Chapter 14

Last time:

Havens of Umbar

Pallando took Eldemmírë's hand as he helped her aboard his ship.

The last of his servants were already aboard and several ships were already at sea. Despite having neither seen nor felt any sign of the cursed wizards, he was not foolish enough to think that they were not searching for him. Even the Havens were not safe as he had no doubt that Gondor and its allies had eyes and ears in the city.

No, his plan to relocate to a place far from his enemies was for the best. Eldemmírë was his to command and had acquiesced to his plans. Thinking that Pallando was dedicated to her safety and that they must flee the plots of their enemies. Their new home was far from his enemies and a place he had begun preparing several months ago. It should be well hidden and defensible, the perfect place to develop his plans.

"My love?" prompted Eldemmírë.

"My pardon, I was considering our choices," replied Pallando.

Eldemmírë smiled and ran her hand over her slightly rounded stomach, "We will be safe, as will our child."

"As I promised my lady. Our child will have a shining future," replied Pallando. His smile was genuine but not for the reasons his lover thought. The child was indeed important to his plans.

oOoOo

Chapter 14 – Walking the Path Part 2

Isengard

Harry sat looking over the Master Builder's plans for the enlarged school buildings. The Dwarven Master Builder Narn was a truly gifted architect. His design was functional, defensible and beautiful. Indeed, if Maglor was to be believed then the taciturn Dwarf had consulted with both Elven and Human craftsmen to come up with the final design.

"What do you think?" asked Luna as she sipped her glass of Elven wine.

"I think it's a beautiful, well-designed building," replied Harry with a smile as he put the plans down.

Luna smiled and passed her husband his glass, "I agree and when we put it alongside the other plans, I think we have built something to be proud of."

"If only our other plans were coming to fruition so quickly," said Harry as he took a small sip of the deceptively strong Elven wine.

"We know he is out there, and we also know that our vigilance has reached the point that should he enter the free lands we stand a good chance of detecting him." Seeing Harry about to speak, she reached over and touched his arm. "Yes, we could ward our lands more heavily and bar him entry, but…"

"But we want to find him. I know, it irks me that one being can elude the entire White Council and our allies, spies and scrying." Harry once again considered their many plans to find the renegade Maia.

"When the time is right, we will find him," replied Luna. "Now, finish your wine and let us see Selene before we find our own bed."

Later, as Harry lay next to his sleeping wife. His thoughts turned to his patron, Oromë'. The Vala had warned him that he needed to embrace his abilities if he wanted to succeed. As one of the Maiar, he was effectively immortal but clothed in human form. His training as a warrior, even his magic was not enough. The problem was that he still held himself back, not accessing the wellspring of power his nature gave him access to. Pallando and the other Istari had similar natures, but their powers were locked away so that they had access to but a bare minimum while they wore the guise of men. Pallando in his madness was seeking to overcome this limitation so that he could draw on his true powers.

Theoretically, that meant that he was stronger than Pallando…but he rarely sought to tap his powers. That would have to change. He would seize every advantage in this fight.

With that thought in his mind, he settled and tried to sleep.

oOoOo

The hall of Broca – Dunland

Broca looked over the gathered leaders of the Clans he thought might listen to his words. Here today were perhaps a third of the Chieftains of Dunland. It had been difficult maintaining the peace as his hall filled up. Many of those here had little trust for their 'brother' Dunlendings. They only came together along clan lines or when faced with the threat of a shared enemy.

His kinsman Lud winked at him and raised a mug with a wry smile. Yes, a drink might settle his nerves somewhat, but he would rather have all his wits when the inevitable arguments started.

Havald the Fat, a Chief of similar standing to Broca came and sat himself down, mug in hand. "Broca, it's a fine table you have set for us."

Broca raised an eyebrow at the older man's comment. "I see that you found your way to it before our fast is ended."

