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.
Many thanks go (Once again) to XRaiderV1 for his Beta work.
Oh and a note about spelling English (Australian) vs English (American) I'm Australian and XRaiderV1 is an American so expect the odd word to be 'wrong' here and there depending of course on your point of view...
Last time:
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 soothe 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 compared to his former brothers or their cursed wizard allies.
Yes, perhaps he had underestimated them but he would not do so again.
Chapter 7
Isengard
"You need to concentrate on the form you envisioned in your meditations."
Harry studied his students for a moment with a serious expression before continuing. "Changing your form can be dangerous to do if you are new to the skill and that goes double for trying alone. So I suggest that you master the transformation before you do any experimenting."
Luna pointed her staff at a rock laying on the ground and it shifted into Wren that flew to land on her shoulder. "You have all been practicing transfiguring and I know Azanath has even advanced his skills to where he can self-transfigure into most animals. There is, however, a major difference between this and the true animagus. In our old lives, Harry and I knew several animagus who spent years honing their skills. Then among the Valar we found an even simpler way. Your magic powers the ability but rather than a spell it is inward focused. You picture the image and you channel your magic into it. Unlike my feathered friend the change is controlled by you and does not require you to maintain concentration on a spell."
"How will we know when we are ready?" asked Brada.
Harry smiled, "A good question Brada and a very difficult one to answer but I'll try. When you begin the process of seeking out your form, you meditate and seek the animal form that you sense a connection with. The transformation itself is easy enough as long as you can maintain the image clearly in your head. The danger is that if your concentration lapses you may only partially transform the consequences of which can often be fatal if you cannot then reverse it. Once you can hold the image and fully picture your form you should be ready to try."
"I think I'm ready," said Ayrica somewhat nervously.
Harry shook his head, "I don't want to hear think Ayrica."
"I am ready," said Ayrica with more confidence.
Harry nodded and Ayrica passed her staff to Brada.
The whole group watched as Ayrica closed her eyes and began breathing slowly. For a moment nothing happened and then she slowly transformed. Rippling and twisting her body began to sprout fur. As the transformation gained speed, Ayrica fell forward to land on large paws. With a bark and a wag of her tail, she looked around at the group.
Harry smiled at Ayrica's wolfhound form, "Well done Ayrica now take a moment and concentrate on changing back. Don't rush it, concentrate on your form and the transformation."
A moment later Ayrica looked up from her hands and knees, "I did it!"
"Indeed you did. I'm sure the others have a few questions."
Azanath held out a hand and helped Ayrica to her feet, "Did it hurt?"
Ayrica shook her head, "No, not really it felt odd but not painful."
"Was it easy to change back?" asked Brada.
"It was just as Harry and Luna said. Once I had the form in my mind, I pushed magic into the image and it just happened. It was the same changing back I just pictured myself."
Brada handed Ayrica her staff back and turned to face Harry, "I'd like to try."
"If you are ready," said Harry with a smile.
Brada passed Ayrica her staff and closed her eyes for a long moment slowing her breathing as she concentrated. Then suddenly her body began to shift and shrink. Her long black hair seemed to wrap around her until there was a large raven sitting on the ground. Brada flapped her wings and cawed.
"Well done Brada," said a beaming Ayrica.
"Another flyer," said Luna with a smile. "You and I need to chat later Brada about getting you flying."
"Okay, Brada now concentrate on transforming back," instructed Harry.
Brada managed the reverse transformation and smiled as Ayrica hugged her.
"I well I don't want to be the odd one out," said Azanath as he closed his eyes. A few moments later a large black cat perhaps half again the size of a domestic cat stood in his place. A moment later he transformed back with a smile on his face.
Harry smiled, elated at his students success. All three had managed the transformation. "Well done all of you. It won't be long before you master the abilities of your form. Before that can happen you will need to master the actual transformation itself. So picture you form and concentrate…."
oOoOoOo
House of Elrond – Rivendell
"There is little more we can do," reported an exhausted, road worn Aragorn as he took a sip of his wine. "We have men spread out searching and I've seen the birds searching. We have picked up several groups of hill men and a few goblins seeking their mountain caves but Kale seems to have eluded us."
