Chapter 9 – New Chapter - In the eye of the storm
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.
Oh and a note about spelling English (Australian) vs. English (American) I'm Australian so if you are American expect the odd word to be 'wrong' here and there depending of course on your point of view...
Last time:
Previously
Gandalf's face twisted in disgust at that revelation. His former brother had fallen very far indeed if he was now dabbling in necromancy, "And the others?"
"Harry and Brada are sleeping off concussions but otherwise we are all whole and hale."
"I see do you think Pallando is still on the island?"
"Perhaps. But if he is here, he has not returned to bother us and we are in no position to challenge him at the moment. We will return shortly to Isengard to secure the sword, but I fear that our hunt for Pallando must continue. He is far too dangerous to be allowed to freely plot against us," said Luna.
Gandalf sighed, "Alas, I fear you are all too right, my dear. We must find Pallando and deal with him. We shall continue to search for him. Can we call on you for aid?"
Luna nodded, "Once the sword is secure."
"Till then, Lady Isengard," said Gandalf before the mirror went blank.
Luna tucked the mirror into her pocket and turned to where Éomund and Théodred stood watch. "Come gentlemen let's get our sleeping friends home."
Chapter 9 - Interlude - In the eye of the storm
Valinor – Halls of Ilmarin - Mount Taniquetil
Varda turned to Manwë as she let the scene in her scrying pool fade away, "He has not yet fully embraced his abilities or his new nature."
Manwë took his fellow powers hand, "He will have to if they are to avert this disaster."
"The futures are shifting, changing as these events play out. Much of what we hoped for is coming to pass. Our envoys magic once more sits in mortal hands."
Manwë's face grew stern as he considered what they had seen, "Pallando seeks a way to overcome the bounds of his mortal form. If he should succeed, he will be difficult to fully counter."
Varda turned as another figure appeared amid the white marble pillars, "Here comes one who may have seen more. Welcome brother. It has been too long since you last visited these halls."
Lórien bowed his head acknowledging Varda, "Varda Elentári, Manwë I have come with news."
Manwë gestured his fellow Vala to take a seat at the great stone table set before Manwë's great seat.
Varda poured Lórien wine before taking her seat by her husband's side.
"I have seen a dangerous new twist, one we had hoped to never see," said Lórien his expressive face showing his concern.
"What have you seen?" asked Varda.
"War in Middle Earth; a vast army led by a fallen Maia."
Manwë frowned, "Mairon or Sauron, as he is now known among mortals, is contained."
"He speaks of Pallando," said Varda her voice sad. "Alas, that Oromë's choice has in turn chosen the path of darkness; he was ever a voice against evil."
"As Sauron was once when the song was new and our parts clear and untainted," replied Manwë.
"And so he seeks dominion, our envoys have already foiled his plans have they not, the sword is in their safe hands?" asked Varda.
Lórien shook his head, "That path is closed to him so he now seeks to break his bonds and rise in Middle Earth as an unfettered Maia."
"He gave up such power, and none that still dwell in Middle Earth has the power to return it to him," argued Manwë although the King of all Arda looked to Lórien as he spoke.
Seeing Lórien's grim expression Varda shuddered in horror as she realized that there were ways that they had never considered that could re-empower the fallen Maia. "He seeks the fëa of Maiar who still dwell in Middle Earth."
"I fear that you are right my Queen," said Lórien as he watched Varda's reaction.
Manwë was silent as he considered the notion that one of the Ainur would do something so vile, an act against everything Eru Ilúvatar made clear in the music of the Ainulindalë.
"Such an act, would it work?" asked Manwë, never had he considered such vile act would be attempted.
"I fear it would," said a deep voice from the shadows as Mandos, judge of the dead stepped into the light. "We must warn our envoys, Pallando must be stopped lest he forces our hand."
Manwë knew well what Mandos implied. If Pallando followed his vile plan, he would be every bit as dangerous as Sauron if he took the lives of the other Maiar he might become such a threat that the Valar would have to consider acting.
The price for such action was always high. The last time the Valar intervened in Middle Earth they nearly destroyed the world.
oOoOoOo
Isengard
Harry closed his eyes and relaxed as he let the heated water do its work.
A cleaning charm would get you clean, but there was something therapeutic, no make that good for the soul about a hot bath.
The last two days had been exhausting as they had worked out how to hide the sword so that there was no chance of Pallando finding the blade. The easiest way would have been to destroy it, but Luna had insisted that the sword had a role to play in future events.
So they had devised their plan B. The sword resisted being transfigured so eventually he had cast a powerful glamour spell before Luna had placed the stone box under a Fidelius charm and as many powerful wards as they could devise.
