Part 2 of Walking the Path
A/N Welcome to Part 2 of Walking the Path
Last time:
The Nazgûl shuddered as he remembered the pain he had been subjected to because of those failures and now he had to report that the latest tactic had also failed. For this new failure, he would pay again. One day he promised himself he would return this pain tenfold on the cursed wizards.
Chapter 2 – The Future and the Past
Rivendell – Council Chambers
Lord Elrond stood and gestured toward the council delegates that were seated around the large table, "Welcome delegates to this meeting of the white council. For those of you who are new let me offer you my greetings and hope that you find your time here profitable."
Glorfindel stood and raised a scroll from which he named the delegates, "Representing the elves of Lothlórien, Lord Celeborn," The tall elven lord rose and bowed to the delegates.
"Representing the Elves of the Havens is Earndiol envoy of Círdan," a tall, black-haired and grey-eyed elf rose and bowed to the room.
"Representing Gondor are Lord Anardil and Lord Baragund," the two men stood and bowed to both Lord Elrond and to others in the room. Both were new to the council chosen for their long service to the people of Gondor.
"Representing Rohan, Lord Éomund Marshal of the Riddermark," Éomund smiled at Glorfindel and bowed to the room at large before taking his seat.
"Representing their people Narin and Dumal trusted envoys of the King under the Mountain," Two richly dressed Dwarves stood and bowed low to the ground.
"And representing both the people of Isengard and the Istari, Harry Lord of Isengard and the Lady Luna,"
Harry rose from his seat and bowed to the other delegates while Luna offered a polite nod from her seat.
Glorfindel bowed to Lord Elrond and took his seat.
Elrond gestured to the group once more, "Before we offer our reports does anyone have any urgent business?"
"Aye I do," said Narin, "Firstly the King under the Mountain offers his thanks for the invitation to join this council and pledges his support and strength to its endeavours. He believes that it is indeed time for all goodly folk to join forces," Narin paused for a moment before continuing, giving the delegates time to fall silent once more.
"As some, including Lord Elrond, know nigh on five years ago my kinsman Balin, against King Dain's advice led a contingent of our people on an expedition to recolonise Khazad-dûm. At first the reports were encouraging but nothing has been heard this last few months and the King grows concerned. He has asked that we ask for your wisdom ere we take any actions."
"Moria, what so moved your people that they would risk such a thing?" asked Earndiol.
Narin and Dumal exchanged a look but neither replied.
Elrond sighed as he sat back in his chair, "It was the promise of true silver, Mithril that drew them back to Moria. Alas, I fear that his ambition has had dire consequences for Balin and his folk."
Dumal looked up at Lord Elrond, "My King has asked if you would be willing to lend us a guide to lead us to the gates. Perhaps the King's hope that some of Balin's folk surviving may not be entirely in vain."
Luna stood and addressed the two worried Dwarves, "Perhaps Harry and I may be of assistance, we have the means to travel quickly and have the ability to evacuate the survivors."
"Although we will need to find a guide or at least a description of the general location," added Harry.
"I travelled to the city of the Dwarves many times in the past," offered Glorfindel.
"I believe Gandalf has journeyed through Moria," mused Elrond as he stroked his chin.
"Ah, good then, I'll get the co-ordinates…..sorry the location from him," replied Harry.
"The council thanks you for your offer Lord Harry, Lady Luna," said Elrond as he gestured toward the two Istari.
oOoOoOoOo
"You have been here before?" asked Harry as he eyed the stagnant, foul-smelling lake that lapped at his feet with distaste.
Gandalf turned and studied the lake himself, "Indeed but the dam forming the lake is new and worrying. The dwarves would not have done this."
"Is the entrance hidden?" asked Luna as she studied the cliff face.
"Yes and I have never had cause to open it," replied Gandalf.
"I should hope….what was that?" asked Harry.
"What was it?" asked Gandalf.
"Something moved in the water…I don't like this we are too exposed," said Harry, who summoned his staff as stood watching the lake suspiciously.
