See part one for disclaimer. Responses to reviews at end of chapter.
NOTE: It was bought to my attention by catherinexxix that some glitch with fanfiction.net kept her from getting the author alert for the last chapter. I know some of you may have had the same trouble without realizing it, so this is just a quick note to you all that there was indeed a chapter 22 before this! I want to thank everyone for reviewing. I've never had so many reviews before and it means a lot to me. Fire Eagle bumped this up to 300! I will try to keep updating quickly. I do still have a POTC fic to finish, and I have an idea for a really long LOTR fic once this one is finished. Thanks again everyone! Keep reading!
Encroaching Darkness Part 23
By Ecri
Saruman silently cursed the elves and Gandalf the Grey for having found a way to save the Ranger. He did not believe the human was of any importance. He did not believe the man could be Isildur's heir. Saruman was convinced that Sauron himself only acted on the slightest possibility of it being so. He did not doubt that, if he could contrive a way for it to be done, Sauron would see all men of Middle-earth destroyed just to be certain Isildur's heir was killed. Regardless, Saruman had intended for the man to die. It was some achievement he could have used as proof of his servitude. He grimaced at the notion. Even the thought of that word grated at his soul! Servitude indeed! Sauron could not begin to guess Saruman's true plans! Middle-earth would bow to the White Wizard and deny the Dark Lord. His pretense would have been made simpler had he the body of a dead Ranger to show the Enemy.
The Wizard could not believe that his plans had been so completely altered. It was that cursed Prince! Legolas Greenleaf had thwarted him. Somehow the creature had destroyed the cloth of death and doubt he had woven with his skillful words. Somehow the creature had brought light to push back the shadow. It was also the young prince's fault that Thranduil was still a concern. If not for his condition, if not for the concern of his eldest brother, Saruman was sure Thranduil would have passed the Kingship to Aglarelen and then himself passed to Valinor. As it stood, Mirkwood still retained the one King who could still defeat the darkness that closed in upon the Woodland Realm.
The irony struck him deeply. If he had never taken the young elf's elvishness, if Legolas were still the immortal he had been born to be, not only would his natural healing abilities would have made short work of his injuries, but also this band of travelers would never have left Rivendell at all.
There was little he could do about what had already been done. The elf was no longer an elf, and though he could easily restore the prince, he would not. His hatred of the creature who has so befouled his plans would be placated the knowledge that he had stolen his immortal life. He had severed this creature's connection to Arda. He smiled at the thought that none here could find a way to reverse the spell. They were neither powerful nor intelligent enough to detect what he had done.
He realized that he Ranger would live, but he would not dwell on such an insignificant failure. The man meant nothing to him, and would mean nothing to Middle-earth regardless of how long he lived.
The most carefully considered plans could easily adapt to such minor setbacks, and Saruman's plans were always carefully considered. He had yet to have a plan fail to come to fruition, and this would be no exception. Through his own diligence and quick intelligence he would yet hold sway over the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. This need not be a complete failure, after all, and he might yet gain some advantage from it.
Elrohir and Glorfindel had succumbed to his spell. He had thought they would be easily taken by the orcs who would have then escorted the two to Orthanc. He might have had them as well as Mirkwood's young prince! Imagining what creatures could be wrought from such specimens, and what advances he could have made with subjects so ripe to be bent to his will, he felt the fresh flush of fury flood his mind. With great effort, he calmed his understandable rage. It was not to be. He would change his plans, for, with Gandalf aware of the spell, if not the purpose of it, the disappearance of any of them in the near future would arouse too much suspicion.
There was little he could do now but remove the spell.
His thoughts were interrupted. The Lady Galadriel came to stand by her afflicted grandson. She stared into his eyes, and Saruman sensed some strange magic emanating from her touch. What it could be, he did not know. The surprise of it was more than he could stand.
The Lady of the Golden Wood had gained a reputation as a Sorceress or a Witch in some circles, but Saruman had not heard tell that there was any truth to such outlandish stories. Could the Lady have acquired some knowledge of magic? Some talisman that could name him as he who had cast the spell on her grandson and Glorfindel? Could she be a threat to his plans? Saruman stepped closer to the Noldor elves, grandmother and grandson, and awaited his opportunity.
