Chapter - 11

in some other place in middle earth, a man stood standing looking at the great lands below him from a fortress.The lands as far as he could see were filled with men,armored men, with spears.There were many swordsmen,archers,horsemen and other men who volunteered to fight.The man was tall and had a sword hung at his belt.He had a black beard and all his hair and eyes were black.Though his face was fair. He gave a gasp of exclamation. At that another man came to the window beside him and put a hand towards him.He was fair and much taller. He was clean shaved and had a golden crown on his head.
"This army goes for war. Our sister kingdom is in trouble. I summoned the army yestermorn."

The man with the golden crown was Arvethon king of Arnor. And the man beside him was Arthamir, his minster always loyal,always faithful. They were friends from ages since their birth they used to play and hunt together..
"Why was i not informed my lord?" asked Arthamir
"Because i wanted to inform you. I am sending this army to Gondor to the plains of the Pelennor. Now it shall march when the horn is sounded."

The king raised his voice.
"People of the west, You shall not have fear in your hearts. You shall stay tall and drive the enemy with bright iron. You shall slay the enemy with sharp arrows. This is the day when the West shall arise and tell that we are strong yet. Rise now and stand, Men oif The west. A new power arises in th east. These days the lands will stained with the blood of Goblin Lords. Ride to minas tirith . Ride to Gondor. Ride."

After this speech,The horn sounded and the host moved.Echoes could be heard of the resounding feet of the army.

Then he spoke to Arthamir.
"The army is under command of Thorongil the Wise. "
"Your grace my lord. Why have you not set forth to Minas Tirith my lord?"
"I will in a few hours.I commit the rule of Arnor to you Arthamir.You shall act as the steward of Arnor. and look to my son. I ride with my personal guard to the white city."

"AS you wish my lord."
"Send Berethorn to me in an hour and a half. We shall ride in three hours."
"Your command."

Saying that Arthamir left.

Clouds started appearing on the eastern horizon when the elves who had still remained in the sweet lands of Cuivienen looked towards the eastern sky. Their leader Thorvir said they should flee to the west and should have heeded to the words of the great prince.But they had not. Even Thorvir was stubborn that time. The elves could hear the cursed feet of the army. An elven scout came running from his post
"A huge army approaches.We cannot engage them.The army is too huge and seems to be making west.We have very few among us.We cannot hold them long. my lord."

"We should have gone with them.But now its too late. Still we will defend now as we may. Elves,Take your positions Prepare your arrows."

The elven army took their positions.
When the army could be seen, running towards them

"Tangado Haid! Leitho i philinn" (Hold positions, Fire Arrows)

The arrows soon bought many goblins down. But soon the line of the goblins came near them and they were forced to close combat. Many goblins were killed by the valiant efforts of the elves but the goblin army was too huge and the loss of the elves were many. There were as few as five hundred remaining and then elves started to flee as thorvir commanded them. They fled across the lands and so came to minas tirith.

The goblin commander let them go and defiled the land of Cuivienen which had stood so long against the evil forces of the world.

The little creature ran around and around the white tree. This frustrated the prince.

"Well i did ask you who you were and you try to insult me by running around the white tree." said the prince.
"Well that is my way of telling things,my prince." said the little creature.
"Stay now,Sorry for the inconvenience that my minister has caused you,my lord.He always speaks like that.But he is wiser than most of us. Come Master Circadoc Brandybuck,yes that is his name sire a descendant of meriadoc brandybuck who they used to call merry you know of the fellowship that brought the downfall of Sauron they say. Well i am called Peregorn Took, Thain of The Shire so to speak."
"And may i know what you are?"

" Halflings sir.We are halflings though we call ourselves hobbits."

"Hobbits."

"Yes sir now we recieved summons to a council that is supposed to be taking place in this admirable place.Oh We hobbits cant live on heights. But well though we do not know what this is about,we have come so far."

"And very thanks to you that you have come master hobbit. Your quarters are prepared for you.You can now go rest from your journeys."

"Thank you lord and we bid you farewell. come master brandybuck,hurry. We look for rest and some food."

After the hobbits left,
"Well hobbits have always been like that you know. Funny and jovial,never care about what goes on in the world. But they are good. Friendly and humourous. We all need light times,do we?Come now let go your frustration and enjoy yourself.We have dark times ahead."
With that the king and the prince went inside their quarters for it was night and time to sleep.

An hour and a half later Berethorn came into the king's chamber.The king's chamber was filled with perfumes and it had an aura that charmed many. The fortress in the city. The city was called Annuminas and was situated besides the lake Evendim.A hundred leagues north of the Shire stood this city.The city was huge and had three walls that circled the city leaving no gaps. There were many houses and many places interesting for a traveller to visit. ADmiration of the North it was. Wonder of the North lands. Much of the city was of mithril whereas others were made up of stone.The fortress was huge and stood in the center.It had a huge tower that ascended into the heavens above it seemed to the travellers or any common man. The fortress was huge built of stone and mithril and was silvery white in colour.The tower above had huge spikes within which thee was a great space for the king to look at the stars.
Below the tower was a huge hall with a golden door. That was the courthall.A horsepath spiraled down to the gates of the fortress. The chamber of the king was near the hall adjacent to it.There were many rooms for servants and guests at various levels of the fortress. The court hall was at the fourteenth level.Each level had its own wall. The fortress was modeled on the white city but the walls were circular.And on each wall sentry guards were posted.
Berethorn entered the chamber.The king was pacing to and fro.
"Hail,my lord.I have come as you commanded."
"Have you prepared for the ride to Minas Tirith as I had commanded?"
"Yes lord."
"Good.WE must set forth quick.Reaching Minas Tirith is essential.The council is in five days."
"We cannot reach minas tirith in five days my lord."
"The need is dire and i will not ride on horses."
"Then how are we supposed to go there my lord."
"Come and look."
From the West from the tower hills,Five eagles,very huge ones,hastened towards the fortress.
"You look surprised Berethorn. I summoned them yestereve. I requested them and asked them to fly us to Minas Tirith."

In the morning of the fourth day from Minas Tirith, Glondir reached the Glittering Caves of Aglarond. The caves were unexplored till Gimli his father had explored it. He had bought news of these caves to the northern dwarven kingdom of Erebor. The dwarf bought news of the wonders inside and that mithril was to be found there. Some years later Gimli had set out with many dwarves and to these caves and sought permission from the King of Rohan to enter and make it theirs. Gimli was then called lord of the glittering caves. For many years they delved there and wrought much. Halls they built,Lights they placed, The caves were shining. The former glory of Moria was bought in these caves.
After some years Gimli sought the west with Legolas.Glondir his son became the lord. He ruled his people wisely and was ruling until the wizard sought his help and the dwarf lord immediately rushed to Gondor.He went alone for he thought more the people he will take the more it will delay him.Now he had come back since the king told him about the doom.
Glondir rushed into his halls. All dwarves hailed him.
Another dwarf was ruling on his behalf. He was named Glori son of Bori.
"Prepare for battle.War is coming to the west." said Glondir after much hails.
The dwarves looked questioningly.
"Yes.The enemy moves to strike the city of Minas Tirith. The army is too huge for Gondor to fend on its own. We must help them. And it will also be for our own good. The west is doomed.And we have to defend it.Prepare for battle.We dwarves goto war.We march tomorrow evening at the latest.Prepare for battle."
The dwarves followed Glondir's every word. All of them set to prepare.

On the evening of the next day,A huge dwarven army set forth from the Glittering Caves.

The city of Minas Tirith was preparing for war.Soldiers prepared for battle.There was much rush in the fortress.The city was busy in preparations for the council. The prince was walking now in the fifth level alone.

"Hello master prince.It is very lonesome to carry yourself alone in this city alone is it not?Perhaps you would like some fair company."

The prince turned around and saw the hobbit who had troubled him before calling at him.
"Fair Company?You call yourself a fair company."

"Do not mind me O Prince. I am always jovial. I do not like to be serious at any time. Increases blood pressure dont you think?Always serious always gloomy.Whats in life then?"

"What you tell is true but you speak at unappropriate times.."

"No time is unappropriate for a jovial remark."

"It is useless to argue with you is it?"

"Useless enough.Many people tell me that.Come lets go and search for food. The soldiers here have many messes. Come let us go to the mess of the Third Company."

"You have been here often i guess."

"Often not often.Two times in my life."

"How old are you?"

"Not so old but i am nine multiplied by four."

"You cannot be clear enough eh?"

"You do not know mathematics and you call yourself a prince. I guessed you are learnt enough. Did not your father get you tutored?"

"No. I was taught only battle tactics and history."

"Oh boring. I am thirty six. I wont grow any more save sideways."

"That i can see.Halflings live for food."

"And for parties" the hobbit added.

"There wont be any party here,master hobbit."

"I know that.All those serious councils and stuff.But whoa,here is the mess.Lets get some bread and cheese and some roast meat.The wine is pretty good i hear."

"HAH!What about weed."

"Weed?You have to come to Southfarthing for that.The best weed in middle earth.I hope you smoke a lot."

"Yes i do.When i come to the Shire i will."

The prince and the hobbit disappeared into the mess.

In the mess of the Third Company,They asked for some food. They were pretty hungry after petty arguments and strolling about the huge city.They asked for two plates of food and in return they got huge pieces of meat with some gravy,roasted bacon,fruits like apples,mangoes,melons, sliced potatoes with pepper spray, lots of berries,tomatoes and a glass of wine each. They took their plates outside for a better view.They found chairs and tables ready for them. They sat on the chairs. The view was on the eastward horizons. The hobbit took to eating as soon as he put down the plate. The hobbit was terribly hungry. Hobbits always are hungry. They don mind triple breakfasts, don mind having lunch two times,always want brunches,afternoon tea,evening snacks and a nice stomach full dinner.
The clouds were still hovering over the mountains of shadow.

The hobbit followed the gaze of the prince.
"What a cheerful sight isnt it?" asked the hobbit.
"You call those clouds a cheerful sight?It brings gloom and despair with it.For the enemy is moving fast."
"Why do you men always speak of gloom,despair,shadow,enemy?If they have to come they will come.Why worry?Live life at the present and do not worry about the future."
"May be that is why we are not hobbits. We have to look to our future and we have to make it bright.So much rests in our hands.And we are all doomed."
"Doomed you are if you think so. Enjoy master prince. There is much in this world to enjoy and see and wonder. When the enemy comes, all will fight. But let us not worry. I think we should enjoy our food."
"Food. Yes. Tastes delicious."
"Delicious it is. Especially the wine. I have not had such a wine since i left the Shire."
"I heard there is pretty good beer there."
"Yes.The Inn of The Green Dragon."
"The Green Dragon?"
"Yes IT is called so.Lies in Bywater area.I have been there a many times.Awesome beer.You should try it."
"Now that you say i surely will."

The prince and hobbit continued supping together laughing at their doom.

Meanwhile, a man rides upon a hill at the top of which is a hall with a golden roof. He has some scroll with him and rides on a white horse. He arrives at the doors of the great hall.He climbs up the stairs and is met by some door guards.He is escorted into the hall wherein the king of that land resides and holds council. The hall is great though not as big as the one in Minas Tirith. The city is called Edoras and the Hall Meduseld. The man is burly and heavy in figure. A black beard and moustache he has and his hairs coloured black. He is just a messenger from the white city delivering the summons of a council and the coming of doom. He delivers the scroll to the king. The king is fair and tall in stature,wearing a white crown upon his head.He has golden hair and is quite old.His age must be somewhere near sixties.He is not a Numenorean but ever the allies of Gondor.The land is called Rohan and the King is a descendant of Eomer the King. The king is named Eother and he has a son Theodor. Many men sat in the hall gazing upon the man and the king. The king is reading the scroll on which are written words of doom.

"Hail King of Rohan. Greetings from the King of Gondor. War is preparing in the east. Doom is coming. The whole west will face again a test of time. The enemy approaches fast and we need to hold a council to decide how to stay the evil that comes nigh. Gondor cannot fend of the evil.The army is pretty huge much stronger than either of us alone. Therefore we must stand together. I have sent word to all the lords of the free peoples of middle earth and they are preparing for the council. Heed my words, Great King. We must unite and fight. Otherwise we would fall to the uttermost oblivion.Darkness gathers and light must prevail.The council is to be held within five days from now.I request your presence so that all may take counsels together in this dark hour. What sayest thou O King?"


The king looked up and said,"And Rohan will answer."

In another forest in middle earth, north of Rhovanion, where spiders dwelt once upon a time, rode another man, thin and scrawny he looked, on his horse. He had a scroll bearing the seal of the King Of Gondor. He was riding hard upon the pebbles beside a river carefully treading it hoping the neither the horse nor he would touch the river. The river was said to have spells, some magic in it, that put man or dwarf to sleep in enchantment. The man looked forward to come across a bridge. That was some leagues away.
Forest was too dense and the man had to turn frequently from crashing into trees. The horse was ridden slow. There were peculiar sounds in the forest. Sometimes like a bear growl or sumting like the sound of a black squirrel. The horse was bidden to make as much less noise as possible.For some leagues the man rode without the sight of a bridge. He went on going eastwards.There was no path south of the enchanted river unless one comes to the bridge. The man rode quietly enough and looked here and there. He cursed his mission. There were no living things in sight and the forest was dull and dreary. He was feeling quite tired and felt like sleeping. But no he had an errand to be completed and it had to be fast for there was no time and doom was approaching near it was said. He knew not what the scroll said but he dared not open it in fear of the kings wrath. The king knew all and saw all. Nobody could figure how?
The man sighted a bridge soon.The bridge was made of rock.The dwarves had helped build it.The man crossed the river. He rode now faster. He had no time. It was still some leagues to the halls of Mirkwood. He could see a great hill far away and some lights flickering. He rode towards it.There was magic in this forest. Now he could hear laughter and voices. Elvish it sounded to him.He came to the hill and the doors opened. He could see no guards. He rode inside and the door closed behind him.

