Chapter 6 - When victory is within your reach...
A/N I have slayed the mini Balrog ;)
Anybody seen that film "Unbreakable" with Bruce Willis and Samuel L Jackson? - This idea was partly inspired by that...
All the usual disclaimer stuff - blah blah
The battle stormed on outside the village of Bree. As soon as an Orc died, another took its place. The four men fought on with grim determination until eventually the very last band of Orcs were slain. Boromir and Gimli collapsed to the ground in exhaustion. Breathing hard, Aragorn ran to the spot where they had left Elise. Legolas followed, a frown the only obvious sign of any physical exertion.
"She has gone!" Aragorn shouted, frantically searching the surrounding area. Legolas let out a cry of ineffable distress.
As if fuelled by a second wind, Boromir and Gimli leapt up to join the search for their charge. They lit torches to see in the darkness. Finally, after hours of looking under every bush, nook and hole, Legolas called them to a halt. He knitted his brows in deep thought before he spoke.
"The only answer to this riddle is that Sauron has captured her. She must have been taken during the battle."
"Then, she must already be slain Legolas. Sauron must surely know who she is and why she was with us." Cried Aragorn.
Legolas shook his head, anger slowly rising in him. He moved forward slowly, fixing Aragorn with a fierce stare. The flames from the torch were illuminating his features in a deadly glow.
"You would give up on her? Our only hope." Aragorn, a proud man, stood his ground, although the strength of Legolas' aggression was unnerving him. "She will not be dead yet, a ritual must be performed to destroy the bond between them, that will take time. We will not fail our quest a second time. We will not abandon her and Middle Earth to certain doom." He searched the faces of the others, seeking agreement. When he found it, he started walking towards the village. "We go on to Bree, we are late for our meeting with Gandalf."
It was deep into the night when the four men arrived at the Prancing Pony Inn in Bree. Legolas was the first to enter, a barmaid approached him.
"What can I get the handsome sir this evening?" She purred, casting appreciative eyes along the full length of the Elf, who was paying very little attention to the buxom brunette in front of him. He scanned the inn until he saw an elderly man in a corner. He was smoking a pipe, with a drink in his hand and staring off into the distance, his pointed hat rested beside him. Legolas strode past the now pouting barmaid, who seemed very put out at her treatment.
Gandalf cast his eyes over the weary men, grimy and bleeding from various fight wounds. With the exception of Legolas, he noticed, who barely had a hair out of place.
"You're late." he stated and returned to his tankard of ale.
"Gandalf the White." Aragorn spoke as if it was a command to one of his men. "We have no time to explain our tardiness." He reached down and gently lay a hand on the Wizard's arm. "The Dark Lady has been taken by Sauron. We need to get her back."
"That is bad tidings indeed." Agreed Gandalf. "There is nothing we can do but rest now. You must conserve strength during what is left of the night and tomorrow we will find her and attempt to restore Middle Earth to peace."
Gimli, who had been quiet since Elise's disappearance, spoke suddenly, as if the question he asked had been bottled up until he could no longer hold his tongue.
"Why can't Legolas go back to Lower Earth and get another dark lady?" He spluttered.
Gandalf handed the dwarf a tankard of ale, unaware of the true cause of his discomfort.
"Because Gimli, Son of Gloin, another dark lady would not stop the Dark Lord." he answered, leaning over to pat his back. "Only Legolas and Aragorn know this story in full. So to help you understand and for Boromir, who has not yet heard this tale, I will attempt to explain her significance." He looked towards Boromir who had surged forward taking a nearby stool and was sitting in front of Gandalf as he began.
"When Sauron's plan was thwarted at the end of the Third Age, he was naturally very weary of putting all his power into an object that could be lost, destroyed or stolen from him again. So when he returned to full strength he used himself as a vessel for power. He discovered powerful spells that drew on the life force of all living things. His plan was twofold. First he gained more power, which he could use to control all the elements, earth, wind, water and fire. Then he would wield that power to destroy the crops of men, poison the water and kill the trees and animals. When all of the landscape were under his venomous control so would all the races of Middle Earth. He would finally get his ultimate desire."
The companions were silent, listening intently.
"But he did not bargain on the theory of polarity."
After more silence, Gimli spoke, "What is this theory?"
"Where there is darkness there light, hot, cold, north and south. As Sauron created himself into a being of complete darkness, so at that same instance, a being of entire light was automatically created. The Dark Lady, is unaware of her dormant power, because she has none as such. All she is, is the antidote to his evil."
The Elves searched far and wide for a spell to locate the source of power created by Sauron's desire for evil. Legolas was chosen to bring her to this world and with your help take her to the heart of Sauron's fortress where she will be the most important instrument in halting his vile plan. But she herself is yet only part of the plan, for as you know, our five race army is marching to Gondor's borders to overthrow Sauron once more."
"But..." Gimli's face was scrunched up in total perplexion, to the point where his beard, moustache and eyebrow met each other and became one large facial hair mass, "if she is a being of light, why is she called the Dark Lady?"