**
Galadriel stared into the eyes of her grandson. Gandalf's words had shaken her, and she knew she could not lose this child–elfling he might not be to his own eyes, but to her, one so young could be considered naught but a child. In truth only Celeborn, Mithrandir, and Saruman were of an age to hers. She was surrounded by youth. The eldest of her race had reached the shores of Valinor.
Thoughts of the Undying Lands led her wandering mind to her daughter already awaiting her family on those distant white shores. Galadriel knew that if Elrohir fell to some malady, Elladan would not be long for this world. Whether the eldest of her grandchildren succumbed to the final torment of elven grief and fled to Mandos' Hall–which she thought likely if anything befell his twin–or sought the healing grace of Valinor and his mother's loving embrace, Elrond's path would be clear. Galdriel knew Elrond could not survive such loss unless he sailed immediately to Valinor, and without Arwen, he would not do it.
Undomiel, of course, would not go. Galadriel had foreseen that before the fair Evenstar's birth. It was a secret she had shared only with her husband. Elrond and Celebrian would not have taken such news well in the first flush of excitement when she had just been born. In the interceding years, it had not seemed possible that a light as fair as Arwen's could fade, so Galadriel had put the prophecy out of mind.
Elrond, she knew, had always believed that each of his children would choose as he had and sail to Valinor. Galadriel knew, as did Celeborn, that the reverse was true. None of Elrond's children would choose the way of the Eldar.
The pain of losing his twin, Elros, to the choice of a mortal life had been a burden that had nearly crippled Elrond. She had expected him to sail then, but he had somehow survived. He had not, however, remained unscathed by the experience. Loss of his twin–and later, separation from his wife, had left Elrond bereft of hope. Until hope had been returned to him in the guise of a small human child Elrond had clearly named not for the sake of the men who would one day be delivered, but for the gift the child had given him.
She smiled at that thought. In many ways, Estel had returned Elrond to himself. The small child, dependent upon him for protection, had found a way into the elf lord's heart.
The Choice of the Children of the Half-Elven, however, remained far in the future. Whatever had befallen Elrohir had not been a part of Eru's original plan. This had been done to him by some foul fiend, and as long as she drew breath, Galadriel would not allow such an abomination if she could find a way to prevent it.
Holding Elrohir's hands, she smiled at him. "You are weary." She told him, allowing her voice to soothe him. "Do not be afraid." She held a hand then over his eyes, and it seemed her touch sent him into some slumber unnaturally deep for an elf, for when she moved her hand away from them, his eyes were closed.
She closed her own eyes, unwilling to look upon her daughter's husband until she could assure him that his son would be well.
Spirit to spirit, she and Elrohir sought answers to his strange condition. She felt it worsening even as she held him to her. She felt a great despair wash over her as a strangely comforting voice reached her ears. The words were kind, the tone concerned, but they stirred only despondency.
She opened her eyes then, and stared into the ones that beheld her. Saruman the White had long held his exalted position as Chief of the Istari, and Galadriel, though she had met him on rare occasions, had never had the thought of ascertaining the bent of his mind. Now, almost casually, she did so, or rather, she tried. Never had a mind been so completely closed to her. Never had a thought been so well guarded.
She opened her mouth to speak, but the words did not come. Something was amiss, yet she could not say what it was.
**
Saruman's deepest concern was that one of the Elves, or perhaps Gandalf himself, might uncover his connection to the Dark Lord. It was not likely, but Galadriel seemed drawn to help her grandson, he could fathom no reason for such anxiety as he saw in her eyes except that she sensed something. Saruman had cast the spell that afflicted both Elrohir and Glorfindel rather suddenly. Such magic, cast almost carelessly, might be traced. If he were identified as the source, his plans would be revealed long before he willed it.
The Lady of the Golden Wood possessed some magic. Of that he was certain. In watching her movements and her gestures, minute thought they be, he discerned something of magic at her command. What it was, he could not guess, nor did he think it threat enough to distract him now. Whatever magic she wielded, it would not be enough to undo his, but it might be enough to detect his. He needed to buy time. To keep her away from the pair of elves and from the Mirkwood princeling until he could determine the wisest course of action. It would take some doing, but he was confident. After all, none here could claim to be his match in magic, power, or intellect.
"Leave them to rest." He whispered. "I will consult what few scrolls I carry whenever I travel. Perhaps I can remember some spell of protection or reversal."
Galadriel hesitated.
