Rohan.
That day the warm light group in the sky slanted westward.
Large tracts of bright red sunset covered the horizon.
The cold wind howled in the wilderness.
Helm's Deep leads into the vast wilderness.
It's quite busy at this time.
Because from time to time you can see a few, a dozen, or even more groups of cavalry, with large and small bags hanging on their horses, and the packages that keep making a sound like gold and iron as they walk, heading towards the depths of the valley. .
These cavalry are obviously the Rohan hussars.
The battle with the Fangqiang orcs of Isengard started at nightfall last night and continued until this morning.
Until reinforcements from the white-robed wizard Gandalf and Lord Erkenbrand of West Rohan arrived, King Théoden was seriously injured and led his troops to charge.
With the joint efforts of the reinforcements and defenders, the Isengard Orc army was defeated.
Because there were too many defeated troops.
The troops on the Rohan side continued to hunt down the fleeing orcs until the afternoon, and then they managed to hunt down most of Isinger's defeated troops.
As for the remaining ones who escaped, they no longer posed a threat.
Helm's Deep Valley is not close to Isengard, but it's not too far either, which is about two days' journey.
Presumably those deserters will eventually flee back to Isengard.
But that was no longer on Rohan's mind for the time being.
"Bang bang bang..."
The loud sound of horse hooves was accompanied by the sound of gold and iron clashing.
A dozen heavily armed Rohan pelts carried large packages and walked quickly towards the Horn Castle deep in the valley.
When this team of hussars walks away.
It didn't take long.
A lone hussar, fully armed with his head hidden in his helmet, appeared at the mouth of Helm's Deep Valley.
It is different from other hussars.
There are two people sitting on this war horse.
Moreover, not a single package was hung on the horse's back.
On top of that, the horse was moving very slowly.
Completely different from other hussars chasing time.
These two are naturally Morgan and the "female disguised as a man" princess Eowen of Rohan.
Because of Eowen's status.
The two were unable to travel with the other Knights of Rohan.
Even if there were invitations from Rohan leaders and warriors who recognized Morgan, they were turned down by Morgan.
The horses under him walked towards the deep valley at a constant speed.
Morgan looked up at the blood-red sunset in the western sky and suddenly said: "Look at the clouds on the horizon. I heard that such clouds are caused by too many killings."
"There are indeed too many killings..."
Eowen followed Morgan's instructions and looked at the blood-red sky. She seemed to think of something. She was silent for a while before speaking softly.
"But it's finally come to an end."
Morgan nodded and said softly.
"Yeah, it's finally over..."
Éowyn sighed softly and spoke. Her voice was not as lively and cheerful as before, and it was obvious that she had something on her mind.
Morgan is not the first brother, so he naturally knows this.
But just know.
He is not good and will not speak easily.
It has been nearly sixty years since he came to this world, and he has been in love with the elf Tauriel for sixty years.
Although the two have not officially held a wedding until now.
But Tauriel, who gave birth to a son and a daughter for him, had long been regarded as his wife.
Morgan is not an elf, and he does not consider himself to be a very dedicated or single-minded man.
However, he was unwilling to let Tauriel, who loved him deeply, get hurt.
He was even more unwilling to let his lovely daughter Yvonne and well-behaved son Ulysses get hurt.
Therefore, even if Eowen's character really made him attracted.
He didn't intend to do anything to disgrace his wife Tariel.
If you met Eowen before you met Tauriel.
Then there is no need to wait for Eowen to chase him, he will take the initiative to attack.
But not now.
Even if he admires and likes Eowen's personality very much, and her figure is attractive enough to attract him, that won't work.
This is his responsibility as a man with a wife.
Éowyn trailed off.
Morgan didn't answer.
The atmosphere was somewhat silent for a moment.
Only the horses under the two people moved forward quietly and at a steady speed.
This went on for a while.
Eowen suddenly said: "The war has been won. Perhaps His Majesty the King is already preparing to return to Edoras."
"What about you Morgan?"
When Eowen said this, she suddenly turned her head, looked at the man behind her and asked, "What are your plans next...?"
Looking at the fair face and skin exposed in the gap of Eowen's tight helmet in front of her.
Morgan said: "Return to Edolas?"
"No, Your Majesty Théoden will not do that."
"The world is not a safe place right now."
"The great shadow of Sauron of Mordor looms over the free races of the world."
"Someone has seen Morgan's army heading towards the Kingdom of Gondor."
"Under such a turbulent situation, Your Majesty will definitely not return to Edoras now. That would be unwise..."
Morgan shook his head and finished.
Eowen thought carefully and nodded in agreement with Morgan's point of view.
But this was not what she really wanted to ask. He continued to look at the man behind him and asked, "What about you?"
"What are your plans next?"
"I..."
Having said this, Morgan raised a smile and said, "Of course I will continue to stay here, in the Horn Castle."
"After all, the things you promised someone haven't been completed yet, right?"
The words fell.
Éowyn's eyes, hidden in her helmet, immediately lit up.
