Author's Note
I apologise but this will be a long one. By their actions in Gondor, our favourite wizards have ruined the timeline and canon. Not that they know it. King Minardil was 180 years old in the year 1634. He was supposed to die in Pelargir and the city sacked.
Furthermore, during the Great Plague of 1636, the new King, Telemnar and all his children as well as his brother, Minastan, were supposed to die.Tarondor, the son of Minastan was all that was left of the royal family and he became King in 1636 and ruled till 1798.
He was followed by Telumehtar who ruled from 1798 till 1850.Then Narmacil ll ruled from 1850 to 1856. Followed by Calimehtar who ruled from 1856 till 1936. Then came Ondoher who ruled from 1936 to 1944. He died in battle with both of his sons, leaving his daughter Fíriel.
She had married Prince Arvedui of Artherdain. The sole remaining kingdom left in Arnor. She didn't become Queen of Gondor though.The Steward at the time, rejected her claim to the throne as well as that of her husband's. He and the Council of Gondor chose instead Eärnil who became Eärnil ll.
He was a war hero and he defeated the enemy armies that lead to the death of King Ondoher and his sons. Eärnil was chosen for the fact that he too had royal blood.He was a direct descendant of King Telumehtar. Eärnil ll then ruled from 1945 till 2043. He was followed by his son Eärnur who ruled from 2043 till 2050 and he was the last King of Gondor.Minardil however didn't die. When Harry, Draco and Legolas leave Khazad-dûm, it's the year 1673 of the Third Age. Anyway now that's it's all explained, enjoy the story.
From what our dwarven hosts told us, the West Gate had been sealed shut now since the year 1697 of the Second Age. That means it's been closed for over two and a half thousand years.
Ever since Sauron laid Eregion to waste. The elven realm that sat next to Khazad-dûm. As we're riding on our horses, we see the ancient rubble scattered about the mountainside.
Even Legolas, a Sindar Prince, who's people have little love for the Noldor, is solemn. We decide not to linger though.
For the next two weeks, we travel at a leisurely pace. In that time, we prevail upon Legolas to say nothing of the potion, or the coalition. He should leave that to us.
We arrive at the river Bruinen, the border of Imladris or Rivendell exactly when we were meant to. As we cross the river, Draco and I share a look. There's powerful magic in both the water and thrumming in the air.
It's midday, when we reach the bridge separating the valley from Imladris. We take a moment to savour the view. It's very beautiful. Numerous waterfalls frame the background.
Elegant buildings of wood and stone arch gracefully. Fountains are tinkling and faintly we hear laughter. Its a different aesthetic to the Palace of the Elvenking or from the natural beauty of Lothlórien.
There's an elf in robes, with a thin silver circlet waiting on the other side of the bridge. When we reach him we dismount. " Greetings strangers and Legolas Thranduilion. My lord Elrond bids you welcome and ask that you meet with him in his study. "
We nod our heads and follow him. As we enter the courtyard, a number of the elves here stop and stare. I immediately notice that all the elves I see are dark haired. Either black or shades of brown.
We're led to the largest building. An elf comes forward to take our horses. We then climb the stairs and enter after Lindir, as he introduced himself. After a couple of turns and passages, he knocks on a door and leads us in.
Inside is a large room, but it seems smaller, because of all the occupants. There are four elves and one man. My eyebrows raise slightly as I recognise them from descriptions from books I read in Thranduil's library.
A tall silver haired male elf with a circlet of mithril, can be no other than Lord Celeborn. Next to him is a stunningly beautiful elleth with a stunning mithril circlet adorning her radiantly golden hair. Must be the Lady Galadriel.
Seated behind the desk is a dark haired elf with a similar but more elaborate silver circlet than the one worn by Lindir. A tall blonde haired elf stands behind him, exhuding power.
Finally the man... except he is no man at all. He's old, with a long grey beard and hair, but robes of the same hue. A staff is leaning against the wall beside him. He can only be Mithrandir. The Grey Wizard.
As I enter after Draco, I stiffen. As does he. My hand clenches around my staff. For a moment, the air has a physical weight to it as my anger shows. My staff and Draco's glow faintly.
I turn a furious glare towards Galadriel. My voice is cold as I say " try and attempt to breach our minds again elf, I dare you. I'll send you then to the Halls of Mandos. "
The wizard and all the elves except Legolas, tense. My staff pointed slightly in her direction is a statement of my intent.
" Do not think that ring on your finger will protect you either, my power is inborn whereas yours is borrowed. Do not try me. You will lose. "
Despite my words, I'm actually unsure if that's true. None of that shows on my face though. At my words, the elves appear shocked. Whether it's at my threat or the fact I can perceive the ring is another matter.