"There is a dark shape in the water, it's huge…look you can see it toward the middle when the sun comes from behind the clouds," said Luna as she pointed toward the centre of the lake.
"Right…well either we all go in or we pee off. That bloody lake and whatever the bloody hell is living in it is giving me the creeps," said Harry who hadn't taken his eyes of the dark shadow in the water.
"I need to work out the spell of opening," replied Gandalf.
"What if we try another entrance?" asked Luna.
"Hold on something is….It's moving, fuck it's huge!" swore Harry.
"I wasn't sure about this, but needs must, Luna, Harry hold on," ordered Gandalf as the elder Istari side along apparated Harry and Luna away from the lake.
Harry blinked as he appeared in a stone room light by several lanterns, "Where are….er hello?"
The three Istari had appeared in a room that was full of dwarves.
oOoOoOoOo
"Gandalf?" whispered one of the dwarves his bearded face shocked.
"Ori, what has happened here?" asked Gandalf as he took in the battered and heavily wounded dwarves in the room.
"How did you…" began the Dwarf.
"Later old friend for now we have come to help you," replied Gandalf as he laid a gentle hand on the dwarf's shoulder.
Ori seemed to regain his wits, "But how, the goblins have us completely surrounded, the scum are starving us out. We can't get to the Holly Gate and the lower levels have been fired somehow blocking of the Dimwell Gate."
"Magic my friend, now how many of you are there?" asked the grey-bearded wizard.
"Only those you see here, the rest have…..the rest have fallen," replied Ori.
Gandalf looked around the room, eight survivors out of the Valar knew how many, "And Balin?"
Ori simply gestured at the stonework behind him, "Balin, Lord of Moria lies within."
For a moment Gandalf's head lowered as he remembered the brave dwarf, "Alas that his fate was so, but now our goal is simple. Gather around us three and we shall escape your enemies trap."
Another dwarf with a bloody bandage covering his left eye gestured at the piles of chests, "What of our….."
Harry didn't even wait for the dwarf to finish; he gestured with his staff and started shrinking the chests.
After a few moments, the surviving dwarves held tightly to the wizards and disappeared in a flash of light with a loud crashing noise.
oOoOoOoOo
Narin watched as Ori's wounds were treated by the Elven healers. It was a miracle that any of Balin's people had survived their ill-fated attempt to retake Khazad-dûm. That any of the nine was alive was a testament to the skill of the wizards.
King Dain had been somewhat standoffish with the white council adopting a wait and see attitude, but this would redefine that view and most likely see the King throw his weight behind the council. By Durin's Axe, three of the survivors were of Durin's blood and that was a debt the dwarves would…no, must acknowledge. Perhaps the wizard and his mate could use some decent smith's and other craft masters? Narin would make that suggestion to his Lord, after all, the wizards had done it was the least he could do.
oOoOoOoOo
Minas Tirith
Prince Imrahil watched Tirith fencing with Boromir and resisted the urge to laugh as Boromir launched an attack at Tirith's feet that sent the older man falling backwards.
"Ha, I got you that time Tirith!"
Tirith laughed as he struggled to his feet and offered an exaggerated salute with his practice blade, "You did indeed my Lord."
Prince Imrahil stepped forward and ruffled Boromir's hair, "Come nephew let us away so that Captain Tirith may treat his wounded dignity afore his journey."
As the Prince and Boromir left the training room, Tirith racked his training blade and stripped off his padded leather vest and tunic before wiping down his face and chest with a rag from the water bucket. A quick dry with the towel and he re-dressed in his Dol Amroth Captains uniform. With a quick glance at the polished shield near the door to check he looked decent, he went to leave thinking that he had better cast a cleaning charm if he was going to miss his…Damn, it had happened again. What the hell was a cleaning charm and why the hell did he have a nagging suspicion that he should know the answer?
