The Lord of the Rings: Shadows of Angmar
Prologue
By LadyImladris
Fear ran through the very core of Abeliam's heart as a malicious cackle emitted from within the shadows of the depths of Tham Mirdain. Looking up from the body of the High Angmarim Priestess that lay on the stone ground before him, every muscle in his body stiffened as he saw the lithe form walking down the steps.
"Abeliam, be on your guard." Vollstag leaned over confidentially and dropped his voice low. "This witch is treacherous."
Abeliam nodded slowly, watching the advancing form with suspicion. The sweeping folds of her gown poured over the cobblestones like thick crimson blood, freshly spilled in battle. A sickening smile played on her lips as she stared hungrily at Abeliam. Her eyes, though dark and unfocused, appeared to bore into his very soul. Dread filled his body, and he found himself unable to tear his gaze away from the terrifying yet beautiful woman. The warning from Vollstag could not be more accurate. Treachery was but one word to describe this terrifying creature. Neither dead nor entirely alive, there was no knowledge as to the exact limits to her powers.
"Abeliam!" LiNeerthrae's voice reached his mind, frantic with worry. "Her right hand! She has reforged the ring Narchuil!"
His eyes darting furtively, Abeliam confirmed what LiNeerthrae had already known from the rear of the group. It was precisely as Lord Elrond had feared, then. Narchuil had been reforged and was now under the control of Amarthiel. What little hope they had upon entering this forsaken place, was now replaced with the knowledge that Abeliam had hoped he would not have to acknowledge. With the ring, Narchuil, in Amarthiel's possession there was no way of knowing how strong she would become. They would be overpowered. There was little hope of anything other than defeat.
"You have sacrificed much to arrive here." Amarthiel said, sounding almost impressed as she casually inspected the ring on her right hand. "Yet all your efforts are for naught. You are too late. Narchuil has been forged anew." She said mockingly as a dark laugh escaped her throat. "Yet I do not with to seem ungrateful, for you have been a boon companion in all my labors." A smile, sickening and sweet, crossed her features again as her eyes lit up with exhilaration at having the upper hand. "So I will allow you to be the first to fall before Narchuil reborn." The dark, hollow shadows of her eyes bore themselves into his mind's eye and Abeliam winced as the bone chilling cackle from before rang through the halls of Tham Mirdain once more.
"Abeliam!" Somewhere in the distance, Abeliam could almost hear the concerned call of Bainith's voice. It felt almost like a memory, as the eyes of Amarthiel filled his senses. He was unable to see anything else. A white hot flash of pain blazed through his skull as the vision shifted to that of the flaming eye; the Eye of Sauron. Abeliam dropped to one knee, overcome by the blinding pain in his head. His vision finally clearing, he shook his head and glanced at his companions. As they staggered to their feet, he could guess that they had seen the same visions he had. Bainith's voice called out his name again, and he could see Michalas holding him back with a steady hand. Turning, his body tensed with dread as he saw Amarthiel rushing toward him, leaping off of the stone steps with her staff and sword raised high overhead. She was nearly upon him as he turned to bring up his shield in defense. It would do him almost no good, for death appeared imminent.
"Come now!" Her voice bellowed; terrifying and dark as it filled the halls of Tham Mirdain. "Claim your reward!"
