Hi guys!

And now... a new plot will start developing besides the one in Isengard and the one that we all know. What will it be?

As always I want to thank Celridel for her immense help and also invite you for leaving your reviews which are the utmost important.

Chapter 28: About what happened in Osgiliath

It had been nearly a week, and Avalanche had spent it scouring the vicinity of Barad-Dûr. Unfortunately, he did not have Marrow's tracking ability, and he was well aware he had to deal with a sly and cunning being. And if that was not enough, he had to be extremely careful, for some of the Orcs that followed him appeared to have received special orders. Avalanche had decided that if he had the slightest suspicion that the Dark Lord of Mordor would betray him, he and Marrow would betray him first, overthrow him, and take power.

It was in one of the brief moments of rest the mutant gave to his squad of orcs when he heard the bone-chilling screech, and saw black shapes flying above him. The Nazgûl were flying? But where would they go? If his knowledge of the geography of Middle-Earth was correct, they went to the city of Osgiliath. Why did they want to attack it? Marrow had finished with Saruman and was attacking Gondor already? No. Marrow was cunning, but even she could not act so quickly. Surely, these were was from Sauron. And soon his suspicions were affirmed because a Nazgûl-beast dove down, a hideous stench penetrating the air, and landed heavily, claws digging into the ground.

"What's the matter?" Avalanche asked the Nazgûl, heedless of the dragon-like beast he rode.

"My lord," hissed the wraith. "The King of Angmar, wants to speak with you my lord"

Avalanche raised a slightly surprised eyebrow, but that could well go through a gesture of mockery before the appellation, and turned to his Orcs who had been cowering before the Nazgûl. "Do not move!" he ordered harshly. Having said this, he climbing onto a floating rock, and followed the Nazgûl to meet the King of Angmar.

The powerful King of Angmar, also known as the Witch-king, was one of the most terrible beings. A wraith, a black sorcerer. Avalanche had a good reason to fear him. Or at least until that moment, because now that Avalanche knew he was a descendant of the Blue Wizards, and that his mutant powers were greatly increased thanks to being in a land where magic was a reality. He had the odds of, perhaps not being on a par with the power and strength of the Witch King, but ... not too far below it. So, he decided to go talk to him, maybe something interesting could be found.

"We will take Osgiliath. " the King of Angmar told him. "I thought you might be interested." The Wraith Lord had no admiration for the pairs of mutants, but he admitted that they were warriors worthy of being by his side.

"Killing simple humans?" Said Avalanche "I like the idea, but right now I'm busy with another, more important task."

"No doubt. The Dark Lord has told me. That's why I thought you might be interested. He has seen something powerful move near Osgiliath. Most likely-"

"His One Ring." broke in Avalanche, who had inwardly cursed Sauron wholeheartedly at his lack of discretion. Though now he would not have to keep looking for aimlessly, now he would have a trail to follow.

"The walls of Osgiliath are powerful. The more numbers we have the easier we may take it. " continued the Witch King. "And after Osgiliath falls, we shall lay a siege upon Minas Tirith."

Avalanche chuckled mockingly. "No doubt for such an army of Orcs the walls are unpassable, but not for me. They will fall before my power, and you will be able to slaughter every single inhabitant."

The Witch-King faced Avalanche, a faceless wraith under the black hood. "Very good." he hissed.

Isengard had been attacked without warning. The Ents, inspired the courage of Merry and Pippin and led by Treebeard, had gone to Isengard.

Saruman had searched for Marrow, but he had never found her. The shrewd mutant had noticed the imminent attack of the Ents shortly before it occurred and had decided to abandon Saruman to his fate. That would be the first part of her plan. How fortunate the Ents had come so timely!

Shortly before leaving the tower of Isengard, Marrow sought out for the traitor of Rohan. "Listen Gríma." she said shortly. "Soon Isengard will be under attack by trees. Stay inside the tower unless you want to die. If Saruman asks you for me, tell him that you do not know." The mutant paused. "It is your time to do your task, Gríma, I trust that I have been able to tell that you are a person who is reliable and talented." She leaned forward till their faces were only a short distance apart. "Remember, if you fulfill your task, you can ... work with Avalanche and me. Do not forget."

She patted his cheek as she usually did, turned to the four Uruk she had created and left silently just as the Ent attack began.

Faithfully followed by her Uruk, Marrow reached the edge of the Huorn forest and waited. At any moment, her next victims would come. Once she had disposed of them and Gríma had taken care of Saruman, she would kill Wormtongue as a reward and then go to Mordor.

Legolas stood with arms folded over his chest, overlooking the rocky valley filled with th black corpses of Uruk, men and Elves.

