Disclaimer: The Ringwraiths are the creation of J.R.R. Tolkien. A lot of
information in this chapter and others was retrieved from the book "The
Unfinished Tales". The one quote from Saruman is from page 355. Though I'm
trying to be accurate I'm trying to include both aspects of the book and
movie.
A shadow seemed to be cast over the Shire as the Riders rode to their leader. The hooves of the horses sounded like the rumble of thunder before a storm. They each arrived and faced their dark captain. Khamûl gripped his reins tightly, angry with himself for almost capturing the Ring near a place called the Bucklebury Ferry. The others need not know of his endeavor. Their steeds pawed the ground in anticipation of the ride.
"We have a new enemy, a wizard named Gandalf," the Witch-King said. "He is assisting the Ringbearer, but I feel that another dark influence will deal with him. Nevertheless-"
At that moment the overwhelming presence of the Ring assaulted each of them. Its dark power touched each one of them with a shadowed hand. They could feel the ever-present influence of Sauron as he savored his dark power in action. They could each see the Ringbearer and they each knew his location. As abruptly as it appeared it was cut off. But its remnant harbored a glaring beacon to its location.
The Lord of the Nazgûl spoke first, "the Ring's power has not lapsed. Sauron will be most pleased."
"The Ring is near," Fuinur said. "Herumor and myself investigated that Inn earlier."
"The Inn known as the Prancing Pony," Herumor said concurring.
The Witch-King nodded his robed head. "Let us move swiftly to retrieve the Ring. But there are other matters that need to be dealt with." He turned his horse to face one of the Riders. "Dakian, as our chief messenger contact Sauron and inform him of our progress. Since the Ring exuded a substantial amount of power Sauron's eye can see farther than ever. Beseech his help and counsel. Find out if there are any other dark entities willing to serve. You will know when and where to meet us."
"I will ride to a dark place of contact," Dakian said. He rode away from the group.
"Gothmog, Adierel, and Melkan, follow the trail of the wizard Gandalf. He could cause trouble for Sauron even if we retrieve the Ring. Determine his whereabouts and deal with him accordingly. Once you have done this meet us South of the Prancing Pony."
The three Riders looked at each other. They wanted to go after the Ring, but understood their task was just as important.
"Fuinur and Herumor, you know the quickest way to the Inn. Seykin, accompany them and find out if you can twist the mind of one who can help us. Khamûl and myself will follow and determine a course of action when we have accurately examined the situation."
The Riders each rode their respective ways.
"How are we supposed to track a wizard?" Melkan asked the other Riders.
"Delve into the mindset of this wizard Melkan," Adierel said. "He seeks to prevent the Ring from going to Sauron. Therefore he will protect the Ringbearer. Although, if he feels threatened he will be a few steps ahead of the Ringbearer."
"So, near the Ring, but far enough away to stray from its influence," Gothmog said.
"Precisely," Adierel said. "We'll patrol the area a few miles from the Prancing Pony."
Meanwhile, Fuinur, Herumor, and Seykin rode in haste to the Prancing Pony. They arrived within the hour, riding on the adrenaline of the Ring.
"Open in the name of Mordor!" Herumor yelled at the gatekeeper.
Fuinur and Seykin were riding behind him.
The innkeeper yelled back, "Your kind is not welcome here. Go back to Mordor and leave your dark ways there."
Word was slowly spreading about the Riders at the Inn. People started blowing horns as a warning and bolting shutters and doors.
Herumor turned his horse around in anger. "Let the people blow their petty horns. They will be dealt with over time."
They rode down a path to meet with their Dark Captain and Khamûl.
"The Innkeeper of the Prancing Pony refuses us entry," Fuinor stated to them.
Khamûl looked at the Witch-King. "Too many people are aware of our presence."
"Then we shall wait for deep night," the Witch-King said. "Seykin, when the night comes seek out a mortal with evil in their heart. Then when the night is at its peak of loneliness we shall make our entrance."
Herumor addressed Seykin. "A man named Ferny may assist our dark effort."
"If he is the evil I felt then I shall seek him out," Seykin said. "When night falls I will find the evil."
The Witch-King tilted his robed head upward as if he sensed a presence.
"What do you sense?" Khamûl said sensing the change in the Witch- King.
