Part 2 of Walking the Path

A/N Welcome to Part 2 of Walking the Path

Last time:

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.

Chapter 3 – A darkened sky

Lothlórien

Harry awoke to his wife's voice and a blinding headache.

"…he'll be fine; whatever it was there wasn't enough of it in his system to do real damage."

"Luna?" asked Harry quietly with his eyes still shut.

"I'm glad you are awake, how are you feeling?" asked Luna's voice.

"I have a vile headache but otherwise okay, what the hell was it I thought we were immune to natural poisons but well," Harry opened his eyes and gestured at himself.

Luna touched Harry's temple with gentle fingers, "It wasn't natural, but it was a potion. It just took you some time to work it out of your system. What's more worrying is that we have a powerful sorcerer running around outside the wards."

Harry sat up pausing to let Luna conjure a pillow to put behind his back, "And he was powerful, very powerful and he knew enough to counter my attacks."

From a chair near the door, Azanath cleared his throat, "His name when I met him was Prurk."

"He was trained in Mordor?" Luna asked.

Azanath shrugged as he leaned forward, "Yes and he was very skilled while he was there. He disappeared after a mission, everyone assumed he was dead, obviously we were wrong."

Harry shook his head, "So the question becomes why he felt the need to do this? Why draw attention to his existence when he was a complete unknown."

"Ego?" suggested Luna.

"No there was more to it, he wanted us to know he's dangerous," mused Harry.

"I think you are both right," said Lady Galadriel from the doorway.

Harry went to sit up before Luna gently pushed him back.

Galadriel gestured for Harry to relax as she entered, "Please Harry stay in your bed. This man Kale or whatever he is now calling himself set up an elaborate deceit to lure you to him. I suspect that he did so as a test of prowess yours or his isn't important. From what we have determined he left the area on foot after his two companions were killed. We are not sure how he avoided our march wardens but somehow he managed to leave our lands without being seen. Now we have no inkling of where he may be and who else he is working with and my scrying has yielded nothing."

oOoOoOo

The three magic users from Isengard had no better luck that the elves.

Harry and Azanath had used every magical detection technique they could come up with before realising that however he had done it the wizard had disappeared completely. Even Luna, who had been doing flyovers of the area, had found no sign of a campsite or any tracks to indicate an escape.

Luna in her owl form came gliding into land next to her husband, "If I didn't know better I'd suspect he had apparated away."

"I think we need to upgrade the wards a bit," Harry mused as he considered the situation.

"I'll begin to research it when we get back home," assured Luna.

Harry nodded, "Well right after we spread the word, I think our allies need to hear about this Kale."

oOoOoOo

Gondor

Tirith was still in many ways a man without a past although that was becoming less important as he found himself immersed in the day to day duties as an officer of Gondor. Still, on days like today he felt a bit…..apart. Many of his fellow officers were married. Hell some had children old enough to marry and one or two were grandparents. All spoke of their wives and children, of burnt dinners and….and some days it bothered him. He nearly jumped when someone cleared their throat.

"Ah Captain what brings you to such a windswept stretch of the walls?"

Tirith turned to see Lady Ivriniel standing at the top of the stairs, a thick cloak around her shoulders.

With a bow, Tirith turned as if to walk back toward the guards entrance, "My apologies my Lady I'll leave you to your walk."

Ivriniel smiled at her brothers most prized officer and adviser, "Captain, please there is no need for you to leave."

Tirith smiled sadly as he shrugged, "I fear my Lady that I'd be ill company today."

Ivriniel studied Tirith's face for a moment before stepping forward to place a gentle hand on his shoulder, "Captain…Tirith please my brother and I worry when these black moods are upon you."

Tirith's shoulders slumped as he turned away to look over the city walls toward the river.

"You need to talk to someone," said Ivriniel quietly.

Tirith was silent for a few moments before he began talking, "Some days I feel lost and directionless. I can't remember my godson, my friends, it's all gone. Don't get me wrong I'm happy here it's just that the feeling of loss never quite goes away. I wonder who I really am."

"You are a Captain of Gondor and a confidant of my brother, a respected voice in the Council and a mentor to the boys."

Tirith turned to face the Lady of Dol Amroth, "I know my Lady, my life here is more than satisfying. It's just that every so often I wonder what I've lost along with my memories."