The doors closed and the man went through.Many trees stood , boughs hanging over. Beneath each tree was a small door which led inside. There were doors to at either side and monitored by armed guards. There were seven doors in total and the man passed through all. He came into a great hall and elves were sitting on both sides of the hall laughing and joking at the funny words of a particular elf. He was like a jester, the man believed. When the man looked in front there he saw a golden throne. On the throne sat a distinguished elf, very noticeable among the company of elves assembled there. He had golden hair and was very tall but not taller than his king.His eyes spoke of vast years behind him and on his brow sat wisdom.He had a long knife, like a scimitar, vested across his hips and his sides there was a great bow made of yew. The bow was huge and there was a quiver of never ending arrows, golden in colour with feathers at its other end. The elf was very fair indeed and taken after the manner of the elf-kings of old. His hair was tied back. He wore a golden armor as if ready for battle. He sat in a commanding position. He looked at the man coming wearing the livery of Gondor. He smiled and acknowledged his presence.The man got down from his horse as he was bidden to.Elves took the horse away.The man went up to the elf and said,
"Hail,Great Elf-king, I have come to mirkwood on an errand bidden to me by my king and lord. I was asked to deliver this scroll in speed and i have done the bidding. The king asks of you a favor, a small favor requesting your presence to a great council being held in the city."
At this, the man handed the elf the scroll.
The elf read the scroll.He got up and stood tall.All who could see him could tell he was the wisest of the realms.
"I,Letholas son of Legolas,King of Mirkwood, decide to accept this invitation to come to Minas Tirith as is my wont.Mirkwood has ever been an ally to Gondor and so will it honour the friendship. Mirkwood will go to war."

A man,tall and heavy,carrying a sword, shield and a scroll,rode past the lake city of Esgaroth.He passed it silently. He could hear the waters making sounds as it splashed upon the shores.It was night.He still had a journey before him.He decided to rest for an hour.Westwards stood the forests of Mirkwood. ITs trees ancient and huge.He could see the mountain fortress far away twinkling with lights. He noticed ravens flying and some birds high in the sky but he did not heed them.

After an hour of rest, he rode on his horse. For many leagues he rode besides the waters and soon reached the city of Dale.He was allowed to enter by the King of Dale.The king was Barad son of Brandor.He was short enough to be mistaken for a dwarf but he was wise and brave the man was told. Once in his childhood he had killed a wild boar on his own.The king listened to the man's message which requested urgent help and presence in the council.The king assented to the message and asked the soldiers to prepare a defence as far as the northern walls of Emyn Muil.

The man left for Erebor,The Lonely Mountain. He was astonished to see the different works of the dwarves, The coloured stone slabs, fountains, carved statues of excellent work. Some dwarves were workin still on some things. The man was led to the council hall where Thain son of Dain sat on his throne.

He greeted the man of Gondor and asked him to speak his errand. The errand being told, Dwain acknowledged the scroll and asked the man to return and say to the king that the dwarves of Erebor will honour the allegiance and will fight with men once more.The dwarves would prepare for a defence around the Anduin river as far as the Argonath on the western shores from the mountain.

"Go with hope, man, To Gondor, to your white city. The west shall not fall and our defence shall be strong. We shall aid you with whatever forces we could spare. And i myself shall come to Minas Tirith. Go now and let the stars watch over you."

Misty Mountains rose in front of him,high and snowy white.He had now gone past the woods of Laurelindenorean, Lothlorien in the later tongues. He passed the Silverlode river and followed it till it reached the springs of Kibil Nala in the Dimrill Dale or Azanulbizar or Nanduhirion as the elves call it.The signs of the great burning were there still but now forests had grown on either side of the kibil nala. Cold are the waters and the springs are icy for it is the waters from the misty mountains. North of Dimrill Dale and high up in the mountains was the Redhorn Gate or Redhorn pass on the shoulders of Caradhras.Three mountains stood by each other. Caradhras the Cruel,Celebdil the White and Fanuidhol the Grey which the dwarves call Baraz,Zirak and Shathur.Under them lies the dark realm of Moria,The Black Pit,in the lighter days it was called Hadhodrond in the elvish tongue,Dwarrowdelf in the common speech.Moria it was called when Durin's Bane had arisen and now when it was light again dwarves had come back and reclaimed their fortress.
He reached the eastern gates of Moria, Two dwarfs sat there and allowed passage to him into the lights of Moria. He strode through the first hall and found the bridge of Khazad-dum repaired and remade by excellent skills of the dwarves. He crossed the bridge under which were deep chasms. He came to a pillared hall and rode up the stairs and so came to the seventh level and twentyfirst hall of the North End. He could see a door on one side.There lies the tomb of Balin underground.And it was also the Chamber of Mazarbul(Chamber of Records.)
The man entered the archway and found numerous dwarves.He saw one dwarf with a huge axe striding and monitoring the work of the dwarves. His name it was said Durin son of Gimli, Lord of Moria.
He presented a sealed scroll to him. The dwarf read it and his face looked grave.
"So it is in the outer world that evil arises again. Say to your king The dwarves shall present all help and shall arrive in Minas Tirith the ninth day from now. "

The prince was walking back to his quarters with the hobbit company he had found.The hobbit was cheerful for he did drive the gloom away from the prince.For once he did not think about the enemy. He took the hobbit into his room. He looked at the calendar straight on.It was November the fourth. Would the prophecy be fulfilled?

It was still two hours for the prophecy to be fulfilled if ever it was going to come true. The prince took out the amulet. It was a huge golden trinket that was in his father's hands.His eyes watered as he remembered his father. He went into a state of dream.He remembered the incident two years back. When they were happy in Valerna.
He was practising swordplay.He was moving his sword with great vigour.The sword made great sounds when it zip-zapped through the air.In the process another sword caught his.It was his father.
"Come son,Practice with me.Let me test you."
THe two of them practised.For two hours it went on,none showing weariness.
"Raise your feet,son,raise your feet.Block the sword.One mistake and the blades will drink your blood.Concentrate on the sword.Move your body farther and closer.Use your strength in the arms and move your feet.Dont be glued to a place."
The son did as he was told.He was defeated many times.
"Do not worry son.You have done well.Keep practising and one day you will achieve what everybody considers impossible. You have the strength and mind in u my boy. One day you will defeat me. Beleive me son, you are destined to be a greater swordsmen among the world of men."
Everyday they sparred,everytime the prince lost but did not lose heart. He was determined and one day he defeated his father who was the greatest swordsman of his time. He had defeated his father at his own game.

"Now i have nothing more to teach you son. One day you will remember this. Patience and determination are the keys to success in whatever you endeavour to achieve.Do not ever lose hope for light shall be always with those who do not lose heart.Stand tall son and may the stars never cease to watch you." Saying that the king had left.
The prince was shaken and he came back to his room in Minas Tirith.There was the hobbit beside him.
"You were thinking of your father werent you?"
"How did you know this?"
"It is my wyrd to know what goes on in other's minds. That is my past time." Saying this the hobbit went away.

The prince wondered how the hobbit knew.He would confront him the first thing next day. He went and slept on his bed. He fell into another dream.

His tutors were teaching him history and taught him various strategies and tactics when confronting an army.
"You are safe in a fortress such as this.But always there is a weakness that lies in every place. You have learnt before son, The Battle of The Hornburg. Around five hundred odd years ago it happened. The enemy found a chink in the fortress. One weakness it had. A small culvert at the bottom of the wall through which a small rivulet flowed. The enemy blasted through it and routed the men who defended it. The army overlooked it but the enemy did not. Never underestimate your enemy prince. Think how he is supposed to think. But yes do not be even so proud and wise that you go overboard. There is something called common sense. The dark lord was a wise fool, it was said. Instead of guarding his own land he sent out armies aggressively thinking perhaps that his enemy would do the same thing as if it were he. But he forgot. There was a small flaw. The enemies of the dark lord found a way into his land and destroyed something of his that devoured him and cast him into darkness,into the abyss of the void. Take care of all the weaknesses and you are victorious. Leave one and the enemy knows of it, there is a chance of you being defeated. Always remember one thing. Be brave and wise. Strength and wisdom are two sides of the same coin. They cannot exist without each other. Strength is learned by fighting whereas wisdom is gained through experience. You have yet long years of life,dear prince. May those years serve you well. "

The ground shook terribly. Doors creaked. Curtains blew. A storm had come. A light beam was slowly coming from the west pushing the clouds eastwards.

Lands were broken. For the power that appeared from the west sounded horns that ran tremors through the very earth.Seas changed. Storms came and bit many lands. The fury of the storm none could withstand. Wind was howling with terrible voices that seemed to be echoed throughout. Chaos fell everywhere. Waters were reshaped. The inland sea of Rhun looked like an amoeba after the disasters that struck the land. The lonely mountain was unstained and so was dale. but in mirkwood in the southern holds, many trees were uprooted. Anduin flowed with renewed vigour causing floods in the lands above Argonath. Cair Andros stood the storm but Osgiliath was overflowed on the eastern shores washing away everything. People fled back to Minas Tirith. Ethir Anduin was widened to a few leagues but Pelargir was no more, submerged under water. The rest of Gondor was not affected nor was Rohan except for the people who stayed in their houses.
In the north, a part of the Misty Mountains north of rivendell near the high pass came crashing down. A new valley sprung up that ensured easy passage from the west to the east.The ice in Lossoth in the far north melted into water and new lands sprung up in the north.Arnor went unaffected. The Grey Havens was submerged and the gulf of lindon was filled up and once again it was Ossiriand. Blue Mountains were joined again.

The old lands of Beleriand rose up from the sea. The rivers Sirion flowed once again under the sky of this world.Hithlum came back and so was Dorthonion and so was Doriath and so was Angband of the North. Also came the fields of Lothlann, Anfauglith.

In the east, Waters rushed in east of Umbar. Haradwaith was broken in many parts.The southern lands of Haradwaith were no more and plunged deep into the sea.A shockwave passed and the lands of Cuivienen and Hildorien were no more.

The dark lord was shaken in his throne room. He fell off from the throne and the city of Valerna was falling. He could see in the sky. Fire stones were coming towards his city.

The stones stuck the city melting his very walls. The lightnings that came from above stuck the temple he had built and the temple dome shattered into rocks and fell down below to the earth. Mountains crumbled in the distance. Wind was swift and from the west. Goblins fled hither and thither not knowing what to do. An ultimate power was unleashed. The rest of the east was unstained but the lands of Cuivienen and Hildorien were now a part of the sea.
Seeing the doom, the dark lord fled with his servants cursing his foul fate.

The light that had now come from the west covered all the lands west of Anduin.It had achieved its purpose. The lands were now reshaped and the enemies that purposed attack Minas Tirith in further years would have to cross many leagues to the north and cross the same distance to the south and then west. The west was saved for a while. The dark city had fallen and the west was made victorious.

But the clouds remained where they were upon the tops of the shadow mountains looking ever more fiercer towards the white city. It was a red gaze.

The prince woke up with a start.He came out of the room. He had been hearing weird noises throughout the time he slept. He walked down the passages. The passages were busy with people men and women alike, as if a beehive was stirred. He saw across the walls. The lands looked messy and it was growing messier. Winds had stopped howling for a while and the sky was filled with a light whiter than he saw before.The clouds in the east were thundering. The east was at unrest.
He saw the hobbit lad running towards him.
"What is happening, master hobbit?"
The hobbit stopped by him
"Seems like nature is angry at somebody."
"And why are you running?"
"Of course to find out who hurt nature?"
"Dear hobbit, i am asking a serious enough question.And this is no laughing matter."
"Well it is to me dear prince. Look at how the men run. They look like a flock of deer running from a hungry tiger. Look at them. Their feet so funny and crashing and falling and trampling."
"Well i do not find anything funny."
"That is the problem with you. You never find anything funny. All you think is about the enemy.I tell you do not think about him much. He isnt worthy of your thinking."
"My problems are mine and not to be discussed.But tell me now the truth."
"Do net get angry O prince. It is just the wrath of nature. I couldnt describe it you know.You should find some other. Maybe your cousin the king could help you out. I am sure of that.But i am enjoying at present. Now if you want to be gloomy, you can go to the king otherwise you could stay here and enjoy. What a sight!"
Saying this the hobbit trotted off along the passage to the lower levels of the city.

The prince now strode up to the hall thinking of getting news from the king.When he arrived he found the king had gone out and not returned. He walked out again only to find the two wizards looking at the sky and talking about the white light that had come up out of the west.

The two wizards were gossiping about the new events.
"This is something which cannot be answered at present. Some doom has come or is coming.But what it is i cannot tell. All i can foresee is the battles coming and drawing nigh. The clouds thunder and suddenly this light coming up out of the west. But somehow it brings hope to me." said Radagast
"Yes.It brings hope. Whatever it is. The world is changing. We can see far. What do you see?" said Orothorn
"I see lands changing, waters reshaping,seas storming,mountains crumbling.I do not know whether this is for good or evil but whatever it is it seems threatening to the enemy."
"Yes. The enemy seems to be delayed or losing out on confidence. This light where does it come from?Is it some work of the Valar do you think?"
"Maybe.But the Valar would not interfere so directly with the affairs of Middle Earth.Valinor is closed to the troubles of the mortal world."
"But then i do not understand this."
"This is a complex riddle, Orothorn. We have to find answers."
"I was thinking.Can it be the work of the amulet of the king.They were cast with spells you know and they were mighty spells. Maybe this is the work they could wrought.Light to drive the darkness.."
"I have no answers to any of the questions posed to us.Perhaps it may be that you are true. If it is then the west is safe to a degree."
The prince who had been hearing knew that maybe the prophecy is coming true. The prophecy that his father would come back to life, would come back to the world. But why this powerful way,What could have possibly happened?But the prince thought he knew the answers.
He went up to the wizards.
"I know the answers that you seek."
The wizards turned astonishing towards the prince.

