And now Saruman's betrayal becomes complete. The Fords of the Isen River were strategically important. "Only here, south of Isengard, was it possible for large forces, especially those heavily armed or mounted, to cross the river" (p. 356, Unfinished Tales). For there the Isen was shallow momentarily separating into two arms around an eyot. Saruman, attacking from Isengard, had the logistical advantage being able to send forces down both sides of the river should the Fords be held against him. Indeed, Theodred, King Theoden's son, who defended the Fords did not many viable options. If he sought to attack first his forces could be cut off if the enemy came down the other bank. Theodred was not caught completely unaware at Saruman's advance as scouts had noted a mustering of forces at Isengard on the Western side of the Isen. However, the attack did come sooner than expected.
Theodred left a small force to defend the East and West banks but led the main force, nine companies in all (one company of archers) across the Isen to meet Saruman's forces. However, Saruman had not revealed his full strength. 20 miles North of the Fords Theodred won a brief victory but soon realized that he was up against a large force and to his dismay noticed more forces marching for the East side of the Isen in the distance. "He at once ordered a retreat" (p. 357, Unfinished Tales). However, his men could not gain any distance from Saruman's advancing troops and the rearguard under the command of Grimbold often had to stop and engage the enemy. Once the Fords were reached Theodred sent Grimbold to the West bank to stiffen the defense while his men defended the eyot and cover a retreat should the other be overrun.
It was shortly after these commands were given that the enemies on the Eastern bank came upon them. "In its van were some Dunlending horsemen and a great pack of dreadful Orcish wolf-riders, feared by horses. Behind them came two battalions of the fierce Uruks, heavily armed but trained to move at great speed for many miles" (p. 357, Unfinished Tales). The defense of the East banks was destroyed and the Western bank was caught unprepared. They fought valiantly but were eventually driven off. Gaining possession of the banks special companies assailed the eyot and Theodred from all sides. Grimbold could here the sound of fierce fighting and Theodred's voice cry above it all "'To me, Eorlingas!'" (p. 358, Unfinished Tales).
Grimbold led what few Rohirrim he could find and charged the eyot to aid the King's son. Only he and two others made it to Theodred. "Too late. As he came to his side Theodred fell, hewn down by a great orc-man" (p. 358, Unfinished Tales). Grimbold prepared to defend his fallen leader thinking he too would soon be dead. At that dire moment Elfhelm came upon the battle field. He had been summoned some days earlier by Theodred and expected battle but not so soon. He was making for Helm's Deep when his scouts reported two wolfriders roaming unchecked through the lands. Sensing that something was wrong and he made for the Fords as quickly as he could. As evening set in he came upon the signs of battle: unmanned horses and running fugitives.
Though weary Elfhelm's forces surprised Saruman's and quickly gained back possession of the banks. Elfhelm took his men and rushed the eyot where fighting was still hot. "Elfhelm himself, however, sprang towards the knoll; and there he found Grimbold fighting two great axeman for possession of Theodred's body. One Elfhelm at once slew, and the other fell before Grimbold" (p. 358, Unfinished Tales). Stooping over Theodred's body they found him barely alive. His last command was to hold the Fords until Eomer should come. The losses of the Rohirrim were heavy but the Fords of Isen remained in their possession.
After the battle, with time to reflect on what happened, it became apparent that Saruman's chief design was not the capture of the Fords but the death of Theodred. "At the first of the battle all his fiercest warriors were engaged in reckless assaults upon Theodred and his guard, disregarding other events of the battle, which might otherwise have resulted in a more damaging defeat for the Rohirrim. Indeed, had Saruman's forces advanced Elfhelm's company would have been caught in the open and almost certainly destroyed and with a clear advance upon Edoras thereafter. As it was the valor of Grimbold and Elfhelm saved the day.
As the battle cooled at the Fords, Aragorn was leading the Fellowship to the lawn of Parth Galen near Amon Hen on the Western side of the Anduin River. Here he sought to rest for the night before any decision was made about going to Mordor or Minis Tirith. The camp was made and the watch set. No sign of Gollum and yet Aragorn was restless. He awoke fully during Frodo's watch telling him a shadow and threat were growing in his mind. He asked Frodo to draw his sword which confused the hobbit. "'Let us see what Sting may show,' answered Aragorn. Frodo then drew the elf-blade from its sheath. To his dismay the edges gleamed dimly in the night. 'Orcs!' he said. 'Not very near, and yet too near, it seems'" (p. 410, The Fellowship of the Ring).
Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3019, February 25th
Today's reading comes from: Unfinished Tales, pages 355-359 and The Fellowship of the Ring, page 410
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