The tidings had spread through Eriador that the Nazgul were abroad. For the birds told the elves that they had crossed the River Isen into Dunland and then Eregion, heading north towards the more peaceful lands. From the elven folk the Dunedain of Arthedain heard and Halbarad, a captain of the Dunedain, gathered all who could be summoned in such a short period of time to Sarn Ford where they threw up three low stone walls in the hopes of slowing the riders. Fifty gathered there with their captain and lit fires in between each row. Now the Nine were the deadliest of Sauron's servants and extensions of his evil will. They were kings who fell to Sauron's deceit, accepting rings of power from him and fading to shadows.
Halbarad stood behind the first wall with his kinsfolk. All was still in the night. Even the wind was unmoving. The silence was shattered by a single, long and evil shriek less than a mile up the road. Men tensed and the courage of some began to fail. However the purest of bloodlines and oldest encouraged their comrades and set aside their fear. "Steady, men of Arnor." said Halbarad calmly. Men bent their bows with flaming shafts on their strings. Swords and spears were held ready. They did not wait long for their foes. First the wind came, howling as a fearing beast fleeing great evil and second came the beating of hooves on the packed earth and stones of the road. As the beating hooves grew louder the ringing of the drawing of swords was heard just as the enemy came into view. With the twang of many bowstrings, arrows whistled and the flaming shafts were sent. Just as it seemed that the shafts would strike their targets, one of the cloaked and hooded figures raised his hand and the fire on the shafts extinguished were themselves turned aside as if striking an invisible shield. Another volley followed and another to no avail before the black horses leapt over the first wall, slashing at the defenders behind. Ere long the rangers of the north were routed and scattered to the north, west and east. Not far from the battle field a ranger by name of Eradan lay in the brush with his two companions: an elven lore master of Rivendale, Andrial by name and a dwarf champion of Erebor named Farin. As they lay their, still as stone, one of the nine riders rode forward and stopped on the road as a group of people approached. They were men garbed in rough male and leather. Tall they were and heavily armed and in their midst road a tall man on a large black horse. The man war armor and wore an iron crown that came down to form a mask and covered the upper half of his face, showing only the mouth. The black rider's voice was heard as a rasping hiss, "Agandaur, Steward of Carn Dum our master demands the domination of the North and he commands that you deliver it to him." Aganduar bowed his head and said, "I have foreseen the Master's desires and am gathering orcs from across the north to aide in the city of Fornost." The Nazgul hissed and said, "Do not terry there long, Agandaur. Our master is impatient." "These lands have known peace for far too long. It is time that they are reminded of the name of Sauron the Great." With that, the dark man bowed his head again and turned away as the Nazgul road deeper into Eriador. Not long after they were out of sight, Eradan emerged from the brush with his companions beside him. "We cannot stay here. The enemy may return." said Andriel cautiously. But Eradan shook his hooded head and said, "Both the Nazgul and this Agandaur have pressing matters. They will not return. Something must be done but what, I know not." Farin the dwarf shouldered his large hammer and said, "But an army gathers in Fornost, the Deadman's Dike." All were silent for many minutes. Then Eradan spoke. "We will find my chieftan, Aragorn. He is wise and will know what to do."
They traveled north into the lost realm of Arnor in search of Aragorn son of Arathorn who was chieftain of the Dunedain tribes. Andriel heard from the birds whom she loved that Aragorn was making his way to Bree. Six days after the battle of Sarn Ford they strode into Bree. Upon inquiring about, they heard that Strider, Aragorn's name in those parts, was at the Prancing Pony, a large inn. The three weary travelers strode into the mostly empty parlor. A small group of local men and hobbits ate and drank noisily at a table near the fire and three dwarves sat alone in a corner, muttering together with their tools and axes close. Eradan ignored them all and strode to the darkest corner of the room where a single figure sat puffing on a pipe. The three friends sat down at the table of the hooded and cloaked man who said, "It is good to see you alive and well for our kinsman could not find you after the rout at the ford." Eradan smiled under his own hood. "It is good to see you as well, cousin. It has been some time since we last met. I have news for you. By now I'm sure you have heard that