windows, strangely out of place in this desolate land. Large palm and coconut trees, and thick bushes surround the southern path and buildings.

The night sky is clear with only slight wisps of clouds overhead. The before dawn spring air is hot and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

Gabbard

Obvious exits:

East, South, North, and SouthWest

You head down the Harnen road.

Rath Harnen

To the north you can just make out a dark line that must be the River Harnen. Around you is short, thin grass and scrub. Even the grass and scrub dies out a few 100 yards to the south and east, leaving a barren warm, parched plain. The pale moonlight lights the Harnen Road--a thin path through the near-desert.

The sky is clear and the stars shines brightly. The before dawn spring air is hot and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

Gabbard

Obvious exits:

NorthEast and SouthWest

You head southwest, toward the city of Umbar.

Rath Harnen

The Harnen road makes a great, wide turn here to the south and northeast. All about is desert, but a cool and moist night breeze from the east comforts you. You can catch just a whiff of salt in the night air...

The sky is clear and the stars shines brightly. The before dawn spring air is hot and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Obvious exits:

NorthEast and South

You head south, the air there is surprisingly cooler.

Rath Harnen, N. Bay of Umbar

The light of Indilzar\'s lantern illuminates a small circle around you. A small, dark, and well-travelled road turns off to the west, apparently to one or more of the fiefdoms surrounding the Great Bay. The surroundings seem to have \'greened\' significantly, though it is hard to tell in the dark of night. Short grass covers the low hills and small, dark, coniferous forests are discernible.

The sky is clear and the stars shines brightly. The before dawn spring air is hot and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

Azragath

Indilzar

Gabbard

Tsu\'gul

Obvious exits:

West, North, and South

You begin to walk towards a tree-laiden area. Their branches appear to block much of the sunlight and offer a cool place for a weary traveler such as yourself to rest.

Rath Caldur--Forests

You can just make out that you are by the edge of a forest. The blackness exuding from its depths is awesome. Because the trees obscure the moon, you cannot make anything else out very clearly.

Contents:

Umbar Forest

Obvious exits:

West and East

You leave the forested regions of Caldur and walk towards the sun drenched and orderful pastures.

Rath Caldur--Pastures

The lands around for as far as the eye can see are desert scrublands reedy desert plants growing out of the blasted wastelands of the desert. Several paths of human as well as non-human tracks lead through the soft molding sands of the desert. The desert lands around you are completely envelopped in darkness. The grass of the pastures whistles softly in the wind of the night. To the west, you can see the glow of a town or city thrusting back the darkness. In the light of the stars, you can make out several tracks some of which are human, some are not. The tracks lead off in all directions through the desert.

Caldur Crossroads

Here along this high ridge the long Rath Caldur stretches out across the desert scrub towards the Harandor, bending on a short trail to the northwest that leads to the hummock surrounding the Citadel. That grim structure hides behind the earthen walls which bristle as a blowfish, sharp wooden spikes facing ever outward. The other road slides off the high ridge and down into the cove that the ridge divides to the north lies a peaceful town, to the south stand the masts of ships at their moorings.

Though peaceful, Caldur is busy during the day. Merchants come and go near-constantly, driving wagon-teams of mule and horse burdened with goods: south they go to have their burdens loaded upon ships, or north to trade in the bazaar. Here pass seamen on shore-leave, desert-robed villagers, happy children, swordsmen in Hassadite brown...

The sky is clear and the stars shines brightly. The before dawn spring air is hot and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

Daerceleb

OOC Transmitter

Naiara

Torus

Halanshil

Vrael

Iossian

Leuthyn

Re\'kha

Obvious exits:

North leads to Main Street of Caldur.

East leads to Rath Caldur--Pastures.

South leads to Caldur\'s Docks.

Northwest leads to Central Hall of Caldur.

It is just before dawn... and the city of Caldur looks deserted. Just to the east of her stands hundreds of tents, errected to house an amry on the move. These tents are breaking down fast now, as scouts have come in to report the movements of the Gondorian army on it\'s way. The predawn is hazed with dust in the mild orangy light even as the men of Harad begin to assemble, horses and footment alike with readiness...

Leuthyn is among those who are active, giving out orders in his silent hand language of his tribe as well as occationally shouting in Varadja. His northern tribesmen and Narakshi go to their horses, already scattering fromt he camp with lances and bows. There are fewer of them now than before.

Iossian maintains a position near the docks, far back on the streets. He stands his ground, scimitar at the ready and watching the movements of the haradrim as he peers eastward towards the inner part of the city.

Trumpets begin to sound in the keep of Caldur, and the troops of Flame Tower, who have been quartered there for the last few days, begin to assemble on the street outside. A figure in a winged helm can be seen walking up and down their lines, looking over the men, and gauging their readiness for the coming battle.

Ar-Aufmuth marches in from the south, the docks, flanked by men of all stature. They wear the colors of Green and Blue, emblams of the Eye decorating their tunics.

The Captain of the Desert Tower, Halanshil stands fast as the on rush of Gondorians charge towards the walls of the keep of Caldur. His small group of men, the only one\'s left of the 200 that first marched from the walls of Umbar with him a while back, watch their commander for some kind of hint, yet the man does not move as the Gondorian army comes closer. As the foot soldiers charge in, the Captain finally reacts and unsheaths his scimitar once more and holds it up to the sky so that it flashes in the sunlight before he jumps forward suddenly towards the on rushing host. His men follow suit with a great yell.

Down into the streets swells a small host of green-clad warriors, the sound of their cries and wild shouting rising over the tops of the city\'s buildings. The noise of fighting breaks out, the dull beat of blad on shield and the clanging of swords echoing clear in the early dawn. The chant of \'Gondor! Gondor!\' is scattered through the masses, growing to ringing chant as they come upon the wall of the keep. Amongst that host moves Keleir, his wearied expression grown taunt and grim with intent as he races to meet the enemy.

Re\'kha, though lacking Desert\'s insignia, charges forward with the rest of the Haradrim. Her scimitar is held high, and a ululating cry tears from her throat.

It is true that very few men remain of the Silver Guard, and still fewer have the will to fight, yet Rorgan rides at their center, sword drawn and raised high in the light as he leans toward the commander of his bodyguard and orders, \"Take them forward. Full charge.\"

The pounding of boots hitting the ground is almost deafening as the armies charge to meet each other. The carrion birds fly over head and their cries are barely heard as the blaring horns of both hosts and the cheers of both armies fill the air.

At Rorgan\'s behest, now comes a half score men in black, bearing the sigil of a Silver Shield upon their proud chests. In the corner of the shield over their heart is the White Tree of Gondor. They ride in a tight cluster around Rorgan with the bald-pated commander in the lead, Azragath Khozadan. He yells in a ruined voice, \"Forward, for Gondor and vengeance!\"

Daerceleb lets out a shout for Seaward and charges towards the mounted Gondorians!

At the forefront charges the Captain of the Desert Tower, while his command forms a wedge behind him. His body is near exhaustion from hard days in the past, but his eyes are now a fire as the thrill of the moment fills him. His eyes take in, once again the visage of the Rangers of Ithelien, and a smile comes to his face as he re directs his small force to charge directly towards their center.

Azragath saws on the reins to drop his mount back, and he falls into pace next to Rorgan. \"As long as I breathe, Tailor, so shall you, upon my honor.\"

The Silver Guard fans out to smash headlong into thrice their number of Haradrim infantry, a great cry going up as one, \"Gondor and vengeance!\"

Rorgan echoes the gravelly urgings of the Commander, \"FOR THE TREE! FOR VENGEANCE!\" as he drops the reigns of his horse and waves his sword toward the onrushing enemy, he raises his voice in a strange language to this land, yet somewhere in the distance it is echoed back. Like two fleas in a sea of dogs, even the Riders of Rohan are represented here.

Upon hearing Azragath\'s words, Re\'kha erupts in raucaus laughter! \"Honor? Where was your master\'s honor when he fled the battle to leave his men to be slaughtered like the rabid curs they are??\"

Confusion fills the streets with the chase of men, the stamp of horses and the rumble of machines causing the ground beneath foot to shake. Dawn grows over the city, the sun\'s pure rays drawing the shadows long over the buildings that two hosts clash between. \"Curse the Southrons!\", comes the cry from Keleir\'s own lips, and his eyes narrow with a terrible hate for what stands before him: the men of the Desert Tower. Recognition follows quickly as he sights upon the figure at the front and to him Keleir makes his way, wielding sword and shield firmly before him.

