Author's Notes: Ok, I use a Balrog in here, but he's not like the Balrog in the movie. I kinda twisted them around a bit for this, but please bear with me. Balrogs aren't evil in this fic. The one that attack the fellowship was, but this is not the same balrog. It's not even related to that one. He's basically a flaming, hunched over, horned gorilla, but not ugly, almost cute! Almost. He stands about a foot or so above Legolas. OK? Back to the story…

Chapter 13

Gandalf and Terrico reached Greenhorn within three days. They had stopped at an old friend of Gandalf's, who lent them fast, sturdy horses. When they got to Greenhorn, everyone greeted them. Terrico's father was overjoyed to hear of Legolas, and was also glad to hear that Terrico might get to be a Sorceress, which was a goal her mother had but never achieved. The next night, Terrico appeared in front of the mages and wizards of the Council of Magic. She called forth a balrog she'd captured in the Mines of Moria. Its name was Balen. It was much smaller than normal Balrogs, and more solid with less flame and shadow. She'd tamed it in the mines, and it had driven the other balrogs deep into the mines, the passages to which she sealed and marked. Balen showed how tame he was by letting Terrico pet him and ride him. He even allowed Terrico to put a form of bridle on him to steer him with. Some of the mages approached him, but he did not react to them. They only got a small snarl when one poked him with his staff. Terrico cast a few very powerful spells, until she shook her head, telling the council that her magic power was exhausted, as was she. After a few hours' deliberation, the Council granted her the status of Sorceress. They gave her a boost of stamina and magic power, and told her that she was now allowed to keep Balen as a pet or partner, if she chose so. They charmed the rose amulet she wore, the gift from Elrond, so that it held the anti-mind control spell. She thanked them all with a deep bow. She was well known for her ability to bow so low she could kiss her own knees. After the council was dismissed, Terrico and Gandalf headed out into the woods where the Redrock Dragons lived. Balen waited near Gandalf's Tower. The elves avoided him, but his position let them know that he was tame and would not attack. Terrico called out some of her old friends, who were a bit shy of Gandalf. She assured them that he was harmless. The Redrock were often attacked by knights and warriors who thought that they were like the worms and worm-dragons. Terrico asked them for help, and told them about Driikk and his plans. The Redrock hated Sauron, mainly because he had sent Driikk and his armies to attack them on their way to attacking Greenhorn. They agreed to help Terrico. Twenty strong dragons followed Terrico and Gandalf out of the woods. Terrico bridled and rode Balen, while a dragon gave Gandalf the ride of his life. They reached the Shire the next day.

Just as Terrico and Gandalf arrived at the Shire, a Dragon scout touched down near Aragorn's camp. "The goblins are attacking! We've launched the first fog walls, and there are a good number of goblins and orcs dead from ambush and misguided blows." The hobbit rider told Aragorn. Aragorn pulled out his horn and gave three quick bursts, a signal that half of his men were to go to the battle. Legolas and Gimli ran off with them. Aragorn cried out, startled, when he saw the balrog and Redrock dragons. The dragons were easily twice the size of the Piquenia. Terrico called to him, "Greetings Aragorn! We bring reinforcements!" Aragorn calmed down. "The siege has begun! Follow me!" He ran into the forest. Terrico swung Balen around and told the Redrock how they were to attack. "Look for Driikk, if you see him, bugle and attack him." Terrico fingered the charmed amulet. "If you see an elf with blonde hair, back him up! Do not let him be captured, him or the dwarf. Don't attack any other dragons or people!" She sent Balen charging into the woods, fiery whip in hand.