Destiny Diverted

Disclaimer: Avatar:the Last Airbender duly belongs to Bryke. The Lord of the Rings belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien. The movies result from the vision of Peter Jackson. No profit is made from this story other than the sheer gratification of reviews. And there is no way in Hell that I can write even a fraction as well as J.R.R. Tolkien, so no very high expectations of writing quality, please.

NOTE: Definitely more action in this one. The past two chapters slowed the pace somewhat although they were necessary to develop the plot. Now, things really get moving.

Again, I had to retain some of the original dialogue from the movie to get a better sense of where our two heroes are being placed. And also because I love the dialogue of the movie.

Some parts are a bit cheesy/fluffy so forgive me. And I also used the book more for reference since I want to get some of the details right.

Thanks for the comments, Thirteen, sorry I can't reply to you personally. I try to avoid using repetitive words but I don't have much time to edit. But I'll keep that in mind for the next chapters. And sorry for not having too much dialogue. Again, time constraints, and it's challenge for me to have to think up things for them to say. There's more dialogue in these next chapters though. Thanks for your support.

I've been working really hard to write all of these chapters while I still have some spare time in school since I'm also following a certain deadline. Seeing as there are only a few days until the release of the live-action movie, you may expect quick and regular updates of this story. I plan to post a chapter ever two days so you all won't be left in too much suspense.

Thanks for your support.

CHAPTER FIVE

A light, cool breeze blew over the mountains and vast plains of Middle-Earth. The moon shed her gentle light across the night sky and there was a stillness over the land which at a glance seemed that of peace but was really more of apprehension.

Zuko stood alone on a balcony at Edoras, gazing pensively at the distant mountains, and the vast plains before him. Everyone else was asleep inside, getting as much rest as they could and relaxing after the intense festivities.

He reflected on a great many things such as his painful past, the adventures he had had so far in Middle-Earth, and what else lay ahead during his and Katara's stay in that hauntingly beautiful realm. He remembered his unconventional family situation and all the complications that accompanied it.

The prince was quite certain now that when he returned to his world, he would fight by the Avatar's side. It had not been an easy decision to make but after much thought, he knew that it would be the right thing to do. And he was trying to steel himself for all the dire consequences of that crucial choice. But there was no longer any doubt in his mind about the injustice of war, in any world.

He even felt slightly guilty for having delayed doing the right thing for so long. He had been so selfish, so obsessed with regaining his honor, that he had been blind to everything else, to all that truly mattered. But the time for atonement had begun, and he was not turning back.

Then, there was the other unexpected element of his growing friendship with Katara. Never would he have imagined ending up in an alien world with someone who had every right to hate him. That she treated him so kindly and compassionately, that she was willing to look past all of his huge mistakes was a mystery to Zuko. His whole life only Uncle Iroh and his mother had truly looked out for him, and yet here was a person from the opposite side of the war, showing genuine concern for his wellbeing.

Zuko was gradually beginning to understand how the Avatar was able to offer him friendship even in spite of their differences. This time, however, Zuko was not going to turn down such an offer.

He was determined to return the favor, so much did he appreciate Katara's friendship. He admitted to himself that he had a great admiration and respect for her as a waterbender and as a person. He had never met someone like Katara in all his travels and he was somewhat at a loss as to how to feel about her. That he was grateful and appreciative of her concern and that he was determined to protect her from harm he was certain, but of the other attendant emotions that had somehow gotten involved, he was quite confused.

There was too much to think and feel and so many other things to consider about his life now.

"Zuko? Are you all right?"

The prince's reverie was interrupted by the arrival of the person who had just bee on his thoughts. He turned to see Katara looking at him with great concern.

"I'm fine, thank you," he replied quickly to reassure her, "I just couldn't sleep."

"Oh," Katara replied although she did not seem wholly convinced.

She felt worried about him for some strange reason. Even after all the displays of friendship and camaraderie that had been shown to him by the people of Middle-Earth, Zuko still seemed so profoundly sad. And alone.

Katara could not imagine what that was even like, and she wanted to remind him that he wasn't alone, that she would be there for him. But she seemed too embarrassed to impose upon him like that, and she was struggling for the right words of comfort to offer him.

"I'm sorry if I woke you," he said quickly, noticing her silence.

"No, no," Katara replied, "it's nothing like that, don't worry. I, I was concerned. Is anything bothering you?"

"Well, honestly, a lot of things are," Zuko answered earnestly but with a slight smile, "but that isn't new to me. Don't worry about it too much."

