A.N. I'm really cranking these out, aren't I? Stupid wi-fi is driving me crazy…sorry!
Disclaimer: I do not own LotR. If I did, this wouldn't be a fanfiction. Oh, and I don't own Narnia (there's a little reference in there in case you're wondering.)
Chapter 2The impossibly bright light dimmed, and the White Wizard's features could now be seen clearly. It was…
"Gandalf?" Kestrel whispered imperceptibly.
Aragorn shook his head slowly. "It cannot be."
"Forgive me." Legolas said, bowing. Gimli followed suit. "I mistook you for Saruman." he continued.
"As did I." she said, bowing her head.
Gandalf answered, "I am Saruman." Kestrel gasped. "Or rather, Saruman as he should have been."
"But you fell!" Aragorn exclaimed.
The White Wizard nodded. "Through fire…and water. From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak, I fought with the Balrog of Morgoth. Until at last, I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountainside. Darkness took me, and I strayed out of thought and time. Stars wheeled overhead and everyday was as long as a life-age of the earth. But it was not the end – I felt life in me again. I've been sent back until my task is done." He smiled.
"Gandalf?" The Ranger said, astonished.
The wizard looked confused and thoughtful. "Gandalf? Yes…" He slowly nodded. "That was what they used to call me. Gandalf the Grey." Again, he smiled.
Gimli ran forward. "Gandalf!"
"I am Gandalf the White. Gwaihir the Windlordbrought me to Lothlórien, and from there, I rode on. I come back to you now at the turn of the tide." Gandalf said.
Kestrel muttered under her breath, "What tide?"
"Ah. Kestrel Eradoni. Just as spunky as before, I see. I bring a message from the Lady of Light to you, Kestrel:
'Where are the Heirs that thou set out to save?
To thee Lemrocalir was given, the Hawktalon Blade.
There is hope yet in the heavens, peace to be bought.
And yet protection from the void thou hath nought.
Greenleaf will stand by thee, Death will not take him,
Courage! for the eternal light is growing dim.'"
After hearing these words, Kestrel shook her head. "Thank you, Gandalf, but I found that to be of little comfort, except for the fact that she is still thinking of me."
"Yes, she is. And to you, Aragorn, I was bidden to say this:
'Where now are the Dúnedain, Elessar, Elessar?
Why do thy kinsfolk wander afar?
Near is the hour when the Lost should come forth,
And the Grey Company ride from the north.
But dark is the path appointed for thee:
The Dead watch the road that leads to the Sea.'
To Legolas:
'Legolas Greenleaf long under tree
In joy thou hast lived. Beware of the Sea!
If thou hearest the cry of the gull on the shore,
Thy heart shall then rest in the forest no more.'"
"Galadriel's words are dark, Gandalf the White. But perhaps Gimli's message is more cheerful?" Legolas asked.
Gandalf smiled. "To Gimli? Oh yes. She told me to give her greeting to you, Gimli son of Glóin. And also tell you this. 'Lockbearer, wherever thou goest my thought goes with thee. But have a care to lay thine axe to the right tree!"
"Hohohoho!" Gimli laughed. "Well then, let's find the hobbits! You say you know where they are, right, Gandalf?"
Gandalf shook his head. "I do indeed know where they are – in safe and trustworthy hands. But we are not going to go find them. Your path is far more dangerous. We must ride to Edoras."
"Edoras? But that's what, two days' ride from the southern fringe of Fangorn, as the crow flies?" Kestrel asked. "And anyways, what do we want there?"
Aragorn answered, "Did you not hear Éomer yesterday? Théoden King is ill. Under some spell, no doubt."
"But our horses – we left them at the edge of the forest!" Kestrel protested.
"We'll follow Gandalf, like it or not, Kestrel. I know you want to rescue Merry and Pippin, but Gandalf trusts their guardians, and I trust Gandalf. As should you." Legolas admonished.
