Well, here is another chapter, do you think I should upload more chapters more often? I think I should, but I've been so busy lately, I've actually had a social life! Wow, how the times are changing. Anyway, enjoy!
Silver X
Indilwen watched as Gimli went to taste the orc blood. "That's-" He spat it back out.
"Urgh, orc blood."
"I was just about to tell you." She sighed.
"These are strange tracks." Aragorn searched the ground, bending low to scout.
"The air is so close in here." Gimli complained.
"This forest is old. Very old. Full of memory...and anger." Legolas connected to the forest. Indilwen took a step forwards and snapped a twig. That sound created a vision in her head somehow, making her gasp in shock. She was standing before the White Tree, watching as the steward, Boromir's father, set it alight with flame. Indilwen was brought abruptly back and she cried out again and stumbled, clutching her chest. "Indi." Aragorn strode over and caught her arms, keeping her upright as she regained her breath. Aragorn watched as one of her tattoos slowly faded again.
"What did you see?" He asked her gently. She stared up at him with wild eyes.
"I saw..." She closed her eyes and shook her head. Groans vibrated through the trees and Gimli instantly lifted his axe, staring up at the trees and turning.
"Gimli!" Aragorn called. "Lower your axe." He gestured and Gimli released his tight hold, showing both hands up to the woods.
"They have feelings my friend. The Elves began it; waking up the trees, teaching them to speak." Legolas smiled at Gimli.
"Talking trees, what do trees have to talk about? Except the consistency of squirrel droppings?" Indilwen had to laugh and smile. Aragorn smiled secretly at her, he loved her laugh, she never laughed enough. "Aragorn, nad no ennas!" Legolas strode forwards and searched the trees.
"Man cenich?"
"The White Wizard approaches." Indilwen lifted her head and beamed.
"Do not let him speak, he will put a spell on us." Aragorn told them as the light began to grow around them. "We must be quick." All with a yell they attack the white figure. Arrow and axe were deflected away and Aragorn's blade grew hot in his hand. They all shielded their eyes from the wizard. "You are tracking the footsteps of two young Hobbits." The voice guessed.
"Where are they?" Aragorn questioned loudly.
"They passed this way the day before yesterday. They met someone they did not expect. Does that comfort you?"
"Who are you? Show yourself!" Gandalf stepped from the light, holding his new staff with a blank expression. Indilwen's laughter grew louder and louder.
"I knew it! I knew you could not pass!" She gasped and stepped closer to him, sinking to her knees.
"It cannot be!" Aragorn breathed. Both Legolas and Gimli bowed to Gandalf.
"Forgive me, I mistook you for Saruman." Legolas whispered in awe.
"I am Saruman. Or rather, Saruman as he should have been." He smiled down upon them.
"You fell." Aragorn was still lost.
"Through fire and water. From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak, I fought with the Balrog of Morgoth. Until at last, I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountainside. Darkness took me. And I strayed out of thought and time. Stars wheeled overhead and everyday was as long as a life-age of the earth. But it was not the end. I felt life in me again." He smiled again at them. "I've been sent back until my task is done."
"Gandalf!" Aragorn suddenly beamed.
"Gandalf? Yes... That was what they used to call me. Gandalf the Grey. That was my name. I am Gandalf the White. And I come back to you now at the turn of the tide."
"Well thank Valar for that!" Indilwen grinned and threw her arms about him, hugging him tightly and whispering. "I feared for you."
"And I you...I heard what happened to you, brave child." He touched her cheek then led them through the trees. "One stage of your journey is over, another begins. We must ride to Edoras with all speed."
"Edoras? That is no short distance!" Gimli told them bluntly.
"We hear of trouble in Rohan. It goes ill with the king." Aragorn said to Gandalf.
"Yes, and it will not be easily cured." The wizard sighed thoughtfully.
"Then we have run all this way for nothing? Are we to leave those poor Hobbits here in this horrid, dark, dank, tree-infested-" the trees groaned in anger and Gimli snatched back his words. " I mean, charming, quite charming forest."
"It was more than mere chance that brought Merry and Pippin to Fangorn. A great poer has been sleeping here for many long years. The coming of Merry and Pippin will be like the falling of small stones that starts an avalanche in the mountains." Gandalf gazed distantly.
"In one thing you have not changed, dear friend." Aragorn smiled.
"Hm?"
"You still talk in riddles." They shared a laugh before Gandalf continued to walk.
" A thing is about to happen that has not happened since the Elder Days. The ents are going to wake up ... and find that they are strong." He murmured with a glance up to the trees.
