A/N) Thanks for the reviews. It's great to know that some people are
interested in this story and I hope you stick with the story till the end.
This chapter may be a bit confusing. As this is an AU, I have decided that
Sauron can reach into his foe's mind and mentally attack them. I hope this
is okay and not too confusing. But now lets move onto the next chapter.
Chapter Two - War of the Mind
Pippin woke suddenly. His mind was racing and he listening carefully, daring not to move. He heard rummaging in the room next door and he carefully slipped out of his bed and peeped through the door. Inside he saw Gandalf bending over a small desk and moving his hands over it.
"Gandalf?" Pippin asked. "What are you doing back here?"
Gandalf turned back to Pippin and smiled warmly. "I've brought Merry to the Houses of Healing. He was injured, not severely but he needs rest. You should be able to see him. He'll tell you the full story." Then the wizard headed for the door. "I must hurry to Rohan, where the others are waiting for me."
Gandalf left him, leaving Pippin to wonder what was going on in the world.
Later in the mid-afternoon, Pippin made his way towards the Houses Of Healing. He was led to a small room where Merry was laying asleep on the bed, wrapped in covers of white. Pippin sat down by him and waited. Merry soon woke from his slumber and was quite surprised to see his dear friend sitting by him.
"Pippin! I'm so glad to see you!" he said, beaming.
"Gandalf told me to come and see you if I wanted to know the full story." Pippin said.
"You want to know why I'm here?"
Pippin nodded. "It would be great to know."
Merry sighed. "Most of it is vague. I don't really remember much," Merry bit his lip. "I remember the black riders. They appeared suddenly and advanced on us. I remember Strider shouting, 'run! Into the tower! Quickly!' and then I can vaguely remember the riders flying round and round the tower trying to come in. Then, Gandalf came. The black riders forced themselves into the tower and we fought. I was knocked out by one of them," Merry turned his head away from his friend. "That's all I remember."
"Any idea what they were doing?" Pippin asked.
"When I awoke I found myself on the edges of Fangorn Forest, in a tree. I saw Gandalf talking to Strider and I heard them talking about something. I think Strider has done something to make the enemy mad and he's sent his black riders to kill him. I'm not sure. I'm probably wrong." Merry said.
The two Hobbits had no idea that Merry was right and something big was going to happen; something that could change the future of Middle-Earth for good.
*******************************************************************
Rohan wasn't big, but when Gandalf arrived he found that the many people who had lived there before being driven to Helm's Deep had reclaimed their homes and had began building the houses once more. Gandalf was greeted by Éomer, who had taken charge until King Théoden returned from Minas Tirith. He was organising the construction of better defences and stronger housing.
The Golden Hall was filled with small children, too young to work. Inside the hall, Gandalf saw Legolas and Gimli entertaining the children. He did not see Aragorn. Éomer came forward and told Gandalf that Aragorn was in another room, resting. Gandalf nodded. Aragorn needed rest. Something was going to happen that would change the future. The wizard didn't know when, but something was going to happen. Something big.
"Éomer, is it possible for me to see my friend?" Gandalf asked.
Éomer shook his head. "No. The Lord Aragorn wishes to be left alone. He said that no one was to disturb him unless he called for assistance."
Gandalf nodded. He turned away from Éomer and walking through the hordes of children, reached Legolas and Gimli, who were proudly telling the children of the heroic battle with the Orcs at the river Anduin.
".fighting for our lives, we were," Gimli was saying.
".but then our dear friend Boromir was killed by three arrows. He died a hero trying to protect the Hobbits." Legolas said.
Gandalf smiled. The two were good storytellers and by the look on their faces were enjoying the experience. Gandalf stood behind the children and when the Dwarf and Elf had stopped speaking, Gandalf said, "I wish to speak to you, Legolas, if that is possible?"
Legolas stepped over the children. Gandalf led him to a small room off to the side. "What is it, Gandalf?"
Gandalf frowned. "I'm worried about the future of Middle Earth. Aragorn was the secret weapon we had. Now that he's been discovered.I can't see how things can work out."
