~I hope you all like this chapter. I was working hard on this one.
Elen: I know that it was sad, but I intended for it to be that way. I think Boromir is an awesome character and he will be missed.
MaverickGirl: I know it was short, but this one is way longer.
Aislin: I liked the idea about Shantel being kidnapped with the hobbits simply because I figure that he would have told them Uruk-hai that he wanted Shantel. And repeating that she's human and female, I'm thinking panic and saying the first thing that comes to mind. And these men have been through a lot so they're not very trusting, even though they just rescued her from the orcs and such. Oh and for yelling, if Shantel's throat wasn't so dry be sure she would have had that rider throwing her at Aragorn. That's kind of funny, Aragorn pelted by Shantel. LOL! Aragorn is going to get me for that comment.
Blahblah: There you are! Yes we are now in the two towers, more fun is to come. I have some good idea's that I'm brewing.
Mrs. Ekenna Greenleaf: Thanks for the compliment :o) I'm trying to put Shantel in as I picture her. A normal girl, who's tossed in the salad mix. Weird expression I know :o)
Trust No One: Thanks so much, that is great to hear how my writing is improving. Looking back on some stories I first did on here, I can really see it, but with works in progress it is much harder to see. Thanks so much for the compliment.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Immediately they set out to find their friends Merry and Pippin. Shantel was given the job of holding onto the reins of the horses while Aragorn and Legolas took the lead. Before setting out, Aragorn double checked to make sure that Shantel had no life threatening injuries and only when she got sick of his probing that she threatened to take his head off did he back away. Legolas only shook his head and chuckled a bit before turning a weary head towards Fangorn Forest. They had thankfully grabbed her pack and Shantel switched the necklace Arwen had given her for her old cross. She wanted some comforts of home to be close by. A few steps in Gimli spotted a bit of red on some broken branches. Touching the substance he brought it to his mouth before promptly spitting it out again.
"Orc blood!" Gimli spat. Shantel made a face thinking that there's been way too much excitement.
"Shantel are you okay." Shantel looked up seeing that Legolas was looking at her. "You look a little green."
"Too much excitement," Shantel said through a queasy stomach. "I think I'm going to throw up." Aragorn came over hearing this and felt Shantel's forehead.
"We need to pause," Aragorn sighed. "I'll make her some hot water infused with some dried kingsfoil I have. That should sooth her stomach."
"No we can't stop," Shantel only now realized that she had sank to her knee's. "We have to help Merry and Pippin." She struggled to get up until Gimli's hand held her down.
"No lass," Gimli ordered. "They would not receive us well if we let you keel over trying to find them." He raised his hand when Shantel opened her mouth to protest. "Enough, now be silent and drink this." Aragorn had returned with a steaming cup for Shantel to drink out of. Aragorn stepped away looking at the ground. That was fast she thought, maybe it's cause I'm sick, Shantel shook her head.
"This forest is very old," Legolas said Gimli raised his ax, standing next to Shantel. "Full of memories and anger. The trees are speaking to each other."
"Gimli," Aragorn made them all jump. "Put down your ax."
"Merry said something about the trees here," Shantel said, starting to feel a little better. They were only a few steps in, Shantel hoped he had stepped out of the trees to make this cup of hot water for her.
"What did Merry say?" Aragorn asked.
"That there were tales," Shantel said. "That the trees here could talk, even move."
"Hmm," Aragorn said. "Come Shantel, if you are feeling better we must make haste." Shantel nodded and followed the others, following tracks that Aragorn and Legolas were tracing. Deeper in the wood they slowed and looked around warily.
"Aragorn, nad no ennas!" Legolas stated. (Aragorn, something is out there!)
"Man cenich?" Aragorn replied. (What do you see?")
