A/N: Back to Elwing! Now we get to find out what our troublesome Sunstar has been up to. Oh, and a small note - I'm going to rewrite this story (specifically the beginning chapters because, let's face it, they stink). However, I thought it would be cruel to leave you all in the middle of the story and start rewriting it, so I shall finish the story, and then begin to revise it. That's all! =o) **AS**

Chapter 31: Wolves and Wizards

The sun was drawing near the hills upon the west of the Coomb, when at last Théoden and Gandalf and their companions rode down from the Dike. The wood was still there, and when the Riders came to it they halted; horse and man, they were unwilling to pass into the wood. The trees were grey and menacing, and a shadow or a mist was about them. The ends of their long sweeping boughs hung down like searching fingers, their roots stood up from the ground like the limbs of strange monsters, and dark caverns opened beneath them. But Gandalf went forward, leading the company, and where the road from the Hornburg met the trees they saw now an opening like an arched gate under mighty boughs; and through it Gandalf passed, and they followed him. Then to their amazement they found that the road ran on, and the Deeping Stream beside it; and the sky was open above and full of golden light. But on either side the great aisles of the wood were already wrapped in dusk, stretching away into impenetrable shadows; and there they heard the creaking and groaning of boughs, and far cries, and a rumor of wordless voices, murmuring angrily. No Orc or other living creature could be seen.

Elwing and Erestor rode behind Legolas and Gimli, and they could hear the Dwarf talking about the Glittering Caves of Helm's Deep.
"Now I almost wish I had gone to those caves," Erestor remarked quietly to Elwing.
"Aye, but his descriptions make me feel as if I had been there!" Elwing said with a grin.
They carried on in silence, listening to the conversation between Elf and Dwarf, until Legolas asked, "How far is it to Isengard, Gandalf?"
"About fifteen leagues, as the crows of Saruman make it," the wizard replied: "five from the mouth of Deeping Coomb to the Fords; and ten more from there to the gates of Isengard. But we shall not ride all the way this night."
Elwing grinned evilly and glanced at Erestor. "We're off to see the wizard..."
Erestor gave her a cold look. "Don't you dare."

