Chapter Three Sorceresses and Stranger Things
Frodo paused to wipe sweat out of his eyes, and sighed. How much farther do you think it is, Sam?
Sam looked around, scratching his chin. That Elf, or whatever she was, told us to look for a fountain that had a broken sculpture of a dolphin and a winged horse, he said. I don't know what a dolphin is, but that certainly looks like a winged horse. He pointed straight ahead, to a jumble of broken marble so old that even the cracked edges had worn smooth.
Frodo felt his heart lift. And there's a tunnel next to it, he observed. At last! It seems like it's been forever since she saved us from the giant spider.I guess soon we'll have the Ring off our hands, eh?I hope so, Frodo said quietly. But my hopes aren't raised too high.Oh, come now, Mr. Frodo, Sam enjoined, putting a hand on his companion's shoulder. It's been an awful long time since I saw that smile of yours. Cheer up!
Frodo shook his head, and a soft chuckle escaped his throat. I don't know how you always manage to be so happy, Sam.Well, someone's got to be! Samwise walked over to the entrance of the hole and peered in. It looks like there are torches on the walls, Mr. Frodo, so we'll be able to see just �ne. I wonder who lives down therePerhaps Dwarves, the other Hal�ing theorised as he went over to his friend. I rather doubt that it's Hobbits.
Sam looked over his shoulder, surprised. How'd you know what I was thinkin'?
Frodo laughed. I guess I know you too well. Let's go in.
The two intrepid Hal�ings entered the tunnel and went deep into the earth. Frodo examined every detail of the narrow corridor as they passed down it, occasionally murmuring something.
Something wrong, Mr. Frodo? Sam asked, a few paces ahead to make sure the path was safe.
I'm not sure, Frodo replied. Bilbo told me a little about the dungeons he went through during his adventure, and this place doesn't seem like a dungeon at all. It doesn't look like Moria did, either.So what's so bad about that?Somebody de�nitely lives here Frodo stopped and looked around. Dungeons generally smell musty and dank. The �oors are usually covered with dust. And I'm sure it's a very rare dungeon that has someone to replace the torches when they burn out.Actually, now that you mention it Sam began. I don't think those torches are really burnin'.Look at them! Sam said, pointing. They're lit, all right, but there's no smoke comin' from them, and they're all the same length. Unless they all burn at exactly the same rate and are replaced at exactly the same time, some of them should be shorter than others, shouldn't they?You're right, Samthat is odd. Frodo took a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself and moved on. Perhaps it's some kind of spell.
They continued onwards, until at last they came to a broad stairway that led down several paces and debouched into a wide hall. Three corridors split off: the two on the right and the left were dark and foreboding, while the path in the centre led to a room that looked well-lit and very inviting.
Well, I can tell right away which branch I'd like to take, Sam muttered. It's too obvious, if you ask me. I think it's a trap.
Frodo shot his companion a weary glance. I don't think that woman would have tricked us. Not after healing me and making us invisible to Orcs. I mean, if she was powerful enough to do that, why wouldn't she have taken the Ring then instead of sending us away?
Sam thought it over, then nodded hesitantly. There is that, he said softly. And we have come a very long way. I'd hate to have to turn back now.Then on we go
A thin curtain, sewn with glittering beads, hung over the entrance into the lit room in lieu of a door. Frodo peered through it, and saw the vague outline of a woman seated on a throne on the opposite side of the room from him. Nervously, he cleared his throat, and began, hello? May we come in?
The two Hobbits saw movement on the other side of the curtain, and one side of it was abruptly drawn up. A tall woman, palely beautiful and with hair as black as night, clad in silks of gold and white and red, looked down at them and smiled. Ah. You must be the two Hobbits Kali said she told to come here. Frodo asked. So that's her name.Come in, come in! the woman invited, stepping to one side and gesturing. You do not have to stand out there all day. We have much to discuss. When they stayed put, she sighed and smiled gently. I can tell that you do not trust me. You are wise, Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee.