Both turned as they heard boots on the stairs and a voice called, "Captain Tirith."

A young man in the livery of the Tower guard appeared at the top of the stairs, "Captain, His Highness has requested your presence in the Stewards chamber."

"Very well, I'll head straight in," acknowledged Tirith before turning to Ivriniel, "My Lady duty calls."

oOoOoOo

"So this sorcerer escaped?" asked Tirith.

"Well the leader did but two of his men were killed," replied Prince Imrahil.

Tirith frowned his expression concerned, "And Harry….ah Lord Harry isn't...um," Tirith trailed off to the amusement of Imrahil.

"No, Harry wasn't badly injured and is fully healed," Imrahil assured his friend.

Tirith nodded and gestured toward the guards at the door, "I'll have the watch captains informed of this Kale's appearance."

oOoOoOo

"Azanath my friend you look exhausted, here take a seat man and have something to eat," Azanath nodded thankfully to Harry and sank down onto the padded seat.

"How did it go?" asked Harry as he poured Azanath a glass of Elven wine.

"I've notified Lord Elrond and the other leaders of the council and they have begun to spread the word. By day's end we'll have agents on the look out for Kale."

Harry poured himself a glass of wine and took an appreciative sip before replying, "Good, I've let everyone in town know that we need to be on guard as well. If this Kale is as arrogant as he seems, he may well try something else."

Azanath closed his eyes for a moment savouring the comfortable chair, "How is Ayrica going with the food supply committee?"

Harry shrugged as he took a seat opposite Azanath. Ayrica had been working with the townsfolk on exactly what was needed to secure their food supply. At the moment, they were still relying on food being shipped from Rohan and while the goodwill of the King saw to their needs, they would be in trouble if they were ever cut off. The young witch had been so busy that she was rarely seen in the tower.

"Her report is due at the end of the week so I'll guess we'll hear then. I'm hoping its good news, but she didn't look happy the last time I saw her."

Azanath considered the ire that would no doubt be communicated to the other magic users in the tower and grinned at Harry, "Well then it was most fortuitous that you sent me forth then, I'm in your debt."

As Harry was about to reply Luna walked in with Selene on her hip. A frustrated Miriel following the pair through the door, "Harry there are two delegations due to arrive tomorrow and we haven't done anything prepare for them."

Harry took Selene off Luna and kissed his wife on the cheek, "I know love, I've been caught up with this Kale business. But I did manage to put a few ideas together, enough to start things anyway."

"Ideas Harry?" questioned Luna with a raised eyebrow as she sat on the corner of the lounge.

Harry nodded as he sat back down with Selene, "The Dwarves are leery of who we are and what we are doing here even if the feel they owe us. I think getting Dwarves involved here would give us a chance to show them what is happening here and it will mean we might be able to open up some decent trade talks. Even the Elves acknowledge the skills of Dwarven craftsmen."

Luna nodded and accepted a glass of wine from Miriel, "Miriel please pour a glass and join us."

Miriel started and backed back a step, "My Lady it isn't my place to…"

Luna sighed and gestured toward one of the vacant seats, "Miriel please, this affects you as much as it does any member of our household. You practically run the tower and watch over Selene, I think that you deserve to at least hear what is going on."

Azanath smiled at Miriel's panicked look, "Even after everything I've seen I'm still surprised by your informality. Both of you seem to relish surprising people."

"It's what keeps me sane. There are so few places where I can just be Harry and I'll be damned if my home won't be one of them." Harry's expression showed just how exasperated he was.

"It's the price of leadership and it tested my sanity as well," said Maglor from the door.

Luna smiled as Miriel poured herself a small glass of wine and sat next to Azanath looking uncomfortable, "Thank you Miriel."

Harry smiled and looked at Maglor who was still standing in the doorway, "Join us?"

Maglor smiled and poured himself a glass of wine and leaned against the desk, "And what is this impromptu meeting about?"

"The delegations," replied Luna.

"Ah, yes the envoys of Dáin II Ironfoot, and the men of Dunland. The later will no doubt prove, the more troublesome," said Maglor as he sipped his wine.

"You mentioned that you had a plan concerning the Dwarves," said Azanath.

Harry nodded, "Indeed I do. We are running a school here and while Dwarves may not have shown the desire to use our brand of magic they certainly have the ability to enchant items. I was going to consider starting what I was going to call a craft exchange program here in Isengard."