"Frodo is still out there." Legolas said.
"We don't know that. Frodo could be dead."
"If he was then the enemy would have the ring." Legolas pointed out.
Gandalf shook his head. "Not necessarily. Sauron may not know the whereabouts of the ring. The Nazgûls were searching for the Ring, but now they're content on destroying Aragorn. Sauron's attention is towards us. If Frodo is still alive, then he will have a better chance. Sauron will throw whatever he has at us, just to destroy Aragorn."
"Do you believe this wasn't meant to happen?" asked the Elf.
Gandalf studied the Elf before replying. "I can feel that other things were meant to happen. A dangerous time looms ahead for Middle-Earth if either Frodo or Aragorn fail. If Sauron requires the Ring then he will destroy us, but there would be a little ray of hope in that darkness." Gandalf shook his head. "I can't see what was meant to happen. Things are happening to fast. What we've got to do now is keep Sauron's attention this way and away from Mordor. Aragorn's distraction has done that. He will keep watching us until either he is destroyed or his minions succeed. But there is nothing to change what will happen if both of them fail. Middle-Earth will fall."
"Then we have to find a way to protect Aragorn and Frodo from them." Legolas said.
"It wouldn't be easy. We have no idea where Frodo is. For all we know he could be in Mordor making his way to Mount Doom. Aragorn would be hard to protect too. Sauron has other methods to attack his enemies."
"Like what?" Legolas asked, astounded.
"Through the mind. Sauron can reach into his enemies mind and tempt them. He could meddle in their affairs and break them down, bit by bit." Gandalf said, solemnly.
Before the Elf prince could answer, Gimli came into the small room, his face flustered. "Gandalf! We have a problem. It's Aragorn. He's going insane."
Gandalf glanced at Legolas, then he realised: "Sauron."
*******************************************************************
King Théoden stood in the city of Minas Tirith, looking up at the looming towers. He had arrived there only a couple of hours ago. He had had an audience with Denethor, but Denethor said that they needed no help from Rohan and that the men of Minas Tirith could fend for themselves. He was allowing Théoden and his company to stay for several days, so they could rest and gather some supplies for the ride back to Rohan, which would take more then a week.
Théoden strode round the city, admiring it's beauty. The sun was setting, and the King's path led him to the Houses Of Healing. He had meant to go there to visit Meriadoc Brandybuck, to see if he would accompany him on the road to Rohan.
He was admitted and the King was surprised to see two Hobbits there instead of one. Merry was the one in the bed, his curly hair ruffled, but the Hobbit next to him was asleep, snoring away.
Merry looked at the King and said,: "Hello. Who are you?"
Théoden couldn't help smiling. "I'm the King of Rohan. I am Théoden and I've come to ask you a favour."
Merry looked startled. Théoden continued. "I would like you and your friend to accompany me back to Rohan, so that you can be reunited with your friends."
"Aren't you staying, then?" Pippin asked, opening his eyes.
"No." Théoden replied. "The Steward claims he doesn't need my services, so I have decided to return to my people and I would like it if you too would come."
"Of course, we will come." Pippin answered, his face brightening. But then he saddened. "Oh, wait. I can't. I'm in service to the Steward. I'll see if he will let me go. I'm sure he doesn't want a Hobbit around, causing all sorts of trouble."
*******************************************************************
There was shouting coming from the great hall, as Gandalf and Legolas followed Gimli into it. When they entered, Gandalf saw Aragorn standing in the middle, waving his sword to the side and looking at everybody. His eyes were burning with fire. All around them the archers all had their bows out ready and arrows pointing at Aragorn, ready to fire if the man did something unreasonable.
Gandalf slid through the crowd of archers and stood in front of Aragorn. "Put the sword down, my friend." he instructed calmly.
"You'll kill me. You'll kill me!" Aragorn shouted, his face beaming with sweat.
"No, we won't." Gandalf replied, stepping forward. Aragorn watched him, his eyes red. Gandalf could see what was happening. Sauron was in his mind, trying to seize control of his foe's actions. To make him kill. There was only one thing to do and the wizard was already regretting it.