"He is a dangerous as long as he remains free to fulfil his plans. Even if we have thwarted him I fear he will not long remain idle," said Elrond.
"Then we shall have to be vigilant," said Gandalf.
"Many dark things are stirring…I fear that we are going to face some dark days before too many years pass," Elrond looked pensive as he glanced out the window overlooking the valley.
Gandalf gestured toward the window, "All the more reason for our renewed vigilance my friend, but in your wise musings do not forget what we have achieved. Sauron is caged in Mordor along with the nine. Dol Guldur is no more and the white council is now a true alliance of the free peoples. Harry and Luna are returning magic to the world and working to make our alliance even stronger. No doubt we have much to do and perhaps dark days do lie ahead, but we have made gains nonetheless. We are stronger and better positioned to deal with what may come."
"All true and you are right, but I still fear that we are ill-prepared."
Aragorn placed his wine glass on the table as he studied the ageless face of Elrond, "Then let us prepare and train as we cement the bonds of the alliance. The dark may come again, but it will find us ready to fight."
Elrond smiled at the man whom he had helped raise, "True spoken let us put aside my dark musings and let us discuss our next steps."
oOoOoOo
Minas Tirith
In the week since his return from the brief campaign in Angmar Tirith had found himself in an odd position. Prince Imrahil was spending a great deal of time tied up with the running of the city and the never ending politics. As a result, he was finding himself spending more time with Boromir, Faramir and the Lady Ivriniel. Not an unhappy, burdensome duty by any means but he felt his duty was to be by Imrahil's side. He was, after all the Captain of the Prince's guard.
"Tirith?" Tirith turned to see Ivriniel standing in the doorway with a gentle smile on her face. "I feared that you had fled back to the tower before I could speak with you."
"My Lady, I am at your disposal."
"Are you not due to depart for Isengard?"
"I...I am surprised you remembered My Lady," said Tirith with a grin. "I hadn't forgotten, but the Portkey isn't due to leave until the morrow."
"Then please won't you join the boys and I. Faramir has composed a new tune on his pipe and is eager for an audience. I also have a fine bottle of Esgaroth wine, a gift from my brother that we could share."
Tirith hesitated, trying to contain a moment of panic, "My Lady I...I am not sure that his Highness would approve and my duties..." Tirith found himself trailing off at the amused look on Ivriniel's face.
"On the contrary Captain it was my brother who suggested you might like the vintage but if you have other plans."
Tirith gave Ivriniel a smile as he bowed, "Well then It would be churlish of me to say no and disappoint the young Lord Faramir."
"Of course Captain."
oOoOoOo
The Greenwood - Formerly Northern Mirkwood
Legolas froze at the slight noise in the undergrowth to his left. After a moment, he turned his head to see his two companions also crouching motionless. Gesturing left and then right he received two nods. Moving slowly he began picking his way through the ferns toward the noise. His two companions were already moving their bow strings fitted with loosely held arrows.
Again the faint noise sounded but to an Elf raised to hunt in the Greenwood they were glaring and obvious anomalies to the normal sounds of the woods. Legolas paused and tried to pinpoint the source when he noticed a drop of blood on a leaf. Another was on the ground by a heavy print. Moving quickly he entered a glade where the undergrowth was burnt away. Eyes sweeping the area he spotted bark missing from a tree some two dozen feet from the trail. He had found his quarry. So he gave a sharp whistle and moved to where he could just make out a shape among the ferns. The smell of blood and burnt flesh assaulted were rife as he quickly knelt and checked the fallen and cursedly familiar figure, "Halbarad...Lithaldoren, Aylin quickly."
A moment later the two Elves appeared and quickly knelt. Aylin quickly pulled out a leather satchel. He worked quickly pulling out a clean cloth and laying it on the ground before emptying the healers' tools on to it.
Legolas pulled his knife out and cut the damaged armor away from the still figure. The wounds were severe and most likely fatal, but the three elves continued working to save the fallen ranger.
