A/N: Sorry it's taken so long to put this up. What with school and the site
going down and everything it's really been a busy week, but I am uploading
two parts right now.
Thanks to everyone who reviews.
Samantha.
Part 42.
Beneath the walls of Isenguard the gardens once tilled by slaves lay dormant, filled with weeds and thorns, the brambles creating living burrows for small animals, if any were keen enough to set foot there.
No trees grew there, only the charred stumps of the old trees in their ancient groves could be seen, barely visible above the withered, dying grass.
The place was silent, save for the burble of fast running water.
Before long the riders came to a stone path, the stones skillfully laid, leaving no room for grass to grow between the cracks. On both sides of the path gutters ran with only trickling water.
A tall pillar loomed before them, obscured by the mists. On it's top was a statue of a White Hand, it's finger pointing North.
From memory, Arwen knew that the gates of Isenguard lay ahead, still invisible in the mist.
As they rose past the White Hand, Arwen noticed that close up, it no longer appeared white, but was stained with dried blood, the nails red.
Before them the Great Gates of Isenguard stood, the iron gates just heaps of twisted metal wrenched from their posts. The stone arch still stood over the gateway and Gandalf rode under it, the others following reluctantly behind. The stone ring, which had once been the high walls of Isenguard lay in ruins, the stone towers destroyed. The ring itself was full of steaming water, the scent of burning hung heavily in the air.
Almost veiled in the mist rose Orthanc, the great tower of Isenguard, the one thing that seemed untouched. Pale waters of muddy brown lapped at the base of the pillar of black rock.
All stopped silently, awed that the power of Saruman was overthrown, and unable to fathom how it had been done.
The men gazed at a pile of rubble, suddenly aware of two small figures perched upon it, both clad in gray, barely visible against the rubble. Bottles and plates lay beside them, as though they had just eaten a good meal. Small puffs of smoke rose from their lit pipes.
For a moment all stood watching them, unsure of what to do. Then Arwen surprised all by dismounting from Nallahir, leaving him where he stood, and rushing over to the two figures. "Merry! Pippin!" She called out. Both figures looked up, then rushed down the pile to her.
She caught both up in her arms, hugging them fiercely. "Are you both well?" She questioned. "We have been so worried!"
Both nodded, looking over at the group of Riders who waited behind her. By this time Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli had joined her on the ground, smiling as she fussed over both Hobbits.
"Forgive us my Lord." Aragorn told Theoden, "For these are the companions we have been long seeking."
Merry turned to the King. "You are Theoden, King of Rohan?"
The old man nodded. "I am he."
Merry stood tall. "Meriadoc, son of Saradoc is my name, Lord. My companion is Peregrin, son of Paladin of the House of Took. Our home is far away in the North. Saruman, the Lord of Isenguard is within; but at the moment he is closeted in with one Wormtongue, or doubtless he would be here to welcome such guests."
"Doubtless he would." Gandalf laughed.
"Our orders come from Treebeard who has taken over the management of Isenguard. He has commanded me to welcome the King with fitting words. I have done my best." Merry told Gandalf, bowing.
"What about us?" Gimli exploded at the Hobbits. "What about the Lady Arwen, Aragorn, Legolas and me? Two hundred leagues pursuit through field and forest, battle and death to rescue you. And here we find you smoking! How did you come across it?"
Legolas smiled. "You speak for me Gimli, though I would sooner learn how you came by the wine."
"You have not gained brighter wits in your travels then." Pippin told them, "Here we sit on the field of a great victory and you wonder how we came across well-earned comforts."
Gimli snorted, "Well earned? I cannot believe that!"
"It is doubtless we witness the meeting of dear friends." Theoden laughed. "These are indeed the lost ones of your company, Gandalf. In this day I already seen many strange things, but here stand two people straight out of legend, for are these not Halflings?"
"Hobbits, if you please, Lord." Merry told the King.
"Here is another marvel Lord." Pippin said to Theoden. "In all of our travels, and we have wandered in many lands since the beginning our journey, you are the first people I have found to have Hobbits in their tales."
"Where is Treebeard?" Gandalf interrupted.
"He is away on the North side I believe." Merry told Gandalf. "Most of the Ents are still busy at work there."
"Did he leave a message?" Gandalf asked the two, "Or has plate and bottle driven it from your minds?"