"What do you know, prince of the West?" asked Radagast
"The prophecy is fulfilled." said the prince.
"Prophecy?"
The prince then told the entire parts which he had not revealed to anybody.
"Can we see the amulet, O prince?"
The prince removed his crown and gave it to them. Their gazes met with extraordinary surprise. He did not know what this amulet was and by the look of their faces, the prince could see that the wizards knew the secret and decided to wrung the information out of them.
"That solves the riddle. This amulet worn by you is the thing most sought after. It is magical, imbued with mighty spells. Made by the men of Numenor after the fall of Sauron. They had discovered some secrets they would not tell. This amulet was made by them. Many were made but this came into the hands of your father by some ways i do not know. The amulets were identical and many now wear it. But this particular jewel i had seen it before and it was cursed in some way by an evil person. The curse was to be effected that when this amulet passed from one clan to another, the recipient person of the other clan would die. The amulet had to remain in the same clan. I do not know why this amulet was cursed. But the curse was uttered from afar and it echoed in all lands. But then some saint came and blessed this amulet also, that when the man died after the amulet was recieved, that man would come back into the world with a dreadful power that never ever walked the earth. I could guess the saint was a lady,elvish in nature. I do not know why she did that. But there was a purpose.But that also i do not know."
"Do these men still live?"
"After the curse was uttered, they were shunned for word spread among the common people that they were magical users and could use it to destroy the world. But these men were loyal,more loyal than any towards the kings of Numenor. I do not know where they dwell but they are to the far north i believe. Only they can solve this riddle you have posed successfully."

"Then i must go north."
"Yes. But the time is not now. You will have to wait. The enemy grows stronger every day and we would need you in the forthcoming battles. Minas Tirith needs you. Gondor needs you O prince."
"Yes you should not leave now. You will find time maybe later to seek these people who made the amulets. But the time has not come yet. A right time will come but it is not now. When it comes, the paths shall be lain before you and you shall tread them. But now you must concentrate on defending your land,master prince. There is a lot to do yet." said Orothorn
"Yes There is. But one question more i have. You fought with the balrog that day when you came to my aid. What happened in the fight? And you were blue then. And now you are brown."
"That will be a tale.Everything will be told in due time. At the Council everything shall be disclosed. Have patience, lord. Best key to success it is said."

Saying this the wizards left and descended to the lower levels. They had to ponder many things.

The prince however returned back to his room. He found it uncleaned and things were still left as it is after the storm. Men were hurrying forth and were busy. The light of the west. He now blamed the amulet for the death of his father.

Had the amulet not come to his father, his father would still have been alive.The prince wanted to throw the amulet but could not because it was the only thing he had that contained memories of his father. The world has fallen into shadow. The prince went out of the room. Dawn broke out over the world. But the light was dimmed now and could not be seen but it could be felt. The light brought hope to the men. Men started preparing for battle. Archers posted on the walls. Swordsmen lingered in the passages. Companies of men began to leave for Osgiliath. Companies of children and old men and women were being carted out of the city to the refuges in the south. All the cattle was led away and a great store of food was prepared in the markets of the city. Medicines were bought in and stocked in the houses of healing.
The prince walked in the sixth level, soldiers bowing to him, ascended the stairs to the seventh level and went up and looked to the east. Clouds still hovered. The doom still wrought. The enemy would be upon them any moment. Time passed by. The prince was now deep in thought, he thought about his future, his destiny, his fate that had bought him here and what it held for him in the coming years.

"You think about of your fate and future, dont you master prince?But think not so deeply and let your mind and heart rest in peace. Do not let thoughts sway you for you are needed in the wars that come in the years that are to go by. Stay at peace."

The prince looked around surprised to hear a sweet female voice that addressed him with respect though with wisdom in her words.

Glondir led his army well and fast. He passed through the western marches of Rohan and reached Edoras in the night. There the army rested. The next day they marched whole day. Eastfold passed by and dawn passed into noon and noon passed into evening. Glondir still bid them to go fast as he percieved there was less time and he purposed to station the dwarves before the council happened.
The next day they passed into the land of Anorien. It was still some leagues and three days march to minas tirith. That evening the army rested and could go no further. Food was dwindling. They had no additional supplies. There was less game in this country and they feared to go into the woods in the south that grew in the foothills of the White Mountains. It was because of the wildmen of the woods. They had poisoned arrows it were told and one of the oldest men that live since men were born in middle earth. That night they ate their food though it was doled out less than before. Glondir stood on a hilltop that guaranteed him full view to the east. He looked deep. but then something happened. He was shaken off the ground. The dwarves cried in amazement and terror. A white light was beginning to come fast from the westward skies. A storm came and the dwarves had to hold out by grouping together to avoid getting lost. They were blinded.

"What new devilry is this? Glondir?" cried one dwarf

"I cannot say Azduk. The light gives me hope but i cannot tell what it is. This is magic. That is all i can tell. Whether it is good or evil. We must hold on. Hold your hands together. Stay in a group. Tell the dwarves not to panic. That is the last thing we need. Cast your fears aside. Considering this,we need to march faster from tomorrow. I fear that the doom is near the city already."

"The city is far yet,Glondir and we are running out of food supplies."

"Then go into the woods south and hunt some game."

"That is as perilous as the storm,lord. The Woses live there."

"Go to the borders of the forest and sound the dwarven horn.

Azduk slowly strode towards the forests. The storm was not holding back but somehow he reached the borders of the forest. He took out a great horn from under his belt and blew it so hard that it echoed in the mountains. He did not hear any sound. He blew once more twice more hard as the first one. Nothing happened. He turned back disheartened and started walking towards the dwarven camp. Then suddenly it came- the sound of drums..Doom Doom Doom Doom Doom

Doom Doom Doom Doom doom doom doom sounded the drums. Azduk looked back. Two more dwarves came from behind his back to support him but looked at the forests with fear.

Azduk could see nothing but could hear the drums beating in the forests. He let another horn blow. Glondir came running with some more dwarves.
"What is it , Azduk?"
"Drums beating"
"Drums. Let them beat."

Suddenly out of the forests came two men,they were short and their hair,black, was unkempt,uncombed. They looked wilder than before. They had no clothes except the leaves and brown gowns that they wore to hide their downsides. They had a leather belt over the chests. At one place in the belt there was a small pocket in which they held their knives, though blunt, it could kill many. One had a quiver at the back filled with arrows. And he held a small bow in one hand.

The man to the right spoke now, his voice rough and grumbled. He could not speak the Common Speech well for the speech of the wild men was not understandable to those in the outer world for these men had no dealings with the world without their forests.

"I am Rhan buri Jhan.Am descendant of the free men of old. Refused to to to go into the west and seek the light that many spoke of. We were promised not to be disturbed but we see that it has been broken. Men do not hunt us anymore but now you seem to come up with a force that seeks to hunt here."

He was coughing words rather than speaking it seemed.

"We do not come to hunt you,leader of the Woses. We come to hunt food for our supplies are low. And for safe and fast passage to the White City." said Azduk

"We can show you the road. We wild men will hunt for you provided you give something in return."

"What do you want?" asked Glondir.

"We want safety not to be disturbed again by man,elf,or dwarf."

"So be it. But be sure that evil cometh nigh again and you will also be not safe again if the city yonder falls. "

"If fall it must, it must. But the wild man flee to the mountains. "
"Even there you shall not be safe. Now lead us"

A ten thousand strong army walked the earth far away. The army had walked day and night and the marches were devoid of much rest. The leader of the army, Thorongil the Wise, commanded now the army to halt. They had reached the northern marches of Enedwaith. Misty Mountains loomed in the east, tall and white and now it curved towards the west.

Thorongil decided to hold council with his captains. He called all the captains to decide which route they may take henceforth and to report on the condition of the army.
Gwenthor,Gildor, Lathnir and Beregrond were the captains of the army of Arnor leading their factions out to war. The army made camp and tents were put up. The lands were green and there were many fields but it was night.

"I have called you here so that we may decide on the route which we will follow on our way to Minas Tirith." said Thorongil

"We are in Enedwaith and it took us ten days to march till here. I fear we may not be in time." said Gildor

"Time. That is less indeed. But i will risk three hours rest for all of us." said Thorongil

"What about the way?" asked Gwenthor

"We are twenty leagues north of the crossing of tharbad. We cross the Greyflood after that there are two options that come tous. To go eastward and cut across the gap of rohan and follow the road to minas tirith or go southward till we reach Anfalas and move into Gondor and then east across Lebennin to the Anduin and sail up to Osgiliath."

"But will there be enough ships that could carry this army up the river?" asked Beregrond

"If there wont be then i suggest half the army sails up the river and the other marches to Harlond."

"And Gondor is a naval power these days. There will be many ships that could carry us to Minas Tirith. I prefer the southern route." said Gildor

"And i vote too for the southward road. Too long has our forces attacked by way of Anorien. If time is less then enemy would have come. And we could come on their back if we take the southward road." said Gwenthor.

"Then so shall it be the south road."

The land of Anorien passed by and the king and his guards rode faster beneath the wide lands of Gondor. Passing many rivers and streams that and mires of Entwash the company came upon a summit. There it was The White City of Gondor, Minas Tirith,

Glondir led his army well in the next few days. The world was darkening under the moonlit sky. They descended from the woods and the hills onto the plains of the Pelennor. They could see the wall of the Pelennor. It was being rebuilt and repaired. The dwarves bade well wishes and their thanks to the wild men and marched forth eastwards.
"We are near the city. we are in time." said Azduk
"Yes we are near the city. See the clouds there on the east looming above the mountains. Work of the enemy. War is coming. We will rest in Minas Tirith. Now we shall go faster. The city is only some leagues away. We will reach ere the noon falls upon this earth. Come dwarves march to your fate,to your destiny,to glory,to death.March now to Gondor."
With that Glondir blew the dwarven horn.

Elsewhere the army of Arnor reached the city of Tharbad, ten leagues west of the Swanfleet. They were on the western shore of the river Greyflood. The city was occupied but there were less people in Arnor that south. And those who lived were few and some had farms westwards towards the sea.

They soon found the bridge and crossed to its eastern shores. The walls of Tharbad was guarded by sentries but they were few. The army marched forth through the eastern gates and then steered southwards.

They halted near the western marches of The Fangorn Forest.
"We have miles to go yet.The Gap of Rohan isnt near yet. And we have to yet march southwards." said Gwenthor.
"Peace. We are resting a little while. Then we move south past Isengard and cross the River Isen to the south and move into Gondor. It is still leagues but we nothing to worry. We are in time. But still we must hasten. The enemy moves fast."
"Yes.Two hours is the maximum we can rest at a given time. But the army will be tired ere it reaches the war."
"No.There will be ample time to rest in the sweet airs of Lebennin and in the ships. So do not worry about rest. We have rested for five hundred years and now the time to fight has come. So let us forget our weariness and march to our doom."

People from distant lands started arriving to the white city. A great council was going to be held. To decide the doom and fate of Middle Earth. To decide the strategies of war and the western defence.

The days have come down in the west
Into shadow
The world is falling
The mountains are crumbling
Rocks are trembling.

Seas are changing
Armies are moving
Lands are shaking
Doom is coming

Darkness flowing
Light staying
Rivers gushing
The world is changing
For Evil or Good
It is yet to be seen

Doom it is
For the West
What shall we do?
What shall happen?
No man knows

Elf man and dwarf
Ready for the council
To change the Fate of Middle Earth
To make decisions
to survive
in the evil tide

The tide is flowing
Shadow is here
Darkness covering
All the lands
into shadow.

Thus sang a man in the city/.

The prince looked back. He saw a beautiful lady coming up towards him. She was as fair as the elves, taller than the prince, wearing a white gown from neck to bottom. She had a chain strung around her neck.And a jewel, which looked more like a beryl,an elfstone, hung on the chain near her sternum. The white gown was embroidered with flowery designs and it shined white,whiter than sunlight. It blinded most and she was the most beautiful woman that the prince ever looked upon. She looked quite young but her eyes wore a look that told him that she had been ages in this world, she was very old, and in her eyes was wisdom. She was thin and slender and could walk without making any sound. This is why the prince had not known of her presence until she spoke in her sweet voice. That voice was a charmer, it was music to one's ears. Anyone who would hear that voice fell into a trance and so did the prince.

The lady had to wake him up. She smiled. She also took a certain liking to him. He was tall and looked elvish to her though she knew of the transformation. It was she who had done it.

The prince got up from his trance. Seeing a beautiful lady , maybe more fairer than all the things he loved in this world, in this doomed city was enough for him. He thought he had found his match. Words came into his mouth but he could not speak them. He was so enthralled by her that he was rendered speechless.Suddenly he found the strength to speak.

"Who are you?I have never seen you in this city before."

"I am Idrial, from the West. My abode lies in the far north in the dales of Rivendell, master Azrud, Imladris as the elves call it. I have returned to minas tirith for the council to decide the fate of middle earth."

The prince had guessed so. She was both beautiful and wise. Ah!What luck he thought! Lucky he thought that he could have a girl both wise and beautiful beyond compare.

"And how did you know my name, Idrial, if i may call you so?"

"You may. I know many things prince. I have stayed long in middle earth and learnt much and taught much. But now what were you doing here?Thinking of the enemy that dwells in the east, thinking upon the fate of middle earth. The events that will happen will happen,my dear prince. There is nothing you can do to change the fates of middle earth. only thing you can is to act along it. Come. Go and rest. There are big deeds ahead. Rest while you can."

The prince bade her farewell and vanished into the city whereas the lady stood looking eastwards.

The time had come. People from all over Middle Earth assembled in the great hall of men.

The King stood up and walked to the center. There was a round stone, a huge one, He placed his hand on that and the stone shined. He saw various things. But the enemy had not come near yet. He called his servant. "We can continue the Council, There is time yet."

The servant rang the bell. Ding Ding Ding Ding

At that moment, the King Of Arnor entered the hall.
"I am late in hour but for the evil air i would have come faster. The Council shall now begin i guess. And the time is at hand. Let it begin my friend."

The king smiled."It is always expected that you come to councils late for that is your wont.But come you have and shall you sit there in your chair. It is your habit of coming late to everything. Have i not observed you enough in our childhood, King of Arnor?"

Arvethorn laughed,"You still remember it. Those were good memories. But memories put aside we have lots to discuss and decide. Evil is at hand and war is coming."

At that moment, Glondir barged in with Azduk on his right. "Wait for me, Wait for me. I apologize for being late but I was delayed. "

"Delayed you are but come now sit and let us begin. Time does not stay. It moves fast really fast."

