Disclaimer: Same old story, same old characters...A few new twists and turns and I still don't own LOTR or SW.
V I I I
A Journey In The Dark
The day was drawing to an end and cold stars were glinting in the sky, high above the sunset, when the Company, with all the speed they could, climbed down from Caradhras and reached the side of a lake. A dark and murky lagoon, would seem the best way to describe it, as Obi-Wan thought darkly, feeling a shiver running down his spine the moment he laid eyes on the impenetrable, dark waters.
"Well, here we are at last!" Said Gandalf triumphantly. "At the West-door of Moria, built by the mighty Elf-lords for the Dwarves. Those were happier days, when folk of different races used to be friends...even Elves and Dwarves."
Still, the Company saw no sign of any gate or door, only a high wall of solid rock that stood in front of them, about three or four meters away from the murky lake.
"Well, here we are already," repeated Merry. "But, where are the doors? I can see no sign of them."
"Dwarf-doors are not meant to be seen when shut." Said Gimli. "They are invisible and their own masters cannot see them or open them if the secret is forgotten."
Gandalf ignored his chattering companions and walked forward to the wall. The Istar looked up to the moon and passed his right hand to and fro right between the shadow of the nearby trees and the space where the moonlight reflected.
"Look!" Said Gandalf loudly. "Can you see anything now?"
Obi-Wan could barely believe his eyes, as a shimmering, pale silver light began to shine on the stone. Slowly, the figures of an Elven tree and a star appeared on the rock as if a holoprojector had been activated from somewhere deep inside the mines.
"Ithildin," muttered Gandalf under his breath. "Mirrors only starlight and moonlight."
"What does the writing say?" Asked Frodo, fixing his eyes on some brilliant, silver runes that had appeared at the bottom of the rock. "I thought I knew the Elf-letters, but I can't read this…"
"They do not say anything of importance to us." Replied Gandalf dismissively. "They say only: 'The doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak friend, and enter."
"What does it mean 'speak friend, and enter'?" Asked Merry.
"That is simple enough," said the Istar matter-of-factly. "If you are a friend, speak the password and the doors will open, and we shall enter."
"But do you not know the word, Gandalf?" Asked Boromir in surprise.
"No!" Said the wizard, beginning to lose his temper.
"I have a bad feeling about this." Murmured Obi-Wan softly, watching the apparently calm waters of the murky lagoon. "Something's not right. There's something evil here…all around us…"
Legolas fixed his intelligent gaze on Obi-Wan's bearded visage and nodded slowly.
"Then what was the use of bringing us to this accursed spot?" Cried Boromir, glancing back with a shudder at the dark water.
Suddenly, Obi-Wan sensed a great disturbance in the Force. The Jedi Master turned his gaze to the edge of the lagoon. There, he saw Pippin and Merry trying to defy boredom by shooting some pebbles into the water, watching them skid across the surface.
"Do not disturb the waters!" Scolded Aragorn somberly, the look of alarm in Obi-Wan's face clearly putting him on edge.
There was definitely something alive under the thick, murky waters. However, Obi-Wan decided to remain quiet so as not to cause a panic. Instead, the Jedi Master approached Gandalf, who clearly was not in the best of moods, frustration slowly mounting, as he could not find the right password.
"Gandalf," asked Obi-Wan politely, trying to remain calm but unable to turn his gaze from the lagoon. "Could you please let me try opening these doors?"
"Of course!" Replied the old wizard gently but growing more impatient by the minute. "I know you have great powers, Master Obi-Wan, and we shall all contribute to this quest as best we can."
Obi-Wan nodded his thanks and stepped right in front of the stone doors. The Jedi Master closed his eyes, raised his right hand, pointed it in the direction of the gates of Moria, and concentrated deeply. Slowly, a creaking sound was heard as the heavy, large rocky gates began to yield. The Company immediately turned its attention to the doors and their jaws dropped, as they heard the creaking, screeching sound grow, the gates becoming wide open.
"I-I just can't believe my eyes!!!" Cried a wide-eyed Gimli. "Without the correct password there is just no way that anyone could have opened the doors…not even the lords of Moria themselves!"