"I was coming to it." Merry said, "Treebeard said that if the Lord of the Mark and Gandalf were to ride to the Northern wall, they will find him there and he will welcome you. Pippin and I have set food out there for you." Gandalf and the King rode away towards the North wall, flanked by Eomer and his men.
*********
"Now our hunt is over and we meet again at last." Aragorn said to the Hobbits.
"We tracked the pair of you into the forest," Legolas told them, "But the Gandalf urged us to ride with him to Rohan."
"We would very much like to know what has gone on since we were parted." Pippin told them. "Come now and we will find you some food, there is lots in the guard house. Would you like to eat there or out here in the open?"
Arwen smiled at his hospitality.
"Where do you wish to eat Arwen?" Merry asked her.
She looked around before answering. "Anywhere but here. This desolation pulls at my heart. I cannot bear to see the land ravaged like this."
"We will go into the guard house, then." Merry told her. "Saves us carrying things out here anyway."
********** The Hobbits served their companions, then sat down themselves for a second helping.
In their time together they talked of many things, Boromir's passing, Merry's and Pippin's time with the Orcs, the Battle of Helm's Deep and Arwen's ride to Lorien.
At that Merry looked wistful. "Sam would have liked to have seen all of the Elves dressed in their armor, ready for battle." He lamented, making the first mention of Frodo and Sam. "Do you bring any news of them?"
"Only what Arwen yet knows." Aragorn told the two.
"What of Frodo and Sam?" Pippin asked her, his eyes wide, pleading.
"They are... on the road to Mordor, Pippin." She told him. "I cannot tell you that they are safe. That may well be a lie. But Frodo is well, he and Sam are still together and Frodo still carries the One Ring. That is all I am able to tell." She downcast her eyes.
"But you know more?" Gimli asked.
"In Lothlorien I gazed into the Pool of Galadriel as I have done many times before. I saw them together, I saw the One Ring still about Frodo's neck. I cannot say more than the things I have seen, and even then there are things I may not say. Some things are not meant to be known. Like all visions it was only an image. You must remember that the future is ever changing, always in motion." She told them, a strength revealed in her that the others had not seen before.
"Be at peace, Arwen." Legolas urged her. "We will question you no further."
"Legolas is right," Aragorn told the others. "Arwen we will not speak any more of these matters."
She bowed her head. "If I may, I will go out now. Although it causes me much pain, I desire to see the ruins of Isenguard, and remember the times when this was tranquil place."
"Take your leave as you like, Lady." Gimli told her, "Would you like someone to walk with you?"
"Only if anyone else desires to see." She told him.
Aragorn nodded his head. "I will go with you. There may still be Orcs about."
Arwen having stood, laughed. "I fought by your side at Helm's Deep, holding my own with bow and sword and you now fear for my safety?"
"I fear that..." Aragorn began.
"You fear the things you don't understand. If I need any assistance I will call, you will hear me. For now I wish to be lost in memory." With those as her parting words she left the guard house.
Part 43.
Long into the afternoon Arwen wandered the ruins of Isenguard, both mourning the desolate, pillaged land, and rejoicing in her memories of it, of the times she had spent here when Saruman the White was not under the influence of the Dark One.
She wandered in and out of wall and open air, over stone and earth until her heart ached less, and remembered more. In the near distance she saw watched as her companions left the guard room and began to walk deeper into Isenguard, to the Northern Wall where Treebeard, Gandalf and Theoden were taking council.
Taking a different path she caught up to them easily.
"Arwen!" Aragorn exclaimed, surprised to see her. "We were just about to send a search party for you."
"I am well, and I am safe." Arwen told him.
"Then let us go to meet Gandalf and Treebeard." Pippin told them, "I think they will be finished their council now." The companions, now numbering six walked together as one, talking quietly between themselves as they approached the Northern Wall.
From behind its ruins Gandalf appeared with Theoden at his side. After them came Treebeard the great Ent.
"Ah," Gandalf began, "I was just about to send for you. Much had been done here, yet much more still needs to be done. Treebeard here has taken charge of wood and stone, but there is also a wizard here to manage."
"Where is Saruman?" Legolas asked.
"Locked in the Tower of Orthanc." Treebeard told them in his deep, rolling voice.
"Then it is to Orthanc we must go? Is that not right Gandalf?" Merry asked.