It had been painful to see all those comrades, both in battle and race, who had been slain. Only he, Legolas Thrandullion, was a living Elf.

He had seen Elves slain before. The battle of the Five Armies had left too many of the Woodland Folk upon the cold stone.

Adding to the pain in his heart was a cold anger and quiet misery. Her words still echoed in his ears. Princeling….Mirkwood…This insult stung the most. He loved the Greenwood with a deep and undying love, and though a cloak of darkness was laid upon it, still he loved it. But to hear it called such by a human who had never before laid eyes on it enraged him.

But that did not prevent him from remembering her words: 'I told you my secrets! I showed you who my friends were, something no one had shown, not even Jimmy!'

It was true. The moment she had shown him the photo of her friends and she, clearly came to mind. How she had explained who was who and the mutant abilities that each had. He remembered the embrace they had shared.

Yes, he had reproached harshly. But if one of his guards had done the same thing, they would have been treated much harsher. Indeed, for a liar and traitor, Kitty had gotten off lightly.

Legolas realized that Kitty was a woman with a strong temper. He also realized she had a noble heart and even a tender side. But he could not regret his words, even though the Prince knew that they had hurt her.

"What are you worried about, mellon nín?" A male voice said in Sindarin, a few steps from him

Legolas turned sharply. It was Aragorn who stared at him, searching for the reason for the Elf's uneasiness. Legolas knew Aragorn of old and was perfectly well aware that the future king of Gondor was perceptive and wise.

"Do you think of Kitty?" He asked, approaching him until he stood beside him, his arms folded as well as he looked at the rocky valley lined with corpses.

Legolas nodded slowly.

"Did you argue?"

Legolas slowly nodded again, without saying a single word.

Aragorn smiled wryly. "I know that. She was rather uncourteous to me when I came to see her."

Legolas took a deep breath. "I reproached her for her betrayal. If one of my warriors had betrayed me, then I would have had him locked in the dungeons for a fortnight. She was hurt her, and so did her best to hurt me as well. But I cannot take back, nor do I want to take back what I said to her. Kitty must learn that as a warrior, she must obey the general."

"I know." replied the Dúnadan. "But Legolas, you were not her general in this instance. Théoden-King was. He should have reproached her. But you did not scold her as a warrior, you rebuked her as a betrayed lover. At least, that is my wager."

Legolas nodded slightly, and then said. "Yes. She called me many things, but the Válar knows the one that hurts that most. She dared to call my home Mirkwood. And now…." Legolas took a breath. "Aragorn, I love her, but she acts like a child. She raged and turned her back on me, declaring she never wished to speak to me again."

Aragorn did not answer, but stared silently out, grey eyes unseeing.

"I should not have admonished her so, perhaps. But she must understand two things. One, I love her. She is more valuable to me than Válinor, and the other…" Legolas clenched his hands. "She must act like she is a grown-woman. She is no longer a child."

Aragorn turned to his Elf-friend. "If that is so, Greenleaf, then why do you not tell her?"

Legolas shook his head. "Perhaps. But I do not know how to explain to her."

"Perhaps start by explain Elven-love?" suggested Aragorn.

"She knows some of it. I told her of my Naneth. And of Nyewen."

Aragorn arched an eyebrow in surprise but only said. "There is a beginning. Follow that road. Kitty doesn't understand it all though. You know, she asked me if I knew the reason why you said you could sense her?" He shook his head to Legolas's unspoken question. "No, I did not tell her." He sighed, still staring at the stony valley. "You must be careful, my friend. You know the fate of Elves who love mortals."

"But I cannot help it," muttered the elf. "I cannot go on denying it: I love Kitty." He chuckled grimly. " Boromir was right. I never noticed it until he told me. That's why I can't let something happen to her."

Aragorn laughed and shook his head. "You're wrong, Legolas."

The Elf frowned. What did he mean?

"The fact that you love her, that your Fëa has attached itself to her, does not mean that you have the right to prevent something from happening to her."

"But…"

"You cannot cage a woman in. Never. There is not a woman who likes to be constrained, and Kitty most of all."

"But Boromir asked me to protect her, to take care for her." protested the Elf-Prince.

"True. But he never said to lock her up inside some tower. What Boromir asked for is that when Kitty needed it, she would have someone to turn too."

Legolas was silent. Aragorn was right. "So ... what do you advise me to do?" He asked after a few minutes. "After all, you are the skilled one in love. You convinced the most beautiful Elf to marry you, an unwashed Ranger." he added with a grin.

