Ring Child
by Kiamii
Chapter Ten "Emotional Minds"
They rode through sunset, slow dusk, and gathering night as they followed Gandalf. At last they dismounted; Legolas and Gimli slept and Aragorn lay flat, stretched upon his back, yet Gandalf stood, leaning on his staff while Archir would occasionally nap during the travel and talk with Gandalf during that rest. All was silent and under the cold moon, they went on as swift as by the light of day.
Hours passed and they had little rest as they traveled for miles. Archir slept in Gandalf's firm grasp on Shadowfax, for while he had great power, he was still but a lad. Aragorn noted the sleeping child and sighed, still depressed by Archir's forgiving, yet untrusting nature. The little boy now stayed by Gandalf's side constantly. Suddenly Shadowfax stood still and Gandalf pointed amongst his companion's neighing. Now before them stood the mountains of the South.
They stopped by a stream, Archir awakening, and Archir recalled a song of a forgotten poet long ago in Rohan. Gandalf laughed at his young student's queered face as he yawned and they began to move on, pass the silent mounds. At last they came to the gates of Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. The guards met up with them and asked if friend or foe in their language. Archir was the one who replied back curiously.
"Why are you asking us in another language?" Archir couldn't stop himself from asking as Gandalf clutched him to his chest.
"We are not to let foe in, only those of our kind though I am guessing you are friend little one." The guard said with a quirked eyebrow at the small boy. Gandalf found himself lucky that the emerald green robes were covered by the Grey cloak, as was his white ones.
"We are no phantoms of Saruman's craft. Nor do your eyes cheat you. For indeed these are your own horses that we ride, as you knew well as you asked, I guess. But seldom does thief ride home to the stable! Here with as are Hasufel and Arod, that Éomer, the Third Mashal of the Mark, lent to us, only two days ago and we bring them back as we had promised. Has Éomer not come back and given warning of our coming?" Aragorn stated after the guard made a light comment about their horses.
A troubled look crossed the man's eyes as he responded, "Of Jomer I have naught to tell. If what you tell me is honesty and no deceiving, then doubtless Théoden will have heard of it. It is but two nights ago that Wormtongue came to us and said that by Théoden's word that no stranger shall go pass these gates."
"Wormtongue?" Gandalf asked, straightening and noticing as Archir as well stiffened at such an odd name, "Say no more! My errand belongs naught to Wormtongue, but to the Lord of the Mark for I am in haste."
The Guard asked for their names and instead of mentioning his full title, Gandalf gave the guard's only Archir's first name. So there they were introduced as Gandalf, Shadowfax that Great, Aragorn son of Arathron and heir of Kings, Legolas the Elf, Gimli the Dwarf, and young Archir. The guard found it odd that no given title was matched with the little boy's name but, let it be and reported this to the king. He came back moments later and led them in. The horses remained behind as Gandalf carried Archir down a broad path. They met up with a guard who asked for their weapons.
"The child in my arms is surely too young to even hold a weapon proper," Gandalf huffed though Archir recognized the amusement in his tone. They did not make Archir give up his pack or his "toy stick" as they put it and they allowed Gandal's staff (which he used as a walking stick though the guards were too idle to note that he was carrying a child on his hip and using a walking stick as well...) So the others were the ones to give up their weapons, though Aragorn had a bit of a fit. Finally, they entered through the hall. They reached an old man that Archir found odd. He was dwarf-like in the fact that he was hunched over. His white hair was thick and long, braided beneath a thin golden circle that was upon his brow. A white diamond lay on his forehead and Archir lightly fingered his lightning bolt scar, that he had forgotten lay on his own head. Not many had noticed it in this world for his hair had grown to his shoulders, now lightly tied back, and his bangs covered it well. Gandalf placed Archir on his feet and the little boy withdrew his staff which went unnoticed by the guards.
"Hail, Théoden son of Thengel! I have returned. For behold! A storm comes, and now all friends should gather together, lest each singly be destroyed of course." Gandalf said lightly. Slowly the man rose from his throne and Archir noted how tall the man really was.
"You come here for welcome but truth to tell your welcome is doubtful here, though I greet you. Troubles follow you like crows and with you come evils worse than before, yet with you is a child that I can not comprehend the little one's reasoning for joining your ways. Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow? Tell me that." He said slowly. He resat on his chair, looking directly at the small boy who stood next to Gandalf.
