Chapter 10 The Lair of the Black Wizard
The Easterlings and the three Hobbits had finally reached the foothills of the mountains just east of the Sea of Rhun. Radak seemed more tense now that they were near their destination. He constantly scanned the mountain slopes and ridges around them. Frodo and his cousins could feel their own apprehension growing. Now that they were nearing their goal, they were beginning to sincerely doubt the wisdom of their hurried departure. But, there was nothing for it. If there was any hope of saving Sam, it would be up to them, and them alone. Frodo had hoped that Gandalf would find the message he'd left and follow them, but so far there had been no sign of the wizard. Of course, Frodo had been unable to provide any details of their route, but still he hoped Gandalf would catch up with them before they reached Jalan's village.
Radak led the little party up a long, narrow pathway that wound its way along the rugged side of one of the mountains. He seemed to have little doubt as to where he was going. As the darkness fell, Radak halted in small open area surrounded by rock. "We will make camp here tonight," he announced, "And make our plans." The Hobbits were relieved to hear this. They were desperate to get off the horses and even more eager to begin planning Sam's rescue.
After a meager evening meal of bread and cheese, Radak looked across the small fire at the halflings. "It will not be easy to free your friend," he said grimly, "Assuming, of course, that he is still alive. Jalan knows much of the Black Wizard's refuge in the mountains having acted as his servant." He turned to his son. "Where is this Samwise?" he asked.
Jalan bit his lip. "The Black Wizard will have him in his chamber of torture. It is deep in the labyrinth of caves. There, no one can hear his victims' screams. It will difficult to enter his cave as there is a heavy gate barring the main entrance." He stopped for a moment and looked at each of the Hobbits carefully. "However, I once discovered a small passageway leading from one of the unused caves to the outside. It is very small and narrow and only a child or perhaps a halfling could fit through. I have never spoken of this secret exit in case I should ever need it in an emergency. No one is safe from the Black Wizard."
Frodo leaned forward, "Can you show us this entrance?" he asked, "And guide us through the caves?"
Jalan glanced at his father, then back to Frodo. He nodded reluctantly. "Tomorrow night, we should reach the location of the opening. If all goes well, we will go then." He then stood and walked out of the circle of firelight to tend to his horse. The Hobbits retreated a little ways from the fire to talk among themselves.
Radak appeared to be staring into the fire, but in reality, he was closely watching the halflings. If it had been left up to him, he would have simply trussed them up, flung them onto the backs of the horses and delivered them directly to the Mouth of Sauron. He didn't hold with all this pretense, but he knew it gave his master pleasure to keep the Hobbits thinking they had a chance of success. Then, when he sprang his trap, the shock would be that much greater when they failed so miserably. Not only would they fail in rescuing their comrade, but they would find themselves in the same predicament. They would be completely demoralized. Perhaps, thought Radak dispassionately, with the halflings to keep him occupied, the Black Wizard would leave the villagers alone. At least for awhile.
The small band traveled all the next day, continuing their climb into the forbidding mountains. The air was getting colder the higher they climbed forcing the Hobbits to put on their cloaks. They had also strapped on their small swords. Radak and Jalan frowned at this, but said nothing. As evening approached, they spotted the smoke coming from the Easterling's village. They had agreed that it would be best if they did not approach the village until the Hobbits were safely away. They wanted no tales to make their way to the Black Wizard.
They waited until darkness was complete before they started the ascent to the secret opening. Radak, remaining behind with the horses, watched as his son and the halflings disappeared into the gloom. As soon as he felt they were well enough along, he himself would hike over to the main entrance and inform the Mouth of Sauron that the Hobbits were on their way. His job would then be complete.
Jalan guided the Hobbits perhaps 50 feet up the side of the mountain, then stopped. He turned to Frodo and pointed. Frodo moved closer to the boy and could just make out a small cleft in the rock wall a few feet from where they stood. It was hidden from view by several large boulders and small, woody shrubs. Pippin and Merry crowded in around them. "We're going in there?" squeaked Pippin, trying to keep his voice low.
