Authors' note: Okay you lot REVIEW!! LOL took me long enough to write this chapter because I simply couldn't find the right way to end it. Well it got finished eventually- it's a long chappie so sit down and relax. Thanks again to my reviewers- Crecy and Enyamorntuilr. Happy reading ;)
Pacing the room Indil folded her arms, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Fellowship members. Maps of Isengard, weapons marked with a white hand and worn scrolls laid out she was prepared for the upcoming meeting. With the chairs moved back and forth three times in succession, two more logs added to the fire and the heavy drapes pulled back there was nothing to do but wait. Wait, in silence, for them. Listening to the everyday noises, permeating through the solid oak door, of the early morning household going about its business Indil felt time drag by agonisingly slowly. The maids rushing here and there, cooks, stablehands, librarians, gardeners . . . they all had their own distinct sounds and smells. Whether it was their gait, the rustle of a particular fabric, their pattern of breathing, something gave away their occupation.
Frowning uncharacteristically Indil finally succumbed to the inevitable and collapsed into the chair at the head of the table. Impatiently her fingers tapped out a steady rhythm on the arm of her seat. It was not speaking to the Fellowship that set her on edge but dealing with Pippin after last nights events. She had had all night to consider the best course of action, anything was better than sleep . . . anything.
She had not seen the young Hobbit after he was removed from the room by a less than amused Gandalf. In fact she had not seen him at breakfast or walking the corridors of the Last Homely House at all this morning. The four other Hobbits had been embarrassed at the breakfast table, apologising profusely for Pippins' actions making excuses surrounding his playful nature and inexperience with drinking apart from the weak ale available in the Green Dragon. She had waved it all off explaining there was no harm done and that it was actually quite entertaining now that she thought about it. Sam had looked like he was about to faint in front of her, she had heard about the threats he had received from Gandalf . . . something regarding toads . . . while Merry was blushing furiously at his cousins' actions. Frodo and Bilbo had been the most stoic of the lot albeit most apologetic regarding the whole situation.
Lord Elrond himself had called her to his study to discuss what had passed between herself and the inebriated Hobbit. After reassuring the elven lord that she had taken no offense and did not wish any further action or punishment arranged he had been happy enough to let her go. Still his parting words had been rolling about in her head for some time.
"The comfort of my guests and the maintenance of respect among the inhabitants of my home is, for me, of the utmost importance. Be they elf, man, dwarf, Hobbit . . . immortal or mortal I will not have any guest of Rivendell left with a distasteful memory."
"I still cannot make out which is more important to him; my pride or the way in which Rivendell is perceived." Mused Indil.
Still she would give the elven Lord the benefit of the doubt and believe he was concerned about her well being and that of Rivendells' occupants above all else. Considering everything Lord Elrond had been quite understanding and had left her at ease concerning Pippin and his future stay at Rivendell.
It had only taken a few minutes to assure Lord Elrond that she was quite alright, Boromir was another matter entirely.
Although he had regained most of his composure by the time he had escorted Indil to her room there was still a hint of anger at the young Hobbits' actions. She could not douse the fire completely but a while longer and she was sure the embers would fade also. The company of the stewards' son last night could have been described as almost bearable. Once Boromir had settled down and relaxed Indil found he did have a sense of humour. He very nearly forgot who and what she was; so much so that he was much more enjoyable to be around. Without all the formal titles and manners he was easier to get on with compared to any of the other members of the Fellowship. Except perhaps for the Hobbits, even if relations there were a little awkward at the moment.
That was nothing though to the frosty reception she had experienced in the presence of Legolas this morning. In all honesty she could not fathom the icy expressions and glares being thrown at her from the top of the table. Even when she had tried to talk to the elven prince he had dismissed her, well not quite dismissed her but had brushed off any attempt at conversation. It was not as if she wished to discuss the inner workings of Eryn Lasgalen or such . . . indeed all she had had in mind was a mere rebuke for his behaviour last night.