That is when Mithrandir speaks. " Now now, there's no need for any hostility among us. Lady Galadriel no doubt only sought to divine your character..."
Draco cuts him off with a scoff. " So you're saying none of you could have asked? Or taken the word of the son of the Elvenking as to our intentions? Save your platitudes. She owes us an apology or we're leaving. "
Legolas surprisingly looks amused at all of this. No doubt because despite him being the youngest elf in the room, he feels the most mature.
Lord Celeborn opens his mouth then, by the expression on his face, it's no doubt to berate us. Before he can though, Draco gestures at him and no sound emerges. He looks outraged.
I'm getting steadily more annoyed. I tense. Fortunately for all, we never find out what the consequences of me snapping would have been. Lord Elrond decides to speak then. He looks exasperated.
" Enough. This is beneath all of you. I apologise to the two of you. I've been remiss in my duties as host. Welcome to Imladris. " Thereafter he introduces everyone to us.
I'm still slightly annoyed and so is Draco, so Legolas takes the initiative and introduces himself and then us. " These are in the words of my father, the greatest allies of my people. Eladar the Red and Tuilalcaron the Green. "
When he's finished, there's stunned silence from the others. For different reasons I'm sure. That's when Mithrandir speaks again.
" The greatest ally of your people, Prince Legolas? They must have done your father a great service then. " Draco snorts again.
I fight my smile at the old wizard's expression at Draco's answer. " Yes. We are a different kind of wizard to you and your cohorts. We do not have time to waste on words. Actions are what is required to set Middle Earth to rights. "
The old man looks offended. I cut off whatever it is that he has to say. " We aren't actually here to tarry overly long. This is a merely a temporary stop. We intend on heading to Artherdain and helping them with Angmar. "
" We've long since surmised, using the Palantír of Minas Ithil, that the Lord of the Nazgûl rules Angmar. We've actually come to Imladris to solicit troops to join the coalition we've built to deal with Angmar. "
The older elves in the room as well as the other wizard, look stunned. The blonde haired male, who had been silent up until now, spoke.
" Long had we been suspicious of the sudden rise of Angmar and it's unending aggression against the peoples of Arnor. Now our worst fears have been realised. "
" You speak of a coalition, where did you find any aid? " By the time he finishes, the other elves have composed themselves. I watch their reactions carefully for what I'm about to say.
" Thranduil has assured me of his aid. That is why Legolas is with us. To ascertain the situation. King Durin V has also promised aid. All the dwarves are waiting on is our word. "
Even so, it's likely that in the event of war, all the orcs in the north will be drawn to the conflict. I'd feel more assured of victory, if our forces were larger. So I say that to them.
Once again it seems like I surprised them. Thranduil, just like his father before him, cares little for what goes on outside his realm. The dwarves are much the same. This time Lord Elrond speaks.
" While it gladdens me that a solution to Angmar might be in sight, I'm curious as how you've solicited aid from both kings. Neither peoples hold much interest in the world outside their realms. "
My lips twitch. Out of the corner of my eye I see Draco and Legolas smirk. " We rendered unto them both, solutions to problems that have long been plaguing them. "
" Speaking of which, even though Tuilalcaron and I healed as many as we could during the Great Plague, Gondor needs time to recover. So for the next few decades, we intend on harrying the forces of Angmar, and buying us time. "
" There is much for us to do, yet because there are only two us, it takes time to get around to everything. It would help if the other wizards actually helped. So far I have seen no signs of any of them doing much of help. "
" From the records in Osgilliath, that was preserved by the colonists of Númenor that lived where Gondor is now, two old men garbed in blue passed through the area in the year 1600 of the Second Age. "
" They left eastwards. Yet the aggression of those who live in the east has not abated in the slightest towards those who live in the west. The records also spoke of a wizard garbed in white that went eastwards centuries ago. Just what is it that you're doing ? "
The old wizard has been bristling as I speak. He grabs his staff, whether it was to attack or something else I don't know, because Draco had been watching him and as soon as he moved, Draco swung his staff forward.
As the older wizard slammed against the wall and was held there, chaos broke out. The elves that were seated rose, and started protesting.
The blonde male, Glorfindel made towards Draco. At the corner of my eye I could see Mithrandir's arm that held his staff tense. Before this could degenerate further, I struck my staff against the floor.
A bell like note rang out. It caused the entire building to shudder slightly. All sounds in the room stopped. Outside however we could hear panicking.