Aragorn laughed softly, but do not respond to the jibe. "She is named Shadow-cat. Well, Legolas, you cannot grasp a shadow with your hands, nor keep a wild cat inside a cage. Do what Boromir asked."

Legolas nodded slowly, but Aragorn continued. "Think well about the right course, my friend."

"I have." answered Legolas simply.

Aragorn smiled sadly. "Then, let your Fëa guide you. Try to understand her. Let her undersand you. Otherwise, you can never be happy"

There was silence. And then there were footsteps, and the White Wizard spoke. "Isengard has fallen." he said.

"Who attacked?" asked Aragorn in disbelief.

"The Ents." replied the Wizard shortly, and then seeing their incredulity, smiled. "I told you that the arrival of Merry and Pippin to Fangorn Forest would bring great and unexpected consequences. Now Isengard has fallen and Rohan can be calm once more."

"But Saruman has to fall first," Aragorn observed. "Surely the Ents could not have entered Orthanc."

"No, they did not. And Saruman and his rat are still up there, looking down on the ruin of Isengard. We must go there, not only to cast Saruman down, but to learn from him all that he knows."

The Ranger nodded. "Of Marrow?"

"Kitty will come with us."

Legolas stared impassively away, but Aragorn grabbed his shoulder. "Let us go."

When they arrived, they found that King Théoden was at the entrance of Helm's Deep with Snowmane, his horse, accompanied by Gimli and Éomer. Shadowfax stood at the gateway, while men held the reins of other horses. The Dwarf was on foot, for Éomer was mounted on Firefoot, who pranced and snorted restively.

"Lord Aragorn, I guess that Gandalf already gave you the news. Now we ride to Isengard to make Saruman pay for this betrayal."

"You shall leave the Wizard to me." answered Gandalf. "He is of my order. Let me deal with him." He turned to Shadowfax, stroking the horse's white muzzle. "Come, Kitty." he called out.

The young woman was limping slightly as she came down the causeway.

The Rohirric leaders looked undecided. Legolas leapt lightly on to Arod. "Come, Gimli. You shall ride with me."

Kitty folded her arms stubbornly and struggled to mount the bay horse that had been loaned to her. The gates opened, and the six riders sped away to Isengard. Their horses galloped at full speed. It was crucial to reach Isengard before the Istar or the mutant could flee. But how would they deal with the mutant? That was a question, but Kitty was ready to fight, although she had her left ankle with a slight sprain and her right shoulder still sore, but she was willing to fight Marrow.

Kitty sighed reluctantly. Yes, she would fight for Middle-Earth, for the Fellowship ... for Legolas. Why was she still thinking about the stupid elf? He had hurt her! He had told her things that had hurt her like no one else had! Not even the scolding of Gandalf, not even the betrayal of Colossus! Nobody, no one had hurt her that way! And yet ... she could not stop thinking that she would fight mainly for him.

Kitty shook her head inwardly. It was better to concentrate on Marrow. She knew it would not be a simple fight and even less because she was not in top condition, but there was no other way... Were they not in the middle of a war?

Avalanche had soon arrived at Osgiliath with the King of Angmar and his army. The mutant's little group of orcs had joined the army of the Witch King and the Nazgûl. When Avalanche saw the great walls of the city where, until then, the men had managed to stop the attack of the orcs, smiled mockingly. This was so easy!

"Show us your prowess." snarled the Wraith-King.

Avalanche smirked. He gestured to a small group of orcs to follow him and make havoc between the lines of men so he could enter in the middle of the battle easily. Once he was at the foot of the walls, he looked carefully at his surroundings. Thanks to his mutation, Avalanche was able to easily and quickly pinpoint the weak point of mountains, mines or constructions. Immediately, he found the headstone and approached.

Faramir, the second son of the Steward of Gondor, Lord Denethor, had found Frodo, Sam and Gollum in the middle of the forest of Ithilien. He knew well what Frodo carried, and so had taken him to Osgiliath, despite their pleadings. The dark-haired son of Denethor leaned on his bow, musing on the plight of the Halflings and of himself.

"My Lord Faramir!"

"What is it, Anborn?"

"Orcs have taken the eastern shore! Their numbers are too great! By nightfall, we'll be overrun! But….the Wraith-King leads the army."

Faramir's grip tightened on his bow.

"But he is not alone." continued bearded Anborn. "With him there is another kind of man."

"What do you mean?" asked Faramir sharply.

"I saw a man, a young man covered in a kind of armor made of stone. Arrows and swords do him no harm, my Lord."

"Armor made of stone? And I thought steel was heavy enough." replied Faramir grimly, but though his gaze was fixed on Anborn, he waited for the hobbits to speak, and was not disappointed.