"It's you who should stop worrying. You've been through so much already. I think you can handle whatever is coming."

"Thanks," he replied with a grateful smile. Katara returned it and tried to be as encouraging as possible.

"You need to rest and save your energy for the coming days," the waterbender advised with concern.

"You're right," he agreed, "and I will, in a while."

Zuko turned to gaze at the mountains again and Katara looked there as well. They spent a few moments in companionable silence.

"I'm sorry," Katara said suddenly.

"For what?" Zuko asked in puzzlement.

"For misjudging you," Katara explained slowly, "for blaming you for our troubles, for the war, for being so unfair in my judgment without really knowing how you had also suffered."

"Don't be ridiculous, Katara," Zuko comforted her (although he was immensely moved by her unnecessary apology), "how could you have known about all that? It's not like I go around telling people about my past."

"But still," she argued but he cut her off.

"I'm the son of the Fire Lord," he said softly, "it was only natural for you to hate me."

"I never hated you," Katara said quietly, "not then, and especially not now, not after all we've been through together. Hating you is probably the furthest thing from my mind."

She paused at this and blushed slightly; glad that the darkness would hide her embarrassment. But Zuko had not quite picked up on her clumsy allusion, so grateful was he for hearing that she did not hate him any more.

"Thank you," he said, "you've been so good to me, more than I ever expected, more than I deserve."

"Zuko," Katara said, "don't be too hard on yourself."

At this, she gently put her hand on his shoulder and he turned to look at her. The waterbender had a caring look on her face.

"You are so much more than just your father's son," she told him, "you're brave and strong and kind. And you always fight to do what you believe is right. You are nobler than any of your forefathers have ever been, you must remember that."

Zuko did not know how to take so much praise and for a few moments he was unable to speak. But the look of pure gratitude that filled his face was enough to communicate his feelings to Katara. Her smile widened.

"The Avatar is so lucky," Zuko said suddenly, "to have a great friend like you by his side."

"Aang isn't my only friend, you know," Katara replied with slight amusement, "I'm by your side too, Zuko. So you don't have to bear everything all by yourself. I'm with you."

With this, she warmly took one his hands in hers and squeezed it affectionately. He looked at her in admiration and gratitude once more, not being accustomed to hearing such words from anyone. But he was able to recover faster this time.

"Then, I shall do everything in my power to repay your kindness," he announced almost formally, holding both of her hands in his, "I swear, on my honor, that I will protect you from whatever evil we shall have to face."

Katara was touched by the gesture, knowing how serious Zuko could be about his honor.

"You don't have to be so formal with me, Zuko," she told him, "and don't treat this like a debt. You don't owe me anything. I am doing this out of my own free will."

"Then, so am I," he replied earnestly, "your friendship has been one of the most precious gifts ever given to me. And I will strive to continue being worthy of it."

This time, the waterbender did not know what to say to him so flattered and moved was she by such a declaration. There was a silent intensity in that moment together that they both did not know how to deal with.

But before either bender could react, their attention was called by a loud commotion coming from inside the hall.

"Help! Gandalf!"

The two benders immediately entered the sleeping quarters only to see that everything had gone awry.

Pippin had fallen to the ground and Merry was at his side. In another part of the room, Legolas was supporting a seemingly unconscious Aragorn.

"Fool of a Took!" they heard Gandalf exclaim.

Zuko and Katara tried to make sense of the situation but reserved their questions for later. They watched as Gandalf tended to the shivering figure of Pippin and asked him some very stern questions. The poor hobbit looked so frightened and yet he still managed to answer all of Gandalf's queries.

The benders could not understand much of what was discussed but they could see that while Gandalf was generally relieved, some of what Pippin had told him was quite unsettling.

A little later a council was gathered with Theoden, Eomer, and the members of the Fellowship. Merry had been kind enough to acquaint Zuko and Katara with what happened. They listened carefully to all the wizard had to say to address the situation.

"There was no lie in Pippin's eyes," Gandalf told the council, "he's a fool, but an honest fool he still remains."

Pippin had foolishly gazed into the sinister black orb that Saruman had dropped and had somehow revealed himself to their enemy. But his blunder had also proven to be a bit of a blessing in disguise for them.

"We've been strangely fortunate," Gandalf continued, "Pippin saw in the palantir a glimpse of the enemy's plan. Sauron moves to strike the city of Minas Tirith."

