Maximum Ride: Middle-Earth Mutants

Chapter 03: The Prancing Pony.

The Doctor, Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Angel, The Gasman, Total, Sam, Frodo, Merry and Pippin journeyed down the small town, and eventually found themselves at the Prancing Pony.

"This is where Gandalf told you to meet him, right?" asked The Doctor, already knocking on the door. "Open up! We come in peace!"

There was a slight pause, and the door opened. Inside was a packed bar, with people dancing and singing merrily. Max looked at the Hobbits, and could tell that they were scared. The Gasman and Angel were also taking cautious steps forward, keeping as close to the others as possible.

"Hello," Frodo asked the barman. "Have you seen Gandalf?"

"Gandalf?" asked the barman, bending over the bar to look at the four hobbits, and the others. "Tall fella, white beard, pointy hat?"

"Yes, that's him!" Frodo nodded eagerly.

"Haven't seen him for six months," the barman replied, shaking his head sadly. "What can I get you?"

"We'd like two rooms," The Doctor spoke, and the barman turned his attention to the time lord. He flicked out his physic paper and continued. "We've got those free tokens that you've got on offer."

"Free Tokens, I remember those," huffed the barman.

Frodo, unlike the other three Hobbits, who were looking at the Doctor with awe, noticed that a man in the corner was watching them. "Doctor," Frodo asked, "That man in the corner's been watching us ever since we came here."

The Doctor bent down and whispered into his ear. "He's a Ranger from the north, well, from your north, well, from Middle Earth's north. He's got many names, but folks around here call him Strider. Enjoy the party. I've been talking to Angel and she says that everything's safe."

"But you haven't talked to her at all, Mr Doctor, Sir," Sam interrupted. The Doctor tapped his head, and took a beer.

The party was well underway, when Merry yelled, "Sure I know a Baggins. He's over there! He's my cousin, you know!"

Frodo groaned, and The Doctor slapped his own head. Suddenly, Frodo vanished from view, and many of the drinkers gasped, and the Gasman responded by letting three farts out in a row. Iggy pretended to choke, holding his hand to his mouth. "Gas.... Mask!"

"Shut up, Iggy," The Gasman groaned, reaching over to his partner in crime, and punching him in the stomach.

"Mr Frodo!" Sam suddenly shouted, and led the group upstairs. The Flock and the Doctor quickly followed, The Doctor being amazed that Total had kept quiet for this long.

***

Isengard, the tower of Orthanc. This was where Saruman had Gandalf, who was lying crumpled at the top of the majestic tower, watching the destruction of the trees below. However, he was not alone, for the treacherous Saruman spun his staff, sending Gandalf across the top of the Tower.

"My spies inform me that the Time Lord has come," Saruman swished his staff, sending Gandalf to the edge of the tower, the magic the only spell that kept the good wizard alive. "And his companions – the children of time."

"Doctor," Gandalf frowned.

"You know of this Time Lord?" asked Saruman.

"Yes," Gandalf replied, as a great eagle swept underneath him. "And I'm looking forward to meeting him again," Gandalf leapt of Orthanc, landing onto the Great Eagle, who carried him away from the evil tower, ignoring the devastation below.

***

The door burst open, and Sam, Merry and Pippin leapt into the room where Strider and Frodo were. However, The Doctor and the flock remained back, cautious.

"Get your hands of Mr Frodo!" Sam yelled, brandishing a dagger.

Strider laughed, and pulled back his hood. "I meant Frodo no harm, my young friend. I am here to help. I see you have companions on your quest?"

"Yeah, that's us!" The Doctor waved his hand merrily, and led the Flock into the room.

"Hi," the Gasman waved his hand. "I'm the Gasman."

"I'm Max," Max introduced. "This lot are Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Angel and Total."

"And Total is..." Strider looked for the eight companions. He looked down at Total, who was standing on all fours. "I see your dog. Who's your father?"

"Hello, I'm The Doctor!" he waved his hand merrily. "You must be Strider, I presume?"

"Aye. Strider I am. Now, we must be cautious. No doubt that you friend there," Strider indicated Merry, who smiled sheepishly. "Has informed a spy of your location."

"I didn't mean to!" Merry protested, as they could hear footsteps outside.

"We've got company," The Doctor frowned.

"Nazgùl," Strider grimaced.

"Oh, no, Strider, I'm afraid it's more than that," The Doctor moved his hand down his face and frowned again. "But how they got to this world is another question."

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