Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and the Oakenshield Company entered the Fangorn Forest.

"These are strange tracks," Aragorn mumbled.

"The air is so close in here," Mona whispered concerned.

"This forest is old. Very old. Full of memory—and anger," Legolas replied calmly. A groan reverberated through the forest and the dwarves raised their axes.

"The trees are speaking to each other,"the Elf added.

"Thorin—"Aragorn whispered.

"Huh?"

"Lower your axe. All of you!" he gestured and they lowered their weapons again.

"Aragorn, nad na ennas!" Legolas whispered. (Something is out there.)

"Man cenich?" (What do you see?)

Legolas cast a glance around. "The white wizard approaches."

"Don't let him speak! He will put a spell on us!" Aragorn hissed to them. He wrapped his hand around the hilt of his sword; the dwarves tightened their hold on their weapons as well while Barbas hair was up and Mona drew her sword and prepared her forces to Shout if necessary. Legolas and Kili both nocked an arrow.

"We must be quick!" Aragorn whispered. With a yell the whole group swung around to attack. The weapons of the dwarves as well as the arrows were deflected. They all dropped their weapons as they became red hot on their grasps.

They shielded their eyes with their hands from the bright light emanating from the white wizard.

"You are tracking the footsteps of two young Hobbits," the wizard said.

"Where are they?" Aragorn growled.

"They passed this way the day before yesterday. They met someone they did not expect. Does that comfort you?"

"Who are you? Show yourself!" Thorin growled. The bright light dimmed and revealed Gandalf all dressed in white. The whole group stared astounded.

"It cannot be. You fell!" Aragorn breathed and Mona could feel tears dwelling in her eyes.

"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," Gandalf said and stepped closer while his eyes lay on Mona. "I've been sent back until my task is done," he added. For the first time Mona had the feeling that he knew what she had been through on her way to Middle Earth.

"Gandalf—"she breathed.

"Gandalf? Yes—that's what they used to call me. Gandalf the Grey. That was my name," he smiled at her. "Now I am Gandalf the White," he added with a twinkle in his eyes and Aragorn grinned at him. "And I come back to you now at the turn of the tide," the wizard finally said.

His eyes drifted along the group. "Where is your Princess?" he suddenly asked.

"She—she is somewhere out there. We lost her—"Mona replied and felt the wizard's hand on her shoulder as he said softly,

"You will get her back—maybe not now, maybe not tomorrow, but have faith in your daughter. Do you have faith?" He turned to look at Thorin.

"She is too young!" the dwarf King protested but Gandalf stepped closer and said,

"Would it relief you if I tell you that she is not alone?"

"No—that would not relief me," Thorin grumbled.

"So, it is true?" Mona asked and stepped towards the wizard, "She's with Ulfric?"

Gandalf nodded. "He bravely saved her life against the Uruks."

Thorin and Mona exchanged a look. "Do you know where they are now?" Thorin asked and watched Gandalf intently.

"They are heading to Minas Tirith."

"So do we!" Thorin called and turned around towards his Company.

"You think this is wise?" Aragorn asked concerned.

"I won't follow these Hobbits anymore! I will take my daughter back!" the King growled and his Company cheered loudly. Gandalf couldn't help but smile as he said,

"So it is. Thorin and Company, I wish you all luck you can get to reach the white city safely. I will stay with Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. But I am certain that this is not a goodbye forever." He nodded at Mona and winked at her which made her smile tiredly at him.

And finally the Oakenshield Company turned to find their way to Minas Tirith.

As soon as they were out of sight, Gandalf turned to face the three fellows. "One stage of your journey is over, another begins. War has come to Rohan. We must ride to Edoras with all speed."

They left the forest and Gandalf whistled piercingly. Soon an answering neigh could be heard and a white horse appeared from the plain.

"That is one of the Mearas, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell," Legolas said.

The horse stopped in front of Gandalf. "Shadowfax. He's the Lord of all horses and he's been my friend through many dangers."

The three hunters and Gandalf rode across the plains of Edoras.