"You speak justly, lord," A man said to the king, licking his lips. Archir made a face, for he looked very much rat-like and disturbing. He must have been Wormtongue, and the words next proved his musings. The man sounded so much like Wormtail and his unkind tone made Archir want to blast the wretched mess out of this hall, for he talked as if possessing the man. Perhaps he was... Or perhaps... Saruman was.
"You are held wise, Wormtongue and are doubtless a great support of your master," Gandalf said softly and Wormtail spoke back to him. Archir did not feel to listen as the man accused the guards of being traitors for not having taken the old man's staff. Archir puffed his cheeks in irritation. This man was annoying and he wreaked of a foul stench.
"You smell," Archir couldn't help but say, wrinkling his nose. The hall went quiet and Archir blushed as he realized he had said that out loud. Wormtongue sneered at Archir, though the guards all smiled at the innocence the boy provoked even though he insulted the man. Even more amusing was that Archir had said this right after Wormtongue had insulted his companions who were all clad in something Grey.
"Insolent boy needs to know his manners," Wormtongue said in a haughty tone that did not fit the ugly man.
"Come now, he is but a lad out of his infancy stages. All children his age are still learning. Though I do say this now. The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden son of Thengel. Has not the messenger from your gate reported the names of my companions? Seldom has any lord of Rohan received such guests. Weapons they had laid at your doors that are worth more than many a mortal man, even the greatests. Grey is their garment, for Elves had clad them and thus they have passed through the shadows of great perils to your hall." Gandalf spoke. Wormtongue could not hold his speak and called such a speech the webs of deceit. This stirred something in Gimli and the man was about to move when Gandalf lay a hand on his shoulder and softly sang. Archir noticed that he changed, casting away his tattered cloak to reveal his robes. Wormtongue said something before Archir could not take the filthy man and he lifted his staff and brought it down which seemed to force Wormtongue away from the old king. The hall was silent and Archir's small eyes narrowed, though he was pleased to note that he cast away such an unpleasant traitor.
"Now Théoden son of Thengel, will you hearken to me? Do you ask for help?" Gandalf said and the possession seemed to pass from his eyes, for he now sat up with a younger appeal. Éowyn rushed to his side and the old king smiled at her with the heavenly missed emotion she hadn't seen since Wormtongue came near. The group seemed to relax and Gandalf led them to the outside of on the porch upon the top of the high terrace where all could be seen.
"It is not so dark here," Théoden stated.
"No," Gandalf said as he lifted Archir up into his arms once more, "Nor does age lie so heavily on your shoulders as some would have you think. Cast aside your prop!" Away from the king's hand was sent the black staff and the old king was blue-eyed and tall as he once was. Archir smiled at the man who looked down at Archir and ruffled the little one's black hair.
"So small in age you carry a toddler, yet he holds a power stronger than I possibly." Théoden said lightly.
"Archir the Emerald is one of a kind. So young he is, yet more advantage than burden as I tell him. He is an Istari of his own and my charge," Gandalf said to the man after they had talked over Wormtongue. Archir felt touched and he rested his head against the wizard's shoulder, content to lay there. While some would find his actions childish, Archir found warmth in being near Gandalf.
"Where is my son, Gandalf my friend?" Théoden asked finally.
"I was told that he survived. He was banished from Rohan by Wormtongue but, now he returns to you. Théodred is a brave man who survived what most could not," Gandalf said and Théoden smiled brightly, knowing that his son would return to him. Gandalf set Archir on his feet as Théoden discussed something with the elderly wizard and Archir went off to do what he wished. He drew out his staff once more and clutched his stuffed phoenix to his chest as he walked. Some children spotted the lone boy walking and the mesmerizing staff he clutched in one hand, the mystifying stilled creature in his other. Legolas was sharpening his arrows as Gimli was moving around with his axe. Aragorn was in conversation with someone and it was then that Archir noted the absence of Boromir, Frodo, and Sam. Gandalf had told him the two hobbits probably left for Mordor. That left Boromir... The memories from the mirror came to Archir's mind. He had looked into the mirror, against Galadriel's want and he had seen things that had him awakening in nightmare some nights. Gandalf did not know Archir had looked in the mirror. Only Lady Galadriel had.
