Part 2 of Walking the Path

Disclaimer: Just a reminder I do not own any part of JK Rowling's or JRR Tolkien's great works. This piece of fiction garners neither profit nor ownership.

Last time:

Luna gestured toward the mess. "It wasn't able to access its full powers. If it had been it may have been able to break our spells."

Gandalf nodded, "Come we had better leave this place."

Alatar looked around the room and raised his staff, "Where is Pallando?"

Chapter 6

Carn Dûm - Angmar

Harry winced as Luna examined his shoulder and found an especially painful bruise. "I hate sounding like a cliché, but that was almost too easy."

Gandalf raised an eyebrow, "Indeed my friend. Among the servants of Melkor still left in Middle Earth such a dark spirit stands only behind Sauron himself. One such as this should have been far harder to contain. Pallando must have bound its powers or weakened it in some other way."

Alatar stalked over shaking his head in frustration, "However he has done it he is gone I couldn't sense him anywhere nearby."

Luna cast a healing spell on Harry's injured shoulder, "We should be leaving as well. I don't fancy having to fight my way through all those gathered outside if the alarm has been raised."

"A portkey may be best," suggested Harry. "At least once we get clear of this cavern. I don't want to test what magical defences have been placed here to deal with the Balrog. Luna, you do the honours there is something I want to do." With that, Harry transformed into a wolf and disappeared up the corridor.

Moving quickly they followed Harry making their way away from the cavern until they deemed they were far enough away from any potential wards.

Luna picked up a loose rock and created a Portkey. "Harry should be back in a moment so everyone touch the rock."

After a few moments, Harry still in his wolf form came bounding down the passage before shifting back to his human form. He reached out and touched the portkey as Luna touched her staff to it.

oOoOoOo

Rivendell – House of Elrond

Prince Imrahil leaned back in his chair, "So our enemy is another fallen Istari."

Elrond nodded, "It would appear so Prince Imrahil although perhaps his identity is of less concern at this moment than what he was apparently trying to achieve."

Alatar cleared his throat, "My Lord Elrond is correct. Pallando or Kale, as he is known is deeply versed in old forgotten lore. From what I have heard it appears he has chosen the same dark path as Curumo….my pardon Saruman. His attempt to release a Balrog was thwarted, but he escaped. I doubt he will give up his evil."

"I find it hard to believe he would do such a thing and just what he thought he would gain," said Radagast. "But regardless we need to stop him. I will send out as many of my animal friends as I can." Radagast was a friend of many animals and in particular birds. His avian friends would begin a massive search to hunt the renegade Istari down.

"My thanks, Brother," said Gandalf with a smile for his forest dwelling brother Istari before turning back to face the white council. "Pallando is a real threat to our peoples all the more so because we have no way of knowing what he may try next." Gandalf glanced at Luna, who shook her head. She had not been gifted with any visions.

"Then we must hunt him down," said one of the dwarves representing the Iron Hills.

"I am willing to supply Gondorian troops if they are required," said Imrahil.

Lord Éomund of Rohan turned his gaze toward Luna and Harry, "Rohan, of course, will also support the council's decisions. May I ask how we will proceed?"

Harry stood and looked around those gathered in the room, "I don't know yet, Lord Éomund. Part of this meeting was to discuss what else could be put in place to make sure that the next time we find him we are in a position to end his threat."

Imrahil stood and walked over to the large map and pointed at Angmar. "We must deal with the forces he gathered at Carn Dûm. Leaving them unchallenged to fortify the ruins would be foolish even if the renegade has fled. We do not need another hostile power bordering our lands."

"I agree we cannot leave them in place. Especially if there are any sorcerers remaining with the enemy troops. I have denied them access to Kale's stronghold in the mountain when I collapsed the caves, but there was still a substantial armed camp nearby working on the fortifications around the ruins," explained Harry.

"Prince Imrahil is right, speed is of the essence," said Éomund. "We must gather our forces and strike against them before their defences are complete."