Gandalf raised his staff and slammed the bottom of it on the ground and a white light hit Aragorn and the force of the blow sent him flying backwards. He hit the wall, slumping to the ground.
Legolas quickly ran up to his friend and deprived him of all weapons. Gandalf knelt beside his friend. He put his ageing hands to the man's head and sent energy rolling into his mind. Gandalf felt the presence of Sauron, trying to keep the grip on his enemy's mind, determined not to lose. Gandalf could feel Aragorn, the real part of Aragorn, trying to push Sauron out to.
Gandalf sent a powerful wave of energy out and into the man's mind, sending Sauron out. "Aragorn, wake up and come back to us." Gandalf said, gently in the man's ear.
The fire in Aragorn's eyes vanished and his eye's turned to normal. He looked around, not knowing what had happened. Then it came back to him. "It's him, isn't it?"
Gandalf nodded. "Yes, Aragorn. Sauron mentally attacked you and he would've won if I hadn't forced him out."
"I feel all funny. All I remember is a voice saying that I was a failure and that one day they would get me. Then it all clouded over." Aragorn said.
"Just rest, Aragorn." Gandalf commanded and waved his hand over Aragorn, sending him into sleep.
*******************************************************************
"This is a terrible time for this to happen." Gandalf said, later to Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. "From of what happened earlier today, Sauron is getting stronger, his power spreading to engulf all lands."
"Can't we attack him?" Gimli asked. "I'd love to hit him where it hurts! His own land!"
"We won't be able to." Aragorn said. "His land is guarded from head to foot, and only the most nimble of creatures could get inside. Like Hobbits for instance."
"I agree." Gandalf said. "We won't be able to do much, except to defend Minas Tirith from the onslaught of Sauron's armies. We will have to make our there soon, and Aragorn you have a choice to make."
Aragorn looked at Gandalf, but the wizard pressed no more. Just then a loud screech was heard. The four of them ran outside of the Golden Hall, and circling in the sky were nine Nazgûls, each holding their weapons.
"They've come." Gandalf murmured. He glanced at Aragorn. The Ranger pulled forth his sword, as did many others, and then the Nazgûl attacked.
To Be Continued.
Chapter Two - War of the Mind
Pippin woke suddenly. His mind was racing and he listening carefully, daring not to move. He heard rummaging in the room next door and he carefully slipped out of his bed and peeped through the door. Inside he saw Gandalf bending over a small desk and moving his hands over it.
"Gandalf?" Pippin asked. "What are you doing back here?"
Gandalf turned back to Pippin and smiled warmly. "I've brought Merry to the Houses of Healing. He was injured, not severely but he needs rest. You should be able to see him. He'll tell you the full story." Then the wizard headed for the door. "I must hurry to Rohan, where the others are waiting for me."
Gandalf left him, leaving Pippin to wonder what was going on in the world.
Later in the mid-afternoon, Pippin made his way towards the Houses Of Healing. He was led to a small room where Merry was laying asleep on the bed, wrapped in covers of white. Pippin sat down by him and waited. Merry soon woke from his slumber and was quite surprised to see his dear friend sitting by him.
"Pippin! I'm so glad to see you!" he said, beaming.
"Gandalf told me to come and see you if I wanted to know the full story." Pippin said.
"You want to know why I'm here?"
Pippin nodded. "It would be great to know."
Merry sighed. "Most of it is vague. I don't really remember much," Merry bit his lip. "I remember the black riders. They appeared suddenly and advanced on us. I remember Strider shouting, 'run! Into the tower! Quickly!' and then I can vaguely remember the riders flying round and round the tower trying to come in. Then, Gandalf came. The black riders forced themselves into the tower and we fought. I was knocked out by one of them," Merry turned his head away from his friend. "That's all I remember."
"Any idea what they were doing?" Pippin asked.
"When I awoke I found myself on the edges of Fangorn Forest, in a tree. I saw Gandalf talking to Strider and I heard them talking about something. I think Strider has done something to make the enemy mad and he's sent his black riders to kill him. I'm not sure. I'm probably wrong." Merry said.