"Strong? Oh that's good."Gimli muttered then rushed after his companions.
"So stop your fretting, master dwarf. Merry and Pippin are quite safe. In fact, they are a lot safer than you're about to be!"
"This new Gandalf is more grumpy than the last one." When they reached the glade Gandalf whistled powerfully. From across the meadow three horses during into life. "Celestial! Briaca!" Indilwen breathed as the two horses gasped beside Shadowfax. "You know these rascals?" Gandalf asked with amusement.
"Celestial is mine and Briaca belongs to Alkira." Indilwen sniffed brightly as she went to meet her horse. Celestial pressed her soft muzzle into her hand and called softly to her. "They are part of the Mearas, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell." Legolas said in awe.
"Shadowfax. He is the Lord of all horses. And has been my friends through many dangers." Indilwen climbed onto Celestial's back, leaving her fingers through her soft hair. She was beaming all the while she waited for the others to get their horses and she still could not stop once they had exploded into a gallop.
"Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. There dwells Théoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown. Saruman's hold over King Théoden is now very strong." Gandalf told them. "Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here." With that happy now they ask took off for the Golden Hall. Winding their way upwards Indilwen saw the starvation among the people, the misery and suffering was hear-breaking. "You'd find more cheer in a graveyard." Gimli muttered. Indilwen leaned forwards and rested her head against Aragorn's shoulder.
"They're starving." She whispered.
"I know. Everything will change soon." He turned back to her, looking closely into her eyes. He had never noticed before but her eyes, although emerald green, where streaked with silver. At the door they were all met by Háma. Gandalf smiled warmly at the guard before he spoke.
"I cannot allow you before Théoden-King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame. By order of Gríma Wormtongue." He spoke the last few words with total disgust. Gandalf gave a nod and everyone relinquished their weapons. Indilwen was rather reluctant to give up her weapons, almost as much as Gimli but she handed them over none the less. "Your staff." Háma reminded.
"Oh...You wouldn't part an old man with his walking stick?" Indilwen had to turn away to hide her smile. They were allowed to enter after a few months hesitation. Gandalf practically filled the room with his sense of authority and power.
"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late. Theoden king." Gandalf's voice rang out.
"Why...should I welcome you? Gandalf Stormcrow?" His feeble voice sounded old and weary but it was a pitiful sight when the king turned to the snake beside him for guidance.
"A just question, my liege. Late is the hour that this conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell I name you. Ill news is an ill guest." Grima cursed as he crawled forwards.
"Be silent. Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I did not pass through fire and death to banter crooked words with a witless worm." Gandalf shoved his staff into the slimy man's face.
"His staff! I told you to take the wizard's staff!" He backed away and some this ran forwards, eyes flashing in anticipation. The men kept them back whilst Gandalf and Indilwen walked forwards. Whenever a man lunged for Gandalf Indilwen leaped forwards and knocked him aside but one she was close enough she stepped her foot onto Grima's cloak and dragged him back. He hissed and squeaked in fear as she drew a long dagger hidden in her boot and pressed it against his neck. "I would stay still if I were you." She whispered into his ear and the coward instantly froze.
"Hearken to me! I release you from the spell." Gandalf lifted his hand towards the king of Rohan but the mocking laughter came from Saruman.
"You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey." Gandalf's eyes widened with fury and he tore his cloak from his shoulders, a pure whiteness billowing from him. He thrust his staff at Theoden and he fell back into his chair. "I will draw you Saruman as poison is drawn from a wound." At that moment Éowyn rushed in to aid her threatened uncle but Aragorn held her back.
"Wait." He told her softly.
"If I go...Theoden dies." Saruman hissed darkly as he struggled.
"You did not kill me, you will not kill him."
"Rohan is mine!"
"Be gone!" At the same moment the wizards cast themselves forwards and Indilwen felt the immensity of power in that moment. Gandalf won. As the king fell forwards and Éowyn tore free to catch him, cupping his hands in hers as she watched in awe as the king's features grew younger. He stared back at her.
"I know your face...Éowyn. Éowyn..." The princess looked as if she were about to cry for joy. "Gandalf?"
"Breathe the free air again, old friend." Theoden rose to his feet stiffly with Éowyn's help.
"Dark have my dreams been of late." He stared at his own hands, clenching then stretching them.
"Your fingers would remember their old strength better, if they grasped your sword." At that suggestion Hama came forwards with the king's sword and offered the hilt to him. Slowly the sword was drawn, gleaming brightly at it's new found freedom. Grima began to tremble as the king's gaze fell on him. He tried to pull back but Indilwen tightened her grip on him, her dagger drawing a slim line of red against his neck. "Hey, hey! Stop that." She pressed her knee into his back.