"He must be a mutant. Another one." whispered Frodo. "He must be here for the Ring, Sam."

"My thanks, Anborn. Leave me now." Once left to themselves, Faramir turned to Frodo. "A mutant, you say?"

Frodo rose to his feet. "Yes."

"And what are these…mutants?" asked Faramir, his shrewd gaze searching the Halfling's face.

"People who has different abilities from the normal humans." answered the Ring-bearer softly.

"And you know them? Do you know then one my soldiers speaks of?"

"No, but we had a friend who was a mutant."

Faramir frowned. Where did the mutants come from? Why have they allied with the Dark Lord or… at least this one? The situation seemed more complicated to what it seemed at first glance. It was better to send the prisoners to Lord Denethor, as soon as everything was solved.

"Take them to my father." said Faramir in a louder voice. "Tell him, Faramir sends a mighty gift, a weapon that will change our fortunes in this war."

Sam's voice stopped him as he was about to turn. "Do you want to know what happened to Boromir? You told us you saw him…do you want to know why he died."

Faramir's grey eyes was instantly riveted on the hobbit's face, who continued. "He tried to take the Ring from Mister Frodo. He tried to kill his friend, the mutant Mister Frodo spoke of, Kitty. The One Ring drove 'im mad, that's why!"

There was silence. And then Osgiliath shook. Stones fell .Great tremors jolted through the city.

"He must be causing this earthquake, Sam. He came for the One Ring, Sauron know it's here." whispered Frodo, desperation rising in his voice.

A clamor mixed with the sound of the crumbling of the wall was heard, and little by little the earthquake subsided.

Faramir swore. "The wall!"

Past them, the main wall was crumbling into pieces, and as it fell, it showed a young man seated upon a dragon-like beast, his hands outstretched as if he were pushing against the earth and the wall. Another violent jolt was felt, and men fell to the ground, as the wall collapsed.

"Go! Prepare everything for the last defense!" shouted Faramir, leaping upon his feet. He turned to a young soldier, who looked swifter than the rest. "You! Go tell my father, the Steward of Gondor! Go!" Then he looked at the Hobbits and Gollum. "Stay here. Keep out of sight."

Avalanche had destroyed the main wall. A wicked smile had drawn on his lips as he watched the men crushed by rubble. It was a pity there were not more.

After destroying the wall, he slid gratefully off the winged creature and approached the Witch King. "Done." he said lazily .

The Wraith King ordered his troops to the attack, and the city of Osgiliath would soon fall.

When Frodo saw the Nazgûl swooping through the grey clouds, he stood up, eyes wide and began to walk.

"Mister Frodo!" hissed Sam. "What are you doing?"

In a fell trance, Frodo was silent, walking into the open until he stared up at one of the Nazgûl. A change come over him. He fell to his knees, grasping at his breast for the Ring. The dragon swooped down, but Sam was faster. He shoved Frodo down, out of the reach of the creature's claws, and the Nazgûl turned with a wailing screech of disappointment.

Rage invaded Frodo, and he drew Sting, laying the point to Sam's throat. The Hobbit lay on his back, gasping. "It's me, mister Frodo. It's your Sam."

Frodo gazed down and then dropped his sword. "I'm sorry, Sam." he whispered, helping his companion up. "I'm so sorry. I can't do this."

"I know it's all wrong. By rights we shouldn't even be here, but we are." The hobbit paused. "It's like in the great stories, Mister Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were, and sometimes, you didn't want to know the end because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come and when the Sun shines it will shine out the clearer" He paused again and put a hand on Frodo's shoulder "those were the stories that stayed with you, that meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mister Frodo, I do understand, I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back only they didn't because they were holding on to something."

A sob was heard. It was Frodo. "What are holding on to, Sam?" he asked with broken voice

Sam lifted Frodo to his feet once more. "That there's some good in this world, Mister Frodo, and it's worth fighting for."

Light steps were heard. It was Faramir. He knelt. "I think at last we understand one another, Frodo Baggins" he said softly.

Anborn, his closest friend and also deputy, approached to Faramir, worried for the decision and fate of his Lord. "You know the laws of our country." he said "The laws of your father. If you let them go, your life will be forfeit."

Faramir looked up and then to the hobbits. "Then it is forfeit. Release them."

As we all know, Faramir let go to the hobbits; and we all know that Gollum is considering to betray them by then, but... what role will Avalanche will play in this new plot?

What will Legolas do regarding Kitty and Kitty what will do regarding Legolas? What will happen now that they arrive to a fallen Isengard?

Waiting for your reviews, guys!