At last the company passed through the trees, and found that they had come to the bottom of the Coomb, where the road from Helm's Deep branched, one way going east to Edoras, and the other north to the Fords of Isen. As they rode from under the eaves of the wood, Legolas halted and looked back with regret, for he had been intrigued by the forest. Then he gave a sudden cry.
"There are eyes!" he cried. "Eyes looking out from the shadows of the boughs! I never saw such eyes before."
The others, surprised by his cry, halted and turned; but Legolas started to ride back.
"No, no!" cried Gimli. "Do as you please in your madness, but let me first get down from this horse! I wish to see no eyes!"
"Stay, Legolas Greenleaf!" said Gandalf. "Do not go back into the wood, not yet! Now is not your time."
Even as he spoke, there came forward out of the trees three strange shapes. As tall as trolls they were, twelve feet or more in height; their strong bodies, stout as young trees, seemed to be clad with raiment or with hide of close-fitting grey and brown. Their limbs were long, and their hands had many fingers; their hair was stiff, and their beards grey-green as moss. They gazed out with solemn eyes, but they were not looking at the riders: their eyes were bent northwards. Suddenly they lifted their longs hands to their mouths, and sent forth ringing calls, clear as the notes of a horn, but more musical and various. The calls were answered; and turning again, the riders saw other creatures of the same kind approaching, striding through the grass. They came swiftly from the North, walking like wading herons in their gate, but not in their speed; for their legs in their long paces beat quicker than the heron's wings. The riders cried aloud in wonder, and some set their hands upon their sword-hilts.
"You need no weapons," said Gandalf. "These are but herdsmen. They are not enemies, indeed they are not concerned with us at all."
So it seemed to be; for as he spoke the tall creatures, without a glance at the riders, strode into the wood and vanished.
"Herdsmen!" said Théoden. "Where are their flocks? What are they, Gandalf? For it is plain that to you, at any rate, they are not strange."
"They are the shepherds of the trees," began Gandalf.
"Oh no," Elwing murmured. "He is launching into another long explanation. Can't he just say 'they're Ents' and be done with it?"
Erestor sighed and ignored her as Gandalf and Théoden talked. She may have a point about Gadalf being long-winded, but what about Théoden? Erestor thought as the two bearded men kept talking. At last the company set out again, turning away from the coomb and from the wood, taking the road towards the Fords. The sun had already sunk behind the rim of the world; but as they rode out from the shadow of the hills and looked west to the Gap of Rohan the sky was still red, and a burning light was under the floating clouds. Dark against it there wheeled and flew many black-winged birds. Some passed overhead with mournful cries, returning to their homes among the rocks.
"The carrion-fowl have been busy about the battle-field," said Éomer.
They rode now at an easy pace and dark came down upon the plains about them. The slow moon mounted, now waxing towards the full, and in its cold silver light the swelling grass-lands rose and fell like a wide grey sea. They had ridden for some four hours from the branching of the roads when they drew near to the Fords. Long slopes ran swiftly down to where the river spread in stony shoals between high grassy terraces. Borne upon the wind they heard the howling of wolves. Their hearts were heavy, remembering the many men that had fallen in battle in this place.
The road dipped between rising turf-banks, carving its way through the terraces of the river's edge, and up again upon the further side. There were three lines of flat stepping-stones across the stream, and between them fords for horses, that went from either brink to a bare eyot in the midst. The riders looked down upon the crossings, and it seemed strange to them; for the Fords had ever been a place full of the rush and chatter of water upon the stones; but now they were silent. The beds of the stream were almost dry, a bare waste of shingles and grey sand.
"This is become a dreary place," said Éomer. "What sickness has befallen the river? Many fair things Saruman has destroyed: has he devoured the springs of Isen too?"
"So it would seem," said Gandalf.
"Alas!" said Théoden. "Must we pass this way, where the carrion-beasts devour so many good Riders of the Mark?"
"This is our way," said Gandalf. "Grievous is the fall of your men; but you shall see that at least the wolves of the mountains do not devour them. It is with their friends, the Orcs, that they hold their feast: such indeed is the friendship of their kind. Come!"
They rode down to the river, and as they came the wolves ceased their howling and slunk away. The riders passed over to the islet, and glittering eyes watched them wanly from the shadows of the banks.
"Look!" said Gandalf. "Friends have labored here."
And they saw that in the midst of the eyot a mound was piled, ringed with stones, and set about with many spears.
"Here lie all the Men of the Mark that fell near this place," said Gandalf.
"Here let them rest!" said Éomer. "And when their spears have rotted and rusted, long still may their mound stand and guard the Fords of Isen!"
With that the company said farewell to the island and the mound, and passed over the river, and climbed the further bank. Then they rode on, glad to have left the mournful Fords. As they went the howling of the wolves broke out anew. Suddenly Elwing stopped and spun around, her gaze fearful and curious as she watched the wolves. The riders halted, and Erestor rode back to her.
"Elwing, what's wrong?"
She did not move, her eyes still on the wolves. Erestor gently touched her arm and she jumped slightly. "Elwing, are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she said with a forced smile. "Just startled by the wolves, that's all."
Erestor gave her a skeptical look, but said nothing. They joined the others and the riders continued on their way. There was an ancient highway that ran down from Isengard to the crossings. For some way it took its course beside the river, bending with it east and then north; but at the last it turned away and went straight towards the gates of Isengard; and these were under the mountainside in the west of the valley, sixteen miles or more from its mouth. This road they followed but they did not ride upon it; for the ground beside it was firm and level, covered for many miles about with short springing turf. They rode now more swiftly, and by midnight the Fords were nearly five leagues behind. Then they halted, ending the night's journey, for the King was weary. They were come to the feet of the Misty Mountains, and the long arms of Nan Curunír stretched down to meet them. Dark lay the vale before them, for the moon had passed into the West, and its light was hidden by the hills. But out of the deep shadow of the dale rose a vast spire of smoke and vapor; as it mounted, it caught the rays of the sinking moon, and spread in shimmering billows, black and silver, over the starry sky.

The riders began to make camp, but Elwing was restless. She had not lied when she had told Erestor she was startled by the wolves, she just did not say why she was startled. It could have been my imagination, but she knew that was not true. She knew what she had heard. In the wolves' howls she had heard a word - Sunstar. Those wolves knew who she was, and she had to find out how they knew.
Elwing remounted Windchaser and rode to where Gandalf was speaking with Aragorn. "Gandalf, may I speak with alone?"
Gandalf glanced at Aragorn and the Ranger nodded, leaving the two alone. "What is it, Lady Elwing?" the wizard asked.
"I must, er, go on an errand," Elwing said. "I shall catch up to you at Isengard sometime tomorrow.
Gandalf frowned. "And just what might your 'errand' be?"
"I just have to look into something," Elwing said dismissively. "I'll be fine, don't worry. And I know how to get to Isengard."
Gandalf sighed, knowing that it would be useless to try and dissuade her. "Very well, but be careful. You do not know what could be about."
Elwing grinned cheekily. "Don't worry, I'll roast any Orcs I see."
Gandalf shook his head as Windchaser galloped off. I don't remember the Sunstars being this impulsive...
"Gandalf! Where's Elwing going?"
The wizard turned to face an anxious Erestor. "She said she was going on an errand and would meet us at Isengard tomorrow. Don't worry, Erestor, she can take care of herself."
Erestor snorted. "Yes, but only if she doesn't go do something crazy."
Gandalf sighed. "She is a bit wild, isn't she. Well, we might as well rest, we won't find out what she's up to till morning."

