The war against the Black Gate did not come to an abrupt end after the Free Peoples won their victory.
Too many had been wounded, crippled, or killed on this lifeless, dust-covered plain.
The stars above were no longer hidden by dark clouds. They sparkled overhead, shining down on every busy member of the Free Peoples.
Dude, the "Hawkeye" from Pinnath Gelin, had been commanding the archers in their fierce battle against the Half-orcs when a black arrow pierced his neck. He would never return to that lush, fertile valley.
Alger, known for his "unyielding courage," died in the Trolls' first charge. In that moment of desperate danger, he had rushed out with a spear alongside Gondor's Imperial Guard, taking a heavily armored Troll down with him.
Abinas, who had followed Allen for so long, had also lost his life. That steady, seasoned northerner, steadfast and loyal, had died fighting the men of Harad.
Whether they were of noble blood or nameless commoners, the dead were many-far too many, especially among the forces of Gondor, which had borne the greatest pressure.
The Rohirrim had suffered tremendous losses as well. Fewer than half the horses they had brought could still gallop freely, and their casualties were no less severe.
Even the Heavy Cavalry under Allen's command had seen nearly a quarter of their number put out of action in this battle.
Too many people needed a suitable place for treatment, and some soldiers also had to be assigned to guard duty, remaining alert for the enemy's return.
After the great battle, work filled every moment. Yet morale remained remarkably high. This sweeping victory had freed them from their fear of the supposedly terrifying enemy.
Camps for treating the wounded sprang up outside the enemy's gates.
Every able-bodied soldier who was not