There were a few moments of busy silence as the others puzzled out what Harry meant.

"You mean another school?" asked Luna.

Harry shook his head, "Not straight away. Think of it as a way to let human, elven and dwarven craftsmen meet and discuss their trades. The common ground, if you will."

"That's actually a good idea," mused Luna.

Azanath leaned forward on his chair, "What about craft secrets? It's always been my understanding that the dwarves and elves have always been rather, ah secretive about their crafts."

"That's the beauty of it. We are neutral ground," replied Harry.

Luna looked a bit pensive as she spoke, "And if we can get the dwarves to consider the idea as a way to come up with new techniques. Maybe but it will be tricky. Still they might go for it even if it is just repaying a debt. They will also get their 'in' to Isengard and what's happening here. I know the dwarves have always been a bit suspicious of the schools motives even if they don't say so in council."

"Will Master Harry need rooms prepared for his guests?" asked Miriel.

Harry cringed at the 'Master', "Miriel please, it's Harry and yes, ready some chambers, please."

"Okay, so the Men of Dunland?" asked Luna.

Maglor gestured toward the map on the wall, "Dunland is an area north-west of Rohan as for the people, well we don't know a lot about them. Loosely aligned clans led by chieftains. Traditionally very aggressive and independent, they've been in constant conflict with Rohan and Gondor over ownership of their lands. They have always claimed Rohan stole their lands."

"Why would they send an envoy?" asked Harry.

Azanath shook his head, "No idea, surely they don't think that we will back them against Rohan and Gondor."

"I can't see what they may want considering that we are consorting with people they see as enemies. Perhaps they want in on the council?" offered Luna.

Now Maglor shook his head, "I wouldn't think so but perhaps…..actually there were some cryptic notes among Saruman's notes about Dunland. Hmmm, maybe they simply want to know where the new masters of Isengard stand."

Maglor tapped the map on the wall his grace finger pointed at the gap of Rohan, "Well they'll be here in a three days so maybe we should find out where Rohan stands."

oOoOoOo

Rivendell

"So Mithrandir what do you make of this Kale?" asked Elrond as the two of them walked along the pathway in the main gardens.

Gandalf considered his reply as they walked a few more steps, "The idea that a sorcerer of Mordor managed to escape the warding worries me."

Elrond nodded, "Harry's warning was apt and I too worry about what else this sorcerer may attempt. The attack just outside Elven territory was not I fear just a test of our wizards but rather a warning that he is not deterred by our defences."

"One we have heeded," assured Gandalf. "We are all working on increasing our vigilance."

Elrond nodded, "What news of Gondor?"

"Prince Imrahil and his sister have the city well in hand. Although the council of Lords is not that cohesive. They have been given enough power to keep them happy and sufficient information to make them nervous. On a happier note, the military and the common citizenry are staunch in their support."

"That news while unsurprising is pleasing nevertheless. Gondor is of vital importance."

"Indeed," agreed Gandalf.

oOoOoOo

Miriel watched as Azanath tugged off his boots and sat back onto his bed.

"My Lord?"

Azanath sighed as he lay back on the bed, "Miriel you do not have to call me such. You are welcome to use my name."

"Do you need me?" asked Miriel quietly.

Azanath knew what she was asking and a part of him longed to touch her exquisite body but to do so would be a disaster.

"Miriel you are my friend not my body slave. What would Luna say?"

"Do I not please you?" asked Miriel quietly.

Azanath sat up to look at the former slave, "You know you do, but it is not right. You have your freedom and I'll not take that from you."

"Please My Lord….Azanath, I need you," pleaded Miriel as she took another step closer.

Azanath tried to think of something to say to stop the elf maid but all thought of that disappeared as her lips touched his.

oOoOoOo

Rohan - Edoras

Théoden of Rohan roared with laughter as he watched his nephew trying to escape his father's clutches. The four-year-old was naked and had apparently managed to escape his bath and elude his nursemaid long enough to find his way to his uncle's council chambers.

Éomer's naked exploits came to an end when his cousin plucked him up from behind.

"Ha, cousin back to your nursemaid you go," Prince Théodred grinned at his father and uncle as the sixteen-year-old threw his cousin over his shoulder and carried the laughing boy from the room.

A red-faced Éomund bowed to his king, "My apologies."