"Aye," he replied with a grin before sobering. "Lud told me something was up, something with the old man in the tower. My lands are a fair distance from the wizard's tower, but my scouts and hunters still tell me of the many strange folk on the roads"

"The old man, Saruman is dead, gone. His lands are now held by another who is prepared to deal fairly with us," explained Broca.

"Pah, how is this new master different from the old?" countered Havald.

Broca gestured toward the food-laden table, "The old wizard, demanded and we gave. He promised, and he forsook those promises. Lord Harry wants trade, not slaves. Those living in Isengard and there are many men, dwarves and elves living there, need food. I trade fish caught in the rivers and fens, I trade wild herbs and eggs along with our onions and vegetables. And for that trade I get money, I get friendship with Isengard. I get things my people never had before. My people have access to good tools, decent weapons and things I did not even know we lacked." He plucked at his vest. It was fine leather, tooled with a design of vines and far finer work than Havald had seen for many a year. "A gift from an Elven leather worker."

"This for fish?" asked Havald, his disbelief was clear.

"And other goods. In a few days, my smith will travel to Isengard to learn new skills from a renowned Dwarven smith. An invitation that costs me nothing and will greatly benefit my people," explained Broca. "Lud and I have sat in council with the wise and powerful. I have a seat at that table because the new Wizard can see that our people have value."

Havald paused, looking around the hall. Noticing that there were signs that Broca had indeed come into better times. As he contemplated, Lud walked over to his kinsman. "They are here Broca."

Broca nodded and stood, calling for quiet.

Havald turned to Lud, "What is this?"

Lud grinned, amused. "Ah, I'll let Broca explain."

Broca raised his voice so that the entire hall could hear him speak, "Some of you know or have heard whispers that I have been dealing with the Wizard in Isengard. Well, it is true, and I am well pleased with my dealings. For too long we have been poor and forced to eke out a living…well I say no more."

"You would have us ally with the wizard?" called out one of the Chieftains.

"No, I speak of making alliance with the White Council," replied Broca. "Some of you know of what I speak for others that name means little. For those who don't know, the White Council is made of representatives of many of the free peoples. Men, Dwarves and Elves seeking common purpose."

"What interest do they hold in us?" Havald called out.

"We are men are we not?" asked Lud in return.

"Oh, aye and the strawheads will be pleased to see us!" exclaimed one of the seated men, garnering a few chuckles and not a few curses.

"Rohan is a member of the council," admitted Broca. "And, I have spoken with the King of Rohan himself…things have changed in Rohan."

Havald set his mug down, studying Broca as if he had never seen him before. "You sound as if you speak of peace."

There was a commotion at the door to the hall that stopped Broca's reply.

Havald turned to see who it was and froze as Théoden, King of Rohan walked in accompanied by two others. One a dark-haired lad dressed as a Rohirrim and the other, who looked like a young woman holding a long staff, her face covered by her hood.

Havald was one of many who leapt to their feet, reaching for weapons they did not wear.

Théoden nodded politely toward Broca, "Lord Broca, thank you for inviting me.
I had feared I would be late."

Broca shook his head, a faint smile on his lips, "It is of no matter, we have just begun."

Havald regained his wits as he stared at the king in shock, "What is this?"

Théoden smiled slightly, "Lord Broca has argued long and well for this meeting and given recent events, I think it is the right time to discuss your grievances."

Many in the hall gaped at the impossible sight of the King of Rohan standing in Broca's hall and within moments many of the Dunlendings were on their feet, thinking they had been betrayed.

It took several minutes and not a few threats against the more belligerent, for the hall to again be quiet.

"The King and his son are here at my request. For too long our peoples have fought over the land of our ancestors. The Wizard has shown me the true beginnings of our people…we are the descendants of the second house of the Edain, the Haladin of the house of Haleth. A renowned people among the ancient forefathers of men. The Rohirrim come from similar stock, a people born of those houses that did not travel to the West. There is a kinship, though long forgotten."