The long climb up the narrow stairs didn't make things any clearer, but it did steel his resolve to get to the bottom of his strange, fragmented memories. Although to be honest it was the Prince that had insisted his newest Captain seek the advice of the wizards. Advice he had ignored for a month until his Prince ordered him to seek their help. Reaching the top of the stairs he turned to walk towards the citadel.
"Tirith, Tirith wait for me," Tirith turned to see young Lord Faramir running along the passageway.
"My Lord?" asked Tirith.
"I just wanted to talk before you left with Gandalf," replied Faramir with a grin.
Tirith smiled at the young boy, "Because?"
"Well, you are my favourite teacher," replied Faramir.
"Ha, I'd suspect I'm your most lenient teacher," countered Tirith with a smile.
Faramir shook his head, "No, no really you are and I'm going to miss your lessons."
Kneeling down so he was looking into Faramir's eyes Tirith put a hand on his shoulder, "I shan't be gone long and It's necessary as well as an order from your Uncle. Besides Captain Berren's a damn good swordsman and a fine instructor."
Faramir shrugged, "I know I like Berren too; it's just that you make it fun rather than work."
"You scamp, you mean I let you slack off?" asked Tirith with a laugh as he stood and gave the young Lord a push to get moving.
Laughing Faramir raced ahead past the two unsmiling guards in the black and silver who guarded the stairs to the boy's quarters.
Tirith smiled and nodded to the guards as he made his way toward the mess hall for a late breakfast. Training the two young boys was rewarding and both were good students but the reality was that he felt something was….well missing. The strange connection he felt with the strange wizard Harry, the odd memories and strange dreams it was overwhelming. Eventually he had confided in Prince Imrahil. Who mentioned that the wizard Harry had been curious about him having as he resembled a long lost friend. He had then advised him to seek out Gandalf when next the wizard was in Gondor.
The Istari had been interested in his dreams but was non-committal as to their meaning, simply advising that Harry of Isengard might well be in a position to help. Now the time was at hand and as soon as Gandalf arrived he was going to transport him to Isengard for an audience with the mysterious young wizard.
His thoughts were interrupted by someone calling out to him, "Captain Tirith?"
It was a tower guardsman, a young one who was oft seen running messages, "Greetings Thordor, a message for me?"
The young guardsman straightened up as he delivered his message, "Yes sir from the Prince, he requests that you join him in council, Mithrandir is there and is asking for you."
It looked like the time was now, "Very well please let his highness know I'll be there presently."
oOoOoOo
"Ah, Captain Tirith it is good to see you well," offered Gandalf as he stood.
Prince Imrahil waved away Tirith's bow and turned to face Gandalf, "Now you are sure this is safe?"
Gandalf smiled at the Prince and the nervous looking Tirith, "Perfectly and frankly it has proven a boon to our cause. Meetings can occur with an hours notice rather than a month. I admit it is a bit of a startling experience at first but as I said the convenience outweighs that."
Tirith squared his shoulders as he stepped forward, "I'm ready."
Gandalf smiled and laid his hand on Tirith's shoulder.
oOoOoOo
Isengard
Gandalf and Tirith reappeared with a loud pop in what appeared to be an empty stone room with a single wooden door, as they gained their bearings a loud chime sounded.
"Are we where we are meant to be?" asked Tirith.
Gandalf smiled at Tirith's carefully worded question, "Indeed this is the arrival point, now come follow me young Tirith and we shall see if we can find our host."
Before Gandalf could open the door it swung open and a young woman dressed in a light green robe stepped inside, "Greetings and welcome to Isengard."
"You are looking well Lady Ayrica," replied Gandalf, as Tirith offered a courtly bow.
Ayrica laughed softly as she gestured toward the door, "Please just Ayrica we are mostly informal here. Harry and Luna are in the library so if you would follow me."
Tirith looked around with interest as he followed Gandalf and the young noblewoman through the stone hallways and up then up a broad flight of stairs. The stone halls were well appointed with tapestries adorning the walls and thick rugs on the floors. He was so engrossed with the details that he almost ran into Gandalf when the wizard stopped walking. Looking up he was just in time to see Ayrica push open a set of wooden doors.
oOoOoOo
Harry looked up as the door swung open and Ayrica led Gandalf and Tirith into the library, "Welcome friends to Isengard, my thanks, Ayrica you can return to your studies now."