Even for a Maia that was magically exhausting work.
"I have food and wine love," announced Luna as she walked into the bath chamber with a small tray of cheeses, flatbread and wine.
Harry opened his eyes and grinned at his naked wife, "Did you walk to the kitchens like that?" Actually to be fair she wasn't fully naked she had soft slippers on.
Luna smiled and set the tray down on a small table set beside the bath before kicking her slippers off and bending down to put them on to the bench.
Harry grinned at the sight guessing that Luna was giving him a bit of a show.
"Shift up bath hog," demanded Luna.
Harry shifted up to allow Luna to slip into the water, letting out a moan as she did.
Luna's long legs stretched out on either side of Harry's as she settled.
"It's nice to be home."
Harry grinned and poured them both a cup of wine, passing Luna her glass.
"Our own bed," continued Luna.
"Putting Selene to bed," added Harry.
"A night of mind-blowing sex, followed by more sex," Luna's smile was wide as she sensed Harry's growing desire. "I'm glad you like the idea."
oOoOoOo
"This is….is ridiculous!"
Théodred watched his uncle amused by the older man's discomfit.
"Well I find it quite comfortable, I'll ask Ayrica to see if she can acquire me some."
Éomund scowled at his nephew, "T'is something your mother would wear."
Théodred laughed out loud and considered the green robe he wore, "It serves its purpose. It's warm and comfortable, I'm sure that we could find you some uncured furs to wear."
Éomund grumbled as he sat and cut himself a wedge of cheese, "It is comfortable enough I suppose. A decent night's sleep on a full stomach, however, is very welcome."
The younger man nodded in agreement the days since their return had been busy with many discussions, meetings and hours of planning for tomorrow's meeting of the White Council. As one of his father's envoys, he had attended most of the meetings alongside his uncle. While interesting and important the last few days had left one sour note, he'd been unable to spend any time with Brada, who had been tied up with her own tasks.
Éomund picked up an apple from the tray and deftly quartered it before happily devouring it, "I'll say this for our hosts they set a fine table."
"I…I was hoping to go for a ride in the morning."
Éomund nodded, "Ah a good notion, clear your head before the meeting and the lands hereabouts are safe enough. Yes, you should have time as the meeting is not till the noon hour."
"Perhaps I'll ask Brada," said Théodred.
"Perhaps you should ask her rather than me," suggested Éomund, who was trying to hide his smile.
"Yes, I should excuse me, uncle."
Éomund watched with barely hidden amusement as his nephew shed his robe and pulled on a tunic, breeches and boots pausing only to adjust his hair in the silver mirror before rushing out the door. Once the door closed, he poured himself another glass of the fine red wine and settled back into his chair.
The robe was rather comfortable and warm, perhaps he should see about getting his wife one.
oOoOoOo
Théodred nearly swallowed his lounge when a sleepy Brada answered the door wearing nothing but a sleeping shift, a thin sleeping shift that did little to hide her lithe body.
"Théodred?" Brada sounded half asleep as stood blinking sleepily.
His eyes flicked down as he noticed that the light from her fireplace was showing him a clear outline of her figure through her shift…God's of his forefathers he could see her…EYES UP.
'I…er…perhaps I should…um maybe I should…sorry to wake you," the Prince of Rohan's eloquence deserted him as he tried to not let his eyes wander away from her face.
Brada looked puzzled as she considered the blushing Théodred, "What's the matter?"
"Riding!"
"What…you want to go riding, now?"
"In the morning, would you like to go riding?" Théodred was red faced and looked like he was about to bolt.
"I'd be happy to," replied Brada. She had barely finished speaking when Théodred raced off.
"What was that about?" asked Ayrica as she walked around the corner carrying a large book.
Brada shrugged, "I have no idea, something about going riding."
Ayrica studied her friend before laughing softly, "Maybe you need to warm up and put on something a bit less see through."
"What?" Brada looked down at her shift, "oh…Oh."
"Well, I'm sure he appreciated the view."
Ayrica grinned as Brada gave her a dirty look before closing the door. Leaning against her door she took a deep breath before smiling.
oOoOoOo
Maglor let the parchment fall to the table as he considered what he had read. It was an old excerpt, copied from an even older work that had been penned in Gondolin by one of King Turgon's scribes. It was an accounting of the few remaining heirlooms of the House of Finwë. It had long been overlooked by scholars as Gondolin's sacking had seen to it that near all the gathered treasures had been lost or taken as loot by the enemies of the elves. If Pallando was seeking artifacts to empower himself, then many of the things listed might be considered as likely targets. The problem was even if he could identify the Maia's target any idea of the item's whereabouts would be idle, hopeless speculation.