"That hasn't stopped them stealing our land!" Called out one of the Dunlendings. Followed by many voices calling out support.

"Aye…"

"Wulf has the right of it!"

"Indeed, he has," agreed Théoden loudly enough that all in the hall heard it and fell quiet.

"My ancestors did ill by you, our cousins. I cannot change that old injustice, but I can make amends. In a month my son," he gestured to the younger man. "Will marry a woman of Dunland. Lady Brada, daughter of Broca. She will in due course be Queen of Rohan."

Brada pulled her hood back, revealing herself.

Silence gripped the hall as all eyes turned to Brada.

Théoden smiled, "I have no doubt that she will be a queen that shall rule wisely and well. After they are wed, I will invite the Chieftains of Dunland to my hall. There we shall make peace and see what we can do to staunch both our people's wounds."

Havald stood studying the King before turning to Théodred and Brada, "I have heard rumours tonight about you Brada Ravenhair. Is it true that you are welcome in Rohan and Isengard?"

Brada stood tall and nodded, "I am a student of Isengard, and I am welcome in any of the Western lands, as it should be. Harry and Luna, Lord and Lady of Isengard have opened the tower to you like they have my father and cousin. We are now a people represented in the councils of the wise."

Havald was silent for a long moment before slowly nodding, "I will come to your meeting King of Rohan. In the hope that my children's children will not grow up knowing only want and war."

To Broca, the tone in the hall was shifting from belligerence to interest. He had chosen those here as the most reasonable of the Chieftains. It would of course take time, perhaps decades to build up real trust but it was a start.

Frey, the Chieftain of a Fen village akin to Broca's, shook his head sadly. "You'll nae get the hot-headed fools and those that love the slaughter to your table. They'll call us craven and raid our lands."

Théodred stepped forward, taking Brada's hand. "This isn't some lark or a deceit of the enemy. I intend for my betrothed and her people to have the same rights as any man I call friend and ally. If they raid, we will stand with you."

"As will Isengard," added Brada. "Lord Harry has already committed Isengard, regardless of what comes from the King's invitation."

"And how are we supposed to know his word is good?" asked Frey with far less hostility in his voice.

"He will show us. Lord Harry is nothing like Saruman, but I understand that this will take time. Good faith returns good faith. Let our deeds speak for us," replied Brada.

"Words are just words," Wulf said but held up a hand. "Aye, I hear what has been said here and I never thought I'd see the day a woman of Dunland would be Queen in Rohan. I never thought I'd hear a man of Rohan much less their King say they'd wronged us. This pleases me, but it's still just words." He turned to look at Théoden. "I'll not raid your lands and uphold a peace and I'll come to your hall once they are wed."

"I hear you and I understand," Théoden said nodding to Wulf before looking around the room.

Frey shook his head, a wry smile on his face. "My kin will not believe me when I say I supped with the King of Rohan…but I am willing to hear more."

Broca shared a look with Lud. It looked like his plan might work after all.

oOoOo

The 'White isle' off the coast of the Dark Lands in the Far East of Middle Earth

Regardless of whether you called it Mórenorë or Hyarmenor , as the Númenóreans had Pallando had to admit that he could not have found a better place to hide from his former brethren. The Eastern continent was, as far as he knew, inhabited by no sentient race, and none from the West had ever dwelt there save for a short-lived renegade Númenórean outpost on what they had recorded as the White Isle. Pallando had destroyed the few surviving records of the outpost and had established a hideaway there. It was protected by the most powerful magics and as far as he knew it was still unknown to any save his servants.

The outpost deserved a grander name and now that it was staffed and restored it resembled an estate far more than a fortified tower.

Eldemmírë joined him on the large balcony overlooking the beach below. "It is beautiful, my love."

"And unknown to the accursed kinslaying Noldo," replied Pallando with a grim expression that seemed to lighten as he looked at his lover.

"We are safe here and our child will be born here in this unspoilt land," Eldemmírë said affectionately as she took his hand.