"Well," said Gandalf, "it seems that the Valar appreciate irony." He chuckled, "that and of course, she herself has dark skin, not black like an Orcs but brown as if kissed a thousand times by the sun."
"'Tis folly" Boromir spat incredulously.
"Ah Boromir," sighed Aragorn, "you said that of Wizards not so long ago and yet, you sit here in the company of one. Besides, we have no time to argue, we must rest and be ready tomorrow."
"Fear not Legolas, our plan is still on course." Gandalf had noticed the weariness creeping into Legolas' handsome features.
"How can that be so?" He said sadly, his eyes were deep pools of sorrow, brimming with tears. "Our armies are leagues away from here and Elise is even further away."
Gandalf smiled, "rest now, I will reveal all tomorrow."
At that comment, they retired to their rooms for what was left of the night.
The next morning came soon. The group had been so exhausted that they had fallen instantly into dreamless sleeps. They now shuffled wearily into the inn's small dining area, a simple room furnished with three small wooden tables. Each table was laden with warm fresh bread and hot tea. The barmaid passed them on their way down, sniffing haughtily as she passed Legolas, who had barely noticed she was there. The group was greeted with Gandalf's beaming smile.
"'Tis done." he grinned like a child who had just discovered his birthday presents.
Legolas sat down heavily, surprising everyone because he actually made a noise. "We do not have time for games Gandalf," he sighed.
Gandalf joined Legolas at his table and deposited a small bag next to a steaming pot of tea. "This is the key to swift passage straight to the Dark Lady". Legolas stared at the bag forlornly for a good while. Then slowly at first, then all at once, he realised the bag's significance.
"By Elbereth!" he screamed, causing Boromir and Gimli to spill their tea in surprise.
"There is enough there for all of us." Said Gandalf, he then turned to the others who were nursing their burns with annoyance. "This is the powder that Legolas used to locate the Dark Lady. It will take us right to her, wherever she is."
"We must make haste!" said Legolas with renewed vigour, "our army will be approaching Gondor's borders soon."
He snatched up the bag and began the ritual. Pouring the powder with trembling hands he began the spell. The others looked at each other in mild panic then looked to Gandalf for direction. The Wizard quickly took hold of Aragorn and Gimli's arm and motioned for Boromir to connect to Legolas and himself so that the group formed a small circle in the dinning room.
As Legolas chanted the spell he thought of Elise and silently prayed that they were not too late.
A/N I have slayed the mini Balrog ;)
Anybody seen that film "Unbreakable" with Bruce Willis and Samuel L Jackson? - This idea was partly inspired by that...
All the usual disclaimer stuff - blah blah
The battle stormed on outside the village of Bree. As soon as an Orc died, another took its place. The four men fought on with grim determination until eventually the very last band of Orcs were slain. Boromir and Gimli collapsed to the ground in exhaustion. Breathing hard, Aragorn ran to the spot where they had left Elise. Legolas followed, a frown the only obvious sign of any physical exertion.
"She has gone!" Aragorn shouted, frantically searching the surrounding area. Legolas let out a cry of ineffable distress.
As if fuelled by a second wind, Boromir and Gimli leapt up to join the search for their charge. They lit torches to see in the darkness. Finally, after hours of looking under every bush, nook and hole, Legolas called them to a halt. He knitted his brows in deep thought before he spoke.
"The only answer to this riddle is that Sauron has captured her. She must have been taken during the battle."
"Then, she must already be slain Legolas. Sauron must surely know who she is and why she was with us." Cried Aragorn.
Legolas shook his head, anger slowly rising in him. He moved forward slowly, fixing Aragorn with a fierce stare. The flames from the torch were illuminating his features in a deadly glow.
"You would give up on her? Our only hope." Aragorn, a proud man, stood his ground, although the strength of Legolas' aggression was unnerving him. "She will not be dead yet, a ritual must be performed to destroy the bond between them, that will take time. We will not fail our quest a second time. We will not abandon her and Middle Earth to certain doom." He searched the faces of the others, seeking agreement. When he found it, he started walking towards the village. "We go on to Bree, we are late for our meeting with Gandalf."
It was deep into the night when the four men arrived at the Prancing Pony Inn in Bree. Legolas was the first to enter, a barmaid approached him.
"What can I get the handsome sir this evening?" She purred, casting appreciative eyes along the full length of the Elf, who was paying very little attention to the buxom brunette in front of him. He scanned the inn until he saw an elderly man in a corner. He was smoking a pipe, with a drink in his hand and staring off into the distance, his pointed hat rested beside him. Legolas strode past the now pouting barmaid, who seemed very put out at her treatment.
Gandalf cast his eyes over the weary men, grimy and bleeding from various fight wounds. With the exception of Legolas, he noticed, who barely had a hair out of place.
"You're late." he stated and returned to his tankard of ale.
