No Last Stand by elennalore

No Last Stand

To Kerûk at the command centre

I hope you are well. Excuse me for this hastily written letter. I took shelter from the great battle but it won’t be for long until bloodshed moves this way. The wrath of the Powers is immense. I have seen that they won’t show any mercy toward our kind.

I witnessed Ancalagon fall like a dark mountain from the sky. A piercing light like one of the Silmarils is moving around the battlefield. My troops were terrified of the light that can burn your skin off if you go near. We lost Asha that way.

I should not frighten you with my stories. I know you have a strong heart but this chaos would be too much for even you. I’m writing to you for only one reason. Please hear me now.

I have inside information: the Lieutenant is nowhere to be found. He should be here with us but he has vanished. I have only one explanation for this: it will be hopeless to continue fighting. I can’t leave the battlefield – but you can still escape. It will be the only hope.

Let me tell you: there will be no last stand. We are already defeated. They will kill everyone except those who are able to escape like our Lieutenant did. The hope of our people will lie in those who survive.

Please hear my words and act before it’s too late. I know this is much to ask. You are not raised to yield. But you must do this! Go as far from this place as possible. Seek the Lieutenant if you can. He will know what to do next. He always knows.

I’ll pray for you. My love.

Gimbu