the nine are abroad disguised as riders in black. What they seek, I know not but also we witnessed their lord meeting a man from Angmar called Agandaur. He spoke of an orc army that had been gathering in ancient Fornost. The destruction and domination of the north is it's purpose." Aragorn was silent for many minutes. After puffing long on his pipe he said, "Of the nine Nazgul I already knew and I know of their mission. As well I know of this Arandaur. He is the master of Carn Dum and has been for many years. Do not concern yourselves with the riders. I and a friend are handling them. As for Fornost, I am sure that Elladan and Elrohir will be traveling their soon for they have returned to Rivendale from a hunt in Rhudaur. Go there and aide them however you may." Eradan bowed his head, "We shall."
Just as they finished, the innkeeper and his two hobbit helpers placed meat, cheese, potatoes, bread and even a small bowl of apples before them. Pints of beer they plopped down and the innkeeper said, "Evening masters. Will you be staying here for the night or perhaps a few?" Farin nodded and pulled silver coins from his pouch, saying "Yes, a room for myself and this man and one for the fair lady. Thank you, good innkeeper." As they sat and ate their meals, Eradan spoke in a very low tone. "Tell me of what you know, Aragorn." "Please do not use that name in this land. Here I am called Strider. I cannot say all but I will tell you this: the nine seek an item of the greatest importance to their master. They seek it in the Shire. Gandalf the Wizard said that some hobbits would be along with this item before long and asked that I stay in this area. I learned of Agandaur many years ago when I was hunting wargs in the Ettenmoors with the sons of Elrond. While we hunted their, I went off alone on the track of a group of men. It was not long before I found them. They were the descendants of the men who served the Witch-king long ago - the children of the rebel Dunedain that betrayed the kings of Arnor. I watched as their great chieftain spoke to a man who wore armor and black robes and wore a hood over his face. After many words which I could not hear, they fought and the tall man slew the chieftain of the men of Angmar and claimed his iron crown. They swore allegiance to him and to the dark lord."
Eradan nodded and said, "If Agandaur has gathered the orcs of Gundabad and of the Misty Mountains then he will have a great host. I wonder too if orcs from Mordor have traveled hence to aide in the gathering." Aragorn puffed on his pipe for several moments before saying, "Trolls and wolves will have gathered with them and black uruks of Mordor will likely have gone through the east gate of Moria to gather more goblins from there. The enemy does not allow to stand idle the foul creatures that may serve at his beckoning." Andrial said, "Then the sons of Elrond will be in need of our aide. We will travel their ere dawn tomorrow. Come, let us retire, my friends." Farin and she got up and went to their rooms but Eradan stayed and said, "What item is so important that would bring the Nine from their fortresses - from Minas Morgul and Dol Guldor?" Aragorn leaned in so that their low hoods nearly touched and said in a voice that was less than a whisper, "The weapon of the enemy was found. It is now in the hand of a hobbit from the shire." Eradan's eyes widened in wonder of the news. "The Ring of power! Isildur's bane. How can this be? For even the Wise say that it is lost." Aragorn replied even more quietly, "It was found some years ago. The tale is long and not mine to tell. This hobbit who now possesses it is making his way here to meet both I and Gandalf, though how long it will take him, I know not." "How can you be sure that he will make it without aide?" Aragorn leaned back and spoke a little less quietly. "He will have at least one companion and will be avoiding the road. Gandalf suspects that they will use the Old Forest and the Burrow Downs. By these paths, they should make it here without too much danger." After hearing this, Eradan finished the last of his beer and stood. "I must rest now, cousin. Tomorrow we will go to Fornost. Where shall I meet you again?" "Rivendale though it will be many days before you do. Last I heard, our kin are returning to Sarn Ford. Go there first and aide them how you may." Eradan bowed and retired to his room. Ere dawn the next morning with provision bought from the locals of Bree, the three companions took the north road. As they went, Andrial stopped often and gathered many herbs and water from springs as she went. Part of her mastery was the lore of herbs and plants aside from many secret spells known from the wars against Morgoth and his mightiest servants that were created ages and ages ago. Also she knew many secrets from ancient realms of elves and men and dwarves. With the herbs she made potions that aided in healing, cakes that lasted