"It is not for me to question the motives of silvan elves . . . goodness knows Thranduil had a reputation for a strange and quick temperament. The prince did not display any of this though when I was talking to him at the archery range . . ."
The annoying thing was that no sooner did she manage to get on the good side of one member of the Fellowship she lost whatever friendship she had forged with another. It was most infuriating, especially when she was trying to get into a position from which she could keep her promise to Gandalf. How could she advise anyone when no person was willing to come to her or seek out her advise? She would have to gain their trust somehow. With time perhaps . . .
A new sound distinguished itself from the hum drum noises of everyday life. The scuffing of a leather boot on stone . . . new leather . . . it was a dull thudding sound fringed with a thick squeak. Aragorn perhaps . . . no . . . the gait was not that of a ranger in his home. Too tentative but then again purposeful . . . ahh . . . it can only be Boromir.
True enough to her prediction there was a cautious knock followed by a relieved Gondorian. Smiling at Indil he bowed before moving to a seat on her right.
"I am used to a large number of corridors and such but I suppose it is the new surroundings that has unsettled me so. I cannot seem to remember the way to anywhere except for necessary rooms such as the Hall of Fire and dining Hall."
Boromir grinned playfully at Indil who managed to control her laughing admirably. Smiling behind her hand she nodded her assent at what Boromir was insinuating.
"I felt so awkward this morning. I confess I had planned to follow you to this room and wait here until the appointed time but I lost sight of you almost immediately after you left the breakfast table."
Indil had known the Steward was looking for her but she had been too preoccupied with looking for Pippin. She had not wanted an audience when and if she were to meet Pippin on the corridor especially not Boromir since she felt he still held some resentment toward the young Hobbit.
"Well thankfully you managed to find your way here my Lord. Else our meeting would have been severely lacking."
"Most certainly my Lady." Replied Boromir latching on to the humorous tone in her voice.
Reaching for the maps in the centre of the table Boromir drew the one of Isengard to him. Grimacing thoughtfully he stared at the map too engrossed in his own ideas to notice Indil rise and move to the window. The morning air was fresh and welcome as she peered out at the Misty Mountains dominating the view. The sky was a clear shade of blue only to be found in the shallowest of streams, lonely clouds drifted across the morning sky peacefully completely at odds with the world on which they looked down. On the breeze there was a faint hint of lavender mixed in with some herb . . . whatever it was the sweet scent mixed with that of the lavender made it all the more pleasing.
"You plan to concentrate on Isengard and our fallen ally today?"
Pulling back from the calming wind Indil dragged her face around to look at the inquisitive man.
"Yes. As our most recently exposed enemy Saruman is a force I would like to consider. He knows our ways better than any other, making him the most dangerous foe we face . . . next to Sauron of course."
Strange how those you once considered a comrade and friend could turn in an utterly different direction than you had thought they would. None of the order had suspected our wise leader . . . no one. It was the misfortune of Gandalf to discover that secret. Radagast had not been seen for weeks . . . it was not like him to uproot and leave. Not in times such as these when all our power needs to be gathered together.
"Should we fear the white wizard? What kind of power does he hold?"
More than he should . . . more than he should.
"In both terms of physical and mental power Saruman is one of the most learned beings I have ever encountered. To be in his presence is to be dwarfed. I will discuss his more unusual powers when the others arrive but suffice it to say that Saruman is one enemy we could do without."
Indil leaned her head to the side momentarily before straightening and looking at the door. Just as she had composed herself in walked Aragorn and Legolas followed promptly by Gimli. Aragorn stopped and bowed as Boromir had done previously before seating himself opposite the Gondorian. Gimli followed suit but sat on the right side of Boromir. Legolas did not even bother to bow but dipped his head speedily before claiming the seat next to Aragorn.
Silence once again reigned in the meeting room. An uncomfortable silence that begged to be broken. Gimli, ever the dwarf, studied the rock walls from his seat interestedly while Aragorn remained the silent intense ranger. Legolas, tracing the rings within the bark on the table, did not even look up.