"Yes well," replied Obi-Wan, motioning for his companions to walk into the mines. The sooner they were inside, the better. "I think we could continue this discussion once we're inside the mines."
Everyone began to walk into the dark, damp mines but Sam, who didn't want to leave his loyal pony, Bill, behind, hesitated. Aragorn walked towards the small, kindhearted Hobbit and smiled sympathetically at him.
"The mines are no place for a pony, Sam." Said the Heir of Isildur. "But do not worry, for I am certain Bill knows the way home."
Sam nodded reluctantly and spared one last, sad glance at Bill as he spanked the pony's behind, sending him on his way. Then both, Aragorn and Sam, walked right past a vigilant Obi-Wan and entered the mines.
As soon as he crossed the threshold, Obi-Wan sensed that for, as lonely and abandoned as the mines of Moria looked, they seemed to be bustling with activity, though the presences the Jedi Master could feel through the Force were anything but benign. Gimli, on the other hand, couldn't hide his excitement and great optimism.
"Just wait till you see the great hospitality of the Dwarves, Master Elf!" Said the small, stout humanoid to Legolas with unabashed pride. "Why, it is what has made our race famous! Malt beer and red meat straight off the bone!"
"No." Said Obi-Wan quickly.
"What did you say?" Exclaimed Gimli, clearly offended by the Jedi Master's refusal. "How dare you decline the polite hospitality of a humble Dwarf, dear friend from beyond the Stars?"
"There are no Dwarves here." Countered Obi-Wan somberly. "Only death…"
"This is no mine!" Added a terrified Boromir, looking all around him nervously; he had just stepped over the rotten corpse of some very unfortunate Dwarf, murdered without mercy right before the gates. "It is a tomb! This is a mistake! We should have never come here!"
The sights and smell of death were all around the Company. Countless of corpses of Dwarves, horribly mutilated could be seen as far as the eye could reach. The Dark Side of the Force was strong in that dark, secluded place. Giving the matter no further thought, the Company turned around and rushed back for the doors.
"Wait!" Warned Obi-Wan, stopping dead on his tracks right under the gates, as he instinctively reached for his belt and drew Gloérach.
Alas, it was too late, for a gigantic tentacle that appeared suddenly from the murky waters of the lagoon reached out and seized Frodo. The Company found itself caught between the monster under the waters and the unseen dangers that waited for them inside the mines of Moria.
"Strider!" Sam yelled in desperation. "Obi-Wan, help!!!"
Aragorn, Boromir and Obi-Wan ran as fast as they could to the edge of the lagoon. The three men started slashing away at the enormous tentacle with their bright, sharp blades. The creature was monstrous indeed; some kind of giant mollusk that dwelt under the dark waters, provided with more than a dozen huge, sticky tentacles, and intent on devouring Frodo. The Hobbit's small, fragile frame was dancing vicariously straight over the monster's giant, gaping maw. Legolas joined the three humans, shooting arrows at the ferocious beast with astounding accuracy. Nevertheless, the creature barely flinched.
Finally, one of Obi-Wan's desperate slashes found its mark. The creature shrieked in pain and let go of Frodo; its tentacle severed by the lethal Elven sword. Aragorn took a few steps forward and caught Frodo in mid-air. Mad beyond belief, the vicious monster leapt out of the water and charged the Company. Obi-Wan was able to summon the Force, sending a huge and powerful wave in the direction of the monster, slowing it down as the rest of his companions rushed back into the mines at full speed.
"Obi-Wan, come!" Shouted Aragorn from under the threshold. "Quick!"
The monstrous and furious creature tried to grab hold of the Jedi Master, but Obi-Wan swiftly whirled around and was able to propel himself with the Force, falling flat on his face inside the dark mines. At that moment, the rocky ceiling began to tremble as the monster violently pushed the Gates into the mine with its mighty tentacles. Obi-Wan rolled on his back, barely avoiding getting crushed under the falling rocks. A sudden, impenetrable darkness took hold of the entrance.