"You look weary, my dear. Perhaps you should rest as well." Saruman used all the magic of his voice. Tone and pitch conveyed only affection and care for her well being.
He gestured for Celeborn. "She should rest. You all should. You have battled the Dark Lord's Sorcerers. It is late, and once already your slumber has been interrupted. A night's rest will give you the strength you will need to face the morrow." He noted with satisfaction how each who heard his voice seemed to grow ever wearier until it took all of their concentration to remain upright and awake. Before long the guard was set, those who could eat were doing so, and those who could not were drifting into a deep sleep.
Elrohir and Glorfindel seemed at ease, and the others seemed satisfied that they had accomplished a great deal.
Gandalf alone seemed edgy.
Saruman settled himself as though to sleep, but kept a watchful eye on his Grey colleague. He would need to remain alert, but Grey could not conquer White.
**
Gandalf found himself agreeing with Saruman's words. It had cost him much to do what he had done for Estel and Legolas. He glanced at the two, once more in their fathers' arms and nodded in relief that they both seemed well. Rest would do more good than standing about wishing they could find some way to help Elrohir and Glorfindel. Saruman was wise indeed, and Gandalf was grateful that he had found his way to their little group.
He walked to Elrond's side and gestured to the peacefully sleeping human cradled in the Elf Lord's arms. "He sleeps?"
Elrond nodded. "It seems an easy rest, though a deep one. He was near to death if Galadriel's visions can be believed."
"Ah! Never is she wrong."
"But Estel did not die."
Gandalf smiled. "She did not say he would. She only claimed he was dying. He was."
Elrond smiled in return. "Puzzles and riddles. I can always count upon you for such things."
Gandalf's smile widened, and he wished the Elf Lord good night.
**
Elrohir dreamed. His mind walked the golden fields of elven sleep seeking peace, comfort, and beauty. It was while he dreamed that he felt some presence at the edge of awareness. Unsure if it were some part of his dream, or someone standing by him in the waking world, he merely watched for a moment.
He felt a light yet caress across his brow, a hint, a tickle of feeling, but when it had gone he knew this presence to be his grandmother. Galadriel watched over him as he slept. He saw her but rarely, but he knew Arwen was with her often. When he and Elladan tired in their endless pursuit of orcs, they would return to the Golden Wood and there allow the love and presence of Arwen and Galadriel to soothe their tired spirits.
Now, seeing her, feeling her above him this way, Elrohir felt the same sense of safety and healing that permeated Lothlorien. He relaxed and released the worries he had felt weighing heavy upon him, and allowed peace to claim him.
**
Glorfindel stood and moved to stand beside the Lady of the Golden Wood. She stood by Elrohir, having attempted sleep, but returned soon after.
"My Lady, Saruman suggested rest" He was surprised when she cut off his words. Galadriel was a patient elf. For her to interrupt him was a surprise.
Immediately, the Lady turned to face him, her eyes betraying her worry for her grandson, and for all who had been injured. "There is more here than we can tell." She gestured to Elrohir, and knelt by him, lightly stroking the creases from his forehead. In moments, a contented expression had replaced the troubled one he'd worn. "The spell Gandalf senses is no sleeping spell. I would know what it is."
Glordindel nodded, and, without hesitation, knelt before her. "I am similarly afflicted, My Lady. If it would help" He let the sentence trail knowing she would know what he meant.
She smiled at him and extended a hand and hand it over his eyes. As Elrohir had earlier, Glorfindel slipped into some slumber unnaturally deep for an elf.
She examined him. Of that, he was certain. He felt her presence, though it was comforting and not unwelcome and harsh as had been the strange moments when this condition seemed to hit him. "My Lady" he gasped, but was not sure if it were dream or actual speech. He felt her surprise as she searched for some clue as to the spell used upon him. Had she found something? So quickly? He paused for breath, and in his mind, begged to know what had happened. He heard her light laughter mingled with her words as she spoke to him. "It is well, mellonin. The spell has no strong hold upon you."
Suddenly, he was awake and blinking. "Do you" He paused, his attention attempting to decide if he had dreamed it all. "Do you know what spell this was?"
"I know its purpose. I must confer with Gandalf." She rose gracefully and her gentle gliding step took her to the Grey Wizard's side.
**
Celeborn approached Gandalf as his Lady drew near him. He would know what Galdariel had discovered, for he was certain she had indeed found something. He stood unobtrusive as she spoke to the Wizard.