0oO0oO0oO0oO0
They came out on the southern border of the forest the next day, the bright sunlight almost blinding Kestrel after the darkness of Fangorn. They were at the top of a tall hill, the massive plains of Rohan spreading beneath them. Gandalf strode forward and whistled a high, utulating call. Soon, it was answered by a whinny, followed by the hoofbeats of a galloping horse. But as Gandalf's horsed came into view, she noticed that it was followed by three other horses: one white, one brown, and one black.
"That is one of the Mearas, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell!" Legolas exclaimed in wonder.
"And our horses too!" Kestrel gasped.
The horses had now galloped up the hill and stopped right in front of them. "Shadowfax." Gandalf said. "He's the lord of all horses and has been my friend through many dangers. Come now. It is a two days' journey to Edoras, even with horses of the Rohirrim such as you have."
Kestrel was about to mount Lorthan, but on second thought, she stopped. Gimli'll probably need help getting on his horse. Again. She sighed. And yes, Gimli did need help getting onto Arod behind Legolas.
"Why did you throw away the saddle? I could have used it, you know! Not all of us are Elves!" he complained, trying a third time.
Kestrel sighed again. "Yes, Gimli. We know. Not all of us are Elves. And the saddle is made for one rider, and one rider only. Now come on, or do Aragorn and I have to pick you up and place you on the back of the horse?"
"All right, all right! I've got this." he said, finally sitting himself on Arod's back. Poor horse.
Gandalf, cloaked in gray once more, called from Shadowfax, "Are you all ready then?"
"Yes, just wait a second!" she yelled back, mounting Lorthan.
0oO0oO0oO0oO0
Two and a half days later, Edoras – a city on a hill – came into view. Kestrel could see a huge mountain range behind it. The Misty Mountains, perhaps?
"Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. There dwells Théoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown. Saruman's hold over Théoden King is now very strong." Gandalf said.
Kestrel asked. "And what is our purpose here?"
"First, we must help Théoden throw off the bonds of Saruman. And then…it's anybody's guess." Gandalf answered.
As they rode up to the gates of Edoras, Kestrel heard a ripping sound coming from high above. She looked up and saw a banner ripping away from its pole. It flew with the wind for a couple seconds, before floating down to land next to Hasufel, Aragorn's horse. I would have laughed SO FRIGGIN HARD if it landed on him…Kestrel thought, barely able to keep from snickering.
Her lighthearted mood quickly dissolved as they entered the capital city of Rohan. Everyone was dressed in black. This by itself Kestrel didn't mind – after all, she was wearing all black except for her gray Elvish cloak – but with the added silence and averted eyes, she began to feel uncomfortable.
Apparently Gimli was too. "You'd find more cheer in a graveyard." he said, looking around uncomfortably.
Kestrel urged Lorthan on, catching up with Arod. "Perhaps it is a graveyard. Somebody's died. Somebody important." she whispered.
"Well, for Eru's sake, let's hope it's not Théoden King." Legolas replied. "That would not be good."
"King of understatement much?" Kestrel asked, smirking.
When they reached the stairs to Meduseld, Kestrel dismounted, as did everybody else. She tied Lorthan's reins to a post along with Hasufel. Legolas whispered to Arod in Elvish, a command that Kestrel took to be "stay". Shadowfax stayed with the other horses, though it was clear that he was spoiling for a good gallop.
Once they reached the top of the stairs, a host of guards surrounded the doors. The captain, a stocky fellow with a thick orange beard, said, "I cannot allow you before Théoden King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame. By order of…Gríma Wormtongue."
"Who's this Gríma you speak of? What authority does she have?" Kestrel asked, pushing forward. "Or is she just a lowly servant, taking advantage of Théoden's condition?"
The captain shook his head. "Gríma is not a woman nor a servant. He is the advisor to the King."
"Since when?" Kestrel asked angrily. "I'm not going to –" She was silenced by the touch of Gandalf's hand on her arm.
"Calm down, young Hawk. Do as he says." He nodded to the others, who began taking out their weapons and handing them over. Kestrel sighed in resignment and unstrapped her bow and quiver. Handing these over, she then unsheathed her dagger and Lemrocalir, handing the latter over with some reluctance.
"This blade was given to me by Galadriel, the Lady of the Wood. If any harm comes to it, any at all, it will be you who pay." she hissed at the guards, who nodded.