"We have a new ally," the Witch-king said thoughtfully.
"Who?" Khamûl asked.
"Saruman the White," the Witch-King said. "I will ride to the Gate of Isengard. Khamûl oversee the capture of the Ring. After your endeavor meet at South Downs. Then we shall ride to Mordor."
"It will be done my Captain," Khamûl said.
The Witch-King rode in haste down Old South Road to the Gate of Isengard.
Elsewhere, Adierel, Gothmog, and Melkan were going from township to township trying to discover the direction Gandalf was heading. They found that they missed him by several days. Gandalf, the one known as Tharkûn "staff-man", Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgrim, Grey Wander, Greymantle, had eluded their grasp thus far.
"I grow weary of this searching," Melkan said. "The disguise of Riders is wearing thin."
"We still invoke terror," Gothmog countered.
"Concentrate on the task at hand," Adierel reminded them. "I find it odd that the wizard's trail has abruptly ended. An Istari such as Gandalf would draw the attention of mortals, no matter how disguised."
"Another evil presence perhaps," Melkan said. "Although, one not even I am familiar with."
"We should meet with the others and tell them of this," Gothmog said.
Nodding they rode to meet with their brethren.
Seykin stood in the shadow of a willow tree near the Inn. He reached into the minds of the people and drew on their evil energy. The Ring haunted his progress. Herumor paced impatiently as he did this while Fuinor and Khamûl assisted Seykin.
"The guard will leave his post at midnight to nap for an hour due to his newfound drunkenness," Seykin said triumphantly.
"That is when you and I will enter with stealth," Khamûl said. "Fuinur and Herumor when you here my call you can enter as you will to meet us at the Inn."
Herumor and Fuinur turned to look at each other. If Nazgûl could smile they would be grinning evilly. Clouds gathered above them foreboding of a storm. As the night continued a crash of thunder started a downpour. The rain in the darkness did not bother the Nazgûl as it dripped down the hoods of their robes.
Khamûl and Seykin scaled the wall with ease as the hour of their entrance arrived. Peering into the Inn's windows they located the halflings' room. A shrill screech pierced the night air.
Fuinur and Herumor gripped the reins of their horses and propelled their horses down the road to the gate. The sound of hooves meshed with thunder as their power caused them to break down the gate. Khamûl and Seykin were waiting for them. Dismounting they all unsheathed their swords together. The door of the Inn slammed to the wall. No one got in their way or even dared to look at them.
Khamûl held up his armored hand. "We must be as silent as possible. For soon their screams will break the silence; I want them to be screams of horror and surprise."
The others nodded and the door opened without a creak. Ducking into the room they each took a position near a bed with a blanketed form. Waiting for Khamûl's nod they prepared their swords. When he nodded they thrust their swords into the forms. Feathers flew into the air. The blood and screams they anticipated did not come. Khamûl threw off the blankets to reveal feathered pillows.
"We have been deceived!" Fuinur yelled.
Herumor screamed in anger and stormed out of the room followed by the others. Neither of them noticed a face watching from a window across the way. The thunderstorm increased in force as the Nazgûl called their horses.
"Let us ride out of this pitiful excuse for a village and find the others. Then we shall ride to South Downs," Khamûl said.
They rode out the gate and down the road. The only trace of their presence was the lingering fear of the people. The rain washed all the rest away.
The Lord of the Nazgûl slowed his horse for a moment as he heard the screams of the other Riders. The Ring had eluded their grasp again. He whirled horse around in a circle, snapped the reins, and rode to Isengard with a new sense of malice. Horse and Rider appeared as a black blur on the road knocking aside unwary travelers and merchants. Many ran off the road in terror fearing an unknown shadow.
When the rays of sunrise pierced the clouds the Lord of the Nazgûl arrived at the Gate of Isengard. Orcs stared at the Ringwraith for a moment but went back to making weaponry. The Witch-King did not doubt that it was the will of Sauron when he saw the Orcs breeding Uruk-Hai.
Saruman met him at the gate anticipating his arrival. Gandalf had escaped his grasp and he had sent spies to find the location of the Ring. He knew he was an enemy to both and only hoped the Nazgûl did not know of it.
The Lord of the Nazgûl did not trust this new ally. "I seek to speak with the one called Saruman!" he demanded. When he received no answer he said with force, "if I do not receive an answer the wrath of Sauron will rain down upon you!"
A voice spoke as if it came from the gate itself. "'It is not a land that you look for. I know what you seek, though you do not name it. I have it not, as surely its servants perceive without telling me; for if I had it, then you would bow before me and call me Lord. And if I knew where this thing was hid, I should not be here, but long gone before you take it. There is one only whom I guess to have this knowledge: Mithrandir, enemy of Sauron. And since it is but two days since he departed from Isengard seek him nearby.'"
The Lord of the Nazgûl was surprised at the force of the voice, but he didn't show it. "I shall search in Rohan," his voice rang out. But before he rode away he said, "but I assure you any search I make will not be in vain."
As the Ringwraith rode away Saruman breathed a sigh of relief and went back to supervising the building of an army. Unbeknownst to Saruman the Lord of the Nazgûl was riding in haste back to meet with the others.
Meanwhile, Dakian had spent many days in deep meditation relaying their progress to Sauron. He was in the river port town of Tharbad. It was ruined and deserted, resting next to the river Greyflood. The river's other name was Gwathlò; the Sindarin name for shadow was gwath. Many had perished due to the flooding by the River of Shadow. Dakian was in a dark cave kneeling humbly. A fiery eye appeared before him.
"We have yet to retrieve the Ring, my Lord," Dakian said. "It has thus far eluded us. I believe that the Ringbearer is receiving assistance."
"This is true," Sauron said. "Our new ally Saruman had captured the wizard Gandalf, but he escaped." The eye grew in intensity. "Saruman seeks the Ring for himself, I see through his lies. He is building an army for me, but seeks to use the Uruk-hai for his own purpose. He lied to the Witch- King only proving his own deceit. The wizard is heading to Rivendell; I have seen him. The Ringbearer will go there with a Ranger and other halflings. Kill all who seek to keep the Ring from me. Feel free to torture at will and invoke terror, my servant."
The eye faded and Dakian was left alone in the cave. But the eye of Sauron was always watching.
Author's Note: Yes, I finally updated! This chapter took a while to write because of the research I did for it. But other things led me to be busy. I hope you like this chapter. In the next one there will be a scene with Amon Sûl or rather Weathertop. Until then, please review! Riders gesture to the review button with their swords
A shadow seemed to be cast over the Shire as the Riders rode to their leader. The hooves of the horses sounded like the rumble of thunder before a storm. They each arrived and faced their dark captain. Khamûl gripped his reins tightly, angry with himself for almost capturing the Ring near a place called the Bucklebury Ferry. The others need not know of his endeavor. Their steeds pawed the ground in anticipation of the ride.
"We have a new enemy, a wizard named Gandalf," the Witch-King said. "He is assisting the Ringbearer, but I feel that another dark influence will deal with him. Nevertheless-"
At that moment the overwhelming presence of the Ring assaulted each of them. Its dark power touched each one of them with a shadowed hand. They could feel the ever-present influence of Sauron as he savored his dark power in action. They could each see the Ringbearer and they each knew his location. As abruptly as it appeared it was cut off. But its remnant harbored a glaring beacon to its location.
The Lord of the Nazgûl spoke first, "the Ring's power has not lapsed. Sauron will be most pleased."
"The Ring is near," Fuinur said. "Herumor and myself investigated that Inn earlier."
"The Inn known as the Prancing Pony," Herumor said concurring.
The Witch-King nodded his robed head. "Let us move swiftly to retrieve the Ring. But there are other matters that need to be dealt with." He turned his horse to face one of the Riders. "Dakian, as our chief messenger contact Sauron and inform him of our progress. Since the Ring exuded a substantial amount of power Sauron's eye can see farther than ever. Beseech his help and counsel. Find out if there are any other dark entities willing to serve. You will know when and where to meet us."
"I will ride to a dark place of contact," Dakian said. He rode away from the group.
"Gothmog, Adierel, and Melkan, follow the trail of the wizard Gandalf. He could cause trouble for Sauron even if we retrieve the Ring. Determine his whereabouts and deal with him accordingly. Once you have done this meet us South of the Prancing Pony."
The three Riders looked at each other. They wanted to go after the Ring, but understood their task was just as important.
"Fuinur and Herumor, you know the quickest way to the Inn. Seykin, accompany them and find out if you can twist the mind of one who can help us. Khamûl and myself will follow and determine a course of action when we have accurately examined the situation."
The Riders each rode their respective ways.
"How are we supposed to track a wizard?" Melkan asked the other Riders.
"Delve into the mindset of this wizard Melkan," Adierel said. "He seeks to prevent the Ring from going to Sauron. Therefore he will protect the Ringbearer. Although, if he feels threatened he will be a few steps ahead of the Ringbearer."
"So, near the Ring, but far enough away to stray from its influence," Gothmog said.
"Precisely," Adierel said. "We'll patrol the area a few miles from the Prancing Pony."
Meanwhile, Fuinur, Herumor, and Seykin rode in haste to the Prancing Pony. They arrived within the hour, riding on the adrenaline of the Ring.
"Open in the name of Mordor!" Herumor yelled at the gatekeeper.
Fuinur and Seykin were riding behind him.
The innkeeper yelled back, "Your kind is not welcome here. Go back to Mordor and leave your dark ways there."
Word was slowly spreading about the Riders at the Inn. People started blowing horns as a warning and bolting shutters and doors.
Herumor turned his horse around in anger. "Let the people blow their petty horns. They will be dealt with over time."
They rode down a path to meet with their Dark Captain and Khamûl.
"The Innkeeper of the Prancing Pony refuses us entry," Fuinor stated to them.
Khamûl looked at the Witch-King. "Too many people are aware of our presence."
"Then we shall wait for deep night," the Witch-King said. "Seykin, when the night comes seek out a mortal with evil in their heart. Then when the night is at its peak of loneliness we shall make our entrance."
Herumor addressed Seykin. "A man named Ferny may assist our dark effort."
"If he is the evil I felt then I shall seek him out," Seykin said. "When night falls I will find the evil."
The Witch-King tilted his robed head upward as if he sensed a presence.
"What do you sense?" Khamûl said sensing the change in the Witch- King.
"We have a new ally," the Witch-king said thoughtfully.
"Who?" Khamûl asked.
"Saruman the White," the Witch-King said. "I will ride to the Gate of Isengard. Khamûl oversee the capture of the Ring. After your endeavor meet at South Downs. Then we shall ride to Mordor."
"It will be done my Captain," Khamûl said.
The Witch-King rode in haste down Old South Road to the Gate of Isengard.
Elsewhere, Adierel, Gothmog, and Melkan were going from township to township trying to discover the direction Gandalf was heading. They found that they missed him by several days. Gandalf, the one known as Tharkûn "staff-man", Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgrim, Grey Wander, Greymantle, had eluded their grasp thus far.
"I grow weary of this searching," Melkan said. "The disguise of Riders is wearing thin."
"We still invoke terror," Gothmog countered.
"Concentrate on the task at hand," Adierel reminded them. "I find it odd that the wizard's trail has abruptly ended. An Istari such as Gandalf would draw the attention of mortals, no matter how disguised."
"Another evil presence perhaps," Melkan said. "Although, one not even I am familiar with."
"We should meet with the others and tell them of this," Gothmog said.
Nodding they rode to meet with their brethren.
Seykin stood in the shadow of a willow tree near the Inn. He reached into the minds of the people and drew on their evil energy. The Ring haunted his progress. Herumor paced impatiently as he did this while Fuinor and Khamûl assisted Seykin.
"The guard will leave his post at midnight to nap for an hour due to his newfound drunkenness," Seykin said triumphantly.
"That is when you and I will enter with stealth," Khamûl said. "Fuinur and Herumor when you here my call you can enter as you will to meet us at the Inn."
Herumor and Fuinur turned to look at each other. If Nazgûl could smile they would be grinning evilly. Clouds gathered above them foreboding of a storm. As the night continued a crash of thunder started a downpour. The rain in the darkness did not bother the Nazgûl as it dripped down the hoods of their robes.
Khamûl and Seykin scaled the wall with ease as the hour of their entrance arrived. Peering into the Inn's windows they located the halflings' room. A shrill screech pierced the night air.
Fuinur and Herumor gripped the reins of their horses and propelled their horses down the road to the gate. The sound of hooves meshed with thunder as their power caused them to break down the gate. Khamûl and Seykin were waiting for them. Dismounting they all unsheathed their swords together. The door of the Inn slammed to the wall. No one got in their way or even dared to look at them.
Khamûl held up his armored hand. "We must be as silent as possible. For soon their screams will break the silence; I want them to be screams of horror and surprise."
The others nodded and the door opened without a creak. Ducking into the room they each took a position near a bed with a blanketed form. Waiting for Khamûl's nod they prepared their swords. When he nodded they thrust their swords into the forms. Feathers flew into the air. The blood and screams they anticipated did not come. Khamûl threw off the blankets to reveal feathered pillows.
"We have been deceived!" Fuinur yelled.
Herumor screamed in anger and stormed out of the room followed by the others. Neither of them noticed a face watching from a window across the way. The thunderstorm increased in force as the Nazgûl called their horses.
"Let us ride out of this pitiful excuse for a village and find the others. Then we shall ride to South Downs," Khamûl said.
They rode out the gate and down the road. The only trace of their presence was the lingering fear of the people. The rain washed all the rest away.
The Lord of the Nazgûl slowed his horse for a moment as he heard the screams of the other Riders. The Ring had eluded their grasp again. He whirled horse around in a circle, snapped the reins, and rode to Isengard with a new sense of malice. Horse and Rider appeared as a black blur on the road knocking aside unwary travelers and merchants. Many ran off the road in terror fearing an unknown shadow.
When the rays of sunrise pierced the clouds the Lord of the Nazgûl arrived at the Gate of Isengard. Orcs stared at the Ringwraith for a moment but went back to making weaponry. The Witch-King did not doubt that it was the will of Sauron when he saw the Orcs breeding Uruk-Hai.
Saruman met him at the gate anticipating his arrival. Gandalf had escaped his grasp and he had sent spies to find the location of the Ring. He knew he was an enemy to both and only hoped the Nazgûl did not know of it.
The Lord of the Nazgûl did not trust this new ally. "I seek to speak with the one called Saruman!" he demanded. When he received no answer he said with force, "if I do not receive an answer the wrath of Sauron will rain down upon you!"
A voice spoke as if it came from the gate itself. "'It is not a land that you look for. I know what you seek, though you do not name it. I have it not, as surely its servants perceive without telling me; for if I had it, then you would bow before me and call me Lord. And if I knew where this thing was hid, I should not be here, but long gone before you take it. There is one only whom I guess to have this knowledge: Mithrandir, enemy of Sauron. And since it is but two days since he departed from Isengard seek him nearby.'"
The Lord of the Nazgûl was surprised at the force of the voice, but he didn't show it. "I shall search in Rohan," his voice rang out. But before he rode away he said, "but I assure you any search I make will not be in vain."
As the Ringwraith rode away Saruman breathed a sigh of relief and went back to supervising the building of an army. Unbeknownst to Saruman the Lord of the Nazgûl was riding in haste back to meet with the others.
Meanwhile, Dakian had spent many days in deep meditation relaying their progress to Sauron. He was in the river port town of Tharbad. It was ruined and deserted, resting next to the river Greyflood. The river's other name was Gwathlò; the Sindarin name for shadow was gwath. Many had perished due to the flooding by the River of Shadow. Dakian was in a dark cave kneeling humbly. A fiery eye appeared before him.
"We have yet to retrieve the Ring, my Lord," Dakian said. "It has thus far eluded us. I believe that the Ringbearer is receiving assistance."
"This is true," Sauron said. "Our new ally Saruman had captured the wizard Gandalf, but he escaped." The eye grew in intensity. "Saruman seeks the Ring for himself, I see through his lies. He is building an army for me, but seeks to use the Uruk-hai for his own purpose. He lied to the Witch- King only proving his own deceit. The wizard is heading to Rivendell; I have seen him. The Ringbearer will go there with a Ranger and other halflings. Kill all who seek to keep the Ring from me. Feel free to torture at will and invoke terror, my servant."
The eye faded and Dakian was left alone in the cave. But the eye of Sauron was always watching.
Author's Note: Yes, I finally updated! This chapter took a while to write because of the research I did for it. But other things led me to be busy. I hope you like this chapter. In the next one there will be a scene with Amon Sûl or rather Weathertop. Until then, please review! Riders gesture to the review button with their swords