AN: Thanks to diridiri, rosegold1996, hanami, MissKitty for reviewing the previous chapter. This is another chapter for you. Hope you all like it. Please read and review. The story is coming to an end. There would be probably four more chapters only. I couldn't wait to write the sequel. The story continues...
Chapter 36: One Hope Lost Another Found
"From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
a light from the shadows shall spring
renewed shall be Blade that was broken
The crown-less again shall be King."
Gandalf and Pippin were riding Shadowfax out of a forest and across a plain. Faramir riding along with them. They must reach Gondor fast and warn the steward of the enemies plan. The fellowship and everyone else who knew about Katherine, they were still very unsure of her intention. Did she really join the enemy? The answer would have been simple if she hadn't left the ring behind. What was going through her head? Everyone wondered. At least now they knew that Katherine was the protector of one ring. Did she leave because she found out that as long as she's around the ring is protected? But why did she go to Mordor? Gandalf would have searched for more information regarding that matter but he had to go to Minas Tirith first. If Gondor falls there would be no defeating Sauron then. Shadowfax crested a hill and a large city appeared, built into a mountain of white rock.
"Minas Tirith, City of Kings." Gandalf said to Pippin. The hobbit wasn't safe after what happened. Gandalf felt it necessary to keep Pippin close to him.
"Welcome to my home master Pippin, Gandalf" said Faramir with humble tone of voice. "Boromir would be very pleased to see you again."
"We are looking forward to meet him too. Unfortunately I won't be able to give him any good news" said Gandalf sighing out a little.
They rode through the city, up to the top. Once they reached the top, the three dismounted and started walking across a courtyard. Pippin saw the tree from his vision. "It's the tree Gandalf! Gandalf!"
"Yes, the White Tree of Gondor, the tree of the King. Lord Denethor however is not the king. He is a steward only. A caretaker of the throne."
A smile appeared on Faramir's face as he saw his brother walking out of the throne room. Boromir spotted Faramir, Gandalf and Pippin. He almost ran towards them. "Brother you have returned to us safely" said Boromir pulling his baby brother into a tight hug. Since Frodo didn't enter Osgiliath with the one ring this time, there was no Nazgul attack on the city. The defense of that city still stood strong. However Boromir received words that there will be an attack soon from the river. An army of Orcs are coming to take over the city. Boromir was glad to have his brother back. They can defend the city together now.
"I was so worried about you when I heard about the war in Helm's Deep. I thought I sent you to your death."
"I am still quite alive brother but I am afraid I bring ill news with me" said Faramir with serious and tense tone of voice.
"What happened?" asked Boromir worriedly. Faramir told his brother about meeting Katherine and that she has gone to Mordor. Boromir was shocked to hear that. He instantly felt worried about the other worldly girl. Faramir also informed Boromir of Saruman's death. And about what Pippin saw in the Palantir.
"It is true Boromir. War is coming" said Gandalf with stern tone of voice that was laced with worry. "The enemy is on your doorstep! As steward, your father is charged with the defense of this city. But Gondor's army wouldn't be enough. You cannot fight this war alone. You must convince your father to send out words to Theoden of Rohan. You must light the beacons."
"Brother, Aragorn and King Theoden are waiting for our call. We must hurry!" said Faramir with anxious tone of voice. He has witnessed the battle in Helm's Deep. And something told Faramir that the attack on Gondor would be more forceful and with a larger army. After all this attack would be from Sauron. They would need all the help they can get.
"Father would not call for aid. He's more worried about being supplant than the enemy attacking us" said Boromir sighing out heavily. He and Denethor were just having an argument about Aragorn sitting on the throne. Boromir supported the return of the king when his father did not. Denethor was shocked to say the least that his favorite son Boromir wanted some ranger from the North to sit on the throne of Gondor. As much as he remembered, Boromir was against the idea of Gondor having a king. Something happened during the journey that changed Boromir. Needless to say, Denethor felt as if he has lost his son even though he's alive and well. The steward would never understand though why his son changed his perceptive. Boromir was given a second chance at life. He wasn't going to spend that life in vain ambition. Besides, Gondor needed a king. Boromir could understand that but unfortunately his father couldn't.