Pallando smiled indulgently, "And then our child will take up its birthright and restore the middle lands."

Eldemmírë looked out over the sea, "Can you truly do it, will the Valar relent?"

Pallando kept his 'proud' smile in place. The elven woman was vain and like all her people lacking in much of the lore that the rest of the elven people shared. She was convinced that the Valar would side with her people against the wicked Noldor. She saw Pallando as the envoy of the Valar and he had worked with that. Manipulating her thoughts and convincing her that his plan was undertaken at the request of the Valar.

"My quest will succeed. I need but gather up the trinkets of the Noldor and destroy them…what the Valar have unmade they can remake. Worry not, My Queen."

"The Teleri will be united!" Eldemmírë rejoiced and then sighed. "Alas that the rest of my people cannot join us here, safe in this haven."

"They will," Pallando assured her soothingly. "And for now, they are safe. I have people watching over your lands."

"How long my love?"

Pallando sighed, "Too long, I fear our child will know the White Isle all too well ere we depart. If all goes well, I will soon have gathered enough to begin the process. As I said before, my love, it cannot be rushed. All will happen as the Valar will it."

In truth, he had no idea how long it would take to gather the relics and build what he thought of as the key. Years no doubt. His initial plan to rule Middle Earth was thwarted because he had underestimated his foes ability to counter his plans. This time he would work in the shadows. He would use agents and ensure none knew his whereabouts. Once Eldemmírë's child was born it would have the bloodline of Elwë Singollo through his younger brother Olwë and be able to claim and fully use Melian's circlet. The child would be one of the last of that line. As was Eldemmírë of course, but once he took possession of the body, he had no desire to be female. He could not help but smile. The Valar had restricted his power and his ability to change his earthly form. The ritual would shatter that restraint, freeing him to access his true powers. The Valar, cowards that they were, would never risk another war in the middle lands and so he would be left to rule.

But first, he would need patience.

His time would come.

oOoOo

Valinor

Manwë Súlimo, King of the Valar, sat silently contemplating the situation in Middle Earth. Pallando had disappeared from his sight and given his sight encompassed most of the world he was…concerned.

Melkor had taught his servants to hide themselves from sight. It appeared that Pallando had also learned just as those other Maia that had fallen from their path.

His spouse, Varda laid a hand on his arm.

"Trust our envoys, they have done well in their tasks," she offered. "Pallando might have hidden himself from us, but he is constrained by the form he wears. In truth, he is overmatched by the Istari, Luna and Harry. A fact he is no doubt aware of. I suspect that magic will play a vital part in the song to come, and it may be the magicals of the middle lands who will play a part we have not yet foreseen."

Manwë nodded as he took Varda's hand, "You speak wisely, as you ever have done. The middle lands are far vaster than those under threat. Lands that both the First and Secondborn have forgotten if they ever considered them. If Pallando has fled to those far places he will be difficult to find and there are people living in those lands among whom he might find allies."

Varda shook her head, "We too have long neglected the dark lands…and even our naming of them show that we considered them savage and benighted. As if the second born that dwelt there were wild men and not our care. If Pallando has done one thing of value, it is bringing these lands back into our thoughts."

"We must consult our brethren on these matters before we act. I wonder at the nuances of the great song that we missed. In this the Maiar have shown more wisdom than I," he admitted. Varda was right in that their own bias against the dark…no, the Eastern lands might have seen them neglected. A fault that he took on himself, was he not tasked with regency of all the lands of Arda under Eru?

"Our contemplation and understanding of the music of the Ainur is ever unfolding, Manwë. We are not omnipotent, my love. Eru has moved many to undertake great tasks and no doubt will again. But in this I agree, we should take council and consider the eastern lands."

"Then I will call our brethren together in council."

oOoOo

Isengard T.A Late 2997

"Nothing, and yet the warning of the Valar still moves me to caution," Harry sat back looking across the table at Maglor and Elrond. "You would think that we would have found something."

