Zero to Nero

by Angmar2001

This story takes place between the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings Movies. With the loss of the Battles of the Five Armies, Sauron is making sure that before he goes on the offensive again, that his allies have remained loyal. However, leaders of the Barrow Wights, Lartuen, plays a dangerous game by trying to benefit from both sides.

17. Chapter 16: Ceasefire

Lareneg recalls his soldiers back to the North. He makes the risky move and enters South Barrow Downs. The elves have arrows pointed and he says "I am here to see Gildor."

He puts his weapon into the soil to show that he is genuine. Gildor comes out of the Fortress walking towards Lareneg.

Lareneg puts out his hand and says "It is all you now. It will be peace or it will be war."

Gildor says "It shall be peace."

The two shake hands and both parties accept the armistice agreement.

Lareneg returns to North Barrow Downs with the announcement that Colonel Basikov's last words were to withdraw the troops or North Barrow Downs will fall without a strong leader. He says "The chain of command is clear, I may not be Basikov, but I promise to help improve our lands into great prosperity."

The crowd bought into it, because they applauded. Lareneg contacts Sauron "I know I am not Basikov. Unfortunately Basikov was killed in battle, I feared that without a strong commander that we would lose all of our lands so I had to withdraw them. I am really sorry."

Sauron says "Not to worry, a necessary decision was made. Just keep your loyalty in place and attack any trespassers. "

The Witch King tells Sauron that "Basikov is dead."

Sauron says "With war, there is causality. He served his part. The elves are no longer an obstacle for my quest for the Ring."

Sauron tells the Witch King "Forget training a new Barrow Wight leader, find the creature Gollum, and bring him to me, alive."

The Witch King says "Yes, master."

Aragorn leaves North Barrow Downs, and tells Elrond of the news. Aragorn notices that Elrond is worried.

Aragorn tells Elrond "We won. Basikov is dead."

Elrond responds with "I fear that this was only the beginning. Sauron was most likely behind the rise of Basikov and the slaughter of elves, I fear that Sauron has only unleashed a small amount of what is to come. If we lose there will be a rise of a new age. One more dark than ever."

Aragorn checks up on Arwen. She is recovering well. She asks him "What is wrong?"

Aragorn says "Basikov told me I am a coward avoiding my destiny as king. I am worried that there is actually truth in what he is saying."

Arwen says "Don't take his words seriously, he only was trying to anger you."

Aragorn sighs in relief and says "Thank you." as he heads off to Bree.