"Yes Master Meriadoc." Gandalf answered him. "Come then."
As they neared Orthanc Gandalf spoke once more. "I shall go up the stairs to the base of the tower. Aragorn, if you wish to join me, I would have you come with me."
"I shall come too." Theoden said. "I wish to lay eyes on the creature who has done me such harm. Eomer will join me, lest my feet falter."
"Are you expecting Saruman to try any tricks, Gandalf?" Legolas asked.
"Perhaps." Gandalf answered. "But do not be deceived by what you see."
Arwen nodded. "Saruman's power lies in his knowledge, and in his voice which holds sway over those who are weak in mind and spirit. Saruman was once a great friend of my father. When I was a child I would come here with my mother and father. While my father would take council with Saruman, in the days when he was good and wise, my mother would walk with me through and around Isenguard. Often we would meet with my mother's kin in the surrounds." As bitter sweet smile crept to her lips. "Those days were very long ago. The world has changed much since."
"The world is ever changing Arwen." Legolas reminded her gently. "You and I have both see much that is long forgotten by others. Keep your memories safe, Lady Evenstar, for they are as precious as jewels."
Arwen smiled at him. "Thank you for your wise words Legolas, they have brought me peace for now."
"Let us go now to Orthanc." Gimli told them, "I wish to lay my eyes on the Istari Saruman."
"As do I." Arwen said softly. "I wish to see him, in the hope that it may help my heart understand the desolation he has caused to this land."
"Lady, apart from myself, you are the only person here who may be able manage Saruman." Gandalf told her. "I welcome you to my side as long as you wish to come."
Arwen smiled at him, "May the grace of the Valar shine on us all in this trying time."
"I have seen him, Lady Arwen of Rivendell. Long have I known you, now I welcome you to Isenguard, as I had once wished to welcome you to my home." Treebeard said to her, using the Common Tongue.
"Thank you for your hospitality and the care of my smaller companions. Under your care Isenguard will blossom as never before. When this war for our Middle Earth is over, I shall return to Fangorn, for I wish to pass through the ancient forest once more." Arwen answered him.
"When you return, you will be a guest of honor in my home." Treebeard told her. "Let us go now and manage this wizard."
Thanks to everyone who reviews.
Samantha.
Part 42.
Beneath the walls of Isenguard the gardens once tilled by slaves lay dormant, filled with weeds and thorns, the brambles creating living burrows for small animals, if any were keen enough to set foot there.
No trees grew there, only the charred stumps of the old trees in their ancient groves could be seen, barely visible above the withered, dying grass.
The place was silent, save for the burble of fast running water.
Before long the riders came to a stone path, the stones skillfully laid, leaving no room for grass to grow between the cracks. On both sides of the path gutters ran with only trickling water.
A tall pillar loomed before them, obscured by the mists. On it's top was a statue of a White Hand, it's finger pointing North.
From memory, Arwen knew that the gates of Isenguard lay ahead, still invisible in the mist.
As they rose past the White Hand, Arwen noticed that close up, it no longer appeared white, but was stained with dried blood, the nails red.
Before them the Great Gates of Isenguard stood, the iron gates just heaps of twisted metal wrenched from their posts. The stone arch still stood over the gateway and Gandalf rode under it, the others following reluctantly behind. The stone ring, which had once been the high walls of Isenguard lay in ruins, the stone towers destroyed. The ring itself was full of steaming water, the scent of burning hung heavily in the air.
Almost veiled in the mist rose Orthanc, the great tower of Isenguard, the one thing that seemed untouched. Pale waters of muddy brown lapped at the base of the pillar of black rock.
All stopped silently, awed that the power of Saruman was overthrown, and unable to fathom how it had been done.
The men gazed at a pile of rubble, suddenly aware of two small figures perched upon it, both clad in gray, barely visible against the rubble. Bottles and plates lay beside them, as though they had just eaten a good meal. Small puffs of smoke rose from their lit pipes.
For a moment all stood watching them, unsure of what to do. Then Arwen surprised all by dismounting from Nallahir, leaving him where he stood, and rushing over to the two figures. "Merry! Pippin!" She called out. Both figures looked up, then rushed down the pile to her.
She caught both up in her arms, hugging them fiercely. "Are you both well?" She questioned. "We have been so worried!"