many a day and strengthened those who consumed them. It was a fortnight from Breeland to the gates of the ancient fortress. As they drew near to the ancient city, they saw the tracks of orcs of many kinds and wargs and trolls from all along the mountains. As Eradan studied the tracks many cries and the sound of steel striking steel was heard from within. Swiftly the three companions ran through the gates and saw many corpses strewn in the first courtyard. Andrial held her staff and long knife ready while Eradan notched an arrow to bow string and Farin grasped his hammer. The ranger also used a pair of long elven blades and Farin ware a crossbow made skillfully by the craftsman of Erebor. The sound of many feet approached and a gate to the inside of some great and ancient building opened. Orcs came forth of many different kinds, from the goblins of the Mountains to the great uruks of Mordor as well as several great orcs that stood taller even than Eradan who was tall and broad even to the standards of the tall sons of Arnor. Swiftly, he loosed an arrow and had another notched even before his first target fell to the ground. With cries the foul beasts charged with raised weapons. The first fell to Farin's hammer as he struck them mightily while Andrial blasted one of the largest with an ancient spell that sent it sprawling, it's neck and spine broken. The fight was fierce as the three warriors cut down many in the group. Even the greater orcs, who were strong and seemed as though they had troll in their blood, fell before them though it took many blows of great strength. Before too long, the orcs fled the way they came and were pursued back through the gate and into an ancient hall. Many times the elf, man and dwarf came upon more orcs and fought them fiercely, driving them deeper and deeper into the fortress. After one particularly fierce engagement, they took a rest. Eradan had a gash on his brow and Farin had taken a shallow wound in his shoulder. Andrial tended them with her potions and they all took some pieces of her cakes. Soon they were refreshed and continued on. The sound of steel on steel had faded though the sound of cries and even the roar of great beasts were heard. As they rounded the corner of a ruined tower and come through a gap in the wall, they witnessed a large group of orcs and wargs and even several trolls surrounding a great guard house that lay in the shadow of the great inner wall of the city. Arrows poured out of the windows and holes in the walls and the orcs tried to flee out of range. The wargs attempted to tear at the bodies of the fallen orcs but were themselves assailed by the arrows of defenders and several fell. Three great trolls lifted their hammers and struck the ruined guard house. Seeing this, Eradan and Farin aimed their weapons with great care in the hopes of striking the weak point beneath the monsters' skulls. Andrial began to work a spell that would cause a section of wall to collapse and allow the sun through. Both arrow and bolt flew, striking and glancing off the thick skulls of a troll and drawing their attention from the guardhouse. Two strode swiftly towards them while the third continued to hammer the wall of the house, causing several great cracks to appear. With a final word of power, a bolt of lightning leapt from Andrial's staff and struck the wall, causing a great gap which the sun came through. The trolls froze as they lifted their hammers to strike. The orcs cried in dismay at seeing them perish and the third troll turned and was struck with arrows and bolts from Eradan and Farin. It raised its hand to cover its face but was struck by more arrows from behind. With a great cry, elven warriors charged from the guard house, running past the troll and attacking the orcs. Two tall warriors who were the same in both look and movement slashed at the legs of the great troll, cutting the tendons and causing it to collapse so that they could thrust their blades into its neck as one, slaying it. Before long, the orcs were driven towards the citadel of the ancient city, leaving the elven company and the three trackers to there devices. The elven princes strode up to Eradan, Andrial and Farin, placing their hands on their breasts and bowing. "We thank you for your aide, friends." said Elrohir. "We were trapped in that building by the hosts." said Eledan. "It is good fortune that we found you for we would not have made it any farther nor do I think you would have survived much longer. How many warriors do you command?" said Farin. "We came with four score warriors here, thinking that they may not have had such strength gathered." said Eledahn. "Though our knowledge was false and it cost us dearly in warriors. Twenty and four are wounded and near as many dead. We have only forty and five left able to fight." Andrial went over to where the wounded were being lade in the grass. "I will aide who I can. I have some