Lord Elrond quickly rushed out of the room. Draco let the older wizard go and the tension in the room abated slightly. I decided to speak then.
" Mithrandir, can you describe the physical features of the three wizards I mentioned. " He appeared confused, but after a moment of hesitation, he did. When he was finished, I put my hand in my satchel and withdrew the Palantír.
There were gasps in the room but I paid them no mind. " It seems to me that if I want an answer to my question, I'll have to see for myself. "
As I held it up with my right hand, I closed my eyes and bent my will upon the stone.
For a moment I saw nothing, then I saw a far off mountain in the east . Atop the mountain was a fortress of some kind. Two wizards, garbed in blue, sat upon thrones, though they looked little like how they were described.
They appeared in physical appearance, to be in their early forties. No grey hair in sight. They appeared to be watching as younger men and women conjured little flames in their hands.
I withdrew. The elves look disturbed. Mithrandir even more so. They seem to have seen some of what I have. That's when Draco speaks.
" After millenia they must have realised that their efforts were futile. The men of the east have long been under the sway of evil. Before even Sauron. "
" Words would have availed them little. Life is harsh there. Those who are soft die. It's pointless converting some to your way of thinking, when the majority are not swayed. "
" It occurs to me that, that's probably what happened. Whenever they converted people, they left to convert more. Yet while they were gone, the people who they changed were then killed by those that serve Sauron. "
" If you keep doing the same thing and failing, yet expect a different result, that is madness. No doubt they realised the only way they could protect those they converted, is to stay with them and lead them. At least that is what I think. "
The elves seem contemplative. Galadriel is watching me closely. She doesn't try reading my mind again though. The old Istar is shaking his head however. " Our task is not to rule but to guide. "
I can't help but laugh. He looks sharply at me. " For someone so old, you are woefully naive. Not all men are the same. Just as all elves are not. That's something you should know by now. "
" While my companion and I would never serve any evil, we do not think much of the Valar either to be honest. It's their fault Sauron is wreaking havoc in Middle Earth. "
" Their solution is to send five shackled Maiar. Ridiculous. One of you with all your powers should have been sufficient to lay Mordor to waste. Don't look so surprised by my knowledge. It's obvious what you are. "
" My senses go far beyond my eyes. I can perceive your true form. " He looks horrified at my words. No doubt it was meant to be a secret. Only Legolas however looks truly surprised.
Celeborn and Galadriel's faces are inscrutable. Glorfindel however is looking at me with a dangerous glare. His voice booms.
" How dare you speak ill of the Valar in my presence! They possess knowledge and power beyond your comprehension! " As he speaks, light shines forth from his being.
I'm far from intimidated however. At a thought, gravity increases in the room. It slowly builds. The walls start cracking as does the furniture. Poor Legolas is on his knees. Galadriel and Celeborn stand upright but they are rigid.
Light blazes from her left hand and envelops her and her husband. There's a slight grimace on Draco's face but he's otherwise unaffected.
Glorfindel looks flabbergasted and it's at that point Elrond bursts into the room again. Body shaking. " Stop! You will bring my whole house down! "
Only then do I relent. Bitterness creeps inside me. I regret coming here, but we need all the help we can get so I swallow my pride and anger.
I speak then before anymore interruptions occur. I want to leave this place as soon as is possible. I tell them then of the potion Draco has created and it's successes.
The elves look faint, and hopeful as well. None more than Galadriel however. She steps forward. " Is it true? Does it actually work? " I don't even look at her though. Instead I motion towards Legolas.
He looks uncomfortable. No doubt wishing he didn't come either. He nevertheless explains. Telling them even of his twin sisters.
The elves and Mithrandir are stunned. We tell them we'll give them time to come to terms with everything. We then ask to be shown to our rooms. This is been a stressful day.
The next few days are spent quietly. The three of us wander around the valley and read books. We meet Lord Elrond's wife. Lady Celebrían and their children. Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen.
To the amusement of Draco and I, Legolas is deeply uncomfortable with her. It's understandable. She is incredibly beautiful, even for an elf.
We tease him endlessly. All good things must come to an end though. After two weeks of staying here, Lord Elrond comes to us and says the elves of Imladris will accept the potion.
It turns out there's just slightly more than two thousand elves here. All of them predominantly Ñoldor. There are only fourteen Sindar elves here. Lord Celeborn, his daughter, and the twelve males in his honour guard.
They have been his guards since the Years of the Stars, thousands of years ago before the sun first rose. They were all born in the fabled Sindar Kingdom of Doriath, which now lies at the bottom of the ocean.