Rorgan spies the small desert woman and yells out to the Commander, \"She\'s MINE!\" He guides his horse through the noise and clash of the battle ever pressing toward the scimitar-bearing woman, shouting out at her, \"YOU! VILE DESERT VERMIN! TODAY I WILL SALT THE EARTH WITH YOUR BONES!\" His horse carries him onward, even as the Silver Guard fan out in front of him, the men will not engage the woman their employer has so marked.

Azragath spurs his horse forward as Rorgan does, but espies one of the dark-skinned enemy moving to attack the Tailor. Leaning in his saddle, he swings his blade down at Daerceleb, fully intent to cleave off the man\'s arm right at the star tattoo.

Azragath attacks Daerceleb with his Longsword and moderately wounds him!

\"RED HAND, RED HAND!!!!\", escapes from Halanshil\'s lips as he charges home. He then slows a bit when he catches a glance of the Ranger, Keleir charging towards him, yet it is too late for his men to pull up, so they just charge on past their captain while he slows to walk. His feet hit the ground, slower and slower, until he stops and a silence seems to surround the man, before he lets out a yell. His voice carries over the battle field for a moment, before it gets drowned out. And then the Captain is motioning for the Ranger to come on, \"Come heathen, come dance.\"

As Rorgan approaches, Re\'kha laughs again, then moves into a crouch, prepared to dodge the hooves of mount if necessary. \"At least if I die, it will be upon my OWN land. Where do the bones of your men lie, Master of Dogs?\"

Daerceleb sees the attack coming, but not soon enough. He is sliced in the side as he moves towards his attacker with a shout! \"Gondorian pig! You shall pay twice over with your own blood!\"

Daerceleb attacks Azragath with his Scimitar and lightly wounds him!

Rorgan grins a twisted grin, now exposed as the mask falls from his face in the fury of battle as he replies to the woman, \"The bones of my men?! (Expletive Deleted)!!!\" He steers his horse clear of the woman and swings latterally at her head as the horse and rider makes its first pass. He cries out, \"DEATH TO UMBAR\"

You attack Re\'kha with your Longsword...

Your attack against Re\'kha mildly wounds her!

Azragath takes a glancing blow across the shin from his enemy, the blade barely biting into his leather boot. Wheeling his horse around in an attempt to bowl over Daerceleb, he drops the hilt of his longsword toward the man\'s skull, intending to fell him as with a hammer.

Azragath attacks Daerceleb with his Longsword and moderately wounds him!

Daerceleb taking yet another vicious blow the wild eyed Haradrim slices down at his opponents mount, hoping to collapse the horse down on him.

Daerceleb attacks Azragath with his Scimitar and moderately wounds him!

Re\'kha dodges aside tucks herself into a small ball as Rorgan thunders past her. Though she\'s quick, the longsword\'s tip still scrapes across her back. Ignoring that, she comes out of her tuck to slash as the horse\'s hind legs.

ARB: Re\'kha has \"passed\" on her turn to attack.

Seeking his foe through the overrun streets, Keleir comes to a halt before Halanshil while the Captain\'s men move like a river past the Ranger. \"I do not fear your darkness.\", he calls back loud enough to be heard over the din of battle. \"And I will meet it with a steady heart.\" He raises the blade of his sword in a formal motion of challenge to Halanshil and takes the last few paces that will bring him to the man. With a lunge, Keleir sweeps his sword out, intending to hew at the Corsair\'s left side.

Keleir attacks Halanshil with his Longsword, but he misses by an arm\'s length.

Azragath saws on the reins as Daerceleb flays open a wound on his horse\'s flank, the beast screaming in fury. \"Burn you, you bloody fish-gutted son of a dog!\" Gripping his mount with his knees, he leans out in his saddle, counterbalancing with boots jammed into the stirrups. His longsword goes out in a singing arc, down at Daerceleb\'s dark-skinned neck.

Azragath attacks Daerceleb with his Longsword, but Daerceleb parries the attack with his shield!

The Desert Woman\'s scimitar misses hamstringing the giant chestnut by a hair\'s breadth, but the wound is great enough that even the stalwart war horse throws it\'s rider, and Rorgan flies from the horse, landing face down on the ground. He rolls to his feet and turns to face the Desert woman, making a small \'come and get it\' gesture with his sword and shield.

You forego your chance to attack.

Daerceleb seeing the attack raise his shield towards the incoming sword, and uses Azragath\'s on momentum to carry him off the horse and onto Daer\'s ready blade!

Daerceleb attacks Azragath with his Scimitar, but Azragath parries the attack with his shield!

Grinning, Re\'kha raises her scimitar in a salute to Rorgan, before charging forward. She sweeps the weapon sideways, aiming for his swordarm.

Re\'kha attacks you with her Scimitar!...

..and she hits! Ouch!

Azragath twists in his saddle, bringing down his shield to block the blow from his enemy. The dark warrior\'s blade glances off, and he jolts upright in the saddle, hanging on with his knees. Kicking his mount in the ribs, he backs up the animal two steps and brings him crashing down at Daerceleb, intent on trampling him.

Azragath attacks Daerceleb with his Longsword, but he misses by a handspan.

Azragath calls out over his shoulder and through the din of battle, \"Tailor! How fare you?\"

The scimitar of the desert woman glances off the armor on Rorgan\'s arm, but stings him enough for him to emit a small bark before he spins gracefully, ducking down to cut the woman\'s legs from under her. He calls out to the Commander, \"Well enough, twas just a nick!\"

You attack Re\'kha with your Longsword...

Re\'kha parries your attack with her Scimitar!

Halanshil side steps to his right and watches Keleir\'s blade slide past him before pushing his shield out to his left. His feet jump then, to repivot while he brings his scimitar around in an arc, aimed at the Ranger\'s extended sword arm. While attacking though, his balance is lost when one of his own men crashes into him from behind. Even as his blade sails towards its target, the Captain struggles to remain a foot, while his man tumbles away into the battle.

Halanshil attacks Keleir with his Scimitar and moderately wounds him!

Daerceleb jumping back from the oncoming hooves Daerceleb slices in for Azragath\'s left hip, hoping to finally dismount this man from his dread steed!

Daerceleb attacks Azragath with his Scimitar and badly wounds him!

Though the Gondorian\'s blow is well-aimed, it lands on nothing more than Rek\'ha\'s quickly-raised shield. Before Rorgan can pull his arm back to protect himself, she thrusts the sharp tip of her scimitar at the unprotected area under his arm.

Re\'kha attacks you with her Scimitar!...

..and you block her attack with your shield!

The blow from Daerceleb actually slices through Azragath\'s stirrup, wounding his mount as well. The horse rears, and the hapless rider slides from the saddle as the animal\'s tack begins to come undone. \"Now, fool,\" he rasps, \"Lets be done with you.\"

Azragath swings his longsword in fury at his foe\'s ribs.

Azragath attacks Daerceleb with his Longsword, but he misses by a hair.

Rorgan pushes the scimitar of the desert woman down and away from his body with the pommel of his sword as he brings his arm back into himself, still grinning that wolfish grin as he, too makes a strike toward the woman\'s weapon arm.

Daerceleb taking another step back,barely missing Azragath\'s sword, Daerceleb swings hard at his opponents gut hoping to disembowel him and be done with it!

You attack Re\'kha with your Longsword...

Re\'kha parries your attack with her shield!

Daerceleb attacks Azragath with his Scimitar and moderately wounds him!

The tang of smoke and flame is heavy on the air as fires burn throughout the rest of the city as Gondor\'s assault continues in other quarters. The air catches the blade of Keleir\'s sword as his outward stroke toward the Corsair goes astray from the mark. Filled with a red wrath he steps to the side, attempting to avoid the forward move and strike that Halanshil follows with. The Captain\'s stumbling effort is fortunate for the Ranger, giving him the opportunity to bring his shield up between himself and the scimitar. It is still a heavy blow that Keleir receives, nudging him backward into the fray around him and the Corsair\'s blade glances downward to draw a long thin gash upon his leg. A desperate lash back at Halanshil Keleir sends forward at the man\'s shoulder with a deep wordless cry.

Keleir attacks Halanshil with his Longsword, but he misses by a mile.

Azragath drops his shield to catch Daerceleb\'s blow, but the blade still finds its mark and drives into his armor. Grunting from the blow, which was mostly a bruise thanks to the studded leather, Azragath pushes the blade away with his shield and stabs forward with his longsword to impale Daerceleb.