Both nodded, looking over at the group of Riders who waited behind her. By this time Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli had joined her on the ground, smiling as she fussed over both Hobbits.
"Forgive us my Lord." Aragorn told Theoden, "For these are the companions we have been long seeking."
Merry turned to the King. "You are Theoden, King of Rohan?"
The old man nodded. "I am he."
Merry stood tall. "Meriadoc, son of Saradoc is my name, Lord. My companion is Peregrin, son of Paladin of the House of Took. Our home is far away in the North. Saruman, the Lord of Isenguard is within; but at the moment he is closeted in with one Wormtongue, or doubtless he would be here to welcome such guests."
"Doubtless he would." Gandalf laughed.
"Our orders come from Treebeard who has taken over the management of Isenguard. He has commanded me to welcome the King with fitting words. I have done my best." Merry told Gandalf, bowing.
"What about us?" Gimli exploded at the Hobbits. "What about the Lady Arwen, Aragorn, Legolas and me? Two hundred leagues pursuit through field and forest, battle and death to rescue you. And here we find you smoking! How did you come across it?"
Legolas smiled. "You speak for me Gimli, though I would sooner learn how you came by the wine."
"You have not gained brighter wits in your travels then." Pippin told them, "Here we sit on the field of a great victory and you wonder how we came across well-earned comforts."
Gimli snorted, "Well earned? I cannot believe that!"
"It is doubtless we witness the meeting of dear friends." Theoden laughed. "These are indeed the lost ones of your company, Gandalf. In this day I already seen many strange things, but here stand two people straight out of legend, for are these not Halflings?"
"Hobbits, if you please, Lord." Merry told the King.
"Here is another marvel Lord." Pippin said to Theoden. "In all of our travels, and we have wandered in many lands since the beginning our journey, you are the first people I have found to have Hobbits in their tales."
"Where is Treebeard?" Gandalf interrupted.
"He is away on the North side I believe." Merry told Gandalf. "Most of the Ents are still busy at work there."
"Did he leave a message?" Gandalf asked the two, "Or has plate and bottle driven it from your minds?"
"I was coming to it." Merry said, "Treebeard said that if the Lord of the Mark and Gandalf were to ride to the Northern wall, they will find him there and he will welcome you. Pippin and I have set food out there for you." Gandalf and the King rode away towards the North wall, flanked by Eomer and his men.
*********
"Now our hunt is over and we meet again at last." Aragorn said to the Hobbits.
"We tracked the pair of you into the forest," Legolas told them, "But the Gandalf urged us to ride with him to Rohan."
"We would very much like to know what has gone on since we were parted." Pippin told them. "Come now and we will find you some food, there is lots in the guard house. Would you like to eat there or out here in the open?"
Arwen smiled at his hospitality.
"Where do you wish to eat Arwen?" Merry asked her.
She looked around before answering. "Anywhere but here. This desolation pulls at my heart. I cannot bear to see the land ravaged like this."
"We will go into the guard house, then." Merry told her. "Saves us carrying things out here anyway."
********** The Hobbits served their companions, then sat down themselves for a second helping.
In their time together they talked of many things, Boromir's passing, Merry's and Pippin's time with the Orcs, the Battle of Helm's Deep and Arwen's ride to Lorien.
At that Merry looked wistful. "Sam would have liked to have seen all of the Elves dressed in their armor, ready for battle." He lamented, making the first mention of Frodo and Sam. "Do you bring any news of them?"
"Only what Arwen yet knows." Aragorn told the two.
"What of Frodo and Sam?" Pippin asked her, his eyes wide, pleading.
"They are... on the road to Mordor, Pippin." She told him. "I cannot tell you that they are safe. That may well be a lie. But Frodo is well, he and Sam are still together and Frodo still carries the One Ring. That is all I am able to tell." She downcast her eyes.
"But you know more?" Gimli asked.
"In Lothlorien I gazed into the Pool of Galadriel as I have done many times before. I saw them together, I saw the One Ring still about Frodo's neck. I cannot say more than the things I have seen, and even then there are things I may not say. Some things are not meant to be known. Like all visions it was only an image. You must remember that the future is ever changing, always in motion." She told them, a strength revealed in her that the others had not seen before.
"Be at peace, Arwen." Legolas urged her. "We will question you no further."