In the end, they managed to close his wounds but is was far too weak to move.
"We will need to pitch a camp here. Aylin and I will stay."
"And I'll make a run to the others," said Lithaldoren.
"You had best send word to Aragorn. His kinsman is sorely wounded."
oOoOoOo
Radagast the Brown was a master of many skills but a master healer he was not. He had been with The Elven king when Lithaldoren had arrived and had quickly followed his guide making their way to where the injured Ranger lay.
The Istari quickly examined the injured man before shaking his head and turning to Legolas, "There is little more I could do that you have not. If he is still too injured to travel then, we must bring the healer to him. I know that the Lady Luna is rather skilled so...hmm perhaps that would be best. Continue your excellent care my good elves and I shall return soon." Radagast concentrated and turned sharply before disappearing with a muted crack.
"I see that the tender of beasts has a new trick," observed Aylin with a raised eyebrow.
Legolas nodded, "The Wizards of Isengard travel the same way. It is similar to their Portkey spell."
"Then we shall care for the good ranger and wait until he returns."
oOoOoOo
Isengard
Maglor was growing increasingly used to people appearing out of thin air but it still occasionally managed to catch him at unawares. Just as it had Brada who nearly dropped the tome she was reading.
By the time he had turned Radagast was already stepping down from the slightly raised stone platform used as the apparition point in the library.
"Ah Prince Maglor excellent I had feared that no one would be at home so to speak, time is of the essence I must find the Lady Luna."
"Brada if you would be so kind," asked Maglor.
Brada nodded and raised her staff and summoned her Patronus. A moment later a silvery, indistinct bird appeared. "Mistress Luna to the library," instructed Brada. The bird flapped its wings before launching into the air and disappearing through the wall.
"It was much clearer this time Brada," said Maglor.
'It is easier now that I've got my form master Maglor," replied Brada proudly.
Radagast raised an eyebrow but before he could ask Luna apparated into the room.
"Brada….ah Radagast is something wrong?"
Radagast gave Luna a bow, "My lady I have need of your healing spells."
'What has happened?"
"Halbarad, the kinsman of Aragorn, lies grievously wounded under the eaves of the Greenwood," reported Radagast. He refused to refer to the woodland realm as Mirkwood now that Dol Guldur was overthrown.
Luna nodded before turning to Brada, "Brada send for Harry and tell him that I need him while I gather what I may need. Maglor would you please let Miriel know, she has Selene at the moment."
"Of course Luna," said Maglor as another silver bird Patronus flew into the wall.
Luna summoned a wooden chest and began sorting out herbs, salves and bandages to pack into the satchel she conjured and laid beside it.
Harry appeared and went straight to Radagast, "How bad is it friend Radagast?"
Radagast shook his head sadly, "The elves have him and they have done what they could, but his injuries are grievous enough that I sought you Lady's aid."
"Should Aragorn be told?" asked Harry.
Radagast shrugged, "I know not where he might be. He is like Mithrandir, always moving about. It may be best to send word to Rivendell."
"I shall see to it," said Maglor.
Luna slung her satchel over her shoulder and gathered up her staff, "I am ready, how shall we do this?"
"I can apparate you both, probably safest that way as I'm not familiar enough with the area or the spell to make one of your portkeys," said Radagast.
"Then let us go," said Luna as she took Radagast's arm.
oOoOoOo
Halbarad grew less pale as Luna worked over him.
Harry watched on relieved that Luna had arrived in time. He could heal injuries, but he lacked Luna's greater understanding and deft hands. The ranger had only narrowly avoided being disembowelled by the tree he had apparently been flung into. Several of his other wounds were near as bad but it was the burns on his face, arms and torso that were the most troublesome.
After nearly an hour, Luna sat back on her heels and stretched her back. "He will live and I think I have spared him any bad scarring, but it was a close thing. It will take time for him to fully heal."
"Can he be moved?" asked Legolas.
Luna stood slowly, "Yes although I would be happier having him close by given those burns. I think it would be best if we moved him to our tower."
