Chapter III - Trouble in the Misty Mountains
IV 121: A year had past since the last member of the fellowship had left middle earth. Eldarion was now King of Gondor, having inherited the throne from his father Aragorn II, after his death a year before. Continuous efforts to rid Middle Earth of orcs, goblins, and all other such remnants of evil, seemed to be nearing success, with only small outcroppings remaining in the depths of Mordor, Mirkwood, and the Misty Mountains. This dwindling opposition was of no considerable threat, but the good people of Middle Earth didn't want to take any chances of future problems. Therefore, the elves, dwarves, and men put their full attention into eradicating the last small pockets of evil. Unfortunately, in doing so, none of the races were aware of the trouble on the peaks of the northern Misty Mountains, the home of the Eagles. October 14: The day was burning down into evening, and it felt like it was going to be a chilly night. Landroval shivered, and the feathers shook all over his body. He glanced up and noticed an eagle in the distance, approaching the aeries. For a few seconds, he pondered who this could be. All of the eagles had already returned for the night. Then as this mysterious figure came closer, he became clearer to Landroval's eagle eyes. He was shocked. It was Meneldor. To Landroval, Meneldor appear not to have aged in the many years since their last meeting. Landroval was about to call out to his old friend, but then he noticed his eyes - much darker than they used to be - and had a feeling that no greeting was necessary. As Meneldor landed in front of Landroval and folded his wings to his sides, Landroval noticed that the talons on his left foot were decorated with three intricate rings. They looked eerily familiar, but before he could ask about them, Meneldor spoke up. He spoke with a voice that clashed with his once care free attitude. "Where is Gwaihir?" "He's on the Great Shelf right now," replied Landroval. "Do you want me to take you there?" "I know where it is," Meneldor quickly replied. He then spread his wings and took off toward the Great Shelf. Those last words had sent a shiver down Landroval's spine. He had a bad feeling about Meneldor, so he waited a few seconds, and then took off after him. Gwaihir was just finishing a conversation with Suldulin, when Meneldor flew over. He immediately recognized the jewelry decoration Meneldor's foot, but ignored it for the moment. "Welcome friend! Was it not a different age when we last saw each other?" "So it was," came the harsh reply. "Where have you lived these long years?" asked Gwaihir. "It does not concern you," replied Meneldor. "I have come back with important business." Then Landroval arrived and was greeted by Gwaihir. "Hello Brother. You may have noticed we have visitor." "Yes," answered Landroval. "We spoke before coming here." Meneldor acted as if Landroval wasn't present. "There are growing threats that the humans and elves have overlooked, and it seems that you yourself have missed these dangers in your old age, Gwaihir. Have you been growing near-sighted in recent years, limiting your sight to these aeries?" "Excuse me..." Landroval was cut short by a commanding look from his brother. "Then, Meneldor," came Gwaihir's calm reply. "What are you saying?" "I am merely saying that a more youthful eagle with greater knowledge and experience in the current world should be in charge." Gwaihir had a bemused look on his face. "Are you suggesting yourself, Meneldor? If I am not mistaken, you are not all too much younger than myself." A fire started burning in Meneldor's eyes. "I may not be much younger than you, but at least I'm not nearly as blind as to what's going on." "I am more than willing to listen to any news or warnings you may bring," said Gwaihir, "but I am still years from passing on my Lordship over the eagles." Meneldor angry voice spoke with a menacing tone that one would never think to hear from a great eagle. "You are not just blind. You have grown senile and confused as well." "I admit; there is one thing I am confused about.Ó Gwaihir was still completely relaxed. ÒWhat are those rings doing on your talons?" "It is unfortunate you have chosen things to go this way," Meneldor said as his body started to tense. Landroval was tired of waiting silently. He was more affected by Meneldor's words than Gwaihir. "What do you mean by that, Meneldor?" Again, he was ignored by Meneldor. "Meneldor." Gwaihir was beginning to sound impatient. "You didn't answer my question." With immense speed, Meneldor flapped several feet off the air, let out a screech that sounded more like a nazgul than an eagle, and thrusts his talons toward Gwaihir. There was no contact, but Gwaihir flew backwards and forcefully struck the rocks behind him. A sickening crunch was heard and Gwaihir's body slumped to the ground, dead. Meneldor calmly landed, turned around, and looked with cruel eyes at Landroval and Suldulin, who were paralyzed with shock and fear. "Does anybody else have a question for me?"