The wizard then began to elaborate on how the Dark Lord feared the united forces of the free peoples of Middle-Earth. He spoke of how the defeat of Helm's Deep had made Sauron determined to foil any other attempt at alliance against him.

"He will raze Minas Tirith to the ground before he sees a king return to the throne of Gondor," Gandalf continued, looking at Theoden, "if the beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war."

All eyes were now on the king, who still stubbornly refused to help those who had not come to their aid.

"What do we owe Gondor?" Theoden asked ruefully.

Zuko frowned and Katara could not help but roll her eyes. In a time when unity was most needed, how could anyone still bear ancient grudges? But she respected the king too much to interfere.

"I will go," Aragorn offered. Gandalf refused.

"But they must be warned," the heir of Elendil urged.

"They will be," Gandalf said, walking towards Aragorn and speaking in a whisper, "you must come to Minas Tirith by another road. Follow the river, look to the Black Ships. You shall take Katara with you when the time is right."

Aragorn looked with surprise at these instructions but nodded obediently. He was not one to question the wizard's counsel.

Turning to face the council once more, Gandalf said, "Understand this, things are now in motion that cannot be undone. I ride to Minas Tirith, and I won't be going alone."

To everyone's surprise, not only Pippin was commissioned to accompany the wizard to the great citadel but Zuko as well.

The Fire Prince looked at Gandalf in puzzlement.

"You come from a line of kings," the wizard said in way of explanation, "and your fate is tied with that of Gondor. You will be of great service there, when the hour is dire."

Zuko bowed and did not protest, knowing enough to trust in Gandalf's wisdom. But the wizard saw that there was doubt in hesitation in the young man's eyes, and Gandalf did not miss the quick sideways glance Zuko threw at Katara. The waterbender seemed likewise worried.

"Do not fear for the other," Gandalf addressed the benders, "for though you may be separated now, you are among friends and allies."

"I have no doubt of that," Katara answered, "you can count on us for any help we may give."

But Gandalf knew what was really bothering them.

"You will be together again ere all this is over," Gandalf reassured them and both could not help but blush awkwardly, "and when that time comes, you will be all the better for it."

As Gandalf hastily prepared for their journey, Merry scolded Pippin for his foolishness and Katara and Zuko said their good-byes. Shadowfax was to bear all three of them to Minas Tirith, since he was the greatest and fastest of all horses of Rohan.

Merry gave Pippin the last of his Longbottom Leaf and wished him well.

"I'm sorry, Katara," Zuko told her sadly, "it seems like I won't be able to keep my promise to you."

"Don't worry about me," the waterbender assured him, although she too felt sad at their parting just when they had finally come to a clearer understanding, "take care of yourself."

"I will," Zuko answered sincerely.

They nodded to each other awkwardly before looking away. Zuko was just about to mount Shadowfax when Katara ran to him and gave him a tight hug. After getting over the initial shock, he warmly returned the embrace.

Gandalf did not rush them and allowed them their moment. Even Merry and Pippin were silent at this.

After a few moments, Katara let go and Zuko could not help but notice that her eyes were somewhat moist. No tears were spilled though and Katara began to undo something on her neck before handing it to him.

He looked in surprise at the necklace which he had once used to track the Avatar. Zuko could not believe that she was giving this to him. Katara had decided upon doing this at the last moment and she somehow felt that her mother would not be angry at her for this heartfelt gesture.

"Katara, this is…" Zuko began.

"We'll see each other again," the waterbender interrupted him seriously, "and when that day comes, you had better still have that in one piece."

He looked at her in astonishment before finally nodding.

"You have my word," Zuko told her earnestly.

Katara and Merry stepped back as the three riders mounted the noble steed.

"Run, Shadowfax," Gandalf told the horse, "show us the meaning of haste."

They were away in a flash and Merry and Katara ran as far as the wooden gate of Edoras to watch as the Shadowfax put more and more distance between them. Aragorn had joined them as they gazed upon their dear friends.

Merry spoke of how he and Pippin had always been inseparable, especially in mischief. The hobbit was sorry to see his friend go but understood that such partings were necessary in their current circumstances. But Pippin was gone now, just like Frodo and Sam.

Katara kept watching even as the figures of the travelers grew smaller and smaller. She had never realized how much she had grown accustomed to Zuko's presence, how much comfort she had taken in his company. He was off to some uncertain destiny, and he was alone once more.

She hoped that the necklace would remind him of all that she had said the night before, of all that he could be. And this sudden parting had made her realize just how much he meant to her.