"Legolas is right," Aragorn told the others. "Arwen we will not speak any more of these matters."
She bowed her head. "If I may, I will go out now. Although it causes me much pain, I desire to see the ruins of Isenguard, and remember the times when this was tranquil place."
"Take your leave as you like, Lady." Gimli told her, "Would you like someone to walk with you?"
"Only if anyone else desires to see." She told him.
Aragorn nodded his head. "I will go with you. There may still be Orcs about."
Arwen having stood, laughed. "I fought by your side at Helm's Deep, holding my own with bow and sword and you now fear for my safety?"
"I fear that..." Aragorn began.
"You fear the things you don't understand. If I need any assistance I will call, you will hear me. For now I wish to be lost in memory." With those as her parting words she left the guard house.
Part 43.
Long into the afternoon Arwen wandered the ruins of Isenguard, both mourning the desolate, pillaged land, and rejoicing in her memories of it, of the times she had spent here when Saruman the White was not under the influence of the Dark One.
She wandered in and out of wall and open air, over stone and earth until her heart ached less, and remembered more. In the near distance she saw watched as her companions left the guard room and began to walk deeper into Isenguard, to the Northern Wall where Treebeard, Gandalf and Theoden were taking council.
Taking a different path she caught up to them easily.
"Arwen!" Aragorn exclaimed, surprised to see her. "We were just about to send a search party for you."
"I am well, and I am safe." Arwen told him.
"Then let us go to meet Gandalf and Treebeard." Pippin told them, "I think they will be finished their council now." The companions, now numbering six walked together as one, talking quietly between themselves as they approached the Northern Wall.
From behind its ruins Gandalf appeared with Theoden at his side. After them came Treebeard the great Ent.
"Ah," Gandalf began, "I was just about to send for you. Much had been done here, yet much more still needs to be done. Treebeard here has taken charge of wood and stone, but there is also a wizard here to manage."
"Where is Saruman?" Legolas asked.
"Locked in the Tower of Orthanc." Treebeard told them in his deep, rolling voice.
"Then it is to Orthanc we must go? Is that not right Gandalf?" Merry asked.
"Yes Master Meriadoc." Gandalf answered him. "Come then."
As they neared Orthanc Gandalf spoke once more. "I shall go up the stairs to the base of the tower. Aragorn, if you wish to join me, I would have you come with me."
"I shall come too." Theoden said. "I wish to lay eyes on the creature who has done me such harm. Eomer will join me, lest my feet falter."
"Are you expecting Saruman to try any tricks, Gandalf?" Legolas asked.
"Perhaps." Gandalf answered. "But do not be deceived by what you see."
Arwen nodded. "Saruman's power lies in his knowledge, and in his voice which holds sway over those who are weak in mind and spirit. Saruman was once a great friend of my father. When I was a child I would come here with my mother and father. While my father would take council with Saruman, in the days when he was good and wise, my mother would walk with me through and around Isenguard. Often we would meet with my mother's kin in the surrounds." As bitter sweet smile crept to her lips. "Those days were very long ago. The world has changed much since."
"The world is ever changing Arwen." Legolas reminded her gently. "You and I have both see much that is long forgotten by others. Keep your memories safe, Lady Evenstar, for they are as precious as jewels."
Arwen smiled at him. "Thank you for your wise words Legolas, they have brought me peace for now."
"Let us go now to Orthanc." Gimli told them, "I wish to lay my eyes on the Istari Saruman."
"As do I." Arwen said softly. "I wish to see him, in the hope that it may help my heart understand the desolation he has caused to this land."
"Lady, apart from myself, you are the only person here who may be able manage Saruman." Gandalf told her. "I welcome you to my side as long as you wish to come."
Arwen smiled at him, "May the grace of the Valar shine on us all in this trying time."
"I have seen him, Lady Arwen of Rivendell. Long have I known you, now I welcome you to Isenguard, as I had once wished to welcome you to my home." Treebeard said to her, using the Common Tongue.
"Thank you for your hospitality and the care of my smaller companions. Under your care Isenguard will blossom as never before. When this war for our Middle Earth is over, I shall return to Fangorn, for I wish to pass through the ancient forest once more." Arwen answered him.
"When you return, you will be a guest of honor in my home." Treebeard told her. "Let us go now and manage this wizard."