Now all were seated in their chairs. The King of Arnor, The king of Gondor and the prince together in the three thrones. On the left side were the stewards and companions of the kings of different realms. On the right side were the other kings and lords that dwelt in Middle Earth.

The Council had begun.

"People from distant lands, kings and princes and stewards and rulers of many realms, we are met here to discuss the fate of middle earth. What shall we do to challenge the destiny ordained to us. Evil is marching upon middle earth and cursed feet of the goblins stride once upon these lands. Should we let the fate choose the path for us?Should we just give in to them tiring ourselves at war?I do not think so. So we are met to discuss the doom that is upon us. We must fight and together we should for divided we fall and united we stand. The enemy is numerous and we cannot fight them one by one. For if we do so we shall be doomed. But the story starts from the prince. So it shall be he that shall speak of his adventures and the enemy so that we can better understand and act upon the paths laid before us."

The prince stood up.

"I shall speak to you of the great enemy of the east. He is too powerful skilled in dark arts and sorcery. I saw his true strength in my adventures. The doom is upon us. The enemy marches on Minas Tirith. But i shall now recount my adventures so that you may better understand the enemy."

The prince now gave a detailed adventure and was a tireless speaker.He spoke of Valerna and the defeat and the death of his father. He spoke of the great ride west and his fight with the clouds of magic. He spoke of everything that occurred on his journey save some things that he wished to keep to his own. Everyone was admiring the prince for he had endured much and came successfully to the west. Every bit of his journey was questioned and he gave answers to them all.

"This is my tale. Though i shall now recount to you the history of what Hawkeye told me."

He then narrated what Hawkeye had told to him.

An elf stood up,he who had come with Letholas,"The enemy was poisoned by a cruel minister you say. An old man crooked and evil. Did Hawkeye describe him?"

"No.But all he said was he had come from the west."

Radagast stood up. "Now i can connect the whole story, lords of the west."

"Yes now i can. We just need one test to prove that he is the same person i have in my mind."

"And how do we do that?" asked Letholas

"How do we find the descriptions of the cruel man when he is dead and noone remembers how he looked like when he lived?" asked Arvethorn

"We can,lord of Numenor, we can. Prince Azrud, I need you to call Hawkeye here. Can you do so?They said to you that if you call by your free will they will appear before you."

"Yes I can call. Those were the very words."

"Then do so, prince. For it is utmost importance."

The prince called aloud the name of Hawkeye.
Nothing happened. He did so again. Still nothing happened. The prince did so a number of times. But nothing happened still. The council now despaired. Radagast strode to and fro angrily. Orothorn then stood up,"Prince Azrud. They have betrayed you, it seems. you would do well to command them here. Time is short and going fast. Every moment we lose,the enemy moves closer."

"No it cannot be. Hawkeye."

At that moment a cold air passed through the halls. The door of the court opened and closed. The guards were scared out of their winds. Wind started blowing the curtains. A greenish vapour started arising in one end of the hall. Greenish figures started appearing with the sound of a sigh.

Hawkeye and Hawkhold approached the court renting fear in to the hearts of men there. Elves were unaffected and the dwarves were perspiring.

"So you command, O Prince of the West, Why did you call us here?"

"I called you many times. Your promise did not hold well then."

"Summons were heard but we were unable to heed. The news we bring is of great importance to you. The enemy nears the battle plains of Dagorlad."

"So they shall be. But now answer the questions that the wizard has to put forth to you."

"So we shall."

"You speak of the minister that corrupted the evil king. Do you know how he looked like when he lived?" asked Radagast

"He was an old crotchety man always leaning on a staff. He knew great magical powers. A grey beard and with a blue gown he wore always."

"A Blue gown. That is it my lord. He is one of the other of the blue wizards that had gone into the east. A cousin of Orothorn's. corrupted by Sauron and learnt in dark arts. He was the one that cursed the amulets."

"Amulets?" asked the prince.

"Yes even that very amulet you wear on your head is cursed and that one is cursed heavily."

"Speak clearly O Great Radagast."

It is a long tale.And one may wish to hear the tale fully told from the first. As some may not have heard the names of Sauron and The Rings of Power. I shall now recount the tale in full."

Radagast stood in the center.
"Now the tale shall be told in full. Ages ago, when the sun had not risen and moon did not shine and the stars did not twinkle, the realm of Arda was built by the disciples of Eru Illuvatar the One. They were called the Ainur. There were many who saw the visions created by The One for them. They dreamed of this world that now you stand upon. They were the Valar, Lords of the Earth. Greatest of them were Manwe and Melkor. Melkor was superior and his heart was rotten from the beginning as he wished supreme power and to be The One himself. Different lands came up and seas flowed and the Valar laboured on the earth. Melkor saw resistance and began destroying what they built. Manwe was his brother in stature and equally powerful. Melkor reared the fortress of Thangorodrim and corrupted some of the Maiar who were sent to aid the Valar. Spirits were corrupted. Some turned into Balrogs, demons of power from the ancient world. Some became sorcerers. But the most prominent and powerful of them was Sauron the Great. He was a powerful spirit, his words sweet,his mind cunning and cruel.

The valar brought forth the stars that had various shapes, most famous of them being the Hunter and the Great Sickle. Elves awoke in Cuivienen. Light flowed from the east. Two trees in Valinor, The land of the Valar shone brightly. The West and the East mingled. Orome the Horse Lord was sent to the east to fetch the elves the immortal beings to the Undying Lands, a far green country. Elves were attracted towards the light. Always their feet moved westwards. Their path was set. Some elves remained in Middle Earth. But before the elves came into the far west, Melkor was defeated and bound but Sauron escaped . thangorodrim was crushed but in the caves the balrogs lurked.There was great war and great lights. It seemed to the elves that the world was falling. Thunders and lightnings stroke the mountains. Winds gusted through the naked sky. Lands were changed. Waters flowed. Storm came. And in the forests evil lurked.

Elves were brought into Valinor and the city of Eldamar was built. A vast fortress of the elves. Evil slept in the world. There were feasts and parties, luncheons and merry making. But that would be lost forever. Some elves were in Middle Earth still and their leader Thingol married Melian the Maia and founded the kingdom of Doriath. Forests grew,flowers bloomed,nightingales sang. The world was merry. But the time had come. Evil would once again hold sway upon the world. Melkor was released in time. Produced before Mandos the god of death, he was tried. He was released but was not allowed to leave Valinor. Melkor helped the elves with his vast knowledge. But at the right time,dark lies were sown,Elves began forging swords and weapons of war. At that time it was that Feanor,greatest of the Elves, forged the Silmarils. They were gems of the light trapped from the Two Trees, Telperion the White and Laurelin the Gold. Three they were but now lost in the sands of time. One time when there was feast and merrymaking in Eldamar, the evil Melkor fled with Ungoliant by his side, poisoning the trees and killing the elf lord Finwe,fled to the east taking with him the Silmaril. Light faded, Darkness spread, Oaths were taken, Prophecies spoken, Revenge within the hearts of the Noldor. Unrest spread across the lands and Melkor was renamed Morgoth, The Dark Power of the Underworld.

A new fortress was built. Angband it was called. Morgoth betrayed Ungoliant and she fled south. He corrupted the elves who were still in middled earth and the race of orcs was formed. Orcs grew in multitudes. Darkness spread in the forests.The first battle of Beleriand was fought but Morgoth suffered defeat.Doriath was encircled by a girdle. Dwarves came and aided the elves who dared offer resistance.But then something happened that the elves did not intend. Bugles arose from the West. Elven hosts started roaming the lands of Middle Earth. Feanor had come. In his wrath, his heart burnt with unspoken revenge.Palantirs were made,gems delved. The elves of Middle Earth believed that the Valar had offered them aid. But it was not so. The elves were banished for their revolts against the gods.The doom of the elves had come.Beleriand became a worthy land. Green and full of pastures. For a while peace crept back but it was not so long that it was broken. Thunders loomed above the mountains of shadow. Lightnings stuck the lands. Fire spread. Balrogs were unleashed. Thus began the second battle. The elves of the west and of Hithlum rushed against the evil forces. Morgoth was defeated again. The Balrogs fled. But Feanor in his anger rode towards the dark gates faster than the others. Feanor was ambushed by Gothmog,leader of the Balrogs, a powerful and corrupted Maia. There he fought him and two others when a balrog from behind whipped him with fire. Feanor was injured to death. The sons of Feanor were seven. Eldest of them was Maedhros.He was captured and hung from a precipice in the dark fortress but not killed.
The others retreated and formed alliances but none dared venture north. Evil flowed. It could not be stopped. Orcs multiplied. The forces of evil grew stronger. Darkness was upon them.

Shadows grew. The black hands rushed forth into the world. Wild things roamed in the forests. That time something happen that Morgoth did not foresee. The Moon came up into the sky for the first time with light as of the west.As soon as the moon arose,another elvish host descended from the north and strengthened the hosts of Beleriand. Fingolfin led them. Trumpets were blown. Fingolfin rushed to the doors of Angband and knocked them. But he was wise and the light shone in him. The elves retreated back and countries were formed. Fortresses were built. Defenses constructed. Forests grew once more. As the moon set, the sun rose up in the sky. The orcs shunned the sunlight. They could not withstand it. The light was that of the Golden Tree.

The two trees were dead now but the saplings were saved and planted. An imitation of the legends. The West shone again but now dimly and the land of Valinor was closed to the elves.

With the host of Fingolfin came Galadriel,Lady of the West.And she grew wiser in the Company of Melian. Fingon son of Fingolfin was a great friend of Maedhros.Once he heard from his peers that Maedhros was held captive by the forces of Morgoth, he left the elves and ventured into the dark fortress. There he sung an elven song that drove the forces of evil away. He rescued the elf and together they flew upon the backs of an eagle. Thorondor he was the eagle that flew them, servant of Manwe Sulimo, Lord of Arda.

The lands had great peace when war erupted on the north..but the elves were saved.In a time when all things looked unheeded,the hordes of men came to battle, awakening from the lands of Hildorien. Morgoth was defeatd and the combined forces of men,elves and dwarves laid the great siege of angband.

For nigh two hundred years the siege lasted.Men became wiser in the company of elves,fortresses grew. Finrod found the realm of Nargothrond and Turgon built the city of Gondolin in the south hidden from the others. Doriath lay in peace and in that time a beautiful elven girl was born. Luthien Tinuviel was her name. A great fate she had. Both happy and sad.

In the first fifty years, Morgoth always attacked but was always defeated. After that he stopped venturing forth and started devising new evils. He corrupted men who still remained in the eastern lands of Eriador.Some men fled from Beleriand and moved to Eriador and found the city of Bree.Many dwarves migrated to the misty mountains to the city of the Dwarrowdelf, Hadhodhrond in the elvish tongue and there Durin ruled. It was full of light and splendour.

After a hundred years,Glaurung the dragon who was in his youth came out and started wreaking havoc upon the northern fields. But was driven back. Elves screamed in victory but few held it serious.

After another hundred years of peace, fire started flowing from Angband and behind them were huge multitudes of orcs and Balrogs. The fourth battle of Beleriand was at hand, The Dagor Bragollach.

Many elves perished that day and the siege was broken. The forces of men were scattered. Hador the Golden haired was killed. Many were slain that day. All were retreating. Beleriand was in ruins and orcs roamed the very forests. Sorrow was concieved that day. Balrogs attacked the fortresses.Though many were killed and driven back, the losses were great. Many people fled south. Trolls roamed the lands. Sauron unleashed his forces from the north east. Elves were in ruins. Two sons of Feanor were dead. Many dwarves fell.

Some years after this battle, the elves started driving the orcs back but their borders were always under threat. Fingolfin the High King rode to angaband and called Morgoth himself out. Morgoth came and they fought for many days. Fingolfin stabbed seven times and each time Morgoth howled in pain for all his powers had left him. But atlast Fingolfin lay dead.

Years passed by and orcs still roamed Beleriand. Dorthonion was evaded and in that land was born Beren. One day his father was assassinated by Sauron and all his men killed. Beren passed southwards and through great perils he came within Doriath. The Girdle of Melian let him pass for he had great power and fate. Beren,tired, slept on the green grass without worry but the peril was near. Heard he did a girl singing a sweet elven song. He ran in the direction of her voice. He saw her. Her beauty stuck his heart like arrows. Called he her Tinuviel Tinuviel. She saw him coming and then sprang away. Luthien was she, daughter of Melian the Maia. The most beautiful of all elven maids. For days Beren lay there and in those days Luthien always came to him and healed him. Days together they roamed the forests until they were betrayed by Daeron the minister. Now Daeron loved the elven child but he could not bear the elf loving a child of man. Thingol called for Beren and so he came to the halls of Menegroth,the city of the thousand caves. Thingol was angry. He asked beren to fetch a silmaril from morgoth's crown and then claim his daughter. Accept he did and set out to Doriath. Luthien was forbidden to leave with him. Days Beren lingered and out of Doriath he came and went to Nargothrond. There Finrod met him, agreed to help him and together they set out with many companions. They came to Minas tirith which Sauron had captured and were ambushed and left them in the pit. One by one they devoured the elves and one time only Finrod remained and Beren. Luthien escaped from Doriath and came to the dark fortress. She rescued Beren after defeating Sauron,with Huan the hound who had found her from the clutches of the sons of Feanor. Beren and Luthien escaped, minas tirith regained, and much was made fairer that day. Sauron was defeated and he fled back to the dark mountains of the north. The doom was near. Beren was hurt by a deadly spear for the sons of Feanor had wayliad him,the reason being they were attracted by Luthien.