"Let me go and I shall reward your mercy!" He begged of her with tears in his eyes. She snorted at him.
"I don't think so. I don't like cowards and murderers." Indilwen pulled back her dagger then cracked her foot into Grima's back, sending him sprawling at Theoden's feet. The next thing Grima knew he was tossed out down the steps, rolling painfully until he landed with a dull thud on the last platform.
"Argh!" He crawled back from the advancing king, who was seething with anger. "I've only ever served you, my lord!" He cried beseechingly.
"Your leechcraft would have me crawling on all fours like a beast!" Theoden hissed.
"Send me not from your sight!" Grima begged but Theoden answered by lifting his sword up over his head. Grima cowered beneath him and shielded his face with his arms but as the sword swung Aragorn caught him. "No my lord! No my lord. Let him go. Enough blood has been spilled on his account." Grim watched as Aragorn offered a hand to help him up but sneered at him instead and spat on him.
"Get out of my way!" He bellowed as he ran for the stables.
"All hail Theoden king!" The commoners who had come to see the excitement instantly lowered themselves to their knees but the king frowned at the ground and turned.
"Where is Theodred? Where is my son?" Indilwen caught his eye and she lowered her gaze.
The day was young and Alkira still shivered from the sight of the Black Gate. She had managed to stop the hobbits from falling down the slope by suggesting that there might be another way around, turning pointedly to Gollum. He had eagerly told them of the tunnel but still, Alkira came too close, she did not like it. They now sat resting, but Sméagol came running in with two rabbits clutched tightly in his jaw.
"Look! Look! See what Sméagol finds! Hehehe! Hahaha!" He danced around in joy and Frodo smiled weakly, looking to Sam. "They are young, they are tender and nice. Eat them! Eat them!" As Sméagol snaps the rabbit's back Frodo flinched in dusgust but did his best to hide it as Sméagol sank his teeth into the flesh.
"You'll make him sick, you will, behaving like that!" Sam snatched the rabbits from Sméagol's hands and sighed. "There's only one way to eat a brace of coneys." Later they were stewing nicely in a pot.
"No! What's it doing! Stupid fat hobbit! It ruins it!" Sméagol whimpers. Alkira sighed then giggled as Frodo rolled his eyes.
"What's there to ruin? There's hardly any meat left on them." Sam threw in some herbs. "What we need is some good taters."
"What's taters, precious? What's taters?"
"PO-TA-TOES! Boil them, mash them or stick them in a stew!" Sam groaned. "Lovely big golden chips with a nice piece of fried fish..." Sam dreamed.
"Roasted parsnip with honey glaze..." Alkira suggested with a watering mouth.
"Or toasted muffins with butter." Frodo licked his lips.
"Strawberries and cream!" Sam grinned.
"No, is you're going to eat sickly, you have to have a very large sticky toffee pudding." Alkira smiled brightly then saw the two hobbits staring at her. "Oh come on! You cannot be serious! No toffee pudding?" Alkira rubbed her stomach as it growled at her. "I think we need to get moving soon, I don't like the feel of this place."
"What's wrong with it?" Alkira thought hurriedly.
"Oh...I just feel like there's something watching us." Her hand rested still on the hilt of her sword. Frodo however, was not listening. He began to walk away towards the sounds he had heard. "Mr Frodo?" Sam called after him and followed.
"Oh shoot." Alkira groaned, grabbing her shield as she followed them. "I'm so hopeless." They found him lying in some bushes watching as the Haradrim army marched beneath them.
"Who are they?"
"Sauron's army." Alkira whispered.
"They are called to Mordor. The Dark One is gathering all armies to him. It won't be long now. He will soon be ready." Sméagol nodded his head.
"Ready to do what?"
"War, Sam. He's calling them to go to war." Alkira told him. "We have to get away from here." She crawled back then turned, starting to scream but managed to catch herself in time. "Ali!" Sam jumped to his feet and drew his sword. Six Haradrim soldiers laughed at them.
"What do we have here?" One asked in a deeply accented voice. Alkira lifted her chin as he pressed a blade to her throat. "A pretty maid and two deformed men. How lucky we are." Alkira shook slightly, she wished Indilwen were here. Suddenly the opal against her chest felt warm and comforting, courage surged through her and Alkira moved swiftly.