"I'm going to miss you," she whispered, a single tear rolling down her cheek, "please don't be too long."

The world rushed by for the three riders, and the wind sang loudly in their ears as they journeyed towards the realm of Gondor. Hardly a moment was spent on rest and they rode hard and fast through woods, rivers, and mountains, almost as if they were being hotly pursued by all of their enemies. There was almost no time for both Pippin and Zuko to admire or to even be conscious of the various landscapes they were crossing. All they knew was that they were covering a great distance like a swift-moving dream.

On they rode, from the first light of dawn until stars littered the night sky. Shadowfax bore his unusual burden with the speed and fortitude of noble member of his kind and never once did he falter.

After a few days' ride, they came upon it at last. Minas Tirith, in all her radiant glory. As they approached the great stone city, Zuko and Pippin could not help but marvel at its majesty. Recognizing Gandalf, or Mithrandir as they called him, the men of Gondor opened the gates and allowed them entry into the city of kings.

Shadowfax ran quickly and proudly through the seven levels of the city carved into the hill. And while the noble steed did so, two of his passengers gazed in wonder at the grandeur and beauty of the city, which seemed partly formed by the natural shape of the hill and built by the great labors of man. It was an ancient and resilient city, which had resisted many attacks with great success.

And yet, though it still shone with a brilliance that was beyond compare, Minas Tirith had been gradually falling into decay. Fewer and fewer men now dwelt within its walls.

Zuko looked around him in amazement, again in awe of the splendid architecture and vast structure of the city, which could rival the intricacy and greatness of Ba Sing Se herself. He was even more amazed when he remembered that this city had not been built by earthbenders.

They passed through the seventh gate and the guards let them through. Since no horse was allowed in the Citadel, they all dismounted and Shadowfax was led away. The three travelers entered the Court of the Fountain where there stood the White Tree of Gondor.

"Seven stars and seven stones and one white tree."

Pippin recognized the tree from his vision of the palantir. Zuko could indeed see how this had been the court of great kings of old, just like the palace in the Fire Nation. There was an aura of nobility in the place that was very familiar to him.

"The White Tree of Gondor, the tree of the king," Gandalf explained, "however, we go to meet Lord Denethor, who is but a steward, a caretaker of the throne."

Gandalf further explained that Denethor was the father of Boromir and Zuko recognized this as the name of one of their fallen companions. The wizard warned the hobbit to remain silent. Zuko did not need to be told to do so.

They entered the great hall and walked forward. Around them were statues of great kings of the past and Zuko and Pippin gazed at each in awe. Zuko wished there had been time for him to learn more about the history of Gondor and Pippin regretted not having paid attention whenever Gandalf had spoken of it. There was no time for that now.

At the far end was a dais of many steps upon which sat a high throne, currently empty. At the foot of the dais, however, was a simple black chair where an old man sat with his back hunched, gazing sadly at an object in his hands.

"Hail Denethor, Son of Ecthelion, Lord and Steward of Gondor," Gandalf greeted, "I come with tidings at this dark hour and with counsel."

"Perhaps you come to explain this," Denethor muttered.

The old man on the chair looked up slowly and the object in his hands was revealed to be a great horn cloven through the middle. Pippin recognized Boromir's horn at once.

"Perhaps you come to explain why my son is dead," the steward continued, his eyes mirroring the depth of his grief.

And at that moment, the hobbit forgot all about Gandalf's instructions and began to tell the steward of how Boromir had bravely defended him and kinsman from orcs.

The hobbit knelt down before Denethor and said, "I offer you my service, such as it is, in payment of our debt."

Gandalf frowned and Zuko rolled his eyes at this but both were curious to see how Denethor would take it. A small, pale smile passed over the old man's face at this small but noble gesture. He asked of Pippin how he, a halfling, had escaped while Boromir had perished. The hobbit explained how Boromir had died and Denethor brooded on this account.

"There will be a time to grieve for Boromir," Gandalf said, "but it is not now. War is coming. The enemy is on your doorstep. As steward you are charged with the defense of this city, where are Gondor's armies?"

Denethor merely looked at the wizard contemptuously and Zuko was growing worried by such a reaction. The old steward seemed to be a proud, subtle man, whose grief now clouded his reason.

The steward turned his shrewd eyes to Zuko. Denethor narrowed them at the firebender and Zuko could feel himself being carefully examined. For Denethor had long sight and he could perceive what was passing through the minds of other men, so he knew at once that Zuko was not at all what he seemed. Gandalf would not have brought a mere youth to that hall had he not some design or some role for the latter to play.

