At Minas Morgul, Sam, Frodo and Gollum were still climbing the rocky stairs with the thin creature still leading the two Hobbits. They just reached out what looked like a platform and Sam and Frodo were thinking about resting for a bit but a certain someone didn't let them the time to even stop " Up, up, up the stairs we go ! And then it's into the tunnel !"
As he said those words, Gollum harbored a mysterious grin on his face as if he had planned something and Sam instantly became suspicious again as he asked "Hey, what's in this tunnel ?" Gollum, when he heard the Hobbit's voice, attempted to crawl away as fast as possible… but was immediately slammed against a rocky wall by the say Hobbit
" You listen to me and you listen good and proper ! Anything happens to him, you have me to answer to ! One stiff something's not right, one hair stands up on the back of my head, it's over... No more slinker... No more stinker... You're gone... Got it ?" Sam said in clear anger and menace in his tone as he glared at Gollum who looked back at him with a grin " I'm watching you !" Sam menaced the thin creature one last time before walking away, unaware of the pensive look Gollum was now harboring.
At the same time, Frodo had stopped climbing to look down at Sam who was just behind him. He had seen the whole thing but was to far to hear anything and he was questioning himself about what was going on with these two " What was that about ?" The Ring-Bearer asked his comrade who simply responded by saying back " Nothing ! Just clearing something up…"
Frodo seemed to be satisfied with this answer because he resumed his climbing and Sam followed after him. However the two were unaware that Gollum was still laying against the wall Sam had slammed him into as he looked up at the Hobbits with a sinister grin… a grin he sent to the only one of the two who posed a direct threat to him : Sam.
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At the same time at Minas Tirith, Gandalf and Pippin were walking toward the top of the White City in haste. The White Wizard knew that Denethor was far too stubborn and mad to listen to reason and also knew that if he didn't do anything fast , Gondor would be entirely destroyed by the forces of Mordor.
Then the Wizard stopped and knelled in front of the Hobbit before putting a hand on his shoulder " Peregrin Took, my lad, there is a task now to be done... Another opportunity for one of the Shire-folk to prove their great worth… You must not fail me !" Pippin nodded with a determined look on his face as he dashed toward The Beacon of Minas Tirith.
Why would he go there you may ask ? The answer is easy in fact. His mission was simply to light it… Why ? The Light of the Beacon will create a chain of events which would caused the other Beacons to light up to reach Rohan to alert Theoden that they needed help.
-Time Skip-
Pippin climbed to the top of the Beacon of Minas Tirith and successfully manage to sneak right under the guards' noses. There were two of them and they were not even doing their duties… In fact they were chatting with each other unaware of the Hobbit who reached out for a lamp who was hanging over a large pile of woods.
A rode snapped which caused some oil to fall on the pile and Pippin instantly tossed the lit lap right into the woods which quickly burned much to his surprise as he climbed down as fast as he could so he wouldn't get caught by the guards who were completely taken aback when they saw the pile they were supposed to watch burning in a bright fire.
Not too far from there, Gandalf was watching the first Beacon burning up and then turned his attention toward a nearby mountain just as another Beacon was seen brighting up "Amon Din..." The Wizard commented softy as he smiled at the sight " The Beacon ! The Beacon of Amon Din is lit !" the Guards remarked with surprise clear in their voices as they watched the scene with a stunned expression on their faces.
At the same time, Denethor's face was showing his anger as he glared at the Beacons before backing away into the shadows of his quarters. "Hope is rekindled..." Gandalf whispered with a contained relief as more soldiers began to gather around him to watch the scene.
One by One, the Beacons were lit , each of them stationed in strategic places so they could see if one of them was burning. The men guarding them , seeing the light of the Beacons of Minas Tirith and Amon Din lit their own Beacons creating a chain as one by one the Beacons were burned and their fires seen miles for away.
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The sun was rising in Edoras and Kopa was crouched on the ground near Aragorn who was sitting on some steps with a bowl in his hands. The two of them were watching Vitani and Ioreth who were playing together and the sight brought a smile to the two.
However, Kopa's smile soon turned into one of sadness and Aragorn seemed to notice because he glanced at the young Lion with concern "Are you alright Kopa ?"
"I miss the Pride…" was the Brown Maned Lion's answer. Isildur's heir sighed and extended a hand to put it on the Lion's shoulder in a comforting manner. But then the two turned toward Ioreth when she asked while pointing at something "What is that ?"
