Chapter Five:
Kayla climbed the stairs hurriedly, wondering what they wanted to speak to
her about. Reaching the top of the stairs, and cursing at the number of
them, Kayla came to a complete stop. She saw not only Galadriel and
Gandalf, but also a gathering of people of all different races. She
recognised Legolas and Aragorn, but there were also four Hobbits, a Man, a
Dwarf, and another Elf.
"Ah, good she is here. We can begin." Gandalf beckoned them all to sit on the seats provided. Kayla chose a seat on the end, where she was able to examine the other people. Legolas sat between Aragorn and the Dwarf who she realised must be Gimli. *Wow, what would people say if I told them I was meeting members of the Fellowship?* She then determined that the hobbits must be Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin, but she couldn't tell which was which. Ad she could not think whom the fair-haired Man was.
Finally, Galadriel spoke. "I believe you know why you are all here." Kayla felt she was one step behind the rest, as they all nodded on agreement. She had no idea why they were there. "For a time now, you have seen the slow creep of evil back into Middle Earth. You have been summoned here so as to decide what course of action we can take against this." Gandalf rose from his seat and Galadriel sat back down in hers, looking at Gandalf to finish her explanation.
"From what we have discerned, a number of Orcs have started up a following, recruiting other dark creatures, in an attempt to bring back their creator. They have gathered vast numbers and are assembling to overthrow the balance in Middle Earth. If this happens, they will be able to bend anyone to their will, and with the presence of four out of the five original Istar they will have sufficient power to return their lord, Melkor. Many ages ago, Melkor was banished from Ëa into the void. No one has had the power to bring him back before. But now they have found a way to let him return, and bring about the destruction of Middle Earth once and for all. We know they have one of the Istar already, Saruman, and we know of two more, Radagast and myself, who have not been taken but we do not know what became of the other two, Alatar and Pallando. They may have already been taken by the Orcs, leaving them with one short of the numbers they require."
A hush settled upon the group, which turned into startled murmurings. Kayla realised that the person they were talking about, Melkor, must have been really bad the way the group was reacting. She has read 'The Lord of the Rings', but it made no mention of Melkor. She was sure there would have been more information in 'The Simarillion', but hadn't read it.
Feeling like a child in grade school Kayla raised her hand, attracting the attention of Gandalf. He nodded at her, signalling her to speak. "Ok, forgive me, but what is going on? I have no idea what you are talking about and I was wondering, why I am actually here? I mean, I don't even belong in Middle Earth."
Silence greeted her, once again. Everybody was staring expectantly at Galadriel and Gandalf, the same questions running through their minds. Why was she there? She had no concerns for Middle earth. Galadriel stood slowly and began to speak to Kayla. "I have spoken at length with Mithrandir and we have agreed that your appearance here in Middle Earth is no coincidence. You told Gandalf of a dream you saw before you awoke here and we believe that because of that dream, you play a vital role in the downfall of their plan. Clearly you were meant to see that dream. I do not wish to divulge the details here." Shocked silence followed. All eyes turned to Kayla.
Legolas sat rigid with astonishment. She played a vital role? How? He merely found her in the woods. She was nothing special, at least to the survival of Middle Earth. She meant more to him, though, than he was willing to let himself believe.
Gandalf stood again. "From what I have found out, there is only one course of action open to us. A small company will have to go, undetected, into where they are holding the wizards. That means travelling into Mordor. You will need to either remove the dark temptation that holds the wizards, or kill the leading party of Orcs, which will hopefully cause the rest to disband. If all else fails, you will have to destroy Melkor himself, not an easy task mind you. After hearing these sordid facts, who will volunteer to go on this quest?"
The seated members of the council sat, not looking at each other, deciding their fate, and effectively the fate of Middle Earth. "I will go." Aragorn got to his feet. "And I also." Legolas was quick to stand beside his long time friend. "I would rather never see a cave again before I let an Elf go unaccompanied on this journey," Gimli said looking at Legolas. "I shall go to keep you out of harm's way." He joined the standing party. Legolas smiled down on his stout friend. "I have seen Mordor. I will lend what knowledge I have." Frodo sounded resigned as he stood. "I can't let you go alone, Mr Frodo. It just wouldn't be right." Sam jumped up, determined to follow his master and loyal friend. "And me!" "And me too!" No one was surprised to see Merry and Pippin join the party. Somewhat hesitantly the strange Man stood. "I will go, to honour the memory of my brother." It was then that Kayla realised that the Man was Faramir, Steward of Gondor, whose late brother was Boromir, member of the Fellowship of the Ring.