Azragath attacks Daerceleb with his Longsword, but Daerceleb parries the attack with his Scimitar!

An eyebrow quirks in amusement, even as Re\'kha grunts from the impact of Rorgan\'s longsword upon her shield. Rather than swinging her scimitar, she steps directly up to the Gondorian, her nearness making his longsword useless. Pressed against Rorgan she coos, \"Your friend\'s head has gotten a bit messy. And it smells, though probably no worse than before.\" Then she places a kiss upon his lips.

ARB: Re\'kha has \"passed\" on her turn to attack.

Daerceleb quickly parries Azragath\'s sword away then reverses his blade and slices down at Azragath\'s shoulderblade.

Daerceleb attacks Azragath with his Scimitar, but he misses by a mile.

Rorgan roars as the smile is wiped from his face, replaced by a grimace so hideous as to be nearly comical as he shoves the woman away with his shield and brings his sword up and inside her guard to strike at her throat with the very point of it.

The Captain of the Desert Tower, stumbles past the Ranger Keleir as he struggles to regain his balance and he almosts snaps the blade of his scimitar as it hits the ground before him. His shield comes up to protect his shoulder as he flies past and it catchs the full force of the Keleirs blow. A grunt escapes from the Captain\'s lips and he crashes into another ranger\'s back, which luckily steadies his body from falling to the ground. Yet his helm falls over his eyes from the impact and he struggles to quickly rectify his sight problem.

You attack Re\'kha with your Longsword...

Re\'kha parries your attack with her shield!

Azragath cranes his neck to find Rorgan in battle, temporarily distracted from his foe. He sees the odd sight as Rorgan and the woman\'s lips touch, and roars, \"Tailor, this is no time for kiss and tickle!\" With a laugh, he grunts as Daerceleb\'s blade whistles by, attention drawn back to his foe. \"I\'ll show you tickle, you bloody cur!\" He rasps at his enemy and thrusts forward once more at the dark skinned warrior.

Azragath attacks Daerceleb with his Longsword, but he misses by a handspan.

Laughing, Re\'kha lets the force of the man\'s shove move her back as she brings up her shield to block the hasty thrust. Taunting again, she asks, \"What? That displeased you? Perhaps it\'s because you prefer the attentions of other dogs like yourself!\" The final word is accented with a thrust directly towards Rorgan\'s midsection.

Re\'kha attacks you with her Scimitar!...

..and she hits! Ouch!

Daerceleb laughs as he dodges yet another one of his opponents attacks, \"Getting sluggish are we?\" he says in an accented voice as he strikes down at his opponents legs.

Daerceleb attacks Azragath with his Scimitar and severely wounds him!

Indeed Azragath is getting sluggish, bleeding from multiple wounds. This most recent strike from Daerceleb strikes solidly on his left thigh, flaying open the flesh all too well. Groaning, Azragath drops to one knee, feebly stabbing at Daerceleb\'s belly as he does.

Azragath attacks Daerceleb with his Longsword, but Daerceleb parries the attack with his Scimitar!

While the carrion birds fly overhead, waiting for their prey, a new surge of Gondorians arrive from the north, and the Haradrim defenders look to be on the verge of being overun. A cry goes up from the Citadel above and then bells can be heard, great clanging, \"Retreat, back to the walls, back Haradrim.\"

Rorgan begins to twist away from the blow, which tears a nice gash in his shirt, exposing the armor beneath, but not appearing to have penetrated the rings found there. He shifts his weight and growls, \"I\'m taken. Best you remember that.\" He brings his sword around the top of his head, feinting toward the woman\'s shoulder before he drives the blade down hard, toward his real target -- her leg.

You attack Re\'kha with your Longsword...

Your attack against Re\'kha mildly wounds her!

Keleir\'s sword hits Halanshil\'s shield broadside with a loud *clack* and it bounces backward into a numb grip. A grunt from the dunadan joins the Desert Tower\'s Captain, and once more he is at him, sparing little time to allow the man to regain himself and challenge him. The wound on the Ranger\'s thigh spreads red through the fabric of his clothing, ignored. Raising his sword high overhead, Keleir brings it down with a heavy stroke, trying to cleave at Halanshil\'s neck.

The horse of Azragath circles where his rider is in combat, defying any attempt for any man to control him. His tack damaged, the saddle lists to one side. The animal too is damaged, bleeding from two serious wounds.

Keleir attacks Halanshil with his Longsword and lightly wounds him!

Daerceleb slices for his opponents throat, hoping to finish this of and retreat with the rest of the army.

Daerceleb attacks Azragath with his Scimitar, but he misses by a long shot.

Re\'kha grimaces as the blade bits home in her thigh. Through the slit in the fabric, smooth coppery-bronze skin is visible, before the cut wells with blood. She growls and swings another blow, this one high towards Rorgan\'s throat.

Re\'kha attacks you with her Scimitar!...

..and she misses!

Azragath raises his shield to fend off the blow while he struggles to regain his feet. The blade bounces off as hoped, and he staggers forward, blade coming wildly toward Daerceleb\'s neck.

Azragath attacks Daerceleb with his Longsword and badly wounds him!

Daerceleb dodges to the side, but is not quite fast enough, surprised by this mans energy, he takes a mighty cut in his right shoulder causing him to bleed badly. It seems that this battle may finally be taking its toll on Daer.

Halanshil rights his helm, just in time to see the downthrusted blade of Keleir coming towards him. He tries to bring his shield up to block the attack, but he is too late and the counter attack is only slightly deflected by the top of his shield. A loud smack and then a sickening tear can be heard as Keleir\'s blade digs into Halanshil\'s left shoulder and he lets out a shout of agony, before pushing his shield forward and upwards to push his opponents blade away and to the side so that he can swing his scimitar around towards the rangers exposed mid-section.

Halanshil attacks Keleir with his Scimitar, but he misses by a mile.

Azragath gives a triumphant cry as his blade finds its mark, \"How now, worthless cur? You bleed as well as I. Back! Back while you can, you bloody wretch.\"

As the scimitar whips just short of Rorgan\'s retreating throat, taking with it a goodly chunk of the man\'s beard, he sets his jaw and swings again, aiming to cripple the leg he has already wounded.

You attack Re\'kha with your Longsword...

Re\'kha dodges your attack.

The bells above in the citadel continue to ring while the Haradrim start to get pushed back towards the wall. Halanshil looks up suddenly from his fierce confrontation and takes a quick look around before yelling out, \"Back, Back to the Citadel.\"

Despite the blood upon it, Re\'kha\'s leg appears quite steady as she steps back on it to avoid Rorgan\'s attack. Ducking and dodging, the longsword whistles past, it\'s only victim one of the woman\'s flying braids. It lands in the mud, the bead sparkling in the sunlight as Re\'kha finds her smile again and thrusts again towards Rorgan. Much lower this time, as her last miss proved the height disadvantage.

Re\'kha attacks you with her Scimitar!...

..and you block her attack with your shield!

Daerceleb is not prepared to run from this fight quite yet, \"I shant run from someone who bleeds far worse then I! You will not live to fight another day!\" Daerceleb barrels into his enemy with returned hatred and chops for Azragath\'s head.

Daerceleb attacks Azragath with his Scimitar, but he misses by a mile.

Rorgan lowers his shield, placing it to the fore of that vital area women seem to like to strike, and then he sneers as his sword shoots upward, toward the exposed face of his opponent.

You attack Re\'kha with your Longsword...

Re\'kha dodges your attack.

Stumbling backward from Daerceleb\'s tackle, Azragath twists to avoid the man\'s blade. Though he drops to his knees as the other man tumbles, he chops down at Daerceleb\'s back.

Azragath attacks Daerceleb with his Longsword, but he misses by a mile.

Daerceleb thrusts hard one more time to drive back his opponent and makes for the citadel.

Daerceleb attacks Azragath with his Scimitar, but he misses by a long shot.

A look of surprise crosses Re\'kha\'s face as the tip of Rorgan\'s sword nearly splits her nose. In her attempt to dodge, she steps backward and loses her footing, falling onto her back.

ARB: Re\'kha has \"passed\" on her turn to attack.

Daerceleb falls in behind Halanshil as they press for the citadel.

Azragath ducks at the last minute from Daerceleb\'s parting shot, but does not give chase. Panting and bleeding where he kneels in the mud, he watches the retreating warrior with a rueful shake of his head. Haggardly looking about, he whistles for his horse.