The two Hobbits had no idea that Merry was right and something big was going to happen; something that could change the future of Middle-Earth for good.
*******************************************************************
Rohan wasn't big, but when Gandalf arrived he found that the many people who had lived there before being driven to Helm's Deep had reclaimed their homes and had began building the houses once more. Gandalf was greeted by Éomer, who had taken charge until King Théoden returned from Minas Tirith. He was organising the construction of better defences and stronger housing.
The Golden Hall was filled with small children, too young to work. Inside the hall, Gandalf saw Legolas and Gimli entertaining the children. He did not see Aragorn. Éomer came forward and told Gandalf that Aragorn was in another room, resting. Gandalf nodded. Aragorn needed rest. Something was going to happen that would change the future. The wizard didn't know when, but something was going to happen. Something big.
"Éomer, is it possible for me to see my friend?" Gandalf asked.
Éomer shook his head. "No. The Lord Aragorn wishes to be left alone. He said that no one was to disturb him unless he called for assistance."
Gandalf nodded. He turned away from Éomer and walking through the hordes of children, reached Legolas and Gimli, who were proudly telling the children of the heroic battle with the Orcs at the river Anduin.
".fighting for our lives, we were," Gimli was saying.
".but then our dear friend Boromir was killed by three arrows. He died a hero trying to protect the Hobbits." Legolas said.
Gandalf smiled. The two were good storytellers and by the look on their faces were enjoying the experience. Gandalf stood behind the children and when the Dwarf and Elf had stopped speaking, Gandalf said, "I wish to speak to you, Legolas, if that is possible?"
Legolas stepped over the children. Gandalf led him to a small room off to the side. "What is it, Gandalf?"
Gandalf frowned. "I'm worried about the future of Middle Earth. Aragorn was the secret weapon we had. Now that he's been discovered.I can't see how things can work out."
"Frodo is still out there." Legolas said.
"We don't know that. Frodo could be dead."
"If he was then the enemy would have the ring." Legolas pointed out.
Gandalf shook his head. "Not necessarily. Sauron may not know the whereabouts of the ring. The Nazgûls were searching for the Ring, but now they're content on destroying Aragorn. Sauron's attention is towards us. If Frodo is still alive, then he will have a better chance. Sauron will throw whatever he has at us, just to destroy Aragorn."
"Do you believe this wasn't meant to happen?" asked the Elf.
Gandalf studied the Elf before replying. "I can feel that other things were meant to happen. A dangerous time looms ahead for Middle-Earth if either Frodo or Aragorn fail. If Sauron requires the Ring then he will destroy us, but there would be a little ray of hope in that darkness." Gandalf shook his head. "I can't see what was meant to happen. Things are happening to fast. What we've got to do now is keep Sauron's attention this way and away from Mordor. Aragorn's distraction has done that. He will keep watching us until either he is destroyed or his minions succeed. But there is nothing to change what will happen if both of them fail. Middle-Earth will fall."
"Then we have to find a way to protect Aragorn and Frodo from them." Legolas said.
"It wouldn't be easy. We have no idea where Frodo is. For all we know he could be in Mordor making his way to Mount Doom. Aragorn would be hard to protect too. Sauron has other methods to attack his enemies."
"Like what?" Legolas asked, astounded.
"Through the mind. Sauron can reach into his enemies mind and tempt them. He could meddle in their affairs and break them down, bit by bit." Gandalf said, solemnly.
Before the Elf prince could answer, Gimli came into the small room, his face flustered. "Gandalf! We have a problem. It's Aragorn. He's going insane."
Gandalf glanced at Legolas, then he realised: "Sauron."
*******************************************************************
King Théoden stood in the city of Minas Tirith, looking up at the looming towers. He had arrived there only a couple of hours ago. He had had an audience with Denethor, but Denethor said that they needed no help from Rohan and that the men of Minas Tirith could fend for themselves. He was allowing Théoden and his company to stay for several days, so they could rest and gather some supplies for the ride back to Rohan, which would take more then a week.