Galadriel looked at the eight standing people. She was about to speak when Kayla suddenly stood. "I don't know what part I play in all of this, but I'm not gonna be left here to find out. I'm coming too." She was greeted by looks of shock and dismay. Gimli's voice broke the silence. "She is a mere woman. What can she bring to the company?" The rest of the fellowship started voicing their concerns. Only Legolas and Aragorn stayed silent. Legolas looked as if he would rather be any place but the council and Aragorn looked like he, too, would like to voice his concerns, but thought better of it. Kayla noted that look and filed it away for future reference.
Kayla made to speak in her defence, but Gandalf beat her to it. "I believe that she is stronger than we give her credit for." Gandalf was quick to refute Gimli and the Fellowship. "Given time she may become a valuable member of Middle Earth." Galadriel spoke next. "So it shall be. You are the new Fellowship, not of nine but now of ten." Her word was as good as golden, and there were no more arguments. There were, however, several doubting looks cast in Kayla's direction. Galadriel spoke again. "There is food prepared. Please, go and enjoy it." People started to move off. "Kayla.Aragorn, I wish to speak with you for a moment."
After everyone had left, save Galadriel, Kayla, Aragorn and Gandalf; Galadriel sat back down in her seat. "Kayla, as I mentioned before, Mithrandir and I have spoken about what you saw in your dream. As I have only heard Mithrandir tell it, I want you now to tell it to me in all the detail you can remember."
Kayla related the dream; as much as she could remember, to the people around her. She felt herself blushing as she told of her conversation with Legolas, but she did not leave anything out. It could be crucial to the survival of Middle Earth, much as she loathed thinking it. How could a pointless dream save a world from evil?
She finished to see the faces of Gandalf and Galadriel looking thoughtful, and Aragorn looking slightly uncomfortable. Aragorn could also sense Kayla's discomfort. Aragorn could not understand why he had to hear it but did not have to wait long to find out.
"Aragorn, after hearing this, do you agree with the suspicions of the Lady and myself?" Gandalf asked. "I certainly believe that she plays a part in the coming days, but I cannot say for sure. I am, however, willing to help Kayla out wherever I can." Kayla flashed him a grateful smile.
" Is it correct to assume that you have no skill with a blade or bow?" Galadriel asked Kayla. "I have never needed to know how." Kayla wanted to know where this was going. "And you have never ridden a horse before?" "Not until a few days ago." "Aragorn, would you be able to teach the basic skills she will require to defend herself if the need arrives?" "Certainly." He seemed worried. He was unsure about how well she would adapt in the limited time they had.
The next few days were spent in a flurry of activity. Kayla was always busy, never a minute to relax. She had archery lessons with the Elf, Haldir. She practiced with the sword and riding under Aragorn's instruction. She knew she was a fast learner, but how quickly she picked the skills up surprised even herself.
"And you have never done any work with a blade before?" Aragorn questioned her during a lesson. "No, not before this. Why?" "Well you look very comfortable with the blade, like you have used it many times before. I talked to Haldir and he says you are the same with the bow. And I also see it with your riding. I have never seen anyone pick it up so easily. It has if you have been doing it all your life." "But I haven't." "I know. But you have picked up the skills to rival an Elf in as little as two days." "You seriously think that I could beat an Elf?" Kayla was amazed. The Elves were the best warriors in Middle Earth. "I think you could do a lot more than you think. If only there was time to train you properly."
"How much time do we have?" Kayla regretted asking that question. She didn't want to know how long they had left. She was having fun, learning new skills and staying with the Elves. "We leave tomorrow." Aragorn sounded as of he did not want to leave either. "It is getting late. We leave at dawn. You should go and get some sleep. Who knows when we will be able to get proper rest after tomorrow." Kayla moved and gave Aragorn a hug, much to his surprise. She let go, only to see his puzzled face. "What was that for?" "You have been so kind to me. Thank you. You have been a friend when I needed one most." Kayla turned and headed off to bed.
