With a clang, Elrond immediately drew his longsword as well.
"Swish, swish!"
The great elven army of Rivendell instantly readied itself, staring sternly at its lord.
Then came Lothlórien.
Only then did Thranduil ride his great stag a few steps forward before turning around and shouting, "Shield infantry, advance to the front! Your main objective is to defend against those giant insects! Archers, follow closely behind. You must fire from within a hundred feet for your attacks to be effective. You will serve as the main force attacking the giant insects, while the warriors protect and support you!"
"Rumble!"
The sound of elven armor clashing rang out.
"Do not get entangled with them. There are too many of them. We must wait for Gondor and the armies from the other regions. This time, our goal is to help our allies break out of their predicament. Retreat in good order the moment you hear the horns!" Thranduil spoke while sweeping his gaze over the entire elven army.
The elves remained silent. Only a few humans who heard Thranduil's words shouted their agreement or cheered loudly.
Then a booming cry rang out: "Charge with me!"
"Woo!! Woo!!"
The elves' horns sounded, accompanied by the horns of Gondor and the Rohirrim on the distant mountain! The horns of the Lonely Mountain followed close behind, and the gates opened with a thunderous boom!
Thranduil, Elrond, and Lady Galadriel led the charge, spurring their horses down the slope ahead. Several divine envoys followed them, then the leaders of the armies from the various regions, and finally the great army that came rumbling down onto the grassland!
Thranduil looked toward the opposite side. The combined army of Gondor and Rohan was even more imposing. A tide of cavalry thundered down the slopes like a mountain flood,