Théoden strode round the city, admiring it's beauty. The sun was setting, and the King's path led him to the Houses Of Healing. He had meant to go there to visit Meriadoc Brandybuck, to see if he would accompany him on the road to Rohan.
He was admitted and the King was surprised to see two Hobbits there instead of one. Merry was the one in the bed, his curly hair ruffled, but the Hobbit next to him was asleep, snoring away.
Merry looked at the King and said,: "Hello. Who are you?"
Théoden couldn't help smiling. "I'm the King of Rohan. I am Théoden and I've come to ask you a favour."
Merry looked startled. Théoden continued. "I would like you and your friend to accompany me back to Rohan, so that you can be reunited with your friends."
"Aren't you staying, then?" Pippin asked, opening his eyes.
"No." Théoden replied. "The Steward claims he doesn't need my services, so I have decided to return to my people and I would like it if you too would come."
"Of course, we will come." Pippin answered, his face brightening. But then he saddened. "Oh, wait. I can't. I'm in service to the Steward. I'll see if he will let me go. I'm sure he doesn't want a Hobbit around, causing all sorts of trouble."
*******************************************************************
There was shouting coming from the great hall, as Gandalf and Legolas followed Gimli into it. When they entered, Gandalf saw Aragorn standing in the middle, waving his sword to the side and looking at everybody. His eyes were burning with fire. All around them the archers all had their bows out ready and arrows pointing at Aragorn, ready to fire if the man did something unreasonable.
Gandalf slid through the crowd of archers and stood in front of Aragorn. "Put the sword down, my friend." he instructed calmly.
"You'll kill me. You'll kill me!" Aragorn shouted, his face beaming with sweat.
"No, we won't." Gandalf replied, stepping forward. Aragorn watched him, his eyes red. Gandalf could see what was happening. Sauron was in his mind, trying to seize control of his foe's actions. To make him kill. There was only one thing to do and the wizard was already regretting it.
Gandalf raised his staff and slammed the bottom of it on the ground and a white light hit Aragorn and the force of the blow sent him flying backwards. He hit the wall, slumping to the ground.
Legolas quickly ran up to his friend and deprived him of all weapons. Gandalf knelt beside his friend. He put his ageing hands to the man's head and sent energy rolling into his mind. Gandalf felt the presence of Sauron, trying to keep the grip on his enemy's mind, determined not to lose. Gandalf could feel Aragorn, the real part of Aragorn, trying to push Sauron out to.
Gandalf sent a powerful wave of energy out and into the man's mind, sending Sauron out. "Aragorn, wake up and come back to us." Gandalf said, gently in the man's ear.
The fire in Aragorn's eyes vanished and his eye's turned to normal. He looked around, not knowing what had happened. Then it came back to him. "It's him, isn't it?"
Gandalf nodded. "Yes, Aragorn. Sauron mentally attacked you and he would've won if I hadn't forced him out."
"I feel all funny. All I remember is a voice saying that I was a failure and that one day they would get me. Then it all clouded over." Aragorn said.
"Just rest, Aragorn." Gandalf commanded and waved his hand over Aragorn, sending him into sleep.
*******************************************************************
"This is a terrible time for this to happen." Gandalf said, later to Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. "From of what happened earlier today, Sauron is getting stronger, his power spreading to engulf all lands."
"Can't we attack him?" Gimli asked. "I'd love to hit him where it hurts! His own land!"
"We won't be able to." Aragorn said. "His land is guarded from head to foot, and only the most nimble of creatures could get inside. Like Hobbits for instance."
"I agree." Gandalf said. "We won't be able to do much, except to defend Minas Tirith from the onslaught of Sauron's armies. We will have to make our there soon, and Aragorn you have a choice to make."
Aragorn looked at Gandalf, but the wizard pressed no more. Just then a loud screech was heard. The four of them ran outside of the Golden Hall, and circling in the sky were nine Nazgûls, each holding their weapons.
"They've come." Gandalf murmured. He glanced at Aragorn. The Ranger pulled forth his sword, as did many others, and then the Nazgûl attacked.
To Be Continued.