With a cry of triumph, Rorgan steps forward, placing one of his giant feet atop the woman\'s scimitar as he lowers his blade toward her throat he utters, \"Surrender or die, desert witch!\"

You forego your chance to attack.

Re\'kha\'s eyes widen in apparent fear. Her mouth opens and she meekly answers, \"Neither to you, northern dog!\" Even before she finishes, she releases her trapped weapon and grabs for the tip of the long sword and pushes it away while swinging her shield sideways to strike the back of her attacker\'s knee.

ARB: Re\'kha has \"passed\" on her turn to attack.

The horse that answers to Azragath\'s whistle trots toward the wounded man. Azragath grabs the animals single stirrup to pull himself up, and fairly hauls himself into the saddle like a sack of so many potatos.

Urged on by the success of his blade wounding Halanshil upon the shoulder, and enforced by the pained cry that issues from the man, Keleir quickly bats aside the shield that is pushed out toward him. Knocking it away, the Ranger takes a long step to the right side of the Captain, avoiding the scimitar he aims low at his middle.

Rorgan\'s leg is pushed from under him, but the angle of the blow knocks him forward and the tip of his sword digs into the ground where the woman\'s throat had been only moments before. With a curse he withdraws the blade from the earth and hisses a curse as he regains his balance and straddles the woman\'s weapon where it lays on the ground.

You forego your chance to attack.

Even as Rorgan stumbles away, Re\'kha rolls the opposite direction. Quickly jumping to her feet, she says, \"Perhaps another time, dog!\" and raises her hand in a gesture familiar in many countries. The small woman then turns and runs towards the Citadel.

Halanshil turns quickly to follow his retreating men, but then he notices the Knight standing over his opponent and he breaks away suddenly from his host to try and rescue Re\'kha. He lets out a great yell as he charges down at the knight, hoping if nothing else to get the man to fall back for a moment, so that he can offer the lady a moment of respite.

Halanshil redirects his charge when he sees that the woman has gotten away and he brings up the rear of his retreating army.

Keleir gives chase after the retreating figure of Halanshil, but loses sight of him in the press of bodies that surround him.

Taryn collapses to the ground as Galdorim\'s blade slices a deep cut from the side of her neck, down to her stomach. She moves a hand to her neck, wincing in pain as she curls up on the ground.

Maeghan\'s warhorse prances uneasily as Maeghan rides to give back the spare bandages to the healer Belar.

Ar-Aufmuth stands back as a few Gondorian warriors rush up to him. Saved, a man of the Seward heads to his side and takes one into battle. Ar-Aufmuth quickly lowers down and swings low, taking out the warriors legs. Taking down the man, he stands back up and easily sends the tip of his scimitar through the throat. He screams, \"For YOU, Indilzar! Hahaha!\" He laughs madly.. screaming this aimlessly, without any direction toward the wounded man.

\"AMROTH!!\" cries Elphir. \"AMROTH FOR GONDOR! Caldur falls today!\" His great black steed rears in excitement, and now instead of a flag in his left hand there is a glittering shield. In his right is his sword. The army of Gondor begins its charge, straight at the enemy army that is between it and the citadel. \"Adrazor, today the bell tolls for thee!\"

The Harad army, regardless of how valiant it has fought on the field, are starting to get overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of the Gondorians. A cry goes up once again from the Citadel walls above, \"Back to the walls, Back to the walls!\" On the outskirts of the Battle, Halanshil, Captain of the Desert Tower, runs towards the walls and gate leading to the citadel, the small band of Desert Tower elite trailing behind him, their numbers even smaller now.

Lossaran cannot escape the long arms of his enemy nor flee from his speed and determination to end the scout\'s life. He feels the spear again enter his back and he tries to remain on his feet, no longer even attempting to turn around. He stumbles forward and tries to give him space by moving infront of a seige engine, moving in the opposite direction.

An opening in the group of men that surrounds her is formed, and Naiara takes advantage of the opening to take a look at the battle that rages around her. Only slightly bloodied thus far, she is more annoyed by her own men that keep her from fully engaging the enemy. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees a familiar face nearby - a familiar face that falls beneath a Gondorian\'s blade. Grabbing the attention of her men, she begins to make her way towards Taryn, a couple of her men already preceding her to hold off the Gondorian from further injuring the young woman.

Lossaran tries to flee from Shethu-kal, but he fails!

Blood slicking his side, pride angry and hot at the loss of his folk, routed from their own lands in the north, Leuthyn turns his mare about directly into the mass of Gondorins, charging in among them with his hands free! His mare lathered with her exertion, the Narakshi leans out and makes a grab at a woman who is also horsed and an easy height for him to reach. Dark hands, one of them bloodied, takes ahold of Maeghan and rips her from her horse, trying to lay her over the front of his own even as he knees his small bay mare to turn and angle back outward. The Chieftain lets out a lour whoop, \"\"

Iossian moves into the city from the docks, rubbing the back of his neck and looking about groggily. His senses come alert as the sound of the fighting gets louder and he nears the main battle area. He rushes forward despite the overwhelming forces of the Gondorians. Joining the men at the forefront of the battle, he raises his scimitar, but rather than advance, sticks with them as they flow into their retreat.

Indilzar mounts and says, \"Elphir, my wounds are not grevious, may I ride with you?\"

Shethu-kal does not pull the spear from Lossaran\'s back, even as he is engulfed by charging Gondorians pushing most of his forces back to the walls of the Citadel he seeks the death of the pale skinned stranger in this strange land. Like a vampire who has not fed enough he lifts his spear from the gaping wound in Lossaran\'s lower back to plunge it once more into the man now crawling away from the battle.

Shethu-kal attacks Lossaran with his Spear and terribly wounds him!

Maeghan screams and leans forward to BITE the hand of her attacker, as she is yanked from her horse, Gondorian knights begin to surge towards the pair.

Galdorim looks down at his opponent and frowns. \"This is for Harthad!\' His axe swings down at Taryn\'s neck to try to severe it from her head.

Galdorim attacks Taryn with his Axe, but Taryn parries the attack with her Scimitar!

Ar-Aufmuth nods slowly, backing away, \"The men seem to be multiplying. We need to retreat!\" He says.... to a nearby horse who stands at his side, stranded, left unmanned by the Gondorians.\" His eyes shoot wide open, \"By Udun, you\'re not a beast of mine! You are a traitor!\" And suddenly, Ar-Aufmuth engages into combat with the horse.. slicing the hoof of the horse, the beast gives a loud yelp.. \"Ahhh!\" Screams the lord. He turns his back to the horse and runs!

Weaponless, Re\'kha follows close on the heels of Halanshil, pausing only to claim another scimitar from one of her fallen comrade. Her lips move, perhaps in a prayer for the lost spirit, perhaps in a curse against the man\'s killers. then she is gone.

Naiara races up to where Taryn lies, overcoming her own men and levelling her spear to charge at Galdorim with it - letting loose a bellowing stream of curses at the man - all in the Black Speech of Sauron.

Naiara attacks Galdorim with her Spear, but Galdorim parries the attack with his Axe!

Ar-Aufmuth screams, running, \"The horse! That beast! Gondor\'s most gifted warrior! He comes, to take us all!\"

Taryn opens her eyes for a moment, just in time to see Galdorim\'s axe falling towards her. She musters all her strength and rolls out of the way.

The wave of screming Gondorians washes over the men of Flame Tower. Torus looks confused as the enemy seem to be fleeing from him in all directions.

Ar-Aufmuth stops running and bends over, lifting up a few stones, \"You shall have not the last say, Beast!\" He tosses the stones, though being too far away, he ends up pegging the back of his own men. \"Aaagh!\" He stomps his right foot, then continues running back.

Maeghan screams and leans forward to BITE the hand of her attacker, as she is yanked from her horse, three Gondorian knights begin to surge towards the pair.

Galdorim \'s axe is knocked aside as he tries to decapitate his opponent. He growns deeply as he axe tangles with Naiara\'s spear. He pulls his axe away and tries to get inside Naiara range of the spear. He snaps his axe down at the leg of his new opponent.

Galdorim attacks Naiara with his Axe, but he misses by a handspan.

The prince turns aside to Indilzar as he prepares to charge himself. \"If you die during this attack, Indilzar, your blood is upon my hands. Know this, and make your choice.\" He raises his sword once again, and cries, \"AMROTH! GONDOR!\"

Shethu-kal looks up from his pursuit of Lossaran. His eyes flash rage satiated only partly by the blood his weapon has drunk this day. As he spots his daughter prone upon the ground, and only the High Priestess for her defense he breaks off his attack upon Lossaran and starts a headlong flight through the enemy to where she lies, some fifteen of his remaining body guard trail after him, many bearing evidence of the savagry of battle, many also only adorned with the blood of their victims. These are members of the elite guard and this is what they live for. Within moments the contingent of Black breaks through and the Jiakhu drops to his knees beside Taryn, two tears fall from his eyes as he lifts her body into his arms. His spear lies forgotten upon the earth.