"We have no choice but to face the long dark of Moria." Whispered Gandalf somberly. "Be wary, for we are not alone and there are fouler, more evil creatures than Orcs in the depths of the World."
Saying this, Gandalf brought forth his long, thick wooden staff and suddenly, the place was weakly illuminated with the help of a bright and mysterious small rock that the old wizard had placed on top of the staff. Slowly, reluctantly and cautiously, the Company began its long journey in the dark.
Four days had passed since the Company had entered the gloomy darkness of Moria. Even though they went as fast as they could, the long and countless underground tunnels of the mines made it feel as if they weren't making any progress. All Obi-Wan could sense around him was death, cold and loneliness. Moria had undoubtedly become one of the darkest, scariest places the Jedi Master had ever visited.
Food and rest had become necessary burdens for the Company. In the deep, impenetrable darkness, they could only afford to make brief stops. Sleep had become a scarce commodity, since the ten members of the Fellowship had to stand long watches. To restore energy, the Jedi Master had tried to resort to meditation, but the deeper his trances, the more unsettling the feelings he experienced became and if he tried to sleep, a diabolical monster appeared in his dreams; a sinister creature covered in fire and ashes that Obi-Wan seriously doubted could exist in the vast and no less dangerous Galaxy he came from.
But it wasn't only dreams that disturbed him. Through the Force, Obi-Wan could sense the presence of some creature that, though not entirely evil, did hold deep hatred for the Company. This mysterious creature was following after them; of this the Jedi Master was certain. However, every time his senses made him turn around and look, the creature just seemed to vanish and that was no dream, Obi-Wan knew. He was thoroughly convinced that this was no figment of his imagination or any animal, but some sentient being bent on attacking the Company when they least expected it, some old and sad life form that had run out on its luck long ago.
By the end of that fourth day in the cold darkness, the Company stood on a path that led to three different tunnels. Gandalf stopped and hesitated, unsure of which way to follow.
"I have no memory of this place." Murmured Gandalf softly to himself, his elderly face filled with confusion.
The venerable Istar let his tired frame fall limp on a rock, where he remained silent and thoughtful for a long time. Meantime, the rest of the Company took advantage of the situation to rest their weary feet and get a bite to eat. Some time later, Obi-Wan stood and walked to Gandalf.
"I believe none of these tunnels will be pretty." Muttered Obi-Wan. "I sense all of them will be dangerous.'
"One of the tunnels leads directly into Khazad-Dûm," responded Gandalf. "The great halls of the Dwarf-city. Unfortunately, I can't seem to remember which."
Silently, Frodo approached both men as they kept their gazes glued to the three tunnels, trying to decide which would be best.
"Something or someone has been following us." Whispered the frightened Hobbit. "I have seen two terrible, bright eyes lurking in the dark."
"That's correct." Confirmed Obi-Wan. "I have sensed this creature's presence following on our footsteps."
"It's Gollum." Said Gandalf simply. "He has been after our trail since we set out from Rivendell."
"Gollum?" Frodo exclaimed in a mixture of shock and disgust. "But…how can this be? Was he not captured by the Enemy?"
"Then he must have escaped somehow." Commented Obi-Wan, stroking his beard and discreetly looking around, trying to see if he could spot the nefarious creature. "If it is this Gollum creature indeed."
"It is Gollum alright." Said Gandalf, lighting his pipe. "And either he escaped…or was let go."
"Damn him!" Growled Frodo, his fists curling into balls. "It is a pity Bilbo didn't slay him when he had the chance!"
"Pity?" Echoed Gandalf, fixing his gaze on Frodo's little face. "It was pity that stayed Bilbo's hand!"
"B-but…" stuttered Frodo. "But, if Gollum was dead he would be one less worry in this foolish ordeal, Gandalf!"
"Some who live, deserve death, Frodo." Countered the wizard. "And some who have died, deserved life. Can you give it to them? No. Then, do not be too eager in dealing death in judgment, for even the Wise cannot see all ends."
In spite of himself, Obi-Wan couldn't help but smile, for Gandalf's words had reminded him of a very short, old, green-skinned Jedi Master he knew so well.
