Chapter Eleven
"What a thick mist! Is this what we have to pass through in order to get to the Undying Lands?" Cecil asked, as he squinted at the mist.
"Yes, it is. But we should soon see land." Legolas said, confidently. And he was right; for no sooner had he said that, the mists parted and revealed a land fairer than any of his three companions had imagined.
"The Undying Lands………….." Link murmured, awestruck by the sight.
"Let's go ahead and get ashore. I will get out first, the three of you follow." Legolas said, firmly. Shiroi, Cecil, and Link did as they were told and followed Legolas after he'd stepped out of the boat. As they walked through the beautiful port, Link couldn't help but look about him in awe. Everything in these lands was fair to his eyes and easing to his mind.
"It's no wonder most of our kin are here. Already I feel a longing for the place, even though I know I can't stay." Cecil said, more to himself than anyone else.
"Someday, all of Elvenkind might come here. But that time is not yet upon us." Shiroi murmured, his staff's rings clinking as he walked.
"Hello, Legolas. That was a short trip." A voice said, jokingly. All four of them looked down in surprise at the speaker, who in turn smiled up at them.
"Some unexpected events are what brought me back here with these three. We have to meet with Galadriel as soon as possible." Legolas said, as he motioned to his three companions.
"Legolas, what was so urgent that you had to return before you had finished your quest? Is there something troubling Middle Earth again?" the short stranger asked, his eyes taking on a look of dread.
"The Nine Riders of legend have been revived, and I do not doubt that the Witch King intends to resurrect his dark master. Gandalf sent us to retrieve the sword Glamdring in the hopes that we can save a stricken king." Shiroi explained.
"The Nine……………Follow me. I think I know where Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn are. And, to those of you who don't know, I am Frodo Baggins, of the Nine Fingers." The stranger said, as he ushered them to follow with his disfigured hand.
"And I am Link, Hero of Time, and keeper of the Master Sword and the Triforce of Courage." Link said, quietly.
"I am Cecil, half-elf and warrior." Cecil added.
"Lastly, I am Shiroi, the White Priest." Shiroi said, at last.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, though I wish we could have met under better circumstances." Frodo said, sadly.
"I agree. It's strange how you meet some of your greatest friends and allies during times of great strife." Link murmured.
"You sound as though you have also had a trial like the one I went through." Frodo said, as he walked alongside the green-clad elf.
"I have, indeed. But I would never have made it without my best friend at my side." Link said, thoughtfully.
"Nor I. Sam was always there. He was hardly ever far from my side. But when he was, he always returned. Here they are." Frodo said, as they approached two important looking elves.
"I take it that there is great trouble in the mortal world and it concerns the Nine?" Galadriel asked.
"Yes, Milady. We were sent by Gandalf the White to retrieve a sword for a king who has been stricken by darkness." Shiroi said, in response. The regal elf couple glanced at one another, then looked at those that accompanied Legolas.
"Who are you, that now stand alongside Legolas?" Celeborn asked, as other elves gathered around them, with curiosity written on their faces.
"I am Link, of the Kingdom of Hyrule in what was once known as the Helm's Deep area. And these are Cecil, brother of Deedlit, the High Elf, and Shiroi the White Priest." Link said, as he kneeled before the former Lord and Lady of Lothlorien, and as Shiroi and Cecil did the same. It was a few moments before anything more was said. Yet, when Galadriel spoke again, her words amazed even Legolas.
"White Priest, have you ever heard of the Orcrist?" Galadriel asked, as she gazed into Shiroi's silver eyes.
"I have heard of it in legends, Milady." Shiroi replied, honestly.
"Good, then this will be to your advantage. Not long ago, Gandalf returned to the mortal realm to see how much the land we'd left behind had changed. When he visited the tomb of Thorin Oakenshield, he found it desecrated and the Orcrist gone. After a long journey, he recovered the Orcrist and brought it back here with him. Seeing as you have no sword, we now give it to you, since we find you worthy of it." Celeborn said, as a few elves brought forth two swords and presented one, the Orcrist, to Shiroi, and the other to Cecil for safekeeping.
"I thank you, Lord and Lady of the former Golden Wood. I will do my best to live up to the memory of the warriors who had wielded this sword before me." Shiroi murmured, humbled by the great gift he had been bestowed.
"Link, if I may burden you with something?" Frodo said.
"Sure." Link replied, watching as Frodo jogged off. He was gone for a few minutes, and when he returned, he carried something in his arms.
"What is it, Sir Frodo?" Link asked, curiously.
"These may yet come to some use in this time of war. There is a small person in the place you came from with these tidings. He'll be needing them soon." Frodo said, as he handed the bundle to Link.
"What are they?" Link asked, not even daring to peek at the contents.
"Mr. Frodo's mithril shirt and the sword Sting." A voice said, matter-of-factly. Frodo turned and smiled at the hobbit that now stood behind him.