Appearing out of the thick of battle, with a half dozen men of the Silver Guard, his shirt rent and half his beard gone, Rorgan charges his Chestnut stallion, who bleeds from the hindquarters, toward the Harad who has made an attempt to capture the healer shouting over the din of battle, \"UNHAND HER!\" He whips his sword through the air, leading his men onward, attempting to conver the intervening ground before it is too late.

Naiara dances aside as she sees the downswing of the axe, turning to try at least a jab with her spear.

Naiara attacks Galdorim with her Spear and mildly wounds him!

Indilzar sighs and even before he makes his choice a valiant older knight makes his appearance on the field! White haired and grey eyed he wears silver chain and a shield of blue with the emblazoned four pronged star. Mutters come from the knights, \"Sirion... Sirion... Sirion has come!\"

Lossaran collapses to the ground, unable to carry himself forward anymore, his body covered in mostly his own blood. He shakes uncontollably for a moment, almost as if he is sobbing heavily and then his muscles tighten and he moves no more.

Leuthyn knees his mare about expertly but the horse is tiring and lathered. The small mare labors to get ahead of the larger horses as the three Knights turn about at the woman\'s scream. The move is daring and bold by the Chieftain, but true to his heart.... a coup made upon the honor of the men of Gondor by a tribal partly of their own blood. Leuthyn jerks his hand free of the woman\'s mouth and hisses a curse, punching her in the face with his bloody hand even as he tries to make his mare move faster and stay seated upon her!

Sirion rides up and says to Elphir, \"Come son of Imrahil, I shall ride in the stead of the Bragollach! I must make amends for the ills done this day. For light! For love! Entaluva Aure! The Light shall Shine Again!\"

Galdorim winces slightly as the spear head tickles him through his chain. He tries to punch his shield intot he spear of his opponent. His large axe then snaps towards the side of Naiara.

Galdorim attacks Naiara with his Axe, but Naiara parries the attack with her Spear!

During his retreat with the rest of the warriors, Iossian spots a young woman laying on the ground. Starting towards her as the man attacks and another woman jumps towards him, he hesitates. Long enough that the Jiakhu reaches the girl on the ground. Hesitating only a moment more, allowing the fight to continue, he pauses, then apparently makes up his mind as he rushes forward into the battle. Joining her side, he raises his scimitar to Galdorim and cries out, \"Halt or find death at the hands of your betters!\"

The shaft of her spear holds, cracking slightly under the weight of the axe, but it holds nonetheless as it takes the blow aimed at Naiara\'s side. She steps back from him, to get out of the range of the axe while still keeping him within her reach. She swings the spear this time, arcing out at his midsection.

Shethu-kal lifts his head to the heavens as if to let loose an unearthly wail as he survey\'s his daughters wounds. But he is silent, his mouth opens but nothing issues forth, and it is after some moments in this silent scene while his remaining guard struggle to keep the Gondorians from disturbing their Lord he seems to calm. He looks at his daughters killer and laying her head upon the ground he shouts \"Stay High Priestess, get Taryn to safety. This is my fight, I will guard you unto the Keep.\" His eyes flash, his lips curl into a snarl and remain that way as he lunges forward with his bare hands at Galdorim.

Aearwen turns to Baeden, we must get Lossaran, slipping onto her stallion, she grips the reins and kicks her heels into his flanks, dragging the liter behind her. Baeden and two healers jump on horses and gallop after her. Slipping off to knee beside Lossarn, she guides the movement of him onto the liter, ignoring the battle all around her, concentrating only on this wounded young scout. Once he is in place, she rides quickly back behind the rear guard, jumping off the horse befor he is even stopped.

Naiara attacks Galdorim with her Spear, but she misses by a mile.

Shethu-kal attacks Galdorim with his Bare Hands, but he misses by an arm\'s length.

Maeghan spits on the Harad and hisses, \"May Gondor crush you and yours with the heel of her boot!\", she reaches upwards with her hands as if to scratch his eyes out, \"I will KILL you before you sleep this night!\", oh my, is that a Gondorian woman, Noblewoman at that hissing and spitting like an enraged feline? Blood runs down her cheek, whether it is hers or her kidnappers is unknown.

The three knights ride hard, gaining a bit of ground as Leuthyn is distracted for a bare moment as his hand strikes their healer\'s cheek.

\"Isilrim!\" Elphir cries as he charges, sword pointed at the enemy. \"Aure enteluva!\" Within seconds, the Gondorian army begins to overrun the Haradrim that straggle near the door. The prince\'s swift steed quickly carries him to the fore of the attack, and they charge the walls of the citadel.

Then the Lord Isilrim takes his great hunting horn from his side and blows upon it and followin gthe van of the Prince they surge past him and into the Citadel itself!

Galdorim glances at his second opponent as he moves aside of the spear. He shakes his head as his axe snaps at the arm of Naiara. \"My better. Gondor shall win the day and burn down Umbar!\"

Galdorim attacks Naiara with his Axe, but Naiara parries the attack with her shield!

Even cut in the rear leg, Ardanne takes Rorgan ever closer to the tribal attempting to carry off the healer. His eyes set in fury as they close, the men of the Silver Guard left behind as the Rohirric steed somehow manages to close with the more nimble Narakshi horse, Rorgan takes a wild swing at the rider (Leuthyn) who has the healer draped across his saddle, roaring, \"LEAVE HER BE!\" even as the blade flashes toward the man\'s body with a heavy blow designed to remove him from his horse.

You attack Leuthyn with your Longsword...

Your attack against Leuthyn mildly wounds him!

Iossian shakes his head quickly, \"Your fate has been decided..\" He dodges aside as the Jiakhu rises and joins the battle, but moves closer to Galdorim, bringing his scimitar in for a quick thrust towards his midsection from the left side.

Leuthyn knees his mare ever onward, finally just breaking free of the confusion and flitting over open ground, hot to head for the east and freedom. The mare laggs though, not bred to carry so much weight - the weight of two people at once.

Near to Maeghan\'s face, at his left side, blood slicks his robes and he must reach down with one hand to draw his long knife from his belt, laying it against her back to steady her so she could not draw his own blade to use against him. Leuthyn shouts, \" ***! ****!\" His mare struggles to catch up with those already before them. A few of his Outriders wait for their Chieftain, hollering and egging him on.

Iossian attacks Galdorim with his Scimitar, but he misses by an arm\'s length.

Rising above the din of battle, the cry of a horn sweeps through the air, and with it comes a warrior bearing a mighty helm indeed -- a helm which glitters golden in the sunlight, and around him are a score of mounted men. The Prince of Dol Amroth has come with his High Guard, and they cleave a path through the press to the front of the battle, and none there are who may stop them!

Naiara steps back as the Jiakhu rushes past her, then shouts to him as she realizes he is weaponless. \"Jiakhu! Take mine!\" She waits for him to turn to her, so as to toss him her own spear.

Ar-Aufmuth stops running, his eyes focused on the gathering far away around the body.. not just a normal body, but the body of Shethu-Kal\'s daughter. He watches.. taking a few steps forward, as if imagining himself there.. suddenly, he feels a push from behind.. With a quick swiftness, Ar-Aufmuth turns and stabs the man in the thigh. \"Lord!\" Screams the man, dressed in the messy garbs of Umbar\'s corsairs. \"Lord, I--.\" \"How dare you!\" Screams Ar-Aufmuth, \"Ar-Aufmuth does not welcome men who sneak up on him during battle!\".. He begins to kick the fallen man, \"Pay for this! Pay for this!.. Now stand! And fight for your land!\"... \"My... My Leg-.. I can\'t--..\" \"Stand up!\" Yells Ar-Aufmuth, then rushes over toward the gathering, leaving the fallen man behind.

Shethu-kal turns around, startled out of his rage by a familiar voice. His eyes lighten a little as he sees the Black Spear of the Dark Citadel being thrown at him. For the moment at least his attention is away from Galdorim.