"Gandalf the White." Aragorn spoke as if it was a command to one of his men. "We have no time to explain our tardiness." He reached down and gently lay a hand on the Wizard's arm. "The Dark Lady has been taken by Sauron. We need to get her back."
"That is bad tidings indeed." Agreed Gandalf. "There is nothing we can do but rest now. You must conserve strength during what is left of the night and tomorrow we will find her and attempt to restore Middle Earth to peace."
Gimli, who had been quiet since Elise's disappearance, spoke suddenly, as if the question he asked had been bottled up until he could no longer hold his tongue.
"Why can't Legolas go back to Lower Earth and get another dark lady?" He spluttered.
Gandalf handed the dwarf a tankard of ale, unaware of the true cause of his discomfort.
"Because Gimli, Son of Gloin, another dark lady would not stop the Dark Lord." he answered, leaning over to pat his back. "Only Legolas and Aragorn know this story in full. So to help you understand and for Boromir, who has not yet heard this tale, I will attempt to explain her significance." He looked towards Boromir who had surged forward taking a nearby stool and was sitting in front of Gandalf as he began.
"When Sauron's plan was thwarted at the end of the Third Age, he was naturally very weary of putting all his power into an object that could be lost, destroyed or stolen from him again. So when he returned to full strength he used himself as a vessel for power. He discovered powerful spells that drew on the life force of all living things. His plan was twofold. First he gained more power, which he could use to control all the elements, earth, wind, water and fire. Then he would wield that power to destroy the crops of men, poison the water and kill the trees and animals. When all of the landscape were under his venomous control so would all the races of Middle Earth. He would finally get his ultimate desire."
The companions were silent, listening intently.
"But he did not bargain on the theory of polarity."
After more silence, Gimli spoke, "What is this theory?"
"Where there is darkness there light, hot, cold, north and south. As Sauron created himself into a being of complete darkness, so at that same instance, a being of entire light was automatically created. The Dark Lady, is unaware of her dormant power, because she has none as such. All she is, is the antidote to his evil."
The Elves searched far and wide for a spell to locate the source of power created by Sauron's desire for evil. Legolas was chosen to bring her to this world and with your help take her to the heart of Sauron's fortress where she will be the most important instrument in halting his vile plan. But she herself is yet only part of the plan, for as you know, our five race army is marching to Gondor's borders to overthrow Sauron once more."
"But..." Gimli's face was scrunched up in total perplexion, to the point where his beard, moustache and eyebrow met each other and became one large facial hair mass, "if she is a being of light, why is she called the Dark Lady?"
"Well," said Gandalf, "it seems that the Valar appreciate irony." He chuckled, "that and of course, she herself has dark skin, not black like an Orcs but brown as if kissed a thousand times by the sun."
"'Tis folly" Boromir spat incredulously.
"Ah Boromir," sighed Aragorn, "you said that of Wizards not so long ago and yet, you sit here in the company of one. Besides, we have no time to argue, we must rest and be ready tomorrow."
"Fear not Legolas, our plan is still on course." Gandalf had noticed the weariness creeping into Legolas' handsome features.
"How can that be so?" He said sadly, his eyes were deep pools of sorrow, brimming with tears. "Our armies are leagues away from here and Elise is even further away."
Gandalf smiled, "rest now, I will reveal all tomorrow."
At that comment, they retired to their rooms for what was left of the night.
The next morning came soon. The group had been so exhausted that they had fallen instantly into dreamless sleeps. They now shuffled wearily into the inn's small dining area, a simple room furnished with three small wooden tables. Each table was laden with warm fresh bread and hot tea. The barmaid passed them on their way down, sniffing haughtily as she passed Legolas, who had barely noticed she was there. The group was greeted with Gandalf's beaming smile.
"'Tis done." he grinned like a child who had just discovered his birthday presents.
Legolas sat down heavily, surprising everyone because he actually made a noise. "We do not have time for games Gandalf," he sighed.
Gandalf joined Legolas at his table and deposited a small bag next to a steaming pot of tea. "This is the key to swift passage straight to the Dark Lady". Legolas stared at the bag forlornly for a good while. Then slowly at first, then all at once, he realised the bag's significance.
"By Elbereth!" he screamed, causing Boromir and Gimli to spill their tea in surprise.
"There is enough there for all of us." Said Gandalf, he then turned to the others who were nursing their burns with annoyance. "This is the powder that Legolas used to locate the Dark Lady. It will take us right to her, wherever she is."
"We must make haste!" said Legolas with renewed vigour, "our army will be approaching Gondor's borders soon."
He snatched up the bag and began the ritual. Pouring the powder with trembling hands he began the spell. The others looked at each other in mild panic then looked to Gandalf for direction. The Wizard quickly took hold of Aragorn and Gimli's arm and motioned for Boromir to connect to Legolas and himself so that the group formed a small circle in the dinning room.
As Legolas chanted the spell he thought of Elise and silently prayed that they were not too late.