potions, salves and cakes that will aide their recovery." From one fair warrior to another she went, doing whatever she could to aide the warriors. When she had finished, a further twelve were able to stand and fight. The rest of the wounded who could not fight were aided by six to take the dead out of the city and a further six guarded them as they went. Those who could fight gathered to the three companions and the sons of Elrond. After some words of the best way to enter the citadel, they prepared to assail it using a secret door in one of the towers of the north walls. Andrial had discovered it many years ago when she studied the ancient cities and fortresses of Arnor, learning many things that even the lost sons of Arnor did not know. As they prepared to leave they heard many harsh orc cries and the howling of many wolves and the roars of trolls. Looking through a gap in the wall they saw that the walls before the Citadel were manned and siege machines were being readied. Seeing this, the elves grew dismayed for the enemies were many and the elves were far too few even at their beginning strength. Again, they debated on how to assail it and decided that and elven captain named Lindale would find a way to keep the enemies attention. The elven bowmen would hide away in the buildings and shoot any that showed themselves, starting with the larger orcs while Eradan, Andrial, Farin, Elladan and Elrohir would find the secret door and use it to enter the walls and make there way to the citadel and slay whoever commanded the host. The shadows were beginning to lengthen as Lindale ordered his diversion to begin and the five leaders slipped away west along an outer wall and northward. As soon as they turned north, they checked every tower with words of power uttered by Andrial. After trying a score of towers, they rested by an ancient fountain, having not yet found the way. Eradan turned to his elven friend and said, "What can you remember from the lore that you studied?" She sat on a large stone and leaned forward on her staff, saying "I remember these words penned by Melbeth the Seer: 'The escape door was made to face the north so that it would be opposite of the main gate. Mine Lord Arvedui commanded that I myself oversee the construction. Therefore, it shall be in the twenty-third tower in that which will have in front of it the great statue of Elendil the Tall holding the Palantir of Annuminus in his left hand and his sword Narsil in the right. Further more, a marking shall appear on the door during the full moon of each month for only such a moon will have the power to rightly reflect off of the enchanted silver that marks it.' That is all that was mentioned about this city. It would appear that the Tower of Amon Sul also had a secret passage as well as many another fortified city of Arnor." Looking into the night sky, they saw many stars and the full moon just beginning to rise. Rested, they moved on but many of the towers had had statues in front of them at one time and now only had the bases with shattered remnants around them. Finally Farin, who was a cunning smith, was able to identify the tower before the moon was even able to cause the silver to shine. "Though even the skilled smiths of Arnor were unable to find it without the aide of the moon, dwarves are even more skilled and can identify precious metal no matter how thinly it is set inside smooth stone." Again Andrial tried words of opening and command to no avail. Then the moon rose to full and the silver began to glow a silver glow. It was the white tree, the seven stars and the crown of Elendil. Yet it was not quite correct, for the crown was tilted on its side. They tried reaching up and turning it with their hands to no avail. Again they settled around the site to discover the answer to the puzzle. Eradan and the elves tried many spells in the language of the west and they did nothing. For an hour they sat there and grew more and more frustrated as the time went on. "We must right the crown, for I am certain that it is the only way to open this door." said Eradan. Suddenly, Farin leapt up and said "Right the crown. To right the crown of Arnor it must be given to the king. Arvedui." he said to the door. The crown shivered but did not move. Then Eradan said, "Aragorn. Ellessar." Then the section of stone that held the crown extended and turned so that the crown was once again righted with a click. Farin pushed on the door and it swung open into the tower. Quickly they entered the tower and the door closed behind them, forming a seamless wall. They went up to the wall top and slew the few sentries there before they would raise the alarm. For cover they headed, so that they may not be seen from the keep. As they searched for a door, they heard the screeching of a great creature. The three elves led the way into another courtyard where a great eagle was chained down to a stone platform. Around it was