"And what manner of a stranger have you brought to my halls?" Denethor inquired of Gandalf before turning to Zuko and addressing the young man, "in what capacity have you come hither, to a city of kings in a land that is clearly not your own?"

Gandalf had warned Zuko to be very, very careful with whatever he told Denethor. It was very difficult to deceive the son of Ecthelion, and he could learn much from even the slightest glance.

"My name is Zuko of the Fire Nation," the firebender introduced himself and briefly stated how he was from a distant land. He knelt respectfully before the steward.

"I too have come to offer my services," Zuko continued, "for I wish to help in the battle against Mordor, to help defend the people of Gondor."

"And why might a stranger be so eager to come to the aid of those who are wholly unconnected with him," Denethor asked skeptically.

"I have seen the ravages of war," Zuko explained, "for my land too has been plunged in darkness. And as I have been summoned to help here, I want to save you and your people from any further pain."

Denethor was both impressed and suspicious of this new arrival and said nothing. He was not yet sure how he would deal with such an unexpected and unique visitor. There was too much going on and he needed to focus on other matters.

"You are not alone in this fight," Gandalf continued, "Gondor has friends still who would heed her call. Send word to Theoden of Rohan. Light the beacons."

But Denethor seemed to have ideas of his own and he began to speak angrily about Gandalf and claim that he knew more than the wizard thought he did. Zuko and Pippin watched in alarm, never imagining that there would be a man who would speak in such a manner to the wizard, who would refuse his counsel. But Denethor was adamant.

The steward also claimed that he knew of Aragorn's coming, but he was not pleased by this at all.

"I tell you now," Denethor said coldly, "that I will not bow to this ranger from the North, heir to a ragged house, long bereft of lordship."

"Authority is not given to you to deny the return of the king, steward," Gandalf warned him.

"The rule of Gondor is mine!" Denethor cried out, suddenly rising from his chair, "and no other's! We have no need of any help you care to bring hither, Mithrandir."

It was clear that there would be no reasoning with the stubborn old man, who was determined to use shield as a cloak. Gandalf, Pippin, and Zuko took leave of the steward and walked around the Court of the Fountain, in the highest level of Minas Tirith.

As they walked, Gandalf told the two something of the history of Gondor, and of how the folly of its men had led to its decay. And yet, they continued to guard their dead tree, because they had hope that one day the tree would flower, a king would return, and the city would be as it once was. The wizard lamented how things had turned out, how a mighty city would fall because of the whims of a despairing madman.

For such a great and splendid city, such a noble race to fall into ruin was a tragedy Zuko could not quite imagine. He thought about how much of a waste it had been for Gondor to sink to this level, and he hoped that when Aragorn returned, he would be able restore his country to its former glory.

Zuko remembered the Fire Nation, and how mighty and rich it had been for the past hundred years. But the war would not last forever. It was, after all, but a great folly, a fruit of the same vain ambition which had led to the decline of Gondor.

Already there were forces moving to end the chaos, and with the Avatar's return, Zuko realized that the world would indeed go back to the way it used to be. He understood now, more than ever, what he needed to do when he returned. He would not allow the Fire Nation to fall into the same pit of shame and despair as Gondor had.

Soon, Zuko and Pippin noticed a dark mass, not too far from Minas Tirith, where fire and smoke rose from the land and a shroud of shadow lay above it. It looked as though a great storm was brewing in the distance.

"Mordor," Pippin whispered in fear and wonder.

"Yes, there it lies," Gandalf said, "this city has dwelt ever in the sight of its shadow."

"So near," Zuko exclaimed in incredulity, "we are so close to the danger we're all afraid of."

Gandalf nodded gravely. Zuko had been steeling himself for what was to come but he had never expected the enemy to be at their back door. Gandalf then explained how Sauron maintained the darkness over his vast armies because the orcs had no love for daylight.

"When the shadow of Mordor reaches this city," the wizard said ominously, "it will begin."

For all his hostility, Denethor was not inhospitable and the three were given quarters to live in during their stay. Gandalf had told Zuko and Pippin that they would no longer be taking any journeys, but they were to remain in the city, to fight when the time came.

Pippin was given the livery of the heirs of Elendil, one worn only by guards of the Citadel. The hobbit looked over his new uniform with curiosity and even showed his armor and weapons to Zuko, who gave him some tips on using them.