"Ah, good she is here. We can begin." Gandalf beckoned them all to sit on the seats provided. Kayla chose a seat on the end, where she was able to examine the other people. Legolas sat between Aragorn and the Dwarf who she realised must be Gimli. *Wow, what would people say if I told them I was meeting members of the Fellowship?* She then determined that the hobbits must be Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin, but she couldn't tell which was which. Ad she could not think whom the fair-haired Man was.
Finally, Galadriel spoke. "I believe you know why you are all here." Kayla felt she was one step behind the rest, as they all nodded on agreement. She had no idea why they were there. "For a time now, you have seen the slow creep of evil back into Middle Earth. You have been summoned here so as to decide what course of action we can take against this." Gandalf rose from his seat and Galadriel sat back down in hers, looking at Gandalf to finish her explanation.
"From what we have discerned, a number of Orcs have started up a following, recruiting other dark creatures, in an attempt to bring back their creator. They have gathered vast numbers and are assembling to overthrow the balance in Middle Earth. If this happens, they will be able to bend anyone to their will, and with the presence of four out of the five original Istar they will have sufficient power to return their lord, Melkor. Many ages ago, Melkor was banished from Ëa into the void. No one has had the power to bring him back before. But now they have found a way to let him return, and bring about the destruction of Middle Earth once and for all. We know they have one of the Istar already, Saruman, and we know of two more, Radagast and myself, who have not been taken but we do not know what became of the other two, Alatar and Pallando. They may have already been taken by the Orcs, leaving them with one short of the numbers they require."
A hush settled upon the group, which turned into startled murmurings. Kayla realised that the person they were talking about, Melkor, must have been really bad the way the group was reacting. She has read 'The Lord of the Rings', but it made no mention of Melkor. She was sure there would have been more information in 'The Simarillion', but hadn't read it.
Feeling like a child in grade school Kayla raised her hand, attracting the attention of Gandalf. He nodded at her, signalling her to speak. "Ok, forgive me, but what is going on? I have no idea what you are talking about and I was wondering, why I am actually here? I mean, I don't even belong in Middle Earth."
Silence greeted her, once again. Everybody was staring expectantly at Galadriel and Gandalf, the same questions running through their minds. Why was she there? She had no concerns for Middle earth. Galadriel stood slowly and began to speak to Kayla. "I have spoken at length with Mithrandir and we have agreed that your appearance here in Middle Earth is no coincidence. You told Gandalf of a dream you saw before you awoke here and we believe that because of that dream, you play a vital role in the downfall of their plan. Clearly you were meant to see that dream. I do not wish to divulge the details here." Shocked silence followed. All eyes turned to Kayla.
Legolas sat rigid with astonishment. She played a vital role? How? He merely found her in the woods. She was nothing special, at least to the survival of Middle Earth. She meant more to him, though, than he was willing to let himself believe.
Gandalf stood again. "From what I have found out, there is only one course of action open to us. A small company will have to go, undetected, into where they are holding the wizards. That means travelling into Mordor. You will need to either remove the dark temptation that holds the wizards, or kill the leading party of Orcs, which will hopefully cause the rest to disband. If all else fails, you will have to destroy Melkor himself, not an easy task mind you. After hearing these sordid facts, who will volunteer to go on this quest?"
The seated members of the council sat, not looking at each other, deciding their fate, and effectively the fate of Middle Earth. "I will go." Aragorn got to his feet. "And I also." Legolas was quick to stand beside his long time friend. "I would rather never see a cave again before I let an Elf go unaccompanied on this journey," Gimli said looking at Legolas. "I shall go to keep you out of harm's way." He joined the standing party. Legolas smiled down on his stout friend. "I have seen Mordor. I will lend what knowledge I have." Frodo sounded resigned as he stood. "I can't let you go alone, Mr Frodo. It just wouldn't be right." Sam jumped up, determined to follow his master and loyal friend. "And me!" "And me too!" No one was surprised to see Merry and Pippin join the party. Somewhat hesitantly the strange Man stood. "I will go, to honour the memory of my brother." It was then that Kayla realised that the Man was Faramir, Steward of Gondor, whose late brother was Boromir, member of the Fellowship of the Ring.