"Bilbo's pity might rule the fate of many." Continued the old Istar in the dark cold of the mines. "My heart tells me that Gollum has still a part to play yet, for good or for ill, before it is all said and done."
"Still…" mused Frodo quietly. "I wish the Ring had never come to me."
"So do all those who have to live through such perils." Said Gandalf, smiling sympathetically Frodo's way. "Bilbo was meant to have the Ring, Frodo. In which case, you were also meant to have It."
"But, why me Gandalf?" Cried Frodo, despair clearly visible in his small features.
"Why is Master Kenobi here, Frodo?" Replied the wise Istar, pointing at Obi-Wan. "He does not belong to the Middle-Earth, yet he is here for a reason none of us can still understand. Coming into possession of the Ring was not a decision for you to make, my dear Hobbit. It is your destiny."
Gandalf looked at Obi-Wan and winkled. The Jedi Master just nodded, understanding the wizard's words even before he said them.
"We cannot decide what the future holds in store for us, Frodo." Said Gandalf. "All we can decide is what we shall do with time that is given to us. And, that my friend, should be an encouraging thought."
Again, Gandalf turned at Obi-Wan.
"There are many secrets and surprises in this mystery we call life." Concluded the wizard. "And there are many powers at play, besides evil…"
Suddenly, Gandalf sprang to his feet as if the seat of his pants was on fire.
"Ah!" Yelled the Istar excitedly, trotting fast in the direction of the middle tunnel. "It is this way!"
"Well, he finally remembered!" Observed Merry as the rest of the Company stood and followed after their guide.
"No," replied Gandalf, "it's just that the air is not as foul down here."
The wizard's staff was alit again and the Company began to climb down the stairs of the narrow, damp tunnel.
"When in doubt, always follow your nose, Meriadoc." Said the wizard, carefully walking down the stairs with the help of his staff.
The steep and narrow stairway led to an enormous and dark space.
"I think we can risk a little more light here." Said Gandalf softly, the luminous rock that crowned his staff becoming even brighter as he spoke. "Lo and behold! The Dwarven Realm of Khazad-Dûm!"
The sight was impressive. Countless rows of massive pillars and columns, delicately etched in stone, stood tall and proud before the Company, going as far as the eye could see. Obi-Wan came to the conclusion that perhaps the technology found in Middle-Earth was not as underdeveloped as he thought at first, but just different altogether.
"Now, here's a real eye-opener and make no mistake 'bout it!" Said a breathless Sam, while the Company began walking alongside the amazing, long and wide rows of pillars.
Gimli, who was walking slowly alongside Obi-Wan, stopped dead on his tracks...
"The Chamber of Mazarbûl!" Cried out the robust Dwarf, breaking into a sudden run to one side of the large hall.
"Gimli, wait!" Obi-Wan yelled after the excited Dwarf, running right after him.
But Gimli completely ignored the Jedi Master. The small humanoid was so excited to have finally found his brethren's dwelling that he just forgot all about any potential dangers or booby-traps. The rest of the Company rushed after the hotheaded Gimli, finally reaching a wide chamber located at the end of the hall. Instinctively, Obi-Wan decided to keep his right hand close to the hilt of his Elven sword and keep his keen senses finely attuned to his surroundings.
The room was filled with dust, rust and worse yet, the corpses of several grotesquely mutilated Dwarves, identical to the ones found in the West-door. Once inside the chamber, Gimli slowed down considerably and walked slowly to the big stone slab located in the heart of the room.
"No!" Cried out the incredulous Dwarf, suddenly bursting into tears. "It can't be…no!"
The rest of the Company finally reached the chamber. Gandalf walked towards Gimli, who now had fallen to his knees, crying openly. Then, the wizard proceeded to read the Dwarfish inscription engraved on top of the slab.
"Here lies Balin, son of Fundin." Translated Gandalf with deep sorrow. "Lord of Moria."
His face fell as the old Istar turned to look at the rest of the Company.
"It is as I feared." Murmured Gandalf ominously. "They are all dead."
