The Siege of Gondor

Sound of battle, then silence as Fear approached. A great BOOM, not far—not far enough. A dreadful cry, another BOOM!, and twice more, the last with a flash of searing lightning.

The greengrocer’s wife cowered in her flimsy shelter, overturned table leaned against the only undamaged wall. She’d sent her children away with the wains, stayed for her husband, but he (so far as she knew) stood upon the Wall with what remained of the garrison.

She’d thought to die beside him, if need be. Now, it seemed, she’d die alone.

Neighbour’s cock crowed defiance.

Then… Horns! Wild-blowing horns!