From somewhere behind him, another horse has caught up with him. A blow is felt upon the Narakshi Chieftain\'s back and causes him to twist to try and see, raising his knife hand to try and block another blow. Leuthyn uses his free hand to hold onto Maeghan\'s hair, kneeing his mare hard to keep her running - but the horse is nearly finished. The four Outriders awaiting their Chieftain raise their bows and blades, shouting at the sky as they hear his yell. They begin to race forward to engage the man pursuing Leuthyn.

ARB: Leuthyn has \"passed\" on his turn to attack.

Maeghan ignores the knife at her back and attacks Leuthyn with her bare hands and nails, screaming curses at him, struggling against her kidnapper, \"YOU KILLED ARAMIS!! I WILL KILL YOU!\"

Shethu-kal picks up a finely crafted spear.

Halvorn comes up the walkway from the bay to the south.

Halvorn has arrived.

Galdorim moves out of the way of Iossian\'s attack. His attention is now on him as he brings his shield in defensive stance. He snaps his axe down and then snips it up towards the side of his new opponent.

Galdorim attacks Iossian with his Axe, but he misses by a handspan.

Ar-Aufmuth continues to rush over to the crowd. \"Black Lord. Your assistance is here!\" He screams, \"Clear the girl out! Take her away.\" He holds up his sword and immediatly begins to sword off advancing Gondorians.

Iossian finds himself alone as the Jiakhu turns at the call of the woman behind him. Facing the enemy alone for a moment, he becomes the target. As the axe finds its way towards his body, he quickly maneuvers out of the way of the strike and raises his scimitar, bringing it down in a crushing blow towards Galdorim\'s left shoulder, but at the last moment veering it to let it go towards the ground and sweeping it towards the man\'s legs.

Iossian attacks Galdorim with his Scimitar, but he misses by an arm\'s length.

Shethu-kal watches as Naiara helps Taryn, seeing that she is safe at least for the moment he turns to face down Galdorim \"You are mine!\" he snarls and with the long spear upraised above his head he leaps, in midflight the spear is swung down into Galdorim\'s shoulder.

Even as the spear leaves her hands, Naiara turns and signals to a Dragoon to pick up Taryn. As he lifts the young woman from the ground and moves towards the Citadel with her, Naiara matches his pace and begins pressing bandages against the gaping wound in Taryn\'s throat.

Shethu-kal attacks Galdorim with his Spear, but he misses by a handspan.

Face set more grim than ever, Rorgan urges his wounded mount to keep pace with the man carrying away Maeghan, and knowing that the bowmen will have no shot with them in such close proximity to one another, he pushes the larger horse in close and shoves at the rider with his shield, even as he drops his sword and grabs for the back of the woman with his other hand, trying to pull her free from the man\'s grasp while he is still distracted by the wound.

You forego your chance to attack.

Ar-Aufmuth paces backwards, his back to Taryn, Nai, and the rest.. His eyes keep on the fight between Shethu-Kal and his foe..

Galdorim moves a side and swats the attacks that are coming at him. His face is one of harden concentration as he tries to keep both of his opponent\'s activities in sight. He start to back towards the citadel that the Gondoran\'s have taken as his axe snaps at the weapon arm of Iossian.

Galdorim attacks Iossian with his Axe and moderately wounds him!

Leuthyn is distracted by the woman clawing at him, not reaching his horridly scarred face but nonetheless painfully jabbing him in his injured leg and side even if she doesn\'t mean to. The small Narakshi horse labors all the more heavily to run, her breathing winded and loud as froth coats her neck and between her legs. Blood too begins to color her blowing dark nostrels.

The Chieftain feels the other man\'s tug at the woman and spits at Rorgan, cleaving at the northern man with his deadly long knife, \"Acurssed man! Go back north to your fine city!\" His Westron is thickly accented as he shouts.

ARB: Leuthyn has \"passed\" on his turn to attack.

Slowly, falling like ancient stone pillars the guards of the Jiakhu succumb to the onslaught of the Gondorians, more and more making it past their perimeter to fight atop the fallen body of Taryn. The Jiakhu pays no heed, once more enraptured in the flow and pull of battle. He does manage to shout out \"You man of Umbar, this one is mine. Protect the wounded to the Keep.\" with that he lunges at Galdorim, allowing the longer shaft of the spear to maintain a safe distance from the Axe of his enemy. But even the Jiakhu sees sense, his feet do not go so far out that he would stray amongst the enemy. In fact by his stance it would seem he were in fact about to leap backwards.

Shethu-kal furiously attacks Galdorim with his Spear and lightly wounds him!

A scream of pain rips from Iossian\'s lips as the blade contacts his arm, slicing open the leather protection and fortunately for him, drawing a wound open upon the edge of his arm, missing the major veins. Blood flows freely, but not in spurts as his weapon falls from his fingers. He glares with hatred at the man, but falls back in an attempt to flee.

Iossian dodges aside Galdorim, and manages to escape!

Maeghan suddanly twists and reaches to grab the saddlehorn of Rorgan\'s saddle. As she twists she cries, \"Rorgan!\"

The small group encumbered by Taryn\'s unconscious body reaches the shelter of the Citadel, and runs all the faster to get within.

Ar-Aufmuth follows the group in.. guarding them, his back to them, backing through into the citadel.

Off balance as he is, the blow from the long knife, while no real threat to the more heavily armoured areas of Rorgan\'s body, does throw him off balance, and with no free hands to stay in the saddle, he sheds his shield as well, wrapping both hands full of the woman\'s clothing and falling from his own saddle, his weight also pulling the woman free from the Narakshi, even as he tumbles onto the ground.

Torus looks up at the sound of the horn, seeing the golden helm, he cries out, \"There is the foe! Slay him, and the Gondorians will scatter!\" With that, Torus begins to urge his men toward the high guard, to cut them off before they can reach the citadel.

You forego your chance to attack.

Galdorim , seeing the scimitar drop from Iossian\'s hands, grins broadly and now faces the father of the girl he struck down. He grinaces as the spear head tickles him through his chain mail, and tries to snap his axe on the hands of his opponent and he tries to make his way back towards the citadel.

Galdorim attacks Shethu-kal with his Axe, but he misses by a mile.

Shethu-kal pulls back, his feet leaping a few feet to his rear and to the left, still shielded from behind by the remnants of his guard. The longer spear given him by the High priestess allows for a longer distance to strike but with the added weight the spear does not move so quickly towards it\'s intended target, the chest of Galdorim.

Shethu-kal attacks Galdorim with his Spear, but he misses by a handspan.

As the lovely healer woman is jerked free of his grip, her blood red-coppery hair even more brillant a flame than his mare\'s shining hide, Leuthyn cries out in frustration. The sudden weight shift of the woman pulling free off of the left side and the Chieftain\'s reaching out to grab at her proves too much for his exausted mare. The horse stumbles and goes down, the dust raised a great cloud as two men, a woman, and a horse tumble over the hard ground. The northman\'s horse runs free, loose just as the Narakshi Outriders arrive in a flurry of their own dust!

Galdorim pivots his chest so the spear jabs past him. He snaps his axe at the extended arm of Shethu-kal and then continues his retreat towards the citadel that the Gondorian\'s have taken.

Galdorim attacks Shethu-kal with his Axe, but he misses by a mile.

The men of the Silver Guard, hard pressed to keep up with their charge, finally also reach their destination, forming a tight ring around the ground where the greying-blonde Gondorian with only half his beard begins to raise himself to his feet, reaching out for the fallen healer, \"Maeg! Are you well?\"

Down the line of the doughty warriors of Gondor the Prince and his Guard sweep, driving back the foe with mighty strokes where they gather thickly -- tall men, and proud, and their voices rise in ancient song as they slay.

Upon Torus, Imrahil\'s gaze falls then, and sharply he draws rein, and around him, his thanes do likewise. The glittering blade now stained crimson in hue, he holds aloft, and his voice rises in a great cry, \"The Lord of Flame Tower! The day of your doom has come, Man of the South! Umbar shall perish, even as you do!\"

Maeghan lands hard on the ground, \"Ooomf!\", she barely manages to roll away from the hooves of the horse. She reaches around for her bow and arrows which fell off of her back in the tussle, she sits up and looks around confused, apparently quite well she cries, \"WHere is he?! I want to rip his heart out!!\"

Shethu-kal pulls his right arm back, the spear shaft sliding through his hands until it is held at one half height, slamming it against the ground he breaks in two, hefting the now shorter by one third spear in his right hand he whirls it above his head, lashing at Galdorim and then leaping back. The remaining ten guards moving in synch with him as if it were instinct from many battles.