a handful of orcs who were jeering and poking at it with spears and long sharp sticks. Moving quickly they surprised the orcs. None even had the time to scream before they were slain by hammer and arrow and sword. Then Farin and Eradan knelt and broke the locks that held the eagle down. Immediately it leapt up and spoke in a strange voice. "I thank you, my friends. I am Beleram, warrior in the service of the great eagle Gwahir the Wind Lord. He sent me to track the hosts that left the mountains. As I flew over, I went down to get a closer look and was struck by a stone and fell from the sky. As I lay there stunned, they chained me and began to torment me. I thought I would in time meet a painful end." Andrial, who loved all birds smiled at him, saying "We are glad that we could offer aide. I suggest that you fly low and wait until we are finished here." The great eagle shook his head. "No. I will help you clear the inner walls. If you take out the siege machines, I will do what I can for you." "This plan is good. We will clear the walls of siege machines." said Farin. Beleram took to the air and the five companions entered the innermost court through an open postern gate. A stair was near at hand and they took it up to the wall top. The orcs there were focused on the eagle and getting their machines loaded to bring it down. They did not expect to be assailed for they thought that the wall in front of them held the enemy at bay. As the elf twins fired arrows at all they could see, Farin and Andrial went to work on the machine, breaking it to pieces. Eradan slew three archers that were trying to hit the soaring eagle. From turret to turret they went, slaying orcs and destroying the machines they found their. As they approached a final tower, a ball of fire smote the ramparts near them, causing them to explode. A goblin stood in the turret, a strange and crooked staff in his hand. Screeching in the black speech of Mordor, it sent fireball after fireball at them. While the elf twins, the ranger and the dwarf charged the other orcs defending the final siege machine on the north side of the wall, Andrial assaulted the goblin sorcerer, sending bolts of light against it. Though they did not kill the creature, they did put it on the defensive and it threw up a ward to defend itself. Leaping up the stairs to meet it, she broke through the ward and drove the goblin back against the wall before killing it with a spell of light, causing it to burn as though it were struck with fire. With a heave, the man and dwarf pushed the last siege machine over the edge of the wall and watched it crash. The five warriors turned to the citadel and descended the stairs swiftly. The gate into the citadel was shut and bolted from within. As Elladan reached for it, some force sent him reeling away and to the ground. Elrohir cried and ran to his side. Though he was unhurt, both were dismayed by the ward that covered the gate. Andrial said in the language of her people, "Reveal the ward that I may see it." and immediately a shimmering shadow became visible as though smoke was drifting from the bottom to the top of the gate. "This ward will need to be removed." said Elrohir, "and I fear it take both of us to remove it." said Elladan. Andrial stepped forward and said, "I can remove it, friends." But the elf twins shook their heads, saying "Undoubtedly you are, fair Andriel." said one. "But the two of us working together as one would work more quickly than even one of your great skill." said the other and they turned and placed their hands on the ward, singing in the language of the Eldar. This time, neither were thrown back and a light began to penetrate the shadow. "This will still take time. I suggest we keep an eye out in case more orcs arrive." said Farin, hefting his great hammer. Eradan notched an arrow to his bow string and Andriel drew her long knife. Time seemed to drag on. Suddenly, cries came from the outer wall and orcs began to pour in, including the great hobgoblins of the Gray Mountains who were taller than even the tall Dunedain warriors. Eradan fired arrow after arrow into the coming orcs, slaying one with every shot but it did not even slow them. Dropping his bow on the ground, he drew his blades and he and his companions formed a small arc with only enough room to wield their weapons. No orc that came within reach of Farin had even a chance to strike for he was swift and strong. Eradan defended himself with one of his blades and slew his enemies with the other. Andrial uttered a spell and smote the ground with her staff, causing the orcs nearby to stumble and fall and she leapt upon them, stabbing and slashing them with here long knife. With the sound like a fire burning up and going out, they heard the wards fall behind them and the sons of Elrond turned, stringing their bows and fire arrows swiftly and skillfully. The orcs fell before them and corpses began to pile