Théoden managed to control his laughter in the face of his brother-in-law's embarrassment. "It does me good to be reminded of family, a thing too long absent from these halls after…..after Elfhild."

Éomund noted his kings pained expression at the mention of his dead wife he was about to say something when his own wife marched in the door with Éowyn in her arms.

"Brother I apologise for interrupting your court…." managed Théodwyn before the king raised his hand to halt her apology.

"Sister it is of no importance, although the lad might give Théodred a run for his money if he gets loose again."

The king held out his hands for his niece and smiled when she was placed in his arms. "A beautiful girl we must see to her dowry sister, she'll grow up a Princess of Rohan."

There was a loud thump as the main door swung open admitting one of the kings guards, "My Lord the Lady Ayrica of Eastfold seeks an audience with the King of the Mark."

"A day for the family then," said Théoden to his sister with a smile as he waved his hand at the guard.

The guard nodded and retreated outside for a moment before a figure clad in a silvery grey robe entered. Ayrica quickly walked up to the throne and curtseyed gracefully before addressing her kinfolk.

Ayrica smiled and held out a silvery metal scroll case, "Highness, I bring greetings from Isengard."

Éomund accepted the scroll case on behalf of the King. Théoden merely raised an eyebrow at the formality, "Return my greetings to your Lord upon your return Lady Ayrica, now why so formal kinswoman?"

Ayrica laughed and pulled her Aunt into a hug, "Hello Auntie."

After her aunt, she hugged her uncle and kissed his cheek, "It's good to see you both. How are the girls?"

"They are both well and loving living in Edoras. They will be thrilled to see you when they get back from their ride," replied Théodwyn with a smile.

Ayrica smiled at the image of the King of Rohan cuddling his infant niece, "And how are Éomer and little Éowyn?"

"Growing like Colts," was the laughing reply.

"So what brings you to my court?" asked Théoden with a smile.

Ayrica gestured toward the scroll case, "It's all in the message, but mainly Harry and Luna are worried about a few things and wanted to organise a meeting."

"A council meeting?" asked Éomund.

"No, well not really, one of the chieftain's out of Dunland has approached Harry for a meeting."

"Who?" asked Théoden his expression intent for the Dunlendings had been a thorn in his people's side for too long.

"Broca of the Fens," replied Ayrica.

Éomund scratched at his beard, "I've heard of him, he's a minor chieftain."

"A raider?" asked Théoden.

Éomund shook his head, "No he's never been a raider. He's a hard man but he has always kept to his own lands."

"So why approach Isengard?" asked Ayrica.

Éomund shrugged a puzzled expression on his face, "I don't know. It's a strange move for a Dunlending. What would drive them to deal with their enemies?"

"It could be infighting amongst the tribes," offered Théodwyn.

Her husband paused to consider her words. While not a warrior she had lived with the curse of Dunlending Raiders all her life and she knew politics.

Éomund smiled proudly, "It is a good thought, my wife, even if we are speculating."

"I'll let Harry know that we are not sure and I'll pass on our speculations," said Ayrica with a smile for her aunt.

Théoden cleared his throat, "Surely you're not departing my halls without allowing me to show you proper hospitality?"

"Your sisters will be vexed if you depart without a chance to speak to you," warned Théodwyn.

Ayrica laughed and curtseyed to the king.

oOoOoOo

Harry leaned back into his chair and considered the information Ayrica had reported to Luna. She had been scheduled to apparate back last night but had apparently stayed the night with her relatives. It was good to see her staying in contact with them. The gist of it was that King Théoden and his advisors had not come up with anything that he hadn't already considered.

"Oh well no doubt we'll find out when they get here," muttered Harry as stood and stretched before making his way to his families rooms. Selene needed a good tickle and he was the man to do it.

However, Selene was not in her room and so he made his way to his own room. Luna wasn't in either, more than likely she was off with Selene. Harry sat on his bed and smiled to himself. He had a free afternoon and no one to spend it with. He was about to go in search of company in the library when he noticed the new bath Luna had added to their bathroom. The transfigured bath was a huge two person affair and rather decadent in his opinion. The servants would be cursing them if they had to carry enough hot water to fill it. Not that they had to for Luna had pointed out that a simple combination of an Aguamenti Charm and a warming charm would suffice.

Perhaps it was time to try it out.