With a sigh, the Elven Prince dipped a quill into the ink pot and began a letter to Elrond.
oOoOoOo
Minas Tirith – Gondor
Tirith's return to the White Tower was almost as swift as his departure and within minutes of his arrival with Gandalf he was summoned to Prince Imrahil's side. Luckily he had foreseen the summons and had managed to change and make sure he was presentable.
The Prince was keen for news ahead of the gathering of the White Council scheduled for noon tomorrow. Tirith reported what he knew and after a glass of wine and some cheese he was dismissed to rest as he was expected to accompany his Prince to Isengard in the morning.
He had just reached his room when he heard the sounds of someone running along the corridor.
Boromir led his brother around the corner, followed by a breathless looking tutor, "Tirith, Tirith you are back. We heard it was so but hadn't seen you."
Tirith grinned as he kneeled before bowing to the two boys, "Indeed my young Lords Boromir and Faramir and happy to be home I assure you."
"Did you fight pirates?" asked Boromir.
Tirith laughed, "I have tales aplenty my lordlings, but first I beg an indulgence, I need to visit your Aunt before she grows wroth."
Both boys gave that serious consideration before Boromir replied, "I understand Captain, I wouldn't want Aunty Ivriniel angry with me."
"Wise words Boromir," said Tirith with mock gravity.
Their tutor had recovered enough to herd the boy's back to their lessons and they left, satisfied with the promise of rousing stories.
"You have a deft hand with the boys Tirith."
Tirith turned to see Lady Ivriniel walking toward him.
He didn't reply. Indeed he didn't even think as he stepped forward talking Ivriniel into his arms.
"My lady."
Whatever Ivriniel was going to say was lost as their lips met.
oOoOoOo
Galadriel almost stumbled as she backed away from her mirror. Composing herself she considered what she had seen.
Was it a warning? A possible future she could avert or could she cause the vision to come true by acting in ignorance, letting her fear rule her.
With a sigh, she decided on her course of action, hoping and praying she was doing the right thing.
oOoOoOo
Luna gasped as she rode out her orgasm, rocking her hips as her husband gently caressed her. With a smile, she bent to capture his lips before she blinked and found herself standing in a familiar grove of trees.
"Luna my dear I hoped I have not interrupted you."
Turning she raised an eyebrow at Lórien. "My Lord your timing leaves something to be desired."
The Vala gave her a slight smile and bowed, "My apologies, but I fear this news could not wait."
Luna went from whimsical to alert.
"We fear that Pallando's recent failure may not end his madness. We suspect he is seeking certain objects, foci for his magics. At first, we feared he might seek to tap Melkor's power or some such evil. We now fear that he has truly descended into madness and grasped the fact that another power source is available should he be corrupt enough to use it ."
Luna frowned as she considered the Vala's words. What could he be describing?
She knew from her time on Valinor that there were other artifacts that he could use like Turin's sword. Items drenched in magic and prophecy. The one ring, the lost Silmarils would surely allow him to boost his power but to what purpose?
"We fear that once he has enough foci to power his magic he will seek to steal the fëa of the Ainur still dwelling in Middle Earth. Like Melkor before him he feels that the Valar will not risk unmaking the world to confront him."
Luna gasped in horror and found herself in the arms of her concerned husband.
oOoOoOo
North of Isengard
Brada smiled as Théodred guided his horse closer to her side as they turned back toward the tower of Isengard.
"My lady may I ask you a question?"
"Of course you may."
"Do you think we could have a future?"
Brada studied Théodred for a long moment before replying, "That is not a question I expected this morning."
Théodred looked stricken for a moment before trying to stutter out an apology.
Brada raised a hand stopping him, "I like you Théodred, and you are a strong, caring man. A good man I think. I would be honored to be courted by you, but we both know that there is more to it than our likes. I have my studies and you have your duties which keep us both busy."
Théodred opened his mouth to speak, but Brada continued on. "My father is a chieftain of a people who have fought your people for many lifetimes. You will one day be king Théodred; would your father allow you to court one such as I?"
"I….I think so," replied Théodred.
Brada considered his words silently before smiling, "Then until we know let us cultivate our friendship."
oOoOoOo
Amid the flurry of activity as the council's representatives arrived by either apparition or portkey before being escorted into the tower.
King Théoden was one of the first to arrive courtesy of Ayrica and took the time to seek out his brother in law and son only to find that Théodred was still preparing himself.