"The spell's purposeI could not tell before, but I am certain it is meant to do no more than we witnessed."
"Disorient?" Gandalf's brows crossed at the revelation and Celeborn could see him trying to reason out this puzzle.
Galadriel inclined her head slightly in a more refined imitation of the human nod. "It was hastily cast. It should have struck at once and not waxed and waned as it did. He who cast it wished to separate two of our number from us. For what purpose I cannot tell, but it surely must be a sinister one."
Gandalf nodded and cast an eye to Elrohir and Glorfindel.
Celeborn did not speak, though his mind reeled at the thought. Two of their number meant to fall by the wayside. Two elves meant towhat? Be taken as captives? By whom? It seemed what answers they discovered would only beget more questions.
Gandalf spoke drawing the Lord's attention. "Can it be undone?"
Celeborn stepped forward. He was unwilling to interrupt, but a question had plagued him. "Can a spell cast by a now dead wizard be removed at all?"
Gandalf turned to look at the elven lord, and Celeborn saw an odd glimmer in his eye that spoke of a most unappetizing notion have been planted in his mind. "We can only try. Countering such magic can be demanding, but there are enough of us here who wield such elvish spells that we should be able to make some difference."
He turned to Galadriel and Celeborn noted the flush of concern on his face. "Is there any immediate danger? I would not use even so benevolent a spell as weary as I am, but if you sense some imminent threat, we should see to it now."
Celeborn saw Galadriel's hesitation. "What is it, melethnin?" (My love)
"I am well, my husband." She turned to address Gandalf. "I would not leave them unprotected, but if we can simply cast some spell of protection I think we may rest easily until morning."
Gandalf nodded and walked towards the two elves. In a matter of moments, he had cast a light protection spell over the two.
"There! No magic can touch them until Gandalf I remove that spell!" Satisfied he bid the Lord and Lady good evening.
They returned his well wishes, and Celeborn and Galadriel lingered a moment by the still sleeping Elrohir and the just drifting off Glorfindel.
"Is your mind eased, my wife?"
"As eased as it is possible for it to be without us having returned to Lothlorien."
Celeborn nodded. "When we have removed that spell, perhaps we should begin the return journey. Our injured brethren will find better rest in the Golden Wood."
Galadriel smiled. "If they are well enough for travel, yes. I myself desire to be much further from the mouth of this cave when next I seek rest."
Celeborn decided to speak to Elrond about this in the morning. Surely something could be done. Estel could ride with Elladan, perhaps, and Legolas with either Thranduil or Aglarelen for he doubted either could sit a horse. The Golden Wood was several weeks away, but once there, the rest the injured would receive could not be rivaled.
Yes, they would resume their journey on the morrow.
**
Saruman cursed his luck. Gandalf the Fool had ruined his plans! He'd waited for Galadriel and Gandalf to leave the elves, but instead they had cast a spell of protection. He could not touch them! He might have tried to counter the spell, but countering a protection spell required careful preparation, and he had no time for such a thing.
He knew that he would have to work with great speed in the morning to remove the spell before he was detected. He might have to leave it and risk discovery. He despised the uncertainty of it all!
His rage died as he considered his options. Cold and calculating, he realized he might yet be able to lay blame for this spell at Alatar's feet. Glorfindel had earlier spoken to Elrohir about their weakness in battle. The orcs had attacked inside the cavern. Saruman determined that he could cast a spell upon the cavern itself and remove it. Gandalf and Galadriel would notice only that magic had been used. Perhaps then, he could cast a spell on Elrohir and Glorfindel that would erase that one he had cast, yet would seem like one Alatar would have cast. It would bear some thought, and certainly some study.
Saruman returned to his horse. He had secreted some dark tomes within his saddlebags. He rummaged through them and removed the heaviest books. He saw then the horse staring at him. He despised the creature, but if possible to ride, he refused to walk. Glaring at the horse, he began to walk past it, when with no warning, it gave a snort and clamped its teeth hard upon Saruman's shoulder.
Yelping in pain, he struck the horse twice before it released him.
Elrond was by his side in an instant having witnessed the entire thing. "Allow me to look at that, Saruman."
Impatient to be alone with his research, Saruman shook his head. "It is nothing, Lord Elrond."
"I insist! You are doing so much for us"
"It is nothing, Lord Elrond." Saruman repeated testily. "I am well."