The captain pointed at Gandalf's white staff. "Your staff."
"Hmm? Oh. You would not part an old man from his walking stick." Gandalf said innocently. After a moment's hesitation, the captain nodded, turning around and opening the doors. Legolas offered Gandalf his arm to lean on, and the wizard accepted, walking into the hall. Aragorn, Gimli, and Kestrel followed, Kestrel noting with interest the five axes leaning against the wall. FIVE? And we wondered why he couldn't run that fast…the little brat!
The hall was dark and moody, and the slumped figure on the throne at the other side contrasted sharply with what she had been expecting. As soon as he saw the doors opening, the little man dressed in black next to the throne whispered something into Théoden's ear. Okay. I feel like he is a woman. He's got that long hair, the fur lined cloak…I remember Edmund in the first Narnia movie – "But it's a girl's coat!" and that coat looked exactly like Gríma's, only it was gray. Seriously. What is up with that?
"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden King." Gandalf's strong voice rang out against the walls as they proceeded nearer the throne. Kestrel heard heavy footsteps behind her. She glanced back. A group of hostile men was following them. What do you f***ing want? The man/woman Gríma – because that was the only thing she could think to call he/she – bent down to whisper in the king's ear again.
With effort, Théoden said, "Why…should I welcome you, Gandalf…Stormcrow?" He glanced at the man/woman by his side.
"A just question, my liege." he/she answered, standing up. He/she's got the voice of a male…but I've heard girls who have that deep voice too. Only time will tell, I suppose.
He/she walked towards Gandalf. "Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Láthspell I name you. Ill news is an ill guest."
"Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth." Gandalf snapped. "I have not passed through fire and death to bandy words with a witless worm!" Alliteration! Gandalf uplifted his staff, holding it against Gríma.
He/she backed away in fear. "His staff! I TOLD you to take the wizard's staff!"
Suddenly the men that had been following them jumped into action. Kestrel whirled around as soon as the air changed. Luckily, they were unarmed. One of them was heading straight towards Kestrel. She tensed, waiting for him to strike.
When he was almost upon her, she shot out a foot, catching him right in the stomach and winding him heavily. "You-you'll pay for that!" he gasped, clutching his stomach.
"With what? A swift punch to the face? Yes, I think that will do quite nicely." Kestrel smiled grimly and punched him in the face, knocking him out, but (hopefully) doing no lasting damage. Leaping over his fallen form, she ran towards the rest of the men, who were all grouped around Aragorn and Gimli. Legolas was still supporting Gandalf. Idiots. They probably thought one man was more then enough to take me out.
She threw a swift roundhouse kick, latching her foot around the back of one man's neck and throwing him to the ground. Another one turned, grinning at her, showing a mouth full of rotten teeth. "What are you doing here, young miss? You should be at home tending the fire!"
"Oh no you didn't. I've just been insulted by sexists for the last time!" she snarled as she flew towards him, her fist flying out and catching him in the throat. He fell with a gurgle. Panting from the exhiliration of battle, she looked around, noting that every man was felled. That is, every man that had attacked them. She saw a man/woman caught underneath Gimli's boot.
"Good catch!" she called, smiling. Suddenly she heard a menacing laugh coming from Théoden. She looked on in worry and astonishment.
"You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey!" he was saying.
Gandalf threw his gray cloak back. A piercing white light filled the hall. "But Gandalf the White does, you idiot." she whispered. Théoden cowered in his throne, shielding his eyes from the blinding light.
Gandalf's commanding voice rang throughout the hall. "I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound!"
Kestrel turned around, hearing the sound of more footsteps. Not more sexists! Luckily for her sanity, it was not. Instead, she saw a blonde girl, around 25 or 26, approaching. She saw Gandalf and Théoden, and instantly, she rushed to the king's side. Or tried to. Because Aragorn grabbed her arm before she made it. "Wait." he whispered.
"If I go, Théoden dies." Saruman cackled through Théoden's body.
Gandalf shook his hand, lifting his staff higher. "You did not kill me; you will not kill him!"
