Chapter 2

The journey begins

Galador's sleep was terrorized by horrid dreams that he feared.

He was being chased, by something. He knew not what, all he knew was he was so scared that sweat was dripping from him as if he had fallen in a lake. He panted as he darted through a dark and foggy forest. Old cobwebs hung lose like vines from the trees and caught on him as he tried desperately to brush them away. He heard off far in the distance a scream, ear piercing and mind shattering. He stopped to cover his ears but was to late he shuddered as the fear made him shiver from his head to his feet.

Galador looked around and saw that he was not alone, the guardians were with him. "Galador, do not fear." Lulu said calmly helping him up with her dark black hair held up, she smiled at him gently as he got up. "A young woman she needs your help." said the twins simultaneously. "Galador help girl." Kamari said his face was grim. [Kamari is a dog like creature that can stand on to legs.]

Galador was no longer afraid. He rose to his feet with the help of Lulu; she smiled gently at him and brushed a single strand of silver hair behind his ear. "You must fight this battle alone, but we will be watching. Do not fear." Lulu looked into his eyes and backed away. "You will do well." she said as she and the other guardians faded as the darkness engulfed them.

He saw that something shining about his neck. It was a pendant, a gem attached to a beautiful silver chain. The Amethyst shone brightly as it pierced the still and ominous darkness. Galador went forward but as he drew closer to whatever it was his dream faded and he stirred from sleep.

His eyes shot open as he lunged forward. He felt his blankets were as if he had been sleeping underwater. He paid no heed to the wet sheets and got up from his bed.

He got on his garments and walked quickly up the stairs, his heart still racing and his eyes still eager. He looked to see that Gandalf and the rest of the company were sitting down at the table for breakfast.

Gandalf looked up to see Galador's dripping hair and frantic eyes.

"Galador?" he said as he got up from the table. "You are dripping wet?" Gandalf said still unsure why. "With sweat." he said as he wiped his hands down Galador's silver hair and smelt it. "Maybe you better go lie down, you look horrid." Gandalf said taking Galador's hand gently.

"No! I am fine really," Galador said finally waking from the shock. "I just had a bad dream."

"Oh I see" Gandalf said still a little confused. Gandalf led Galador to a seat at table and had him sit down next to Frodo.

"Hullo!" Frodo said smiling at Galador. "Hello!" Galador said with a weak smile.

Galador stared at Frodo for a moment then he looked down at a plate that Gandalf had filled with fruits. , bread, and cheese. "Thank You." Galador said as Gandalf sat down. "Oh think nothing of it." Gandalf patted Galador on the shoulder.

Galador ate slowly as he listened intently to Frodo's story as he talked about their journey, or rather he tried to listen. His head was still filled with the images of his dream.

While he was eating he felt something dangling about his neck. It was an amethyst on a silver chain, like the one from his dream. He had never worn that before; he would have he known it existed. He picked up the stone with wonder as it dangled loosely about his neck, when he picked it up the suns rays seemed to shine right through the stone as rays of purple light splayed through and shone on the walls. All that were at the Table looked in wonder at Galador as he let the stone pendant fall back down to his chest.

"Were did you get that?" Frodo asked in awe.

"In a dream little one. In a dream." Galador replied still in astonishment himself.

Galador ate quickly from then until he finished the plate of food. He stood up from the table and let out a sigh as he stretched.

"I must be going there is important business I must see too." He said as he pushed his chair back into the table. "What kind of Business?" Pippin asked from the other side of Sam. "Rescuing kind!" Galador answered with a smile. "It was very wonderful to meet you all, and I hope joy and happiness for the rest of your lives." Galador walked quickly away and down the hall. He went down the stairs to his room and grabbed his small bag and the rest of his belongings.

Then he walked from the room and closed the door behind him, he ran down the long narrow hall to go awaken The Guardians from sleep. He walked quickly to a beautiful oak door; it had [What else would it have] horses carved neatly on the edges and then one big horse shape in the middle. He knocked hard on the door and yelled to them. "Kamari, Lulu, Eloti, Eloti! Come get up! We must go!" Galador called from outside. He heard no answer and opened the door gently. None were there. All the four beds were made and none of their things were in the room. "Where are they?" he asked himself as he rushed into the desolate room.

The sunrays were shining through a window and they seemed to all be shining in one spot by Lulu's bedside table. He moved closer and saw a small piece of parchment with Lulu's beautiful handwriting on it. He read carefully not paying heed to the man that was standing in the doorway.

Dear Galador,

We have gone to Mirkwood. There is trouble still in those woods and we are waiting for your arrival. You may not see us there but we will be with you. Fear not!

Do you remember your dream, well if I am correct a girl there in Mirkwood needs your help, the stone that hangs around your neck will help you through the darkness. We love you, and would never let any harm come to you so trust us now, trust yourself. May Eru protect you!

Love,

Lulu, Kamari, Eloti, and Eloti

Galador stood still a lone tear falling down his cheek. Then he noticed that in the door way Gandalf stood looking at him kindly as he puffed smoke rings from his long slender pipe. "Your horse has been readied." Gandalf said after a long pause. Galador looked at him with confused eyes. "What do you mean?" he asked folding the letter and letting disappear under the folds of his cloak.

" We both know very well what that letter said and what you are supposed to do." Gandalf said with a smile. "Galador, none know yet what your full purpose is in Middle Earth, I presume you will find out soon." Gandalf walked over and gently patted Galador on the back.

"We will not meet again for some time Galador." Gandalf hugged Galador tightly. "That is all I have been allowed to know."

"Thank you Gandalf, you have been like a father to me." Galador sighed and grabbed up his bag and his staff. "I must be off then, I have a long ride ahead of me. Good bye!" He walked through the door and up the spiral staircase. His slow footfalls could scarcely be heard. Once he reached the top of the stairs he was greeted by the rest of The Fellowship. He said his good byes and then went out the large wood doors.

The hot sun beamed down upon his blue robes as he ran slowly down the large steps and came to the bottom. He looked back once more at the large wooden hall, he smiled and then walked quickly through the town to the stables where a man had his horse ready.

Alastruiel's white coat seemed silver in the sun as it shone brightly. Her white mane flowing in the soft breeze, she neighed at the site of her master. He smiled as he saw her rearing on her hind legs and letting out neighs and snorts.

Galador patted her neck and jumped on as he held his brown staff aloft in one hand while holding on gently to her mane with the other.

"Naro lim." he whispered gently in her ear. And with a great leap she sped off towards Mirkwood the hot gleaming sun on his back.