First thing Kalea saw was the crackling fire. It was early in the morning and she slowly woke up. She frowned as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned and was aware that her head was lying on Ulfric's lap.

'Oh my—'she through and heat crept up in her cheeks. She sat up hastily which caused him to wake up as well.

"Had a good night?" he asked with a quite deep and sleepy voice. She nodded and cleared her throat.

"Y—yes, it was fine."

Before they started to move on, she placed her hand on his arm. "Wait—"

He turned to look at her quite curiously.

"Last night—you—you said something before I fell asleep."

He frowned but realized that she still had listened to him.

"What was the meaning of it?" she asked quietly.

Ulfric seemed to be a bit ashamed and turned away from her to avoid her eye-contact. "I don't know what you're talking about—"he mumbled and walked away.

Kalea rolled her eyes and followed him, still curious why he won't answer her question.


Frodo and Sam climbed a high rock overlooking Morannon.

"The Black Gate of Mordor," Gollum whispered.

The enormous Black Gate was patrolled by Orcs standing guard on the towers and atop the walls. From the right, an army of Easterling soldiers marched towards the Gate.

"Oh, save us. My ol Gaffer'd have a thing or two to say if he could see us now," Sam mumbled.

"Master says to show him the way into Mordor, so good Sméagol does. Master says so."

"I did," Frodo said and watched the creature.

"That's it then. We cannot get past that," Sam said as he spotted Orcs patrolling the Black Gate. A command waved through the air and an Orc sounded a horn, signaled for the Gate to be opened. Two enormous cave trolls stretched and growled and pulled the mighty gate open.

"Look! The gate, it's opening! I can see a way down!" Sam called. He moved closer to the edge. Suddenly the rock underneath him gave way and he fell.

"Sam, no!" Frodo called and went after him.

"Master!" Gollum hissed in panic.

Two Easterling soldiers saw streams of dust coming down the cliff. They moved away from the troop to investigate.

Frodo reached Sam who was stuck in the scree. As the Easterlings moved closer and closer, Frodo threw his Elvish cloak over himself and Sam. The soldiers stopped directly in front of them, but they could only see rocks. Frodo and Sam peered from underneath the cloak. The soldiers soon left and after a moment, Frodo threw back the cloak and pulled Sam out.

"I do not ask you to come with me, Sam," Frodo whispered.

"I know, Mr. Frodo. I doubt even these Elvish cloaks will hide us in there."

They prepared to make a run for the gate. "Now!" Frodo called but Gollum pulled them both back.

"No! No, no master! They catch you! They catch you! Don't take it to him! He wants the preciousss. Always he's looking for it! And the preciousss is wanting to go back to him. But we mustn's let him have it!"

Frodo ignored him and wanted to charge forward just to be pulled back once more. "No!" Gollum called. "There's another way. More secret. A dark way!"

"Why haven't you spoken of this before?" Sam yelled.

"Because Master did not ask!"

"He's up to something," Sam grumbled.

"Are you saying there's another way into Mordor?" Frodo asked curiously.

"Yes, there is a path. And some stairs and then a tunnel!"

Frodo and Sam watched as the Black Gate closed. Gollum stroke Frodo's arm and buried his face in the Hobbit's cloak.

"He's led us this far, Sam—"

"Mr. Frodo, no—" Sam begged.

"He's been true to his word."

"No—" Sam whispered once more.

"Lead the way, Sméagol," Frodo finally said.

"Good Sméagol always helps," Gollum called happily. Frodo followed him as Sam stared after them in disbelief.


"Ulfric?"

He turned around and saw that Kalea had stopped. "What's wrong, Kalea?"

"I'm tired," she said with an embarrassed smile. He sighed and tried to find a good place to make a rest.

"You see those boulders over there?" he pointed into the distance and she nodded. "We will take a rest there."

"Aye," she mumbled and they moved on and reached the boulder at early noon. Kalea leaned against the rock, drank some water and closed her eyes.

"Are you angry?" she suddenly asked quietly. She felt his gaze resting on her, but she didn't look at him. As he shifted she opened her eyes and watched him revealing a book out of his bag. It was a different book than the red one.