Shethu-kal attacks Galdorim with his Spear and moderately wounds him!

Torus laughs, even as he positions himself to block the path of the Prince, \"Lord of Flame Tower I am, and will be to my death. But Umbar will live on, long after I have fallen. To reach it you must go through me. Strike then, Prince. This field is as good as any other for us to shed our blood.\"

The four Narakshi Outriders give the Knights absolute hell as they harry them, giving their lives if need be to protect their Chieftain. A few more Riders rush back towards them to help but have tired horses and hard ground to cover to get back.

Leuthyn himself has struck ground hard, the arrow in his side giving him much pain. His dark hand reaches up and rips his veils from his scarred face as he sucks for breath where he lays, face down. His small bay mare struggles to regain her feet, a bride in finest tribal breeding lost in this race for she is now clearly unsound and unlikely to survive. For the moment, the Chieftain doesn\'t move from where he lays, stunned and injured.

Galdorim grinaces as the spear head bites into his shoulder. He sees the 10 more guard coming towards him and moves quickly towards the citadel as Shethu-kal jumps back.

Galdorim tries to flee from Shethu-kal, but he fails!

Rorgan barks at the healer as he begins to dust himself off as one of his men hands him a fresh shield and another offers his own sword, \"Maeghan Isilrim!\" He begins to take a stride toward her, but pulls up short as his leg refuses to go where he points it, \"Let him go. We will kill him later.\" Then more to himself than anyone else,

You say, \"I\'m getting too old for this.\"

\"So be it!\" and mighty hooves pounding upon the ground, dust dampened by blood rising in their wake, the Prince\'s war-stallion charges towards the Southron. Alone he comes, the High Guard held back back by a motion from Imrahil, and with a great cry of, \"Amroth!\", that glittering blade rises -- and fell and grim the Son of Adrahil seems as he draws nigh Torus, ere hewing at his head even as he rides past.

Imrahil attacks Torus with his Longsword, but he misses by an arm\'s length.

Shethu-kal rushes forward, the truncated spear held aloft as he charges, the guards moving with him, one more falling to the blades of the enemy as their Lord refuses to leave the field of battle. \"Die scum!\" he shouts and plunges his spear overhand down towards Galdorim.

Shethu-kal attacks Galdorim with his Spear, but Galdorim parries the attack with his Axe!

Galdorim swats the spear of Shethu-kal aside as he moves towards the citadel. He back pedals as he keeps his defensive posture up. He calls towards some of his guardmen. \"Silver Ship company form up and retreat to the citadel!\"

Galdorim tries to flee from Shethu-kal, but he fails!

Torus ducks under the longsword as it cleaves the air over his head. He wastes no time in conversation, but immediately swings his scimitar in a high arc aimed for the Gondorian\'s back, desperate to get his scimitar on the man before he can ride past.

Maeghan looks quiet contrite and rises to her feet. Despite the people watching she gives Rorgan a gently hug and whispers, \"You are correct...I should let him go, it will be better sport to pick him off later...\"

Torus attacks Imrahil with his Scimitar, but he misses by an arm\'s length.

Shethu-kal does not let up on Galdorim. Chasing him down as he did Lossaran so short a time before, but this time there is no respect for a dying warrior but only animal rage as the Jiakhu swings his spear in an effort to cleave Galdorim\'s head in two.

Shethu-kal attacks Galdorim with his Spear, but he misses by a handspan.

Leuthyn struggles to get back to his feet. The armed Outriders press in, giving blade and lance to the mounted Knights, trying to reach their Chieftain. So persistant are these Narakshi, that one slips off of his horse and grabs Leuthyn\'s arm, dragging that dazed man back to the other Rider\'s horses. Shouts go up in their native tongue, but it\'s not Haradaic.

Galdorim moves quickly aside from the spear that is coming down towards him. His men form up and they engage the other ten men and aid Galdorim in his retreat.

Galdorim tries to flee from Shethu-kal, but he fails!

Rorgan smiles to the healer, speaking quietly as the Silver Guard continue to encircle the pair while one of the men retrieves Ardanne, \"If you ever get within bowshot of that man again, you\'ll have me to answer to. I told you you shall have your chance for vengeance, and I am a man of my word.\"

But a pace, or mayhaps two has the Prince rode on past Torus ere he draws rein sharply, his steed rearing, its steel-shod hooves cleaving the air ere it turns whence it had come. Thus it is that the curved blade of the Lord of Flame Tower goes astray, whistling through the air where Imrahil had been but scant moments again. And Umbardacil flashes again in the light, sweeping towards Torus\' shoulder, cold steel wreathed in seeming flames which run down its length.

Imrahil attacks Torus with his Longsword, but Torus parries the attack with his shield!

Shethu-kal continues his pursuit of Galdorim, through the hosts of Gondor. Another of his guards fall beneath the sword, but the remaining ones tighten their perimeter and fight one with dogged determination as if willing to fall to the last man to protect their Lord. The Jiakhu lunges once more at Galdorim, trying to hamstring him to stop his flee.

Shethu-kal attacks Galdorim with his Spear, but Galdorim parries the attack with his shield!

The Narakshi Outriders keep the Knights at bay just long enough to drag their barely conscieous leader up from the dry earth and onto a horse. Then they cry out their howls with whoops and shouts, raising their bows and blades as their horses start off at a gallop for the east and south, towards Umbar. Behind them they leave the woman and the man to their own and a broken Narakshi horse to limp away.

Galdorim snaps his shield down as a few more of the Silver ship company come to aid their Sergeant. One of his men drops but two more take his place. Galdorim contiues his retreat towards the citadel.

Galdorim tries to flee from Shethu-kal, but he fails!

Maeghan grins and hugs Rorgan, saying softly, \"Alright Alright...\", she grins and says teasingly, \"You sound more like one of my Uncles...really my dear your age is catching up with you\", she stands tiptoe and murmers into Rorgan\'s ear

Torus raises his shield just in time to block the blow that sweeps down on him. The shield, taken from a dead knight that had served this very prince, holds, but Torus still staggers under the force of the blow. He raises Carch Angren, and swings the scimitar over his head, aiming for the princely arm that holds the fiery longsword.

Torus attacks Imrahil with his Scimitar and lightly wounds him!

Maeghan whispers, \"But I still think you are young enough to keep up with me...\"

Rorgan\'s eyes fly wide at the whispered words and he grabs the woman by the waist, swinging her in a long embrace before hefting her toward his own saddle, \"Now let\'s get you out of here and somewhere a bit safer.\"

Leuthyn leaves the crossroads headed east on the Rath Caldur, beginning his journey into the long lands.

Leuthyn has left.

Shethu-kal continues his headlong pursuit of Galdorim. His remaining eight guard fight valiantly as they fight broadways through the army of Gondor, one of only a few remaining pockets of resistance. The Jiakhu rushes ahead, getting seperated from his guard as he spots an opening as Galdorim rushes onward. His spear flashing out like a serpent towards the small of his quarrey\'s back.

Shethu-kal attacks Galdorim with his Spear and badly wounds him!

Galdorim cries out with pain as the spear bites through his chain as injures him in the back. A couple of the minas Tirith Guard try to slam into Shethu-kal to try to cover Galdorim\'s retreat. The Sergeant, not looking too well, tries an all out retreat from his vicious opponent.

Galdorim tries to flee from Shethu-kal, but he fails!

Links of mail drop to the ground, thither to lie glittering, or cloaked by dust and trod upon -- blood too, follows in their wake, a few drops, no more, dripping from the thin line marked by the curved blade upon the Prince\'s arm. And yet, no cry does Imrahil give, no sign of the wound he thus bears lightly, and in stern silence he hews at his foe\'s helm with a stout blow.

Imrahil attacks Torus with his Longsword, but he misses by a mile.

A small group of Haradrim breaks from the Citadel, and begins to make its way to the docks. Among that group is Naiara and the Dragoon carrying Taryn.

Ar-Aufmuth follows this group with Taryn.. trudging along with mad eyes.. fighting off those in his way.

Leuthyn leaves the crossroads headed east on the Rath Caldur, beginning his journey into the long lands.

Leuthyn has left.

Shethu-kal lunges, spear held broadside, pushing the Minas Tirith guard out of the way and trampling over them, not letting anything stop his pursuit of Galdorim. What is yet more frightening is that he has lost his earlier rage and fights once more in the cold methodical way, striking down two warriors, not unto death but blood flows from the tip of his spear as it finally gets within range of Galdorim and is swung once more at midlevel.