Aronath a tall blond elf from Mirkwood stood to address the council, "The King will supply archers but will we be able to get them north in time?"

"Portkeys will allow us to move small units into place. If we can spread the word quickly we should be able to marshal our forces and strike before our enemy could gather his defences," said Luna.

Gandalf stroked his beard as he studied the faces of those with military experience. The expressions of who had become calculating, "an interesting suggestion."

With a wry smile, Imrahil inclined his head to Luna, "Interesting….I would rather say brilliant. Without having to worry about supplies being gathered and the ability to moved our forces so quickly. Given their remoteness, the enemy would surely expect ample warning of any assault. A sudden attack from our forces alone may turn the battle in our favor."

The council, it seemed was in agreement. Within the hour, the Wizards began ferrying the council members back to their respective realms. Each had specific instructions to gather their forces and prepare them for transport.

oOoOoOo

Isengard

Maglor raised an eyebrow in surprise as Harry explained the council's decision to attack Carn Dûm.

"You seem surprised."

Maglor shrugged, "Not at all. I think the decision is a wise one. I am still surprised that the council has been so decisive. From what I know that is an abrupt change in policy from its previous incarnation. I think it a good thing that we have seen so little of the petty disputes and rivalries that crippled the White Councils effectiveness. You and your lovely wife can take heart from this victory, Harry. I think that in days to come that I will need to write it into the histories as a turning point."

The Harry of old would probably have blushed as it was he still found his lips twitching into a smile. "Really….well you do that and I'll write the Ballad of Prince Maglor. Hmmm, I think your old ward would love to hear it performed in the Hall of Fire."

Maglor laughed and took a sip of his wine, "In truth Elrond would probably find in vastly amusing." After a moment his amusement faded. "Will you accompany them?"

Harry nodded, "As will Luna, Azanath and Ayrica. As we speak, Gandalf and his brother Istari are working to keep things moving. Once things are organised here, we'll be needed to help get everything done on time. I imagine things are quite busy right now."

"I'd suggest that you take a bodyguard, in fact, I insist. We have quite a few well-trained warriors amongst the guards."

Harry was about to protest before remembering that his wife was going to be accompanying him. So he just nodded.

oOoOoOo

Council Chamber – Minis Tirith – Gondor

Prince Imrahil studied the gathering of Captains and nobles as they stood waiting attentively or talking quietly amongst themselves as was their nature. Most were no doubt discussing the unexpected summons or the presence of Gandalf and Alatar. He glanced over to where Tirith stood and nodded. Tirith nodded back and began calling for silence and attention. The call was taken up and with moments the council chamber grew quiet.

"Captains of Gondor we recently found that our enemies have begun rebuilding the long-abandoned city of Carn Dûm in Angmar. Recently Gandalf and his brethren drove out the sorcerer behind this but he had already gathered a significant force of men and goblinkin," Imrahil paused for a moment to let that sink in.

"Gondor and its allies cannot allow this to occur as it would give safe haven to our enemies. The White Council agrees and as I speak to you the elves and dwarves, as well as our allies in Rohan, are gathering their forces for a campaign," again he paused. Now many of the officers well versed in travel were contemplating how long it would take to move an army so far north.

"Speed is of the essence as the longer we wait, the longer the enemy has to prepare and reinforce their position. We do not have the many months it would take to move into position so the white council has turned to the Wizards for help."

Gandalf stepped forward leaning on his staff, "The Wizards of Isengard will transport your companies into positions outside Carn Dûm."

"What of Rohan?" asked one of the Captains.

There were several more questions mainly around logistics before the Captains began to disperse to see to their companies. Imrahil caught Tirith's eye and gestured for him to remain.

"My Lord?"

"Captain I want you to turn command of my guard over to your second. I want you to take command of the combined Gondorian forces." Seeing that Tirith was about to protest Imrahil quickly explained. "Tirith there is no one I trusted more and given that you know the wizards as well as I do, you are the natural choice."

"I understand it is just...I had assumed you would command."

"It has fallen to me to command our combined forces with Lord Éomund as my second."