Ayrica just nodded and left the library closing the door behind her.
Gandalf studied his brother I start with a critical eye, "You look tired Harry," commented Gandalf.
Harry laughed ruefully, "I'm exhausted, to be honest, Selene has been a handful and I've been trying to help out Luna as much as I can. Now please take a seat and we'll see if we can get to the bottom of this."
oOoOoOo
Harry smiled at the nervous looking Tirith, "How often do you have these incidents of missing memories?"
Tirith shrugged, "Several times a day, I haven't really been keeping count."
"And you said they were random or had little meaning?" asked Harry.
Tirith rubbed at his face as he replied, "That's the strange thing, it is like they are my thoughts or memories, but I don't understand them. Memoires of chasing a stag through a forest and a large black dog, it's frustrating because they are so clear and sometimes I find myself reacting to them."
Harry nodded slowly, his voice calm as he studied Tirith, "I see, if I show you something can you tell me if it's familiar?"
At Tirith's nod, he made a gesture with is hand and a large black dog appeared. The huge, shaggy boarhound slowly rotated as it stood unmoving.
"That's it, that's the dog," whispered Tirith excitedly.
"His name was Padfoot," replied Harry and gestured again. This time several strangely dressed figures appeared two men and a woman.
Tirith looked back and forth between the three illusions, "I don't…..Lily…..Mooney, I know them…how can I know people I've never met?"
Harry looked pensive for a moment as he also studied the three unmoving figures, "I think I know who you are, these three people share a connection as do you and I."
"You knew me in the past?" asked Tirith.
Harry studied the face of the older man, yes there was a familiar cast to the features and the eyes were the same hue…but how? Had the Valar aided Sirius, another innocent man as they had aided Luna and him or had the veil deposited his godfather in another part of Arda, "Tirith do you have any tattoos?"
Tirith started and his hand went to his chest, "I….yes."
"Can you show me?" asked Harry his emerald eyes burning.
Slowly, almost fearfully Tirith slowly unbuttoned unlaced his vest and slowly pulled his tunic up exposing the curious tattoos on his chest.
Harry could feel his heart beating in his chest, it was him…by the Valar it was him when he spoke he could only manage a whisper, "Sirius?"
The older man tilted his head as if hearing a distant voice, 'Sirius….I…I know that name, Sirius Black. I can hear voices calling my name," he looked up into the eyes of the young wizard, "You, you were calling my name as I fell."
Harry rose from his chair and reached out a hand as if to touch the man before him, "Sirius, dear Merlin its you."
"I….I don't know I can almost see it almost hear it but….it's blurred," a spasm shook Sirius as a look of pain appeared on his face. "I'm sorry I don't remember."
For a moment, the young wizard looked downcast before he smiled and embraced the surprised older man, "For now Sirius it's enough that you are alive. We can work on the memories."
oOoOoOo
When Luna walked in with Selene she had listened to Harry's brief explanation before she handed Harry their daughter and embraced Sirius, "Welcome back Sirius."
Gandalf stroked his beard as he considered the current situation, "So Harry if I have things aright Tirith was your rightful guardian afore he fell through this gateway?"
"My Godfather yes," replied Harry with a smile.
Gandalf smiled at the newly named Sirius, "Strange are the ways the great song unfolds, who would have thought you would meet again so far from home."
Luna smiled and winked at Sirius, "I suspect the Sirius will have a part to play. Indeed there is one test I believe we need to conduct."Please take hold of my staff and call out the word Lumos."
Even though he was confused Sirius complied, "Lumos."
Harry leaned forward as did Gandalf as the staffs tip burst into light and an astonished Sirius dropped the staff in shock.
"I'm a…wizard?" asked Sirius as he watched the staff return to Luna's hand.