"I will carry them to him. Don't worry, we'll find a way to stop the Witch King. We must keep that hope, even when things seem dark." Link said, as he tucked the parcel behind his Hylian Shield. Frodo nodded, and watched as the four elves returned to the port. To their surprise, a few elves followed them.
"Why are you following us?" Cecil asked, when he'd looked back and seen the small group of armor-clad Elven warriors behind them.
"We are going with you to war. Though many of us may not return to this fair place, we are choosing to come along with you." One elf, the apparent leader of the group (whose number couldn't have been greater than twenty) said, grimly.
"What is your name, warrior?" Link asked.
"I am called Andaith." The Elven warrior replied.
"Then ready your boats. We're leaving now." Legolas said, knowing that even though the visit to the Undying Lands had been brief, time was against them.
"I hope all is still well at the castle." Legolas thought, as they all made ready to leave the shining port.
A heavy cloud hung over the city of Valis as Lina and her group made their way to a meeting with King Etoh. Xellos had returned just after midnight. He was a bit scratched up and bruised, but was otherwise none the worse for wear.
"I wonder what's got Etoh so worked up that he had to wake us up in the middle of the night?" Lina complained, as she and her companions ran to the throne room. When they got there, they could see an obviously very concerned King Etoh sitting on the throne, his war council, Queen Fianna and Xellos close at hand.
"What's wrong, your Highness? Has something happened?" Amelia asked. She received a grave nod for a reply.
"Marmo is under siege. Your comrade has just informed me of the Orc army that is now heading to Marmo. The dark one has begun to make his move. We must move quickly, if we are to turn the tide." Etoh said, calmly.
"What do you suggest we do?" Gourry asked, for once asking an intelligent question.
"I suggest that you, Lina, Xellos, and Filia continue on your original task. Zelgadis, Amelia; you two ride to Flaim. See if you can rally any help from there." Etoh instructed.
"But what about the Wargs?" Amelia asked, afraid of having to ride out again into the night.
"Don't worry, Amelia, I took care of the pack that had accosted us tonight. The rest are heading to Marmo. If you ride quickly, you shouldn't have any problems." Xellos said, hoping to calm Amelia's nerves. Amelia swallowed hard and nodded; she didn't like this at all.
"What should we do after we've checked out the temple, your Highness?" Lina asked.
"Return to Marmo. Raywing if you have to, in order to save time." Etoh replied, with urgency in his voice.
"All right. Let's go then." Lina said, as they rushed back to their rooms, got their belongings, and left. With a heavy heart, King Etoh watched them leave.
"Falis, god of Light, protect these riders and bless their journeys. And may they reach Marmo in time." Etoh whispered, as a fresh, gentle breeze ruffled his hair and robes, went over the city, and away with the riders. Then the breeze was gone, and all was still and silent, as the dark shadow stifled all beneath it.
Parn stared grimly at the masses of orcs that now below. Beside him a mixed company of young Half Elves and Dark Elves were readying their bows.
"All is almost ready, Sir Parn." Luzeb, the Dark Elf leader said, as he came alongside the grim Knight of Lodoss.
"Good. I have never seen so many Orcs before." Parn murmured.
"There haven't been this many in living memory. Sorcery is behind this, that much is certain." Luzeb said, as he thoughtfully pulled on his mustache (the only elf in the world that had one!). A little ways away from the two leaders, three somewhat put off dwarves stood glaring at the wall.
"Blast it all! Why couldn't we have gotten a better spot?" Ghim complained. Gimli and Grievus grumbled in agreement.
"We could get you some boxes, Good Dwarves." One elf, a Dark Elf, teased.
"Don't go there, laddie, don't go there." Gimli warned, much to the elf's amusement.
"Sir Legolas told him to say that." Another elf whispered, with a mischievous grin.
"Did he now?" Gimli asked, knowing that he and his elf friend were going to have a long talk after all was said and done. Meanwhile, Kage and Maar worriedly watched the king. His condition had deteriorated dramatically in the few hours since Legolas' departure.
"I hope Leg and the others get here soon. I don't know how much longer King Ashram can hang on." Kage said, as the king moaned and shuddered from the icy cold only he could feel.
"Yeah. But even that depends on whether or not they can get through the castle gates without the Orcs seeing them." Maar said, hopelessly.
"While there's life, there's hope." Kage murmured as a small, upside down triangle appeared on the back of his right hand.
"What is that?" Maar asked, entranced by the golden light than now came from the Shadow Elf.
"The Catalyst of Hope." Kage replied, as he put his right hand over Ashram's chest.
"What are you doing?" Maar again asked, as the light got brighter and warmer.
"Using the Light of Hope to hold back the Darkness just a little bit longer." Kage murmured, as he closed his eyes and concentrated. After a few moments, Ashram stopped shivering and settled into normal slumber. But Kage continued standing there, sharing his lifesaving light with the king. Little did either of them realize that Gandalf was standing at the door, watching the goings on with a knowing smile.