She immediately remembered what Morgan was talking about, which was that Morgan promised to teach her archery this morning.
She almost forgot about it.
It’s really inappropriate.
"I thought...Morgan, you forgot."
Eowen's expression changed slightly, her tone hesitated for a moment, and she immediately replied calmly.
But at such a distance.
Even Éowyn's head was hidden in the helmet.
Morgan could also roughly see the subtle changes in the expression on her face.
And it could be heard from her tone that she must have forgotten about it.
Thinking of this, the corner of Morgan's mouth immediately raised, and he spoke with a slightly helpless tone: "I will never forget what I promised, even if some people forget..."
"ha..."
Eowyn smiled immediately when she saw Morgan's expression.
She immediately turned her head and said, "I haven't forgotten..."
After saying that, he seemed to have thought of something.
She covered her mouth and laughed again.
After such a fuss, the awkward and silent atmosphere before was swept away.
The two of them then walked towards the Horn Keep talking and laughing.
The air is filled with joy.
...
Middle-earth.
south.
Gondor.
Osgiliath.
As the old capital of Gondor, the most powerful human kingdom in the entire world.
But now, "Osgilias", which is located on both sides of the Anduin River, has only been left in ruins.
But in "Minas Ithil", which was a sister city to the former White City of Gondor "Minas Tirith", the most powerful subordinate of Mordor Sauron, the Witch King of Angmar, the leader of the Nazgul, led the army. Seize it.
"Minas Ithil" became "Minas Morgul".
Since "Minas Ithil" was taken away, "Osgilias" has naturally become Gondor's frontline fortress against Mordor.
At this time, in the ruins of Osgiliath, a dangerous battle involving the Ringwraiths riding fallen monsters had just ended.
Frodo and Sam, the ring bearers with their hands tied, and Gollum, who was stooped and ugly, were standing together nervously.
They were captured by humans a few days ago because of the orders of Denethor, the current ruling prime minister of Gondor.
Now, it's time to face your final fate.
And what can decide the fate of the three of them is right in front of them.
Not far ahead, a tall human warrior wearing armor and a green cloak was arguing with a middle-aged warrior leader next to him.
"Faramir, you know the laws of our kingdom, the laws of your father!"
"If you let them go, you will be punished by death according to the law."
The middle-aged leader persuaded with a serious expression.
The words fell.
Frodo, Sam and Gollum's expressions immediately became extremely nervous.
At this moment, it was not just the three of them who looked nervously at Faramir in front of them.
The other Gondor warriors present looked at Faramir.
The current owner of Gondor, the ruling prime minister "Denethor" only likes his eldest son "Boromir" and does not like his second son Faramir. This is known to many Gondor warriors.
Faramir now plans to disobey his father Denethor.
To forgive and let go of the three Frodos he had captured with his own hands.
If Denethor knew, he would definitely punish Faramir severely or even execute him.
Everyone is waiting for Faramir's decision.
They didn't keep everyone waiting for long.
Faramir took a deep breath, looked at the middle-aged warrior leader in front of him with a firm expression and said, "Then let him execute me."
After speaking, he immediately looked at the two hobbits not far away, looked at the warrior beside him and said:
"Let them go."
Hear Faramir's words.
Frodo and Sam both breathed a sigh of relief.
Gulu, who was in a sorry state and injured, had no expression at all at this time, and no one knew what he was thinking.
"You guys come with me..."
Faramir said and walked forward.
Frodo and Sam followed immediately.
Gollum followed.
After following Faramir, he trudged through the ruined city below for half an hour.
Several people stopped in front of a low ruins passage.
"This is it..."
Faramir pointed to the dim waterway ahead and said, "This is the underground drainage channel that used to be the city."
"Go through here and you can reach the edge of the city on the opposite side."
"There is a forest over there that can protect you from leaving..."
After the explanation, Faramir looked at Frodo again and asked: "By the way, which way do you plan to take to Mordor after walking into the woods?"
Caught two little hobbits these days.
Faramir already knew that the goal of these two men was to go to Mordor and shoulder the extremely important mission of destroying the Lord of the Rings.
This was also the main reason why he felt compassion and wanted to let them go.
"Gulu said there is a way..."
Hearing Faramir's question, Frodo glanced at Gollum and continued: "Close to Minas Morgul, and it extends all the way to the mountain to pass."
Faramir is very familiar with "Minas Morgul", which was once the city of Gondor.
Hearing what Frodo said, he immediately thought of something, frowned and asked, "Cilith Ungoul?"
But looking at Frodo and Sam, they looked confused.
Faramir understood immediately, turned his head, grabbed the weird-looking Gollum by the neck, pressed it against the stone pillar beside him, and asked fiercely: "Chilis Wugo..."
"Is that the name of that road?"
"No..."
"no..."
Gollum, whose neck was tightly strangled, struggled in pain and kept looking at Frodo and Sam aside.
"Yes or no?"
Seeing that the monster refused to speak, Faramir immediately tightened his grip on Gollum's neck.
