DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters or place names or the world of LOTR's it is all Tolkien's and no money has been made from this writing.

Chapter 1

The battle for Helms Deep was won and what remains of the fellowship moved back through the terrain to Edoras the great capital of Rohan.

Aragorn, Gimli, Gandalf the White and Legolas were all on horse back riding along side Theoden, King of Rohan and his horsemen. The survivors and the wounded were instructed to stay at Helms Deep where, for the time being, they are safe under the charge of Eowyn shield-maiden of Rohan.

"There is much to be done," said Gandalf, "Many preparations must be made. This is not the end, but only the beginning; if we are to stand a chance then the races of middle earth must band together once more and form a great army. Only then can we defeat the Eye."

"I will collect all Rohan forces to Edoras to face this evil, but I do not hold hope for our allies to form with us. Rohan cannot fight alone Gandalf." said Theoden, as the party reached the gates of the city.

"Nor shall it," spoke Aragorn, "Gondor would come to your aid if only we would call them."

"Gondor is weak, its power is fading with no strong leader it will soon fall, and then we shall have no allies." said Theoden.

All eyes turned to Aragorn who bowed his head.

"I know what I must do. I am ready."

The riders dismounted and walked towards the palace. Gandalf sighed,

"We must find an advantage over the enemy, it is our only chance of success. If only there were some way of knowing what will happen. Then we may embrace it or try to fight it."

"The seeing stones, they could show us..." spoke Legolas

"No." cried Gandalf, "They are too dangerous."

"The elves then." said Aragorn, "The elite have the power of foresight."

"They have all but left for the west and the sea." said the gruff voice of Gimli, "But there could be another way."

The others all turned to Gimli.

"Along the white mountains there lies a series of caves and in them dwells one known as the Elder. My cousins mined those mountains for hundreds of years, and it was said that a single figure was seen walking alone every evening just as the sun disappeared behind the tallest peak. It's said that the Elder can see into the future, whatever future you wish to see, and tells you how to amend bad things from happening."

"This could be no more than some Dwarf fairy tail!" Theoden interrupted,

"This is NO fable, Theoden king!" Gimli replied angrily.

"Calm yourself Gimli." said Gandalf, "I too have heard such stories, there maybe some truth in them, and yet there may be none. The question is can we afford to waist this opportunity. If there is no truth then all will not be lost for the battle will go ahead as planned. However if these tails do have some truth in them, then we may have just found our advantage over the armies of Mordor."

"But who will go to seek out this Elder, if he does indeed exist." Asked Theoden.

"I will go." called Aragorn.

"No my friend your loyalties lie elsewhere, to you kingdom of Gondor." said Legolas. "I will go. I am a swift rider and I shall find this Elder, if they do exist. And if not then I shall return in speed to help you with the great battle."

Gandalf nodded.

"Then the rest of us shall make our plans."

Legolas gathered his things and walked out of the palace.

"If I do not return in two days time then wait no longer for me." cried Legolas as he once again mounted his horse. "I hope this search will not be in vain."

And with that he galloped out of Edoras, and into the wilds.