1st Fan Fic
Disclaimer info: Tolkien is the master who owns all. I am only a humble fan using his wonderful characters for fun only and not for profit.
Summary: AU. What if Saruman was not idle after the fall of Isengard, (book canon). Takes place after parting with Aragorn and his knights.
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Chapter 1: Echoes
From the Return of the King:
"Soon the dwindling company following the Isen, turned west and rode through the Gap into the waste lands beyond, and then they turned northwards, and passed over the borders of Dunland. The Dunlendings fled and hid themselves, for they were afraid of Elvish folk, though few indeed ever came to their country; but the travelers did not heed them, for they were still a great company and were well provided with all that they needed; and they went on their way at their leisure, setting up their tents when they would."
…or so they thought…
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Cold black eyes followed the progress of the riders as they continued northward through the dry, brush-filled landscape. The wind picked up and spread the gold banners and carried the beautiful strains of Elven voices throughout the withered hills.
"They will not be singing for much longer. Then the echoes will fade forever, finally stilled." The sonorous voice intoned softly, each syllable carrying the deep fervor of hidden malice. Black eyebrows narrowed together in anticipation of the coming slaughter.
Suddenly, the tall figure turned and the deep voice barked sharply, "Gethluk, are all the forces in place?" Obsidian eyes scanned the group of increasingly nervous Uruk hai commanders.
Gethluk stepped forward and growled, "All are in place except for Grek's company. They will be ready by the morning. The crebain will tell us when they are ready. We will destroy them!" The Uruk general trembled with eagerness and excitement. His eyes glinted and hand stroked the warbar on the table.
The other Uruks stopped shuffling nervously and lifted their faces to the grey clad figure in front of them. The white beard and hair reflected the ruddy torchlight as he gave the final instructions, "Bring back the golden haired witch and half-breed pretender alive. Slaughter all of the others except for the old man. Save the old man for me." Saruman's long-fingered hand twisted a metal object sitting on his right forefinger.
"Go forth and conquer!"
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In the grey half-light of early dawn, horses stamped their feet waiting for their riders to begin the next leg of the journey. Riders wandered, some talking quietly amongst themselves, others stroking the horses and singing softly. The packs were put away and everyone was prepared to leave except for one hobbit.
"Peregrin Took! Where are you, you little scamp!" Gandalf's voice cut through the morning chill.
"I'm coming, I'm coming! Sorry, Gandalf, I'll be there in a minute." Pippin frantically tried to free his waistcoat from a leather strap attached to a packhorse. Pippin was standing on his tip-toes, trying to unwrap a buckle from a tear on the edge of the coat.
"Here, Master Took, allow me to help you."
Soft, gentle hands reached down and quickly slipped the buckle from the loose thread and the relieved hobbit settled back firmly on his feet and looked up while turning red, "Thank you, Lord Elrond. I just wanted a couple of apples for the ride, that's all."
A small smile appeared on the elf lord's face, "Perhaps, next time, it would be easier to ask someone instead of trying to climb the packhorse's gear and making a mess." Elrond's eyes strayed from the saddlebag twisted askew to a pile of apples lying on the ground at the horse's feet.
Pippin grinned impishly as he picked up one of the apples and handed it to Elrond, "Do you want one?"
Laughing, Elrond shook his head and said "Perhaps you and Master Merry should ride up front were we can keep an eye on you and your high spirits." Pippin quickly picked up the rest of the fallen food and loaded it onto his pony. The column quickly lined up and started the day's journey.
As Pippin mounted his pony and joined Elrond at the front of the column, Galadriel fell in beside Gandalf. "You seem grumpy this morning. Did we keep you up too late last night?" she teased gently.
Gandalf sighed, his face somber and with concern written deep in his eyes. "I am sorry. I have a bad feeling about today. I feel a shadow over the sun and I am not sure where it comes from."
Galadriel's face stilled and her eyes grew distant for a moment. She continued riding quietly then spoke, "I cannot sense anything at the moment. Was there something specific you felt?"
"No, just a feeling of unease. Perhaps I feel only echoes of the past. Perhaps..."