Chapter 6

On the Mountain, Events Unfold (literally)

As the company was only the mountain, the storm flew up again, snow billowed and wind swept it into their eyes. Gandalf walked first widening a path for those who followed with his staff.

Legolas walked with his elven agility and light feet across the top of the snow, passing the wizard. Suddenly, he stopped, listening with keen ears.

"There's a foul voice on the air," he said. Gandalf stopped and listened as well.

"Its Saruman!" he cried. As if confirming his accusation the mountain rumbled and there was a crash. They all looked up.

Rocks tumbled down toward the Fellowship. Legolas jumped out of the way, the missiles barely missing him. Gandalf stepped forward, raising his arms and staff he chanted. His deep voice mingled with that of Saruman, but the fallen wizard's call overtook his own.

Lightning cracked onto the mountain. Kalan grabbed the wizard, pulling him back.

"Gather close!" he ordered and instantly they huddled close together. Frodo looked up; snow and ice were bearing down upon them. Kalan stood in front of the group. His fists clenched, knuckles white, his face contorted in concentration and…pain?

Kalan cried out and large silver wings erupted from his back, tearing cloth and flesh. They were leathery, like the wings of a bat, but not quite. In some strange way they were beautiful. Kalan spread his arms, stretching the wings over the group and braced himself.

The snow and ice hit Kalan's back and wings, but he did not give. He grunted, bearing the weight, allowing it to fall off his wings. Eventually the avalanche ended the snow and ice stopped falling.

Kalan gasped and dropped to his knees. Once again his face scrunched in pain, he gritted his teeth. The silver wings folded and shrunk. They were drawn back into Kalan's body, hiding once more under his skin, waiting for the next time they would be needed.

Kalan gasped and choked for air. Frodo moved over to him, seeing how much pain the boy was in. He placed his hands on either side of Kalan's head, gently wiping the sweat from the boy's brow, looking deep into the silver eyes.

"So that's what those two scars are from," he stated in a soft voice. Kalan looked up at the hobbit; his usually calm and cool silver eyes cracked. Frodo remember when he had seen this before, when he had interrupted Kalan's exercises back in Rivendell. Once again he was not looking at the calm and collected young warrior with many secrets. Before him was a lost, hurt and frightened child, in pain and desperate for love. Frodo wanted to take him in his arms, hold and comfort the boy. But before he cold act upon anything, Kalan blinked, changing back into the mirrored secretive warrior.

"I'm all right, Frodo," he said. The others behind them were just coming out of shock. The only one who did not seem surprised was Gandalf, who looked on with a strangely pleased expression on is wizened face. A growl came from Gimli's direction and all eyes turned to him. The dwarfs dark eyes were on Kalan.

"What have we brought into our midst? We trusted this thing, he is probably a spy of Mordor," he stood as tall as he could. "What are you demon?" his eyes narrowed.

Before anyone could think, Kalan was by Gimli holding a sharp-edged knife to the dwarf's throat. Something dangerous flashed in his eyes, like it had when Boromir mentioned his mother. But this time, there was a darkness behind the silver eyes. Kalan glared down at the dwarf.

"Do not call me such, Gimli. Never ever call me that! Or you might find this knife very deep in your throat," his voice was low and threatening. Gimli actually looked frightened, his eyes wide.

Kalan tore away, taking the knife with him and turned his back to the group. No one spoke of this. It was Boromir who broke the silence, voice the other's thoughts.

"We cannot continue on this course, 'tis too dangerous," he said above the wind. Gandalf said noting, but Gimli stepped forward.

"We could go through the Mines of Moria. My cousin Balin rules there, he would give us a royal welcome," he announced, proudly. Gandalf looked solemn, but he turned to Frodo.

"Let the Ringbearer decide," he said. Frodo was startled, but he thought for a moment.

"We will go through the Mines," he declared. The others nodded and began to turn around. No one noticed the glance between the wizard and Kalan, a sense of foreboding passed between then.

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**Well, that's all for now, hope you enjoyed. PLEASE REVIEW!!! Thanks to all, who already did, love you all! Next chapter: The Darkness of Moria (Ooooo…sounds scary… :)**