"Are we to do nothing brother?" asked Faramir with hopeless tone of voice knowing Boromir never disobeys father. Boromir however smiled at his brother.
"I shall speak with father and try my best to convince him. Even though I have little hope of making him understand. But beacons of Gondor can sometimes light up accidentally" said Boromir before turning away and walking back into the throne room. Pippin and Gandalf looked at each other. The wizard smiled. Pleased with Boromir's decision. Faramir was stunned at first but then he grinned widely too. He understood why Boromir has changed. His brother traveled with the fellowship for months after all. And Faramir knew about how Katherine saved his life. The experience was bound to change Boromir and Faramir was glad that he changed for better.
"Follow me" said Faramir. "We must light up the beacon as fast as possible."
In The Tower Of Mordor
Katherine threw away a book across the chamber and screamed in frustration. She dropped herself on the chair looking utterly defeated and hopeless. It also didn't help the matter at all that she was feeling quite nauseous and unwell. Katherine didn't know what happened to her and she had little time to dwell on the state of her health. Katherine has already spent hours inside that hell hole of a chamber but found nothing that can help her go back to her world. It was not that there wasn't anything useful there. The spell Katherine needed could be right in front of her but the problem was Katherine couldn't read any of the spell books since they were all written in some kind of ancient language. Katherine didn't understand a single word from any of the books she went through. There could be some people in middle earth who might know the language and could read the book. People like Lord Elrond or Gandalf, perhaps Lady Galadriel as well. But Katherine couldn't reach them. She can't get out of Mordor with piles of spell books with her. Not to mention would anyone from the good side welcome her back let alone help her? They must have come up with the theory by now that she has sided with Sauron. She will be killed at first sight.
"What's that?" Katherine asked herself out loud as she noticed a shiny thing on the floor. It must have dropped from inside the book when it hit the wall. Katherine didn't bother going through the entire book after seeing the ancient language on the first page. Let's just say, she ran out of patience after going through dozens of books and getting disappointed every time.
Katherine walked over there and picked up the shiny thing that turned out to be a small pocket watch hanging by a chain. The watch was a broken one since the hands of the watch weren't moving but it was made out of pure gold. The entire watch was gold. Katherine picked up the book again and flipped through the pages. Inside she found a hidden compartment of the shape of the pocket watch. Katherine wondered why the broken watch was so safely hidden inside a book. Katherine looked at the watch more curiously this time. What could it be? She mindlessly turned the crown of the watch several times. However nothing happened. Katherine sighed out heavily. What was she expecting to happen? The watch was broken anyway. She still put the watch inside her coat pocket though. Katherine walked back to sit down on the chair again. She rubbed her face with both her palms. A heavy breath escaped her lunges.
What could Katherine possibly do now? She tried her best. She tried to find a way to live. But there was no way. There was no hope for her. Katherine sighed out heavily. Immediately feeling a little sick in her stomach. She closed her eyes and waited for the nauseating feeling to lessen a little bit. She opened her eyes back again and kept staring at the space. Katherine sorrowfully realized what she needs to do. She needs to go down along with the one ring. That was the only way. Yes, Katherine could have very easily said, 'to hell with middle earth and it's free people. Let them die. I will be safe inside the walls of Mordor. I will rule when Sauron wins the war'. The other worldly girl wouldn't have hesitated to do it if she was still the same as before, selfish and corrupted. But the new Katherine, the Katherine that experienced fellowship, friendship, and love even though it turned out to be a fake one, that girl can never value her own life more than the lives of her loved ones.
Katherine wouldn't be able to live with herself if she lives and they die. It was better to sacrifice one life than doom many. Katherine sighed out heavily. The thought of dying scared the hell out of her though. In her heart she still clung to hope that a miracle would happen in the last moment that will prevent her death. Perhaps she will miraculously go back to her home the way she came into middle earth. But the logical side of Katherine knew that it was just a fool's hope. It was quite possible that no miracle would happen and she would just die. But there's no turning back. No matter how scared she feels, no matter how afraid of death she is, Katherine must go along with this plan. If she's alive, Frodo would come straight to her instead of going to Mount Doom and destroying the ring. It was better for everyone that she dies.
"I guess this is it huh" said Katherine to herself. Finally giving up searching and giving up hope completely. She has looked everywhere anyway.