"Do not let him speak," Aragorn replied. Shantel picked up a stick that was a little heavy to lift. "He will put a spell on us! We must be quick." All turned around at the same time, blinded by a brilliant white light. The arrow that Legolas shot was deflected as the blows from Gimli's ax. Aragorn dropped his sword feeling that it got too hot to hold, and the branch that Shantel grabbed became to heavy for her to bear. Covering her eyes, Shantel felt a range building up in her at this white wizard. The only white wizard she knew of was Saruman the one who brought her here.
"What do you want?" Shantel screamed at him. "What have you done with our friends, tell me now!" Legolas put a hand on Shantel's shoulder distracting her from her thoughts.
"You were tracking the footsteps of two young hobbits," The white wizard said.
"Where are they?" Aragorn stepped forward. Shantel narrowed her eyes, intent on glaring at him, no matter how bright the light was.
"They passed this way the day before yesterday," The white wizard continued. "They met some one they did not expect. Does this comfort you?" Before Shantel could utter a reply, Legolas covered her mouth and held her in place while Aragorn challenged the white wizard.
"Who are you? Show yourself!" Aragorn shouted. Shantel nodded a mute reply, her mouth still covered. As the white wizard stepped forward, he revealed himself to be Gandalf. Shantel's eyes widened and Legolas tightened her grip on Shantel, most likely from surprise.
"It cannot be," Aragorn muttered. "You fell…"
"Through fire and water," Gandalf replied. He briefly explained what had happened through the fall of him and the Balrog, and how he defeated the monster.
"Anulf," Shantel murmured and wiggled out of the grasp of Legolas.
"Gandalf," Aragorn quietly replied. The wizard smiled and tilted his head a little.
"Gandalf? Oh yes!" Gandalf smiled. "That's what they used to call me. Gandalf the grey." Gimli was fighting hard to keep the tears from falling as he said Gandalf's name. Shantel didn't bother and let the tears fall. "I am Gandalf the White now. And I come back to you at the turn of the tide." Shantel ran forward and hugged Gandalf hard, crying openly. He stood there for a moment then gently returned her hug.
"I have been such a cry baby the past few days," Shantel said once she was able to stop the tears. "So much had happened."
"That I know," Gandalf put an arm around Shantel and started to lead her and the others out of Fangorn Forest. Feeling better than she had in a long time, Shantel would run ahead a bit then return to the guy's sides. The men, Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas were relieved to see Shantel this way, since before when they had taken her from the riders of Rohan, all she did was stay silent and not talk very much a glazed look in her eyes for the most part. Now she had some life back in her steps.
"One stage of the journey is now over," Gandalf said, Shantel calmed her stride so she could hear what he had to say. "War has come to Rohan. We must ride to Endoras with all speed."
"But we've only got two horses," Shantel replied. "And I don't fancy being tied on like luggage." She had enough of that. Gandalf only smiled and let out a high pitched whistle as they exited the forest. Shantel turned towards where a neighing is heard and saw a horse of majestic beauty coming towards them.
"That is one of Merras," Legolas mused out loud. "Unless my eyes are cheated by some spell."
"Shadowfax," Gandalf petted the horse as he stepped up. "He's the lord of all horses and has seen me through many dangers." Mounting the horses, same as before, they rode off hard, making conversation all but impossible. The journey took most of the day and soon a great Kingdom on a hill came into view. They slowed their horses and looked up at the town. Shantel narrowed her eyes, to her it looked very desolate, very sad.
"Endoras and the Golden hall of Meduseld, King of Rohan," Gandalf paused and looked around.
"It seems so dim," Shantel muttered. She saw Aragorn nod as he was sitting in front of her.
"The King of Rohan, who's mind is overthrown and Saruman's hold over King Théoden is now very strong." Gandalf stirred his horse forward, the others following slowly. He pulled out a cloak to cover him, all grey instead of the brilliant white he now wore. As they got closer Shantel could see a girl was standing outside watching them, then turned and ran inside. Tilting her head Shantel thought it very strange, and they entered the city. The city itself was silent, the people were dressed in black and stopped their activities as they looked at the riders.
