emhirage stalked the wild boar using all of her skill to keep from drawing its attention. She froze as it raised its large head as if to sniff the air, not daring to breathe. Why am I out here, she thought to herself not for the first time that day, I have nothing to prove, he says he has forgiven me. But even as she thought it she knew it was not true. A sudden breeze stirred the long, black hair on her back. She moved to cover herself with her cloak to fight off the sudden chill. The cloak was made of stout wool, but even it could not keep out the cold. The winter had been a hard one, worse then any other in memory. More often then not, the people of Minas Tirith had been forced to seek sanctuary indoors. The cold enough to freeze the sap in trees, some around her bore markings of such explosions. A flicker of movement seen out of the corner of her eye showed her that the boar had continued its trek across the snowy ground. Sighing she slowly arose from her stooped position and followed after the beast.

omething on the ground caught her eye. A piece of red cloth lay on the ground, half buried under the ice. Bending over Semhirage reached down to pick it up. With a gasp she withdrew her hand. That red eye was unmistakable yet she did not know how it was possible. It was the banner of the Sauron. He can't be back, he just can't be… she began in disbelief. Oblivious of the boar not three feet away, Semhirage began to run with no destination in mind, trying to sort out her thoughts. Sauron was killed when Frodo destroyed the One Ring. There must be some other answer, he cannot have returned. He did not. She had almost managed to convince herself before she reached the city, but the sight she saw banished all doubt from her mind.

he battle raged all around her, men fighting Orcs, men fighting men, and even here and there Orcs fighting each other; those she left to their own devices. Bodies littered the ground, the wounded groaning in pain from their injuries and worse was the silence of the dead. So many dead and most appeared to be wearing the tree symbol. Blood covered the ground, giving the impression of red snow. She spared this all no more then a passing glance. With a disregard for the combat taking place around her, Semhirage rushed forward with only one thing on her mind. I must find Larmier. The thought ran through her head again and again as she darted frantically to the palace. He would be out here helping if it wasn't for me. Guilt she thought long buried threatened to overcome her. Now all he can do is sit quietly in his room alone and unprotected. Alone. I'm coming Larmier!

kidding to a halt in front of the familiar door she hastily checked to see if anything was out of place not wanting to be caught in a trap. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary and it was with a light heart that she opened the door.

he stench hit her in the face like a stick between the eyes. The room was covered in blood and small lumpy objects that she coldly discerned must be Larmier. Writing concealed the stone gray wall. It all looked to be rubbish. The usual Orc boasting and tauntings, nothing to explain why. She looked down at her vomit in surprise, she could not remember doing so. With a last regretful glance she turned from the room and went off in search of battle. I could not get to you in time my friend, but I can make those who did this to you pay. Oh, yes they will pay.

houghts of murder and violence lay heavy on her mind as she set off to help her kinsman. Trying to decide which was the best way to slaughter Larmier's killers-she was torn between skinning, boiling, and roasting-she looked up in surprise at the boy calling her name.

he lad looked no more then ten, but it seemed he had been in the thick of the battle. Several scars covered his smooth skin, almost enough to make her weep. "Lady Semhirage, you are needed outside at the front gates. The King has taken a serious wound." Having delivered his message, he promptly turned and headed for the direction which he had just come, disappearing around the corner as quickly as he had come. No doubt to go back to the battle to offer what help he could.

s I should be doing, she thought. Mentally shaking herself from her melancholy, she spoke aloud, "The King, yes I can still help him." She went to turn towards the direction which the messenger boy had come and recoiled back in shock. A party of Orcs were slowly making their way to her, systematically checking each room in hopes of more killing. They had not seen her yet, but if she was spotted she was as good as dead. Offering up a silent prayer, Semhirage slowly and ever so quietly made her way down the hall in the opposite direction she had intended, not pausing to see what damage the Orcs had already done. What was done was done, but perhaps the Gondorions still had a chance to save what was left of their city.

he made for the back way out of the palace that the servants often used. Relieved to find it vacant, Semhirage slipped through the door and was greeted with a hopeless sight. Nowhere was there a Gondorion in sight, save those who were in the company of Orcs as prisoners. Anguish replaced her momentary relief. How was she ever to free all her people, there must be others free. Never once thinking of abandoning her kinsman, Semhirage concealed herself in the fruit cellar and began to think of a plan of rescue.

aiting for cover of nightfall, she set out to put her strategy in action. It was a daring plan, no mistaking that, and it required at least several others to help her out. She hoped it would work, she did not know if she could continue on living with all her people imprisoned and her close friend dead, so for her sake as well as her people's, she hoped it worked.

emhirage trailed after the Orcs much as she had the boar earlier that day. Was it really only this morning, she thought to herself, it seems like ages ago. No matter, I will do what must be done. Determined of her success, she walked with a new spring to her step.

he beasts in front of her, she refused to think of them as anything else, stopped and looked as if they were settling for the night. Fires were built and sentries set out. Very soon the remainder of the camp was asleep. It was time.

arefully she moved into the camp and made her way over to where the prisoners were held. The guards set out to watch them had fallen asleep, but she had planned on that, hoped. Slowly she reached down and cut the bonds of the nearest captive, who happened to be her father's friend Harion. Covering his mouth in case he should shout, she gently shook him awake. His eyes widened in surprise and recognition. She quietly instructed him to help her release the others. There was about one hundred in all. With a small army at her back, Semhirage allowed herself to feel the first real hope in hours. Drawing her hand across her throat in a slitting motion and pointing to the Orcs informed the others what to do. They went about their task with a look of distaste; most did not approve of slaughtering while those they killed slept, but Semhirage knew it was the only way.

ith that done all that was left was to avoid stepping on the bodies of the dead as they hurriedly left the camp. There was much cheering and yelling, quite a few people began chanting her name until all had taken up the cry. Feeling better then she had in days, she went to speak with her king who motioning her over. He had been found among the other captives, unconscious and bleeding from many wounds. With a smile on her face she confronted him, but what he was about to say would take the grin off of her face; permanently.

ith a grim face Aragorn turned to her. "I did not want to worry the others just yet, there will be time enough for worrying in the days to come, but after what you did tonight you have a right to know." Intrigued Semhirage leaned forward. "I overheard the Orcs who watched over me speaking. It seems that the One Ring was not destroyed. Gollum fell into Mount Dhoom and caught onto a piece of rock. He later climbed out, with the ring. By chance a band of Orcs discovered him and took him to the tower. Sauron has returned."

Back