To Doriath they came again and healed again he left again without telling Luthien,Beren lingered the lands of Beleriand again and Luthien Tinuviel was imprisoned by her own father. But by some strange power of hers she escaped, and with Huan again she fled and met Beren in the far woods of the north, Taking the guise of a vampire and a wolf Beren and Luthien knocked the gates of Angband. There was the Great Wolf of Angband sitting as a door guard. Luthien put a spell of sleep upon him and they rushed into the dark halls. Morgoth stripped them of their disguises. Luthein then charmed him by songs of the west. Morgoth fell into deep slumber. Beren wrested a silmaril and wanted to take all three but the blade touched morgoth's cheek. Morgoth stirred. They escaped but the dark wolf had arisen. Great fight was fought and then Beren thrust his sword hand into the wolf's mouth. When he pulled out,his hand was buried deep into the wolf. The silmaril burned the insides of the wolf and the wolf ran towards the southern lands. Great peril was unleashed. Beren was called Beren One Hand and he and luthienfell downwards. Orcs were pouring down from Angband when the eagles came to their aid and lifted beren and luthien and dropped them on the borders of Doriath. Luthien and Beren came together to the halls and explained their adventures. Thingol got pity and they prepared for the hunting of the wolf. For the wolf had reached the realm of Doriath.

Beren and the warriors of Thingol set out. For long leagues they marched. They found the wolf. A great fight lurched between Huan the wolf and the evil. Atlast huan slew it but Huan succumbed to his injuries. Beren too was on the deathbed.The elves cut open the wolf's belly and there they found a silver jewel radiating. The Silmaril was in the hands of Thingol. They returned to Menegroth and there Beren breathed his last.Luthien,sorrowful begged the gods to let his soul stay awhile and then she lay herself dead in the forests. Evil came upon the world. The Girdle of Melian grew weaker.The doom had come. Luthien spoke the gods. The gods gave her a choice.To remain with the elves or to die as a mortal. Luthien chose the latter. Life was given back to both of them. And they removed themselves from the reach of elves and men and dwelt for a time in Ossiriand, Land of the seven rivers.

Lands grew fairer in the south where thunders and lightnings scorched the north. The doom was coming slowly. Seeing the successful adventures of Beren, the elves and men began to have hope. The marshalling of the forces had started.

Elf,dwarf and man united in the fields of Tar-nu-fuin. On the other side were men,orcs,trolls,dragons and many other evil creatures. The fifth battle of Beleriand it was, Nirnaeth Arnoediad, The Battle of Unnumbered Tears. Great kings were slain and only two remained of the sons of Feanor. Elves were now only handful. Children and women fled with their lords to the isle. They were under a brave Noldorin lord called Ereinion Gilgalad son of Fingon. Orcs roamed freely. Evil spread across the lands. Turgon was now the High king of the noldor. The elves could have won the day had it not been for treachery and betrayal. Elves and men became estranged slowly,by the arts of the enemy. Huor was slain, Hurin captured by Morgoth. His son was sent to Doriath under the care of Thingol. Tuor son of Hour roamed in solitude under the care of the grey elves. Nargothrond was closed and watches were unceased. Fortresses closed,darkness spread across the wary lands. Sauron recaptured Minas Tirith. Thunders rolled. It was time. The curse of Mandos was fulfilling. Some elves fled eastward and found the realm of Mirkwood,The Greenwood as it was called later. They joined with the already lingering elves. Laurelindenorean was found.And mallorn trees grew there. Those lands blossomed.

But the west had come under grave peril. Turin grew up and with the help of Beleg the Strongbow, he slew many orcs. And one day,Morgoth's curse took its toll and he slew an elf and he ran. He joined the wild men and organised them into a company which he wished to destroy the evil armies. He raised in secret. Dragons flew over the lands, forests caught fire. The power in the River Sirion was fading. Waters were coming in. Ossiriand bloomed. Lindon it was called then. The gods held council but none relented. The elves were under a doom.

And then Turin sought the help of a dwarf called Mim and he took abode there. He refused Beleg's Counsel to return to Doriath and strove to hamper the enemy as well he can. And once he did,he got captured for mim had betrayed him. His men were killed and Turin captured. Beleg rescued him with the aid of another elf. The elf was Gwindor of Nargothrond. But Turin mistakenly slew Beleg and fled with Gwindor to Nargothrond. There he dwelt for a while.

Meanwhile Morwen and Nienor,her daughter, came to Doriath looking for Turin her son. Finding that he had left, she scowled on the elves and left in search of Turin for elven company.

But nargothrond was at doom. The enemy had laid siege and Turin was mesmerised by the dragon. Turin left Nargothrond and continued to Hithlum. He attacked the savage easterlings and then upon finding that his mother had gone away he returned only to find his love,Finduilas dead. He,in his fury went to Brethil and harbored there.

Nienor followed her mother secretly.They had reached Nargothrond. But a great mist came and Nienor looked in the dragon's eye. She forgot who she was then, and ran away and came to Brethil and lay there sleeping. Turin found her,not knowing who she was, called her Niniel and later they married. But the dragon came closing to Brethil but Turin led a company and slew the dragon. And then he fainted. The dragon's spell was released and Nienor was herself again. When she knew what had happened,she jumped herself into river Teiglin and that fall was known as the Deer's Leap. Turin got up and the elves came and helped him. Turin became mad and stabbed himself. This was the saddest tale of all the tales of Beleriand. Hurin was released from Angband and he came slowly to the realm of Doriath.

There finding his wife and children gone,The curse of Morgoth was released. Melian healed him and thence he fled to Gondolin,of all the men he knew where it lied,but Morgoth hadnt been idle,,he now knew where Gondolin lay. Hurin then led himself to Nargothrond. Hurin found Morwen sitting on a rock where she then died in his arms. Hurin maddened went in a hurry to the sea and immersed himself in,finding no meaning in life.

Tour meanwhile got captured by the easterlings and made to thrall in their halls. But he escaped and fled to Nevrast where in the seas,he faced Ulmo,Lord of Waters. Ulmo said to him that he should find Gondolin and warn Turgon of the evil that approaches. Tuor with the aid of an elf found the city of Gondolin and passed the message. Tuor had become proud and refused the counsel and deemed that Gondolin was yet strong, for it was built on the lines of Tirion the elven city in the undying lands. Turin's daughter was Idril Celebrindal and there Tour fell in love with her. With Idril who was wise he led some elves to delve caves and forge otu a way across the mountains.

But in Doriath evil stayed.

The Silmaril heightened stubbornness with the King of Doriath. He wanted to build much. The dwarves of Nogrod were in the halls of Menegroth. The silmaril was then embedded within the Nauglamir. The dwarves when they saw this rightly claimed what was theirs. But Thingol wouldnt relent. Battles ensued,elves and dwarves alike were killed and driven back to their cities. Thingol lay dead. Melian passed the Silmaril to Luthien and Beren and for a while that land was made fair.The sons of Feanor were awakened again and they desired it. But they did not have the courage to face Beren. Melian the Maia passed into the west and the Doriath lay open to the enemies. Dior son of Luthien was made king and the silmaril soon came to him.His daughter was Elwing. The silmaril passed to her. The dwarven host,thirsty for revenge, attacked Doriath. But they were driven back to the forests where they were killed by the ents. Knowing that the silmaril was in doriath, the sons of feanor came with a force and began the second elf slaying. Elves slaughtered each other. Two of feanor's sons were killed. Dior was slain. Elwing fled with the rest of the elves to the havens where Cirdan the Shipwright managed to hold off Morgoth.

Meanwhile Morgoth attacked Gondolin. The eagles fought but to no avail. Tour fled with Idril and his son Earendil and many elves. Glorfindel fought of the Balrog. Gothmog was killed by Ecthelion. The elves of Gondolin reached Cirdan as well and there Earendil fell in love with Elwing.

Together they nurtured the elves and men, the remnants of the battles in the north. Elwing had fled with the silmaril and once again the silmaril shone brightly on the western shores of Beleriand. Doom wrought and the oath of feanor awoken once again, when Earendil was on a voyage in the sea, the sons of feanor struck. The third kinslaying began where elf stood against elf and in that battle only two sons of Feanor survived, Maedhros and Maglor. But they fled eastwards, but carrying two of Earendil's sons, Elrond and Elros.Elwing cast herself into the sea,fearing that the silmaril would land itself in the hands of the wretched sons. But elwing was carried by the sea waves and in the shape of a white heavenly swan brought her to Earendil who then purposed to seek the West, to seek the lords. It was so ordained that when the great sickle arose in the sky, a man would come to gods and beg help from them and plead to them the cause of the eastern lands and those elves and men who were subdued by Morgoth. And Earendil was that man. Many days later, the white ship landed on the shores of Valinor. Through many councils, the army of valinor set forth into the east.In the northern landss of Beleriand,it was joined by the remnant forces and marched against Thangorodrim. Morgoth's army was heavily defeated, all the balrogs died or fled into the east, one of which deposited itself into the black mines of Moria.Greatest of the dragons were killed. and morgoth was bound and shut into the void and on the walls ever kept watch. Sauron was asked to return but he didnt out of shame and fled eastward but ever morgoth's shadow lay upon him. The two other silmarils were retained, the third shining in Valinor. But Maedhros and MAglor stole them but their hands now burnt. The two silmarils now lie embedded deep in the earth and in the water.

Thus ended the first age of the world. And the second age began.From now i must recite it short. Elrond and Elros were given choices whether they wished to be elf or human. Elrond chose to be an elf and stayed with Erienion Gilgalad,the high king of the noldor in middle earth. Elros chose to be human but a long span of life was granted to him and his descendants. From him sprang the seeds of Numenor. A land was granted to those men who had served the elves in the wars northwards, which was in sight of Valinor. They were the men of the west. They grew in power,in wealth,in majesty and ever they were elf-friends, the elves bought them gifts, a white tree, seven palantirs and many besides. Their navies grew and their armies flourished. But as years passed by their greed grew alongwith their power. Their navies scouted many lands in middle earth,building fortresses and castles at will. At the feet of the misty mountains they built Angrenost which they later named Isengard. In the south at the white mountains they built the hornburg. But these fortresses were manned by few men. They built port cities in minhiriath. And all lands flourished for a while, even middle earth. At first the numenoir granted knowledge freely teaching the wilder men of the forests in the east but soon they grew greedy and made slaves among the wild men, driving them often from their lands.

Middle Earth was left peaceful for a while. Elves were still granted to come back to their western abodes. But some still stayed back. Galadriel and Celeborn took some of the noldor to the lands of Eregion, which men call Hollin. There they established friendship with the dwarves of moria. That was the greatest friendhsip ever seen among the elves and the dwarves. Together they learnt many crafts and many arts. Chief among the miners of the elves was Celebrimbor and he was the greatest of all.

Now Sauron forged his evil mind and poisoned the men of the east and spread his evil thoughts among them. Morgoth's shadow still lay upon him.

Now Sauron disguised himselves as Lord Annatar, lord of gifts and came into Eriador. He was shunned by the noldor in lindon, formerly Ossiriand. Beleriand lay under waters. But Sauron found favor among the elves of Eregion and especially among those who took to mining. They learned a lot from him and slowly he poisoned their minds against Galadriel and Celeborn. Galadriel knew who he was and she took the route through moria and contacted the elves of Laruelindenorian, The land of the Golden wood. There she became the lady of Lorien, whose king was Amdir. She also allied them with the elves of Mirkwood who under the rule of Thranduil flourished.

With the aid of Sauron, the elven smiths forged the rings of power. Three rings for the elven kings in the sky, seven rings for the dwarf-lords in their halls of stone, nine for kings of mortal men doomed to die. But Sauron decieved them all. In secrecy he forged the one ring of power that ruled all the other rings in the forges of mount doom, orodruin in the elven tongue, in the depths of shadowy lands. But Celebrimbor came to know of the treachery and hid the elven rings. One he gave to Galadriel, two he sent to the elf-lords in the west, one he gave to Gilgalad and one to Cirdan. The seven rings were scattered. The nine men who had the nine rings came under sauron's control under the leadership of a black numenorean lord, the witch king he was called. Nazgul these men were, ringwraiths, ulairi in the tongues of the elves. Sauron sensed Celebrimbor knew about the treachery. Sauron marshalled his army and sent it into the west, destroying at will. great battles were fought at the field of Eregion. Mount Doom burst into flame once more. Darkness spread over the lands. Celebrimbor was killed. His head slaughtered, put upon a spear he marched upon Celeborn. Celeborn was hard put to defend his armies, but moria came to his aid. With them came the elves of Lorien under Amroth, son of Amdir.Together they fought. Sauron turned towards the dwarves, making them retreat towards moria and then the western gate was shut. Eregion was utterly destroyed and now Sauron marched northwards. The knowledge of the seven rings he stole from Celebrimbor's mind but could not discern where the three rings were. But Sauron guessed and he marched towards Lindon. Lindon was heavily under siege. Gilgalad put his forces and there were some numenoreans that aided them. They held the lines. Elrond was forced to retreat towards the misty mountains and there in the springs of Hoarwell he founded the fortress of Imladris, Rivendell as is known now.Sauron now sent two armies, one towards Lindon and the other towards Imladris.

And both were besieged. But that siege was broken. For aid came from the utter west. A huge fleet of Numenor headed by Lord Aldarion, sent by his king Meneldur arrived in Lindon. the numenoreans swept across the fields sending shivers along Sauron's spies. The numenorean forces were so huge that Sauron's army was like a flower among huge trees. Sauron was heavily defeated. His armies were crushed. The remnants that retreated towards mordor was crushed by another numenorean force that descended southwards in minhiriath. Until only Sauron was left and he fled eastwards cursing numenor and vowing revenge. Eastwards he built the land of Mordor. The Tower of Barad-dur was raised and he assumed a black form. He dwelled there for more than half a age plotting at will and corrupting the men of the east. His shame he could not forget nor forgive. The numenor reached the peak of its glory but slowly the gifts were being lifted. In their greed for power, Numenor slowly withered. They built houses of dead more than the houses of living. They plotted among the elves. The elves of the undying lands ceased to visit them. There remained only as handful of the faithful which dwelled near Romenna. The elves gifted them the seven palantirs or seeing stones. A king later attempted to repair the situation but it was too late and the lords of the west cut all their ties weaving their lands in magic.

chapter - 10

The dark lord sat on his dark throne pondering what he should do. His attempts to assassinate the prince had failed.His goblins had been killed or driven back. The balrog he had sent to capture the prince had also been defeated. He figured now that the prince had many allies in the west and it was time that he took heed to them. In his dark mind he thought that if he could but annihilate the west, he could easily capture and kill the prince.But he also deciphered that the west had the favor of the gods.How he learnt that there was no mystery. The temple for melkor was built.compeletely and everyday sacrifices were made. The question arises that why the evil lord was preparing for melkor's return to middle earth.The questions are answered. Remember the priest who thought the dark lord black magic and sorcery.He was once a servant of Sauron. When the one ring was destroyed and Sauron fell, The servant escaped and came into the east.He was shunned by many and through the peaceful years he wandered. His path was ever laid eastward.After five hundred years of wandering in the wild,he came to know of Valerna.He saw oppurtunities in there and sought admission to the lands of the enemies of Valerna. He knew he had to help Valerna out of troubles and thus would he gain favor with the lord there.When he gained favor with the lord's enemies he volunteered to be a spy and help them from the other side.Thus he gained admission into Valerna.Soon he rose in the ranks of Valerna's administration and soon he was the closest to the king. He taught dark arts to the lord of Valerna and with them the lord defeated his enemies.After some years the lord grew evil in heart and ruled his land tyranny.Then the priest contemplated building a temple for MElkor to pray for the return of melkor and sauron to middle earth.But then there was war and the priest was killed and the evil lord was banished.Then Valerna was freed and and was free til the evil came again.