Many of the elves that live here I've surmised, have given up hope. While they love Middle Earth, they don't see that there's any real hope left here. Until now.
There's a feeling of expectation in the air. They've been a fading people for a long time. Lady Galadriel is the first to take the potion as well as the only one.
The elves see her as the least likely to have another child. So she goes first. Anticipation builds in the days following her consumption of it. Arwen and her siblings look vaguely uncomfortable.
I don't blame them. Nobody wants to think of the love lives of their grandparents. Exactly one week after she took it, a beaming Lord Celeborn conveyed the news.
The celebrations naturally, carried on for days. Shortly thereafter, all the married female elves drank as well. There were about seven hundred of them.
We knew time was running short so that's when I contacted King Durin V and asked if he could spare some engineers who'd be willing to see to the improvement of the fortifications of Fornost Erain. The capital of Artherdain, as well as elsewhere in the kingdom.
He seemed older and weary, even though he seemed in perfectly good health when we left. He was only too happy to help however.
No doubt pleased I asked him instead of the elves. I didn't do it for petty reasons however. When it comes to stone craft, the dwarves have no equal.
A month later, twelve dwarves arrived and two days later we finally departed. The group however was made slightly larger by two additional companions. The sons of Elrond. Elladan and Elrohir.
Despite the twins vehement protests, I decided that to save time, we would head through the Trollshaws. A forest that was notoriously infested with trolls. Draco was amused at the reactions of the dark haired elves.
" You need have no fear of the trolls here. If they do attempt to waylay us, the fifteen of you must not interfere. Eladar and I will deal with them. "
We made it to the Trollshaws on the second day since leaving Imladris, at midday. We decided to enter the forest and find a clearing.
Three hours into our journey through, as dusk approached, we finally found a clearing. The dwarves then quickly built a fire and a stew was made with rabbits we had caught earlier in the day.
I had learnt that Elladan, Elrond's eldest, has long been a friend of the rulers of Arnor. I'm glad then that he came along. If for no other reason than to provide credibility.
After we ate, I quickly made sure that everyone understood that nobody can leave the campsite alone. They must go in pairs. Both Draco and I can't be absent at the same time though.
It was late into the night, when all the dwarves were sleeping, that Draco, the elves and I heard rustling behind the trees in the clearing. The fire had been allowed to mostly die down until only a small flickering flame burnt.
I was surprised by the number of trolls that appeared though. There were seven of them. The shortest being nine feet tall and the tallest twelve. Not that numbers helped them. In unison Draco and I raised our staffs and shouted Lumos Solem!
Blazing light illuminated the clearing as we temporarily lit it up with the sun's light. As the dwarves roused themselves, the trolls were already turning to stone.
After that little bit of excitement, the rest of our companions returned to sleep. It took nearly a week of traveling to reach the borders of Artherdain. In that time, we slew hundreds of patrolling soldiers of Angmar.
We had decided to avoid any towns in Artherdain. We didn't know if the Witch King had any spies here, but it was best to err on the side of caution.
Two days since entering Artherdain, we reached the capital, Fornost Erain at dusk. We were halted at the gates. That's when Elladan came forward to speak. The guards looked awestruck. Not long after, we were led to the citadel.
As we walked through the city, people gawked. No doubt having never seen such a group before. Two men, three elves and twelve dwarves. None of us appeared uncomfortable with the staring though.
Soon enough, we entered the throne room in the citadel and upon the throne sat a tall raven haired man. He looked to be in the prime of his life. King Arvegil of Artherdain. Only three years on the throne so far.
We bowed our heads. The King spoke first though. " It's truly an auspicious day. I do not believe such a company of peoples have ever entered this kingdom. We know Lord Elladan already, and by the looks of it, his twin Lord Elrohir. Who are the rest of you however? "
I stepped forward then. " Your Majesty, I am Eladar the Red and my companion is Tuilalcaron the Green. With us is Prince Legolas of the Woodland Realm and twelve master engineers and stone masons from the Kingdom of Khazad-dûm. "
" The dwarves are here at the request of Tuilalcaron and myself. They are to help you improve the defensive fortifications of your people. My companion and I are here to set about the ending of Angmar. "
" To that end, we have gathered a coalition of forces to fight Angmar. All we're waiting for now, is for Gondor to recover from the Great Plague. "
" The current King and his sons are friends of ours. They will send men when word reaches them. " The King and his Advisors looked surprised. That's when Arvegil spoke again.
" My earlier words were prophetic then. Truly, two more centuries or so of Angmar's depredations and I fear my kingdom will have been no more. You have given us hope. "
It's then that we dine with the King. We agreed that proper discussions can wait until the next day.