Jalan simply glanced at him and nodded. "If you wish to rescue Samwise, this is the only way. The passage is very small and it will take some time to make our way through to the caves, so we had better get started." He then looked intently at each of the Hobbits. "We must not use any light," he said, "The Black Wizard does not use the cavern at the end very often, but he has been known to spend time there. We cannot chance him detecting us." The three Hobbits glanced at each other nervously. Although their homes were underground, this was entirely different.
Jalan turned away and crawled over to the cleft, pushing aside the shrubs and wriggling his way into the small opening. A moment later, he had disappeared. Frodo took a deep breath, then followed. He crawled in through the opening and immediately had to lie flat and squirm forward. In moments he was immersed in total darkness. It was a disorienting experience and for a moment he felt as if he were floating. The passageway was just large enough for Frodo to move forward. He could feel the sheer weight of the mountain pressing down around him and he had to take several deep breaths to keep from panicking. Suddenly, he heard Jalan's voice somewhere ahead. "Hurry!" Swallowing his fear, Frodo inched forward, his elbows and knees already screaming in protest.
Behind him, Merry and then Pippin started to crawl through the tunnel. Worried, Merry called back to his younger cousin, "Are you alright, Pip?"
Like Frodo, Pippin was fighting the claustrophobia caused by the confining space. But, if Merry and Frodo could do it, he thought, then so would he. "I'm fine!" he whispered back through gritted teeth and slowly but surely, the small procession made its way through the tortuous subterranean passage.
Frodo had lost all track of time. He had no idea how long they had been squirming along on their bellies. It felt like days and he was so tired and parched. It was so tight, he couldn't even reach the water pouch he carried. He was beginning to wonder if there really was an end to this tunnel or would they be trapped in here forever. He was running these gloomy thoughts through his mind when he suddenly collided with something solid. The quiet "oomph!" told him that he had run into Jalan. "We are there!" hissed the boy, "Be very quiet and still while I make sure it is safe." There was a quiet scrabbling sound and Jalan was gone.
Frodo could hear Merry coming up behind him. Fortunately, Merry managed to stop before running into his cousin, as did Pippin. Frodo slowly inched up a little further, hoping to see into the cavern ahead. He held his breath anxiously as he awaited some sign from Jalan that it was safe to come out. The minutes ticked by. His clothes were damp with sweat and now in the chill of the tunnel, Frodo began to shiver. "Do you see anything?" Merry's whisper startled Frodo, causing him to jerk and smack his head painfully on the roof of the tunnel.
Wincing, he whispered a negative reply. Frodo was about to take his chances when a small light flared a short ways ahead. In the absolute darkness of the tunnel, even such a small flame was blinding. Illuminated by the candle, Jalan's dirt smeared face peered back at them. "All is clear!" he quietly called and gestured for them to come out. It took a few moments, but soon all three of the Hobbits had squirmed out of the hole and stood shaking out their stiff and cramped limbs. They could see little of the cavern in which they now stood, but they had a feeling of vast space around them. Jalan had told them earlier that this cavern was deep within the labyrinth of caves and some distance from the Black Wizard's main domicile.
"I ventured a short ways down the passage to the Black Wizard's chambers," whispered Jalan. "I heard no sounds, but we must be very cautious." Frodo and the others nodded nervously. Jalan turned and silently led the way out of the cavern into a narrow passageway. For a grown man, it would have been a tight squeeze, but for a slender boy and three halflings, it was an easy journey. As Jalan led them down one passageway after another, Frodo quickly realized they never would have found their way through this maze without a guide. They would have been irretrievably lost.
Finally, the boy came to halt and turned back to Frodo. "Around this bend," he announced quietly, "We will come to the Black Wizard's territory. The chamber of tortures is just a little ways down the passage. Turn to the left and you will see the door. It is very large and bound with iron. It will not be locked." He stopped a moment and took a breath and looked away. "I will go no further. I will await your return, but if the Black Wizard comes, I will not stay." Frodo turned to Merry and Pippin, both were pale and drawn. The tension was taking its toll.