"What is this?" she asked as he handed it to her.

"Take it—"

She reached for the book and took it. It was bound in blue leather. She opened it and gasped. Her eyes locked with his for a second as she stammered, "Where—where did you get this?"

He shrugged. "It was found in her house before she—"he lowered down and watched her.

Kalea's eyes drifted back to the first page and began to read silently:

Dear Diary,

I didn't really find time to write, but I guess now that I'm resting here in Riverwood I may write what happened to me today.

First I woke up on a cart, but I wasn't alone. There had been three men with me. My hands were bound—oh,no! Honestly, I had no idea what had happened. I returned to Skyrim after my parents fled to Hammerfell. So, that was not quite a nice welcoming, right?

Suddenly one of the men grumbled something about Stormcloaks. That might have been the reason I was there. The Empire seemed to have captured some Stormcloak soldiers. I sat next to a man whose hands were bound and his mouth was gagged. I watched him curiously until I realized that it was the Jarl of Windhelm. Ulfric Stormcloak himself!

Ralof, a very friendly soldier, said, "Ulfric Stormcloak is the new High King of Skyrim. He challenged old Torygg to a duel and defeated him in single combat."

At this, the shirtless man that had been facing away from us turned around and spat, "That's a crock of shit. Ulfric didn't challenge Torygg to anything. He just opened his mouth and shouted the old man to bloody pieces. He's a craven, not a King!"

I could see Ulfric's eyes smoldering and he worked his jaw around his gag, chewed at the rag. If looks could kill, our fellow cart-mate would have been in as many pieces as he claimed Torygg ended up in.

As I cast a glance around, pondering my options, a small wooden palisaded settlement appeared through the trees ahead on the path.

"Ralof, where are we headed?" I asked.

"Helgen, of couse," he replied and grew serious as he added, "Sadly sister, today is a historic event. It marks the end of an era, of Skyrim being for the Nords. With Ulfric's death, the Empire will secure Skyrim as just another conquest to pillage and plunder."

He droned on, and I ignored him, processed this new information.

Helgen?

It didn't matter that I hadn't been back to Skyrim for so long. It was my home, I grew up here. And I'd be damned if I was going to die today!

Kalea stared at those words; let her eyes drift over all those handwritten words as a tear dropped down onto the page. She hastily closed the book, closed her eyes and tried to hold back the tears. She could feel Ulfric's arm around her. He embraced her and held her tight. Her head dropped on his shoulder.

"This is my mother's diary—"she mumbled.

"Yes—"he whispered.

"Do you think I will see her again? My parents?"

"I'm certain about that," he whispered and gently stroked her long, black hair until he looked at her.

Their eyes locked once more and he could see something in her green orbs that made him smile.

"I want you to teach me in swordfighting," she said determined and got up.

He nodded. "I knew you'd say something like that."

"How?"

"You had that look—I could see the dovah in your eyes," he chuckled and she smiled at him.


Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli stopped on a small hill as Edoras lay in front of them.

"Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. There dwells Théoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown. Saruman's hold over Théoden is now very strong. Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here," Gandalf said and they moved on towards the hold.

Edoras was silent and somber. Everyone was dressed in black and stared at the newcomers in wary silence. Aragorn's gaze drifted up towards the hall and saw a lady in white standing on the steps.

"You'll find more cheer in a graveyard," Gimli mumbled. Aragorn look up towards the hall again, but the lady was gone. They climbed up the steps to the hall and were met by some guards.

"I cannot allow you before Théoden-King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame. By order of Grima Wormtongue."

Gandalf nodded understandingly and signaled his companions to surrender their weapons. Aragorn handed over his sword and knives. Legolas gave a little twirl to his knives before handing them over to the guards. Gimli reluctantly handed his ax.

"Your staff," the guard said to Gandalf.

"Hmm?" Gandalf glanced at his staff. "Oh—you would not part an old man from his walking stick?" He watched the guards innocently.