"A portkey?" asked Harry.
"Yes to one of the bedrooms I think."
oOoOoOo
Rivendell
Aragorn paced around the room in frustration. A message from Isengard had carried the news that Halbarad had been found badly injured near the northern borders of Mirkwood. Since then there has been no word and he was starting to fear for his kinsman's life.
He was about to go looking for Gandalf when a silvery stag charged through the wall. It stopped in front of him and Harry's voice issued from it.
"Aragorn it's Harry, we are moving Halbarad to Isengard. Luna says that he was in a pretty bad way, but he has pulled through. "
Aragorn felt a sense of relief flow through him as the silver stag faded into motes of silver light. The door swung open as Gandalf stuck his head into the room, "Was that Harry's voice?"
"Yes, Halbarad is being moved to Isengard. Harry said that Luna thought he was in a bad way, but he will pull through."
"Ah excellent news, Halbarad is a strong man and with the lady of Isengard caring for him I would say that his chances are excellent. Now Lord Elrond has messages, no doubt reports and such so I am traveling to Isengard to bespeak Harry. Would you like to accompany me?" asked Gandalf.
"My thanks, I'll just pen a quick note to Lord Elrond we were meant to discuss…"
"Both Arwen and Lord Elrond are in council as we speak, and given the weighty topics under discussion I've no fear you shall return ere they emerge. Now take hold of my arm my lord and let us see to Halbarad."
oOoOoOo
Isengard
Halbarad had spent many years roaming the wilds of middle earth. These journeys had, as often as not seen him sleeping under the stars or at best in the stable of a roadside inn. So waking in a strange room with an incredibly comfortable bed was not something he had been prepared to face. The last thing he remembered was being flung into a tree and trying to drag himself to his feet...his injuries, he was healed!
"Peace Halbarad ranger of the north. You lie safe in Isengard."
Halbarad turned to see the lady of Isengard sitting in a high-backed chair with a leather bound book in her hands.
"My Lady, forgive me, but how did I get here?"
"Prince Legolas and his patrol found you injured and near death under the eaves of their realm. You are lucky that Radagast was nearby and summoned aid for you."
Halbarad bowed his head in thanks, "I appreciate the aid and that of my rescuers, but I must be churlish and seek your help once more. Lord Aragorn and the council must be notified of what I have seen."
"Indeed and what have you seen?"
"I was carrying messages to King Thranduil about the hunt for Kale when I felt something amiss in the woods around me….a darkness. For a moment, I'll admit I feared that one of the nine had slipped free of your warding. I quickly hobbled my horse and moved toward where I felt the…I don't know how to describe it except to say wrongness. Then I spied a hooded man, bearing a staff walking through the trees toward the river. The path he trod was once used by the servants of Dol Guldur so I followed making sure to conceal my pursuit. Though I only caught a glimpse of his face, I was sure it was this Kale."
"A brave decision Halbarad," said Luna.
"It was needful my Lady. The man was moving apace and I had to quicken my own pace to keep him within my sight. I was closing on him when he halted and threw his staff to the ground. He then unbound bandages on his hands and wet them before rebinding whatever wounds he had. By now I was close enough to hear his muttering about his accursed staff and seeking a sword. Before I could hear more, he seemed to detect my presence. With my presence seemingly detected I leapt forward seeking to bear him to the ground." Halbarad cleared his throat.
Luna poured water into a goblet and passed it to Halbarad who took it gratefully.
Halbarad shook his head, "He was far beyond my strength….he simply tossed me aside. I came at him again and he called out some incantation and it was all fire and smoke. Next I knew I was thrown into the trees."
Luna nodded slowly, "I see, well my friend it would seem you are lucky indeed for your injuries were such that had the elves not found you…."
"So you see why I am concerned. Each hour I was unconscious gives this Kale another hour's head start on us."
"I understand friend Halbarad and fear not I shall pass on your report to the council. Firstly however I believe that your visitor will welcome news of your waking."