Vitani , Kopa and Aragorn looked toward what the brown haired girl was pointing and their eyes widened at what they saw : on the mountain nearby, was a burning fire. Aragorn took a few steps forward as he setted his bowl down on a table. "What that supposed to me-HEY !" Vitani was beginning to ask when their comrade Strider dashed away toward the Golden Hall. "Stay here with Ioreth ! I will go after him..." Kopa inquired hurriedly as he then went after his friend leaving Vitani and the human child behind.
The Lioness sighed as she then looked down at the girl beside her with a soft smile before gently tapping her with her paw "TAG !" then she dashed away. Ioreth soon lost her confused expression to harbore a playful one as she chased after her favorite Lion with a joyful laugh, completely forgetting what just happened with the fire.
At the same time at the Golden Hall, Kopa was following his friend as Aragorn slammed the doors open before yelling loudly " The Beacons of Minas Tirith ! The Beacons are lit !" Those words caught the attention of everyone present in the room even Theoden and Gamling who were both studying some maps on a table. "Gondor calls for aid !" Aragorn added as he stopped before them, sweating.
The room became silent as everyone were watching the King of Rohan , waiting for an answer. Eowyn soon appeared and she and her brother Eomer watched the scene in silence while Legolas and Kopa's eyes were locked on Theoden , wandering what will be his response. The King of Rohan staid silent for a moment before saying with determination "And Rohan will answer… Muster the Rohirrim !"
At those words, Eomer and Gamling went out of the room to gather the soldiers , the King's nephew putting a comforting hand on his sister's shoulder before leaving. Kopa couldn't help but sigh deeply : they just escaped a War and now here they go to another.
"Can't we have a break for once ?" The Brown Maned Lion muttered in annoyance to himself as he stepped outside just as a bell was heard ringing in the air. It was a signal for all the Rohirrim Soldiers to ride out their horses. Kopa watched as the soldiers were mounting their horses but then his attention was drawn to Theoden who appeared near him.
The King of Rohan was wearing his armor , the same one he had during the Battle of Helm's Deep. Then Eomer appeared and Theoden putted a hand on his nephew's shoulder , which caught the attention of the Blond Man " Assemble the army at Dunharrow, as many men as can be found... You have two days..."
Eomer nodded in understanding and walked away as Theoden turned his attention to one of his most loyal follower "Gamling…"
" My Lord..." "Make haste across the Riddermark... Summon every able-bodied man to Dunharrow…" The King ordered him and Gamling departed after nodding to his liege. Then Theoden looked toward the Riders flowing in Edoras as many of them were mounting their horses while some were still on foot.
Kopa's attention turned away from the Rohirrims when he heard Vitani's voice calling for him "Kopa !" he turned his head to see her approaching him with Ioreth at her side "What's going on ?" The Lioness asked her mate with a raise-brow before adding "Everyone look ready for a fight !" The Brown Maned Lion took a deep breath before answering neutraly "Well… Remember the fire we saw earlier ? It was an alarm system… Gondor need help… so… I think you can guess the rest..." Vitani used her left paw to rub her head muttering something under her breath. "Let me guess …. There will be another fight ahead ?" Kopa sheepishly nodded and the Beige Lioness nighed deeply in annoyance.
But then they both heard a familiar voice and turned their heads to see Merry kneeling before Theoden " I offer you my service, Theoden King..." The King of Rohan grabbed the Hobbit's wrists , helping Merry to go back on his feet before replying with a smile "And gladly I accept it... You shall be Meriadoc, esquire of Rohan !"
Merry nodded his head in a thankful way before running away with a chuckle. Kopa smiled proudly at his small friend and Vitani felt just as proud : Merry and Pippin were both troublemakers but deep down they were courageous and loyal. Not too far from them, Legolas and Gimli were riding their horse while waiting to move out. They just stood there , watching the flow of Riders around them.
"Horsemen...hmph! I wish I could muster a legion of Dwarves, fully armed and filthy !" Gimli commented from his place behind the Elf who soon responded by saying in a calm but worried tone "Your kinsmen may have no need to ride to war... I fear war already marches on their own lands..."
"Auntie Tani ? Should I go with you ?" Ioreth asked the Lioness with tearful eyes and Vitani was conflicted : War wasn't a place for children but it was hurting her to leave this child behind. "You can come with us to the camp… We will think about what to do there..." Kopa responded gently and Vitani gave him a thankful smile as Ioreth seemed to lose her sad face to a much more brighter one as she then climb on the Lioness's back with a smile on her face.
Theoden mounted his horse and took one last look at Edoras , deep in thought "So it is before the walls of Minas Tirith, the doom of our time will be decided..." he was so concentrated that he almost didn't hear Eomer yelling out to all the Riders present "Now is the hour ! Riders of Rohan, oaths you have taken ! Now, fulfill them all ! To Lord and Land !" Then he urged his horse forward and the gathered troops went after him.