As Katherine sat there quietly she started thinking about everything that has happened with her since she came into middle earth. Waking up in the Shire, meeting Frodo and the other hobbits. Then meeting Gandalf. Aragorn rescuing her from Nazgul. Going to Rivendell. The forming of the fellowship. Legolas stalking her through the woods and saving her. Oh Legolas! He probably hates her now. Katherine thought to herself sighing out heavily. She wanted to apologize to him. Tell him that she didn't know about the ring's doing. But there wouldn't be an opportunity for that. Katherine wouldn't be able to even say good bye to him or anyone else for that matter. It pained Katherine to think that the one she loves with all her heart might regret ever meeting her. Regret having her into his life. A part of Katherine was grateful that she wouldn't have to look at Legolas hatefully staring at her before her demise. It would have tormented her soul even after her death.
"No!" Katherine said out loud. She is not going to go down alone. Sauron will go down with her. For all the pain and sufferings he is causing her, Sauron must pay for it. Katherine stood up to her feet. Determination clouding her face. Katherine walked out of her chamber and made her way towards the top of the tower. She has a plan in her mind. A plan that is going to destroy Sauron before the destroying of the ring.
Home Of Horse lords
Aragorn ran into the Golden hall as fast as possible. "The Beacons of Minas Tirith! The Beacons are lit!"
"Gondor calls for aid!"
If Katherine was there she would have realized that the beacons are lit faster this time and way before it happened in the main story line in her world. King Theoden was expecting the news. He had assured Faramir, the captain of Gondor that Rohan will answer to their call. "Muster the Rohirrim!" A soldier rang an alarm bell immediately. Théoden exited Meduseld while speaking with Éomer.
"Assemble the army at Dunharrow, as many men as can be found. You have two days." Éomer nodded and turned away. Théoden grabbed his shoulder and stopped him. "On the third, we ride for Gondor. And war."
On the other hand, Legolas and Gimli prepared to depart along with others. "Horsemen, hmph! I wish I could muster a legion of Dwarves, fully armed and filthy."
Legolas glanced back at Gimli. "Your kinsmen may have no need to ride to war. I fear war already marches on their own lands." Gimli knew Legolas was right. Every realm in middle earth was being attacked by the enemy's dark forces. A heavy sigh escaped his breath. Legolas understood it wasn't because he was worried about his kin. "What is it?" Legolas questioned curiously.
"Ah, nothing, it's just- I was thinking about Katherine. I can't bring myself to believe that she has really sided with the enemy." Legolas sighed out heavily hearing that. Sadness covered his face immediately.
"Neither can I" said Legolas with low tone of voice. He knew what people are thinking about Katherine now since Pippin saw her in the Palantir. She was with the dark lord. By his side. But Legolas wouldn't believe she has gone evil until he sees it with his own two eyes. Gimli looked at the elf with concern.
"Are you alright lad?" It was very rare for a dwarf to show concern for an elf so openly. But Gimli couldn't help but worry as he witnessed Legolas suffer every single day. Legolas wouldn't say much or show his emotions but Gimli or Aragorn for that matter knew how he was feeling very well.
"Do not fret about me Gimli" said Legolas with soft tone of voice. "As long as I have hope I shall keep going." Gimli knew what hope Legolas was talking about. His hope of seeing Katherine again. Hope of having her back. Hope that she is still their Katherine and not the dark lord's servant. It made Gimli more worried. What if there is no hope? What if it's already too late? What would become of the prince of Mirkwood then?
"Ah I am sure Katherine would come back to us and prove everyone wrong about her. Not to mention she promised to come visit Erebor with me after the war is over" said Gimli which made Legolas smile a little although sadly.
"Well I hope she keeps her promise to you at least. She certainly didn't keep mine." Katherine had promised Legolas that she'd never leave him but she broke her promise right away and went to Mordor. Of course it hurt Legolas to no limit. And made him question her love for him. Legolas wondered if Katherine was under any influence as well that made her fall in love with him. His love for her is real now but was hers? Legolas has no doubt in his mind or in his heart about being in love with Katherine. He may be under the ring's influence at first but the moment they consummated their love, it became real for him. They became one in the eyes of Eru Iluvatar even though there was no proper ceremony. But Legolas believed in his heart that they are one being now. The princeling wondered if Katherine felt the same as him. Or she felt nothing.