He saw Hermione and Ron out in a meadow and Ron knelt down on one knee, holding out a ring to Hermione Granger. The words yes could be made from her mouth before she soundly kissed him. They were engaged and in love, something Harry knew since their fourth year. He saw his former two best friends at a graveyard and Harry realized with a pang of his heart that it was his own, his name Harry James Potter was on it and below was "Beloved Man, Savior of All, and Great Friend." Along with the wretched Boy-Who-Lived title. Flowers of all sorts were gardening the grave and Harry frowned.
Another memory sparked up and Archir had seen Boromir struck down by the arrows, the hobbits snatched away. He could see Aragorn falling from a cliff. Before he could stop it so, a burning eye pierced his mind and he felt like he was being dragged into it, burning.
"Archir?" A voice snapped him out of it. Archir looked up to see the man from earlier. Éomer was his name. Archir inclined his head, "You worried me for a second there lad, gazing into something unseen. Tell me, why are you alone as such?" Éomer knelt down next to the child.
"Gandalf needed to speak to the king and I decided to walk around," Archir answered. He looked at the man with a shy smile, finding the king's nephew friendly and welcoming. Éomer placed his hands under Archir's arms and lifted him up, placing him on his hip. Archir stiffened, then relaxed. Éomer led him down the path, explaining things of the land to the 3-year-old wizard. Archir said nothing, simply gazing around with wondrous eyes. His eyes caught Legolas and Gimli now arguing about who knows what, though it perked Archir's interest and he wriggled in Éomer's arms until the man let him down and Archir ran over to the two in time to hear who had killed more orcs. The argument was over something very strange indeed, Archir mused. He sneaked up behind Legolas and only Gimli noticed, though he was now smirking at the elf.
"You, my dear elf, are blind. You are about to be attacked in less than a second," Gimli said gleefully.
"Wha-" Legolas was cut off as Archir launched his small body at the pair of legs and landed at them with a thump. Legolas swung around and saw Archir, scooping him up into his arms.
"You are a strange child," Legolas laughed and he perched Archir at his hip. The toddler clutched the shirt of the elf and leaned his head on his shoulder, content to lay there. He had forgiven them after all, he just didn't fully trust them not to hand him over to the next elven civilization should Gandalf disappear. Legolas carried him back to the area where Gandalf and Théoden were standing as who could only be Théodred made his way into Rohan. Archir smiled happily as he spotted them all.
"You are a powerful child," Legolas commented, recalling how he had pushed away Gimli earlier and later on Wormtongue.
"I am a Wizard child," Archir said lightly as he smiled at the reunion of father and son. Gandalf caught his eye and Archir nodded slightly. He knew what was to come next. They would have no other option but to join king Théoden, who wanted to ride into the West. Legolas took him to his mentor and Gandalf whistled for Shadowfax who came back to them (having went to graze about) and allowed Gandalf to mount with the child.
"Behold the White Rider!" All chanted.
"Behold the fated Wizards!" One shouted and Archir blushed lightly at the comment. Other's repeated the statement.
"Our King and the Light Wizards!" They finally decided upon, "For Eorlingas!" The trumpets sounded and the horses reared. Théodred was on a horse next to his father, the King having decided to have Éowyn stay behind. They took off and Archir watched the city of Rohan soon disappear from his view, riding on the lordly horse as they sailed off. Archir was content to ride, feeling the wind hit his small face.
Author's Note: Notice that we have moved on to following Book 2 to all you LOTR fans. I didn't mention Boromir last chapter simply because... you guys already knew he was dead from the book themselves and if I had changed that fate, then I would have mentioned it. So blah, there! Had more caffine. I really have to stop drinking this stuff. All well. It doesn't effect how I'm writing the story, just my Author's note I guess. Anyways, Archir is going to have a hard time trusting Aragorn but, at least the poor guy's suffering ended. I decided to be nice and let the king's son live. Hehe. Wormtongue reminded me sooo much of Wormtail that I couldn't resist and hey, Archir needed a flaw in there. It was funny to imagine the reactions. By the way, sorry for any errors in names. I have a very messed up copy of Lord of the Rings, I can tell by how they spelled Éomer as Jomer. Funny... Anyhow, Archir is going to slowly build trust back up with the fellowship. Question is, will they keep it?