"He appears to have learned caution," Maglor said as he studied the summary of the latest reports.

"He has gone to ground…I fear that until he shows himself again, we shall have little luck finding him. Unless the Valar favour your lovely wife with a vision to help us." Elrond said calmly. "Remember my friends, not since the siege of Angband have the free races had such an era of peace and friendship. So, while Pallando may have eluded our searchers…for now. We shall maintain our vigilance and we shall prepare to counter his evil."

"Your words are wise Elrond, my friend," Maglor replied. "Only the Valar may know the hour of our next test."

Harry sighed and nodded, "Patience is a skill I have yet to fully master."

Elrond smiled and then tapped a long finger on one of the reports. "You and Luna are attending the weddings?"

"We will, Azanath will hold down the fort as his lady is ill-suited to travel as she gets closer to her due date," Harry replied. He was pleased to see that the elves no longer frowned at the mention Azanath's relationship with an elf.

"I must admit that I am looking forward to it myself," Elrond admitted with a small laugh. "It will be my first wedding in Rohan."

Maglor poured his guests more wine, before filling his glass. "Brada has been walking around with an enduring smile, despite the politics of the situation."

"Indeed," Elrond agreed with an amused expression. "I saw her when I arrived. Walking your fair gardens arm in arm with Lady Ayrica, their heads close. Love matches are rare in political weddings, and it warms my heart to see that this match has brought happiness to them both."

Maglor sipped at his wine, "And the strife between the men of Rohan and Dunlending diminishes. Let it not be said that men of Rohan have no subtle diplomacy."

The White Council had been pleased to see the diplomatic work of Broca and the King of Rohan bear fruit.

"And Lord Tirith's upcoming nuptials?" Elrond asked with a sip of his wine.

"He is rather busy with the re-taking of Osgiliath. Prince Imrahil is determined that the city be fortified. Even though the enemy have abandoned their occupation and fortifications," Harry said with some amusement. "Not that it is anything less than a sound military decision. I suspect that it was the impetus for Tirith truly seeking mastery of apparition."

None of the three had heard Luna arrive and when she spoke all three turned in surprise.

"I had feared to find my husband embroiled in devising some important strategy. Instead, I find him gossiping like a fishwife!" Her smile took any sting out of her words.

The laughter was genuine if somewhat rueful on Harry's part. "Sorry love. We were mostly finished. Just going over the reports for the full council."

Luna grinned and sat on the arm of Harry's chair.

"Fishwives aside, the reports are mostly positive…except we haven't found a trace of Pallando," said Elrond.

Luna frowned as she considered the latest reports. Then she shook her head, "No doubt you have discussed this at length, but my belief is that he has gone to ground. His plans have failed, and he has been thwarted but not defeated." She shook her head her expression darkening for a moment. "I think that we need to focus on continuing with the tasks the Valar have set us."

"Which leads to my next question," said Maglor. "I have been looking at the list of the free peoples and those we have not yet approached."

"What people have caught your eye?" Harry asked.

"The Onodrim," replied Maglor.

"The Ents?" Harry asked quietly. "I admit that my studies in Valinor told of them. The guardians of the trees were created by Ilúvatar when Yavanna shared her fears for the forests. I had been told they still linger in Middle Earth but in truth, I have not thought much beyond that."

Elrond shook his head sadly, "No, the Onodrim still endure. The eldest of living creatures still in these lands. I have spoken to them in the past, but it has been many long years since I did so."

Luna was beaming at the others, "Then we must do so again, soon!"

oOoOo

Luna, Harry, Gandalf, Maglor and Elrond rode through the trees of Fangorn.

Elrond in particular seemed oddly energized by the short journey, "As I have said, it has been many years since I have conversed with one the Onodrim. Although, Galadriel and Celeborn have maintained far greater ties with them over these long years. They have seldom played any part in the wars or in the fragile peace."

