"More trees," Beth snickered, the somewhat rocky road cutting through the dark not impressing her. They were probably managing twenty miles per hour in spite of the poor road conditions when, driving around a steep curve, the front truck struck and ran over one then two more somethings, screeches, wailings and an overwhelming dread washed over them before they could stop.
The fighters alighted from the vehicles, others taking their places or checking the damage. Xander drew out his greatsword from in back of the cab, and a zat in the other. Doyle fumbled for a moment, taking out a long tube and a zat while others picked their own methods for dealing with trouble.
The dark forms rose from the ground, oozing evil intent, eyes glowing as they began to regenerate from wounds. Major Beckett's light revealed the three Nazgul…as everyone opened up with weapons.
Eight zat firings, a hundred rounds of blessed ammunition, and three big fireballs from Tara rent the night, a dark mount disintegrating, the Nazgul reeling in pain but by being a special undead, not killed by the dispersed fire as they moved in, uncertain as to the enemies or weaponry facing them.
One Nazgul, filled with bullets, some smoldering rather than flaring inside its body, took control of the mounts as the other two drew weapons and charged the Sliders.
Doyle activated with a prayer one of the prototype light sabers the Capricans at great cost had assembled, the light and snap surprising both sides equally. Nazgul sword met light saber, both wielders thrown back as eldritch Dark Force in the sword met the Light-Enhanced light saber. Doyle threw out a hand and let loose a rather feeble bolt of Force Lightning, his emotions not dark or deep enough for more than a stalling of his opponent.
Alexander Harris, with a sword provided by gods and of Purposeful Forging met with similar effect against the dark weapon of the second Nazgul, eerie violet and orange flashes sparking from the exchange of several strikes and parries.
The Evil Trio screeched in frustration and surprise, as more rounds and fireballs singed their sides and distracted from the battle in which they by experience alone seemed to hold a dark edge. A command from the recovering mounted warrior brought the other two flying backwards to share a mount, even as that Dark Champion used magic to shield their escape into the night.
"What the Hell were those!" Pike asked, shaking in revulsion as did the others now that they weren't under attack.
"Nazgul," Dawn replied, near-weeping from the effect of their closeness, as Tara collapsed into unconsciousness and Doyle heaved into the adjacent ravine, only to result in an indignant outcry. The Sliders mobilized and their lights illuminated their unexpected guests.
Joyce quickly moved to cover and care for Dawn and Tara until the new contact were dealt with. It took only a moment for the core group to switch to the Common Speech of this place, as they had memories good and bad of Middle Earth, using that tongue to address the four shorter men making themselves seen.
Come out, now, please, Xander directed them, We mean you no harm. We are travelers from far off, and are a bit surprised at this encounter.
Greetings, good sirs, one of the fellows replied, pointing in the direction the Sliders were traveling, We are Hobbits on our way East to scout out trading prospects.
Ah, good, we are seeking…Rivendell, seeking out…Gandalf the Gray and Master Elrond of that land. Could you perhaps assist us as guides? Xander continued in a way that seemed natural and would provide protection if these were who he thought they were.
I am Frodo Baggins, a quiet darker-haired Hobbit responded, And we would be willing to trade what little knowledge we have for the protection of your odd caravan, if you'll have us along. Those…things…
Understood, Xander replied, waving them toward the trucks, and I think we'll be traveling slower, though I do not know how much longer we'll be able to use our vehicles.
They passed by a gated town in the night, Xander explaining to the group after getting directions from a terrified guard, that even at the five or ten miles an hour they were covering in the dark, it should make it more difficult for the Enemy to find them or the Hobbits. Stopping every so often for stretching or personal business, they pressed on at dawn, with plans to speed up as they could, and sleep tonight.
Twenty hours and three hundred miles later, the tossed humans and new hobbit companions gladly formed a camp and prepared a sizable dinner.
The night passed uneventfully, the group readying to proceed when Beth and Joyce called out. Grabbing weapons, the group carefully watched their camp while extending themselves in the direction of the call. They found them facing off with four horsemen with cloaks over much of their faces, well-armed for wilderness or combat survival.
Greetings, horseman, Xander began, How come you so close to our camp without invitation?
"Well, Alexander Harris, it is because I had described by another ranger your manner of travel, and that you had hobbits with you that were not in captivity," the man replied, slowly removing his hood to show his face, "Though last morning I found it passing strange to find myself at the beginning of last year's events once more."
"Lord Aragorn of Gondor, I greet you," Xander smiled with a small bow as the other rangers gasped at the free recognition of their leader, "and bid you and your group welcome. Beth, Joyce, the Heir to Gondor is our friend."
"And so apparently, by our entering into your world now, you returned from your time with us," Dawn mused, "I hope the others also came back. It will make everything we tell the council so much easier, and maybe we can avoid most of the dying of the coming months."
"Eagles…" Xander muttered as the group went quiet, and contemplated having knowledge the Enemy did not.
"What was that Xander?" Tara asked quietly, "Eagles?"
"Yeah, Eagles," he replied, turning to Aragorn, "Instead of just riding to the rescue, couldn't the Eagles carry the Bearer and the Fellowship of the Ring to Mount Doom and simply drop it in? Others create a big noise attacking Saruman or something to attract attention…"
"It could work…" Aragorn nodded, glad they were speaking English lest an Enemy over hear, "And perhaps a slow transition into a Third Age can mean our non-human friends will stay with us longer. We've lived apart for no proper reason, and their wisdom and stability would lend itself greatly for the future of our peoples."
Using every bit of equipment, tools and even magic to keep vehicles moving, it only took three more days to reach their destination, Aragorn's companions following at a slower and better pace for the horses, and to cover any force from the rear. The man traveling as Strider discussed his world and experiences freely, and had his questions about other matters answered. Likewise, as not all memories really convey the emotions or provide interpretations as much as they do facts.
Not only the original Fellowship, which included Gandalf the Now-White, but also the Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel with escorts, met in the city of waterfalls and trees. Confused over the skip back into earlier days, they gathered to discuss options, but were still surprised when the three trucks limped into the area on fumes.
Humans from Sunnydale are here? Master Elrond asked, By what magic is this possible?
Apparently by the will of the combined pantheons of gods throughout the worlds and planes, Master Elrond, Xander replied, bowing slightly, And I pray we are welcome for the month we will be in your realm?
Certainly, XanderHarris, the somewhat formal Lord responded, dismayed at his breech of decorum, and noting the symbols on two rings on Alexander's fingers, And it heartens us you have guided the Bearer and his Companions to our home, to which we extend to you our hospitality.
Thank you, Master Elrond, Xander replied, We have journeyed to many worlds, and this paradise of yours fills us with comfort not unlike the home of two gods and their Disciples, the Peace of their Presence calming and removing the minor worries, and dimming any larger woes until we were ready. My group thanks you deeply.
Your comparison gratifies as much as it humbles, Lord XanderHarris, Master Elrond continued, Please, make yourselves comfortable while we prepare to discuss matters tomorrow morning.