The Battle of the Red Pass II
We awoke today at dawn; the sounds of insects growing louder. It appears that more arrived in the night, eager to join the coming battle. I sharpened my blade and donned my armour. Kirseth donned her armour and inspected her bow, adjusting the draw. She began to whittled some long branches for arrow shafts, knapped stone for arrowheads and strung feathers to fill her quiver.
Before long, Radagast emerged from his temporary quarters. The encampment fell silent.
"It is time."
We prepared our gear and joined the ranks. Tanner joined my side, looking nervous. I patted him on the shoulder and gave him a smile. "Come on, let us go. You will be fine."
We marched upon The Red Pass. As we made our way further inside, we found ourselves being harassed by the very nature itself. Weeds and vines underfoot tripping soldiers, passages almost appearing and disappearing at random - as if the trees themselves were moving. Eventually we made our way in to Agamaur, The Red Swamp.
A dark sense of dread overcame me, and looking around it appeared that I was not alone. Before long we found ourselves face to face with the cursed men of old. Radagast spoke to their leader, who told of a number of his kin who had joined the ranks of Angmar, serving the Red Maid once more in a twisted way of fulfilling their oaths. Eventually, the cursed men agreed to join the fight - to fulfill their oaths and save the river maiden.
Marching with the dead was a harrowing experience...my heart was filled with apprehension. I have never seen such a thing - to think they were men once. Before the gates of Garth Agarwen, we were met with a force of men. Scruffy-looking men with painted faces, wearing furs and leathers and armed with crude axes. They were evil men - but nothing like the sallow-faced men East of Ost Guruth.
Before we had chance to negotiate, their leader charged - with shouts of, "for the red maid!", and "for Angmar!"
I raised my sword and let out a battle cry - Kirseth and Tanner shouted in response - letting loose their arrows with fierce accuracy. I charged forth, leading a unit behind me.The sound of battle filled the air. I cut down many of their men, slowly forcing through and breaking their ranks. The other units were having similar success. A large man with a long beard and fire in his eyes charged headfirst in my direction. Before I even had the chance to react, he was upon me. He was fast and powerful. His shoulder crashed in to my nose, knocking me back as blood dripped down my face. I regained my balance just in time to raise my sword - his great axe came swinging down with ferocious indignation. Sparks flew as his axe met my blade - I felt the full force of the blow resonate through the blade, my muscles aching in response. We traded blows for what felt like an eternity, his strength forcing me back. As he raised his weapon once more, I took an opportunity to drive a steel greave in to his ribs, causing him to double over. I took this chance to drive the pommel of my weapon down to the back of his head - giving me the space I needed to swing my sword. I took a step back and finally cut him down, falling to one knee as the blow was struck.
I felt two sets of arms embrace me from behind, lifting me to my feet - it was Tanner and Kirseth. I smiled through bloodied teeth, and thanked them both. Kirseth looked concerned, but before I had chance to reassure her - or rest - a low growling voice echoed through the air.
"What is the meaning of this..."
A decrepid mockery of a man with skeletal features approached from the gates...Ivar.
Radagast stepped forward, "So, you finally reveal yourself Blood-Hand"
"You? This shall be interesting", Ivar retorted, before making a sickening "clacking" sound which could be barely described as laughter. He turned his back and began to walk away.
Radagast stepped forward once more, raising his voice - "Stay and face me, cur!"
Suddenly, a bright flash illuminated the area as a strong rush of red water crashed in to our units. Most of us were knocked over, myself included. Radagast recoiled, but kept his balance...but Ivar had gone. We made camp for the night, and tended to the wounded.