Gandalf sighed sadly, "Alas, I too have found little time to speak with Treebeard. An oversight I hope to correct today. He is old, older even the Elves, and wise in his own way. He is akin in age to Iarwain Ben-adar, Tom Bombadil as he is known these days. They both should have long ago been invited to join the White Council. Although I suspect that Radagast has long kept Treebeard abreast of events. He is ever a friend of the wild places and all that dwell there."

They rode onward, deeper into the forest. Eventually they were forced to dismount as the forest paths were overgrown. After another hour, Elrond called for them to halt.

"I have been sending out my thoughts into the trees. A message to the Onodrim and I believe that one comes in answer to my summons."

They looked around as they heard a distant call.

"I have heard that before, when I was in Fangorn," said Harry in surprise. "I had wondered what it was."

Elrond gestured toward the trees around them. "One of the Onodrim approaches."

After a few minutes passed, movement could be seen in the trees and soon they could clearly see a tall figure moving toward them.

It was very tall, nigh on twelve foot and looked like a walking elm tree. Its skin was deeply ridged and grey-brown in colour and it possessed long thick arms and legs. He was bearded, or at least it had a mossy approximation of a beard and it possessed glittering brown eyes that were flecked with green. Eyes that were studying them with some surprise.

"Ho-humm-ho, well this is a surprise!" The Ent said, still peering at them.

Elrond bowed low to the Ent, "Greetings to you, I am Elrond of Rivendell and I greet you on behalf of the White Council."

"Hmmm, I am Greenleaf…or so your people once called me, Master Elf." Greenleaf peered at the others, his green eyes glinting. "While two elves are of course welcome to wander our woods and young Gandalf is known to me…Hmm-ho, who are these others?"

Introductions were made and Greenleaf seemed surprised. "Maiar walking the middle lands? Well now, that is a surprise. I don't doubt that Treebeard will be interested indeed."

"It is Treebeard we seek, Greenleaf," explained Gandalf. "There have been many changes of late and I do not doubt that Radagast has informed you of them. Our task was to talk to Treebeard and seek out his wisdom."

Greenleaf stroked his beard with long grey fingers. "Hmm, I admit that I have given little thought to the goings on outside my part of the forest. In these days it is mostly Treebeard and the younger Ent's that do so. But even so I have some news from him when we meet." He looked at Harry and Luna and made an odd shrug like gesture. "I will lead you to Treebeard and send word to him. Although I cannot say where he might be. He wanders the forest more than any of us."

With that Greenleaf cupped his hands to his mouth and produced a long and very loud musical cry. "There, the trees will pass that message on. If you are able, we shall begin our journey."

As they travelled, Elrond and Luna asked many questions about his life and the works of his people. The Ent seemed rather pleased by their interest and spoke at length about the Forest and the Ent's work. It took several hours to reach their destination, but the travel had been fairly easy. Indeed, the path had been wide and clear. Harry had a strong suspicion that Greenleaf had something to do with that.

They were led to the feet of Methedras, the mountain that rose above Isengard. It was the southernmost peak of the Misty Mountains. There they found an odd dwelling. It was flanked by two lines of evergreen trees. Their branches coming together to form a living roof. The rear of the house was a rockface with a streamlet flowing from it, forming a small spring that then ran to form a stream down to where they knew the Entwash river flowed.

It was furnished in stone, and everything was Ent-sized. A stone bed and table (but no chair) and several large stone bowls. A cistern fed by the small spring was the only other item in the dwelling.

"How wonderful!" exclaimed Luna in genuine delight. "What an amazing house. It reminds me of the great bowers in the Gardens of Lórien!"

"Hoo-Hum," said a deep voice from behind Greenleaf. "Well now, that is high praise indeed for my humble dwelling. I am pleased that it reminds you of so fair a place, little Maia."