Tirith bowed, "I appreciate your trust Highness."

Imrahil smiled and clapped his hand on his Captains' shoulder, "You have earned my trust my friend. Now we had best get moving Marshall Tirith."

The Prince of Dol Amroth laughed at the look on Tirith's face.

oOoOoOo

Rohan - Medulsad

"I will have over twenty score Riders mustered in the morning," reported Éomund as Théoden poured him an ale. They along with their families were eating a private dinner in the Kings private chambers."

"Good, you think it sufficient?"

Éomund nodded, "It should be, along with the others and with the element of surprise."

Prince Théodred smiled, "Not to mention the Wizards of Isengard. Father, I had hoped that I might ride with Uncle Éomund."

Théoden visage turned stern, "This is not some adventure my son. You would be riding to war. I had hoped you would have longer ere you hefted a spear in battle."

"I am your heir father and I am as well trained as any rider in uncle's éored," Théodred's tone was even and everyone could see his sincerity and belief.

Théodwyn smiled slightly at the look of frustration on Théoden's face, "I was but a small girl, but I can remember when you first rode into battle. I seem to remember that look on father's face."

Théoden had to nod. He did indeed remember the row he had with his father regarding riding into battle with the king's riders. His words had been similar to Théodred's and his father had been furious. "Very well if your uncle would have you ride with him then you have my blessing,"

Théodred's face lit up as he stood and bowed, "My thanks, father. Uncle, may I offer my shield and spear?"

"Of course Nephew," replied Éomund with a broad smile. "I would welcome your strong arm among the riders. I am sure you will bring honour to the House or Eorl."

A knock on the door sounded and Théoden called out his permission to enter. A moment later a guard entered and bowed to the King, "My lord the Lady Ayrica has arrived with a….guest."

oOoOoOo

Ayrica freed herself from her younger sister's hugs and turned to greet her Aunt.

"You look well Ayrica," said Théodwyn after she kissed her niece's cheek.

Éomund hugged his niece and held her at arm's length, "Aye you do at that. I am surprised you are not being courted by every wealthy man in Isengard."

Théodred kissed his cousin on the cheek before she curtseyed to the King, "My King."

Théoden smiled broadly as he pulled Ayrica to her feet, "Enough of that my girl. It does me good to see you well." The king's eyes moved to the other figure standing by the door. Like Ayrica, she was clad in a hooded cloak and clasped a staff in her hands. "Who might be your companion?"

Ayrica stood and gestured toward the other figure that lowered her hood to reveal a young woman with long black hair and pale grey eyes. "My King, I present Brada, daughter of Broca a fellow student and my friend."

Brada curtseyed before standing tall with her eyes on the King, "It is a pleasure to meet you King of Rohan." Her tone as polite but all the adults could see that she was uncomfortable.

Théoden nodded, "Ah the daughter of Broca of the Fens. Welcome to my house."

Théodwyn smiled at Brada, "Any who have the friendship of Ayrica are welcome in this house, daughter of Broca. Now will you both join us for our meal? This is a rare night where we eat without the pomp and ceremony of the great hall."

Brada nodded and set her staff against the wall next to Ayrica's. Seeing her friend remove her cloak she did the same before pausing unsure where to sit.

"Lady Brada I would be honoured," said Théodred as he lifted a seat from next to the wall to place it next to his at the table.

Brada studied the Prince for a moment before nodding and accepting the offered seat. Unseen by the Prince or Brada Théoden had caught the eye of his sister who smirked at him before moving her gaze to her nephew who was helping Brada take her seat. Théodred was trying to hide his, rather unsubtle study of their guest.

Théodred started when Brada cast back her hood. He had of course heard from Ayrica that the daughter of a Dunlending chieftain was now a student of Isengard and that Ayrica had befriended the girl. What he had not been told was that the Dunlending girl was beautiful. Pale skinned with long hair like raven feathers. As she pulled off her cloak, he saw that she was petite but still womanly. As he helped her sit, next to him, of course, he wondered at her lithe movement it was almost catlike.