"You'd find more cheer in a graveyard," Gimli muttered. Shantel nodded thinking these people could used a good dose of comedy hour. Dismounting they group went up the steps of the Meduseld, a group of armed guard came out all looking very grim.
"I cannot allow you before Théoden-king so heavily armed, Gandalf Grayhame… By order of Grima Wormtongue." Shantel raised her eyebrows at the command the guards gave and the name they gave the order in. That sounds like a name that one of the enemy would use, Shantel thought. All handed over their weapons very reluctantly. Shantel was please to find that the Orcs didn't take hers and wasn't wanting to part with them so quickly.
"Your staff," Hama, the guard said. Gandalf looked at his staff as if he was noticing it for the first time.
"Oh," Gandalf said. "You wouldn't part an old man with his walking stick would you?" Shantel had to hide a grin. She would give him an Emmy for that, who knew that Gandalf was an actor. The guard nodded and Legolas took Gandalf's arm as they stepped inside. Looking around the hall was dim with several guards posted along the sides. Hama bowed to the king them stepped aside. A man stepped out as the company came closer, one Shantel would stop to bet all her worth that he rolled in grease every morning then bleached his skin.
"My Lord," The man said. "Gandalf the Grey is coming. A herald of woe."
"That has to be Grima," Shantel said softly unintentionally getting the mans attention. His gaze lingered on her and his eyes filled with recognition was it? All she knew was that she liked this man less and less by the second.
"I am Grima," He said. Even his voice was greasy. "Shantel of another world." Shantel's companions went on guard until Gandalf gave them all a look. Hiding his staff from view he turned his attention back to Théoden.
"The courtesy of your hall has lessened of late," Gandalf said. "Théoden-king."
"He is not welcome," Grima leaned down and whispered this in the king's ear keeping an eye on Shantel at the same time. She frowned at him and wanted to yell at him to let the king think for himself. But this man who is king, looked old and crusty, like he wouldn't be able to move with out cracking in half.
"And why should I welcome you Gandalf- Stormcrow?" The king coughed out, each breath a raspy gasp. Grima whispered something else to Théoden that Shantel couldn't hear this time. Then he stood up and walked towards Gandalf.
"Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear,"
Grima pointed accusingly. "Lathspell I name him. Ill news is an ill guest."
"Silence," Gandalf's voice seemed to echo making Shantel jump. " Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth." Good Shantel nodded, relieved she wasn't the only one thinking that
something was wrong with Grima.
"I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm!" Gandalf revealed his staff, in which Grima cowered back in fear.
"Your staff," Grima put an arm in front as if he was trying to ward it away. "I told you to take the wizards staff," Grima yelled to the guards slowly but impatiently. The guards step forward but Gimli and Aragorn and Legolas take them down with out difficulty. One tried to grab at Shantel but she kicked him where it counted and watched him wince on the floor knocking Grima to the ground as he tried to run pass. Grabbing the guards sword, which was a bit heavy but Shantel tried not to show it, she pointed it at Grima.
"Hold still grease pig," Shantel said. Unfortunately her arms started to shake from the weight and Grima smiled, knowing she couldn't hold the sword for long. Before he could move Gimli stepped over holding his ax threateningly.
"I would stay if I were you," Gimli growled. Grima shrank back to the wall and Shantel dropped the sword with a clatter.
"Oh, thanks Gimli," Shantel smiled at him. "My sword is much lighter, thank goodness. Gimli returned her smile but kept his eyes on Grima. Shantel looked back up to where Gandalf was walking to the King. The laugh the king let out chilled her to the bone and Shantel stood next to Aragorn who was now watching.
"You have no power here Gandalf the Grey," Théoden cackled then turned his look to Shantel. "And I'll have you yet girl. I can get you home, if you only help me." Shantel took a breath and put her arm through Aragorn's.
"I'll have nothing to do with you," Shantel shouted at him.
"I shall draw you out, Saruman, like a poison from a wound," Gandalf whips his cloak back. Shantel felt herself bumped away from Aragorn as a girl tried to rush forward. Aragorn grabbed the girl's arms and held her back. Crossing her arms, Shantel turned her attention back to Gandalf.