A tall Ent moved to stand beside Greenleaf. He looked similar in some ways to Greenleaf although the new Ent was at least fourteen feet high. He was very sturdy, with a tall head, and hardly any neck. He was also far bulkier than Greenleaf.

"Ah, Treebeard," said Gandalf with a smile as he looked up at Treebeard. "It is good to see you."

Treebeard peered at Gandalf with some amusement. "It is not so long since our last meeting."

Gandalf nodded with a wry smile, "Twenty years or thereabout. An oversight I mean to make amends for."

Treebeard looked over at Maglor and Elrond. "Hmmm-Ho, I welcome elves that seek to walk beneath the boughs of the woods. But I had not considered that I would ever host Maglor son of Fëanor in my home." His words seemed colder and less welcoming.

Maglor bowed low to Treebeard. "I greet you on my own behalf, Lord of the Onodrim."

Treebeard did not respond, and Elrond cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Maglor has long since made amends for his and his kins deeds. He has dwelt these long ages with the Sindar. Aiding them in their need."

Treebeards suspicion seemed to lift somewhat. "Well, ho-hum, that is good to hear, Master Elrond. It was something my friend Radagast failed to share with me in his tales." He looked down at them with a renewing interest. "It seems that there are other tales to tell." He looked over to Luna and Harry. "I have heard the rumour of your deeds, Lord and Lady Maia." He bowed his head slightly, "I know little of magic, but it seems to me a great thing that you have thwarted the master of Mordor. I honour you for that."

Treebeard then spoke briefly to Greenleaf who left after a polite farewell to Treebeard's guests.

"Greenleaf will see to your horses. Now tell me, what brings you to Wellinghall?"

Gandalf spoke of the recent events and Treebeard listened intently. Occasionally asking a question. He seemed to have heard some of Gandalf's news, most likely from Radagast. When Gandalf had finished, Treebeard sighed. "Hmmm…You seek for the Ents to join your alliance?"

"We do," replied Gandalf. "Your wisdom and unique viewpoint would be invaluable."

"It was a grievous oversight to not have asked you earlier," added Elrond.

Treebeard did not immediately reply. Instead, he stood unmoving for many long minutes.

Harry looked at Luna and raised an eyebrow. She smiled back at him and gave him a nod. 'So, she is thinking it will be a yes,' thought Harry.

"Hmm, we shall have an Entmoot. My kin need to discuss this. We are not a hasty folk like you elves, and these are matters of importance," announced Treebeard.

"Of course, Eldest," replied Elrond gravely.

Treebeard now turned his attention to Luna and Harry. "I understand that I have you to thank for the new town springing up in Isengard."

Harry was about to reply when Luna laughed.

"While we are a part of the reason, we are not the only ones. Lord Elrond and Prince Maglor have played their part. Alongside many other Elves, Dwarves and Men," explained Luna who was smiling up at the Ent. "I would welcome you to Isengard if only to show our students that there is more at stake than they imagine."

Treebeard smiled, "And I would like to talk to you of the Gardens of Lórien. Ever have I longed to see that fair land."

oOoOo

In the end, the Ents agreed to send a representative to the council. In record time, according to Treebeard. They had an interesting night in Treebeard's home. Many stories were told and there was a long discussion around where Pallando might be hiding.

"Hoohmm," said Treebeard after Harry had told of the fruitless search for the renegade Maia. "He is hunted you say. He would be foolish to linger in lands where he might be seen. I doubt that the servants of the enemy hold him as an ally any longer. So those shadowed lands are closed as well."

Maglor looked thoughtful as Treebeard spoke. "That is a good point. He has worked against his master in Mordor as much as he has the free peoples."

"He isn't dead, the Valar would tell us if he was," added Luna. "Where else could he be?"

Gandalf was frowning as he listened to the conversation. Then his eyes widened as a thought struck him, "We may have been looking too close to home."

Elrond looked puzzled and then uttered a curse, then turned to the others, "The East!"

oOoOo