Complete the text with the correct form of the verb in brackets. Use past simple, past continuous, past perfect simple or past perfect continuous. Only use a past perfect form if it is necessary to make the meaning clear.
The Siege of Gondor: 3019 T.A.
The situation in Gondor (BE) desperate by the time the messengers reached Rohan. Sauron’s forces (ALREADY / CROSS) the Anduin river and (OCCUPY) the ruined city of Osgiliath. For months, the soldiers of Gondor (TRY) to hold the river bank, but the enemy was too strong.
By mid‑March, the Great Darkness (COVER) the sky, and the sun (NOT / SHINE) for days. While the citizens (PREPARE) for the worst, Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, (LOSE) all hope because he (SECRETLY / USE) the Palantir to look into Mordor. In the streets of Minas Tirith, people (WHISPER) about the ancient prophecy. They (NOT / BELIEVE) that help would come in time. However, far to the North, the King of Rohan (ALREADY / GATHER) his riders. While the Orcs (BUILD) massive siege towers outside the city walls, the Rohirrim (RIDE) through the night. Gondor (RELY) on this alliance for centuries.
When the horns of the North finally (SOUND) in the distance, the soldiers on the walls (REALIZE) that they (NOT / BE) alone. While the battle (RAGE) on the Pelennor Fields, a new threat (APPEAR) from the river. The Orcs (THINK) that their allies, the Corsairs of Umbar, (FINALLY / ARRIVE). They (NOT / KNOW) that a stranger called Aragorn (ALREADY / CAPTURE) the black ships. By the time the ships (REACH) the docks, the enemy (LOSE) their advantage, and the tide of the war (CHANGE) forever.