"If I go Théoden dies," The king growled in a different voice.
"You did not kill me, you will not kill him," Gandalf replied calmly.
"Rohan is mine," Théoden rasped. Shantel winced.
"Be gone!" Gandalf commanded as Théoden lunged forward at Gandalf. His body stopped in mid-air like he hit a force field and plunges back in his seat. He shook and a light seemed to shine out of him until he slumped there, eyes closed. Looking on Shantel was sure that he was dead. The girl Aragorn held shook his hands away and ran to the King. Helping him back into his seat, Shantel watched with wonder as the King looked up and he seemed to be getting younger and younger, until he could be classified as a couple decades older than Aragorn. Looking to the girl, he touched her face.
"I know your face," Théoden said. His voice sounded lighter too. "Eowyn, Eowyn." She took his hands and put her head down trying to hide the tears that were threatening to show. At least I'm not the only one crying now, Shantel smiled. Théoden looked and seemed surprised to see Gandalf.
"Gandalf?"
"Breathe the free air my friend," Gandalf said.
"Dark my dreams have been of late," Théoden muttered. With Saruman in your mind that doesn't surprise me, Shantel looked around seeing that her company's faces shared her thought.
"Your fingers would remember their old strength better… if they grasped your sword," Gandalf nodded at Hama who went and gave the sword to his king. Shantel's eyes widened as he grasped the sword then turned his attention to Grima.
"I'll be outside, I don't want to see this," Shantel said. Aragorn nodded as Shantel fled the room. In all honesty she didn't want to be near Grima if he was the last living thing on this Earth, or any Earth for that matter. Heading halfway down the stone steps, Shantel sat down and looked around at the villagers. Once again they paused and stared at her.
"No worries folks," Shantel smiled nervously. "Things should get better for you, in fact…" Shantel was cut off as Grima was thrown down the stairs landing in a huddle at her feet. Feeling trapped Shantel touched the edge of the stone wall and looked at him with fear. No change that to disgust, he looked even greasier up close.
"I'll never eat fast food again," Shantel whispered. Grima looked up seeing her and reached up to grab her arm. Pulling himself up he startled when the king came out following him.
"Get your hands off her," Théoden threatened Grima. At least he's on my side, Shantel thanked who ever.
"I've only served you my lord," Grima begged holding tighter onto Shantel's shoulders. She grimaced and tried to push him away.
"Your witchcraft would have me on all four crawling like some beast!" Théoden stepped forward threatenly. Grima pulled Shantel out and cowered behind her.
"Send me not from your side!" Grima begged.
"Please send him away," Shantel voiced. "Get his filthy hands off of me." Théoden grabbed Shantel's arm wrenching her away from Grima. Raising his sword, Shantel gasped and covered her eyes.
"No my Lord!" Aragorn stepped forward. "Let him go. Enough blood has been spilled on his account." Grima shot off in a flash before Théoden could change his mind. Putting his sword away he looked to Shantel.
"Who are you?" Théoden asked.
"I'm Shantel," she looked to Aragorn not sure how to address him.
"My Lord," Aragorn coughed.
"My lord," Shantel hastily added. "I've arrived with Aragorn." Théoden nodded and looked to his guards.
"Where is my son?" Eowyn stepped forward leading Théoden away while the rest were taken inside for drinks and food. When Théoden stormed past, Gandalf went to follow, Shantel was too busy eating to notice.
"You eat like the dwarf," Legolas joked. Shantel paused in her eating to playfully glare at him. Gimli only belched and continued to eat.
"E ooth go goo aste," Shantel said, mouth full of bread. The look on Legolas face, Shantel hastily swallowed and laughed at him. "What?" She rolled her eyes pretending to loose patience with him. Legolas only rested his head in his hands and made a face at Shantel so quick, she had to do a double take to make sure she saw it right.
