Chapter III: The Alliance of the Free Peoples
PRINCESS ADORA'S DIARY
UNKNOWN DATE
I do not know how long I was in a swoon but, when I awoke, I found myself in a cave lying on a cot. The arrows had been removed and the wounds were covered in ice bags and bandages, and standing next to the bed was table prepared with food and drink, I was alive.
My mouth tasted like something had died in it and my throat was soar from all the retching I did, and my head was throbbing. My muscles were still tender where the arrows had dug into them, but the ice managed to dull the pain. I tried to move my limbs, but could only move my arms just enough to reach the tray, I was still paralyzed for the most part.
My mind was still reeling from the death of Spirit; the way he died was an act of sacrilege. He was the last of Etheria's Flying Unicorns; the companion of Kalion, the Goddess and was privy to the inner workings of the Divine; the gnosis he gained would make even the most devout holy man envious, and yet he was butchered like a cow. I knew it was unhealthy to dwell on such dark thoughts, so Id decided to regain my strength by eating something.
The food laid before me consisted of some simple fruits and a pitcher of water with a drinking glass. The fruits were of varied kinds including succulent berries, apples, oranges, pears and pomegranates, the site of them was too tempting to pass by, so I immediately began to eat them.
It felt so good to have food in my stomach again; they tasted better than the Eden Fruits that Queen Angella grows in her garden. The water stung my throat a bit, but it felt so good to be rid of that disgusting bitterness in my mouth.
After I had my fill of food, I decided to rest a bit to regain my strength, so I closed my eyes and went to sleep, hoping that Hypnos would wash away my pain.
I don't know how long I slept this time, probably about two hours, but when I woke up, I saw a strange man kneeling beside my bed, he was tall with brown hair and blue eyes, he had a regal bearing to him that could of easily make a person nervous. I did not know how to react, I tried to reach my sword but couldn't, with what feeling I had in my neck I could tell it wasn't in its scabbard.
"Who are you" I demanded to know, "Did Hordak send you to kill me like he did my horse" I snapped at him.
"I mean you no harm" he responded, for a man who had been accused of being in league with Hordak he seemed calm, like he was confident of his innocence "I am Aragorn son of Arathorn" he announced as he stood up and bowed politely. "It is unusual to get travelers from far off lands here, tell me what is your name" he asked me
"I am She-Ra" I answered " Tell me Aragorn, What happened to me, that I ended up here" I asked him, I was still confused as to what happened. The last thing I remember was looking into Spirit's eyes and seeing him die and now I am here in this cave.
"You were found outside Orthanc, two hobbits named Merry and Pippin brought you here to recover from your wounds," he told me, as he sat sharpening his sword. His mind seemed to be focused on other things, dark things.
"Where is my sword?" I asked, I feared the worse, if any of my enemies had the sword in their possession; they could destroy me and all I love without moving a finger.
"Do you mean this weapon" Aragorn asked as he pulled out the sword from a scabbard he had strapped on his back, he seemed transfixed by it, I could see that he respected weapons and knew something about the power the sword contained.
He handed it to me, it felt good to have the Sword in my hands again, "thank you" I replied. I could feel the power of Grayskull course through me revitalizing me. I knew what I had to do.
"Aragorn, sir, could I have a moment to myself" I asked politely, I was already transformed into She-Ra but still I didn't want anyone to even see me say the incantation.
"Of course, if you need anything just call" he told me as he got up and left the cave.
Once I was sure that he was far enough I raised my arm in the air as far I as could and spoke the incantation "For the Honor of Grayskull…" I could feel the Elder's powers leave the sword and surge through my battered body, I could feel the poison leave my body; my muscles were soon healed and I could move them once more; my bodily fluids were replenished; and the scars where the arrows had been vanished.
"I am She-Ra" I declared to world and with those words the transformation ended I was restored to health and ready to complete my mission.
THE ACCOUNT OF THE EVENTS OF THE END OF THE THIRD AGE OF MIDDLE EARTH AS UNDERSTOOD BY SARUMAN THE WISE.
3 MARCH 3019 III
The accursed Ents have imprisoned me here in Isengard, my breeding chambers and dungeons were destroyed, and the land has been flooded.