before the mighty warriors, causing the assailants to stumble. Suddenly, Beleram landed on the orcs like a bolt of lightning, smashing them with his powerful wings and slashing at them with beak and talon. They scattered as rats do when a cat jumps into their midst. Before long, they had fled back the way they had come. After thanking the eagle the, the warriors entered the citadel and he took to the air. Inside the innermost keep was cold and smelled of mold and rot. No orcs assailed them for a long time. Silently they slipped from hall to hall, from stair way to stair way. After nearly an hour, they were near the throne room of the fortress. From the door, they heard voices. "Why am I being disturbed, Tharzog? Did I not command you to defeat these upstarts?" said the voice of a man. The reply was that of an orc with a deep and gravelly voice, "I have sent my warriors against them but they are slain. These enemies must be powerful indeed." An angry grunt was heard and then a deathly quiet voice. "I am returning to the top of this tower. You had better bring these warriors' heads to me or stand ready for forfeit your own." The five hidden listeners heard heavy boots retreating and the sound of an orc bellowing commands. The elf twins turned to their companions, saying "We will go to the top of the tower and face Agandaur. Keep the orcs away and try to slay their captain." Then they turned and ran down another hallway. Andrial, Eradan and Farin burst into the room with a shout. A group of large orcs were in their and a massive brute stood at the foot of some stairs. He was not a hobgoblin but Tharzog was a great orc, the chieftain of Mount Gramm. He roared and the orcs in the hall converged on them. The orcs attacked with angry cries of hatred. Farin rushed towards Tharzog, crushing any who stood before him. Eradan and Andrial stood back to back, killing any who came near them. Before Farin got to him, Tharzog blew a great horn, calling all the orcs in the fortress to him. The dwarf attacked with ferocity that matched the bloodlust of any orc. His hammer rose and fell as he battered at his foe. But Tharzog was a large orc, powerful and cunning. He dodged to the side and blocked the dwarf blows, returning each stroke with a mighty counter. Suddenly, more orcs of all kinds began to poor into the hall. Soon the three were hard pressed to defend themselves. With words of power, Andrial thrust here staff at first one group and then another, sending them sprawling to the ground while Eradan fought madly to slay those on the ground. There backs were against the wall of the chamber. Farin saw his friend in their plight and his wrath grew. With the war cry of his people, he renewed his attacks, driving Tharzog against the wall. With a powerful blow, he shattered the orcs great sword and then stove his head with one final strike. Seeing their chieftain crumple to the ground, the other orcs cried out with dismay and fled, leaving the three companions. None were seriously hurt but all had small wounds which they ignored for the moment, rushing up the stares. When they reached the apex of the tower, they saw the twin sons of Elrond were near death. Elladan lay on his back defenseless and Elrohir was held by the throat of a tall man. Tall as Eradan he was and covered from head to toe in black robes and dark steel armor. On his head sat an iron masked crown. Eradan and his friends leapt forward with cries of rage. Seeing them approach, the tall man released his hold and ran to the edge of the tower and leapt off. They followed him just in time to see a great creature like a massive naked carrion bird fly away with Agandaur on its back. "We will never catch him now." said Eradan. "But I may!" and Beleram swooped over head in pursuit. With baited breath they watched him fly, gaining on the fell beast the bore their enemy. Suddenly, dark clouds formed and lightning flashed from the sky. It grew so violent that Beleram was forced to dive and give up his chase. When he landed on the tower top, he shook his head gravely. "It is no good. I cannot make it through such fell sorcery." Andrial stroked his plumage, saying "It was a valiant effort, my friend." "We must return to our father and bring him the news." said Elrohir. Elladan could not speak for his throat was nearly crushed by Agandaur. Andrial gave him a small flask and said, "Drink it all slowly and your speech should return and your injury be healed." Eradan said, "We will see you in Rivendale. First, I must check on my kinsman for I hear that they are camping at Sarn Ford." Beleram nodded and said, "I must return and report this to my king. Farewell my friends." "Farewell wherever you fair. Until your aeries receive you at your journeys end." said the four companions who were capable of speech together. Elladan bowed with his right hand over his heart. The great eagle took off and the five warriors descended from the tower.