"Myself and Lord Boromir were just discussing our newest enemy, Saruman. He is one we could do without certainly but . . . I would make a request of those here present."
With those very words Indil captured the attention of each individual within the room. Still she waited for a while before reseating herself at the head of the table.
"I would like for each of you to speak briefly of any meeting you may have had with the white wizard or any of his servants. I believe it would be of crucial benefit for the Hobbits. I myself can illustrate many instances where Saruman has revealed some of his power but maybe accounts from different sources would lend some credence to my descriptions."
Calmly Indil met the gaze of the four beings around her. Stormy grey eyes approved of her decision . . . in Aragorn at least she had support. Gimli nodded his head sagely.
"We have had many dealings with the white wizards' servants as have the men of Dale."
Boromir looked pensive before nodding along with Gimli.
"I remember some instances where missives were sent from Gondor to Isengard in my youth . . . though recent dealings have been much more sinister and silent."
Indil turned to the final member of the Fellowship waiting on his reply. The indifferent bob of Legolas' head was all the answer she received.
"Thank you. I will begin with the weapons of Isengard and of some troubling news Gandalf has discovered before we move onto your tales . . . if only the Hobbits would arrive."
Tilting her head confusedly Indil looked toward the oak door. Aragorn seemed to have noticed something also glancing at the door briefly.
A timid knock on the door reverberated throughout the room. Inexplicably all eyes turned on Indil who remained the picture of serenity as she called enter. In through the door one. . . then two . . . then three hobbits appeared. Frodo first, followed by Sam and then Merry. Aware that they were the last to arrive they threw apologetic looks at Indil before moving toward the table. Indil smiled to herself as Merry realised the absence of the last of their group. Yanking the door wide open he revealed a suitably embarrassed Pippin, head ducked to his chest, looking for all the world that he was going to drop dead at the threshold.
Shyly he shuffled into the room after his cousin and joined him at the lower end of the table. Eyes fixed firmly on the floor he did not notice Indil smile sympathetically, Boromir glare coolly nor the grins of Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli seated at the table. Clearing her throat Indil caught Pippins' eyes briefly before beginning.
"Now that we have all arrived I thought we could begin todays' discussion surrounding Isengard and Saruman the fallen leader of my order."
Rising slowly Indil moved the map Boromir had been studying to the centre of the table.
"Isengard lies just above Rohan and Gondor in a small pass known commonly as the Gap of Rohan." Indil circled the area with her forefinger before pointing directly at Sarumans' stronghold.
"Nestled in a valley surrounded by the southernmost tip of the Misty Mountains Isengard is a formidable stronghold. In addition to its' gorges and mountainsides the River Isen protects the eastern flank of the tower. To attack Isengard is a huge undertaking since you must either face it directly from the south or cross the mountains on either side, the eastern side being the most difficult approach with Fangorn lying upon the eastern slopes of the Misty Mountains. It is an undertaking that we must consider for the future since it may become a necessary move."
Not wanting to give the Hobbits too much information Indil stopped and passed the map to the lower end of the table. Crouching over the map with their eyebrows knit in their normally jovial countenances the Hobbits tried to get their bearings.
"To the immediate south of Isengard lies Rohan and beyond the White Mountains or Ered Nimrais, Gondor. Rohan is in immediate danger . . . with King Theoden reputed to have taken into his service a man named Grima Wormtongue." Indil grimaced distastefully at the thought.
"I have had the pleasure of encountering this Wormtongue myself once and suffice it to say that his name is a powerful portrayal. Full of deceit and lies Grima has bended the Kings' thoughts to darker ideas.
"Gondor is somewhat better protected by the fact that the White Mountains provide a barrier to keep the white wizard and Mordor at bay . . . for a time." Here Indil let her words wash over the company. Silent and brooding even the hobbits understood the gravity of the situation she was describing.
"How long before that barrier becomes Gondors' own worst enemy?" posed Aragorn aloud.