"Thank you, Jalan," said Frodo gratefully. "We will take it from here." Again, he glanced at his cousins, and carefully pulled Sting from its scabbard. Merry and Pippin brought forth their own small blades and signaled their readiness. Frodo took a deep breath, and quietly crept down the passageway. The glow of the torches threw patches of light into the corridor before them. When they reached the main passageway, they halted and looked around.
This was a wide, spacious passage with a ceiling well above their heads. Torches were mounted in wall sconces at regular intervals in both directions. Frodo cautiously moved into the passage and turned to the left, listening intently for any sounds. Slowly, the three moved stealthily forward, keeping close to the walls. Then, they saw the door. It was just as Jalan had described it. It was a massive looking door with an iron bar preventing anyone from escaping from the room. It didn't seem that there was a need to prevent anyone from entering. Merry and Pippin stepped forward and lifted the heavy bar, moving it out of the way. Very, very slowly, Frodo pushed open the door.
The moment he looked into the chamber, Frodo felt himself go faint. Merry quickly grabbed his arm to steady him. Frodo smiled his thanks. This room looked all too much like the torture chambers of Barad-dur. Although Frodo had not been a prisoner long, he had been there long enough to have the horror of the place deeply etched into his memory and the thought that Sam was here now sickened him. Taking a deep breath and shaking his head to dispel any further dizziness, Frodo moved into the room.
It was cold and damp and felt strangely oppressive. It took all the strength of will the Hobbits possessed not to turn and run. The memories of countless abominable acts seem to permeate the very atmosphere. Frodo stopped a few feet inside the door and listened intently. From somewhere within the room came an odd rasping sound. Merry stood by the door to keep watch while Pippin and Frodo moved towards the cells at the far end of the chamber. The noise seemed to be coming from there.
The cousins homed in on the sound and soon found themselves in front of one of the cells. The cell's interior was shrouded in deep shadow. Frodo hurried to the wall and using a stool was able to reach one of the torches. Carrying it carefully to the cell, he and Pippin peered in.
Frodo froze at the sight within. His throat constricted with horror and dismay and it was several moments before he was able to choke out a single word: "Sam!"
The Easterlings and the three Hobbits had finally reached the foothills of the mountains just east of the Sea of Rhun. Radak seemed more tense now that they were near their destination. He constantly scanned the mountain slopes and ridges around them. Frodo and his cousins could feel their own apprehension growing. Now that they were nearing their goal, they were beginning to sincerely doubt the wisdom of their hurried departure. But, there was nothing for it. If there was any hope of saving Sam, it would be up to them, and them alone. Frodo had hoped that Gandalf would find the message he'd left and follow them, but so far there had been no sign of the wizard. Of course, Frodo had been unable to provide any details of their route, but still he hoped Gandalf would catch up with them before they reached Jalan's village.
Radak led the little party up a long, narrow pathway that wound its way along the rugged side of one of the mountains. He seemed to have little doubt as to where he was going. As the darkness fell, Radak halted in small open area surrounded by rock. "We will make camp here tonight," he announced, "And make our plans." The Hobbits were relieved to hear this. They were desperate to get off the horses and even more eager to begin planning Sam's rescue.
After a meager evening meal of bread and cheese, Radak looked across the small fire at the halflings. "It will not be easy to free your friend," he said grimly, "Assuming, of course, that he is still alive. Jalan knows much of the Black Wizard's refuge in the mountains having acted as his servant." He turned to his son. "Where is this Samwise?" he asked.
Jalan bit his lip. "The Black Wizard will have him in his chamber of torture. It is deep in the labyrinth of caves. There, no one can hear his victims' screams. It will difficult to enter his cave as there is a heavy gate barring the main entrance." He stopped for a moment and looked at each of the Hobbits carefully. "However, I once discovered a small passageway leading from one of the unused caves to the outside. It is very small and narrow and only a child or perhaps a halfling could fit through. I have never spoken of this secret exit in case I should ever need it in an emergency. No one is safe from the Black Wizard."
Frodo leaned forward, "Can you show us this entrance?" he asked, "And guide us through the caves?"