However, what makes matters worse is that accursed Hordak has betrayed me; this whole event has made me think about the ancient prophecy and until now I thought rubbish but now its meaning has become clear:
In the last days the Queen of the noble Shira will return to Middle Earth, Adoray will command the respect of the elves and men and unite as Gil-galad and Elendil did in the great battle. Then as victory is within her grasp Melkor's son, who does not know of his father's nature will storm the land with his armies and actively seek out Sauron's prize.
Obviously this girl, who entered the land was Queen Adoray of the Shira, the way Hordak described the sword she holds attests to that fact and moreover Hordak is Melkor's son- no doubt his "Horde Prime" is another name of the First Dark Lord and he actively seeks out the one Ring which is 'Sauron's Prize'
I ordered Grima to keep me updated on Hordak's progress, he may be evil but Sauron is the incarnation of all evil and a clash between the two would be an opportunity for me to gain more power either by allying myself with Hordak again or to go back to serving Sauron.
LORD HORDAK'S JOURNAL
35th DAY IN THE FOURTH YEAR OF MY OCCUPATION OF ETHERIA
At dawn my forces and me met outside Isengard, "you all remember the plan, right?" I asked them, they all nodded in affirmation.
After I made sure we were ready to go I ordered Shadow Weaver to open a portal to the gates of Mordor. It would be the fastest way to reach Mount Doom and claim the Ring of Power for my own.
Weaver did as told, and we stepped trough the portal and with seconds arrived at the borders of Mordor itself.
The gate that stood in front of us was massive, guarded on all sides, it would be enough to scare off most mortals, but I was unphased.
I walked up to the gate and cried out "OPEN THIS GATE FOR THE DEVOUT SERVANT OF HORDE PRIME- GOD OF ALL EVIL IN THE UNIVERSE" instantly the gate opened and a man on horseback wearing black armor stepped out.
"Who are you that demand entry into this dark land?" he asked as he observed my troops and me, it was evident that this was his first encounter with the Horde; I could tell he sensed the blackness of our hearts.
"I am Hordak, Ruthless Leader of the Evil Horde; Dark Lord of the planets Eternia and Etheria; Lord of the Dark Hemisphere; Master of the Fright Zone; Monarch of the Terrible Dimension of Despondos; and son to his divine Excellency, Horde Prime of Horde World and this is my High Priestess and advisor Shadow Weaver" I announced in typical Horde fashion.
He once again looked at my men and declared "Hordak Son of Horde Prime what business do you have in my master's land?" he asked
I knew if I told that I was seeking the Ring that he would not let me in, I had come too far in my journey to be denied entry into this land so I lied "Horde Prime has heard of your master's power wishes to make himself a devout servant of Sauron, he has sent me to seek approval and to donate my troops as sign of good will between Mordor and Horde World"
The rider dismounted from his steed and came up to me he drew his sword and said "you must swear by your blood that you will serve Mordor and only Mordor."
I took the sword form him and cut my biological hand and swore "I Hordak of Etheria once called Ralabad, swear by the Gnostics, Light Hope, the Magi, the Elders of Grayskull, and most importantly by Horde Prime on Horde World that I dedicate and consecrate my forces to the almighty will of Sauron, Lord of Mordor and will serve only him lest I suffer hellfire" The blood dripped from hand the only thing was since I had also put my old name in the vow the oath was nullified.
The man stared at my men, and me as if he did not believe my oath, finally he proclaimed, "Sauron welcomes you, Hordak Son of Horde Prime, assemble your men near Barad-dûr and prepare to receive orders."
"Thank you " I said as my men marched into the kingdom of Mordor. I could feel the evil this place exuded; it reminded of Horde World and even to some extent Despondos. I closed my eyes and searched for the Ring, like on the mountains I could hear the Ring cry out, but instead of a whisper or an echo this was scream, it cried out in pain it was going to be destroyed, I also saw where the Ring was on the slopes of Mount Doom, I had to prevent it from being destroyed.
PRINCESS ADORA'S DIARY
35th DAY IN THE THIRD YEAR OF THE HORDE'S OCCUPATION OF ETHERIA
Now that I am fully recovered, thanks to the power of Castle Grayskull, I thought it was time to continue as search for Hordak and the Ring, to do this I would need allies, men and women who uphold justice and abjure evil, and I found such a person in the character of Aragorn.