Riding out of the Gates of Edoras, the long column of Rohirrim Soldiers rode toward their next destination : Dunharrow. Leading them was Theoden , Eomer , Aragorn, Legolas , Gimli and their Lion friends with Ioreth riding on Vitani's back...and among them was Merry riding a white pony.
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Meanwhile, many things were happening away from Rohan. At Minas Tirith, a large column of Gondorian soldiers rushed out to gather in a courtyard. At the Head was Gandalf , riding Shadowfax with Pippin and the other was Faramir , Denethor's second son and Boromir's younger brother.
What was he doing here instead of being in Osgiliath ? Well… The night before, he and his soldiers were attacked by a large army of Orcs and were unable to defeat them. Instead they were forced to retreat but on the way back to Minas Tirith, they were attacked by the Nazguls, all riding their dragon-like creatures.
They would have been slaughtered if Gandalf hadn't appeared to save them by casting a bright light which blinded the Nazguls and forced the the Ringwraiths to fly away. The White Wizard then had escorted the Survivors all the way to Minas Tirith.
Back to present, Gandalf was about to dismount Shadowfax when someone called him "Mithrandir !" he turned his head to see Faramir approaching him. The Steward's youngest son looked tired and despaired " They broke our defenses... They've taken the bridge and the West bank... Battalions of orcs are crossing the river..." The Man explained as he looked at the Wizard , still riding his horse.
Hearing, a Gondorian Soldier ( Irolas ?) wearing a large black cape spoke up " It is as Lord Denethor predicted ! Long has he foreseen this doom !" to which Gandalf stated in pure anger "Foreseen and done nothing !" Then the Wizard turned his horse toward Faramir who instantly caught the sight of Pippin , staring at him. The Hobbit looked back with a embarrassed expression on his face.
Gandalf seemed to have noticed the way Faramir was looking at Pippin and frowned "Faramir ? This is not the first halfling to have crossed your path..." The White Wizard said the second part with understanding. "No..." Faramir mumbled still looking at Pippin who looked back at him with a smile , full of hope " You've seen Frodo and Sam !"
"Where ? When ?" Gandalf asked in a hurried tone , surprised by the news. "In Ithilien, not two days ago..." Faramir's answer caused Gandalf and Pippin to look at each other with joy on their faces. But the happiness faded like ice under the sun when Faramir added with a worried tone "Gandalf...they're taking the road to the Morgul Vale !"
" And then the Pass of Cirith Ungol..." The White Wizard finished as he looked now incredibly worried when Faramir nodded with a deep sigh. Pippin seemed to notice the tone in Gandalf's voice and frowned in confusion " What does that mean ? What's wrong ?" He asked the Wizard who completely ignored him as he looked at Faramir before asking in concern "Faramir, tell me everything... Tell me all you know..."
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In the sky, unseen to the livings, Mufasa was watching the events in silence. He knew he couldn't just stay there and watch and decided to help as best as he could. Yes he might be just a spirit now but he had his own way to help others. He sent powerful winds toward a place far away from Rohan and Gondor toward a large and massive baobad tree.
In the tree was an an old mandrill with grey fur and a bent tail. He was also half bald with a white beard, black pupils and face as pale blue with a bright red nose. He was Mufasa's old friend and Shaman of the Pridelands : Rafiki. The Mandrill was not an ordinary monkey… In fact, he was as old as Gandalf himself and the two of them were good friends.
When the Royal Family returned home after Elrond's Council, he was disappointed of Saruman and had comforted them about Kopa and Vitani. The Pridelands became relatively calm and not many Orcs were seen anymore at the borders which surprised many because not too long ago, those disgusting beasts entered the territory as if it was theirs.
Back to present, the elderly monkey was gathering some medicinal plants when a strong wind crashed against him. At first he was annoyed but then he realized that it was Mufasa and listened. Through the Wind, he could his old friend's strong voice "Rafiki… Kopa and Vitani need help… they need reinforcement..." " What happened ? Are they alright ?" Rafiki asked the spirit with concern.
"For the moment yes… But if they don't have help fast… they won't be for long… War is coming… Middle-Earth is in great danger !" Hearing this, the Mandrill knew something big was going on and asked again but this time with a frown "Where are they ?" "They will soon be at Dunharrow… Help them… for the sake of Middle-Earth…. And the Pridelands..." At the last part, Mufasa's voice began to fade to soon disappear.
Rafiki closed his eyes for a moment before re-opening them with determination as he picked up his cane before climbing down his baobad to rush as fast as he could toward PrideRock to tell the King about what he just learn… and what need to be done.
(To be continued…)