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Windchaser galloped swiftly back the way they had come, and a few hours later they had returned to the Fords of Isen. Elwing dismounted and let Windchaser graze while she crept closer to the Fords.
Wolves were still there, feasting on the bodies of the Orcs, but Elwing noticed something she had missed before. There was another group of wolves hidden in the shadows, and it looked as if they were keeping an eye on the others.
Staying in the shadows, Elwing crept forward. But even Elves can be smelt.
"You should be more careful, Sunstar."
Elwing spun around with a small squeak of surprise. Behind her sat a silver wolf, watching her with golden eyes. Elwing swallowed and attempted to recover from her fright.
"How do you know who I am?" It had not occurred to her that the wolf was talking to her in the Common Speech.
The wolf chuckled. "You get straight to the point, though I suppose I would do the same if I were you. My name is MoonStreak Starwolf, and as for how I know you are -"
A sudden burst of growls and yelps broke through MoonStreak's words. With a snarl he leapt past Elwing to where two wolves were fighting. Moving swiftly, MoonStreak broke the combatants apart and stood between them.
"What happened?" he barked angrily.
"This Warg started it," one wolf growled.
"Did not!" the other snapped. "You filthy liar, I'll rip you apart!"
"Enough!" MoonStreak roared. "Draug, you know that I only bear your presence and that of the other Wargs because you are part Starwolf. If it weren't for that you would all be dead. We have borne your presence long enough. Take your pack and leave."
Draug began to argue but a growl from MoonStreak quieted him. Elwing watched as Draug's pack ran swiftly away towards the mountains, disappearing into the shadows. With a satisfied growl, MoonStreak turned back to her.
"My apologies, Lady Sunstar. I do not know why I put up with them anymore," MoonStreak said with a shake of his head.
"Who are they?" Elwing asked.
"Wargs," MoonStreak growled. "They used to be Starwolves, but they allowed the Wargs to poison their minds. The only thing they share with us now is the ability to use man-speech."
Elwing could have slapped herself. How did I not notice they were using the Common Speech?! "Excuse me, MoonStreak, but how can you use man-speech? And what are Starwolves? And how do you know I'm the Sunstar?"
"My, you do have a lot of questions!" MoonStreak laughed. "Come, let us find a better place to talk." He lead her away from the battlefield to a small glade, hidden from the Fords by a row of hills. When Elwing and sat down, MoonStreak spoke. "First I will tell you what Starwolves are, for in that you may find the answers to your other questions." Elwing nodded, and Moonstreak began his tale.
"Many years ago, when the Sunstars still dwelt in Middle-Earth, all wolves were considered evil, even those who were not Wargs. For most, this was the truth, but some still had pure hearts and wished to help Elves and Men. But none would believe them. A group of these wolves came together and went to the Sunstars. The Sunstars trusted the wolves and befriended them. They put a mark on them, that all may know they were to be trusted. The Sunstars also gave them the ability to speak in the tongue of men. These wolves became known as Starwolves, for they followed the Sunstars and protected them. When the Sunstars vanished, all their allies heard of the prophecy. The Starwolves can sense a Sunstar from far off, and we have been searching and waiting for you for many generations. Now, I believe I have answered all your questions."
"Yes, I think you have," Elwing said absently, trying to take in all she had been told. Just how many people know about this Sunstar thing?! And I wonder what the mark is... Elwing looked closer at MoonStreak and saw that he was silver furred, but not completely. There was a patch of coal black fur in the shape of a diamond around his right eye. I guess that answers that question, Elwing thought with a smile.
"One more question, MoonStreak," Elwing said hesitantly. "After we left the Fords and the wolves began to howl again, did they use wolf-speech or man-speech?"
MoonStreak frowned. "Wolf, of course. Why?"
Elwing blinked. "Are you sure?"
MoonStreak nodded. "Why, Sunstar?"
Elwing swallowed hard. "Because I could understand the wolves."
MoonStreak laughed. "Of course you understood them, you are a Sunstar. And according to the prophecy, you are a very great Sunstar."
"Then perhaps they should change the prophecy," Elwing said with an almost bitter laugh, "for I am certainly not great."