Now that the evil hath dominated the city,The temple was reconstructed and every day as it went many sacrifices were made.The land which was fair and green was now bleak and cursed. Nothing grew there except thorns of the cactus.The land had become a desert.Trees were being felled, Stones were being hewed,rock was delved,the land was being tortured. Volcanoes erupted making the land hot and emitting poisonous fumes that rent the air with evil things.

Now the evil lord pondered what to do that could annihilate the west. He decided to teach the prince a lesson, he decided to prepare such a host that could go against the west in full force. But this he knew there was no such force he commanded and his goblins were not so much that could storm the west. He came upon an idea. He called his
commander
"Go build me an army worthy of melkor."
The goblin commander knelt down and went to do his job.

The evil had come on an idea. He would replicate the forces prepared.He would conjure up images of the army by his dark magic and make the army huge.

The army got huger for the evil king performed sorcery upon the army.Slowly the gates of the fortress opened.The host set forth. The evil tide was flowing to the west.The evil lord was on top of the temple and was chanting. The poisonous fumes became clouds,thick clouds and the east wind blew it towards the west.The clouds enchanted with magic blew westwards.

chapter - 9

The spider let out a terrible cry.The spider was huge with eight legs and ancient it looked.Its eyes were terrible to behold but its one eye hadnt healed fully from the wound samwise had given it.It had a huge oval body and one of its arms was a powerful and poisonous stinger.The cry bought many elves to the place but they stood far and watched silently for they knew that no arrow could hurt the spider.The prince looked above and could see nothing.He looked back.Elladan motioned above the rock.The oprince slowly moved his way towards the valley below always looking upwards.The spider saw him and sensed her prey.Yes it was a female spider.Always haunting the moutains west and south of Mordor.Suaron knew of her and did not fear her and though he did not own her he called her his cat.

The prince looked above he could see the gigantic spider now.He removed his sword and uttered a short spell.The sword grew red and fire spat from it.The spider jumped from the mountain and to the prince.Slowly it advanced.It raised its stinger and its sword like arms.IT started hitting out at the prince.The prince then and again raised his sword and blocked all her hits with his.
Elladan shouted,"Hit her eyes.Hit her eyes."
He knew her soft spot now.It was here eyes and her body.He ran under her onto the other side the side that faced the mountains.He slowly climbed up the mountain.He got up on the rock.The spider turned towards the rock.The prince jumped onto her.She smelled worse than any orc.He went towards her head and stabbed her on the head thrice that she shook and threw the prince on the ground.The spider now mad rushed at the prince and pinned him and raised its stinger to strike him down.

The prince did not know what do d.He was pinned down.He had no strength to repel that beast and no magic could move it away from the prince.

An arrow came whistling towards he spider's eye but the time was unfortunate coz the spider moved a little and the arrow stuck the psiders jaws.The spider looked towards the elves and let out a terrible cry.The elves trembled.The air became heavier and the elves found it hard to tread the ways towards the prince.The prince had closed his ears.When the cry stopped,he still found himself spinned.He tried to move his hand towards the fallen sword.It still grew red as ever.

The prince uttered "Lastha beth ulell."A bright wind light came and stuck her eyes.She retreated but came dwon soon but the prince was free now.He ran towards he elves.The elves fired arrows.The prince now took a westward turn and rushed towards the light and there he stood in the light.the red swrod could be seen and the spider wouldnt come near him.

"Lasta beth Fellal" the prince said.

The prince moved towards the rock and jumped on it with a speed only the fastest elf could match.The prince then jumped on the spider light following him.The prince was now clever enough to avoid stabbing her head.He stabbed her body instead.Poisonous globules and her blood was spilt.The sword burnt and the burning sensation was felt even by the spider.

The spider threw the prince again.This time the spider went mad and came towards the prince very fast.He could not do anything now.Spent with spell he only wished for some hope.


That very time an axe hit the spider's eye and the spider retreated and from the west came a sturdy dwarf.

The spider having been stabbed in the eye retreated and unleashed her fury on the new come dwarf.She rushed towards hinm but she felt arrows going through hey body and red burning sword in her gut.The sword took all life from her.The spider died and her carcass fell towards the right.The dwarf removed his axe and then slowly went towards the prince.

The prince came and thanked the dwarf.

"Welcome prince of the east and the west.I am Glondir son of Gimli son of Gloin of the Thorin Oakenshield..My father was one of the fellowship."

The elves came forward to meet the new dwarf in glee.Elladan and Elrohir knew him but the other elves did not.The dwarf acknowledged the elves and the prince.

Elladan said,"Of course Glondir,we know you.Son of gimli the elf-friend.With him the ties between the forest and the mountains were renewed.Long have we not seen yo.And you meet us here in the unlikeliest of all places in middle earth.But then,You have aided us in our very need.Why do you fare here and why have you left your place in the Glittering Caves of Aglarond?"

To this Glondir replied,"Well i heard of many things going on eastward,news that orothorn the wizard bought me.He said you might be in trouble upon the roads and he believed you might be forced to take roads of peril.He said something of the enemy and now it seems it is true.You elves are war-weary and your clothes tell me so.I left the glittering caves on orothorn's bidding and travelled long and quick to cover the leagues.Only two days back i was in the city of minas tirith.And then i ve strode many leauges and i found you here fighting that giant of a spider at the right time.If i was even a little late,i would bnot have forgiven myself.My son is the ruling chief of the dwarves now.I have grown old and cant seem to take any rule of any kind now.So i am free and am sent to guide you.You are nowhere near the white city and it is still leagues to the great river.Come now we must march ahead.Time is less and every day lost is evil's time gained.Come Elladan,Come Elrohir,Come Azrud,we have to leave."

"How do you know my name,Glondir?"

"I know many things i nthis world master prince but as for yours Orothorn the wizard told me.Now come.I would see you all safe in minas tirith.There are councils to hold. And the West must hear and understand this new peril at once."

And so the Company marched.

The company passed many valleys and crossed many hills.The dwarf now led them.Soon they came across a summit where they could see a forested valley below.They had reached Ithilien and Gondor.

The Company climbed down the hill faster.They came into the forest lands.The birds were chirping and the trees were hustling.

"Ah This is heaven.Look at the trees grow." said Elladan

"Oh I thought elves referred all forests as heaven.Whats with Ithilien?" said glondir.

"All forest are heaven master dwarf.They are useful to a lot."

"I did not say they were useless."

"What you said almost meant that."

"Ah!I do not hold with living in forests master elf,Tree houses are not to my liking."

"Well they are to us.Tree houses are a shelter in times of need."

"Shelter?Even our mountain halls are a shelter in times of need."

"But they can be broken down."

"Even trees can be cut down.See North Ithilien.Sauron cut most of them and left them to rot.Even men these days are cutting down a lot.Resources they say?Why they cut down for resources i wonder?"

"Let another grow when you cut one."

"Ah i know this,you know this but who will wring sense into stupid men."

"You forget that you have a man in your company master Glondir." said Azrud.

"Hah!You look more like an elf prince.Hope you do not become one.They are delirious."

"You forget there are elves in your company too master Glondir." said Elrohir

"Yes master elf,i know that but what i say is always what i mean.They are delirious.Mad i call them Always laughing at our beards as if they do not grow themselves."

"Well master dwarf.It is time you leanred courtesy."

"You would not say that if you were in my halls.There courtesy to a guest is the primary thing."

"Even so in our halls master dwarf.Ever should you come to Rivendell,you would not be treated badly."

"Again forests.Fortress of the forests.Well it is useless to argue with an elf."

"And so it is with the dwarves.But let our fight end here.We have a long way ahead."

"Ah!there is the one thing that you and i agree upon.The way andyou strike the right cord there.Well,Lets march.We might find some elvess upon the way,.Not far now and we will enjoy their drink."

"Just a few minutes before the dwarf was critisizing the elven courtesy.Now the dwarf seems to have fallen for it."

"No master elf,i was not criticising any courtesy.i was criticising your way of living in the forests."

"Nay do not start it again.Lets march"

The company plunged into the deep frests with the mountains of shadow looming near.

The Company walked amidst the trees.The air was wholesome and not as evil as the paths they took before.They had endured the evilest of paths that still lay upon middle earth. the elves like the forest paths.The dwarf was missing the hardness of stone.The dwarf went on leading the way now.He always steered westward.Always kneeling down and determining which path to take.The paths were chaotic in south ithilien.One could easily lose his way if he foundered.The dwarf took them westwards.But he decided now on taking a northward route.The elven land of ithilien was not nearing and the dwarf sensed he had taken a wrong route.

The dwarf took the northward road.Eastward rose the shadow mountains.The mountains did look like it was seeing them with malevolent eyes.The peaks were bleak.The forests changed after some leagues of travel.Night and day they marched without rest.They had to get to Minas Tirith fast.They would rest a day in the elven realm of Ithilien.Few as the elves were they lived peacefully in the forests thought that land was still under the rule of Gondor.

The Company marched long and the next moment they were under threat of bows and arrows.

The dwarf shouted,"Cool now,it is only me Glondir the dwarf."

The elves laughed,"You still come to drink our barrels of mead,eh?You forget or choose to forget that you drank barrels of mead two days back when you were on your way eastwards.You come soon.And there is no more."

"No No.Now it is the turn of your kindred to take the barrels."

"Elladan and Elrohir,good to see you in the forests of ithilien.Long it is since you travelled through here around three months back.Good to see you alive.And you bring a man with you.He looks like an elf.Kingly and majestic he is.Welcome prince.I am Lindir leader of the elves of ithilen.You are welcome to our halls.You can rest here with peace here.I was once in rivendell.We are but stayin a little while here ere we too take to the sea."

With this the elves took the Company to their halls.

The Company came to the elven halls to find many elves laughing and singing.The trees were happy that they had elves dwelling among them.Their halls were simple and open.No walls surrounded.They had built tree houses and lived on those.They bought food to the Company and they ate them gleefully with both hands open.The dwarf was known to the elves there.The elven leader Lindir invited them to his house.The hall of the elven leader was a little huge.He sat on a small throne enthralled with spells of preservation and growth.It let out a radiation of white light that spelt growth.

"Weclocme all of you to the elven halls of Ithilien.The courtesy of my halls have grown less of late.For my people have taken to the wide seas and the elven homes.Hope you are not discomforted."

"No problem,Lindir" siad the dwarf,"Your barrels of meads make up for the loss."

Lindir laughed aloud,"You drink much dwarf much more than can be thought of in such a dwarf lord."

"Well if a man can pursue a passion, why cant a dwarf?"

"I do not have any objection dwarf.Well Elladan and Elrohir,i havent had time to greet you enough.Now tell me what doom do you bring to us out of the east?"

"Evil is preparing in the east.War is coming.WE must prepare."

"We do not have any strength left to fight any evil lords.We cannot fight.Perhaps i should consider leaving these lands soon to the Undying Lands."

"Well i donot say flee lindir,Elves have fled all along.I know elves can no longer bear the burdens of middle earth and they have fought long against the dark lords of old but i will not have us flee now.The dominion of men is still running in middle earth but the elves should not utterly forsake it.I suggest you to retreat to osgiliath or minas tirith and add to their forces.Or come with u to Rivendell from where you can take to the sea if you want.But do not speak of fleeing."

Lindir smiled,"Well too many ages have i desired to see he light of the forsaken west.Now you tell me to abandon my desire for sake of safety of middle earth.But nay,i would not.The evil is too much.These lands are always laden with sorrow.We will help as we may but soon we will take to the harbors.Harlond is not far away."

"I doubt you will be able to flee that way.If i am not mistaken the enemy may yet poison the Corsairs of Umbar to fight alongside him and then you will be doomed.Naa i say stand and fight.Regain you honour and valour."

"What you say is probably right.We will stay for a few years.But i greatly desire to see the Undying Lands."

"May you see it yet Lindir."

"Yes.But now Prince of the east.A heir of numenor i am told.The great grandchild of Elfivril i hear.Good that you have come back.Though i come to you last may it not occur to you that you are forgotten O great prince.Kingly you look and elf too.Welcome and though your stay is less here we look to see the most of you.It is long since your ancestors left Gondor.But now you are welcome back."

"And yes the sons of elrond,The king of Gondor wants to see you as fast as possible.He asked me that if you should pass by this land by the midsummer's eve you should be asked to do so.And that is now near.And since you are travelling to the white city,i guess you should meet.I do not know the purpose of this message but i was bidden and i have done.The message arrived in haste and also it said to us to send the heri of numenor with great pomp and so we have prepared these clothes for you prince.You shall wear these and go to minas tirith.The white city and the realm of Gondor welcomes you heartily."

"How could the news of my existence reach the king?"

"Orothorn the wizard of course.He has great ways of travelling."

"Hah that he has.Well i would not be so worried if i could have some more barrels of these mead you have given me."

The elves laughed.

Dawn arose quickly.Sunlight could be seen in between the leaves of the trees.The Company woke up and got ready to march.They had a long march ahead still.

They found the elves of thilien woken up.The prince and the Company dressed in the arrays provided to them.The Company began to depart.At that time,Lindir the Elf came to them.