"They don't really expect me to fight, do they?" the hobbit asked innocently.

"I don't think they give armor and weapons to just anyone for no reason," Zuko told him, confirming the hobbit's fears.

Pippin gulped nervously at this. Zuko smiled at him, having grown fond of the small man, who was actually older than he was. The firebender put a hand on Pippin's shoulder reassuringly.

"Don't worry," Zuko told him, "I've got your back."

"Thanks," Pippin answered appreciatively.

Soon, the two younger ones approached Gandalf, who was pensively smoking a pipe as he gazed at the fire of Mordor. Shadow had spread over the night sky so much that there were no more stars.

"It's so quiet," Pippin commented softly.

"It's the deep breath before the plunge," Gandalf explained.

"I don't want to be in a battle," Pippin said honestly, "but waiting on the edge of one I can't escape is even worse."

Zuko nodded because he was able to relate to such a situation. He had seen more war and adventure in his short life than the hobbit. He knew how it felt the night before a great battle, the intense anxiety, and the fear that gripped at one's very soul. He knew all that needed to be overcome in order to be prepared to fight.

"Our enemy is ready," Gandalf said gravely before describing the various members of Mordor's vast armies.

"This will be the end of Gondor as we know it," the wizard continued, "here the hammer stroke will fall hardest. If Osgiliath falls, then all defenses of the city will be gone."

Zuko and Pippin glanced nervously at the white wizard as he spoke of Sauron's deadliest servant, the Witch-king of Angmar.

They had never seen him so perturbed before and they were greatly bothered. For Gandalf to look nervous was something completely unsettling.

Zuko was particularly concerned by the fact that no living man could kill such an enemy. As much as it was foolish to hope against such odds, he did, because he found that in such dark circumstances, there was nothing else to hold on to.

But before anything further could be said, a pillar of green fire rose from the center of Mordor.

Gandalf started at the sight while Zuko and Pippin gasped audibly. Zuko's eyes grew wide as he watched the fire. It was like nothing he had ever seen before, it seemed to be made of pure evil. For even Azula's blue flames were merely fires at extremely high temperatures. The tower of green that rose before them seemed so much more diabolical than anything Zuko's sister could conjure.

"We come to it at last," Gandalf whispered solemnly, "the great battle of our time."

"I have a task for you," Gandalf said to Zuko the next day.

It was a very simple task for a firebender, but Zuko did not take it lightly. He knew the significance of his simple act and was determined to do it well.

Gandalf directed Zuko to the base one of the highest towers of the city, where some guards stood watch over what seemed to be a large pile of wood. It would have been easy enough for him to send a fire blast to this but he had been instructed to be as discreet as he could. It was not yet the time to reveal his abilities.

Zuko found a slightly higher part of the city that gave him a clear shot of the pile of wood. It was also a busy area where people went about their business without paying heed to an ordinary-looking boy. As nonchalantly as he could, Zuko shot a small fire dart at the pile of wood. It was small enough not to call attention to itself but hot enough to ignite all the branches. Zuko smiled at his handiwork and discreetly walked away before anyone noticed him.

In moments, a large fire was burning atop the tower, and the guards there, who had been in the midst of their morning meal, were unable to extinguish the fiercely burning flames. The beacon had been lit.

"Nicely done, Zuko," Gandalf whispered proudly as he gazed from another part of the city. In the distance, the wizard saw that the next beacon, Amon Dîn, had seen the signal and had followed suit.

"Hope is kindled," he said with satisfaction, knowing that the news would spread swiftly across the land.

And so the fire had spread, from Minas Tirith to Amon Dîn and Eilenach. Through the mountains of the west, the flames spread further to Nardol, Erelas, Min-Rimmon, Calenhad, and finally to Halifirien on the borders of Rohan.

It was Aragorn who first caught sight of the beacon, and as soon as he was sure of what he saw, he ran as fast as his feet could carry him to let Theoden know of this development.

Bursting into the hall of the king, Aragorn cried out, "The beacons of Minas Tirith! The beacons are lit!"

Katara had looked up at the mention of Minas Tirith and she found herself wondering about Zuko. How did this news show the gravity of the situation? Was there still hope?

"Gondor calls for aid," Aragorn said breathlessly.

Now, all eyes were on the king, waiting in suspense for his response.

"Then, Rohan will answer," Theoden replied with conviction, "muster the Rohirrim!"

Theoden was no fool. He could finally see that it was before the walls of Minas Tirith that the doom of their time would be decided.