When the next day dawns, as soon as we broke our fast, discussions began in earnest. The dwarves proposed multiple plans, that would be carried out over the next few decades.
Firstly, a second wall would be built around the city, higher than the current one. In doing so, we would be increasing the physical size of the city by half.
The land between the two walls would be where all the businesses would relocate to. The inner city as it will then be, will be purely residential.
This was estimated to take about a decade though. Naturally, Angmar would not give us the time to fortify. That's where Draco, the elves and I would come in handy.
Using the Palantír to watch the movement of the enemy would be easy enough. The King took some time to acquiesce. He doubted our ability to hold their enemies back.
It might have been true. If we were planning on taking on an entire army by ourselves. Multiple groups of a couple of hundred, spaced out over days, weeks and months however, was possible.
The dwarves agreed to shelve any additional projects till this was completed.
Once the King was onboard, things moved swiftly. Half of the dwarves departed further west, under guard, to oversee the stone quarries.
The rest stayed behind to oversee the digging of the foundations and the laying out of a proper sewer system. One of the dwarves was a master smith.
He would oversee the forging of a new gate, made of steel. The King gave most smiths in the city an order to obey the dwarf and to prioritise the building of the gate.
Draco and I, plus our elven companions left two days after everything was agreed upon. We decided not to split up, because they would need the sight afforded to us by the Palantír.
The next decade was a trying one. It became progressively harder to hold back the strength of Angmar. The first year, we fought dozens of scouts every week. No matter which direction they approached from, they couldn't get by us.
The next two years after that, bands of hundreds of pillagers assailed us. We were forced to split up. Draco and the elves in one group, and me alone.
After five years of doing this, the first orcs appeared. It was actually the first time Draco and I had actually seen the creatures. There was a wrongness about them. They came in a small warband of about a hundred or so.
They however came in greater frequency then men though. By the sixth year, I requested a group of about five hundred men from King Arvegil.
The numbers of orcs and men had been coming so frequently, that just the five of us could no longer hold them back. The King readily agreed. He didn't actually think we'd be able to hold out as long as we did.
With the men placed under our command, things became a lot easier. Draco no longer fought, his skills as a healer were required more.
It was with no small amount of relief, that we returned to Fornost Erain a few years later, to find that the new wall had finally been completed. We returned in good cheer.
As we entered the new outer city, beyond the impressive steel gates, we came upon a completely remarkable sight. They were many children running about the streets.
This decade of peace that we've bought them, hasn't been wasted. Many new children have been born, now that the pervasive fear that hung over the city has dissipated.
The people themselves were surprised at the number of children. The elves and dwarves just looked at us knowingly though. We just smirked.
After a few days of rest, we were again meeting the King. The dwarves had plans for a new fortress in the south of Artherdain.
To protect the kingdom from any attempts by Angmar to flank them. Millenia ago, Gil-galad, High King of the Ñoldor, built for Elendil, the High King of both Gondor and Arnor three slender white towers on a hill near the sea.
The tallest tower, named Elostirion, housed a Palantír. In this Age however it is a fanciful folly. We eventually managed to convince the King, however he insisted that the towers be incorporated into the new fortress.
The dwarves grumbled but they agreed. They estimated that another decade would be required. We were surprisingly then joined by Mithrandir not long after construction began.
It was fortuitous, because Angmar decided then to change its strategy. They started sending raiding parties of trolls, as well as packs of wargs.
It was hard fighting. Thanks to Draco, deaths were kept low, but not everyone could be saved. In the third year since construction of the fortress started, sorcerers from Angmar joined the fight.
We let Mithrandir deal with them. We focused on the trolls. We left the wargs to the three elves and the company of soldiers the King put under our command.
When seven years had passed, a new foe appeared. A mounted patrol of a dozen men were overcome, and there was only a single survivor.
He spoke of a thing garbed in black. It had no face, but it's very presence struck fear into them. It rode upon a black horse. Mithrandir called it a wraith. A servant of Sauron.
That very night, while we were camping, I used the Palantír to spy upon the enemy. What I saw was of great cause for concern. There was another of the Nazgûl in Carn Dûm. The capital of Angmar.
I also saw great quantities of weapons being made and then I realised what it meant. Angmar was preparing for a major offensive soon. We no longer had any time to waste.
The next morning, after breaking my fast, I removed my personal mirror from my satchel. " Gondor " is all I said. I waited then. I wonder how Minardil was doing. It's been decades since we've seen him.