"He went riding, with Brada this morning," explained Eomund.
Théoden's lips quirked up in to a smile, "Ah and how goes his hunt?"
Eomund grinned at his old friend, "I would guess that she has placed her head in the halter all on her own."
"Well, I fear that your wife will be crowing having predicted it from the stolen glances she spotted. You've travelled with her, what do you think?"
"She's powerful or so I deem it. As to her character she is spirited and brave. I don't doubt she'll carry those traits on as she blossoms in to her full womanhood."
Théoden nodded slowly, "The world has shifted around us old friend. I shall speak to him ere we leave. There has been nothing…untoward?"
"I doubt it, he's a good boy and she's no fool."
"I'll reinforce that, I don't wish to explain to her father should anything happen." Théoden suddenly grinned and laughed, "Do you not remember the stables with fondness?"
"When your father caught us? Ha, I could barely chew my food for a week and she could barely sit."
Théoden smirked, "Well you did have your hand up her skirt."
Eomund grinned, "She was a frisky filly in those days."
"And Thengel had a strong right arm."
oOoOoOo
The large chamber in the tower was almost full as the last representatives took their seat.
Elrond rose to welcome the room, "I greet you all in the name of the White Council, may the Valar grant us wisdom."
Harry stood as the elven lord sat, "My thanks Lord Elrond. We have a great deal to discuss, but firstly I wanted to report on recent events…."
Harry and then Luna went on to explain what had happened when they pursued Pallando in to the West. Most in the council had received a brief report, but this report was in far more detail than most had received.
Broca, the Dunlending Chieftain, was one of the first to stand when Harry opened the floor to questions.
"Firstly I would thank you for inviting me here to take council. For far too long my people have let old grievances blind us to the outside world and the evils that threaten us all. Your tale worries me Lord Isengard, this wizard Pallando how has he managed to stand against the might of you and your brethren?"
"A fair question Broca, Pallando doesn't have the power, but he has managed to manipulate events so that he can, for a time at least deny us that advantage. Along with his magic, there was something else in play on the island. One of our first tasks will be to determine how he is doing so and find a way to stop it."
"Indeed he shouldn't have been strong enough to force you to use so much magic that you were exhausted. His necromancy had some other element to it," added Luna.
Azanath stood clearing his throat, "I shall seek to uncover what sorcery he might be using."
"Thank you, my friend," replied Harry.
Imrahil gestured at the map of Gondor on the wall, "I have instigated a more watchful stance in Gondor. Gandalf tells me this Pallando is mad but mad or not we must consider him a threat to us all."
Théoden nodded as he stroked his beard, "I too will warn my riders that we must be vigilant. Théodred's report to me made it all too clear in my mind that we must move swiftly to end this threat."
oOoOo
The Dead Marshes – Emyn Muil
Pallando shivered as he extended his power, pushing his magic into the runes he had drawn on the swampy bank. He was going to pay for this once the spell was ended, but it would be worth it.
"Come forth Arothir son of Antanaro…I call on you…come forth…"
The magic's pull on his reserves of power spiked upward as he struggled to breathe and maintain the concentration his sorcery required.
Then it happened.
A ghastly white face appeared in the suddenly churning brackish water. The stench of decay was strong, almost overpowering as a skeleton in the rusted remains of armor and coated in putrid mud arose from the swamp.
Overlaying the reality was the ghostly image of a face, once beautiful but now a bloated mockery. Pallando studied the figure which stood knee deep in the water. If the figure still had the artifact it should be….and yes it was. With a quick move, he grabbed the necklace that still adorned the fallen elf lord's remains.
Uncaring of the putrid muck coating it Pallando smiled broadly as he studied his prize. Even here in this dark place he could see a glimmer of light in the heart of the gem on the chain.
He held in his hand a heirloom of the House of Finarfin. It had been thought lost when Arothir fell during the Battle of Dagorlad, but he had found it. A gem that had been forged in Valinor by the hands of Fëanor himself.
The spark within it was a small fragment of the same type as Fëanor's later masterworks. It was an early experiment that held little value, except to those with their own power. To those who wielded such power, it could serve to hold their power like wine in a bottle.
He could still remember when he had seen it's like in Valinor.
Looking up he considered the dead thing standing where it had died and with a gesture of dismissal he let it fall back to once more rest beneath the water.
He had been thwarted in his attempt to gain the sword, but that would not stop him. Middle Earth would be his and his treacherous brethren and the cursed wizards wouldn't see him coming.
AN - Thanks to my Beta for once again making this look like it wasn't written by a four-year-old!