The rest of the meal passed in a blur for Théodred as he tried to keep Brada talking.

Ayrica grinned at her cousin who had been solely focussed on Brada to the exclusion of all else going on around him. With was viewed with much amusement of the adults who were watching Théodred stumble through his meal eating virtually nothing.

As Ayrica took a final sip of her wine she set aside the cup and turned to the King. "Lady Luna has prepared the Portkeys to activate two hours after dawn tomorrow. All the men need to be ready with their gear well before then. Brada and I will need to explain to your captains."

Théoden turned to Éomund, "Summon all those that are needed to the great hall in an hour. Best we get the preparations underway. Ayrica, you and Brada are welcome to get some rest. Your old room is still yours if you wish to seek a few hours' sleep and Brada I will have a room prepared for you as well."

"Thank you, your Majesty," replied Brada.

The King stood and drained his tankard of ale, "Come Éomund, we have much to organise. Théodred I leave the ladies to your care. You had also better prepare your equipment."

After the two men had left Théodwyn sent the younger girls to their chambers to ready themselves for bed, "Although I have scant hope that you will be abed anytime soon with the men mustering."

Both girls curtseyed to their Aunt before leaving the room with their heads close together talking in whispers.

"Ayrica, before you seek your bed I wonder if you would like to walk with me around the forecourt. I find myself in need of advice."

Ayrica nodded then paused, "Brada do you mind?"

"No Ayrica I think I shall retire to get some sleep."

Théodred smiled and bowed to Brada, "Let me escort you to your room Lady Brada."

Brada looked a bit puzzled but nodded, "My thanks, Highness."

Ayrica and Théodwyn watched as Brada gathered her cloak and staff and left with Théodred.

"A strange turn of events," said Théodwyn with a smile.

Ayrica shrugged, "I hope his Highness behaves, Brada was worried that she would not be welcome here given her heritage."

"Théodred knows the boundaries no son of Théoden would be a rake. Is she a good woman?"

"Yes and brave she was prepared to fight Lord Harry's daughter when the assassin attacked the tower. Initially, I hadn't known what to expect but as I have gotten to know her I have realised that she is not that different from me. It is not something we of Rohan oft consider but perhaps we need to seek out the moderate Dunlendings and actually talk to them. Her father loves her; she grew up in a household, not too different from mine. In truth, we have found we have more in common than we had thought."

Théodwyn considered her niece with pride. "You have grown wise Ayrica I see your time in the tower is not wasted. Hmmm, perhaps young Brada will be an envoy for her people. Now I wanted to talk to you about Lord Ethelred's son Athered. There has been talk of a betrothal between one of your sisters…."

oOoOoOo

Thranduil's Camp atop Amon Lanc

Legolas found his father standing on the ruined wall of Dol Guldur the fallen fortress of their enemy. "This was once the home of our people. The house of my father….perhaps it would be better to just tear this down and leave. Let the broken stones be a memorial."

The Elven prince could understand his father's concern over the partially destroyed fortress. Even with Sauron's forces destroyed or driven from the area the hill still stank of evil and what living things there were inside the walls were twisted. "Father the Istari Aiwendil is here."

Thranduil turned away from the ruins to look at his son, "I thought he preferred Radagast in these later days."

Legolas led his father down to the main encampment were a figure in a brown cloak stood leaning on a wooden staff.

Radagast bowed to the elven king who nodded in acknowledgement, "Radagast my friend I assume you bring tidings from the council?"

The Istari nodded, "Indeed I have as well as the Portkeys for your archers."

Thranduil nodded, "Legolas and Aronath have already briefed my warriors. What news from our allies?"

oOoOoOo

Iron Hills

"My people will stand ready at the appointed hour Lady Luna. For now though I wanted to talk to you about the reports from some of our craft masters in Isengard attending your trade….what was the word…school. I wanted to broach the idea of some other trades that might benefit from your idea."