"It would appear so," replied Luna.
oOoOoOo
"Has he decided?" asked Ayrica as Luna entered the library.
Luna sighed as she sat next to Ayrica, "Yes he wants to return to Minas Tirith, he has responsibilities there, but he has agreed to return here as often as he can to receive training."
"And how has Harry taken it?" asked Ayrica with concern in her eyes.
Luna shrugged, "Pretty well, I mean he respects the fact that Sirius has built a new life as Tirith. He's elated that it really is Sirius, but he's frustrated that he can't find a way to return Sirius's memories. To be honest, I think he is happy for the chance to get to know his godfather no matter the circumstances."
Ayrica sat back as she considered Luna' words for a few moments, "He is Prince Imrahil's guard captain, an advisor and Gandalf was saying that he's been working with Boromir and Faramir. For a man who has no past, he has risen far and fast."
Luna nodded, "I think the fact that he has built a new life is what persuaded Harry, well that and the fact that he committed to visiting whenever he can. The Sirius he knew was never at peace and lived as a fugitive. I think he's happy to see Sirius living his life."
The younger woman smiled, "Both Harry and Sirius have gotten at least part of what they wanted and more importantly they now have a future, so he should be happy."
"True," agreed Luna.
"And what of the Elf-maid Lady Elia?" asked Ayrica.
Luna smiled, "She is helping her people get settle in the Greenwood before she moves here with nearly two dozen elves that are relocating here. She is still desperate to be here but with her father organising things in Gil Imrad she has had to take over many of his duties. Hopefully, the two archivists are among those coming. Maglor is buried in parchment as he unpacks his collection." said Luna as she went to stand, the door opened and Azanath and Maglor walked in. The two of them talking animatedly over a scroll. They were so involved in their discussion that neither noticed the two women already in the room.
"Master Maglor, I've walked through my calculations twice and I believe, no I know it will work. With this, we could set up sets of mirrors just like the ones Harry described," Azanath was gesturing at the scroll his voice earnest.
Maglor made a non-committal gesture, "I am not saying no. I am merely concerned about the inherent risks involved in enchanting items that could fall into enemy hands. Look at the fate of the Palantír."
"What has you two so worked up?" asked Luna with a quirked brow.
Azanath smiled proudly as he handed Luna a scroll of Arithmancy calculations, Luna glanced at the calculations before her expression changed and she began reading through the calculations more slowly.
With a broad smile, Luna gestured at the scroll, "Two-way communication mirrors? This is brilliant Az."
Azanath smiled proudly at his teacher, "I got the idea from Harry's story about his two-way mirrors and I tried to work out the principles involved. You did say to see how far we could take the rune and number table exercises you gave us."
"Indeed I did but this is far more than I expected," Luna turned to look at Maglor, "You seem unhappy with Az's work Maglor?"
Maglor shook his head slightly, "Oh no I agree it appears to be a brilliant concept, its just that I'm very busy sorting out the library and as exciting and amazing as this is I have concerns about the risk of our enemies claiming one of the pair. The Palantír were a similar concept and know the enemy uses them to our detriment."
"Except," argued Azanath, "That we could render the pair useless by shattering the mirror we held. The other would be reduced to useless glass and silver."
"Could more links than a pair exist?" asked Ayrica.
"It's certainly possible," agreed Azanath, "We could set one as a master mirror," offered Azanath.
"What's possible?" asked Harry as he walked in with Gandalf and Sirius.
Luna handed Harry the scroll and watched as her husband tried to decipher the complicated equations. "I give up Luna, this sort of thing is more your area of expertise."
"Azanath came up with the equations to produce two-way communication mirrors like the one you once had," explained Luna.
"That's pretty advanced Arithmancy, good work Azanath. I'd love to discuss this further later but for now I'd like to welcome our newest official student Tirith Sirius Black, Captain of Dol Amroth."
"Tirith Sirius Black?" questioned Luna.
Tirith laughed, "Well my name is Sirius Black but I'm going to be Tirith to most people so for convenience I've decided on Tirith Sirius Black, Tirith Black for short."