The guard hesitated for a second and finally gestured them to follow him into the hall. Gandalf winked at Aragorn and they entered.

Grima leaned down and whispered to Théoden, "My Lord, Gandalf the Grey is coming. He's a herald of woe."

"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden King," Gandalf said as he approached the throne. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli pulled back and surveyed the hall and its hostile occupants. A group of men started to follow their steps with hostility.

"He's not welcome," Grima whispered to the King.

"Why should I—welcome you, Gandalf—Stormcrow?" Théoden mumbled and looked to Grime for affirmation.

"A just question, my liege," Grima said and approached Gandalf. "Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell I name him. Ill news is an ill guest."

"Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm," Gandalf bellowed and raised his staff against Grima.

"His staff!" Grima backed away from Gandalf while addressing the guards, "I told you to take the wizard's staff!"

The hostile guards attacked immediately. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli engaged them in a fist-fight as Gandalf continued to approach the throne and the head of the guard held one of his men back.

"Théoden, son of Thengel, too long have you sat in the shadows," the wizard called. Grima tried to crawl away unnoticed, but Gimli caught him and pinned him to the floor.

"I would stay still, if I were you," the dwarf growled.

"Hearken to me! I release you from the spell!" Gandalf called and gestured with his hand. Théoden laughed menacingly. Gandalf opened his eyes in surprise as the King chuckled,

"You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey."

Gandalf threw back his grey cloak and revealed his blinding white robe. Théoden was thrown back against his throne. "Argh!"

The wizard pointed his staff towards the King. "I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound!"

The lady Aragorn had seen before rushed into the hall. She saw her uncle threatened and tried to go to him but Aragorn held her back. "Wait," he whispered.

Now Théoden spoke in Saruman's voice, "If I go—Théoden dies!"

Gandalf moved his staff sharply and the King flew back against the throne again. "You did not kill me, you will not kill him!"

"Rohan is mine!" Saruman's voice hissed out of the King's mouth.

"Be gone!" Gandalf smited Théoden as he lunged at him. The King was thrown back into the chair and Saruman seemed to be gone.

Théoden moaned and slumped forward. Eowyn ran to her uncle's side as he fell. His head rose again and his face began to change gradually into that much of a younger-looking man. Clarity and recognition returned to his eyes. He looked closely at Eowyn and mumbled,

"I know your face. Eowyn—Eowyn—"

She weeped with joy.

"Gandalf?" he breathed and looked up at the wizard.

"Breathe the free air again, my friend," Gandalf said with a warm smile. Théoden got up and cast a glance around.

"Dark have been my dreams of late," he looked down at his trembling hands.

"Your fingers would remember their old strength better—if they grasped your sword," Gandalf said and gestured the head of the guard to hand the King his sword. Théoden reached for it with trembling hands. He wrapped his fingers around the hilt and drew it, gazed upon the shiny steel. Suddenly, the King's gaze turned to Grima.

The guards threw Grima out of the hall and down the stairs.

"Argh! I've only ever served you, my Lord," he cried.

Théoden advanced towards Grima, held his sword firmly in his hand. "Your leech craft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!"

"Send me not from your side!"

Théoden raised his sword about to kill him, but Aragorn held him back. "No, my Lord! Let him go. Enough blood has been spilled on his account!"

Grima scrambled to his feet and pushed through the crowd.

"Hail, Théoden, King!" the head of the guard called loudly. The crowd knelt in homage before their King. Also Aragorn knelt in front of him.

As Théoden turned to go back into the hall he looked up and asked,

"Where is Theodred? Where is my son?"


"Well, then take your sword and I'll show you some basics," Ulfric said and got up to lift his own sword.

Kalea took hers with trembling hands.

"Keep calm," he said with a mischievous smile which only caused her to become even more nervous.

"Be prepared to block my attack," he said and swung his sword at her. She raised her arm and the steel clashed in air. She could feel her arm getting tired, but she managed to go on and on and on. They trained for quite a while and Kalea was quite good and learned her moves quickly.

Once they stopped she panted heavily and placed her hands on her knees. She felt his hand on her back as he asked,

"You're alright?"