Let me tell you this much: The Dark Lord Sauron does not employ women in his service. Have you ever seen a female Uruk-Hai �ghting alongside her male tribesmen, or been threatened by the minions of a Wizardess?
Sam and Frodo slowly shook their heads. No, I guess we haven't, Sam admitted.
Frankly, I think that Sauron is a sexist git, and the sooner he is destroyed, the better, the woman continued. Destroying the Ring will be a major defeat to him, as it is his last link to this world. When the Ring is no more, Sauron will no longer have any kind of physical form, and his soul will be forever banished to the Void between dimensions.
Frodo's and Sam's eyes widened as they listened to her words, for they had never before heard anyone speak so. who are you Frodo asked quietly.
The woman stepped forward, letting the curtain fall back into place. She crouched before them and smiled kindly. I am known by many names, she explained, but the ones I use most often are Firefall and Girasol. Frodo quietly repeated.
She nodded. I earned that name through frequent use of a spell that causes falling stars to rain down upon the heads of my enemies. With a radiant smile, she continued, Girasol is a name that my close friend calls me. It means �re-opal' in his country's dialect.So youyou know about Sam asked hesitantly.
Yes, yes, Firefall said, rising to her feet and inviting them inside the warm, well-lit chamber. A woman named Kali came to me about a week ago and told me that she was sending the two Hobbits charged with destroying Sauron's Ring of Power my way, and asked me to help them. I gladly agreed to do so, for Sauron is my enemy as much as anyone else's.Any particular reason, other than the fact that he wants to take over Middle-Earth and make it evil? Sam inquired.
Firefall sighed, folded her arms, and turned away. have my reasons, she stated quietly. However, I do not wish to go into them now.
Sam shrugged. That's �ne. I was just askin'.
Firefall put a hand to her face and shook her head as if to clear it. Now then, young Hobbits I have gathered that for the last few weeks, your only source of nourishment has been Elvish waybread. If that is the case, you would be happy for some real food, would you not? She extended a hand towards a round table in one corner of the large room, and it was suddenly covered in loaves of rich crusty bread, wheels of cheese, a pot roast, and—joy of joys—fresh fruit. Frodo and Sam nearly drooled, but held themselves in check.
After you, Lady Firefall, Frodo said cordially, bowing as best he could.
She nodded. Striding over to the table, she told them, A healthy dose of caution, I see. Though I have no intentions of harming you, the two of you have no way of knowing that, do you? She seated herself on one of the stools, sliced a loaf of bread, placed a slice each of beef and cheese upon it, and took a bite. When she had eaten half of it and not suffered any horrible consequences, Sam slowly approached the table and cut himself a small wedge of cheese.
This isthis is really good, he said, tempted to lick his �ngers. Seriously, Mr. Frodo. I don't think I've ever had cheese this tasty. Nice sharp cheddar, it is.
Firefall smiled, pouring herself a goblet of milk. My friendsurprisingly, he is an excellent cook. He brings me bread and beef and milk and cheese that he prepares himself. He has said that his mother was very skilled in the culinary arts, and that she taught him well before she passed away.
Frodo took a thin slice of meat and began munching on it. It was absolutely heavenly—marinated in just the right amount of seasonings and juices, then roasted just to the point where it stopped being rare but before it lost its tenderness.
I would like to meet this friend of yours, Lady Firefall, Sam said, handing a thick slice of bread to Frodo and cutting another one for himself. In fact, if he could come back to the Shire with us, I'm sure he'd be very popular among all the Hobbits living there.
Firefall put down her goblet, and her face became serious. Actually, you already have met him, she said quietly. I was hoping to ask you of his whereabouts, as he has not come to see me for months.we have she answered. Three months ago to the day, he came here, telling me that his father had sent him to Rivendell to obtain Sauron's Ring of Power. Frodo and Sam said in unison.