Ayrica laughed as she stood and curtsied, "Welcome to our rather select group Tirith Sirius Black."
Azanath smiled and offered a polite nod while Maglor clapped his newest student in the back.
Gandalf smiled quietly at the strange group of magic users, Harry had a knack for attracting strangely yet suitable students to his household; an Elven prince, a princess of Rohan and a renegade Black Númenórean.
"You may jest," warned Gandalf, "but you never the less speak the truth. You are joining a company of men and women who have already done much to Middle Earth and who will no doubt achieve far more. Already many scholars in Gondor speak of this place with awe and liken it to Rivendell as a symbol of the alliance against the Dark Lord."
"And so we will be, in time," agreed Harry, "First we must build our school then we'll worry about the future."
oOoOoOoOo
Tirith hefted the blade the Wizard…..Harry had given him. The sword was the product of elven and dwarven smiths, working together. It was the first example of such craftsmanship for many, many years. It was strangely light and yet quite strong with fine elvish script etched into the blade. Powerful words apparently, meant to help the sword act as a focus. The sword was incredibly well balanced and easily the most well-balanced sword he had ever handled.
Harry gestured and his staff appeared in his hand, "I want you to try something for me S…Tirith."
Tirith nodded as he lowered his sword.
"Hold the sword point upwards and say Lumos," ordered Harry.
"That's the light spell isn't it," asked Tirith as he raised his blade.
Harry nodded, "Correct, and if Luna was right and the smiths have done their job as well as they usually do the crystal in the hilt should act as a focus enabling you to use the sword to channel your magic."
Tirith nodded and raised his sword, "Lumos."
There was a flicker and then the crystal and the blade began to shimmer with a white radiance.
"Now say Nox," requested Harry.
"Nox," ordered Tirith, "It worked!"
"Of course it did," replied Luna, "You are a wizard and now you have a focus you will need to train to use it effectively."
"But I need to return to Minas Tirith," stated Tirith his posture stiffening.
Harry placed his hand on the shoulder of the man who was once his Godfather, "I know Tirith, but you can't ignore your training either, so we came up with another possible solution for you. If you are willing, every month we will bring you here for three days training and then return you to your other duties."
Tirith seemed to relax as he considered Harry's offer, "That would be acceptable, but I will need to seek permission from my liege for my absences."
oOoOoOoOo
Selene was sleeping peacefully as Luna crept into the nursery, "How was she?"
Miriel smiled as she replied, her voice soft, barely above a whisper, "Good my Lady she went straight to sleep after her bottle."
"My thanks for looking after her," replied Luna with a smile.
Miriel tilted her head as she studied Luna, "It was my pleasure, you look tired my Lady do you wish me to stay with her tonight?"
"No Muriel" replied Luna, "I'll take the night feed. It feels like I haven't seen her all day and besides I saw Az heading up to your quarters, perhaps you should join him?"
The elf maid nodded and quietly slipped out of the room as Luna sat in the padded armchair. As she watched Selene sleep, she mused over the changes that had occurred in Miriel since her arrival in Isengard. The former slave had been slowly reconnecting with her Elven kin and was slowly rediscovering her heritage. She was still quite submissive, but even that was slowly changing, but the most profound change was in her relationship with Azanath. Many residents of Isengard considered them a couple even if many of the Elves were adamant that should not be the case. Luna knew for a fact that the pair were intimate and were indeed a couple by her definition. Even with the reassurance of the Wizards many of the elves of Isengard frowned on the relationship worried that the former Sorcerer was doing something to control her.
Still, thought Luna, she is coming back to herself and both of them deserve some happiness and the comfort a relationship brings. For all their perceived differences in station, they had shared horrible experiences and survived together. There were worse things to base a relationship on.
oOoOoOo
Near the Northern border of Lothlórien
Rumil almost cried out in surprise as one of the second born appeared in the clearing below. The stranger was dressed in dark grey with a mottled brown and green cloak thrown over his shoulders.
