[Orual]

Anhelm smiled as Astalder came up and saluted. "At ease," he said. Astalder relaxed. "It might be the last time you're at ease for a while. The Haradrim are coming, and they're coming fast. I want every man and boy who can fight to fight." He looked Astalder over. "What I don't want is for men who are incapable of fighting to push themselves beyond their limits. You have done an admirable job, Astalder. You don't have to do this if you are still injured. Your honor is secure."

"With all due respect, sir, my honor is my own concern," Astalder said, his voice polite but his eyes firm. "I'll fight alongside you as long as I can stand."

"Stand to fight?"

"Stand on my legs."

Anhelm smiled, his throat tight. This was brotherhood. This was a soldier. He clapped Astalder on the shoulder. "You are the best I have, Astalder. Thank you. I look forward to fighting next to you."

"Look forward--?" Astalder began, but Anhelm was already onto the next thing.

"All men to defense stations. Get the women and children out of here as soon as you can. But once the settlement is secure again, once we've taught the Haradrim that Gondorians don't give up as easily as they think that we do, everyone will come back. If the battle looks like it will take longer than expected, raise the red flag to say that the evacuation is to continue. Take them as far as it takes to keep them safe. The Haradrim, though they harm us, will not harm our women and children."

As he strode around the settlement, a golden feeling of pride rose in him. This was his settlement. His city. It was beautiful and he would defend it. The golden glow was only overshadowed by one feeling: the lust for battle. This would be a glorious war.