"It is not a question of if but when. My people are struggling to eke out a living as it is with trade routes considered more dangerous than ever. Relations with Rohan have been quiet of late. I presume that this Grima has a hand in all of it . . ." growled Boromir thinking of his homeland.
"Wormtongue cannot be blamed for everything. Rohan has ever been the friend of Gondor, recent developments and perhaps ignorance on the part of Gondor is to blame." Put forward Legolas.
"We cannot be expected to keep an eye on everything. The hordes of Mordor presented a more pressing worry over the past few years. I saw no expression of friendship from the elves . . . and the rangers run about in the wilderness like headless chickens!" exclaimed an increasingly irate Boromir.
"We are few in number and so thinly stretched that if I were to extend our activities to Gondor we would be all but useless. Do not be mistaken Boromir, I have a couple of men who now and again take the trouble to visit Gondor and reports have not been favourable."
"Of course they have been less than pleasing we face the might of Mordor alone. ."
"Ciuin." With a single word both men and elf found themselves pressed back against their chairs.
The shock at the abruptness of the event left them speechless as they turned to face an irate Indil.
"Should have things been done differently. . . if Gondor had done this . . . if the rangers had moved further south . . . if Saruman had never been chosen to lead . . if . . .if." ground Indil from between clenched jaws.
"A ridiculous amount of if's in your suggestions gentlemen. What is past is past. There is no amount of speculation that can change our situation at the moment so unless you have some semblance of a proposal I advise you keep your if's to yourselves."
The Hobbits had never seen Indil so angered. Her eyes glistened like stone as she glared at the three, hands placed on the table palm down, leaning dangerously toward them. Suddenly the men and elf were released from whatever hold had been upon them as Indil sat back down. Frodo fancied he caught Gimli smirking beneath his beard before he looked at Indil once again.
"As these lords kindly pointed out both Rohan and Gondor are pushed to their limits. With the King of Rohan under the spell of one Wormtongue and Gondor pressed to hold off Mordor we gentlemen are the one last chance. Should Isengard choose to attack, Rohan will more than likely retreat to the fortress of Helms Deep. There is no where else to go, if they try to escape north they can only pass Isengard and be faced with Dol Goldur in Rhovanion."
Indil struggled to maintain a calm exterior as Aragorn and Boromir glared at each other across the table.
"What is Helms Deep?"
Indil smiled, trust Sam to put her on the right path again.
"Helms Deep is the ancient fortress of the people of Rohan. Surrounded on three sides by the White Mountains it is as well defended as Isengard. Thick walls block the entrance to the fort while the keep is also protected. The dwarves I believe were instrumental in aiding Eorls' people in its' construction."
Gimli puffed with pride at the mention of the deeds of his ancestors.
"Aye. We planned, prepared and built those walls that have never been breached. The length of a man thick they could withstand any kind of assault Sauron cooks up." Boasted Gimli to the wondering Hobbits.
"Today is not for Rohan or Gondor however it is to talk about Saruman. Now as I was saying Isengard is well defended and is almost impossible to enter without the permission of its' master Saruman. Gandalf did make a trip to Isengard before even you, Frodo, had left the Shire for Bree. I myself had not been in contact with the leader of our order for some years and was busy with the increased activity of Mordor. Therefore it fell to Gandalf to consult Saruman about various issues." Sighing into her hands Indil paused.
"What he saw shocked him to say the least but we do not have time for that. The end result was his imprisonment by Saruman."
Indil allowed this to make an impact on the Fellowship. The Hobbits stared at her in disbelief while Gimli blustered about the impertinence of Saruman. Boromir had a look of alarm on his brow while Legolas was distressed at the news. Aragorn was the only one of the lot to remain silent and unmoved by the revelation. Gandalf had probably informed the ranger during his time at Rivendell.
"This unfortunately was not the worst of occurrences at Isengard. While imprisoned Gandalf had time to examine what was going on behind the walls of Isengard. He found a most treacherous deed . . . Saruman has cross bred orcs with goblin men. A new race has been bred and born to exact the whims of the White Wizard alone. They are known as the Uruk-hai."
