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the siege of gondor 1075
who had admitted Gandalf and Pippin less than five days
before, while the sun still rose and there was hope in the
morning.
‘There is no news of the Rohirrim,’ he said. ‘Rohan will
not come now. Or if they come, it will not avail us. The new
host that we had tidings of has come first, from over the
River by way of Andros, it is said. They are strong: battalions
of Orcs of the Eye, and countless companies of Men of a
new sort that we have not met before. Not tall, but broad and
grim, bearded like dwarves, wielding great axes. Out of some
savage land in the wide East they come, we deem. They hold
the northward road; and many have passed on into Anórien.
The Rohirrim cannot come.’
The Gate was shut. All night watchmen on the walls heard
the rumour of the enemy that roamed outside, burning field
and tree, and hewing any man that they found abroad, living
or dead. The numbers that had already passed over the River
could not be guessed in the darkness, but when morning, or
its dim shadow, stole over the plain, it was seen that even
fear by night had scarcely over-counted them. The plain was
dark with their marching companies, and as far as eyes could
strain in the mirk there sprouted, like a foul fungus-growth,
all about the beleaguered city great camps of tents, black or
sombre red.
Busy as ants hurrying orcs were digging, digging lines of
deep trenches in a huge ring, just out of bowshot from the
walls; and as the trenches were made each was filled with fire,
though how it was kindled or fed, by art or devilry, none
could see. All day the labour went forward, while the men of
Minas Tirith looked on, unable to hinder it. And as each
length of trench was completed, they could see great wains
approaching; and soon yet more companies of the enemy
were swiftly setting up, each behind the cover of a trench,
great engines for the casting of missiles. There were none
upon the City walls large enough to reach so far or to stay
the work.