MoonStreak looked at Elwing closely and she squirmed under his golden gaze. "No, you are not great yet, but what you will be."
Elwing was about to ask him how he could be sure when a white wolf appeared, and he also bore the strange black mark over his right eye.
"Yes, Sarkin, what is it?" MoonStreak asked.
"Windstorm is coming," the wolf said, sounding annoyed. "Don't ask me how he got out this time, all I know is he's out and he's coming this way. What shall we do?"
"Who is Windstorm?" Elwing interrupted.
"A horse who is more trouble than his father," MoonStreak said with a sigh.
"And who is his father?" Elwing pressed.
"Shadowfax," the white wolf, Sarkin, answered. "Though he is more wild and spirited than Shadowfax."
"Does he escape often?"
MoonStreak shrugged. "Often enough, though sometimes I think they would rather him be loose than deal with him themselves."
"What do you mean?" Elwing asked.
"He used to be an excellent war horse, not as fast as his father, but faster than the other horses of Rohan," MoonStreak replied. "And then a few months ago he suddenly became wild, escaping his stable and letting none touch him. We have had to chase him back to Edoras five times now."
"And it looks like we may have to again," Sarkin added, nodding towards the plains. Climbing to the top of the hill, Elwing and the wolves saw a black shadow racing across the fields.
"Windstorm is black?" Elwing asked, her eyes wide.
"Yes, one of the last black horses left in Rohan," Sarkin replied absently. "Should I get the others and take him back, MoonStreak?"
"No!" Elwing said quickly. The wolves looked at her curiously and she blushed slightly. "I mean, he wants to be free, so why not let him have some freedom?"
MoonStreak and Sarkin glanced at each other, sly wolf-smiles on their faces. As if some silent thought and passed between the wolves, Sarkin suddenly ran down from the hill to meet the horse that had now reached the Fords of Isen. Elwing watched curiously as the horse and wolf seemed to speak to each other, then turned and ran to the hill. Elwing gasped as the beautiful black stallion stopped in front of her.
"Lady Sunstar, meet Windstorm," Sarkin said with a grin.
Elwing nervously stuck out her hand, palm up. Windstrom bent his glistening neck and nuzzled her hand. Hesitantly, Elwing stroked his nose.
"Windstorm has agreed to carry the Sunstar," Sarkin said, winking at Elwing.
"Wait, you want me to ride the son of Shadowfax?" Elwing asked in shock.
MoonStreak smiled. "You are the Sunstar."
Elwing grinned. "This Sunstar stuff has its perks. But what about Windchaser?"
"He's too tired to carry you back to Isengard," MoonStreak answered. "When he has rested I will take him back to Edoras."
"And you're sure I can ride him?" Elwing asked hopefully.
MoonStreak laughed and nodded his head. Elwing looked at Windstorm then down at MoonStreak. "Why are you doing all this for me?"
MoonStreak shrugged, a wolf-smile on his face. "Simple, you're the Sunstar. That's all that matters. We swore our allegiance to the Sunstars, and we will serve them to the death. We have always protected the Sunstars."
"But even wolves can not stop Fate," Elwing said with a sad sigh.
MoonStreak and Sarkin bowed their heads. "It is true, the Fate of the Sunstars we can not prevent. The Sunstars must face that on their own, but their friends are always with them in their hearts."
Windstorm snorted and stamped his hoof. "Windstorm is right, you must go," Sarkin said. "You must hurry if you wish to catch up to your friends with time to rest."
With the help of a stone, Elwing climbed onto Windstorm's back. When she was settled, she looked back down at the wolves. "My thanks again, MoonStreak, Sarkin. I will meet you again. Let's go Windstorm!"
With a delighted snort, Windstorm spun and raced down the hill and reached the highway, the landscape passing by in a blur. Elwing held his mane and thanked her horse riding instructor for teaching her to ride bareback.
Windstorm may not have been as fast as his father, but his speed was still great. Elwing guessed they would reach Isengard before noon, and the sun would not rise for a few more hours. I wonder what Théoden will say when he sees Windstorm. Hopefully he won't be too mad... Windstorm leapt over a small boulder, the leap as smooth as his stride.
"Windstorm describes your speed, but not your grace," Elwing said aloud. "I think I shall call you Alagos.*"
Alagos snorted appreciatively, tossing his glossy black head. With a loud neigh he lengthened his stride and raced even faster down the highway to Isengard.



* Alagos means 'storm of wind' in Sindarin

End Chapter 31
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