The human turned in a circle and made a gesture that sent blue lightning arcing from his hands into the ground where it formed a glowing blue circle before fading.
"Kuruvar," whispered Rumil in his native Sindarian. The stranger was obviously a magic user but what were his intentions?
Moving slowly the Elven sentry fitted an arrow to his bowstring, although he didn't draw it back. They had been warned that the enemy had been using evil sorcerers and he wasn't going to risk that the stranger was a spy or worse an assassin. He risked a glance towards where his fellow sentries were stationed, had they seen the stranger?
The stranger suddenly looked up and Rumil knew that the kuruvar had detected his presence. Before he could react a force reached out and took hold of him, pulling him off his feet and plummeting to the ground. Desperate he tried to reach out and grab at passing branches to slow his descent, but he still hit the ground hard enough to stun him, leaving him breathless on the ground. Trying to roll he could see the figure approaching holding something in his hand.
The figure raised its hand and called out in a strange guttural tongue, "Dumkaz Uth…,"
The figure was thrown backwards, dead before he hit the ground as two arrows struck him, one in the eye and one in the heart.
Rumil heard footsteps and then Calenal and Luinar were kneeling by his side.
"How badly are you hurt cousin?" asked Luinar.
"I may have broken my leg and arm when I hit the ground," replied Rumil.
"Luinar will see to you, I could make the run for a healer," offered Calenal.
"No," hissed Rumil, "The kuruvar did something in the glade. Lady Galadriel must be told and Brethilyn and his kin are in the opposite direction to where you must go. Leave us and make the run for Caras Galadhon."
oOoOoOoOo
Galadriel was troubled after Calenal had made his report and left to rest. This tale of a sorcerer near to the warded edge of Lothlórien was worrying. Both due to the fact that he was so near to Elven lands and because it meant that at least one Sorcerer had been outside Mordor when the warding had happened. If there was one then perhaps there were others.
"I think we must report this to the council for it troubles me that we know not what they do. Perhaps the Istari may unravel the mystery," offered Celeborn.
"I will use the mirror to contact Luna and see what our Istari can tell us," agreed Galadriel.
oOoOoOoOo
Luna was cuddling Selene when she felt a familiar touch on her mind, "Galadriel?" Luna placed Selene back in her cot before sitting on the floor and closing her eyes. Almost immediately, an image of the Lady of Lothlórien appeared in Luna's mind.
The avatar image of Galadriel looked serious as she quickly delivered her message. "Luna we have had an incident here. A sorcerer was spotted just outside our wards. He was killed after he attacked a sentry but not before he cast some sort of spell. We're worried that he might not be alone and what this means for our people."
Luna didn't bother wasting the energy to create an avatar . Instead she sent a simple reply of, "We'll be there soon."
oOoOoOo
In the deep gloom at the rear of the cave, a heavily cloaked figure leaned over a small fire. The figure remained motionless as a second figure appeared stepping into the small circle of light.
"Gurlanz was seen," reported the newcomer.
"Is he dead?" asked the hunched figure.
"Yes, he took an arrow to the eye, courtesy of the pointy-eared bastards."
"Good, Gurlanz was an idiot. And we don't have time for his foolishness. Eat and rest now it's near time for us to spring our trap," the messenger bowed and left the room.
The hooded figure didn't acknowledge the departure except to spit into the fire once the sound of footsteps had faded.
"Soon we shall see just how good you really are wizard," the hooded figure gestured and a dark, twisted staff of iron appeared, "and we'll see if you're good enough."
oOoOoOoOo
"It's good to see you my Lady of Lothlórien and you Lord Celeborn," said Harry with a deferential bow that was mirrored by Azanath.
Galadriel laughed, "And you Harry, you venture out from your school far too infrequently, welcome to you as well Master Azanath."
"My Lady, my Lord," replied Azanath.
Celeborn smiled and gestured to where several elven warriors stood ready, "I would offer you refreshments Harry, but I know you would refuse."