Jalan glanced at his father, then back to Frodo. He nodded reluctantly. "Tomorrow night, we should reach the location of the opening. If all goes well, we will go then." He then stood and walked out of the circle of firelight to tend to his horse. The Hobbits retreated a little ways from the fire to talk among themselves.
Radak appeared to be staring into the fire, but in reality, he was closely watching the halflings. If it had been left up to him, he would have simply trussed them up, flung them onto the backs of the horses and delivered them directly to the Mouth of Sauron. He didn't hold with all this pretense, but he knew it gave his master pleasure to keep the Hobbits thinking they had a chance of success. Then, when he sprang his trap, the shock would be that much greater when they failed so miserably. Not only would they fail in rescuing their comrade, but they would find themselves in the same predicament. They would be completely demoralized. Perhaps, thought Radak dispassionately, with the halflings to keep him occupied, the Black Wizard would leave the villagers alone. At least for awhile.
The small band traveled all the next day, continuing their climb into the forbidding mountains. The air was getting colder the higher they climbed forcing the Hobbits to put on their cloaks. They had also strapped on their small swords. Radak and Jalan frowned at this, but said nothing. As evening approached, they spotted the smoke coming from the Easterling's village. They had agreed that it would be best if they did not approach the village until the Hobbits were safely away. They wanted no tales to make their way to the Black Wizard.
They waited until darkness was complete before they started the ascent to the secret opening. Radak, remaining behind with the horses, watched as his son and the halflings disappeared into the gloom. As soon as he felt they were well enough along, he himself would hike over to the main entrance and inform the Mouth of Sauron that the Hobbits were on their way. His job would then be complete.
Jalan guided the Hobbits perhaps 50 feet up the side of the mountain, then stopped. He turned to Frodo and pointed. Frodo moved closer to the boy and could just make out a small cleft in the rock wall a few feet from where they stood. It was hidden from view by several large boulders and small, woody shrubs. Pippin and Merry crowded in around them. "We're going in there?" squeaked Pippin, trying to keep his voice low.
Jalan simply glanced at him and nodded. "If you wish to rescue Samwise, this is the only way. The passage is very small and it will take some time to make our way through to the caves, so we had better get started." He then looked intently at each of the Hobbits. "We must not use any light," he said, "The Black Wizard does not use the cavern at the end very often, but he has been known to spend time there. We cannot chance him detecting us." The three Hobbits glanced at each other nervously. Although their homes were underground, this was entirely different.
Jalan turned away and crawled over to the cleft, pushing aside the shrubs and wriggling his way into the small opening. A moment later, he had disappeared. Frodo took a deep breath, then followed. He crawled in through the opening and immediately had to lie flat and squirm forward. In moments he was immersed in total darkness. It was a disorienting experience and for a moment he felt as if he were floating. The passageway was just large enough for Frodo to move forward. He could feel the sheer weight of the mountain pressing down around him and he had to take several deep breaths to keep from panicking. Suddenly, he heard Jalan's voice somewhere ahead. "Hurry!" Swallowing his fear, Frodo inched forward, his elbows and knees already screaming in protest.
Behind him, Merry and then Pippin started to crawl through the tunnel. Worried, Merry called back to his younger cousin, "Are you alright, Pip?"
Like Frodo, Pippin was fighting the claustrophobia caused by the confining space. But, if Merry and Frodo could do it, he thought, then so would he. "I'm fine!" he whispered back through gritted teeth and slowly but surely, the small procession made its way through the tortuous subterranean passage.
Frodo had lost all track of time. He had no idea how long they had been squirming along on their bellies. It felt like days and he was so tired and parched. It was so tight, he couldn't even reach the water pouch he carried. He was beginning to wonder if there really was an end to this tunnel or would they be trapped in here forever. He was running these gloomy thoughts through his mind when he suddenly collided with something solid. The quiet "oomph!" told him that he had run into Jalan. "We are there!" hissed the boy, "Be very quiet and still while I make sure it is safe." There was a quiet scrabbling sound and Jalan was gone.