Luna resisted the urge to roll her eyes as the Dwarven leader ploughed on.

oOoOoOo

Minas Tirith

"Tirith wait a moment."

Tirith turned at the familiar voice and turned to see Lady Ivriniel, "My lady how may I be of service?"

"I know that you are readying your men to leave. I just wanted to tell you to be careful."

"I shall keep his Highness safe as much as is possible," replied Tirith in what he hoped was a reassuring tone.

Ivriniel rolled her eyes as she moved a few steps closer, "I trust you will do your duty in regard to my brother Captain. I was speaking of you keeping yourself safe you foolish man."

Tirith stood open-mouthed for a moment, "I...um….er my Lady?"

Ivriniel took pity on the confused looking Tirith, "Come back safe Tirith."

Tirith nodded and watched as Ivriniel turned and disappeared back through the stone archway.

Unknown to either Prince Imrahil stood in the shadows of the opposite archway. He had been searching for Tirith when he witnessed the awkward meeting between his sister and the captain of his guard. He watched Tirith scratch his head before he seemed to master his confusion and hurry off to the marshalling yards. Imrahil smiled as he watched quietly until Tirith disappeared. He had suspected his sister had her eye on Tirith, but she had been adamant that he mind his own business. His sister was precious to him and he wasn't about to stand in the way of her happiness. Perhaps he might be able to….nudge things along.

oOoOoOo

South of Angmar

All over the western realms the Portkeys activated bringing companies of men, elves and dwarves to their designated locations. Harry, who was overseeing the arrivals, was pleased and somewhat smug that his idea for how to organise the arrival points for each portkey had worked so well. The only downside seemed to be some disorientation among the horses that was manageable. Perhaps next time blindfolding the horses or something similar would be needed.

Harry turned his head to look at his wife, "Are you ready?"

Luna nodded and transformed into her owl form and flew up to Harry's shoulder. Harry smiled as Luna groomed his hair with her beak.

"Be careful," whispered Harry.

Luna, the owl, gave him a look that plainly said 'I'll be fine' before she launched herself into the air.

Harry stood watching as she climbed high overhead far beyond arrow range before turning north. For a few minutes, he watched her circle far above Carn Dûm.

"Lord Harry, Prince Imrahil is looking for you," Harry turned to see a young man in Gondorian livery.

"Thank you, if you would lead the way…..?"

The young man straightened, "Thoragast my lord, Thoragast, son of Bromin."

"Well Thoragast if you would be so kind," said Harry with a smile.

The young man darted ahead leading Harry to where the leaders of the combined force stood waiting.

"Luna is off so we should have a good idea of what we face shortly," reported Harry.

Prince Imrahil nodded, "Good, thank you. Now once Luna gives us the lay of the land we need to be ready to move. Surprise will be our greatest weapon. I would much rather face undefended walls than have to besiege them."

"I don't think we will have to too wait long," said Harry. In her owl form Luna had excellent distance vision. Harry looked at the gathered leaders and returned a few nods and smiles.

Less than half an hour later Luna landed next to Harry and transformed.

"It's a lovely day for flying," said Luna with a smile before her expression turned serious. "Their defense is incredibly disorganised. It looks like small armed camps, almost like they are more worried about each other than an outside attack."

Éomund frowned, "Maybe a lack of leadership…If Kale fled after his defeat, maybe there is no one in charge."

"Regardless of why we need to take advantage of the enemies' lack of cohesion," said Gandalf. "We should move against them. If Kale has fled perhaps some of his sorcerers have as well and if not well we have enough magical might on our side to counter them."

Prince Imrahil pointed to a clear area of loose dirt. "Luna can you draw a map for me showing the camps layout?"

Luna smiled, "I can do better than that." With a sweeping motion of her staff an image of the encampment appeared. The image was incredibly accurate right down to the tiny figures of people.

"Amazing," said Legolas as he studied the 'map'.

As the military leaders moved around the map, studying the layout as the wizards stood to the side. Eventually, Imrahil and the other leaders finished their discussion and turned back to the wizards.