Harry laughed and nodded acknowledging the elf's words, "Your wisdom is legendary."
oOoOoOoOo
Harry scratched his head in frustration, "There is something wrong with this, there is a magical signature, but I can't work out what it's meant to do. It's almost like a detection spell of some sort, but it doesn't seem to do anything."
Azanath looked up from casting his own detection spell, "I've seen this spell before it's what you would call a ward. A fairly simple blood-based ward it was taught to me in Mordor."
Harry frowned as he looked over at his student, "What does it do?"
Azanath gestured at the faintly glowing circle, "Essentially it's an alarm designed to light up the area if the species the caster selected crosses the ward line. A bright light is produced."
Harry looked down at the circle and then looked carefully around the small glade, "That still doesn't make sense, the warded area in tiny, why ward such a small area? I'm sensing someone is playing here, and I'm sure we won't like the game."
"You think it's a trap or a diversion?" asked Azanath as he too glanced around the area.
"You always were smart Azanath," said a cold voice as three men appeared in the clearing. All three were dressed in heavy cloaks and two had their hoods up obscuring their faces, the third who was apparently the spokesman was a pleasant-faced man whose face wore a polite smile. Harry noted that it didn't reach his eyes which were cold.
Harry raised a hand to stop the Elven warriors in the clearing from moving, "And your name?"
The young man bowed slightly, "You may call me Kaleanae or Kale if you prefer it matters not to me."
"The 'Watcher', changing your name Prurk?" asked Azanath.
Kale shrugged, "A change to signify our changing world. You will, I hope pardon my simple ruse I wanted to meet a wizard."
"You could have sent me a message," replied Harry.
"I did," replied Kale.
"And?" prompted Harry, "I am here Sorcerer what do you want?"
Kale smiled his cold-eyed smile once again, "What do I want, straight to it eh? I like that. What I want is a truce, with Mordor, sealed I find myself free to seek my own fortune as it were. I offer you a truce. If you leave me and my followers in peace."
"I'll not bargain with you servant of Mordor," replied Harry.
Kale's eyes flicked to Azanath, "And yet by your side is a Sorcerer Captain of Mordor, a bit inconsistent don't you think?"
Harry gestured and his staff appeared in his hand, "Azanath has put aside his dark ambition and walks in the light I fear that you do not."
Kale surprised Harry by chuckling, "Walks in the light? Please. Well, if you'll not give me a fair hearing then I fear I must secure my safety by other means."
Harry felt the menace in Kale's voice and immediately raised a shield against magical attack even as he caught a glimpse of Azanath doing the same. Unfortunately, he wasn't prepared for the thrown dagger that he barely avoided having embedded in his right eye and even that was at the price of a cut on his temple. Spinning he launched a stunner at Kale, who swayed out of the way and pulled out a staff of his own.
Beside Harry, Azanath cast an explosive hex at the feet of the two hooded men who had begun chanting as Kale attacked. Both were left stumbling as the ground exploded into their faces. Azanath was about to cast again when the first and then the second were cut down by arrows from the Elven warriors.
Harry raised another shield as a stream of fire hissed at him. The sorcerer was accomplished but after his initial attack he hadn't managed another strike. When the flames died he rolled left and fire an Explosive hex followed by a Petrifaction curse before rolling again.
Kale rolled out of the path of the Reducto and shielded against the second curse before gesturing toward a nearby pair of trees.
Unsure as to what his foe was doing Harry raised his staff and created the most powerful shield he could just before the world exploded into flames.
When the fires died down Harry looked around to see no sign of Kale. Azanath was climbing to his feet with his robes smoking. The Elven soldiers had apparently been far enough away to avoid injury from whatever it was the sorcerer had done. Harry looked around again and closed his eyes extending his senses….no the sorcerer was gone. With a sigh, he took a step toward Azanath and paused as a feeling almost like vertigo almost made him lose his balance. Taking another step, he was about to call Azanath when everything went dark.
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Another Chapter did and once again thanks to my Beta xraiderv17 without whom you would see many more errors…..