Without saying anymore, Luna stood and departed with her book under her arm. A few minutes later Aragorn entered a look of relief on his face.
"Aragorn!"
"You look better than when I last saw you, kinsman," said Aragorn as he reached forth to grasp Halbarad's hand.
"When did you arrive?"
Aragorn lowered himself into the chair and smiled, "A few hours ago. I spent enough time to see you sleeping away the day to deem it a good time to seek out some food. Then you had the ill-grace to awaken when I was dining."
"My apologies," replied Halbarad with little sincerity judging by his smirk.
"The Lady Luna told me what happened. You were lucky kinsman."
"I know, I mean I can't even feel my injuries now. If it were not for the pink skin…not even Lord Elrond can heal such so quickly."
"Regardless you will be in the hands of healers a while yet. A comfortable bed and three meals a day I don't know how you will survive."
"I would rather be walking the forests," said Halbarad with a serious expression that changed to a smile. "But if I must recover then surely you would not begrudge me some small comforts?"
Aragorn smiled before growing serious, "We will find this Kale."
"Be careful when you do," warned Halbarad.
oOoOoOo
As Aragorn spoke with Halbarad, a meeting had been quickly convened in the library.
"If Pallando was leaving Dol Guldur, then he was either turned away by King Thranduil or he had already got what he wanted," said Harry as he poured Luna a glass of wine and passed it to her.
Luna considered the map on the wall for a moment tracing her finger along the river. "But what was it? Harry did a good job of driving out the occupants, but we never searched the ruins."
Maglor tapped the map, "We do not know that is where he was but given his route I can't see where else he would have been traveling from."
Gandalf sighed as he sat back in his chair stroking his beard, "I fear we are all too right. When I passed within the Necromancers halls, ere we realised it was our enemy returning I saw that he had a vast collection of artifacts, lore and works from before the war of wrath. Most of the truly powerful items are no doubt now in Mordor, but we have no way of knowing what the nine much less the dragon had secreted away in the hidden places beneath that accursed place."
Luna took a sip of her wine and froze as reality faded around her, reduced to silvery mist.
"Luna remember the second prophecy of Mandos."
Luna turned to see Lord Lórien of the Valar standing in the mists with a look of compassionate concern on his ageless face. "Luna the second prophecy is in peril of being subverted. Pallando now has the exact wording of the prophecy and like Morgoth and Sauron before him he seeks to warp it to his own ends." Lord Lórien shook his head. "Thus the will of Morgoth still reaches from beyond. Pallando seeks power and dominion for himself but in the end he is but a tool of the greater darkness."
"I understand master but how could he do so?"
"Morgoth remains trapped in the Void, unable to return to Arda as long as the Valar maintain their power over it. However according to the Second Prophecy of Mandos, Morgoth will find his way back to Arda. If he does, he will seek once more to gather his power. As Morgoth, he had spent much of his power but if he returns it will be in his true form, Melkor the Valar whose power is second to none.
Mandos foresaw this and uttered his second prophecy. He saw a possibility that there will be a time when Morgoth will break through the door of night and gather all evil to face the Valar and their allies."
"The Dagor Dagorath," said Luna.
"Yes, the final battle where, if things go as they should Morgoth will be slain by Túrin Turambar, the Man he cursed. This event will see the remaking of Arda. The ban of the Valar will be lifted, the road to Aman will be unbent and much that is damaged and broken will be remade. Elves, Men and Dwarves will all lend their voices to a new great song. These events are set to be in ages yet unimagined. If they are corrupted and brought forward it may corrupt and invalidate this future. As of course is the plan of Morgoth and through his will his servants. Sauron and now Pallando are being pushed to corrupt this prophecy you must stop them."
"How master?"
"Sauron is contained, but Pallando is free…and he has gained the circlet of the Maia, Melian. Taken from the elves after those who held it returned to Aman. With the circlet now in his grasp, he has gained access to powers similar to those of Melian. He still follows his obsession with the artifacts of past ages and he will soon hold one that has the power to warp the prophecy."