Twenty minutes later he was soaking in a hot bath and all was right with the world.

He cracked an eye open when someone laughed and called his name, "Harry."

"Hmmm?" was his articulate reply as he saw his wife watching him from the doorway.

"You look comfortable Harry. Maybe I should join you?"

"Come on then," encouraged Harry.

Luna smiled and undid her dress, letting it slide to the floor to pool at her feet. Next she removed her bra dropping it at her feet. Her bra was followed by her knickers. She then stepped out of the pile of her clothes and walked slowly to the bath with Harry's eyes tracking her every move. His eyes moved over her taking in her slimness and the movement of her long silver hair over her bare skin.

"Dear Merlin you're beautiful," whispered Harry. Luna's beauty never failed to generate awe and desire in equal parts.

"As are you, Harry, inside and out," replied Luna as she leaned forward to gently kiss his lips.

They took a few minutes to just soak before Luna asked Harry to turn around. She then gently washed his back. A favour returned by Harry. After a nice long soak with Luna leaning against his chest, they climbed out and dried off.

"My love?" whispered Luna with urgency in her voice.

"What is it?" Harry asked as he turned to face her.

"Make love to me. I need you, Harry."

With a nod, he picked her up to carry her to their bed, "Have I been neglecting you?"

Luna kissed his neck "Never but I wouldn't object to more snuggle time."

Harry laughed as he pulled her into a hug, "We've been busy haven't we."

Luna kissed his neck and ran a hand down his back, "True my love but let's make sure that we leave enough time for the important things,"

Kissing his neck again she let her right-hand slide south.

Harry moaned as his wife's hand took a firm grip and lowered her to the bed, "I think that's a wonderful idea."

oOoOoOo

Broca was a short, wiry and swarthy. His thinning black hair topped a narrow sharp featured face. Not a handsome man but there was something in his dark, glittering eyes. He had a look of fierce, confident intelligence. Harry was reminded in some ways of Éomund. They were both men that knew their own worth.

Harry watched the man as he walked toward the front of the tent. When he reached a spot three feet from Harry and the seated Luna he bowed his head in a gesture of respect.

"I am Broca, leader of my clan. You are the wizard?"

Harry nodded and Broca studied him for a long moment before nodding.

"I ask for a parlay. Will you grant it?" Despite the abrupt nature of his words, it was clear the man was trying to set up a formal meeting.

"I will Lord Broca," replied Harry.

Broca's sharp face showed a bit of relief as he nodded, "May my companions approach?"

Harry nodded.

Broca had arrived with a small retinue of three riders, one of whom was a young woman. All three approached to stand behind Broca and bowed to Harry and Luna. Two were introduced as his guards Wulfere and Gauld. The young woman was introduced as Brada and was apparently Broca's daughter.

Harry smiled at Brada before returning his attention to the Dunlending leader, "You are all welcome in Isengard. My Lady has arranged for a meal for us all or if you prefer to rest…."

"A meal would be welcome Lord Wizard," replied Broca with every appearance of sincerity.

Harry laughed at the title, "Harry please. I am new to rulership and to in all honesty I prefer to be informal when I can."

Broca's stern visage shifted for a moment into a half-smile as Harry stood and helped Luna to her feet.

oOoOoOo

The meal had been somewhat awkward but not without some friendly discussion. Harry had watched Ayrica endeavouring to strike up a conversation with Brada while he and Luna had discussed a variety of inconsequential topics with Broca. When the meal ended Harry invited Broca to join him on a walk around the tree-lined avenues of Isengard.

After a few moments of walking, Broca cleared his throat, "You are new to these lands?"

"Yes I am," replied Harry although he was sure the man meant Isengard rather than Middle-earth.

"You know of our dispute with the horse lords?" asked Broca.

"I know some of the history between your peoples," replied Harry carefully his tone neutral.

Broca took a deep breath before speaking again, "Then you understand how hard it is for me to be here, how many of my kin will see this?"

"I am not sure I understand," said Harry.

"My daughter is my only child, my heir if you can credit such a thing. Her mother, my wife Aelfwine died in her birthing. I have no other heir and I do not foresee one in my future. I tell you this because my plans for her were to betroth her to a strong man and thus assure my people's future. Then the incidents began."

"Incidents?" asked Harry.