There were so many things Legolas wanted to ask Katherine but alas she was completely out of his reach. And Legolas knew when she is going to come back to him and she better come back, he would first take Katherine in his arms and kiss her passionately before asking her any question. If that doesn't prove he loves her then Valar knows what would.
City Of The Dead
Sam, Frodo, and Smeagol approached Minas Morgul. "The Dead City… very nasty place… full of… enemies." Smeagol led them to the side of the road. "Quick! Quick! They will see! They will see! Come away! Come away!" Smeagol pointed out a long, steep staircase, set into the rock.
"Look! We have found it, the way into Mordor. The Secret Stairs! Climb!"
Frodo quickly climbed after Gollum as he felt no calling from the city. The only call Frodo felt was of Katherine's. And Frodo wanted to get to her as soon as possible. Sam climbed after Frodo. For quite sometime Sam was feeling strange about Gollum and Frodo. He felt as if they had a secret deal between them that Sam didn't know about. Frodo suddenly trusted Gollum more than he did Sam. Of course the words were never spoken out loud but Sam could feel it in his guts. The trio immediately stopped as a bright blue-green light erupted from the middle of the city. They watched with wide eyes as the witch king of Angmar emerged from inside the city and mounted on a flying beast.
"He was suppose to stab me with his blade" said Frodo more to himself than to Sam or Smeagol. Frodo learned about it when he was back in Rivendell.
"What are you talking about Mister Frodo?" Sam asked.
"Katherine stopped it from happening." Frodo spoke to himself again. It certainly made him more determined about rescuing Katherine and doing everything he can do to keep her safe. The trio watched as an army of Orcs left Minas Morgul.
"Hurry, hobbits! We climb! We must climb!" Smeagol rushed the hobbits. He continued leading them. "Up, up, up the stairs we go. And then it's into the tunnel."
"Hey, what's in this tunnel?" asked Sam. He grabbed Smeagol. "You listen to me and you listen good and proper" began Sam. Unlike Frodo he hasn't forgotten yet what Katherine had warned them about regarding Gollum. However before Sam could continue threatening the creature, Frodo interjected.
"Let him go Sam." Frodo's voice was strong and commanding. Sam was surprised to hear that tone of voice with him. He let go of Smeagol but turned to confront Frodo.
"Mister Frodo, don't you think you're trusting him too blindly." Sam couldn't help but point it out. He wanted to say it for sometime now.
"I know what I am going Sam" said Frodo with stern tone of voice.
"Do you? You know what he's going to do at one point and still you're letting him lead us without any concern that he might be leading us into a trap" said Sam with bitter tone of voice.
"Smeagol would never do that." Gollum immediately defended himself.
"He wouldn't betray me Sam. He and I want the same thing" said Frodo confidently. Sam didn't miss to notice that Frodo said Smeagol wouldn't betray him. He didn't say us. What did Frodo and Smeagol both want? Sam hoped that Frodo was talking about destroying the ring but something about the way Frodo behaved nowadays made Sam very suspicious of Frodo's real intention of going to Mordor. Sam knew Frodo wanted to rescue Katherine but how far was he willing to go.
"Let's go Sam. We must keep moving" said Frodo this time with soft tone of voice. Sam only nodded his head. He continued climbing. But not before threatening Gollum.
"I'm watching you."
Smeagol and the hobbits continued climbing the stairs. Frodo thought he could trust Gollum since he wanted to rescue Katherine was well. Little did he know that Gollum only wanted it to be him who takes the ring back to Katherine? He didn't want a hobbit proving to the lady of darkness that he is more loyal to her than Smeagol. Once he gets rid of the fat one, Gollum has planned to get rid of Frodo as well. Whether by Frodo or Smeagol, the ring will find it's way back to Katherine. And this time the ring would reunite with it's master as well. It will become the most powerful thing in middle earth. But even the ring could fail to achieve it's goal when the lady of darkness herself was determined to save middle earth. It was only a matter of time now and only one of them will win the game in the end.
AN: Please Please please review. Love you all.