Shethu-kal furiously attacks Galdorim with his Spear and moderately wounds him!

Torus dodges to his left, the longsword barely missing one of the black wings on the Flame Lord\'s helm. As Torus moves, he sweeps his scimitar from right to left, aiming at the leg of the mounted gondorian.

Torus attacks Imrahil with his Scimitar, but he misses by a long shot.

Galdorim grimaces with pain as the spear tickles his back through his chain mail. His men press the other guard that are by Shethu-kal. A couple more of the drop as they all make it to the bridge of the citadel. Galdorim lets out a sigh of relief as he makes it across the bride on his weak legs intot he citadel.

Maeghan chuckles softly and says, \"No...I need to see to the men...\", her right cheek has begun to turn black and blue and swell..., \"They need a healer...\"

Rorgan nods and continues to lift the woman toward the saddles, \"That\'s exactly what I mean, Milady.\"

Shethu-kal watches in rage as his quarry escapes him through a seeminly impassible wall of Gondorian might. The stones over which he clambered to escape still rock from his rush but he is too far away for pursuit. The Jiakhu finally takes stock of his surroundings and shouts to his guard to make their way to the northwest and thence to Umbar.

Maeghan rests against Rorgan and sighs, \"Lossaran was so hurt, and Indilzar was hurt as well...There were others...\", she starts to smile a bit and winces as her cheek moves

Drawing back, the grey stallion stands with heaving sides, its teeth bared, its nostrils flaring -- and astride it sits the Prince unmarked by the blow of the Southron. A faint nod, and grimly he speaks, \"A worthy foe indeed. Verily the well. You are one who may be fought with honour!\"

And lightly he dismounts, handing the reins to one among the Guard who are nigh, forming a circle with keen lances around the two Lords, holding back any others. And thus, on foot even as the Lord of Flame Tower is, Imrahil leaps forth, swinging the bright blade in a great arc, seeking to cleave Torus\' arm.

Rorgan smiles thinly, \"And you, too, it seems.\" He mounts his _horse_ and begins to move the men back toward where the rest of the healers are working.

Imrahil attacks Torus with his Longsword, but Torus parries the attack with his Scimitar!

Torus stands his ground, and raises his own scimitar to meet the gondorian longsword. Sparks fly when the steels clash. Torus chuckles briefly, for he seems a bit out of breath, \"You as well, Prince. I have seen the backs of two many of your ilk this day, it is pleasure to face one that is not afraid.\" Torus then disengages his scimitar from the gondorian blade, and makes a sudden downward chop against Imrahil\'s left leg.

Torus attacks Imrahil with his Scimitar, but Imrahil parries the attack with his shield!

Maeghan relaxes against Rorgan and murmers softly as they ride towards the healers, her cheek quite swollen and bruised..

Maeghan +whispers to you, \"So we are about done in Umbar aren\'t we...I cannot wait until we can go home to Gondor...perhaps we may actually have a day or so to ourselves...\"

Metal rings upon metal, curved blade upon stout shield, and sparks fly from them, glimmering and bright, to float gently in the air or fall to the ground. And thus, unhurt by the blow which sought to mark his leg, the Prince draws back. A flickering glance he casts upon the raging battle, ere turning back to strike at his blow, swift and sure, the blade flashing towards the Southron\'s chest.

Imrahil attacks Torus with his Longsword, but Torus parries the attack with his Scimitar!

Rorgan nods, \"Perhaps we shall. Or perhaps...\" He pauses, but only briefly, \"You would prefer to spend every day with me, once we get back to Gondor?\" His tone rises at the end, making it a question.

Torus curses as the foeman\'s shield blocks his blow, and he barely manages to raise his scimitar in time to meet the Gondorian\'s riposte. Torus twists his body to bring his weight down on his blade, to force the opposing longsword toward the ground, before suddenly stepping back and bringing the scimitar across to strike at Imrahil\'s right shoulder.

Torus attacks Imrahil with his Scimitar, but Imrahil parries the attack with his Longsword!

Maeghan blinks and pulls back to look at Rorgan, \"I....\", she starts to say, but then stops and then asks, \"Are you asking what I think you are asking??\", she looks quite frankly astonished and shocked (not unpleasantly so)

Rorgan raises a brow and grins, finally, \"As long as it is not out of the question, yes.\" He nods to go along with the verbal affirmation.

Torus curses as the foeman\'s shield blocks his blow, and he barely manages to raise his scimitar in time to meet the Gondorian\'s riposte. Torus twists his body to bring his weight down on his blade, to force the opposing longsword toward the ground, before suddenly stepping back and bringing the scimitar across to strike at Imrahil\'s right shoulder.

Maeghan stares at Rorgan and she begins to giggle, \"After all these years....\", she grins and giggles even more at the irony of the situation, \"And I am asked as our Prince battles...\", she throws her arms about Rorgan\'s neck and nods saying with a smile, \"Only on one condition....that you ask me again properly on the beach in Dol Amroth after you have gained the permission of my Uncle Sirion...\"

Rorgan smiles and nods, \"Of course, Milady. Of course.\" He looks to the men still surrounding them as they ride slowly toward where the rest of the healers ply their trade, \"And some of my men need looked at. I know Azragath took more wounds than he\'s going to let on.\"

Yet again they meet, the blade tempered in the furnaces of a fiery land, and the one forged in long ages past -- years which are now but a dim and fading memory. And those around watch in fear and wonder, the battle of these two lord who bear the blood of Numenor.

But no more, for the Prince draws back now, his gaze intent upon the Lord of Flame Tower. And swiftly he mounts his steed, ere raising his blade in salute, \"My men call to me, Lord Torus, and so I must depart -- but we will meet again ere Umbar falls, this I percieve clearly!\" And wheeling his steed, he cuts a path through the press to the gates, his Guard around him, and men flee before his wrath.

Maeghan nods and really does attempt to get serious, but a smile just wreaths her bruised and swollen face. She gives Rorgan another gentle hug and nods, \"Aye...I must go see to the wounded, alas that we must leave this fair thought to discuss till later...\"

Torus raises his scimitar in salute to the departing prince. \"There will be many battlefields ere Umbar falls. No doubt we will meet on some of them.\" He then turns, and begins to lead his men back toward the ships.

Shethu-kal standing upon a bluff overlooking the battle the Jiakhu of Black calls out from the posse of warriors of his own and other towers that has rallied around his standard now snapping in the breeze. A snarling silver wolf head rampant on a black background. \"Lord Torus, this way. We head for Umbar to regroup!\"

Torus looks up to where Shethu-kal stands, \"What of the Citadel? How does the House Hassad fare? Is there any sign?\"

Shethu-kal shouts back \"We cannot gain entrance to help. I know not!\" the warriors around him continue their press against the Gondorians who so focused on the Citadel do not pay much heed to this small army of rag tag Haradrim and Umbarians.

Torus curses in frustration, then looks about at his men, a sudden thought strikes him, and he calls out, to no one in particular. \"Where is Naiara? Did anyone see which way she went?\"

Shethu-kal sees that Torus seeks for another and though he saw the High Priestess flee towards the ships he says nothing, ordering those in the front to disengage and all the flee towards the forest.

Long distance to Aearwen: Rorgan grins, \"Gondor\'s little match-maker.\"

Torus sends messengers out in all directions, with orders to search for his wife\'s whereabouts, while he leads his remaining men in the direction of his ship.

anding upon a bluff overlooking the battle the Jiakhu of Black calls out from the posse of warriors of his own and other towers that has rallied around his standard now snapping in the breeze. A snarling silver wolf head rampant on a black background. \"Lord Torus, this way. We head for Umbar to regroup!\"

Torus looks up to where Shethu-kal stands, \"What of the Citadel? How does the House Hassad fare? Is there any sign?\"

Shethu-kal shouts back \"We cannot gain entrance to help. I know not!\" the warriors around him continue their press against the Gondorians who so focused on the Citadel do not pay much heed to this small army of rag tag Haradrim and Umbarians.

Torus curses in frustration, then looks about at his men, a sudden thought strikes him, and he calls out, to no one in particular. \"Where is Naiara? Did anyone see which way she went?\"

Shethu-kal sees that Torus seeks for another and though he saw the High Priestess flee towards the ships he says nothing, ordering those in the front to disengage and all the flee towards the forest.

Long distance to Aearwen: Rorgan grins, \"Gondor\'s little match-maker.\"

Torus sends messengers out in all directions, with orders to search for his wife\'s whereabouts, while he leads his remaining men in the direction of his ship.