"Aragorn, I need to see you for a second" I called out from the cave. I wasn't sure how he would react to my rapid healing; a person who has no knowledge of Castle Grayskull and its fabulous powers would easily mistake them for some sort of black magic. However, I had to risk it; if Hordak was to be defeated and this Ring of Power destroyed, I would the cooperation, nay the friendship of this Aragorn to see me to my goal.
After a few he came in, "Is there something I can do for…" his question was cut off when he saw me in full health. "By Elbereth, never I have seen such powers of healing in either the elves or men "he exclaimed. "How could you have been so near death and now stand as healthy as a newborn." He said in awe.
"Aragorn can you keep a secret?" I asked, the only way to explain him how was healed was to explain to him the power of Grayskull.
He went on bended knee, drew his sword and stated "You I have my word as wielder of the Flame of the West, that whatever you discourse to me will be kept in confidence between me, you, and my allies." He swore. He was serious, the Magi once said, "A man who swears by his sword is true to his word" and I began to tell him about the History of Castle Grayskull and the Sword of Protection.
When I was finished telling the tale I told of my mission to stop Hordak from possessing the one Ring.
"To go to Mordor is no easy task, and few have survived" he warned me his eyes full of concern. "And what will you do once you find the Ring, it will destroy you. I have seen its effects" he continued he seemed, as if he was fearing for my life.
"I have to destroy it, if Hordak gets it all of the universe will be his for the taking," I told him.
"It is already on its way to being destroyed, two friends of mine on their way to the Mountain of Doom on a mission similar to yours" he replied.
"Then I must go to see it be destroyed" I told him, it wasn't that did not trust his word, but I had to see the act being done so could report back to Angella that Ring had been destroyed.
He looked at me and said "Tomorrow at dawn me and my allies are go to confront the Dark Lord, if it is your mission to see the Ring annihilated then your are welcome to come with us" he told me.
"Thank you" I replied and went to my cot, and went to sleep.
THE PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF ARAGORN, SON OF ARATHRON OF THE WAR OF THE RING
3 MARCH 3019 III
Many a strange thing has happened since the fall of Isengard, key among them is the appearance of She-Ra of the lands of Etheria. She posses a strange sword call the Sword of Protection, the strange weapon, which seems to be not of this world is imbued with magical powers linked to restoration of her family's lost honor.
When I first met her, I had sense that she might the mythical Queen Adoray of the Shira, powerful female spirit warriors who were said to inhabit this land, at first it was a s hunch an guess more of a vague feeling. Now that I have heard a part of her history, I feel she is hiding something, but that is her affairs, that she is as Shira.
The mention of a Gray Skull Castle reminds and a family honor that was lost reminds of that ancient prophecy:
The Shira will emerge from the Castle of the Gray Skull and fight for their honor, their Swords will protect them and their horses shall be as swift as the wind. Adoray will bring Light and Hope to both men and elves and ensure the downfall of evil
While, I was becoming sure of her position as a Shira, I still was not sure if it was a hundred percent true, I am a layman when comes to prophecy and might be reading the lines out of context. There was only one way to be sure, I had to confer with Gandalf.
Later that night as we planning our attack for the morning, I brought the subject up in conversation, "Gandalf, do you think that this 'She-Ra' is perhaps a Shira or maybe even their queen, Adoray" I asked him.
Everyone present turned to look at me, the legend of Queen Adoray was familiar to them, but the notion that she was real and that she has returned seemed to strike a chord with everyone.
"Aragorn, the Shira are pure myth, everyone knows that there is no such think as the Castle of the Gray Skull; the Shira; Melkor's Son; and Queen Adoray; it's all a fairytale" King Théoden replied.
"Do not be too sure, remember, we were just as quick to assume that the One Ring was lost forever and we were wrong about that" Gandalf corrected the King of Rohan.
Soon the entire table was embroiled in argument, all I had wanted to know is whether or not our visitor was a Shira, I did not care what people thought of the prophecy's truth or not just a simple affirmation of my hunch. In despair and disgust I walked out of the tent.
After awhile Gandalf walked out to console me, "your question was valid Aragorn" he assured me as he sat down beside me.
"But is she a Shira or not" I asked him frankly; I needed to know who this person was and why was she here.
" I cannot answer that, but I do know one thing…" he replied cryptically, as he looked at the cave where She-Ra was sleeping.
"What's that?" I asked him eager to know what he was keeping for from me.