After about five minutes, someone appears. The face has changed slightly, but there's no mistaking it. " Prince Telemnar, this is an unexpected surprise. Where is your father? "
I was watching his face so I didn't miss the deep sadness that passed over his face. " Lord Eladar, greetings. I regret to inform you that my father passed three years ago. "
I didn't bother to hide my sadness. King Minardil and his Steward Húrin were the closest things to friends other than the ents and Legolas, that Draco and I had.
" I see. I'm greatly saddened to hear that. I thought of your father as a friend. His death is a great loss. " Telemnar's expression was still solemn, but it seems my words were taken well.
" Lord Eladar, while it is good to hear from you again, I assume you weren't trying to speak to my father just to pass greetings? " Truly those of Númenorian blood are perceptive I muse.
" Nay. You are correct...King Telemnar. I seek the aid of Gondor in dealing with the threat of Angmar permanently. "
" Years ago, when we were in Minas Ithil, I used the Palantír there to spy on Angmar. I found out then, that The Lord of the Nazgûl was the King of Angmar. "
" You can see why such a threat cannot be allowed to exist unchecked. We have gathered a coalition of elves and dwarves and now, the men of Artherdain. Few though they are. "
" More are needed to destroy Angmar however. That is what I wished to ask of your father. " He looks stunned. Has been ever since I mentioned the Nazgûl.
There is silence for awhile, as he contemplates things. His face is turned away. After a few minutes he looks at me again. His face is resolute.
" You shall have the aid of Gondor. Ever since Pelargir, my father has worked to increase the size of Gondor's military. Starting with the navy. "
" The Great Plague set us back however. Thanks to Tuilalcaron and you however, the blow, while heavy, was not crippling. "
" I will give the order today. Gondor will prepare and when we are ready I shall inform you. We shall meet you on the field of battle in a few months hence. "
After that we exchange pleasantries and news and then we say our goodbyes. For now. Once the image of him fades, the tension fades from my shoulders.
I inform Draco later on and just like me, he's saddened by the death of Minardil. We sent word to the others to meet us in Fornost Erain.
Three days later, in the council chambers, I inform them of the decision of the new King of Gondor. Relief and hope shows on the faces of all the men present.
Later on that night, I contact King Thranduil and King Durin V. Thranduil said his people would need three days, then they'd set out.
It was agreed that to save time, they would travel through Khazad-dûm and the two hosts together would then join us. I agreed to that and wished them well.
After that, I contacted Lord Elrond. He was surprised by my news. He assured me however, that they would assist us as well.
The next few months were frantic. The blacksmiths in the city were hard at work as were the tradesmen, as the army purchased huge quantities of supplies.
King Arvegil told me that Artherdain could currently field a cavalry of five hundred, one thousand swordsmen, one thousand spearmen and five hundred archers.
That's only about three thousand men total. The Fortress of Elostirion held five hundred men and Fornost Erain had a garrison of two thousand.
We spent the time while preparations were being made, to watch over the movement of both our allies and our enemies.
In total we had three thousand from Artherdain, four thousand from the dwarves, one thousand from Thranduil, one thousand from Imladris and the King of Gondor was leading an army of ten thousand.
We had confirmation of the presence of spies in our midst by the fact that orcs and goblins were streaming towards Angmar. The war preparations in Artherdain apparently didn't go unnoticed.
Fortunately, there's no reason for the enemy to expect our allies. Still. Ten thousand orcs from Gundabad and five thousand goblins. Ten thousand men from Angmar itself as well as about two dozen trolls.
We were outnumbered, but not outclassed I think. Angmar had no cavalry. They did however have about five hundred warg riders. That's where our main advantage is.
Artherdain can match that number. Five hundred of the dwarves are mounted on goats and about three thousand of the force from Gondor is cavalry.
Draco and I decide to take a couple of preemptive measures though. We transform into our animagus forms and fly home. We don't let anyone see us though.
Delays can't be afforded at this point. In the basement of Orthanc, we remove some of the specimens of Devil's Snare that we have. We also take all of Draco's available potion ingredients.
We fly then towards the Trollshaws. It's during the day so we aren't worried about stumbling into trolls. We place the plants at strategic shadowed spots in the forest.
We cast spells that deflect direct sunlight from them. We then overdose the plants with growth potion and then flee. We can hear the creaking up in the sky as they flatten the surrounding trees.
Anything living that enters the forest won't be leaving it again. Alive that is. We warn our allies not to enter it and with bemusement they agree.
Days after that, we head to the Ettenmoors. It's a hilly, mountainous region, north of Imladris and west of Mount Gundabad.
It's also infested with savage men, orcs and trolls. Draco and I have speculated between ourselves just where the surviving filth from Angmar would flee to once it's gone.