"Rohan is mine!" Saruman said, again through Théoden's mouth.
Gandalf thrust his staff forward commandingly. "Begone!" He lunged towards the king, and Théoden was thrown back in his throne. He moaned and slumped forward. Aragorn must have released the lady, because she ran forward to support the king.
Théoden's head rose again as he began to take on the look of himself – much younger then he looked at first. His eyes lost their rheumy glaze, and he whispered, "I know your face. Éowyn…Éowyn."
The lady – Éowyn – smiled and nodded, tears streaming down her face. Théoden looked around, seeing the visitors for the first time. "Gandalf?"
"Breathe the free air again, my friend." he said, smiling. A ray of sunlight came shining through a window, piercing the darkness like a needle. Soon the hall was filled with light, casting off the gloomy pallor.
Théoden stood up. "Dark have been my dreams of late." he said, looking down at his shaking hands.
"Your fingers would remember their old strength better if they grasped your sword." Gandalf said. The captain of the guard immediately ran up, clutching a elaborate broadsword by its sheath. To Kestrel, the hilt made up of two horseheads looked like a heart. That's just weird. Théoden's fingers quested over the golden pommel before slowly making their way to the hilt, drawing it and gazing in wonder on the shiny steel.
Kestrel heard a whimper and a scuffle in a corner. Instinctively, she spun around. Gríma was trying to escape, but Gimli had taken hold of his/her cloak and pulled him/her back. "Now none of that, you worm!"
The captain beckoned his second-in-command over, and together, they picked up the struggling man/woman and threw him out the doors and down the stairs. She heard his/her groans as he/she tumbled down the stairs. Running out the door, she watched in satisfaction as he/she finally came to a stop, cowering against the edge of the landing.
Seeing Théoden advancing towards him/her, he/she cried, "I've only…EVER served you, my lord!"
Théoden pointed the tip of his sword towards Gríma. "You would have me crawling on all fours like a BEAST!" he said furiously.
"Send me not from your side!" Gríma groveled. "Please, I beg you!"
With a roar, Théoden whirled his sword up, preparing to slice the cowering man/woman in half. But Aragorn desperately clutched his arm. "No, my lord! No, my lord. Let him go. Enough blood has been spilled on his account." Gríma chose this time to get up and run for it.
"Out of my way!" He/she jumped on a black horse, riding out of Edoras and heading for who knows where. Maybe Isengard?
The captain of the guard shouted, "Hail, Théoden King!" The whole population of Edoras kneeled, and Kestrel followed suit, along with Legolas and Gimli. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that Aragorn was slow to kneel. Maybe it's because he's destined to be King. Legolas is a Prince, but a Prince of the Elves and that means nothing, because it's highly unlikely that Thranduil will die anytime soon.
Théoden turned around to reenter the hall, allowing everybody to stand, when he turned back. "Where is Théodred? Where is my son?"
An awkward silence followed this, then Éowyn spoke up. "My lord, your son…he is dead. He died three days ago, while you were under Gríma Wormtongue's spell."
"Not Gríma's, but Saruman's!" Kestrel said. "It was Saruman who possessed you. Gríma Wormtongue was only an instrument, a tool to make sure you were overthrown."
"S-s-Saruman? Then Éomer was right! But…where is he, my sister-son?" Théoden asked franctically.
Éowyn shook her head sadly. "Banished. By order of Wormtongue."
"Take me to Théodred. When we have mourned his death…Saruman will pay!"
0oO0oO0oO0oO0
Kestrel did not attend the funeral of Prince Théodred. Her reasoning: So much death. So much pain. So much suffering. What can I do about it? To attend the funeral of somebody I never knew will only hurt me. And who will it help? So instead, she stayed in the room that she was sharing with Lady Éowyn, polishing her weapons and armor. I hope I can get a good chance to use these sometime. Battle is stirring in my veins. And memories are returning to me – memories of a village in a secluded valley, memories of fighting lessons, memories of a boy my age. But I can't remember any names. And still, the memories that had been placed in my mind are still there. Memories of growing up in upstate New York. Memories of playing in the snow with Angel.
