Chapter Eighteen: Victory and Waking Up to Friends

Once the horns of Helms Deep had sounded, Kendra and Gimli made their way back down the stairs to the main room of the keep. The uruks had left to go fight the battle outside as there was obviously no one inside to fight. Both made their way outside and out onto the walkway just in time to see the Riders of Rohan come riding down the steep path that Kendra had noticed before. The uruks had given up on fighting those in their midst to deal with the new threat.

Kendra smiled when she saw who was leading the charge. Gandalf the White. And behind him were hundreds of horsemen. Just as the last came off the top of the hill, the sun crested, blinding the creatures. And from there, the battle turned in their favor. Kendra watched as the uruks slowly broke and started running.

"Victory! We have victory!" she heard Theoden shouting over the fading din of metal clashing against metal.

Kendra collapsed on the walkway, her exhaustion finally catching up with her. She watched as the Riders followed the fleeing uruks to the edge of the canyon. They stopped just as the edge, not wanting to go further.

"It is a victory," Kendra said, allowing darkness to claim her once again.

Kendra woke up to find herself covered with her coat. She was laying on a blanket in a quiet room. She sat up, her coat falling to her waist. Kendra looked around, noticing another figure in the room. She smiled when she saw that it was Haldir. He was leaning against the wall, his eyes open though it was obvious he was asleep. He had a bandage around his head, with a little bit of blood staining the white cloth.

Kendra stood up, stretching her tired muscles. Never before had she ever fought like that. And she knew it would happen again. Kendra leaned down to pick up her coat when her movements awoke the sleeping Haldir.

"Good morning, Kendra," he said.

"Good morning, Haldir. Have you been watching me all night?" she asked, putting her coat on.

"Yes. The past few nights, actually."

"Past few. How many nights has it been?"

"About two. The Rohirrim do not wish to leave until most of their wounded are able to make the trek."

"What about the elves? How many survived?"

Haldir hung his head and Kendra suddenly wished that she hadn't asked.

"There will only be about ten going home with me. We lost a good many."

"I am sorry, Haldir. I truly am. I know what it is like to lose men."

"They will be mourned. But, let us not dwell on that right now. I am sure that everyone will want to know that you are awake. You have worried us."

Haldir turned and started out the door. Kendra followed quickly, wanting to make sure that her friends still lived. The shouts of her name quickly lightened her spirits. Hope had been born again.

AN: Thank you for reading this far. There is one more part coming. Look for Going Home where Kendra's journey will end. Will she find her way home? Or will she remain in Middle Earth forever?