"yes..."
"Yes, that's right, it's Chiriswugo..."
Gulu struggled to finish.
"snort..."
Faramir snorted coldly. He knew that this monster was dishonest. He turned to look at the two hobbits and said in a deep voice:
"Frodo, they say that the pass above Minas Morgul is inhabited by dark and evil horrors."
"You'd better not go that way."
After the words fell, Gulu immediately struggled to continue: "But there is only one way."
"The master said he must go to Modo, so he must try..."
Faramir looked at Frodo with a solemn expression.
Frodo nodded firmly: "I must try."
The words fell.
Faramir was silent.
He was born in Gondor, grew up in Gondor, and fought in Gondor.
His understanding of the horrors of Modo is too deep.
As the fortress of the Nazgul, Minas Morgul serves as the bridgehead for the attack on Gondor, the most powerful kingdom in Middle-earth. Needless to say, it is terrifying and powerful.
Therefore, he knows better than anyone else the difficulty and danger of Frodo's journey.
He looked at the two hobbits who looked miserable and pale for a long time.
Faramir took a deep breath, raised his hand and threw the monster Gollum aside, looked at the little man in front of him and said solemnly: "Then go, Frodo..."
"With blessings from all good human beings..."
"Thank you..."
"Faramir..."
Frodo and Sam hit the road.
Gollum fell one step behind when Faramir strangled his neck again and pressed him on his head, saying harshly: "I don't know what your purpose is, and I don't want to know."
"But if you dare to lead them into a dangerous place, I will definitely kill you!"
"get out..."
Faramir said harshly, throwing down Gollum and looking at the monster in front of him with a cold expression.
Gulu was afraid to stand up and didn't dare to look at the humans behind him. He immediately crawled towards the waterway in front of him using his hands and feet.
When no human beings can be seen behind.
Gulu's face immediately became extremely distorted.
"Can you take a good look at these injuries on your body?"
"Being scolded, beaten... Is this the master you said would take care of us?"
"No, the master doesn't want this..."
"But he just stood there and watched, unmoved."
"He just had to persuade the human and we wouldn't be harmed, but he just stood there and watched!"
"No, the master doesn't want to hurt us..."
"But he broke his promise!"
"Yes or no!?"
"No, no...don't ask Smeagol..."
"Sméagol doesn't know..."
"Smeagol is in so much pain..."
"The master betrayed us!"
"He's hypocritical, treacherous, and full of lies... We should break his dirty little neck and kill him!"
"Kill them both!"
"Then we take the baby..."
"Then we are the masters!!"
"but..."
"But the fat hobbit, he can tell, he's keeping an eye on us..."
"Then poke his eyes out..."
"Then gouge out his eyes and kill him!"
"No, no, no, it's too risky..."
"That fat man eats a lot, we can't beat them both..."
"Too risky..."
"Then we can leave them to "her"... you know?"
"Yes, it's a good idea to leave it to "her"..."
"What a good idea... Just kill them and we can take the treasure..."
"Then we will be the owners of the baby..."
"well..."
...
night.
Helm's Deep.
Fort Bugle.
The brightly lit city hall and the square were bustling with activity.
Defeated the archenemy Isengard.
Although Rohan's side also paid a lot of casualties.
However, in such a difficult situation in the Kingdom of Rohan, this battle in which a small number defeated a large number is definitely worthy of publicity and celebration.
This is also a celebration that must be held to appease the soldiers, the people, and enhance people's confidence.
At this time, there was a long table at the top of the hall.
King Théoden, with one arm and half of his shoulder tightly wrapped in white gauze, sat at the head of the long table.
Beside him sat Gandalf Morgan, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, several members of the expedition who had made great contributions in the war.
On the other side, sat the lords of West Rohan, Erkenbrand, Éomer, the elf leaders Haldir and Malen who came to help from Lothlorien, and other leaders.
When the banquet officially begins.
When the injured King Théoden stood up with difficulty with the help of the attendants behind him, he raised the goblet in his hand.
"Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa..."
The entire group of people who were eligible to enter the hall immediately stood up.
Théoden raised his glass and looked at Morgan, Gandalf and Legolas and said solemnly: "Thank you for all your sacrifices for Rohan..."
"On behalf of the entire Kingdom of Rohan, I sincerely thank you..."
"Rohan will never forget you..."
"You will always be friends of the Kingdom of Rohan, forever..."
The injured King Théoden said this and drank the red wine in the tall wine glass in one gulp.
Morgan, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and other five people immediately drank all the wine in their glasses.
The next second.
"Pah, pah, pah, pah..."
Deafening applause and cheers immediately broke out inside and outside the entire hall.
The five members of the expedition team stood in the hall and enjoyed the applause and cheers from everyone inside and outside the hall, except for Gimli who blushed a little when he enjoyed the gaze in front of so many people.
Morgan, Gandalf, Aragorn and Legolas all looked calm.
This is the cheer and supreme glory they deserve.