He paused for moment as if to collect himself, and replied, "She fights on our side, Aragorn. Her heart is pure, and I sense no deception in her words, She may or may not be a Shira, that is beyond even my sight, but what I do see is a woman who has incredible strength and fortitude enhanced by some great magic, more powerful than mine" he said as he stood up. "Come we must prepare for tomorrow" Gandalf told me and we went to bed.
PRINCESS ADORA'S JOURNAL
35th DAY IN THE THIRD YEAR OF THE HORDES OCCUPATION OF ETHERIA
Last night I had a strange dream, I was lost, I was in a forest, but I did not know the way out, then just as I feared I would never get home, I saw a clearing and in the clearing was woman dressed in white.
"Do not fear, Adora She-Ra, daughter of Randor and Marlena, Lord and Lady of Eternos you are safe here," she told me.
She took me aback, how did she know that I was Adora and She-Ra; how did she know that King Randor and Queen Marlena were my parents; and who did she know they were called 'Lord and Lady of Eternos', I had to find out.
"Who are you?" I asked her as I approached the clearing, knots began to form in my stomach as approached the woman, I wanted answers, was she a servant of Hordak or an emissary of Light Hope, I was confused.
"I am Galadriel, Lady of Light and queen of Lothlorien," she told me, a feeling of purity, almost identical to that of Light Hope surrounded her and a sense of calm pervaded her being. I suddenly felt peace not fear from her.
"I know why you are here, Adora, to stop the Lord of the Dark Hemisphere from finding the Ring of Power" she announced, her sense of clairvoyance was astounding, how did she know that Hordak is called the 'Lord of Dark Hemisphere', a title bestowed on him because he was the one who made that half of Eternia dark.
I wanted to ask her how she knew this but before I could she continued, "Be warned Adora, those who seek the Ring of Power even to destroy it are easily corrupted by it" she warned me, she seemed to know of what this Ring could do, but I knew that I would never be tempted to used.
"I will not fall to the Ring" I told her, I would not become some pawn for evil to use against the forces of good, it was not in my nature to be evil, not since I broke free of the Horde's control over me and took my destiny as the Restorer of Grayskull's Honor.
"Come and see how well you stood up against the Ring" she invited me as she beckoned me beside her.
We walked for about a mile I did not talk during this walk, there something about this Galadriel that required respect for her, a feeling I have only felt in the presence of three other beings Angella, Light Hope, and the Sorceress of Grayskull.
Finally, we reached the end of the clearing, and standing in front of us was a silver font of water on a pedestal. Beside the pedestal there was a silver pitcher sitting to a waterfall, the sound of which filled my inmost being with serenity and peace.
"This is the mirror of Galadriel, it shows thing that were; that are; and will be," he explained as she picked the pitcher and filled with water from the waterfall. She took the pitcher and pored the water into the font and beckoned me, Come Adora see what you may"
I looked in the water, I saw nothing at first but then an image appeared, I saw Hordak and Skeletor's head on platters of gold, "Hordak and Skeletor are dead?" I questioned her, "Who killed them?" I questioned a second time.
"You will see, you will see," she whispered, as she pointed to the font.
I looked again into the font, this time I saw an Eternia and Etheria devastated by war; cities were razed and Castle Grayskull; the Crystal Castle; and even the Fright Zone and Snake Mountain were in ruins. I also saw my family and friends all killed- it frightened me. "Who did this atrocity?" I demanded to know.
"Look closer and you will see the villain," she told me still pointing to the water.
I looked in and saw the throne room of Castle Grayskull, the Sorceress and Zodak lie dead at the foot of the throne. I could see a woman and the throne her was obscured. But when I saw just who was on the throne I screamed with Horror- It was me.
"No! I'd never kill my friends," I shouted at my guide "Never" I shook my head in disbelief.
"You are wondering how could this happen" she told me, this revelation did seem to upset her, I guess because she's not the one who just all she had worked for go down the drain.
"Why! Why are you showing this to me!" I cried, I was mortified how could I let myself do these atrocities
"The Ring of Power corrupted you, Adora. You used not only to destroy your enemies but your friends as well. But despair not, for you can avoid this" she comforted me.
"How can this be avoided?" I asked wanting to know how to avoid this apocalyptic nightmare. I would do anything to prevent the deaths of family and friends anything.
"Just remember your honor and you will not fall to the Ring," she said
"But how?" I asked, but I did not get answer for it was then that I woke up.