Luna considered what lore she knew before realising the answer, "The sword Gurthang…. Túrin Turambar's sword lies buried with him at the foot of the stone of the hapless!"
Lord Lórien smiled at his student and envoy,"Seek the sword on the shores of Tol Morwen. Pallando must not be allowed to corrupt or unmake the sword."
As Lord Lórien spoke the silvery mist swirled around Luna and she was back in the library.
"Luna?" said Harry as she reopened her eyes.
"I am back love," she reassured Harry as she finished her wine.
Harry poured her another glass, "What happened, magic was surging around you."
"Lord Lórien has issued a warning to us."
Luna went on to explain what Lórien had said. As she finished, the Istari looked at each other in horror.
Alatar cleared his throat twice before speaking, "Even with all he has done why would Pallando do such a thing? It is insanity."
"Which would be an explanation, of course," said Gandalf sadly. "Regardless of why he has made himself a tool of Morgoth, witting or unwitting he is doing the forbidden."
Radagast pointed at the map, "Tol Morwen lies far off the coast and Pallando has eluded us. He could already be well on his way there. Who knows what sorceries' he has harnessed."
"Then we must decide quickly and hasten in pursuit," said Harry. "Lord Lórien would not have given us warning if the task was doomed to failure."
"Then let us assemble a party and prepare ourselves," said Gandalf.
oOoOoOo
Wildlands
Kale transformed from an eagle as he reached the cliff that held his secret cave. The ledge was wide enough to stand comfortably on, but exhaustion made him stumble and nearly fall over the ledge.
The cave was unknown to any creature that walked the earth being only accessible from the air. For over three decades it had served him as a secure location to store his treasures. Placing his staff against the wall he cursed as pain once more lanced through his hands from the enchanted focus. With luck, he would soon be free of the pain.
With a sigh, he sat on the simple stone bench. A Maia he may be but in this accursed form he had to suffer through the frailties of being a mortal. Exhaustion and the need for rest were just one of those frailties. Reaching into his belt pouch he bought out a piece of cloth and unfolded it revealing several black berries. Although toxic they could be steeped in hot water to make a bitter, foul tasting tea. A cup of which could banish sleep for days, although the price would be paid in full later when it wore off. Rather than touch his staff he pulled a metal wand and used it to start a small fire in the hearth. Setting a pot on the holder he poured water from a waterskin into it and dropped two berries into the water.
Waiting for the water to boil, he pulled his satchel off his shoulder and removed a leather book and a silver circlet shaped in the likeness of various leaves. He carefully laid the circlet on the table and opened the book to the marked page. The lore book penned by some forgotten Sindarian elf ere the fall of the Númenóreans and was passed through to the North Kingdom only to fall into the hands of Sauron. Most of the text was a boring account of those treasures that survived the war of wrath. No doubt taken as booty it was clear that Sauron had, in his arrogance dismissed the tome. Hidden amidst the yellowing parchment was the recounting of the second prophecy of Mandos. The full recounting, according to the author was written within. The other item so crucial to his new plan lay on the table. The circlet of Melian.…a device similar, although not as focused as the fabled palantíri. With it he could scry out the artifacts he needed to secure his power and lay the path for his ascendancy. No more would he be a tool of the Valar, a servant to beings that lived in bliss while all else suffered in the shadows. The lesser would be better off under his absolute rule living out the meager allotments of life in peace….
Pallando's thoughts trailed off as he shook his head wearily. Closing the book he took the pot off the heat and poured himself a cup of his 'tea'. Vile stuff, but as he sipped it he could feel his tiredness fading.
He needed to plan out his moves carefully. His sorcerers were scattered and the survivors would take time to heed his call. He had initially hoped to chain the spirits of fire that were the Balrog as his weapon of victory, but he had failed. His enemies were too well prepared and with the cursed wizards to counter his sorcery his old plan was too perilous. Now he needed a new plan.
The stone of the hapless…how apt. His brethren could have secured all the items needed to defeat Morgoth, but they had ignored the most important. Buried on the breast of its fallen owner, waiting for a willing hand to reshape its fate.
oOoOoOo