Angel…where is she? I should know by now that she has Sue powers. It would be the thought of a fool to think that she got stuck in Moria. But she's probably going to do something reckless, something to get her almost-killed…stupid Sue. And to think that she used to be my best friend! What happened to her? What turned her into a Mary-Sue? Was it just something that would have happened eventually? Or was it watching the movies? Or…what if she was changed by the Destroyers? To hinder my quest? And there is no way to get her to go back to Earth, where she won't do anything stupid. And there's no way Aragorn'll fall in love with her…heck, Arwen is so much better!
And then there's Legolas…I still have my doubts about what Lady Galadriel said. I fear that this will turn me into a Mary-Sue, just like Angel. And that is the LAST thing I want! But…Legolas is my fellow Guardian. He's my friend and ally, and hopefully, nothing more. If anything else comes of it…I swear, I shall be very…I don't know. I mean, what I'm going through is every Suethor's dream, isn't it? And yet…I have no idea what to be thinking. I have a mission to complete, and that is NOT having Legolas fall in love with me. If it was…I would just kill myself. Really. I'm just like that – Suefics are so annoying!
Suddenly the door opened. Kestrel looked up, seeing Éowyn in the doorway. Her face could have been set in stone, yet tears were rolling down her cheeks.
"Are you okay?" Kestrel asked. Fine, I know it's a stupid thing to ask someone who just got back from a funeral, but what am I supposed to say?
Éowyn didn't answer and was about to walk over to her bed when she saw Kestrel's weapons. "You're a warrior?"
"Yes." Kestrel nodded.
Éowyn smiled faintly. "Most men think that women should stay home when there is a war."
"That's what I've experienced." Kestrel said, inwardly seething at the sexists. "It's getting on my nerves."
Éowyn looked like she was about to say something when a shout rang out from the hall. "Horse sighted! Two riders!"
"We'd better go. They might have news of the war." Kestrel said, sheathing her weapons and belting them on.
0oO0oO0oO0oO0
Kestrel ran out of Edoras towards the horse on the horizon. There were two children, a boy about 12 years old and a girl of about seven. Both were dirty, frightened, and tired. Kestrel helped lead the horse into the stables while the children were taken to Meduseld and given food.
When she entered the hall, the two children were busily slurping soup like there was no tomorrow at one table, Gimli was drinking beer and eating at another, and Aragorn was smoking at a third. Gandalf was sitting by the throne in which Théoden King was slumped in a position that looked somewhat like a facepalm.
"What happened?" she asked.
"Easterlings and Southrons. Allies of Saruman and the Dark Lord. They're attacking the villages that are the closest to Isengard. These children, Éothain and Freda, came from the most recent one. They say that almost everybody was slaughtered, but some managed to escape." Aragorn said.
Éowyn stood up from where she had been sitting next to the little girl. "They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the wildmen are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go. Rick, cot, and tree."
"Where's Mama?" Freda asked, looking up. Éowyn shushed her and wrapped a thick shawl around her.
Gandalf pointed out, "This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash. All the more potent for he is driven now by fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from your women and children." He put a hand on the arm of Théoden's throne. "You must fight!"
Aragorn took the pipe out of his mouth. "You have two thousand good men riding north as we speak. Éomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king."
"Send a rider! Tell him to find Éomer and bring him back. There's no way you can retreat now. This is war." Kestrel stated.
Théoden shook his head. "They will be three hundred leagues from here by now. Éomer cannot help us. I know what it is that you want of me. But I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war."
"Open war is upon you, whether you risk it or not." Aragorn said.
Théoden stood up angrily, advancing on Aragorn. "When last I looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan." And at this tense moment, Gimli took a swig of his beer and burped loudly. Idiot.
"Then what is the king's decision?" Gandalf asked.
Théoden remained silent for a while, causing everybody except for Gimli to feel awkward, then he spoke. "We move to Helm's Deep."
Gandalf stood up angrily. "Then I will not go. I leave in search of Éomer and the Rohirrim." He strode out of the hall, Kestrel, Aragorn, Gimli (who took a hasty gulp before leaving) and Legolas followed in his wake.