Frodo could hear Merry coming up behind him. Fortunately, Merry managed to stop before running into his cousin, as did Pippin. Frodo slowly inched up a little further, hoping to see into the cavern ahead. He held his breath anxiously as he awaited some sign from Jalan that it was safe to come out. The minutes ticked by. His clothes were damp with sweat and now in the chill of the tunnel, Frodo began to shiver. "Do you see anything?" Merry's whisper startled Frodo, causing him to jerk and smack his head painfully on the roof of the tunnel.
Wincing, he whispered a negative reply. Frodo was about to take his chances when a small light flared a short ways ahead. In the absolute darkness of the tunnel, even such a small flame was blinding. Illuminated by the candle, Jalan's dirt smeared face peered back at them. "All is clear!" he quietly called and gestured for them to come out. It took a few moments, but soon all three of the Hobbits had squirmed out of the hole and stood shaking out their stiff and cramped limbs. They could see little of the cavern in which they now stood, but they had a feeling of vast space around them. Jalan had told them earlier that this cavern was deep within the labyrinth of caves and some distance from the Black Wizard's main domicile.
"I ventured a short ways down the passage to the Black Wizard's chambers," whispered Jalan. "I heard no sounds, but we must be very cautious." Frodo and the others nodded nervously. Jalan turned and silently led the way out of the cavern into a narrow passageway. For a grown man, it would have been a tight squeeze, but for a slender boy and three halflings, it was an easy journey. As Jalan led them down one passageway after another, Frodo quickly realized they never would have found their way through this maze without a guide. They would have been irretrievably lost.
Finally, the boy came to halt and turned back to Frodo. "Around this bend," he announced quietly, "We will come to the Black Wizard's territory. The chamber of tortures is just a little ways down the passage. Turn to the left and you will see the door. It is very large and bound with iron. It will not be locked." He stopped a moment and took a breath and looked away. "I will go no further. I will await your return, but if the Black Wizard comes, I will not stay." Frodo turned to Merry and Pippin, both were pale and drawn. The tension was taking its toll.
"Thank you, Jalan," said Frodo gratefully. "We will take it from here." Again, he glanced at his cousins, and carefully pulled Sting from its scabbard. Merry and Pippin brought forth their own small blades and signaled their readiness. Frodo took a deep breath, and quietly crept down the passageway. The glow of the torches threw patches of light into the corridor before them. When they reached the main passageway, they halted and looked around.
This was a wide, spacious passage with a ceiling well above their heads. Torches were mounted in wall sconces at regular intervals in both directions. Frodo cautiously moved into the passage and turned to the left, listening intently for any sounds. Slowly, the three moved stealthily forward, keeping close to the walls. Then, they saw the door. It was just as Jalan had described it. It was a massive looking door with an iron bar preventing anyone from escaping from the room. It didn't seem that there was a need to prevent anyone from entering. Merry and Pippin stepped forward and lifted the heavy bar, moving it out of the way. Very, very slowly, Frodo pushed open the door.
The moment he looked into the chamber, Frodo felt himself go faint. Merry quickly grabbed his arm to steady him. Frodo smiled his thanks. This room looked all too much like the torture chambers of Barad-dur. Although Frodo had not been a prisoner long, he had been there long enough to have the horror of the place deeply etched into his memory and the thought that Sam was here now sickened him. Taking a deep breath and shaking his head to dispel any further dizziness, Frodo moved into the room.
It was cold and damp and felt strangely oppressive. It took all the strength of will the Hobbits possessed not to turn and run. The memories of countless abominable acts seem to permeate the very atmosphere. Frodo stopped a few feet inside the door and listened intently. From somewhere within the room came an odd rasping sound. Merry stood by the door to keep watch while Pippin and Frodo moved towards the cells at the far end of the chamber. The noise seemed to be coming from there.
The cousins homed in on the sound and soon found themselves in front of one of the cells. The cell's interior was shrouded in deep shadow. Frodo hurried to the wall and using a stool was able to reach one of the torches. Carrying it carefully to the cell, he and Pippin peered in.
Frodo froze at the sight within. His throat constricted with horror and dismay and it was several moments before he was able to choke out a single word: "Sam!"