Imrahil gestured toward the illusionary map, "With no guard on the walls our best chance to defeat them will be to get our mounted men in amongst them. The dwarves and elves will attack the area around the unfinished western fortifications first. Hopefully drawing attention to them while I lead the cavalry through the eastern gap as the Gondorian forces follow on to engage the enemy."

"What role would you have us fulfilling?" asked Gandalf.

"I think splitting you up between our three forces work?" asked Imrahil.

In the end, it was decided that Harry and Alatar would accompany the Gondorian infantry. Luna and Azanath would be stationed with the Elves and Dwarves. Gandalf and Ayrica would ride with the Rohirrim.

oOoOoOo

The battle itself was an anti-climax. The gathered hill men and goblinkin were woefully underprepared and lacked leadership. It appeared that Gandalf's thoughts about the sorcerers had been correct. Very few remained in the enemies' camp and those that did were quickly neutralised. The initial charge by the cavalry had thrown the camp into chaos. Few of the enemy were inclined to stand much less counter attack were thrown into confusion when a hail of arrows started falling amongst them. Almost immediately after the arrows started falling dwarven warriors followed by Gondorian infantry began advancing sweeping the enemy aside.

In the end, some hundred hill men managed to escape into the low foothills but virtually none of the goblinkin survived. Two sorcerers escaped by shape changing, but the rest of them were slain.

Among the allied forces, casualties had been light. Of the nearly two thousand men, elves and dwarves gathered eighty-four died in the initial stage of the fighting and some twenty-three more of wounds before the Wizards could offer them magical healing.

Harry looked around the battlefield, "I had expected this place to be more heavily defended. This was almost too easy."

Luna shrugged, "I suspect that after Kale and the more skilled sorcerers fled that their forces began to drift away. If we hadn't dealt with Kale and he managed to release the Balrog….well who knows if we would have been able to defeat them."

Harry shrugged, "Well I for one am glad that we didn't suffer greater casualties. We achieved what we set out to and once we get everyone home, we can work out what to do next."

oOoOoOo

Edoras - Rohan

Prince Théodred had been given the honour of passing on to the court what had happened during the battle of Carn Dûm. The Prince explained the tactics used in the battle to those gathered in court and was recounting the valour of those that had fallen as much as the prowess of those that lived. The King smiled at his son's youthful viewpoint and was proud of how he dealt with the honour of those that lost their lives doing their duty. Éomund had already reported to him with a less….colourful version of the tale but his son's version was certainly entertaining and, for the most part, accurate. His one mentioning his cousin's name refocussed his attention to the floor.

"…..as to their sorcerers fell magic, well Lady Ayrica and Gandalf Greyhame rode with us and with their magic they cast down the sorcerers who stood against us."

"To the wizards!" called one of his older riders.

"The wizards," repeated the gathered riders as they raised the mugs before draining them.

The king turned to look at Éomund, "Ayrica rode with the men?"

Éomund winced slightly at the Kings tone, "My king the Lady Ayrica is a true shield maiden of Rohan although in truth her magic was her greatest weapon. The Wizards of Isengard were a force to be reckoned with."

Théoden wasn't happy with the thought of Ayrica riding into battle, but the news that she had held her own was comforting.

"Indeed she brings honour and renown to the House of Eorl."

oOoOoOo

Near the Langwell River – Mount Gundabad

Pallando cursed as he examined the burns on his hands. His staff was growing increasingly hard to control and painful to use. The stream beside the cave was icy enough to sooth the burns and give him some relief before he wet the bandages to bind his hands.

Hands bound in the damp bandages he reached into his rough tunic and pulled out the rod of Lungorthin. Running his fingers over the metal rod he considered his next move. His occupation of Angmar was always a ruse and those of his Sorcerers he had lost were of no consequence, but the loss of the Balrog….that was galling. There were few such creatures he could use that were….suitable and most were not powerful enough to his former brothers or their cursed wizard allies.

Yes, perhaps he had underestimated them but he would not do so again.