"Y—yes—"she mumbled.

"I think that was enough for today. You're doing very well. You have the blood of a fighter in you. No wonder with that parents," he chuckled and stroked her back one last time and went back to their camp. She watched him and smiled.

They moved on for several hours until they reached the edge of a forest.

"What kind of forest is that?" she asked curiously.

"I don't know—I cannot find it on the map. We should camp here for the night. I don't want to go into that forest in the night."

She nodded and they searched a safe spot and finally found a little cave. Ulfric examined it and once he was certain that it was safe, he made a fire and Kalea pulled her mother's diary out of her bag again.

"Aren't you hungry?" he asked but she simply shook her head and continued to read:

"Dear Diary,

once the cart had ground to a halt, the Imperial commander called us off. Having Ulfric captured would surely be the ultimate victory for the Empire. As we lined up, the petty thief who had been caught in the ambush as well attempted to make a break for it. The archers cut him down before he reached the gate.

Our last rites were interrupted by the impatient commander. I wasn't terribly surprised. Ulfric Stormcloak wielded the Voice, and that sort of power is worrying. Despite his gag, I could tell the soldiers were nervous. The soldier with the list of the criminals tried to get me off. He told the commander that I hadn't been on the list, but she sent me to the block anyway.

I watched how the ax came down on the first soldier. His head was clearly severed from his neck and fell into the basket under the block with a dull thud. My knees grew weak as I realized that this was the end. I had reached the end of my life. I was roughly pushed down against the block. The smell of blood was thick in my nose and my stomach twisted as the executioner raised his ax.

Suddenly a strange noise caused the man to pause. The commander cried out to her sentries, asking what they saw but I had already seen it.

A dragon!

The beast landed heavily on the tower to our left. It roared and the sky went dark. My entire world rocked again and it took several moments before I was able to gain my bearings. Helgen was on fire, and the screams of innocent civilians mingled with the commands of the soldiers. My back tickled strangely and I could barely hear anything. Somehow, one of those voices broke through my daze. Someone was called for me and told me to head to the keep.

It was Ralof, the Stormcloak soldier I was with on the cart. I followed him to a tower. We stumbled inside right in the moment as the dragon let a stream of fire burn down on us. Ralof closed the door and I dropped on my knees with my hands still bound. As I looked up I saw that majestic man looking down at me.

Well, I lay in front of Ulfric Stormcloak—oh gosh, I was so embarrassed. He cut me loose. Ralof outfitted me with weapons and armor. I was so grateful that he helped me.

Side by side we fought our way through the keep. We battled angry Empire soldiers, giant spiders and even a bear. I was tired, weak and injured by the time we crawled out of the ruined keep and underground tunnels into the light of day. I took a deep breath of fresh air.

The dragon flew by overhead. Ralof and I crouched down to hide from its gaze. He clapped me on the shoulder and said we should split up for now and meet again in Riverwood. He had family there and his sister might help us. I agreed but I wanted to stay with him and so we took the road down to Riverwood.

Little did I know that in this very moment, everything was about to change forever.'


As she read the part of her mother being embarrassed to lie in front of Ulfric she couldn't help but chuckle. She could understand this so very well, but then again she could feel the deep emotion in her mother's writing.

"What's so funny?" he asked.

She looked up at him while he was sitting at the fire and watching her.

"Oh—nothing," she grinned cheekily and put the book back in her bag and approached him.

"Why won't you tell me what you have said to me?" she asked and lowered down next to him.

"When?"

"The night you whispered to me in the dragon language."

His gaze drifted into the flames before he sighed heavily and replied, "Little sun, we will triumph in this war—my Princess."

She simply stared at him. Did he really call her 'little sun' and 'his Princess'? She could feel the tickling again, blushed and much to her dismay he was full aware of it.

"Don't be ashamed of that. I am sorry if I offended you," he whispered.

"No, it's fine—I was just surprised."

She smiled and leaned against a boulder, closed her eyes and drifted off into a dreamless sleep.