The Ettenmoors are perfect. We decide however not to allow that. How to close up that avenue of escape and refuge however is a difficult one.
If we had brought any dangerous creatures with us to Middle Earth, we could have set them upon the inhabitants here. Alas, we didn't want to risk it. A good thing too, considering the failure of permanent expansion charms.
In the end, we decide that the simplest solution would be to destroy all the paths and valleys into the Ettenmoors. We are fortunate in that, the valley walls here are prone to small landslides.
We split up to cover more ground and make liberal use of Reducto. Of course, we'd never be able to do this without attracting any attention.
After entering the third small valley I set out to block, I'm accosted by a tribe of about a dozen trolls. Lumos Solem deals with them handily however.
For the remainder of the week that we're here, because obviously we want to do a thorough job, we're accosted by all sorts of creatures and men.
Packs of orcs, wargs, trolls, goblins, hill men and strangely enough, some type of werewolf. We killed everything that attacked us.
When the week was finished, we were glad to leave. We were weary. Casting so many spells over such a short period of time exhausted us.
Luckily, the remaining time we spent preparing for the battle was quieter. It was decided that we would engage them in the land just due north of Amon Sûl.
That was once a great watchtower of the Kingdom of Arnor. It housed one of the Palantír. The Witch King however burnt the tower down centuries ago and then destroyed Rhudaur.
It was one of the three kingdoms which Arnor broke up into. The other two being Cardolan and of course Artherdain.
That was towards the east of Fornost Erain. The ruins of the tower sat upon a hill though. It was decided that many of the elven archers would be stationed there.
To make sure that the enemy didn't get the same idea, Draco, the three elves plus the twelve dwarves and I, made our base in the tower ruins, two months before the planned battle.
The dwarves were able to do remarkable things with just the remaining rubble in those months. Draco and I cast a number of spells on what was left of the tower.
Salvio Hexia to protect the occupants from hexes cast by Angmar's sorcerers. Protego Horribilis to protect the hill and surrounding area from dark magic cast by the Witch King.
Protego Maxima as a physical shield against arrows and projectiles. We cast it simultaneously many times a day for weeks. In the end, we shielded a square mile.
Protego Totalum to keep the spells active for an extended period. Fianto Duri to add strength to our shield spells.
The elves and dwarves were awestruck when they saw the visible effects of our magic. We decided to protect such a large area because this is where our combined forces will be.
We created a rudimentary ward scheme as well, that would divert arrows. To make sure nobody could spot our occupancy, we also crafted several glamour spells to hide the signs of our presence.
Over the decades in Middle Earth, we had experimented and found that we couldn't create a spell that repels orcs. We weren't quite sure why that was though.
Still, we weren't giving up. It would be an enormous boon if it were possible. We would be able to protect villages and the like, from orcs.
To draw the forces of Angmar here, King Arvegil had decided that in the final two weeks before the battle, he would leak some of the war plans we made.
It would draw the entire host of Angmar out in our direction. Fortunately for us, the elves of Imladris were only a few days away at this point.
Before the elves arrived however, Draco and I completed our final preparations. Using Deprimo I created huge pits in the ground facing north.
I used transfiguration to create stone spikes that were as tall as a man at the bottom of the pits. The pits themselves were fifteen feet deep and just as wide.
I created about twenty of them. Enough to take out a thousand of their advancing troops. Draco uses Herbivicus to make grass grow rapidly over the pits, to disguise them.
Three days later, the elves of Imladris arrive. Glorfindel is their commander. After greeting the twins, he greets the rest of us. The elves then set up camp and take over the scouting.
A week after them, the combined elf and dwarf host approached us from the south. The dwarves were led by Prince Bain. Son of King Durin V, who we were informed by his sorrowful son, was dying.
It saddened us. So many of our acquaintances we were losing to mortality. Still, as long as I had Draco, there is no loss I couldn't bear.
Thranduil was not leading his force of elves that were sent. Instead, the two captains who were in the force told Legolas that his father placed them under his command.
He seemed overwhelmed, but he accepted the role and it's implications. That his father trusted him.
Nearly a week later, through the Palantír, I saw a great host leaving Carn Dûm. Fortunately, King Arvegil and his army left Fornost Erain as well.
If they were even a day later, the forces of Angmar would have isolated and then destroyed him and his army.
Through the Palantír, I saw as well the many ships of Gondor's navy docked in Mithlond. They had already set out from the harbour.
By my calculations, they would arrive exactly on the night before Angmar's forces reach us.
