The Half-Blood Prince 2

by ZabuzasGirl

Agathon finally stood toe to toe with his father Azog. He faced the monster head on and come out of the experience alive. Now Agathon is getting ready to face new hurdles and challenges in this chapter of his life. If Agathon thought that facing Azog was draining then he hasn't seen anything yet coming to face the rest of his family. People who want to end his existence. Be strong.

7. Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my OC Agathon and any alterations to the original storyline plot his presence creates to various reader's amusement across the globe.

The Half-Blood Prince 2 Chapter 6

The ride towards Mirkwood is no less perilous even with an added contribution of borrowed mounts for a majority of the fellowship to ride. The group is constantly looking over their backs, checking over and over again if Azog's orc pack is still in pursuit of them. Surprisingly there's no indication of them on their tail the entire way there. So the group continues to ride hard and fast with Gandalf leading the way.

Finally after what seems like forever the group at last reach the gateway holding the path leading into Mirkwood.

Out of all of them, present Gandalf is the first to dismount, approaching the Elven Gate, exhibiting great caution as he examines the once beautiful entryway. As his eyes are scanning he can finally see what Beorn had meant when he described how the forest is now. This certainly isn't the Greenwood of old.

"The Elven Gate," murmured Gandalf in quiet contemplation. "Here lies our path through Mirkwood."

"No sign of the Orcs. We have luck on our side," comments Dwalin.

Agathon wouldn't exactly call it luck. From the corner of his eye, in the far-off distance, Agathon can barely make out the outline belonging of a familiar bear watching over them. Beorn had followed them all this way, guarding their flank against the rear without the bulk of them realizing it. With how the Orcs steered clear of them while they resided in Beorn's home Agathon isn't the least bit surprised at this revelation. Although the distance between them is vast Agathon sends a nod in Beorn's direction, hoping that he can see it.

A factor apparently Gandalf, also, takes note of.

"Set the ponies loose. Let them return to their master," commands Gandalf, not to be disobeyed.

The Dwarves then dismount, removing their weapons and supplies. Afterwards sending the ponies off in the direction they came from. Only Stardust remains by Agathon's side, having no need to leave him.

Advancing towards the woods, not appreciating the feeling its aura is giving off, Bilbo said "This forest feels…sick. As if a disease lies upon it. Is there no way around it?"

"Not unless we go 200 miles north. Or twice that distance south," said Gandalf, bleakly.

Not really an option right now given the time limit window is rapidly decreasing with each passing day.

The Company remains where they are as Gandalf briefly walks into Elven Gate to inspect something. As soon as he returns his demeanor has drastically changed. There is a frantic urgency to him that was absent before.

"Not my horse! I need it," said Gandalf.

"You're not leaving us," deciphered Bilbo in disbelief.

Quite apologetic about the situation, Gandalf said "I would not do this unless I had to." Gandalf and Bilbo then share a short conversation that only they are privilege to and then the former addresses the group once more. "I'll be waiting for you at the overlook before the slopes of Erebor. Keep the map and key safe. Do not enter that mountain without me. This is not the Greenwood of Old anymore. There is a stream in the woods that carries a dark enchantment. Do not touch the water. Cross only by the stone bridge. The very air in the forest is heavy with illusion. It'll seek to enter your mind and lead you astray."

" 'Lead us astray'? What does that mean," muttered a concerned Bilbo under his breath.

"What about Agathon? Shouldn't he be able to lead us through safely," questions Dori.

Shaking his head, Agathon said "I'm sorry to say I can't. The last time I was here I was a newborn. I have no memory of this place."

"You must stay on the path. Do not leave it. If you do, you'll never find it again," warns Gandalf. "No matter what may come, stay on the path." Passing Agathon he then stops and places a hand on his broad shoulder. "You must be brave now, Agathon. For if the Company is discovered, you especially will find no welcome here. You must be prepared if you are."

Swallowing heavily in order to do something to conceal his nerves just fighting to breach the surface, Agathon said "Understood."

"May the Valinor be with you," grants Gandalf.

Gandalf then rides off leaving the Company to make it through Mirkwood on their own.

Not wanting to waste time simply standing there, leading the way inside, Thorin said "Come on. We must reach the mountain before the sun sets on Durin's Day. It is our one chance to find the hidden door."

Agathon trails behind at the end of Stardust.

During this, as Stardust takes the first steps within, out of nowhere, Lady Galadriel's voice echoes in his head carrying the shadows of a foreboding message.

"Take great care, Young Agathon: Son of Maerwen. For you are about to be tested."

Authors Note:

Apologies for the long wait everybody!

I cannot begin to describe how apologetic I am for taking so heinously long to get back on track. From this day forward that's all gonna change.

I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D

I recently put up some other works I've put out at titled Charmer And Company, Edith Angelica Tepes, Spirits Save The Justice League Against Crazy Jane, Crazy Jane Comes To Town, Fatal Attraction, The Strawhat's Mermaid, When Two Become One, The Sorcerer's Daughter, Enola: The Last Unicorn To Middle Earth, Heroes Vs Predators, Silent Guardians To Gotham, Hachiko: UA Class 1-A's Mascott, Big Hero 6: Mirai Hamada, Mermaids Walk Among Us, U.A. High Schools Own Blue Eyes White Dragon, Sayuri Wren, Fifth Turtle, Crown Jewel Of Gongmen City, The Emperor's Daughter, Glenstorm's Daughter, Dianca Robbins, Morning Star, Reira Todoroki: Daughter Of Fire and Ice, Secret Of Bristol Cove, Predators Redemption, Rava's Journey, Princess Of The Forest, A Revolutionary Romance, Aunt, Fantine Tezla: Hot Wheels Acceleracers, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, Magic And the Brave Little Toaster 1, Lavinia: Princess Of Edelweiss, Rorschach's Legend, Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender, The 8thLoser, Naomi Poldark: Mistress Of Nampara, Serenity: End Guardian To The Moors, Dido Cruger: Power Rangers SPD, The True Catwoman Of Gotham, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, and Nuala: The White Lioness. I highly recommend them. ;D

By the way, Charmer And Company, Edith Angelica Tepes, Spirits Save The Justice League Against Crazy Jane, Crazy Jane Comes to Town, Fatal Attraction, Strawhat's Mermaid, When Two Become One, The Sorcerer's Daughter, Heroes vs Predators, Enola: The Last Unicorn To Middle Earth, Silent Guardians To Gotham, Hachiko: UA Class 1-A's Mascot, Mermaids Walk Among Us, Big Hero 6: Mirai Hamada, U.A. High Schools Own Blue Eyes White Dragon, Reira Todoroki: Daughter Of Fire And Ice, Morning Star, Crown Jewel Of Gongmen City, Fifth Turtle, The Emperor's Daughter, Rorschach's Legend, Sayuri Wren, Bianca Robbins, Aunt, Glenstorm's Daughter, Mandalorian: The 2ndFoundling, Eira Byrnison, and Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender, Rava's Journey, Princess Of The Forest, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, and The True Catwoman Of Gotham, are some of the best newest additions to my profile.

Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure.