New Beginnings Chapter 10
Of Imrahil of Dol Amroth
Imrahil was known to many as noble, brave and even courteous but deep down Imrahil had turned from a gentle noble man to a very lonely man at heart. Over the years Imrahil had lived through the great battles of his time and surpassed his rightful age. Imrahils first tragedy was that of his two children who died he also lost his wife at Dol Amroth which was plundered long ago. Faramir the only family to Imrahil had died at the hands of Donvan Faramirs own son. Imrahil vowed to himself to protect what family he had left in his case he needed to protect his great nephew and niece Addramyr and Adondra, but he had failed to protect Adondra who had fallen at the battle of Minas Tirith. Imrahil was now at sea with a great host of ships filled with many servants of the valor who had been reborn to fight one final time, along side Imrahil were Genry a man he trusted dearly also many men of Gondor and Rohan.
Imrahil stood looking out over the ocean as Genry stood next to him, "Imrahil I wonder how long it will take us to reach Middle Earth for I am eager for battle"
Imrahil turned to Genry with his hair blowing in the wind, "Patience my dear friend the Valor take things rather more slowly than we men do"
Genry smiled as the ships past over dark blue sea, as the men looked around clouds began to form and turn black for a great wind know swept toward the ships. The black clouds began to thunder and rain on the men who looked worried for the great ocean began to stir. One of the Valor who were on board Imrahils ship prepped to the men to man there positions and ready the ship for a storm. The sky was know as black as the ocean, Imrahil looked up at the sky and could see that the clouds formed a dark menacing face. Genry and the other men cowered in fear as the clouds formed the face of Morgoth who was laughing and mocking the men. Imrahil stirred out into the blackness of the face which grew wider and swallowed the great fleet of ships into a great wave of water which crashed into the ships. As the ships came out the other end of the mouth which had know vanished the fleet of ships was badly damaged and half the size of which it was. Imrahil stood up and spat water out of his mouth as he scrambled to the side of the boat to see how bad the situation was.
One of the Valor yelled to the men, "It's the work of Morgoth he has returned"
As Morgoths name was spoken a chill passed through the men and a great thud could be heard crashing against the ship. Genry quickly peered over the side of the ship to see many great tentacles crashing against the ship.
Genry turned to the men, "There's some sort of creature attacking the ship"
Imrahil turned to him and could see many of the ships being turned over by giant tentacles. There seemed to be many of these creatures which resembled octopuses but were much bigger in size. Imrahil ordered to the men to use whatever weapons they could, for arrows would not work in such conditions. Imrahil and the men grabbed spears and began to attack the tentacles which suddenly crashed up over the ship grabbing many of the men. The beast revealed itself to the men for it grabbed many of them and ate them whole. The beast had razor sharp teeth and its mouth could fit a boat inside it also had many tentacles. The ship began to snap as the tentacles pulled the ship under the water, Imrahil slipped down to the gap toward the mouth of the beast which had tipped the ship toward its mouth. Imrahil still held his spear and quickly jammed it into the beasts face as he steadied himself so he could pull himself up toward the tip of the ship. Many of his men fall past him into the beasts mouth screaming and crying for help but Imrahil could not help them. Imrahil was know at the tip of the beast and could see that the other ships were in similar predicaments as he was. Imrahil had to act quickly for his men were dying and his ship lay in desperate need. Suddenly the ship jerked and Imrahil came crashing down into the water he struggled to grab his breath as he shed what armour he had. A piece of wood off the ship floated by as Imrahil grabbed the wood and placed himself about it as lighting struck his ship smashing it to pieces. Morgoths might had destroyed the great fleet which was to threaten his reign of Gondor, for Morgoth know looked north toward the other borders of the world as his darkness grew greater across the lands of Middle Earth. Imrahil awoke to the sounds of birds and the sea crashing against the rocks and sands of the beach he lay on. About Imrahil were many pieces of wood from the ships, it was early morning and Imrahil lay cut and bruised. Imrahil managed to take what he could from the wreckage for food was kept in some of the barrels which lay on the beach. The sun blazing on Imrahils face as he walked the beach north were he came to a great stoney fortress which looked out across the ocean. As Imrahil entered he could see many shields, armour etc about the fortress for this was used as a great watch tower which warned of enemy invaders into Middle Earth, most of the armour was that of Numenor. Imrahil did not recognise the area but thought to himself that this island he was on might have been the forgotten kingdom of Numenor the great kings of old the first settlers of great men into Middle Earth, his ancestors. As Imrahil marvelled at the writings and tablets which lay about the place a shadowy figure moved from the shadow toward Imrahil but not revealing him or herself to him.
Imrahil looked at the figure curiously, "I have travelled long and hard, have battled beasts from all over the lands for I do not fear what is about to happen to whoever you are reveal yourself or strike me down if that is indeed your purpose"
The hooded character was robbed in a silver garment, "You need not fear me friend for I too have travelled long and hard to find you man of Dol Amroth"
After saying that the person through back his hood for indeed he had a male voice but he revealed himself to be an Elf. Imrahil stood back in amazement for he thought all the Elves of Middle Earth had been wiped out or had fled for the harbours.
Imrahil smiled as he walked up close to the Elf, "I thought your kindred had passed away never to be seen in Middle Earth, So how is it that an Elf still lingers these lands"
The Elf had golden locks of hair and silver eyes, "I am Donfilin of the ancient order of the Elves, I have been waiting here for some time for the great gods of the Valor commanded me to wait at this fortress for the man who would help in the restoration of Middle Earth and the destruction of Morgoth. You may wonder how the island of Numenor is still here, as you well know Sauron the deceiver disguised himself as a man and mingled with the King of the Numenorians for he wished to destroy them for they posed a big threat to his reign of Middle Earth. The Numenorians were given long life and great wealth and power by the gods but for all this they were not allowed to sail to Valinor like there cousins the Elfs. Sauron used this to his advantage for the King wanted to see the shores of Valinor so badly and his jealousy of the Elfs grew as he had everything but did not have the gift to travel to Valinor. Sauron knew temptation was there greatest weakness, in your terms forbidden fruit is the phrase which was used. Sauron know had the King and his army heading to the Valor to wage war on the Valor for they wanted to taste, smell and roam the lands of Valor. Some of the Numenors headed for Middle Earth, this was Elendil and his two sons one of them you know Isildur, they settled on Middle Earth making it prosperous. Sauron stayed on this island in the great chapel of Kings were he delved in there many riches. As the King reached the shores of the Valinor he roamed the lands with his men but something happened the gods grew angry at this and turned the land on its head killing the King and his army cursing them for all eternity and there fellow kin. This island was destroyed along with Sauron but he returned back to Mirkwood to his old fortress. Elendil and his men were know cursed as history tells they were a doomed race, all thanks to greed. Your ancestors were Elendils cousin they settled on the coastlines to keep watch for invaders and protected Elendils flanks."
Imrahil nodded and looked to the Elf, "You say I can save Middle Earth but I cannot see it for I have seen so much death and destruction."
Donfilin stopped Imrahil and touched him on the shoulder, "No my friend your family may be doomed but you have the glimmer of hope. Your nephew the King of Gondor is still alive far north of here he is with Seon the captain of the Knights of Gondor. You must help me save your king who can help rally all men to his banner, things are now in motion you must come with me back to Middle Earth and help rid Morgoth once and for all."
Imrahil stood gazing at the Elf who was beautiful and tall in stature, he nodded as they both began to leave but Donfilin urged Imrahil to wear the armour of Numenor which lay on the walls with sword, helm and shield.
As the men left the fortress down the stony stairs Donfilin spoke to Imrahil, "I can only guide you for I volunteered to be sent here because I believe in you and your people. Do not be tempted by power for Morgoth will tempt many including you, he sees all for Gondor has changed rapidly as we speak. Come we must hurry I have a small boat south of here"
Both of the companions know headed across the great ocean to the shores of the northern kingdom. They now headed south toward the misty mountains and south then straight south toward Gondor.
They had travelled for many a day when Imrahil broke the silence, "Why do we want to head into enemy territory so soon with no army?"
Donfilin spoke rarely and smiled to Imrahil, "Everything happens for a reason my friend the Valor will guide us and protect us"
As they headed further south the sky became much darker and the land much colder and icier for this was the coming of Morgoths strength were as Saurons was heat Morgoths was cold. Donfilin shared his lembas bread with Imrahil as they often rested in small caves or under trees. They were know in the realm of Gondor north of Minas Tirith by the mountains which protected the north of Minas Tirith. As they slept that night under the glaring mountains covered in snow, Imrahil was awoken by a familiar voice.
Imrahil followed the voice across the snowy plains and ice, "Come my friend we have found peace here"
Imrahil was bewildered for he walked through a great bush into a garden of light and green fields, at the end of this field was a great castle of gold glimmering with music and laughter. Imrahil smiled as he walked through the fields past many children who laugh around him edging him on to follow them, he turned around to see the ice moving ever further away as he walked toward the golden castle. The voice grew louder as he walked closer to a group of men waving to Imrahil many of them he recognised for they were the men aboard his ship which had been destroyed, Imrahil couldn't think anymore for could this be a dream he thought.
A man touched Imrahil, "So you survived, look at the beauty of this place it is remarkable we have been given this and much more, he is so generous"
Imrahil turned to see Genry talking to him, "I thought you died aboard the ship, what is this place and who has offered you this marvellous place"
Genry smiled but never spoke pushing Imrahil on toward the gates to the castle. Imrahil could see his children standing waiting for him, as Genry hugged his family who were near by.
Imrahil turned to see Donfilin running toward him screaming, "You fools it is a trap a trick of the mind quickly Imrahil this way. They are not your children he is playing mind games"
As Imrahil touched his children they held his hand as they began to lead him into the castle. Donfilin quickly acted by firing an arrow into one of Imrahils children, the scream was not that of a normal human but that of an orc. Imrahil quickly fell back as his children turned into orcs and the castle turned into a great pit filled with beasts. Genrys family turned into orcs who attacked him and his men, as many of the men were tricked and being eaten by many wolves and other foul beasts.
Donfilin fired many arrows to cover the men but he couldn't save them all, "Hurry Imrahil this way quickly"
He grabbed Imrahil who was in shock Genry could be seen being dragged into the pit by man wolves as he screamed for help. Donfilin looked to Imrahil who nodded but turned away as Donfilin fired an arrow which eased Genrys suffering as it killed him as many of the wolves feasted on his body. Orcs know pursued Imrahil and Donfilin who headed for the mountains, they finally reached the summit of a smaller mountain range were they rested and hid. Imrahil spoke to Donfilin, "They were so real, my children were in front of me. Genry and my men they were tricked but they weren't weak of mind"
Donfilin turned in sympathy to Imrahil, "As I said Morgoth is much more terrible than Sauron his power has indeed grown. He can trick the strongest of minds do not blame yourself he wanted you dead, do you not believe that you serve a purpose now?"
Imrahil nodded as the icy wind blew through the night air as the companions looked for a cave to take shelter in. Donfilin used his art of the wild by making a small fire in the cave were both of them sat silent staring out into the darkness. The night was long and tedious but the morning finally came as the companions set out along the mountain ridge which overlooked Gondor. They crept slowly for orc patrols could be seen in all directions, they finally came to the edge of the cliff face which towered over Minas Tirith which could be seen below them. Imrahil gasped in horror as Minas Tirith had turned into an ice city filled with darkness, the fields were a snowy plain filled with thousands of orcs encamped. Many orcs now marched from Osgiliath and beyond toward Minas Tirith but there could be seen many towers which had been constructed to prevent any attackers, the towers were placed by the sea and to the north. Orcs were marching off over the valleys toward the rest of Middle Earth and beyond.
Donfilin looked to Imrahil, "Morgoth has indeed grown very powerful he will be at full strength soon enough it is only a matter of time. I just wanted you to witness and see what dread await Middle Earth, we shall wait and study our enemy for the Valor will send a sign soon"
Imrahil turned to Donfilin and looked at him strangely for he did not believe the Valor would show them the way for they were overthrown at sea so easily by Morgoth. A great roar was heard from Minas Tirith and the Balrog flew up and out over the walls of the city followed by many orcs, they marched northward. Imrahil noticed another army coming from Osgiliath this was led by a man clad in a sort of icy armour he was riding a warg toward the north were that army joined with the Balrogs.
Imrahil turned in haste to Donfilin, "There heading for war, and Donvan leads one of the armys. So he is still alive, how I have longed to take revenge on him, yet were is Morgoth does he dwell in Minas Tirith or in the tower of moon."
Donfilin pulled Imrahil away from the edge of the cliff, "Yes that is indeed a good question for it would seem a better strategy if Morgoth stayed in the Tower of Moon, but if I know Morgoth he will want to revel in his triumph by residing in Minas Tirith for a time."
Imrahil nodded, "So what now, do we follow the army of Morgoth northward?"
Suddenly as the army left great horns could be heard and west of Minas Tirith through the cover of the woodland area a great host of men riding horses charged through the encampment of orcs killing randomly. The men were clad in unique armour never seen by Imrahil or Donfilin, they had great swords which were destroying the orcs who had no chance. From the tower at the peak of Minas Tirith a great cloud of smoke formed and headed for the field of Pellenor were the orcs were encamped. The cloud of black formed into a great black figure which had a great mace which smashed through the ranks of men killing easily and at will.
Donfilin looked to Imrahil in wonder, "Well we now that Morgoth resides here at Minas Tirith for that is indeed him, as for the men they could prove valuable as this must be the sign from the Valor, come let us climb down"
The horsemen were scattered and soon headed back into the woodland area from whence they came. Morgoth laughed and taunted the men as he crashed through there ranks. Donfilin pointed to the woodland area as Imrahil agreed, both of them climbed down and managed to immerse themselves in the woodland area. They could hear hooves and men yelling as orcs pursued them into the woods followed by Morgoths mighty shadow which covered the woodland area with lighting and heavy rain. Donfilin and Imrahil managed to fight there way through many orcs until they came to a great river were many of the horsemen were crossing in haste. As Imrahil and Donfilin struggled across the river many arrows flew over head as the pursuing orcs were destroyed by this hail of arrows but the second attempt for the arrows was useless for the heavy rain made them wet and useless. Imrahil managed to make it up the river bank as he helped Donfilin, as they climbed the bank and reached the top many men with swords drawn stood looking down at both companions. The men quickly grabbed Imrahil and Donfilin hasting them away with them down through the woods. They were led for many miles until they came to a great cave filled with many men, Imrahil and Donfilin were led deep down the cave until they came to a cave which was filled with many ships and had an entrance to the sea. The companions were led aboard a great ship and placed in front of the mens King who sat on a great throne of gold. The King was old with a grey beard and had blue sea eyes, he was clad in great armour with a great ocean symbol embedded into the armour.
The King spoke softly to the companions but with great power, "My men say you killed many of the orcs, but some of my men also say that you work for that menacing dark lord, is this true speak quickly for we have travelled long and wide to seek war and glory for that is the tradition of our people. We live to travel the seas seeking other lands to die in far away distant lands."
Imrahil spoke to the King, "The menace you speak of is Morgoth the dark lord of Midde Earth. I am Imrahil of Dol Amroth Captain of the south army's of Gondor, this is Donfilin an Elf from the lands over the sea. We followed your men for aid, our lands are being destroyed slowly by Morgoths armies each day he gathers more strength and soon he will be unstoppable. We could see the battle from above and your men are indeed good soldiers, but the might of Morgoth is no match for your men he will quickly find were you are camped and destroy you all if you do not act."
Donfilin quickly interrupted Imrahil, "There is one who can stand up to Morgoth but first we need the King of Gondor to return and rally what other men reside in the north. It seems you have a great host of men capable of fighting, so will you help us battle Morgoth?"
The King sat silent and pondered in thought, "You say your king is to the north what kind of a King abandons his lands and flees"
Imrahil quickly stood tall, "He fled because he must he is the last of that bloodline im sure he would not want to flee unless he had to"
The King looked Imrahil in the eye and smiled, "You men of this land seem proud men, for we are also proud men and if you say this Morgoth is going to destroy this wonderful land then we must act. You have my allegiance I will follow you in what way seems best."
Donfilin smiled, "Good we must go quickly for Morgoth will waste no time, I doubt he will call back his armies which are heading north he will come himself. We must take the ships and sail around to the north following the coastline then we must ride north were the King was last seen, then we must rally as many men we can along the road to do battle"
The King agreed as the great host of men left onto there ships and headed north following the coastline. Morgoth never did pursue them for he could read into the future only brief and could see it was pointless but he had a better plan for the men.
Imrahil was known to many as noble, brave and even courteous but deep down Imrahil had turned from a gentle noble man to a very lonely man at heart. Over the years Imrahil had lived through the great battles of his time and surpassed his rightful age. Imrahils first tragedy was that of his two children who died he also lost his wife at Dol Amroth which was plundered long ago. Faramir the only family to Imrahil had died at the hands of Donvan Faramirs own son. Imrahil vowed to himself to protect what family he had left in his case he needed to protect his great nephew and niece Addramyr and Adondra, but he had failed to protect Adondra who had fallen at the battle of Minas Tirith. Imrahil was now at sea with a great host of ships filled with many servants of the valor who had been reborn to fight one final time, along side Imrahil were Genry a man he trusted dearly also many men of Gondor and Rohan.
Imrahil stood looking out over the ocean as Genry stood next to him, "Imrahil I wonder how long it will take us to reach Middle Earth for I am eager for battle"
Imrahil turned to Genry with his hair blowing in the wind, "Patience my dear friend the Valor take things rather more slowly than we men do"
Genry smiled as the ships past over dark blue sea, as the men looked around clouds began to form and turn black for a great wind know swept toward the ships. The black clouds began to thunder and rain on the men who looked worried for the great ocean began to stir. One of the Valor who were on board Imrahils ship prepped to the men to man there positions and ready the ship for a storm. The sky was know as black as the ocean, Imrahil looked up at the sky and could see that the clouds formed a dark menacing face. Genry and the other men cowered in fear as the clouds formed the face of Morgoth who was laughing and mocking the men. Imrahil stirred out into the blackness of the face which grew wider and swallowed the great fleet of ships into a great wave of water which crashed into the ships. As the ships came out the other end of the mouth which had know vanished the fleet of ships was badly damaged and half the size of which it was. Imrahil stood up and spat water out of his mouth as he scrambled to the side of the boat to see how bad the situation was.
One of the Valor yelled to the men, "It's the work of Morgoth he has returned"
As Morgoths name was spoken a chill passed through the men and a great thud could be heard crashing against the ship. Genry quickly peered over the side of the ship to see many great tentacles crashing against the ship.
Genry turned to the men, "There's some sort of creature attacking the ship"
Imrahil turned to him and could see many of the ships being turned over by giant tentacles. There seemed to be many of these creatures which resembled octopuses but were much bigger in size. Imrahil ordered to the men to use whatever weapons they could, for arrows would not work in such conditions. Imrahil and the men grabbed spears and began to attack the tentacles which suddenly crashed up over the ship grabbing many of the men. The beast revealed itself to the men for it grabbed many of them and ate them whole. The beast had razor sharp teeth and its mouth could fit a boat inside it also had many tentacles. The ship began to snap as the tentacles pulled the ship under the water, Imrahil slipped down to the gap toward the mouth of the beast which had tipped the ship toward its mouth. Imrahil still held his spear and quickly jammed it into the beasts face as he steadied himself so he could pull himself up toward the tip of the ship. Many of his men fall past him into the beasts mouth screaming and crying for help but Imrahil could not help them. Imrahil was know at the tip of the beast and could see that the other ships were in similar predicaments as he was. Imrahil had to act quickly for his men were dying and his ship lay in desperate need. Suddenly the ship jerked and Imrahil came crashing down into the water he struggled to grab his breath as he shed what armour he had. A piece of wood off the ship floated by as Imrahil grabbed the wood and placed himself about it as lighting struck his ship smashing it to pieces. Morgoths might had destroyed the great fleet which was to threaten his reign of Gondor, for Morgoth know looked north toward the other borders of the world as his darkness grew greater across the lands of Middle Earth. Imrahil awoke to the sounds of birds and the sea crashing against the rocks and sands of the beach he lay on. About Imrahil were many pieces of wood from the ships, it was early morning and Imrahil lay cut and bruised. Imrahil managed to take what he could from the wreckage for food was kept in some of the barrels which lay on the beach. The sun blazing on Imrahils face as he walked the beach north were he came to a great stoney fortress which looked out across the ocean. As Imrahil entered he could see many shields, armour etc about the fortress for this was used as a great watch tower which warned of enemy invaders into Middle Earth, most of the armour was that of Numenor. Imrahil did not recognise the area but thought to himself that this island he was on might have been the forgotten kingdom of Numenor the great kings of old the first settlers of great men into Middle Earth, his ancestors. As Imrahil marvelled at the writings and tablets which lay about the place a shadowy figure moved from the shadow toward Imrahil but not revealing him or herself to him.
Imrahil looked at the figure curiously, "I have travelled long and hard, have battled beasts from all over the lands for I do not fear what is about to happen to whoever you are reveal yourself or strike me down if that is indeed your purpose"
The hooded character was robbed in a silver garment, "You need not fear me friend for I too have travelled long and hard to find you man of Dol Amroth"
After saying that the person through back his hood for indeed he had a male voice but he revealed himself to be an Elf. Imrahil stood back in amazement for he thought all the Elves of Middle Earth had been wiped out or had fled for the harbours.
Imrahil smiled as he walked up close to the Elf, "I thought your kindred had passed away never to be seen in Middle Earth, So how is it that an Elf still lingers these lands"
The Elf had golden locks of hair and silver eyes, "I am Donfilin of the ancient order of the Elves, I have been waiting here for some time for the great gods of the Valor commanded me to wait at this fortress for the man who would help in the restoration of Middle Earth and the destruction of Morgoth. You may wonder how the island of Numenor is still here, as you well know Sauron the deceiver disguised himself as a man and mingled with the King of the Numenorians for he wished to destroy them for they posed a big threat to his reign of Middle Earth. The Numenorians were given long life and great wealth and power by the gods but for all this they were not allowed to sail to Valinor like there cousins the Elfs. Sauron used this to his advantage for the King wanted to see the shores of Valinor so badly and his jealousy of the Elfs grew as he had everything but did not have the gift to travel to Valinor. Sauron knew temptation was there greatest weakness, in your terms forbidden fruit is the phrase which was used. Sauron know had the King and his army heading to the Valor to wage war on the Valor for they wanted to taste, smell and roam the lands of Valor. Some of the Numenors headed for Middle Earth, this was Elendil and his two sons one of them you know Isildur, they settled on Middle Earth making it prosperous. Sauron stayed on this island in the great chapel of Kings were he delved in there many riches. As the King reached the shores of the Valinor he roamed the lands with his men but something happened the gods grew angry at this and turned the land on its head killing the King and his army cursing them for all eternity and there fellow kin. This island was destroyed along with Sauron but he returned back to Mirkwood to his old fortress. Elendil and his men were know cursed as history tells they were a doomed race, all thanks to greed. Your ancestors were Elendils cousin they settled on the coastlines to keep watch for invaders and protected Elendils flanks."
Imrahil nodded and looked to the Elf, "You say I can save Middle Earth but I cannot see it for I have seen so much death and destruction."
Donfilin stopped Imrahil and touched him on the shoulder, "No my friend your family may be doomed but you have the glimmer of hope. Your nephew the King of Gondor is still alive far north of here he is with Seon the captain of the Knights of Gondor. You must help me save your king who can help rally all men to his banner, things are now in motion you must come with me back to Middle Earth and help rid Morgoth once and for all."
Imrahil stood gazing at the Elf who was beautiful and tall in stature, he nodded as they both began to leave but Donfilin urged Imrahil to wear the armour of Numenor which lay on the walls with sword, helm and shield.
As the men left the fortress down the stony stairs Donfilin spoke to Imrahil, "I can only guide you for I volunteered to be sent here because I believe in you and your people. Do not be tempted by power for Morgoth will tempt many including you, he sees all for Gondor has changed rapidly as we speak. Come we must hurry I have a small boat south of here"
Both of the companions know headed across the great ocean to the shores of the northern kingdom. They now headed south toward the misty mountains and south then straight south toward Gondor.
They had travelled for many a day when Imrahil broke the silence, "Why do we want to head into enemy territory so soon with no army?"
Donfilin spoke rarely and smiled to Imrahil, "Everything happens for a reason my friend the Valor will guide us and protect us"
As they headed further south the sky became much darker and the land much colder and icier for this was the coming of Morgoths strength were as Saurons was heat Morgoths was cold. Donfilin shared his lembas bread with Imrahil as they often rested in small caves or under trees. They were know in the realm of Gondor north of Minas Tirith by the mountains which protected the north of Minas Tirith. As they slept that night under the glaring mountains covered in snow, Imrahil was awoken by a familiar voice.
Imrahil followed the voice across the snowy plains and ice, "Come my friend we have found peace here"
Imrahil was bewildered for he walked through a great bush into a garden of light and green fields, at the end of this field was a great castle of gold glimmering with music and laughter. Imrahil smiled as he walked through the fields past many children who laugh around him edging him on to follow them, he turned around to see the ice moving ever further away as he walked toward the golden castle. The voice grew louder as he walked closer to a group of men waving to Imrahil many of them he recognised for they were the men aboard his ship which had been destroyed, Imrahil couldn't think anymore for could this be a dream he thought.
A man touched Imrahil, "So you survived, look at the beauty of this place it is remarkable we have been given this and much more, he is so generous"
Imrahil turned to see Genry talking to him, "I thought you died aboard the ship, what is this place and who has offered you this marvellous place"
Genry smiled but never spoke pushing Imrahil on toward the gates to the castle. Imrahil could see his children standing waiting for him, as Genry hugged his family who were near by.
Imrahil turned to see Donfilin running toward him screaming, "You fools it is a trap a trick of the mind quickly Imrahil this way. They are not your children he is playing mind games"
As Imrahil touched his children they held his hand as they began to lead him into the castle. Donfilin quickly acted by firing an arrow into one of Imrahils children, the scream was not that of a normal human but that of an orc. Imrahil quickly fell back as his children turned into orcs and the castle turned into a great pit filled with beasts. Genrys family turned into orcs who attacked him and his men, as many of the men were tricked and being eaten by many wolves and other foul beasts.
Donfilin fired many arrows to cover the men but he couldn't save them all, "Hurry Imrahil this way quickly"
He grabbed Imrahil who was in shock Genry could be seen being dragged into the pit by man wolves as he screamed for help. Donfilin looked to Imrahil who nodded but turned away as Donfilin fired an arrow which eased Genrys suffering as it killed him as many of the wolves feasted on his body. Orcs know pursued Imrahil and Donfilin who headed for the mountains, they finally reached the summit of a smaller mountain range were they rested and hid. Imrahil spoke to Donfilin, "They were so real, my children were in front of me. Genry and my men they were tricked but they weren't weak of mind"
Donfilin turned in sympathy to Imrahil, "As I said Morgoth is much more terrible than Sauron his power has indeed grown. He can trick the strongest of minds do not blame yourself he wanted you dead, do you not believe that you serve a purpose now?"
Imrahil nodded as the icy wind blew through the night air as the companions looked for a cave to take shelter in. Donfilin used his art of the wild by making a small fire in the cave were both of them sat silent staring out into the darkness. The night was long and tedious but the morning finally came as the companions set out along the mountain ridge which overlooked Gondor. They crept slowly for orc patrols could be seen in all directions, they finally came to the edge of the cliff face which towered over Minas Tirith which could be seen below them. Imrahil gasped in horror as Minas Tirith had turned into an ice city filled with darkness, the fields were a snowy plain filled with thousands of orcs encamped. Many orcs now marched from Osgiliath and beyond toward Minas Tirith but there could be seen many towers which had been constructed to prevent any attackers, the towers were placed by the sea and to the north. Orcs were marching off over the valleys toward the rest of Middle Earth and beyond.
Donfilin looked to Imrahil, "Morgoth has indeed grown very powerful he will be at full strength soon enough it is only a matter of time. I just wanted you to witness and see what dread await Middle Earth, we shall wait and study our enemy for the Valor will send a sign soon"
Imrahil turned to Donfilin and looked at him strangely for he did not believe the Valor would show them the way for they were overthrown at sea so easily by Morgoth. A great roar was heard from Minas Tirith and the Balrog flew up and out over the walls of the city followed by many orcs, they marched northward. Imrahil noticed another army coming from Osgiliath this was led by a man clad in a sort of icy armour he was riding a warg toward the north were that army joined with the Balrogs.
Imrahil turned in haste to Donfilin, "There heading for war, and Donvan leads one of the armys. So he is still alive, how I have longed to take revenge on him, yet were is Morgoth does he dwell in Minas Tirith or in the tower of moon."
Donfilin pulled Imrahil away from the edge of the cliff, "Yes that is indeed a good question for it would seem a better strategy if Morgoth stayed in the Tower of Moon, but if I know Morgoth he will want to revel in his triumph by residing in Minas Tirith for a time."
Imrahil nodded, "So what now, do we follow the army of Morgoth northward?"
Suddenly as the army left great horns could be heard and west of Minas Tirith through the cover of the woodland area a great host of men riding horses charged through the encampment of orcs killing randomly. The men were clad in unique armour never seen by Imrahil or Donfilin, they had great swords which were destroying the orcs who had no chance. From the tower at the peak of Minas Tirith a great cloud of smoke formed and headed for the field of Pellenor were the orcs were encamped. The cloud of black formed into a great black figure which had a great mace which smashed through the ranks of men killing easily and at will.
Donfilin looked to Imrahil in wonder, "Well we now that Morgoth resides here at Minas Tirith for that is indeed him, as for the men they could prove valuable as this must be the sign from the Valor, come let us climb down"
The horsemen were scattered and soon headed back into the woodland area from whence they came. Morgoth laughed and taunted the men as he crashed through there ranks. Donfilin pointed to the woodland area as Imrahil agreed, both of them climbed down and managed to immerse themselves in the woodland area. They could hear hooves and men yelling as orcs pursued them into the woods followed by Morgoths mighty shadow which covered the woodland area with lighting and heavy rain. Donfilin and Imrahil managed to fight there way through many orcs until they came to a great river were many of the horsemen were crossing in haste. As Imrahil and Donfilin struggled across the river many arrows flew over head as the pursuing orcs were destroyed by this hail of arrows but the second attempt for the arrows was useless for the heavy rain made them wet and useless. Imrahil managed to make it up the river bank as he helped Donfilin, as they climbed the bank and reached the top many men with swords drawn stood looking down at both companions. The men quickly grabbed Imrahil and Donfilin hasting them away with them down through the woods. They were led for many miles until they came to a great cave filled with many men, Imrahil and Donfilin were led deep down the cave until they came to a cave which was filled with many ships and had an entrance to the sea. The companions were led aboard a great ship and placed in front of the mens King who sat on a great throne of gold. The King was old with a grey beard and had blue sea eyes, he was clad in great armour with a great ocean symbol embedded into the armour.
The King spoke softly to the companions but with great power, "My men say you killed many of the orcs, but some of my men also say that you work for that menacing dark lord, is this true speak quickly for we have travelled long and wide to seek war and glory for that is the tradition of our people. We live to travel the seas seeking other lands to die in far away distant lands."
Imrahil spoke to the King, "The menace you speak of is Morgoth the dark lord of Midde Earth. I am Imrahil of Dol Amroth Captain of the south army's of Gondor, this is Donfilin an Elf from the lands over the sea. We followed your men for aid, our lands are being destroyed slowly by Morgoths armies each day he gathers more strength and soon he will be unstoppable. We could see the battle from above and your men are indeed good soldiers, but the might of Morgoth is no match for your men he will quickly find were you are camped and destroy you all if you do not act."
Donfilin quickly interrupted Imrahil, "There is one who can stand up to Morgoth but first we need the King of Gondor to return and rally what other men reside in the north. It seems you have a great host of men capable of fighting, so will you help us battle Morgoth?"
The King sat silent and pondered in thought, "You say your king is to the north what kind of a King abandons his lands and flees"
Imrahil quickly stood tall, "He fled because he must he is the last of that bloodline im sure he would not want to flee unless he had to"
The King looked Imrahil in the eye and smiled, "You men of this land seem proud men, for we are also proud men and if you say this Morgoth is going to destroy this wonderful land then we must act. You have my allegiance I will follow you in what way seems best."
Donfilin smiled, "Good we must go quickly for Morgoth will waste no time, I doubt he will call back his armies which are heading north he will come himself. We must take the ships and sail around to the north following the coastline then we must ride north were the King was last seen, then we must rally as many men we can along the road to do battle"
The King agreed as the great host of men left onto there ships and headed north following the coastline. Morgoth never did pursue them for he could read into the future only brief and could see it was pointless but he had a better plan for the men.