The wait wasn't all that long. Just a week later, our entire host of nineteen thousand was ready. That night, Draco, the twins, Glorfindel, Mithrandir, Prince Bain, King Arvegil, King Telemnar, Legolas and I held conference and made our preparations.
We're awoken abruptly by the elven scouts. Wargs are charging. I look towards Draco and we both smile. Soon pained yelps fill the air.
It seems like half the wargs and their riders have died. The elven archers of which there are seven hundred, four hundred from Thranduil and three hundred from Elrond, respond.
They all hit their mark. The wargs that survived the pits, were momentarily stunned by the deaths of their fellows. That's all the archers needed to finish them off.
It's then that horns blow from our side and our cavalry charges and flanks the forces of Angmar. The dwarves on their goats and the cavalry of Artherdain attack the western flank. Gondor the eastern.
Draco heads over to the healers tents. He made clear to all the warriors that even fatal wounds can be healed, as long as they get to him in time.
Barring decapitation of course. He set sterilization spells around the tents. Bowls filled with athelas and boiling water fills each healing tent, to combat the strange miasma that the Nazgûl emit.
I don't bother with my horse. I draw my sword and quickly head towards where I can see the advancing trolls. The twins accompany me. Guarding my back.
The three of us cut a path towards the trolls. I glance momentarily at the sky. It's filled with a hazy smog. I frown. No wonder the trolls can walk in daylight.
I mainly use my sword to dispatch my opponents. I'll need my power fully later on. As soon as we get near enough, all the trolls charge us.
I warn the twins and they look away, at the same moment I raise my staff and shout, Lumos Solem. Bright golden light briefly illuminates our side of the battlefield. Soon all the trolls turn to stone.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see a flash of fire. I turn and see a large ball of fire heading for me and the twins. Protego I say. The shield forms just as the fire reaches us.
I grit my teeth slightly at the power of the fire. I turn then to face the caster. A hooded figure in black. Surrounded by a dozen men. Wearing an iron crown.
I see Elladan and Elrohir stiffen. " The two of you, deal with the men with him. Be careful. Leave the Witch King to me. " They hesitated slightly but they agreed.
We killed dozens of men and orcs before we reached them. The Nazgûl attempted to ride us down. I tapped my staff against the ground and said Glacius.
Immediately, dozens of feet ahead of us, slick ice spread. The moment the horse's hooves touched the ice, it skidded slightly, I then said Diffindo and separated it's head from its body.
The Nazgûl let out a piercing shriek. I hesitated only for a moment though. In that time, he drew two swords. One of which had a tangible sense of menace.
I frowned internally ' no doubt, that smaller sword is cursed in some way '. I swung my staff and he met it with his larger sword, then I attempted to slash him with my sword.
He blocked with his. A clang sounded. I smirked. That's when he spoke. His words dripped with malice. " You will die here today wizard, I shall slay you and then I will lay Artherdain to waste. "
I snorted. I decided to trick him though. On the off chance that I can't kill him here. " You are truly arrogant. Thinking that a mere man, undead though you may be, is any match for a Maia. "
That's when I say, Depulso. He's blasted backwards and I don't waste a second. Incedio I say. He reacts fast though. He mutters a word and my fire is diverted.
It's then that our battle begins in earnest. Fires and foul poisoned air is sent my way. I respond with wind, shields and lightning. He's far more powerful than I assumed.
Still, I close the distance between us and engage him with my sword again. We trade blows back and forth and all the while I'm preparing.
My opening comes then. I cast two spells. Expecto Patronum. Immobulus. Shining silver light bursts from my staff, taking the form of a stag. It hits the Nazgûl head on.
He tried to stab it with the shorter sword, but it passed right through it. That's when the antlers touched him. A piercing scream followed. That's when my second spell momentarily froze him.
I was there fast. I stabbed right through his chest with my sword. A terrible scream tore across the battlefield. Before my eyes, the form of my enemy crumbled into itself.
The arm that held my sword, trembled. Piercing pain ran through it. Not unlike the Cruciatus Curse. I just grit my teeth though. Once it stated fading slightly, I cast detection spells on my arm as I looked across the battlefield.
Many eyes we looking my way. Awestruck. I sighed internally. ' Just great, more hero worship. ' The twins looked openly shocked.
They're no doubt remembering what Glorfindel said it Imladris. That the Witch King would meet his fate one day. I just voided that ' prophecy '. The thought made my lips twitch.
With the death of the Lord of the Nazgûl, the enemy became demoralized. In short order, most of them were killed, only a couple of hundred fled.
Cheers ran out across the battlefield as the commanders of our forces raised their weapons in victory.