The outcry was almost immediate. The Hobbits looked terrified at the prospect of something more dangerous than an orc, a being they had yet to encounter. Gimli was stock still in his chair while the men and elf leapt from their seats with questions and horrified expressions.
"My reaction was quite similar." Mused Indil as she waited mutely for the company to retake their seats and calm down.
"How could this have gone unnoticed?" cried Legolas, one hand grasping the window sill.
"The ways of the White Wizard are sly and cunning. He hid from everyone his mind and plans behind the walls of Isengard." Was all the answer Indil could provide.
"Do we know how many there could possibly be? An army or a squadron?" voiced the pale Gondorian to her right.
"We do not know for sure. I am more likely to believe that if Saruman has managed to develop this race it is for an army and not a personal protection squadron. Gandalf did not see clearly how many there were but Saruman is not so naive as to create only a handful of these beasts."
The Fellowship wordlessly accepted her proposal. Saruman, now their enemy, had potentially an army with which he alone could threaten Middle Earth.
"When Gandalf informed me of these developments I took the liberty of travelling to Rohan to observe and aquire information on these Uruk-hai. The people of Rohan have had to stave warbands off for a few months now, warbands of creatures never heard tell of before. They were kind enough to provide me with some of the weaponry they recovered from the skirmishes."
Leaving her seat Indil moved to the sideboard and removed the weapons placed there to the table. In total there were two bows, a sword, a breastplate, helmet and some daggers. All the weapons were as crude as those of Mordor, the same jagged edges, bulky weight and black in colour. The only thing that stood them apart from the weapons of the orcs were their size and on the armour there was painted or rather pressed a hand shape in a white liquid.
Passed around the table like pieces of ancient scraps they were viewed with curiosity to disgust to pure hatred. The Hobbits were more intrigued than the others fingering the weapons closely. Legolas almost recoiled from the weapons as if they could lunge out at him at any second.
"This is their mark." Signalled Indil knocking on the white hand of the breastplate.
"From the size of the armour and the descriptions given to me by the people in the villages these Uruk-hai can range in height, though most are taller than your average orc."
To indicate the size she meant to the Hobbits Indil placed her hand around her head height. More than twice, perhaps thrice, the height of Gimli these creatures would make difficult opponents.
"They are bigger though more sluggish than a quick orc. The men said that one stroke of a sword could run cleanly through a man . . . this might be a little imaginative but it demonstrates a point. The most curious thing was however that these raids took place in broad daylight."
Turning to the Hobbits Indil explained further.
"Usually orcs cannot travel in the midday sun, evening and early morning perhaps but never in the middle of a bright day with no cloud cover."
"So we have now not just orcs and goblins to worry about but this new race . . . these uruk-hai. Stronger, bigger and better than orcs . . ."
Boromir trailed off with a look of absolute despair.
"Do not be too pessimistic. Yes this race is bigger and stronger but they are not indestructible. A carefully aimed blow can kill an uruk just as quickly as an orc."
"The lass is right. Look at us dwarves! Bigger does not mean better laddie. We dwarves have a saying 'Bigger it is the harder it falls'. Granted that usually applies to hammers but you get my point. . ."
Gimli's little bit of humour lightened the atmosphere considerably in the room. The Hobbits laughed at the saying agreeing with Gimli regarding his views on size while the others smiled grimly.
"This is a blow but it is not the death knell of us all. Do not forget you intend to avoid these creatures for as long as you can. I made the journey here in relative peace."
Whatever words Indil said could not dispel the air of gloom that sat heavily in the room. The weapons seemed twice as big on the elven table, dominating it, dwarfing it.
"Perhaps we should get some lunch. I am afraid we have missed it but I am sure the kitchens will accommodate us. We can continue afterward."
The company met Indils' suggestion with relief. Slowly the room emptied leaving only Indil. Gathering the weapons she returned them to the sideboard where they looked less intimidating. With one last glance she joined Boromir who had waited for her in the corridor.