I scried on him brie�y after he left. He did go to Rivendell, and he becamea member of your Fellowship. She sighed and went on. I would clairvoyantly check on him every so often, but latelyI have been unable to �nd him. Firefall turned to them, her golden eyes pleading for an answer. They had been bright before, almost seeming to glow, but they were dulled now.
This friend of yourshe's a Man, right? Sam asked. Frodo kept silent, for a terrible suspicion was growing in his heart and seeming to weigh it down.
Firefall nodded. From the West. He is Boromir, the son of Denethor, the Steward of Gondor.
Frodo turned away, teeth gritted, and Sam felt an expression of deep sorrow form on his face. Firefall clearly noticed it, for she sat up straight and clutched at the edge of the table.
what has happened to him She leaned forward, looking like she knew exactly what had happened but didn't want to believe it. Tell me
Sam sniffed and rubbed away the tears that were welling up in his eyes. I'm so sorry, Lady Firefall he said, choking back sobs. Boromir is she whispered, her face becoming ashen. She shut her eyes tight and shook her head. no! How can that be? I am still alive She stood up abruptly and staggered back, leaning against the stone wall. Awani, tsah-dit vania! Khia deyal makuitres-nal rakan-dit kurchis! She raised her hands heavenward imploringly, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Suddenly, she stiffened, and gazed at the centre of the room. she intoned, and a round pedestal rose up from the �oor. Resting atop it, on a scarlet cushion, was a deep blue sphere shot through with gold and �ecks of light. Striding over to it, she continued, Rakusatrèm shirtiim Awani-dit eth. The sphere glowed, and faint images became visible in it. Frodo and Sam could not make out what they were, but Firefall leaned over it intently, speaking quickly in that unknown tongue. After a moment, she stepped back a few paces and extended her arms to either side.
Kokish shirtsah sashartori eth kani Boromir, inro kani Denethor. There was a �ash, and a prostrate body appeared on the �oor before her. Kokish shirtsah mirinalt sah-dafsaghatri Awani, nituyas amafu kani shirtsah-dit kurchis! Another �ash, and the body on the �oor gasped for breath and opened its eyes. Boromir had returned to life.
Oh, Boromir, Firefall sighed, dropping to her knees and leaning over him. I have missed you. She helped him sit up, and the two of them embraced warmly.
Sam muttered, nearly speechless. Er, Lady Firefallif it's not too much to askwhen you get the chance, could you maybe also bring Gandalf the Grey back to life
Firefall shot the Hobbits a glance. I don't need to, Sir Gamgee, she replied. Someone has already done that. Sam and Frodo cried in unison.
Girasol, why Boromir asked softly, his voice hoarse from disuse. Why use so much of your power on me? she responded, twirling a lock of his hair around her �nger, I was not about to let my daughter grow up without a father. he repeated. You—you mean— She nodded silently, a serene smile on her lips, and kissed him.
Sam said, touched by the sweet romantic scene. Hey, wait. Lady Firefall, you said Boromir was just your friend. Why didn't you tell us the truth?
She glanced over her shoulder at him. I thought that if you knew my true feelings, you would have tried to conceal what happened so as to soften the blow. Frodo began, nervously rubbing the back of his neck. This is all well and good—I'm very happy to have Boromir back—but shouldn't we, er, you knowdestroy the Ring?In time, Sir Baggins, Firefall answered, helping Boromir to his feet and dusting off her skirts. First, let us go to Rivendell. Sam muttered. Not more travellin'! I swear, I'm so sick of walkin', I could just—Do not worry yourself, Samwise, Firefall said gently, grasping one of Boromir's hands. Take my hand, and Frodo, you take hold of Sam's hand.All right Sam agreed, mildly confused. When they were all linked together, Firefall leaned her head back and closed her eyes.
she intoned, and there was a swirl of wind and energy around them. Frodo and Sam felt as though they had suddenly dropped into a bottomless chasm and were falling at the speed of light. Then, abruptly, their feet were on solid ground again, and they felt the soft touch of wind and heard leaves rustling in the breeze. Frodo opened one of his eyes to look around and saw that they were in Rivendell.