He felt the elf lord's eyes staring at him as he moved away, but he did not deign to address the fool again. He had much work to do this night, and he had not the time to spare for creatures normally beneath his notice.
To Be Continued
Grumpy: Thanks for your review! Estel and Legolas both are more able to do a thing if it's for someone else's sake, I think. (Well, of course, I think so. That's why I wrote it that way!) I hope you like that Saruman didn't actually touch Elrohir and Glorfindel!
Catherinexxix: Thanks for reviewing. Of course! I have to make sure you'll come back. I like to know someone's reading this! I'm glad you like how everyone senses something wrong but quickly denies the idea. I was hoping that came across as both their certainty that Saruman is on their side, and partially Saruman's words being able to convince them, magically, that he's on their side. Hee! You're partial to our Grey Wizard, too, aren't you? Thanks for that thought. I was hoping that wasn't tooover the top. Don't worry. More soon!
Sparrow Greenleaf: Yes, Saruman = evil. It's a shame no one knows that except us! Aragorn and Legolas needed that hug! Thanks for reviewing.
Tychen: I thought that bit with Thranduil would go over big! I really just write what I'd like to see, and so far everyone's responding positively to that! There's quite a bit more to come. Saruman's not likely to benefit, however. Thanks for reviewing.
White Wolf1: Thanks for reviewing! Good idea waiting until ff.net recovered somewhat. You've described exactly the reactions I was going for! Thanks! Yes, the power of the friendship between Aragorn and Legolas is probably what keeps us all coming back for more!
Gozilla: Thanks for reviewing! More soon! BTW, thanks for reviewing The Path That Need Chooses. I've actually been thinking of a rewrite on some of those chapters to fix some of the more glaring errors. I'm thrilled you enjoyed it!
Estelreader: You really made my day! You like how I write all the characters? I'm overjoyed. I love these characters so much, and I'm thrilled my readers like what I'm doing with them. I put more Aragorn in because I realized I missed him. Don't worry. There's plenty more of him to come in the next few chapters. Aragorn is into the sacrificing of himself for the "greater good" so it seemed the way to go! To quote you: "OK - Faith brings back Hope and soon Hope will restore Faith. LOL! This is getting more profound than last Sunday's serman *g*. Please continue!" Hee! I love the way you put that! Yes, I will most certainly continue! Thanks for reviewing!
Sirithiliel: Oh, right! I forgot! I will post more soon. I already have a lot of ideas for the next chapter or two! Thanks for reviewing!
Silvertoekee: I agree with you about Aragorn! Hee! Saruman does deserve what he gets and more, but I have to be careful here about retribution since no one knows how corrupt he is yet. Of course, timeline-wise, he's probably not as corrupt here as he is in FOTR, TTT, and ROTK (Bookverse). Anyone know the actual timeframe for Saruman's fall? I think I have to go back and reread Unfinished Tales. Thanks for the review!
Gwyn: Thanks for the review! I'm glad you liked the chapter. I gather you didn't appreciate having to wait what with the last cliffie.
Jopru: Thanks! Sorry about the cliffie. This one wasn't quite so bad, was it? Next chapter soon! I promise!
Ryuujin Dragon King" (Ecri blushes ten shades of red!) Thanks so much! Wow! What a kind thing to say! Andwow! A Chocolate Bar the size of Texas? For that I'll try to finish the next chapter so quickly my computer buffer won't be able to keep up with me! Hee! That's the way to my heart! Large quantities of chocolate! I do try to give the characters equal attention, though I'm afraid I've made some more equal like others. (Like pigsexcuse the Orwell reference. I couldn't control myself!) I'm glad you like my Elladan and Elrohir so much! Legolas and Aragorn's relationship is a beautiful thing, though most of it is fanon. I think I've mentioned before that there is a basis in the books for it just in Legolas denying the sea longing for so long just for the sake of staying in Middle-earth until Aragorn dies. I'm glad you like what I've added to itwith Legolas/Faith and Aragorn/Hope. Thanks for reviewing!
Elven Kitten: Thanks for reviewing! I promise to post more soon!
Cosmic Castaway: I'm typing! I promise! I'm typing! Thanks for reviewing!
Gabby_the_elf: Thanks so much! That's so sweet! I'm glad you like it and I will post more soon! Thanks for reviewing!