"Farewell Company of the east.May you have a great journey ahead.May the light of Elbereth speed you with hope and goodwill of all the elves.It is still fifteen leagues from here to the Crossroads and from thence ten lagues to the eastern marches of Osgiliath.I
ask you to take the westward road from the crossroads and go towards osgiliath.Find the secret ways.I think Glondir,you know them pretty well.The ways lead under the river to the western city of Osgiliath and from there you can take the road to Minas Tirith.Now Fare you well and i have provided food and drink to last upto your journey or atleast till Osgiliath.If you want to hhunt there is lot of game ahead.Now go with all speed and let not the darkness trouble you.Farewell."


The Company left the tents and marched north.The marched through long dales ever nearing the mountains of Shadow.Fifteen leagues they traversed.Trees grew everywhere.They came to a pint where four roads converged.One led to the north other to the east and other to the west.The southward road they had tread.

Glondir said,"Well this road goes north to the plains of Dagorlad."

"Dagorlad" exclaimed the prince,"Is that not the place where the battles werre fought?"

"Yay,The battles of the LastAllaince and the Black Gates.And this is the eastward road that leads to the city of Minas Morgul,formerly a city of Gondor named Minas Ithil,City of the moon and the Stars.It was utterly destroyed on command of the great king and its evil is now completely subdued.Now we take the westward road.It is not far from Osgiliath now since these are the Crossroads that Lindir spoke of.Now west we go and find the secret passages."
The Company now went west. The Company strode for many leagues.They came upon a path that Glondir knew that would take them to the secret doors.Wind galed heavily on this day that it was difficult to stand against it.It was the west wind.They could now see small hillocks that were rising in the west.The hillocks were covered with forests and only one path led them and that was the westward road from the crossroads.But there were many secret paths that led into the forests to secret places of arms that were used in times of war.Henneth Annun was one such place.They had decided to rest there in the night..Glondir knew the path though it was restricted to any out of Gondor.But Glondir was a descendent of the member of fellowship and so he was allowed in gondor's secret places.

They reached Henneth Annun in the evening.They prepared their beds and some elves went to prepare their food.The elves of Ithilien had given them much.Elladan and Elrohir took the prince and showed him the intricacies of Henneth Annun.They showed him the great waterfalls.There were many such waterfalls in Ithilien but the one in Henneth Annun was the most majestic of them all.It was the wonder of Gondor.

"There are but two ways out of this secret arms place.The one through which we approached and the one path which is hedged with stones like swords they are.We are going to leave by that road.It will take us to the secret door and thence to Osgiliath and we will rest there another night." said Glondir.

"Nay we will go straight to Minas tirith.No more resting.I do not think it is far to minaas tirith now.The whitecity is nearer than you think master dwarf."

"Yay,but master princemust have the strength to debate with the king of Gondor.And so he must rest the night and and ride the day.It is but two leagues to Minas tirith from Osgiliath."

"Yes but now we must give thought to rest.Let us prepare some food."

The Company having prepared the food ate it and swiftly.For Glondir purposed to reach Minas Tirith as fast as possible.He was not counting on resting nights at Osgiliath.

Morning came and the Company marched again.Through the paths they strode and many hills the climbed until they reached a door.They stood for a while.They looked westwards.They could see a great curve of The Great River.and also The White Mountains.

"Which is that river?"

"The Great River Anduin.Arises above the carrock in the far north by the misty mountains,flows down many lands through the Argonath and Rauros it comes through osgiliath and passes down south until it goes past Pelargir and joins the sea at Ethir Anduin.Those mountains are called the white mountains which we call Ered Nimrais.On the southern shoulder stands the white fortress of Minas Tirith."

Gondor O Gondor
The lands near the sea
Whenever i pass by thee
My face glows with glee

The coast is clear
With gulls
Reminding me of the sea
Gondor O Gondor
The lands of elven glee

Langstrand and Lebennin
The great green lands
Pelargir and Amroth
The place by the sea

Swans are common
Birds chirp
That is what the elven want
They clap their hands with glee

Fortress there is
that is white
Whiter than that of light
City there is
That stands amidst the great river
is the Citadel of the Stars

Gondor O Gondor
My paths npow lay towards thee
Every step i take upon the
gleeful road that my heart always beat
and now i come to thee
To save thee,to preserve thee
from evil and dark shores of the east

White and snowy the mountains tall
stand upon the walls
The beacons there are of old
That were used in war
in need in times of doubt

The lands of Anorien
The fields of Lebennin
The grey parts of Pelennor
The waterfalls of Ithilien
The isles of Andros
All are great
And within the great
The realm of Gondor

Green they stand
Brown they are
in times of spring
The west wind blows
Always the west stands
with the time
to help the Gondorin
lands

Gondor O Gondor
My paths are always laid to thee
My friends city
The great city
The realm fair and just
The rulers great and old
Elf firends of old

Thus sang Elladan.
Singing this, The Company got into the secret gates

The Secret Gates.The door was built of stone covered with green creepers.Glondir muttered a dwarven spell.The door opened and The Company marched in.There was a small path that led straight into the earth.The path was dark but after going inside the path was lit by torches.The path led deep into the earth and for many leagues it led straight neither tuening left nor right.There suddenly loomed a stone.A huge stone.On it were some runes carved.The seal of the king of Gondor was inscribed upon the stone.When they came the stone fell blocking their path.Glondir muttered another spell.The stone stood erect and let The Company pass.
They walked far underneath until they came to another stone which had to be passed the same way before.There were different spells for different stones and onl one who knew them all could reach the walls of Osgiliath.The eastern walls loomed nearer for once again the path took to open land with tres growing on the sides.They were on the nearest hillock from where east osgiliath could be seen.The path was a trough deep enough for a man to jump and die.There were holes bored into the ground to see the city.The path took underground again and passed many other stones.They were under Osgiliath.
The path then climbed underground, very deep.Stairs led them downwards.Then the path turned narrow and could only allow one at a time and was dark and there were not lit torches.But the paths were very well maintained for there were no broken slabs.The paths were made of stones made by the dwarves and men.The river flowed now above.The sound of the waters hitting the river bed could now be heard.This went on for two leagues when the riverwas at its widest.Then suddenly the Company climbed upstairs and up they went and came to the open air.Many men were moving hither and thither.They had reached the western shores of Osgiliath.

They had not smelled much of the open air since the grey morning.The Company had reached osgiliath which was just a few leagues from the white city.

"This city is called Osgiliath.Citadel of The Stars.It was the primary city of Gondor before when the days were happy.But then after darkness began to spread from Mordor, The people were shifted to minas tirith.There was a dome here on the western shows but it got ruined in the kinslaying wars.It held the main palantir of Middle Earth.It disappeared in the evil days.No one knows where it is but i guess it can now be found deep on the beds of the sea or in the great river.The city fell in ruins but it was ever the frontier of war between men and Sauron.Now are happeir days and people are returning to live both on the eastern and the western shores though the western shores are more populated.Osgiliath is under unceasing guard these days.You can see up there.Tall men with white spears wearing the lingery of Elendil.They are the City Guards they are called.This city is under the rule of the Stewards of Gondor and Elthivir descendant of Faramir rules this city and also Ithilien as far as Dagorlad.Their citadel is on the eastern shores and the bridge is rebuilt.We chose to came by the secret passages for we did not want any to see you yet prince of the west.For so you must be now under cloak.For the king himself will announce you to the people.So wear this cloak now and march forth.Do not worry of the guards.Here are elf-friends of old.When you approach the sixth gate of Minas Tirith, reveal yourself and climb the stairs.You will be allowed into the city without the passwords." said Glondir

"Well,if it must be so it must be.But Glondir,you speak as if you were not coming to minas tirith." said the prince

"I am coming.But i must instruct you as the king instructed me.You are naive to the culture and habitual tendencies of the Gondorin people.They are Numenoreans and they have weird cultures not to say adopted from the delirious elves."

"Well Glondir you should not take out the topics again.There is friendship now between elves men and dwarves and all free peoples of this free world.So do not tense yourselves." said Elladan"

"Well i apologise master elf but dwarves forget rarely and i do not warily forget that my grandfather was imprisoned in the caves of Mirkwood though it was years ago."

"Master Glondir,I think that issue was long resolved.So better do not dwell on it much longer.It will only lead to worse situations.Well master prince, Here the elves must say farewell to you.They are tired and now isnce you are safe in Gondor, I do not thin k that they should linger here much longer.Though I and Elrohir will accompany you to the white fortress for we also much desire to speak with the king of Gondor."

"It will be a sad loss, You elves have accompanied me from many leagues.It is not easy to forget and I am in your gratitude forever."

"It is a sad farewell prince but it is a necessity.We need time now to think of our departure from Middle Earth.But worry not.Maybe you will still see us in the divine valleys of Rivendell which we call Imladris." said Gilvaen one of the elves.

"Maybe and i hope so.Farewell dear elves.May we meet again under the bright sun.May not the darkness trouble and may the stars of Elbereth shine upon you.Elen sila Limenn Omentielvo."

"Namarie" said the elves and the elves marched away.

It was sad,But Elladan and Elrohir now wrapped themselves and along with Glondir and Gerold and their men marched westwards.

The Company moved westwards. They left the city of Osgiliath and were traversing the roads to the white city.Yes.The Company could see the white city clearly.Majestic it looked as it sat upon the shoulders of Mount Mindolluin. Minas Tirith. City of The Kings.

The road led through the grey fields of the Pelennor where the great battle was fought against Sauron ages ago. But many now remembered it. Since there were many sorrows and many joys that associated itself with these fields. Here it was that King Theoden of Rohan gave up his life and here also it was that the Witch King of Angmar was killed. Many people had died and many people injured but there was victory and the sound of the western trumpets held high on that day.The cities lost were recaptured but many were injured to death. Here it was when Aragorn lifted his high banner, the banner of the West, the banner of the Numenoreans, The white tree and the silver stars. Here it was that the sword of Elendil shined and drove many enemies into fear,into oblivion.

They rode fast.They had to reach Minas Tirith fast.The city had a high history.Built in the second age of middle earth to serve as a retreat from Osgiliath the primary seat of the king. High it stood and the winged crown of Gondor was held with reverence.But the seat was shifted in the dark days that followed later. Minas Anor it was called then the Tower of The Setting Sun For Minas Ithil was the Tower of the Rising Moon. When Minas Ithil was captured by the Nazgul, it was renamed Minas Morgul the Tower of Sorcery and then Minas Anor too renamed itself Minas Tirith, Tower Of Guard.

There were many cattle feeding on the grass and many farms where there were different crops feeding the people of Gondor.Ther were many yards and farm-houses upon the fields and there was a great wall that marked the boundary.There was a gate sumwhere on the northern side from where the road led to the isle of Cair Andros. Another road led to the kingdom of Rohan which passed through the forests of Anorien.

The Company reached a summit where they could descry the great gates of Minas Tirith.

"Here at last we reach your dream, Prince Azrud. The white city of Gondor. The jewel of the Numenoreans and of Middle Earth. It is the apostle of peace and King Eldathon rules this city and is the supreme king of the western lands. Here you shall dwell and live to your content prince. For this city now welcomes you to your home. So there it is as Bilbo the Hobbit said There and Back Again." said Glondir.

"That is a great quote,MAster Dwarf.And look now to the great gates.They are very strong and can repel now any attack.They are made of mithril. and cannot be broken." said Elrohir.

"Yes.Mithril.It is a wonder.We dwarves dwelled greedily for it and awoke the nameless fear.But now that it is dead, we continue to dwell in the mines of Moria and at the Aglarond."

"The nameless fear?"

"Yes.It was a Balrog of Morgoth.The one similar to that one you faced upon the mountains before the first crossing."

"That is evil. But now what?"

"Go inside the city.Look master prince.The great gates open up to the first level.There are six more such levels and at the topmost level lies the Citadel of the King.The gates are not in a straight line as you will observe.And the road is criss-cross. Well we must ride. and do not worry.Do as you are told."

The Company rode and soon it came to the Great Gates.

The Company passed through the great gates. They rode through.Glondir had to let himself up Elladan's horse. The city was built of stone at first but then since the attack of Sauron on the city years ago, but now the city was remade built of mithril and white stone which the dwarves delved in the Aglarond. The city was now stronger than before and could not be so easily destroyed. The Gate was entirely built up of mithril. The Company rode through the six levels.In all levels there were houses and shops and inns and other things of great interest.The walls and the houses were intrinsically carved. There was much space between the walls and the mountains.There were children playing and people looking out at the new arrivals through their windows.It was almost afternoon when they reached the sixth level. They had to let go the horses and climb upstairs to the last level.They climbed up.

"Now you can remove your cloak,prince of the west.Show yourself and carry yourself with pride for you are a descendant of Numenor.Now rise up to your heritage and show yourself who you rightly are." said Elrohir

The prince removed his cloak.His hair flew when the west wind struck him.He looked kingly,godly and tall.He was like an elf as well he looked like a man.He was fair as an elf but his hair was as black as a man's. The tower guards kneeled before the prince and to the elves and let them pass.On a garden place,The prince saw the White Tree of Nimloth, in full flower.The tree looked beautiful as Telperion from younger days.The prince was led into the citadel and then the door was closed.

The prince and the Company were led through the great hall.The hall was big enough to hold all the men of Middle Earth if they were assembled there. There were many chairs in the hall were atleast numbering a twenty all in silver, On those sat distinguished men. There was a silver dais leading upto a golden throne. On the chair below the dais on the left sat Orothorn the wizard and on the right sat Elthivir The Steward. Right next to Orothorn sat a grey figure. The prince did not know who he was, clad in similar fashion to Orothorn but clad in grey all over from the head to the bottom. He noticed Orothorn too but he was clad in all brown when last he saw he had worn blue.The prince was surprised.

The prince did not know who the grey figure was.The grey figure also had a grey staff.It was adorned with a jewel which shone in the lights of the hall.The light gave the hall more aura than it ever stood alone without it. The prince moved his head towards Elladan's head.

"Who is this man in grey who looks similar to the wizard we met before?"