Boromir staggered away from the others and bent over, leaning his hands on his knees. After a moment of catching his breath, he straightened and turned to look at Firefall. I hope that you do not intend to do a great deal more travelling by that method, Girasol, for I fear it will take me a long time to get used to. He grinned, she burst out laughing, and he began laughing too.
Frodo sighed, shaking his head. All the time I knew Boromir, I never had any idea that he was the lover of a sorceress. They seem such a perfect match, too.'
Sam looked around, confused. Where are all the Elves?The time of the Elves is over, Elrond's voice said from behind them. We are leaving Middle-Earth to sail across the sea, to Valinor.Oh, Master Elrond Firefall said, bobbing a curtsy. Forgive me for not noticing you before.
The Lord of Rivendell raised an eyebrow. That I do not mind. I tend to move about rather quietly. What I do wish to know is who you are, and why you are come to Rivendell with three members of the Fellowship of the Ring. He looked down at Frodo, and his expression softened but also became more concerned. Ringbearer, do you bring good news? Has the Dark Lord been thwarted?
Frodo lowered his gaze and shook his head. Not yet, Lord Elrond. I'm sorry.
Firefall's eyebrows lowered as she went deep into thought, then she turned to Elrond. I must admit, I cannot understand just why the Elves would wish to go to the Undying Lands in order to depart Middle-Earth, when they could use the space vessel piloted here by their forebears and return to the sea of stars whence they came.
Elrond did a double-take. Many, many centuries ago, Firefall said, closing her eyes as if delving out a deep-buried memory, a strange craft, like a mountain made of purest crystal, came down from the heavens and landed in Middle-Earth. Inside it were beings of a race I had never seen before, who had �own it through the sky and through the space between worlds like a �ying ship. At the behest of the Creator, they used strange powers—at the time I thought perhaps some form of magic, but I have since realised they were psionic abilities—to shape themselves into the �rst Elves.
Elrond and Boromir gazed at Firefall, eyes wide in shock. Frodo looked over at Sam, who shrugged with the animé-style dots-for-eyes confused face.
That is not the story of my race's origin that I learned! How Elrond whispered.
I had always known you were older than I, Girasol, but by a few years, not Boromir muttered.
Firefall sighed. I do not know why the Elves tell the story of their genesis as being so different from how it actually happened, she said. I do not mean to offend you or your upbringing in any way, Master Elrond, but I am certain that what I witnessed was the true origin of the Elves of Middle-Earth. I was there; I met them, I spoke to them, I learned why they had come. I was there when the �rst Elf to be born on Middle-Earth came into the world. His parents named him Gil-Galad.
Elrond paled, and actually looked as if he was about to collapse. This is he whispered. This isBetween then and now, long years have passed, and I have done many things, Firefall continued. I do not know if any of the Firstcomers are still alive. Perhaps they have all gone to the Undying Lands.I—I've got to tell Galadriel—! Elrond squeezed out, spinning around and taking off so fast he almost seemed to leave a dust cloud.
I'm confused, Sam admitted.
You are not the only one, Boromir responded. It is so strange, she said quietly. The Elves leaving Middle-Earth Have all the Lamps of the Valar really been darkened? The only Ainur left in this world are those in Valinor She shook her head. I have spent so many years studying history and lore, only to �nd out that I know so little. Arwen called softly from the couch on which she was reclining.
Elrond entered the room, a look of concern on his face. he said, please, you must tell me what is troubling you. she whispered. I must go to him.You love him, don't you? he asked, and she nodded. I understand. He must be like a brother to you.
Arwen blinked, and a small sweatdrop slid down her forehead. Ah, well, not exactly
The Lord of Rivendell strode over to her couch and seated himself on the edge. Perhaps you will be able to after all. It appears that the Elves are going to remain in Middle-Earthfor a little longer, anyway.