She knocked the blade aside and shoved her shield into him roughly, before slamming her sword into his gut, all the way to the hilt. Blood poured all over her but instead of fainting like she usually would at the sight of blood, she turned on the five remaining men. They all lunged at her with short, curved swords. Sam and Frodo drew their blades and attacked also but Alkira was the brute force behind them. She side-stepped and slashed across one man's back, twisting to block a blow with her shield then leaped back to block another. Behind them all hell had broken loose as the Godorian archers fired at the army.
With all her strength Alkira battled against the men but more leaped from the bushes, circling around them. "Now what do we do?" Sam whispered to them.
"Hold on to something." Alkira told them. "And duck."
"What?" Sam was bewildered but his eyes grew wide as a rock lifted up from behind the men, rolling in mid air. Sam grasped Frodo and pulled them to the ground as the rock flew towards them. It crashed directly into several men, sprawling them to the floor where the ground sank beneath them, pulling them screaming down to their waists in hard soil. Alkira felt her earth tattoo burning on her back but that didn't bother her at the moment. All she wanted was to keep Frodo and Sam safe. She resumed fighting, sparingly using the earth to defend her as she found it very tiring to concentrate all the time on one thing whilst trying to defend herself.
"Sam watch out!" Alkira cried as she punched someone in the face and turned. A short scream erupted from her lips as the man loomed over her with his sword about to strike. An arrow hissed out of nowhere and struck him through the chest, blood gushing down his robes as he slumped to the ground. An oliphant came stampeding forwards and Alkira barely had time to pull Sam and Frodo out of the way. The remaining men stared around them wildly, trying to protect themselves as arrows shot from nowhere.
"Hurry, start crawling. I'll distract them." Alkira whispered. She ran forwards and jumped up into the air, slamming her shield into one soldier's face so hard, she heard the sickening crack of his neck snapping. "Come get me you...blast-ended skrewts!" She had to laugh wildly at her genius. She ran through the tall dry grass as fast as she could, leading the remaining men towards what she hoped would be more of Faramir's men. Suddenly arrows whizzed past her and took down the last of the men.
"Well thank God for-" Someone grabbed her arms, making her cry out in shock before cracking her head back against him.
"Ugh..." The man released her to clutch his bleeding nose.
"Serves you right! How dare you try and restrain an innocent lady!" She scolded him then kicked him in his groins. A short cry of alarm made her blood run cold.
"Frodo...Frodo!" She ran forwards, racing to find the hobbits. "Sam!" Alkira burst through the grass, running up a pile of rocks and leaping into the air over the men's heads. They watched in awe as the woman flew, tucking in her body tightly and rolling along the ground to stand up sharply and shove her shield against one of Faramir's men, pushing him off balance. In the next moment her leg lifted and struck out against the other, pushing him aside and releasing both hobbits. "Miss me?"
"Sure did."
"Good. Now run!" She called to them as she held back the other rangers. Her sword and shield came up to block several blades, her back bending backwards slowly as they forced their weight into their swords. Alkira slammed her foot into one of them then twisted, flipping the others over her head before running after the hobbits. Gollum had long disappeared, slimy creep! Alkira was trying not to panic as arrows flew over her head, missing her by inches. Without warning a net was flung over her, causing her to scream sharply and make the hobbits look back. "Ali!" They shouted and ran back to her.
"No! Keep going!" She called to them but they kept on coming back for her. Two men stepped from their hiding place and grabbed the hobbits, flinging them to the floor.
"Leave them alone!" Alkira shouted as one man straddled her, cutting her loose then tearing her weapons away from her.
"Wait! We're innocent travelers!" Sam tried, touching his split lip.
"Threre are no travelers in this land. Only servants of the Dark Tower." Faramir said as he pulled back his hood, looking upon the three companions with a curious look.
"We are bound to an errand of secrecy. Those that claim to oppose the enemy would do well not to hinder us." Frodo spoke calmly and Alkira admired his bravery, for she was screaming in fear inside.
"Very well." Alkira ground her teeth at him.
"The enemy?" Faramir walked over to a Haradirm man had been shot down. "His sense of duty was no less than yours, I deem. You wonder what his name is, where he came from and if he was really evil at heart. What lies or threats led him on this long march from home. If he would not rather have stayed there ... in peace." He turned to his men. "War will make corpses of us all. Bind their hands."
"You foolish devil! Let us go!" Alkira shouted at him as thick ropes were laced around her wrists and a blindfold was placed over their eyes.
Aragorn, nad no ennas! - Aragorn, something's out there!
Man cenich? - What do you see?
Oooh, Faramir is here! Yay! How was that? Hope you enjoyed it, more posts soon I promise!