"He is Radagast the Grey Wizard.The Grey Wizard formerly was Gandalf when Saruman was white but when Saruman fell into evil,Gandalf became the white and Radagast who was brown became grey.And now so it is with Orothorn he is now brown.We have to hear yet his story about how he reached here and how he is brown.Come.Walk now.Hold your head high."

The prince looked now to the silver dais.A person sat there with a silver crown.same as his. As the prince approached, The king got up and said
"Welcome to Gondor O mighty prince of The east.You are welcome here and now come,You are tired i guess but yet we should hear the news you bring at the earliest so that we may think so as to what to do.We have great counselors here and you shud not fear.Your words do not go out of here.Come now tell your tale so all may hear."

The prince saw the king.He was a very tall,majestic figure wearing a silver crown on his head much similar to what he had. The king was fair and handsome,his age seemed to be near thirties.He looked young and sometimes even old.His eyes were deep and black that if one could see his eyes directly,he could be lost in the depths of his eyes. Wisdom sat on his brow, even for one so young as him.Strength was in his arms. The king wore a green shirt having the symbol of the white tree and the seven stars.The king looked like an elf though he was a man gifted with long years of life. The king's hair was a combination of gold and black and his hairs were tied at the back.The king climbed down the silver dais and came to the prince and looked directly in his eyes.
"Come now.Tell your tale and let us here about this menace of the east so that all may seek counsel and prepare for war if it must be fought. Come now tell your tale. I know you are tired but the tale must be told from the first. And then you can rest. Speak."
The prince narrated his tale from the first when his city Valerna was attacked.He told the king much save the dreams that had come to him and the scrolls and the prophecies and about the inner details of Hawkeye and his men.
The king then came near the prince.
"You do not tell all my friend. I guess somewhat of what you have hidden from me.And maybe it is wise of you to keep things to your own which you wish to keep private to yourself.Well i have guessed it and i will ponder upon it. This will not go outside of my mouth.it is a king's word."
Saying this the king climbed up the silver dais.But before he did he gave the prince a knowing look.The king sat on the throne.

"Well this is an evil and grave news.I have to ponder the meaning of this message.The meeting is dismissed.There shall be a council soon.I have sent word to all who i know in this wide world." He looked to the prince,"You may go now and rest dear cousin.Quarters are prepared for you."He motioned for his servants.The prince went with them.

"Well.We all should seek counsel for this peril and we have less time. I do not know what the evil lord will attempt next. This is a complicated riddle and we must solve it. Seeing the strength of the evil lord, I doubt that the strength of Gondor will avail."
At this the grey figure got up.
"Well.All who live to see such times indeed find them as complicated riddles.No my lord,Thou shalt not falter.Prepare for war and look for allies. There are many friends and you are not alone in your fight." said Radagast.
"Yes. We elves will fight beside you with our full strength and there are the dwarves. Even the kingdom of Arnor is there beside you. And there is Rohan also. You have called a council and all will come to know the peril of the west.So you are not alone in the fight my king and dearest friend. All will fight beside you and there are many lands that will be under siege and you do not know them yet. The forests in the north holds strange things and who knows, they may yet be your allies in your wars. The evil lord is strong yes, but tell me O King, when did you hear of evil gaining a victory over the good.No my lord.The evil is going to come crushing down when the forces of the west storm upon it. Rest your doubts my lord and rest yourself." said Elrohir.

"Yes.I was wrong to despair so soon.Nah I will not despair.Gondor shall prepare for war.But always peace seem to be disturbed. When Sauron fell, it was deemed that evil was ended forever but i guess it is not so. Ever the evil rises in Middle Earth and ever the good shall fight.This land is made for war it seems and there is little time for peace. Well sons of Elrond, will you come into my chamber two hours from now.I have some counsels to take and messages to give. "
"So be it my lord. Now we wish to leave this hall and rest ourselves.We are tired from our journeys."
The king smiled,"Seldom is it heard that the elves tire.But i have no questions.Go and rest.And Glondir,you may also leave.You are sharing the prince's quarters."
The council was dismissed then.

Two hours later, Elladan and Elrohir were led into the king's chamber.The chamber had walls that shone like gold.Beautiful curtains were put up that reminded them of the sea. There was a sweet fragrance that reminded them of their home. There was a golden bed and a huge table laden with fruits and food. But the king was not there. The sons of Elrond were led through the chamber and to a great balcony that looked towards the east.The balcony was accessed by a wooden door plated with golden and silver accessories.There were silver white curtains that covered the door on either side. The servant opened the door and Elladan and Elrohir passed through it.The servant went back to the room.Fresh air from the south whistled past them. It was the air that came from the Sea. Gulls were flying at the harbor of Harlond. The call of the gulls. It was regarded as the call of the West. The elves chose not to see it unless their hearts be turned from their destiny and fate.

The king stood alone in the balcony.He looked gravely into the east.He started muttering something as if he knew the elves had already entered the balcony without seeing them.Then he said loud
"I amar prestar aen(The world is changed)
Han mathon ne naen(I feel it in the water)
Han mathon na chaen(I feel it in the earth)
A Han noston ned gwilith(I smell it in the air)
The enemy is moving in the east."

"Yes the enemy is moving. The world that once was is not the same. We all know that but we must weather the storm." said Elladan

"You know not what the enemy's move is. The forces of the enemy are moving in the east. Tens of thousands. Goblins,Orcs,Wolves,Men. They are coming."

"We do not understand O King."

"I looked yesterday into this".He held in his hand a Palantir."Thousands are approaching. The enemy moves to strike the city of Minas Tirith."

The two elves were shocked and surprised that they let it show on their faces.

"I know you are shocked by this new revelation but so it is. The host has already left the dark city. It will be here in a few months.But time passes quickly. We are ill prepared. We must now do something quick. I have already asked the commands to go to the training field and start the preparation. All the craftsmen have been asked to repair the damaged walls and houses and make them stronger to resist. Glondir has ridden away to Aglarond to warn them of the peril and the dwarven host will arrive in a few days time.At the same time Rohan also will be warned.The leaders of elves dwarves and men will arrive in two days time and on the third day, we hold a council."

"What do you want us to do,my friend and king?" asked Elrohir

"Send for aid my friend.The elven company took off from Osgiliath.You must ride north and find them and bring them here. I have sent Elthivir The Steward to Osgiliath.All our forces in Ithilien will be drawn back to the western shores.Most of the soldiers will be here in minas tirith.Scouts have been sent eastward and southward. All Gondor is now busy with preparations. The armed forces of the south may not be in time to reach us for they have been asked to look out for any attacks from the riverside.The enemy host may come from the shadowy paths or from the northward regions of Dagorlad. We do not know yet. The host left yesterday night and walks at great pace.You must go north and gather elves as they are willing.We need aid as the host is too huge for Gondor to face alone."

"We elves will fight and all will.Do not be troubled lord.You are not alone."

Elladan and Elrohir left the chamber.The king stood in his camber long gazing into the east.He had seen the peril approach in the palantir.He need to talk about this with the prince. Only the prince knew what kind of army the evil might send forth. The doom was nigh at hand. He had to do something fast.

the prince meanwhile was led into the chamber after the king asked him to rest. His room had walls silver white with golden curtains.There were round windows and there was small balcony that looked eastwards.When standing there once could view as far as the eastern boundaries of Ithilien.There was a huge golden bed and there were pillows comfortable.He would be sleeping long he guessed after tiresome journeys.The prince slept for a while. But he could not sleep.He went to the balcony and gazed till the farthest his eyes could see. He looked down as far as Osgiliath.He could see there was some activity going on there.People were moving here nd there and a company of them were coming towards the fortress.Thus he gazed for two more hours when he could sense someone entering his room.

The prince went back to the chamber inside.He saw the king himself come into his room.
"Welcome,lord.What is the reason that brings you here lord,you could have just sent word and i would have come myself."
"Nay,prince.Do not speak as though you are my servant.You are free to do as you want.You forget that you are a heir of Numenor as well.I know it and so do you.But i have a reason to come here.I need counsels."
"Counsels?"
"Yes.Counsels.You may not know this.But i got a message.The enemy of the east plans to attack this city.Minas Tirith and Gondor is under threat of war.I have pulled my forces to the western shores of the great river.I have called for aid and there will be a council on the third day from here."
Shock emanated from the prince but the prince stood tall.
"This time the enemy wont get us.He will flee from my blade."
The king laughed loudly.
"You are no doubt brave and of much strength but there is something that is closed to your eyes.The enemy hath now become very strong.He is sending out tens of thousands of goblins and orcs and wolves.This only i could see. But The enemy might send more. Gondor do not have the strength to fight such kind of a force. The aid to us may come late and we have to stay them till then.The enemy is walking fast and we have three months time to prepare and assemble."
"Three months.That is time.We have hope.Send word to Rohan,my lord.They may come fast."
"I will convey my message at the council.But come,you must know something of the enemy's moves.You have met them before and know some of their tactics in arms."

At that moment a servant came into the chamber and announced that there were some elves waiting to meet the king in the courthall.

"Ask them to wait.I will be there in a moment. Come prince.To the courtyard we go.We have much to talk."

The king and the prince climbed up to the citadel and reached the courthall.
There were some elves some twenty in number waiting for the king to come.They hd some news that was obvious.
When the king and the prince entered the court, the elves turned around.They were the same elves they had met in Cuivienen who had refused to come along with them.

The king seated himself on the throne.He motioned the prince also to sit on a chair next to him. The elven leader,he was called Thorvir, came forward.

"Hail King of the west.The doom is near.We are elves from far Cuivienen.We fled from the place since now it is defiled by evil things that ve come out of the east.Hail prince,we have met before and we should have heeded your words.The enemy is searching for you high and low over the distant lands and am glad to know that you reached here safely."

"Well do not mind that Thorvir.i spoke in good deed and i understand your affection to your homeland.But tell me clearly O leader of the elves, what made you flee the lands that you very much loved?"

"Evil things came out of the east.A huge force came upon us.We were outnumbered and fled west.Many were killed.Those that remain are here."

"It is sad to hear that the sweet land of Cuivienen is defiled and grown evil.Well such as you are,art welcome here."

At this the king interfered,
"I already do know that the host has set forth.Its main purpose is to attack the city of minas tirith as the enemy already knows that the prince has reached here.His spies are abroad both in the lands and in the sky.Your news is stale to me but it grieves me.I feel sad to hear about your land.AS the prince said,you art welcome in this city and you shall stay hereforth or go as you wish. But i request you to stay for we can fight together against the evil that draws nigh.The day has come when elves and men will stand together again in this world."

"Yes,my lord. We choose to stay.Other elves under my command are outside."

"How strong are you now,Thorvir?"

"Atleast five hundred we are.and all uinder your command O king of western lands."
Saying farewell and thanking the king, the elves went out of the curt hall.

After the elves left, The king and prince held council.

"The enemy is moving faster than i thought.We should do something.There is pretty less time and we are ill prepared. The elven brothers have left minas tirith to find and bring the elven host that left from osgiliath.So we are weakened.Glondir too has gone.We have only you with us and the army of Gondor.But it will not suffice."

.At that moment a soldier of the battalion of the tower guards came running,


"My lord,There are some creatures flying above.Huge and mighty they seem.They are flying fast and towards the city.What should we do?Shall I command the archers to shoot?"

The king looked in the eyes of the prince.The prince got up.
"Nay,soldier.Let them come."

The king and the prince walked down the hall and passed out through the door.The prince could see many birds,a thousand at least flying towards them.They were coming fast. The prince could see one bird leaving the huge company and coming towrds him.The prince recognized him instantly.He was Grisithnor chieftain of the Griffs.They had met before.

The huge creature alighted in front of them.
"Hail prince of the erstwhile east.As i told i have returned and fulfilled my word.You are also safe in minas tirith and we hold true to our word that we fight alongside you.We place ourselves under your command prince.The doom approaches nigh and the city is vain in front of it."
"I accept your company wise one. You shall fight for the west.But what thou sayeth is true. Doom approaches and we have need to weather the storm. The doom of the west has come."
The Griff turned towards the king.
"Hail King of Gondor. In my folly, i failed to honour you but i do so now. Though you are honored last but no less than the others. We are proud to fight alongside men."
The king was still awestruck.
"My Lord" said the prince.
The king woke up from his trance and said,"Though you pay me respects last, I do not have any grudges against you. We are proud and really honored by this alliance. You shall fight for the prince and in turn the numenorean realms and that of the West.You and your company shall be declared free in Gondor and elsewhere when you are noted amongst the Company."
"You are wise beyond reckoning,king of men. The doom approaches and we are exchanging pleasantries.The Griffs have offered you their claws and beaks and feet. So I wager putting them to some use"
"You do not have wait long O Grifflord.The enemy is near and closing upon us."
"So shall it begin.War is coming."

The Griff lord sought farewell and asked permission to live in the mountains above minas tirith. This the king granted in good will. The king and prince went to the brink of the piece of land that was made in the mountain when it was delved.From there they could hold view of all the eastern lands.The king pointed out osgiliath to the prince.
"There the army shall stand.Swift archers and swordsmen and some cavaliers.Elthivir will command them. We must look also the defence of the Pelennor. You see the wall around the fields prince.Yes. There i hae posted many archers of minas tirith. The others are scouting or defending the fortress walls. The gate to Cair Andros is barricaded and closed."

"What about that isle,my lord?"

"We will defend it yet.Cair Andros has its own army battalion. It is about a thousand but i will not send any more.We must look forward to help from Rohan and the dwarves."

The clouds started appearing above the mountains of shadow.
"That is no weather of the world. The enemy sends darkness ahead of its host. The Shadow approaches."

The cloud's arrival filled the city with despair.They looked as if there were huge towers that would fall down upon them as lightning.But clouds did not seem to move an inch beyond the shadow mountains.

"That is no mere clouds.They are magical things.I have faced them before."

"You have.yes you have.Maybe you can tame it for us." said one small looking creature who had come up from behind.

"Who are you?And tame it.You take this as a kind of joke or something?The very cloud and air is evil."

"AS for me who i am..." He stopped and went running round and round the white tree.
The king was amused but he kind of knew him and what he was doing.