"Gimli, I think we need to do something to Legolas," Shantel got up and turned facing Legolas.
"In a moment lass, let me finish eating," Gimli said. Shantel paused getting an idea and turning to Gimli.
"Like a dog with a bone," Shantel said smiling. She reached over intent on grabbing something, but Gimli saw and growled at her. Shantel pulled her hand back laughing and then tried again, only to be growled at again. Legolas laughed and the game continued on until Eowyn rushed in with two children.
"Kids it's what's for dinner," Shantel quipped getting a scolding glance from Eowyn and Gimli and Legolas trying not to laugh.
"She jest my lady," Legolas said trying to tame the fire in Eowyn's eyes.
"They need food," Eowyn said setting the children on a bench.
"I'll get someone," Shantel found one of the men who had brought them food and he went to bring in something easy for the children. He returned after a few minutes with some soup that Gimli eyed. Shantel lightly hit Gimli and scolded that he had enough to eat. Between mouthfuls, after Gandalf, Théoden and Aragorn had returned to the dining hall, the children explained how their village was attacked and they were sent away. The little girl kept questioning about their mother which Eowyn shushed and tried to get her to eat.
"They had no warning. They were unarmed," Eowyn said. "Now the wildmen are moving through westfold, burning as they go, every rick and cot."
"This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash. All the more potent for he is driven mad by the fear of Sauron," Gandalf turned to the king. "Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from the women and children. You must fight."
"You have 2000 good men riding north as we speak. Èomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king," Aragorn added and glanced at Shantel. She knew who he meant. Then one's who wouldn't unbind her or let her look for her friends.
"They will be three hundred leagues from here by now. Èomer cannot help us," Théoden argued. "I know what is that you want of me. But I would not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war."
"Open war is upon you, whether would risk it or not," Aragorn returned. Nice come back, Shantel thought smiling.
"When last I looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan." Théoden shot back. Shantel sucked in a breath and looked to Legolas. That was a good one too.
"Then what is the king's decision?" Gandalf asked. Théoden passed then called to his head guard.
"Hama, tell the people we will go to Helms Deep." The guard exited and Théoden went elsewhere.
"I must leave," Gandalf said.
"But you've only just arrived," Shantel didn't want Gandalf going anywhere. She just got him back. He only gave Shantel a sad smile and hugged her.
"I know you wish me to stay, but it would be better if I were to leave," Gandalf said. "Have faith." Shantel nodded and went to touch her necklace, but found nothing. Legolas noticed Shantel getting a little frantic patting her neck and then looking on the ground.
"Are you all right?" Legolas asked.
"My necklace," Shantel got on hands and knees. "It's gone."
"Well it's not here," Legolas looked around for a little bit. "Come do you want to see Gandalf off?" Shantel nodded and followed them down to the stable where Shadowfax was. Standing back with Legolas and Gimli, they watched Aragorn and Gandalf talk briefly.
"This is not cool," Shantel said.
"When is the last time you remember having the necklace?" Legolas asked. Shantel ran her hands through her hair and sighed.
"Don't worry about it," It's a material possession." Shantel shrugged. "I'll live just as well with out it." She looked up hearing Shadowfax's hoof steps and was yanked out of the way by Legolas. She watched Gandalf go and followed the others back to the Meduseld. Walking back to the Meduseld, Shantel would keep checking the ground, hoping to find her necklace. The others noticed and tried to help her.
"We can help you look," Aragorn offered.
"Let us help you," Gimli insisted. Shantel smiled and gave each of them a hug.
"We need to get these people moved," Shantel said. "Their
armies are moving the people will be defenseless here. Finding my necklace is
not the worth of the loosing of their lives." Aragorn put a hand on Shantel's shoulder.
"That is grand of you Shantel," Aragorn complimented. "I know that necklace
meant a lot to you." Shantel smiled but ducked her head.
"Come let's get our stuff together," Legolas looped arms with Shantel as she grabbed Gimli's arm and they all walked up the steps of the Meduseld.