"Sorcery, wizard, she threw a man across the room with a wave of her hand. My people have little patience for such…..powers."

Harry raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Then we do indeed have something we need to discuss."

oOoOoOo

Harry collapsed onto his bed muttering.

"What is it love?" asked Luna as she walked in from the other room still brushing her long hair.

Rolling over to look at his wife and repeated himself in a more normal voice, "Brada is a witch."

"Ah, I had a feeling she might have potential. I even had a chat with her after the meal. So a potential witch, a bit of an interesting political situation then," was Luna's opinion as she continued to wield her brush.

Harry sighed, loudly "You might say that yes. Personally I would like to give the Valar a right piece of my mind."

Luna looked thoughtful as she sat on the bed next to her husband. "Look at it as an opportunity to influence both sides."

"Maybe," agreed Harry. "How did you find her, when you had you chat?"

Luna stopped brushing her hair and turned to look at Harry, "She was a bit quiet. Overwhelmed by all the attention but there was a quick mind hidden away behind all that."

With a nod of acknowledgement, Harry sat up and gestured toward the window. "Even if the politics of it is murky she'll be welcome here. I hope we can convince her father to let her attend."

oOoOoOo

Broca did, although he had some rather serious reservations. His heir would be living amongst people that his had been in conflict with for generations. In the end, his permission had taken an oath from Harry to see to her protection.

As Broca and Harry descended the stairs to speak with Brada, they found her sitting, watching Ayrica create a small flame in her palm. Extinguish it and the recast the spell. The look of rapt attention on her face reminded Harry of a young Hermione.

Broca watched his daughter for a few moments before calling her over. Brada immediately stood and walked to her father. Broca laid his hand on her shoulder, "Brada you will be studying under the wizard."

Her eyes went to the floor, "Yes father."

Broca squeezed her shoulder, "Be strong girl and you will make me proud."

Brada's head came up as she looked her father in the eyes, "I will father."

The Dunlending chieftain stroked his daughters face before turning to address Harry. "Wizard I leave her in your care. If….if you need anything, send word to me."

Harry smiled before bowing to Broca, "My Lord Broca you have left in my care a most precious gift. I will guard her as if she were my own daughter."

Broca seemed about to speak but in the end he simply nodded and turned on his heel and walked from the room.

oOoOoOo

"My Lord what will my duties be?" asked Brada as she trailed behind Harry.

Harry gestured toward the door to the library, "As my student you are here to learn to control your gift. As a resident of the tower, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to find something you are interested in. Till you find your feet I'll have you working with Ayrica. There is a great deal going on at the moment so we won't be doing any training for a while. Till then I want you to work on your reading and writing with Ayrica and Maglor." Seeing the look of well almost panic on the teenagers face he smiled reassuringly, "Don't worry you will be introduced properly to everyone at dinner."

As they entered the library, they were met by Maglor.

The tall elf bowed to Brada, "Greetings Brada daughter of Broca, it is a pleasure to welcome you to our ranks."

"T-Thank you, Lord," replied Brada.

Maglor gestured for Brada to sit, "Before we start with anything formal I would like you to tell me of yourself, your life."

Brada looked confused, "My life?"

Maglor took a seat across from her, "Yes Brada your life. I like to know somewhat of those I teach. It will help me understand what you are interested in."

Brada paused for a few moments before looking up at Maglor, "I grew up in our village…."

As Brada began to speak Harry slowly backed out of the library and closed the door behind him.

oOoOoOo

Kale sat and studied the elf maid opposite him. She was beautiful in the Elven way. Slim and ethereal with blond hair and green eyes she almost looked like one of the Vanya. Although right now her beautiful eyes were narrowed in impotent anger.

She would serve his purposes nicely.

With a slight smile, he leaned forward and gestured for his men to stand clear of the elf.

"I mean you no harm and you have my word that you will leave here unharmed."

"Why then have you done this?"

"I needed a messenger and you will serve admiringly as such," he replied and place a sealed scroll case on the rough-hewn table. "I wish this message delivered to Isengard. Don't worry it is simply a message and will cause no harm."

The elf maid tilted her head her expression puzzled, "Then why this subterfuge?"

Ah, a thinker. What a waste that she was so irrevocably tied to the light. Kale appreciated smart people no matter their gender or race. "Because my dear I wish to make a point."

oOoOoOo