"And thus hope shines from the darkness." Gandalf thought, then looked out the window. He held back a cry when he saw boats on the water.
"Legolas is returning!" Gandalf said, startling Maar as he rushed to the window, pushed it open, and held his staff aloft.
"What're you doing, Sir Wizard?" Maar asked, bewildered as to why the mighty wizard now hung halfway out of the window.
"Providing our friends with a covering mist of their own." Gandalf replied, as mist did indeed rise around the boats, concealing them from view.
"But how will they get through the gates? They'll be slaughtered before they even get close to it! How will they get past all those Orcs?" Maar asked, afraid for them.
"Have faith in Shiroi. He'll find a way." Gandalf said, confidently.
As Gandalf spoke, and as hope began to fade in the hearts of those on the palisades, the boats got closer to the shore.
"Where did this mist come from?" Cecil asked, as other murmurs of confusion came from the elves in the other boats.
"Even from afar Gandalf lends his aid. He's the one behind this mist. There must be some unwelcome guests at the gate." Shiroi said, with a grim smile.
"How will we get in, if the gate is blocked?" Link asked, as he nervously fingered his sword.
"Leave that to me." Shiroi said, with confidence in his voice, stepping out of the boat when it had reached the shore, and waiting for others to follow.
"What do you have in mind, Shiroi?" Legolas asked, now very tense since they were now dangerously close to some Orcs.
"Gather close around me, everyone. I will only have enough strength to do this once." Shiroi said. When the Elven warriors, Link, Cecil, and Legolas had gathered close, Shiroi raised his staff into the air and shouted one word.
"Transport!" Shiroi shouted, and with a brilliant flash of light they disappeared from the foot of the castle, leaving behind some startled (and understandably dazzled) Orcs. When the elves reappeared they were happily received by the besieged. Legolas, Cecil, Link and Shiroi were ushered to Ashram's room.
"Perfect timing." Mizuu said, as the four entered the bedchamber. As though sensing the return of his friend, Kage withdrew from the king's side. He turned and gave them a tired smile.
"'Bout time you guys came back." Kage quipped.
"We weren't gone all that long, Kage. Did the king's condition get so bad that you had to use the Catalyst?" Link asked, as Cecil moved past them.
"In a way, yes. He was sinking so deep into the darkness that he wouldn't have been able to have reached his new sword. I pulled him up just enough so he could. I told him to look for a light in the shape of a sword and to grab onto it when he did." Kage said, as they all turned to watch as Cecil laid the sword upon Ashram's chest.
"You did well, Kage. You did very well, indeed." Gandalf said, approvingly. Then silence descended upon them as they watched Ashram's hands weakly move and grasp the hilt of the sword. Instantly, a brilliant light emerged from the sword, forcing everyone, even Gandalf, to look away. As the light engulfed him, color returned to Ashram's face and his heart, that of which had barely been beating even when Kage was helping him, suddenly started pumping furiously. Then, with a huge gasp, Ashram opened his eyes, most of the light sinking into him as he did that. The rest of the light shifted until it was over the broken armor Ashram had been wearing when the Witch King had attacked. With a sound not unlike a wind-chime, the armor put itself back together, then changed color, from black to silvery white. The last things to be changed were the devices on the breastplate. They were changed from being the glaring Eyes to golden leaves.
"King Ashram?" Maar asked, as the king sat up and looked at them.
"Maar? What's going on? Where's Pirotess?" Ashram asked, in turn.
"She's with her kin on the castle walls. We are currently under siege." Gandalf replied.
"Under siege? By whom? And who are you?" Ashram asked, as he got to his feet and looked Gandalf in the eye, curiosity and confusion being the chiefest expressions to be shown in his gray eyes.
"I am Gandalf. Much has happened since you were last conscious." Gandalf explained, as the king looked in surprise at his armor.
"That much is certain." Ashram muttered, as he put the armor on, strapped the Glamdring onto the belt that was strung there, then prepared to walk out.
"Hey, don't I at least deserve a 'thank you'?" Kage asked, his expression deadpan.
"I apologize. I owe you all my life, and I am very grateful. Now, let's see what perils lay before us." Ashram said, with a grim look in his eyes. With a nod, all but two left the room, leaving Link and Maar.
"I have something for you, Maar. It came from the Undying Lands. I was told to give these to you." Link said, as he handed a parcel over to the startled grassrunner.
"Sting……………so the legends are true. But why did he give me these?" Maar asked, as he gave Link a bewildered look. Link shrugged.
"I guess you have a part to play too." Link said, looking away when war drums started sounding.
"I guess so. Let's go." Maar said, with grim resolve, as he slipped the mithril shirt on over his own clothes and buckled the swordbelt around his waist. Link nodded, and with that, they rushed off. The first battle was about to begin. The first battle of the War against the Shadows.