Galadriel looked at the eight standing people. She was about to speak when Kayla suddenly stood. "I don't know what part I play in all of this, but I'm not gonna be left here to find out. I'm coming too." She was greeted by looks of shock and dismay. Gimli's voice broke the silence. "She is a mere woman. What can she bring to the company?" The rest of the fellowship started voicing their concerns. Only Legolas and Aragorn stayed silent. Legolas looked as if he would rather be any place but the council and Aragorn looked like he, too, would like to voice his concerns, but thought better of it. Kayla noted that look and filed it away for future reference.
Kayla made to speak in her defence, but Gandalf beat her to it. "I believe that she is stronger than we give her credit for." Gandalf was quick to refute Gimli and the Fellowship. "Given time she may become a valuable member of Middle Earth." Galadriel spoke next. "So it shall be. You are the new Fellowship, not of nine but now of ten." Her word was as good as golden, and there were no more arguments. There were, however, several doubting looks cast in Kayla's direction. Galadriel spoke again. "There is food prepared. Please, go and enjoy it." People started to move off. "Kayla.Aragorn, I wish to speak with you for a moment."
After everyone had left, save Galadriel, Kayla, Aragorn and Gandalf; Galadriel sat back down in her seat. "Kayla, as I mentioned before, Mithrandir and I have spoken about what you saw in your dream. As I have only heard Mithrandir tell it, I want you now to tell it to me in all the detail you can remember."
Kayla related the dream; as much as she could remember, to the people around her. She felt herself blushing as she told of her conversation with Legolas, but she did not leave anything out. It could be crucial to the survival of Middle Earth, much as she loathed thinking it. How could a pointless dream save a world from evil?
She finished to see the faces of Gandalf and Galadriel looking thoughtful, and Aragorn looking slightly uncomfortable. Aragorn could also sense Kayla's discomfort. Aragorn could not understand why he had to hear it but did not have to wait long to find out.
"Aragorn, after hearing this, do you agree with the suspicions of the Lady and myself?" Gandalf asked. "I certainly believe that she plays a part in the coming days, but I cannot say for sure. I am, however, willing to help Kayla out wherever I can." Kayla flashed him a grateful smile.
" Is it correct to assume that you have no skill with a blade or bow?" Galadriel asked Kayla. "I have never needed to know how." Kayla wanted to know where this was going. "And you have never ridden a horse before?" "Not until a few days ago." "Aragorn, would you be able to teach the basic skills she will require to defend herself if the need arrives?" "Certainly." He seemed worried. He was unsure about how well she would adapt in the limited time they had.
The next few days were spent in a flurry of activity. Kayla was always busy, never a minute to relax. She had archery lessons with the Elf, Haldir. She practiced with the sword and riding under Aragorn's instruction. She knew she was a fast learner, but how quickly she picked the skills up surprised even herself.
"And you have never done any work with a blade before?" Aragorn questioned her during a lesson. "No, not before this. Why?" "Well you look very comfortable with the blade, like you have used it many times before. I talked to Haldir and he says you are the same with the bow. And I also see it with your riding. I have never seen anyone pick it up so easily. It has if you have been doing it all your life." "But I haven't." "I know. But you have picked up the skills to rival an Elf in as little as two days." "You seriously think that I could beat an Elf?" Kayla was amazed. The Elves were the best warriors in Middle Earth. "I think you could do a lot more than you think. If only there was time to train you properly."
"How much time do we have?" Kayla regretted asking that question. She didn't want to know how long they had left. She was having fun, learning new skills and staying with the Elves. "We leave tomorrow." Aragorn sounded as of he did not want to leave either. "It is getting late. We leave at dawn. You should go and get some sleep. Who knows when we will be able to get proper rest after tomorrow." Kayla moved and gave Aragorn a hug, much to his surprise. She let go, only to see his puzzled face. "What was that for?" "You have been so kind to me. Thank you. You have been a friend when I needed one most." Kayla turned and headed off to bed.