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The Warband of Imladris ride West - Part III



 

Battle for the Bruinen Source

And so the riders of the Warband drew rein at the slopes looking down upon the Bruinen Source. The sight that greeted their eyes across the water was that of crude rapidly erected palisades with many badly arranged groups of orcs and trolls beyond. The smoke from the fires caused Khalis’ eyes to weep as his keen eyes naturally sought out any weaknesses in the ranks of the enemy they may exploit. Tagos, Tzel and Galrandir were already riding down to get a closer perspective of what lay before them, Tagos was soon coordinating the archers. Contact was quickly made with the sons of Lord Elrond who were pleased to see aid from Imladris so quickly as they sent word to their father.
 
Elladan spoke quietly with Khalis for its known that in the past they have spent much time together as Khalis once rode with Elladan’s company. Elladan requested that two of the Warband try to make their way by stealth around the defenses of the enemy and take word to their encampment in Thorenhad that battle was to commence at the ford and for those assembled there to watch for the retreat of the enemy. And so Khalis with the young Irulian left the main party seeking a way through the enemy lines.
 
With everything brought quickly into order Elrohir sounded his horn signalling the attack. The battle was fierce both brothers fighting in the thick of things with the Warband close at hand. The archers of Imladris would bring volleys of arrows like rain down upon any larger concentrations of the enemy that came within range of their deadly arrows. But time and time again just as the forces of Imladris took the ford so another way of orcs and trolls came. Elrohir would always be there charging into the assault trusting to his heritage to keep him safe, but then without warning a volley of enemy arrows hit him sending him reeling from his feet. Seeing him fall those around him quickly erected a shield wall so he could be withdrawn from the battle. His brother Elladan sounded his battle horn signalling the end of battle for this day, and so the forces of Imladris withdraw under cover of their archers who sped up their volleys to encourage the enemy to remain where they were.
 
Just as the sun set Khalis’ ears picked up the sound of the three blasts signalling the withdraw from Elladan’s battle horn. One whose note he knew well from their years together. He quickly threw his shield over his back and spoke with the sergeant at arms who was in charge of the patrol forces of Thorenhad. Khalis then rode with a handful of men back towards the ford with all haste.
 
As the sun created the rise so the horn of Elladan rang out across the ford, one single long note and so battle once more ensued. Elrohir was once more in the thick of things, Amorik and Bishrodir two heavily armoured men among the warband had chosen to assign themselves to the sons of Lord Elrond to offer their shields in defense of enemy archers. The conflict at first maintained the same profile as the day before with the enemy striking in waves. Each time they were beaten back, but each time the numbers and strength of the enemy forces increased. Elisbeth was aglow in rune energies as her eyes sought out those most in need of the healing energies she was channelling, Ridaran stood at her side ensuring that no blades of the enemy came within reach and thus could disrupt her enchantments, his twin blades whirling a mesh of steel to all though who made the mistake of coming too close. Tagos’ eyes as always sought out the most dangerous foe of each wave his arrows always finding their mark with those of Galrandir seeking out the same target. But this day Eireden fought alongside them and with his presence there was a noticeable increase in morale such were Eiredens skills. To the right there came a cheer from the forces of Imladris as a small group of riders with the banner of Imladris riding high rode into the heart of their forces to bolster their strength. Khalis’ eyes sought out Elrohir for he knew his friend would be at the heart of any battle, seeing him he rode his steed hard towards them and slid of his mount landing squarely and firmly at the side of his old companion.
 
Slowly the ranks of the enemy were thinned and then a chant of many voices came in unison as two huge behemoth creatures lurched forward from the enemy lines. A shout rang out from Tagos he was pointing at the rising waters of the Bruinen. Khalis having the attention of these creatures lured them into the wave that was manifesting as all those gathered around mustered all their skill in directing as much damage as they could against one of these creatures.The swords of the Leutha,Maethor from Ridaran, Amorik and Bishrodir weaving patterns of steel at the foot of the first Behemoth. It was no match for the number of attacks single mindedly directed at it and it was quickly felled, and with a cheer the same vigour was directed to the other which quickly had the same fate.
 
As the second behemoth fell there came cries from among the remaining enemy forces who seeing such foul beasts feared the same fate would soon be their own, and with their morale shattered they quickly began to flee the far side of the Bruinen into the surrounding woodland.

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