Storm clouds had been gathering all week as the Orc and FIG forces marched across the Shire to meet the Eleven defenders. This was to be the first major battle on the build up to the Spring campaign, the battle field was to be the site of the Shires Sporting Pantheon.
Aragorn and Frodo had spent many hours preparing for the battle and Eleven and Rohirrim forces now stood shoulder to shoulder awaiting the first wave of attack from the Forces of Darkness. After weeks of planning the Fellowship had set in motion plans that would see the Taxes raised from the Shires people being used to strengthen vital positions across the Kingdom. Additional facilities for young lings, the return of Trees to Fangorn, re-building of the Shires Monuments and the protection of the Shires Coastal defences would all play a crucial role in the securing harmony within the Kingdom . Both Saruman and Sauron knew that the re-building of any part of the Shire would undermine them and in particular the Dark Lords plan's for total occupation of the Shire. This would be a battle that Saruman and his followers would have to win!
As the Orc's approached the Battlefield Aragorn addressed his Army, urging them to stand firm, be strong in the face of fear and trust in the Forces of Light. There was not one soldier amongst them, that didn't accept that the Battle for both the Shire and Middle Earth itself was about to begin!
The first Orc attack was launched at 10 minutes past 7, as the first shadows of darkness fell over the Shire, Sauron gave the order. The Eleven Army watched as Saruman rose in front of his Gobblin Army to launch his first wave of attack, with the witch King at his Right Hand and Sauron over looking the battle field from his Dark Tower, Saruman pushed his forces forward. Wielding his mace the first wave of his Orc army, led by the Orc Commander clashed with the Forces of Light on the battlefield. The Elven line held firm and repelled Sarumans first attack. Legolas, Gandalf, Theoden and Frodo led from the front again and again as three further pincer movements were resisted and finally quashed .
These skirmishes led by the Witch King and then the Orc Commander were prolonged and vicious. The Cenotaph in Erech (Lytham) took a direct hit, but the Elve detachment guarding the Shires southern Coastal Strip fought off their attackers and held the Monument. The Orc's suffered many losses and FIG soldiers now under Sarumans command faltered, Wormtongue had deserted the Battle Field and left his loyal troops to perish.
The Dark Forces were weary and sensing defeat started to withdraw, Aragorn rallied both Elves and Rhohirrim Cavalry against the 5th and Final thrust from the Dark Forces. Two hours of bloody fighting had passed, the Orc and FIG armies were driven back from Gondor to the foot of the Morgai Mountains.
Aragorn and Eomer although bloodied and exhausted led their troops back to Helms Deep knowing that an important battle had been won this day.
Aragorn and Frodo had spent many hours preparing for the battle and Eleven and Rohirrim forces now stood shoulder to shoulder awaiting the first wave of attack from the Forces of Darkness. After weeks of planning the Fellowship had set in motion plans that would see the Taxes raised from the Shires people being used to strengthen vital positions across the Kingdom. Additional facilities for young lings, the return of Trees to Fangorn, re-building of the Shires Monuments and the protection of the Shires Coastal defences would all play a crucial role in the securing harmony within the Kingdom . Both Saruman and Sauron knew that the re-building of any part of the Shire would undermine them and in particular the Dark Lords plan's for total occupation of the Shire. This would be a battle that Saruman and his followers would have to win!
As the Orc's approached the Battlefield Aragorn addressed his Army, urging them to stand firm, be strong in the face of fear and trust in the Forces of Light. There was not one soldier amongst them, that didn't accept that the Battle for both the Shire and Middle Earth itself was about to begin!The first Orc attack was launched at 10 minutes past 7, as the first shadows of darkness fell over the Shire, Sauron gave the order. The Eleven Army watched as Saruman rose in front of his Gobblin Army to launch his first wave of attack, with the witch King at his Right Hand and Sauron over looking the battle field from his Dark Tower, Saruman pushed his forces forward. Wielding his mace the first wave of his Orc army, led by the Orc Commander clashed with the Forces of Light on the battlefield. The Elven line held firm and repelled Sarumans first attack. Legolas, Gandalf, Theoden and Frodo led from the front again and again as three further pincer movements were resisted and finally quashed .
These skirmishes led by the Witch King and then the Orc Commander were prolonged and vicious. The Cenotaph in Erech (Lytham) took a direct hit, but the Elve detachment guarding the Shires southern Coastal Strip fought off their attackers and held the Monument. The Orc's suffered many losses and FIG soldiers now under Sarumans command faltered, Wormtongue had deserted the Battle Field and left his loyal troops to perish.
The Dark Forces were weary and sensing defeat started to withdraw, Aragorn rallied both Elves and Rhohirrim Cavalry against the 5th and Final thrust from the Dark Forces. Two hours of bloody fighting had passed, the Orc and FIG armies were driven back from Gondor to the foot of the Morgai Mountains.
Aragorn and Eomer although bloodied and exhausted led their troops back to Helms Deep knowing that an important battle had been won this day.
Footnote:
Followers of the adventure can view the battle scenes here:
