chapter - 8

Six Days since they left Cuivienen.The days had been fruitful.No event or battle had taken place and the evil seemed to have left the pursuit.They were happy the Company.
The lands west of Cuivienen were green.The elves and men both alike liked that part of their journey.Their path took them through different forests and different lands.In all the lands green fields came in their path.Elves liked these lands..They remembered it only when the eldar lords used to speak of them.Forests cane and went by.There different trees that grew there.Rowan trees especially.They had no worries about food.They could get in plenty.There was an abundance of game.They could hunt at lesiure.Every day they had two brief halts for rest.On the way they met many men.Strange they were to the prince.They looked weird had rings on their ears.Always having some turban like cloth upon their head.They farmed these lands.When they did approach them, the men regarded them as wizards as sorcerers that wished to ensnare them into their spells. For elves were regarded as sorcerers.They said elves did magic all along.They did not like them, For they thought they had bought doom and war upon middle earth. They could not forgive the West for interfering in their matters. Sauron's evil had cast an evil shadow upon them.Even after their fall, the shadow did not entirely leave them. Though they did not wish to go to war,they still hated the West.Usurpers they called them.Especially the numenoreans who were said to be friends of the elves.They said these usurpers came with magic and staffs and bright swords and murdered their kinsmen and ravaged their lands.Sauron had kindled this evil and so they had marched in his war against the west but they were defeated and their lord was banished from the earth.They said then even that the west had cast powerful spells upon their lord who they had deemed powerful enough to cover the west in darkness.Sauron had promised them rich lands in exchange of alliance.But now since the fall of Sauron they were silent.

They had become too weak.And they did not wish war since they believed now that war was useless and they had to surrender to the will of the numenoreans if they ever came eastwards. But the western people never came east for they did not wish and were happy within their own borders.The west had started trading with the east. Though the people of the eastern lands made exchanges with the western lands, they never liked them and could not percieve their kindliness. The East had always misunderstood the west. So it was since the seeds of evill cannot be fully overthrown nor can the evil influence could wholly be destroyed.The shadow still lingered in places where people bore grunts towards the west but there weere many who submitted and that for peace. And peace they had.It was a thousand years since Sauron's fall.

The Company stood in a green dale in the afternoon.They halted for rest.Cool wind smashed across their faces.

"Ah!The cool wind."

"Yes the cool wind.It is coming from the sea." said Elladan

"The sea?How far is the Sea?"

"Seventy leagues south as the crow flies. We are now in the southern vborders of Rhun."

"Rhun.We should take to the sea.i much desire to see it."

"The time has not yet come for you my friend.For if you go now south you will reach Umbar and men there are not too friendly.And if u do we will be late in reaching the walls of Minas Tirith."

"What an ill fate?Being so near the see i cannot even see it."

"Curse not your fate,prince.You will have the good fortune to see it and and measure its holiness.Ah the sea!i know what is going on in your mind.We elves feel it much for it is ever the desire of our hearts.The Sea is our desire."

"Now sleep in the fresh air and take rest. We have a long march ahead."

The company made ready to march.

The prince went up to Elrohir who was looking to the east.
"What are you doing?Why are you looking towards the foul east?"

"I have a feeling that evil is following us.The very air now is foul.A foul wind has come up from the east bringing dismay upon elves and men alike.Look at them.How sad they are?many cares lie upon them.They look like old age has stricken them.See your men prince.Half of them look to the east and fear is cast upon them.Look to the horizon friend,clouds are gathering in the east.That is not the weather of the world.It is still spring and rain doesnt come in the spring.It is still months to expect rain and we arent near the sea yet.Those arent rain clouds.They are made of some fume that the dark lord makes.Its magic some call some kind of sorcery that the enemy brews to dishearten us.We must move quick.This place is not safe anymore to linger.

Elladan, pack up the bags quick.Be wary.Make ready the bows and arrows. I fear the lands throug hwhich we came.I can see figures hunting for us.They are far but it wont take them long to find our prints and come on us.We have to move a good deal tonight.We will not rest till tomorrow afternoon.Quick we march.We have been too slow."

Elladan said "Yes you are right.The sooner we reach the safe walls of minas tirith the better. Men here are not friends and they will not help us.Though there is a small town just five leagues north of here,they would not give us shelter or food or take us into protection.They detest us.We have to flee now.West we go."

"Both of you brothers telling me to flee.What pride will that be when we flee from the enemy."

"We cannot afford to lose you prince.We are under orders.If it were otherwise we would stand to our very death.But the enemy has become too strong.With the fall of Sauron we deemed that now evil was banished forever.But as Gandalf said.There will be other evils to come...we remember it now only too clearly in the last debate before the battle at the black gates of mordor.What he said was true. Evil is coming and we are ill prepared. We have to warn minas tirith fast..If there is any hope that lies in defending the west lands it lies with Gondor.Come now do not delay.There maybe a chance for fighting later but it is not now.We have to march. We have a long way and less time."

"How far is minas tirith?"

"Three hundred leagues as the wolf runs. With so many people with us it may take atleast seven months.And we may have to go roundabouts.Come now.Pack yourselves."

When Elladan announced that there would be no halts except for dinner,The men grew sad. The elves were motionless.

The prince carrying his bags and his weapons came to the place where the host was preparing.He marched to Elladan,"You speak of the Black gates of mordor and the last battle.How old are you?"

Elrohir who heard this smiled and answered,"We were born in beginning of the third age after the battle of the last alliance.Our mother was celebrian of lothlorien whose mother was Galadriel and father Celeborn. Our father was Elrond son Of Earendil and Elwing who was descended from Tuor and Idril Celebrindal on one side and from Beren and Luthien Tinuviel on the other.Elros was Elrond's brother and through him came Numenor and from a seedling came the kings of Gondor and Arnor.The kings of minas tirith are of that line.And maybe you too are of the same kindred as the kings from what you say.We brothers have fought many battles and led many elves in our days.We were friends of Aragorn Elessar in the war of the ring.We have seen more than one age in the west of this world, my friend."

The prince let his surprise show."You are too old."

Elladan smiled."Yes we are old and you are very young.you are our kindred although distant."

"How come you never left middle earth when your kith and kin has left."

"After our father departed, we too felt a longing to return into the West, but we loved middle earth and rivendell and could not leave it. A year back we set out for the west for no longer could our hearts resist the desire to go west.But a message came to us that you were to be brought west and evil was brewing. And we dared not disobey the orders"

"Who sent the message?"

"That we will keep a secret my friend.In due course of time you will learn."

"But now after we finish our duty,we take ship and never return unless fate wills otherwise.When you spoke of the sea some hours back,we bade you sleep for if you had not you would have spoken ever of the sea and we would have to take you there and never feel our hearts to return back to middle earth or even rivendell.But let us not talk of these things yet.Bidding farewell now is not our duty now and we have to leave.Come shake off your thoughts about the sea and let the desire sleep for a little while.Come we march through the night and we need to have strength left in us.Evil is closer than you think."

So The Host marched.Their path laid westwards.They passed through many dales and crossed many small rivers.The men of that land ran from their farms whenever the host approached near.They thought doom was upon them.They thought wizards and witches had come to take their lands by magic. They had heard of elf-magic before and never wanted to come in their paths.The host marched albeit slowly for the host was too many.Mountains whose tips were white loomed before them.

"The mountains.They are so huge." said the prince."

"These are mountains of Harad.Yonder behind the white mountains lies the kingdom of harad.Once we cross the mountains we take the northward road."

"I thought we we were moving westwards."

"We will reach the sea if we go straight and i do not think you would like to touch the topic again."

The prince laughed and his laugh was so loud that Hawkhold turned and looked questioningly at the prince.

"Do not laugh prince.The elves are right.I have journeyed much in the lands west of our country.We should take the northward road."

"Well Hawkhold, i never knew you journeyed here.I thought you were always with your brother in hildorien."

"There is much you have to know. I always was a ranger.I used to journey muich and loved to see mountains and forests and green fields.I just loved them. But i used to return never forgetting my people.For those were the times of peace.When your horsemen met us,we were returning back from the journeys we took in the northern lands and grieved much for war had befallen our people and we were not there to help.And i sadly grieve for my brother." Saying this he cried.

"Do not cry friend.Hawkeye was brave.He died to defend his people and me.I owe you and your people."

"You are too modest prince.We owe you and your fathers before a lot."

"But how are we going to cross the mountains?"

"By climbing them of course.There is no doubt about that.There is another way but.We would have to go south and round about but it is a long road and will delay us.

The other road is we have to go back east adn then a little north and take the ways through rhun which will cost a good deal of time.So it is easier to cross the mountains and northwards across harad till we reach khand.In Khand then we could see the shadow mountains standing."

"The shadown mountains?"

"Yes The mountains of shadow.The border walls of mordor which borders harad and mordor.There is a pass northwards that takes us to the valley of nurnen and through mordor the road takes till we traverse the long roads to dagorath.But even in these times we donot traverse them.So we have to take a longer road northwards and rounding the mountains of ashes we come to argonath."

"What if we take the westward road from Khand?Between the mountains of shadow and the sea we could go.Come across South Harad and then pass to South Ithilien and then across the great riveer to minas tirith?Why go north and come by a longer way.?" asked Elrohir

"You know why i do not want to go that way.A terror lingers there that is nameless.No We will take the northward road and come to minas tirith from the north and east.I would not go south.The roads there are perilous to travel." replied Elladan

"What peril lingers in the south roads?" asked the prince.

"Pray do not ask me that question."

"Why are you so hesitant?What is it that dismays you a lot?"

"All i can say that it is a terrror of the ancient world that is not under the dark powers.It hates men and elves and any living creatures ever desiring their blood.It haunts the passes over the erstwhile city of minas morgul but its terror lies upon all the mountains.Its watches never cease and it catches any that comes in the southlands.Ever since Samwise stabbed,Its anger has not grown less.IT has grown more and ever haunts South Harad.That is why no one live there now. It is a haunted land and i would never counsel you to take that road.It is evil nonetheless."
"Look the mountains are nearing."
"Yes.Cut the logs and take them with you.We may to have to light fire"

The company started climbing the mountains.The lower part had many trees growing but as they moved higher and higher trees grew scant and those that grew were devoid of leaves.Snow fell a lot and night came swift.The sky was blank with the stars showing their face.Slowly they climbed.The road wound much.Half hill up,They rested.Night wass too deep and they had to have dinner.The elves lit a fire and prepared their food whereas men prepared their journey forth.

Elladan was looking at the stars.Hawkhold and the prince came up to him.

"The stars of old.Look at them.Do not they make you admire them?"

"Yes. They look like as if a vast expanse lie behind them."

"Behind them?There is nothing but the void.And who has ever seen it or heard it?"

"The void?"

"Yes a nothingness.empty without any life."

"Where is the great sickle?"

"The Great Sickle?You know of it.I am surprised.But it cannot be seen in this country.Only seen in the western coasts of middle earth.And that too only when the day arrives when the dark power of the ancient world fell into oblivion."

"The Dark Powers.Every age there seem to be a constant war upon middle earth."

"Yes Melkor he was whom we call Morgoth.Perhapes the greatest dark lord ever heard of upon this earth. He fled with our silmarils and we waged war upon him.Then at last the valar came and he was defeated and imprisoned in the void under constant watch.Sauron was his servant.The wars were not made upon middle earth but for middle earth for its power. MElkor was a superior Vala.He wanted supremacy over this earth.He was not bad but greed and dark thoughts took him when Manwe Sulimo took upon the responsibility of shaping the earth over which you walk now.Ever Melkor defied the gods and now still his shadow lingers leaving behind evil traces that have not yet washed away completely.Then came sauron.Ever he decieved us and made the ring of power and at the end of the third age he too was sent to the void when the one ring was destroyed."

"The Vala Who are they?"

"The gods who rule this very earth under the command of the supreme god Eru we call Illuvatar.They dwell in the west in the undying lands where no mortal can set foot.The elves live there now and the light of the west is too perilous for a mortal.The gods forsook middle earth after the first age though they helped us by sending the wizards in the third and in the second also they sent help by way of numenor's faithful people.But due to dark arts our people and numenoreans were estranged and only at the later stages we grew friends when aragorn son of arathorn united us under one banner."

"Aragorn, He must have been a great man."

"Yes Great.Man?King of Men.He was a wise king.An Elf-friend. Aragorn is the great king you have heard in rumours.He lived long.He was granted a life longer than that of normal men.He was Estel Hope in your tongue.He battled Sauron in the last battle.Yes he is and was the greatest king to have to sat upon the thrones of both Gondor and Arnor.He is descended from a high line and that line is that of Numenor and that of Beren and Luthien the Elf.Aragorn married an Elf Evenstar by name who was our sister and she was beautiful as earth.Never again in middle earth would you see any likes of her."

"Where is she?IF she is an elf she must live."

"She forsook the immortal life of the elves.For she shunned the west to remain with whom her heart was given to aragorn of numenor."

With this the elf kept quiet.

"Sad story that must be."

"Still songs are sung in rivendell and minas tirith of her life and aragorn's.They are long and great and you may hear it in full when you reach the western lands." said Elrohir as he came up.

As they spoke, The clouds from the east had covered the sky. There were lightnings and thunder.It started snowing heavily.
"A sudden change to the weather."
"Aye.A change it is but not of the weather. This is the device of the enemy."
AS he said this, a lightning smote a boulder on the tip and a snowstorm was beginning.An elf sentry cried out,"Watch out"

"Watch Out" said the sentry.As he said a huge snow ball wiped off five men who were far up The prince and Company looked forward.Lightnings stoke the tip of the mountains and Whoa.The boulders fell and whatever side it be it always rushed towards the Company.People started to climb up.Another boulder came up and and wiped off the men who were daring to climb up the slope.The prince knew he had to take a decision.
"Elladan, Ask your people to go west.The snow drift is less there. Gerold take your people to the right and climb up. "
"What are you planniong to do,friend" asked Hawkhold.
"The enemy matters not if we cannot fight it. Move i say or more shall be killed and we cant afford to lose many. Go"
"We cannot leave you alone."
"Do not worry about me.Do it for your people. "
"We should retreat.We cannot fight this storm on our own." said the elves.
"I wonder the elves should say this. But believe me you can do well..Go on all of you."
"What are you going to do?" asked Elladan.
"I am going to climb up straight."
"You are going to be killed.No we cannot afford to lose you."
"Do not force me friend. Nothing will happen to me. This is dark magic and it can be fought by me alone. The darkness desires me and not you. If you go away from my side i doubt the evil will affect you. Go on both of you tribes. Go ahead my friends.Gerold your men will take the right road and climb up and towards the south you move.Elves of the west take the left road and climb up and towards the north you shall move.But away from the snow both of you.Do not come to this mountain...after climbing go ahead downwards and flee from the mountains.I will find you."
"AS you command sire."
"You have become a commander prince.So it shall be. But be wary.The evil darkens and it is going to be tough.Farewell."
The elves and men began moving away.Rain fell in torrents over the lowlands but over the highlands snow fell like boulders.Even the snowflakes were huge. The prince slowly climbed up.Snow was on his hair and he was feeling cold but he moved on nonetheless.The thunders hit the boulders n 1 by 1 rushed 2wards the prince.

The boulders came.The prince saw them.They rushed with such a force that it looked like death approaching.The prince took his sword out. He uttered a spell.
"Anoi Ki yarr edraith ammen, Anoi ki yarr edonth anunn.Elbereth ino fladlay thinnoonnnn"(May the sword go red,May the sword be unbreakable,Elbereth make this sword powerful.)

The sword became red.The prince now walked bravely. He seemed to be running in deep snow. Boulder by Boulder he slashed with his sword.The darkness deepened.When the sword stuck the boulders broke into fragments of smoke.He could see the elves and men to his left and right as dark specks beneath the sky. They all looked towards the prince.The prince signaled them move. He saw the dark clouds and and the clouds seemed to look at him.It seemed like the clouds were living they had life in them.But fear never crossed his heart.The sight of this would have many brave warriors quail,but the prince did not. He moved towards the mountain tops. Fast he sprang and dodged a boulder and with his sword breaking another.

At that time a lightning smote his sword hand.

At one moment shock passed through his body his sword flew from his hand and buried itself in the snow some feet away.The prince fell down and rolled.The cold nulled the shock.The prince got up,eyes shining red.He climbed down just to seem as if he was retreating.The lightning stuck near his legs.He jumped.He rolled.To the right he rolled ever.He hit a boulder on the summit.His back seemed to hurt him and pain erupted.He tried to look for his sword for he was sure it had come in this direction.But in vain. Another bolt came towards him and he dodged it.The bolt hit the boulder and it smashed and broke down and fell into the valley below.The eastern sky thundered and reddened. The clouds seemed to be laughing. Echos of evil voices came into the air.Snowflakes fell more than ever. The downside valley was covered with evil mist.The prince could not see any further.He seemed to be among the floating clouds.He could no longer see his companions.He climbed up still with pain in his back.He uttered curses to the dark lord in the east.The clouds still hovered above him.In the north and east there was a red light.In the west a pale light lingered.He tried to move his legs towards the light. He was wounded. Blood was dripping across his back. The skin had ruptured there. He crawled and crawled.Till he found his sword.Voices cursed over the clouds.Spell was laid.The prince could not lift the sword for it felt heavier than lead.He tried to lift and then he let out a savage cry.Pain erupted so badly that he could not hold it.He could see the the mountain tops now.They were breaking or seeming to break.Trees that still grew fell down.Shrubs turned into thorns.A wicked spell was laid by the clouds. Suddenly the prince cursed his fate.Night was drifting.Dawn was near.The pale light drove away the evil air but the clouds did not seem to give way.IT seemed laughing still at the plight of the prince.He looked at the clouds.The clouds let out a dashing bolt that seemed to come straight at its head looking for a final blow.

The lightning bolt came head on with a deadly speed.The prince rushed forward.He tried to lift his sword.The bolt came nearer.The prince was trying his best.The sword still seeemed heavy.

The bolt was about to strike..The final blow had come

At the right moment the prince managed to lift the sword.The bolt stuck the sword and the sword stabbed blue.The lightning blow was just parried.It put full strength upon the sword as if some evil will was guiding it.The swrod still answerd blue and the prince put forth all of his strength.
The force slowly lifted the bolt seemd to go back and when the prince thought it was finally defeated it rushed towards him again with a speed deadly than before.The sword and lightning again clashed.The lightning seemed as if it was the sword of the clouds.The prince had his sword slant over his face.He was bent half back.His back still ached.The force grew too much.The sword still glew blue.The bolt was stopped again.The bolt started attacking the prince on many sides.The prince always managed to block it.He always jumped when the bolt stuck the ground.When it stuck the snow melted and water rushed down with the force.Such was it force it seemed that the whole mountain was melting.The prince attacked the bolt right and left and ever it was that he was borne towards the mountain tops.Cries of horror and fear were heard from the lands below.Mist had been driven.He could see specks running hither and thither.They had thought that the doom was upon them.Rivers flooded and destroyed the very farms that he had crossed.The prince grew angry and muttered a counter spell
"Ai Viyon ,Unneth annun Quentu Uneeth annun Qeulwun,Ae Govannen"
(Let the darkness flee,Let the lightning shatter,Let it go)

The counter spell was too much.The lightning bolt shivered and melted.It let out such alight that it blinded the prince for a second.
The clouds now seemed such that it was ready for a stronger attack.

The clouds seemed torturous.The lightning bolt was let out again but this time towards the rock at the top of the mountain.The prince knew he had to something and quick.He knew that if the bolt struck the mountain would collapse and nothing would be left alive.He didnt fear for himself but others who were now making down the slope.The prince muttered another spell.A green shelter seemed to form around the mountain top.The bolt crashed nothing happened.The bolt put more power...nothing happened.Dawn came.Sun rose in the east but was not seen.The bolt was lifted up.The prince said words to the cloud
"Flee to the east darkness and shadow.You have no place in the western lands.Go away.Fly unless doom takes you." With a powerrful force the prince exerted,the bolt was thrown back and the bolt hit the clouds itself.The clouds shivered. It rained heavily below.Then the west wind came.It blew away the clouds. The clouds slowly moved east.Sun could be seen now and the rain had stopped.

Then the prince looked down. There under the cover of darkness the dark lord had sent a huge host of goblins.They had come and the prince was alone.

The goblins numbered atleast a five hundred.and what more they had bought a cave troll.The prince held his sword to his head and moved front with such a bold expression that the goblins held back for a time.Then they ran towards the prince.
One by one the prince killed.Here he stabbed another goblin and with a spell killed three more that came near.He slashed the goblins like as if he would when he used to play slash with the tomatoes in the kitchen in his childhood.With one stroke a goblin's head lay aside,with another he cut the legs from under him.He slowly retreated towards the mountain top killing many goblins in his way. He retreated bending back and cut his way out. He felt pain erupt again in his back.He stammered on the ground.He could not hold the attack off now.He was tired.He needed rest.He ran backwards the numbers were too huge.Whenever a goblin neared he killed it with spell.He rushed above.He came to the mountain top.The mountain was swarming with goblins...They came rushing towards him.The prince retreated backwards.It was downhill so he did move faster.But the evil lord was not a fool.His retreat was covered. A group of mountain trolls, huge giants ready to kill, circled the prince. They were atleast five in number.The prince was trapped.

Trolls and he was already tired.He had no more energy left to stand yet he had to fight.He closed his eyes and then opened.His eyes burned in him.There was new strength in him.He moved his sword from his left to right.Goblins were near but they dared noit come for they themselves were in fear from the trolls. No not from the trolls.Something was coming up from the Black Darkness eastwards.The prince could feel it.Some darkness from whom even the goblins cowered.

The prince tried to run but trolls blocked his path.The prince stabbed the trolls' leg. Then going underneath him he jumped on his back and then to head and in went his sword.The troll put its hand over its head.and threw the prince down.The prince came down and landed on his back on the snow.The trolls attacked him now and they bought their maces upon him.The prince jumped high and over the maces.The maces stuck in the snow.The prince jumped over one and ran over it.The troll looked dumbly and tried to fling him by its other hand.By the prince was clever Whenever the hands came he jumped and stabbeda trolls' eye.He sang now a song which his tongue uttered.The trolls were lulled into sleep.Light came from the west and and the trolls became immovable.They had become statues.The prince jumped down.The goblins came but they ran away.He could see a darkness.A flame and a Shadow.A Balrog had come.

The sun did not deter it.It burst into new flames.Huge it was.Shadow and flame covereed it and in front of it went darkness.In between the shadow and flame,the prince could see a man like shape but many times taller than the tallest of men.Balrog it was.Shadow and flame of the ancient world.The prince retreated downward.Past the troll's glade he fled.He had no power to combat the monster.He did not know what devilry this was.Goblins came behind him but they were shot.Arrows came whistling from the west.The prince wondered what help could now reach him.Front he saw.There they were Elladan,Elrohir,Hawkhold,Gerold and a few elves under their command.There was also a tall man on a horse that he didnt know.He wore a blue gown competely from neck to foot.He was tall as the prince.He held a blue curved staff with a gem at its tip.There was also a blue pointed hat that he was wearing.

"Azrud.We were worried about you.What happened?"

"There is lots to tell Elladan.The dark lord sent all his magic towards the mountains.I defeated him with the help from the wind.Then goblins came and attacked me.I fled but killed many.Then i was attacked by trolls but something disabled them.Then a monster came.It was huge.It seemed of the ancient world Both a shadow and a flame."

A sound came from above.Now all could see clearly.
Elrohir cried."A Balrog.A Balrog of Morgoth is here.Flee.This is the ultimate doom."

The prince saw the man with a staff.

The man alighted from his horse."I am Orothorn,The blue wizard.I was sent to middle earth in the third age of this world by the valar to combat the might of sauron.But i passed into the east to study him.My other cousin was ensnared by sauron.But i fled from him.I did not remain west for i could see no reason to be there.I fled and hid and when sauron fell i came out and was in harad trying to preach goodwill among men.But something happened yesterday night that disturbed.I saw lightnings upon this mountain that i had never seen before.I thought my rtime had come.Now i know."

what it is.The trolls were disabled for i sensed you were in trouble.Yes it was my light from the staff that disabled it. Now isee that huge monster upon the top. A Balrog.Doom has come.You must flee westwards.Go.I shall meet you in Minas Tirith."

"We cannot leave you here alone." said Elladan."This is a mighty foe."We will stay with you."

"I bid you be gone.This is no ordinary foe.Swords and arrows are of no more use here.I can delay him.You forget i am a wizard of the west.The balrogs were originally of my order corrupted by morgoth into his service.Yes.I will stop it.Go.Fly now.Take the westward road and then take northwards at the first crossing of Harad where stars go strange."

The prince and the elves bid farrewell to the wizard.The dawn had come but the lands were still dark.They fled and passed the feet of the mountains and disappeared into the green lands that followed.When they looked back.They saw lightnings and thuinder across the mountain tops.

The company rode among the trees.Elves were on foot,they didnt require horses to move fast.They kept quiet for sometime.The west wind blowing on their faces.Their hair was thrown back.There the prince was revealed in his true self.Tall he was as kings of men but his face as that of an elf-king.The golden amulet was his crown and it demanded reverence.The prince had a build that showed strength.But his face showed wisdom.He was a fair as the fairest of elves.And he had a beard of the make of dwarves though it was short.There was a depth in his eyes that spoke of uncounted centuries and of the undying lands but his eye shades were that of Numenor.He looked like the kings of kings of middle earth.All the elves and his men looked at him.They were shocked and surprised with his transformation and poweres that they were speechless.

Elladan broke the silence
"What has happened to you prince?You look like one of those old noldorin kings.And also one of those that live between two worlds.I wonder what sort of boon did the gods gift you?What sort of transformation you have undergone?Nothing of the sort has happened for two ages in this world.You have grown fair and powerful."

"I do not know.Spells come to me.My memory has been increased.I can see far and hear many things that cannot be heard.I feel as if i am a controller of the forces of nature.But i do not know how this happened.I surely do not know."
"You are surprised by your own powers. But doubtless the questions will be answered by the ones who know best.Maybe the gods will answer you and maybe it is your fate,your destiny which leads you to them.Maybe you are the one who the gods are seeking for.Thats why we were ordered to bring you safe to the west.But now do not dwell on the questions and trouble yourselves.Come. We will ride till the night.We have a logn way and we are late.Time does not stay and we do not know what the enemy may strive next.The enemy has grown too strong."
"Yes it has grown stronger than i thought.Well lets ride.It is a good journey."

Night came swiftly for it were the days of evil.The company had ridden long.Even the mountains they left in the morning seemed afar.They had crossed forty five leagues in one march without rest.No unfortunate event had happened but they were ever cautious and wary.Nothing seemed to happen over the mountain tops.There wss no sound.Only some occasional horns blew in the nearby towns.They slowly wound their way till they came to small glade between the tress.The trees were slowly failing upon their.It was giving way to open land.There were no other mountains other than the 1s left behind.They gave it a call and the company stopped.The company made ready the dinner.
After the dinner the prince looked for a long journey's rest.Yes.Even here he could sleep.Even in the open.He had not slept since the night before two days.He laid down his bed.He was going to sleep when he saw elrohir and elladan looking north and west.They were probably discussing him and the road westwards.The prince went towards them.
Elladan was saying,"The prince has uindergone a transformation that would change this world for ever.The world is changing slowly nonetheless.The evil that we long foresaw has come.It will soon attack the western worlds and we will be doomed.The elves are weak.We cannot fight them alone.Dwarves do not care for the wars of this world and ever they are seeking riches in their mountain halls.Men are strong and proud But it will not avail.The enemy is much storng as we saw the other night.We have no other choice but to retreat towards the west.Minas tirith cannot guarantee us safety beyond their borders.We have to think something or find new allies in our war against the enemy."
"There are no others that we know of."
"There are those who dwell in the forests north of Mount Gundabad."
"We will think of them later."
At this moment, the prince came to them.
"What are you discussing?"
"The westward road." said Elrohir.
"Road?So which do we take when the first light dawns?"
"We still go west.Straight till 1st crossing."

Dawn came quicker too.The clouds cleared the sky and the sunlight was upon them.They got ready to march.They had to hasten along the westward road.The road was long yet and they had less time.The Company marched forth.The lands west they could see was an open land though not barren.Green fields closed around them.
For the sea was near.The coastal lands were always green.The decision was taken.They would reach the first crossing before this march was over.

In the afternoon after lunch the elves began singing.

A boy was born in the evening glade
Estel he was named
Hope it was in the toungues of men

At ten he lost his father
who was blinded by one eye
The mother then gave the child of men
For the elves to take care

Youthful he grew
Strong he was
Looked and revered
Many names had he
Strider to one fat man
who stayed within leagues

He was shunned by normal men
'Coz a ranger was he
Carried a bow and a broken sword
That would not be reforged
Until the doom be found

He loved an elven maid
Fair and beautiful as the earth
No one has ever been born such
in the elf kindred
Daughter was she of Elrond the Great

A day it was when he saw her and fell
Loving her ever from that day
Evenstar was she to her people
AS bright as the evening

He sang the song of tinuviel
Asked she to him
Who he was
Said he was the the heir to the great thrones
That he was Aragorn

She fell in love with him
Who was as tall as the kings of men
Who came from yonder across the sea
Great he was
Called by many
Dunadan MAn of The West

He strode many lands even to harad
Where the stars grow strange.
He protected and ruled.
The sword he had
crushed many

He served many kings
Under different names
Under different guises
To the help of many

A friend he was of Gandalf the Wizard
The only person who knew him well.
An air he carried of greatness and pride
Though he was kind

Through the land of Lorien he passed
Welcomed by Galadriel the Elven White
There met he The Evenstar

Upon the hills they took the plight
That she would shun the western light
Threatened the Great Shadow in the east
Ever to stand against it

Many journeys he took and
Many enemies he slew
Was held as one of the greatest elf friends
of middle earth which ever was doomed by war

The doom was found
Help he gave to them
The four halflings
Strode with them many leagues to the
House of Elrond Halfelven
His sword reforged
And it looked as sharp as of old

There a council took
to decide the fate of the ring
Nominated he was to the great fellowship
Caradhras he faced
and to the dungeons of moria he went.
Lost he did his friend
To the Balrog of Khazad-dum

To Lothlorien he led
And recieved a blessing
upon his sword
The great river he rowed
Through Argonath he came and to Rauros
He came also

He fought many and beheld his kindred dying.
He journeyed with elf and dwarf
over the leagues of Rohan
to rescue the two
The halflings
Overtaken was he by the riders
Sought for help he did
Horses he rode
as far as Fangorn

The wizard alive he met
He had become the white
Counsels taken and counsels gave
To Edoras they rode
There they met the king
Of the golden hall

War there was of the Hornburg
ORcs he slew
Enemies fled
For his sword shone of the light of the sun

He it was that dared challenge the great shaddow
A palantir he had
Dared he take the dead paths
Where the dead army lingered
Oaths he sought
To help him
in quest of saving minas tirith

He came to Pelargir by many nights unslept
He defeated the ships
Which had come from the south
The army he took to the Great city
The fortress reclaimed

He marched with war to the Black Gates
There he fought the dark lord's army
Huge it was
The ring destroyed
and he was made king
Peace he gave
The cities prospered

Long he ruled
Gifted was he of long life
Died he in the great years
Who people remember even till now
Elessar was he the great king
The Crowned Jewel.

The prince asked,"Who is he that they sing of?"

The Company was passing through an open green land.They could see pink flamingos flying over the lands..They had come long in the hot sun.

"They sing of Aragorn Elessar,The Elf-Friend and heir of Numenor. He was the greatest king of Gondor and Arnor that ever ;lived and he united the people of Middle Earth under one banner.He wedded my sister Arwen Evenstar after the fall of Sauron.We have spoken of him before also.didnt we?"

"Yes.Listening to the song i felt something in my body. I thought he was the same."

"This is just a part of the lay of aragorn's life.The real one is much bigger. Many people still sing of him in Minas tirith and aslmost every part of the western lands. He was my close friend too."

"You have met him?"

"Yes we brothers fought alongside him at the battle of the black gates. He was a great leader of men.He challenged Sauron to take the bait. There was none like him in the thiord age of the world.Greatest of the elf-friends that ever stood by us when men and elves grew estranged."

"He must have been a great man.I would like to meet his descendants."

"You forget you are one."

The prince smiled.
"Yes but i did not know my destiny then. But i want to meet my brothers who are still carrying the flags of Numenor."

"You will meet them soon enough."

"How much time will it take to reach the white city?"

"If we move like this, maybe one and a half month.Fifteen days to the mountains of shadow from the first crossing and another fifteen from there to Argonath and another ten from there to minas tirith."
"Oh!If we move faster we can reach there soon."
"But time needs to be given to rest."
"Rest?The enemy moves fast and is closer than i thought.We have no time.We must warn and be preparred for everything."
"What you say is true but if we move faster without considerable amounts of rest then men will reach minas tirith without the strength to fight."
"How much food have got left?"
"Less but there is lot of game here."

"Game?Yes even i could eat game."

The elves laughed.
"And so will you eat in the night but now lets go.The first crossing is near."

"Near."

"Yes.Three leagues west and a two leagues north.Come Come."

"The first crossing has got a town.It has an inn.I thought we could take you there.We will enjoy there.Men are friendly to everyone and welcum all."

"But said they detest elves.Men here do"

"Not all.The men at the first crossing are friendly.They are friendly coz they want to do good business.So they welcome all.IT is a great center of trade.The goods from the west come here first and the east trades it for something else which is sent back to the west."

"Oh.But did not they come under Sauron."

"No they did not serve Sauron.During Sauron's days the men here barricaded their small fortress.They did not come out.Those were dark days.Now the days have peace."

"Peace?Not until the enemy of the east is vanquished."

"Think not such negative thoguhts.LEave behind the enemy and think something good.Tonight is a night of mirth and happiness.Tonight we drink to our full health."

"Drink?yes...i yearn for it.It is many a day since i have ever tasted it.Hmmm malt beer, a little whisky and some red wine."

Elladan laughed.

"Well u shall have those."

At the eve of that day they reached the first crossing.There was a single hill standing in that open land.A walled fortress stood at the feet of the mountains.Built during the second age by the men of the west, in latter days they were deserted especially after the fall of numenor.There was a huge wall built into the open and the ends were delves into the hill.There was a huge gate that stood open always and guards sat there holding golden swords and wearing silver mail.There was small rampart which led to the gate.The Company marched towards the gate when they were stopped.
"Who comes to this city at such a night?And a huge one at that."
"We are the elves of Rivendell and we also have men with us who come out of the east from the lands of Hildorien.We seek the inn here and also rooms for rest.We mean no harm to you or your people."
"You may pass."

The Company went inside the gate.After the gate was entered,another rampart was laid leading down to open land.There were many houses and restrooms along the road.The Company rode till they reached a building.The building was itself like a small fort where its back was delved into the hill and two wall like structures stood in the open.The building had two floors and they were long breadthwise.Round windows they had and translucent glasses.On both the ends there were long statues standing but noone of the company could decipher who that was.There was a small door at the center.They knocked it.A man opened.He looked in surprise but welcomed them.They went in.A small counter stood just after the door.
"You have a host."Well the rooms are free and you can occupy them.Now maybe you would like to go the people's room for a nice dinner and to have a chat with fellows.There are not many but some are.They would like to listen to tales."

"Tales.Yes Tales.All love them.Well we will talk and sing and have mirth tonight."
The Company were led into a cave.It was lit by candles.The peoples room was just a furlong into the caves.They opened a door and looked inside.

The Company ordered lots.red meat,roasted bacon,vegetable salads,breads,various kinds of fish,huge prawns,apple tarts,strawberries.lots of fruits,malt beer,whisky,rum and many.After they had eaten and drunk,The prince stood up on the table and tall he seemed.All attention was diverted to him...

Then he sang

The world goes round
and round and round

It seems to me that
one is two
that three is four and
five is six

Drunk am i
so i need no excuse
For drunk am i
after many days and nights.

Wars i fought
people i helped.
But such a mirth i had never
Amongst such a warm
welcome that you hath given me

The enemy flows
The evil stems
From the east
To the west
But i care not
For tonight is night of mirth and
happiness

The elves are good
and helpful
The men are friendly and
all the respect earned
to them to them who bought me
safe here to this warm inn

The inn is good
situated in caves
The fortress seen from afar
Guards stand all night and ask the wayfarers
their business
Good it is that secure you should
For the enemy is at hand

The ring is fallen
Evil doomed
But again it is nigh
I warn you again to think of it
But never let your hearts
falter down
at the sight of it

But think not of it now
Enjoy your drink
For the world is going round.

Then he stopped.All men looked towards him and clapped..

"Beautiful song" they shouted.Come on masters over there give us some tales to remember.

At that Elladan stood up..
"I will tell you the story of the Frodo,the ring bearer"

The he started

A little boy
with red cheeks he was
funny he was
and solemn too

Son of Drogo he was
He lost his parents
in his childhood.
Playful he was
Liked mushrooms
Which he stole from Maggot's farms

After his loss
Reared in the Brandy Hall
Grew he to youth
And friends he had so less
Used to spend time with his uncle
Bilbo the elf-friend

To Hobbiton he went and made many friends
Samwise it was his closest
who was the son of his gaffer
Together they strolled
And saw many things
Weird he was
after Bilbo

A party they had
of bilbo's birthday
On September the twenty second
Fortunately it was
that it was also his birthday
on the same day

Fun they had and danced
speech he listened
And talks he had
With Gandalf the Grey

Sad was he when bilbo left
Inherited he did the ring
But the ring was doom
of men and elves
certainty of evil things

Gandalf left
telling him to keep it safe
For years he grew and
was said as cracking
like uncle bilbo who was cracked
as the neighbours said

Gandalf came later
A wizard he was they say
With ponted hats and a grey staff
An old man was

He said to Frodo
That the ring was evil and he had to let go
He asked him to leave the Shire
The shire was it the home town of him
who had played in the shire for long years

The years were happy but now it was sad
He left the shire with samwise and pippin and merry
his friends
To the old forest they went
Picked up by a willow
troubled he was
called out for help

Came a man
Journey they made to his house
Tales he listened and tales he told
of men and farther lands

Barrow-downs was the place even he went
Striked the wightsses hand
To bree he went also to the inn of the pony
And there many beer he had
Sang he tales
Disappeared he was
MAgician he was regarded.

Shunned after they set with a man
for their company
Lands he strode
To weathertop he went
Stabbed he was
by the witch king
Saved he was at rivendell
By Elrond the Great


A council took
Joined he to the fellowship
Planning to destroy the ring
Set out he did
Through Caradhras and moria he went
And saw the wizard
fighting a flame

To lothlorien he went
Welcomed by Galadriel
The lady of the woods
A sorceress she was every one said

Rivers he knew and
Argonath he saw
Left the Fellowship there
For he sensed
Evil at work it was
Through the hills and marshes
He went with Gollum
The sneak

To the black gates he came
IT would not open.
He went south
For he knew there a road was
near the evil city
Captured he was
by a dunedain he says
but he showed his quality
and that was the very best

Crossed the mountains of shadow he did
to the towers of cirith ungol
Shelob he fought
but poisoned he was
and captured by the orcs

The mails were taken
And sauron commanded him be bought to justice
But escaped he did
Wearing now the orc mails
he strode the lands of mordor
with samwise the friend
he came to doom
The mountain where the ring fell

The evil banished
The evil stemmed
Frodo was the saviour
Healed he was of all shadows

Returned to shire after great journeys
But his did not lessen
He wanted to feel his heart at rest
But he could not
Months later when he had finished a book
He went to the west
To the west he went with elves
To see a far green country.

The morning after the night was over,The Company marched forth.They had less time and a long way ahead.The Company rode in hurry towards western lands.They left the fortress of the first crossing long back.
In the afternoon of that day,
"Why is it called The First Crossing?" asked the prince
"Because it is the first crossing,the first ever trade portal between east n the west."
replied Elladan
"If you have seen,master,There were many warehouses that seemed like houses when we entered the gate.Those werent normal buildings or houses.They are stockrooms." said Hawkhold
"Hawkhold, You have talked after a long time."
"I was deep in thought."
"About what?"
"About the magical spells the dark enemy cast us the other night.It looked terrible."
"Do not worry hawkhold.There is time yet.We have to warn the West who are ignorant that a huge army is being built to destroy it to the very ashes.The enemy distrusts the West."
"But master,The enemy wanted to defeat you and your kindred.Then why seek the west?"
"The Dark Lord wants to rule all Middle Earth.And Secondly with me going west,he fears an allegiance between me and the West more since he got to know about me being an heir of numenor and that the elves had come to take me.I think this spurred him to take the last step at the mountains.Beyond those mountains he has no power and his strength wanes.So i do not think he may attack us now that we are far.But we should not trust on it.The arm of the enemy is growing longer.It may reach us yet."
"And moreover sensing that you and the lords of the west are of the same kin, the enemy may move his army to the west.So the west has to be extra careful.What power and hope lies it lies with Gondor and Arnor.And maybe with those who dwell beyond the sea.But they will not come." said Elrohir
"But what about the dwarves?"
"Gimli son of Gloin of the fellowship's kindred still rules the caves of aglarond and moria.They may help us but i trust not.Dwarves are happy in their own world and will not want to meddle in the affairs"

"Dwarves have always been such but yes without them we would hav been doomed." said Elladan

"Doomed?"

"Had they not defended us from the east,Sauron would have defeated us.AS it is we were attacked by his northern army of Dol Goldur.If Sauron had bought the northern army of Mordor also against us then we would be doomed to defend against both the armies."

"Sauron's forces were too huge then."

"Many and numerous. Sauron sent majority of his force to the city of Minas tirith while sending another host to Dale and Erebor.His army from Dol Goldur attacked Mirkwood and the beornings.Lothlorien was attacked three times by Moria but they were checked and moria was freed.When it was Lothlorien helped us.Sauron still managed to keep a lot of his armies inside mordor for it was aware of the army of Gondor and Rohan marching on the Black Gates.When the ring was destoryed and Sauron fell,the shadow lifted,the enemies lost heart and they were routed.Erebor was victoriuos though the men of Dale and the dwarves of Erebor lost their kings.In the north,Mirkwood was victorious and Dol Goldur was cleansed of every evil.The pits were sealed and evil driven.The ones who managed to flee fled south only to be killed by the knights of Minas Tirith and Rohan.Some were who fled west but were killed by strange beings and the army of Rohan who stull remained in the west."

"That was a battle maybe all would remember."

"I would not call it a battle.I would call it a war.The War of the Ring."

"What about Arnor?Why did not it help."

"Arnor was destoryed by the witch king of angmar in the middle of the third age when evil started returning to middle earth.Too few they were then.They became rangers.Even the heirs of kings.Aragorn was one of them.But only in Arnor was the line of kings of Numenor was preserved while in Gondor the line failed and was ruled by stewards for long ages."

As they said this day passed into night

Next day,the Company marched and so it was for as much as ten days.Nothing happened much those days for the evil seemed to stop pursuing them.They had passed through many lands of Harad.Now they took the northward roads.They soon came to the crossroads on their tenth day from the first crossing of Harad.Night had come.

"We have come at the crossroads.We will rest here.We have been marching long with little sleep and rest." said Elladan

"The Crossroads." He pointed at the western road and said,"Where does that road lead too?"

"That road.Leads to Gondor."

"Then why not take that road?"

"No. I will not take that road not unless need drives me."

"Why?What do you fear on that road.?"

"Fear?That road is more than fear itself.It is a terror.A giant spider dwells there eating and drinking blood.It hates elves and men.Do not go that way friend.We shall take you through the northward road."

The prince still looked westward,He saw mountains which looked bleak.
"What mountains are those?"

"The mountain walls of Mordor.Ered Gorgoroth we call it.In your tongue the mountains of shadow.The range goes west till it reaches minas morgul which was formerly called minas ithil,a city of Gondor but it was taken by the evil riders of Sauron.Then the range takes a northward toill it reaches the plains of Dagorlad where the batlle of the black gates and Last Alliance was fought.Beyong the Black gate another range starts those we call Ered Lithui mountain of ashes we call in your tongue.That ranges range eastwards.There is a large gap between ered gorgoroth and ered lithui.There lies the gap.Fifteen leagues northwest of here it is.The plains of Nurnen and Gorgoroth lie there.Many people still live in the plains of nurnen around a small lake. And yes on the plains of Gorgoroth stands Orodruin the mountain of doom.But now it is still."

He said this and cries arose from the east.Ghastly cries.He could figures in the forests eastwards.They were orcs.They had come.Battle was coming.

Orcs were coming.And so were goblins from the south.Elladan raised the alarm.Elves and men got up and prepared for battle.

A semicircle formation was formed.With swordsmen in the front and archers in the back.The elven lords stoo behind the swordsmen and the prince was standing in the forefront of the archers with hawkhold and Gerold.

The riders were stationed at the back.

"From where do this host comes?"

"The orcs are not sent by the enemy of the east.He does not command orcs yet.Maybe this is a band forgotten.They must have dwelt here in secrecy.And many such camps may be westward that road yonder."

"But even the goblins have come.They escaped the vigilance of the first crossing?"

"No.They must have avoided the land.These are the very goblins that met us in the mountains.Come we must fight.There is no time to talk.We must need take the westward road.Look the northern ways may be blocked.The enemy wants us to take the perilous road."

"Perilous Road Yes but we will take it nonetheless."

The prince commanded the archers.
"Prepare your bows."

"Slay all.Show them no mercy for you will get none.Slay And Fight.For Glory.For your lands,For the West."

"Fire"

The elven bows sang killing many orcs and goblins.

"Fire at will"

The elven bows kept singing.

Hawkhold went to his men.
"Take your bows.Do not give in to fear.Fire now.Fire."

The bows of the men too sang.
Arrows caught the necks of the orcs.The prince drew his sword.The swordsmen drew their swords and shield.
Elladan commanded "Shields Up."
The elven swordsmen had bought huge shields.They were V shaped.and covered from head to leg.The men had small shields but covered their body well.The orcs came rushing scimitars to them.They stuck the shields and were pushed back.Then came the steel swords of the west .and cleaved them through their body
The prince drew towards the south.He had goblins to take care of.
He took his bow and arrow.One by one he fired.Swiftly his arrows stuck many.He took a spear now and threw it"

the spear went on towards the goblins flying but it missed the mark.It slew the head of one whom he knew.The prince let out a cry and rushed towards him.

The spear was rushing

The prince gave a terrible cry

There was fighting going on He killed a goblin with a sword.

The prince was rushing fast.

The he looked westwards.A spear was coming.

The prince knelt beside him.

He was too late.He could do nothing.

The prince was crying.The elf- lords saw the prince in the state that he was.They started rushing south fearing the battle had gone ill with the goblins.

The spear cut his head off.Blood splattered.The head fell down.The body also on the other side.
The face wore a look of shock.For he saw the spear bearing a symbol of the west.

The prince was speechless.He knew what he had done.He had killed a fellow and a close friend.He did not know what to do.He did not care now for the fight around him.Goblins tried to come near the prince but the cavaliers attacked them crushing them to the ground.

The elf lords were stopped from coming.More orcs came from the east and north.

The battle had gone ill northwards.

The cavaliers made north.

The prince did not know what to do.
Some of his men still fought.

The elven archers did what they could.For now the tide of the orcs was stemmed by arrows.But the quiver was emptying.

The human archers came southwards.Bows sang and killed many goblins who dared come near the prince.

Elladan swung his sword and cleaved a goblin.Elrohir stabbed another.The cavaliers came and crushed the orcs beneath their feet. The elven swordsmen fought.
"Charge" commanded Elladan and all the elves charged eastwards.All the orcs were driven and fled east.

Battle in the south fared a little worse.Men were being killed.There lay no hope.The prince could not fight.He was shocked by what he had done.The prince moved his face up.He saw terrible goblins.He took his sword.He charged forwarrd.Goblins now were afraid.Hope had come to men.

The cavaliers and the elves rode northward pursuing and killing the orcs that had come to attack them.Elladan and Elrohir led them into the forests which spanned huge towards rthe east.The swords cut through the orcs.Northward they rode crushing orcs beneath their horse's feet.Elven swordsmen threw their spears at many killing many.Elladan and Elrohir ran as fast they could and overtook the orc-captain and beheaded him with a two stroke when elrohir struck its lower neck and Elladan struck its upper neck.

The cavaliers rode fast.Then Elladan cried to them to stop.

The captain came and asked why
"We should ride there are some orcs still in front of us."

"No" replied Elrohir,"Can you see the fumes over there.They are orc camps.We go there we will be trapped.Better to retreat.There maybe some other time to fight them later but it is not now.Do not sound any horn.We do not want us upon them."

"The orcs will come for revenge when they hear that one of their camps has been destroyed."

"Yes they will come,but then the fumes are far away.The orcs are wounded and will reach slower.By then i hope we will be far.We must go south back to our camp and see how the battle goes there.Come we must ride back.It is a long way."

So the army rode back south.They came out of the forests.They saw strange things.But Elladan and Elrohir wore happy looks on their faces.

Hope had come to men on the other side of battle.The prince had woken up from the shock.The prince charged at he goblins slashing them at will.But victory was still far.The goblins were too many.Even with the prince's wrath they could not hold the defenses for long.The prince moved stabbing at will.Cutting,cleaving,beheading goblins like a butcher who tends to his meat.

The prince and his men were slowly being driven west.Towards the shadow road.The prince mkept swinging his sword and killing many.He wpould not let any goblin come near and defile his fallen friend.He stood there still lokking at the dead body.He cursed his spear.as he cursed the spear which lay on the ground started burning and turned into ash.

The goblins slaughtered now the last defenses of men.Men fled northwards crying for help..in hope to seek the elven army.But they could not flee far.They were shot the goblins.The prince alone now stood with some men.

A goblin soon rushed at hium and over the guard it came jumping over their heads and fell on the prince.The sword flew from the prince's hand. and fell nearby but the prince could not reach it.The goblin punched the prince's face.The prionce returned the punch back.They rolled fighting like mad dogs.The guard tried to save the prince but they were attacked by the rest of the goblins.The prince was overpowered.The goblin was too strong in build.The goblin raised its blade when a sword came from the nearby eastward forest and slaughtered its head.

The goblin fell.The prince believed it was the elves.But no a man came from the forest.The prince had met him before.He knew him and he laughed and was surprised.The man came bearing a sword a red sword and started killing goblins.Soon he was near the prince.

"You were dead.We buried you."

"No time for surprises friend.War is at hand.Everything will be explained soon."

The man had bought some strange creatures with him which flung into the battle and there beneath the mountains of Shadow the battle was won.

"I thought you were dead.How?"

"Stay your questions prince.I have been sent back on a task unfinished.Later now."

"Who are these?"

"These i walked far to find.They are our friends and allies and go with us to war.There are such allies that can be found in the far north.I was sent back there and for fifteen days we have been journeying as fast as we could to you.For we sensed evil coming and evil going."

"What are they but?I have not seen such creatures in my life."

"And none has.neither man nor dwarf.Elves have seen them but only from afar.Rumour goes with dwarves.These creatures are not creatures.They can talk and smell and have all senses like us humans."

At that moment a strange creature walked up them.He had the head and the wings of an eagle.He had ears of a lion and the body and tail of a lion also.He had strong arms which had power.He was huge and taller than the prince as many as two times.He seemed to be a leader of the pack of creatures that had arrived to battle.
"I am Grisithnor,leader of the Griffs.I offer my allegiance to your people.For we wish to fight against evil.Long have the goblins hunted our forests and long has the darkness prevailed upon middle earth though for a brief time it was always banished.We have stayed in middle earth for over three ages friend.Our lives are long and time does not tarry.We live in the ancient forests near the iron hills of the north.But we seldom cpome oput and our forests are protected by magic to prevent anybody from entering.But now we want to fight.Goblins have been cutting down trees near our borders and we do not like it."
"If you were there since the first age as you tell, Lord Grisithnor, Where were you in the dark days that were prevalent on middle earth for three ages?"
"We did not care for the business of men and elves.It is a matter for the wizards.But not now.Evil is stirring again.And we want to do what we can to prevent the good from being annihilated by evil.But for now we go back.We will meet you at Minas Tirith after 1 month"

Saying that the Griff flew away.

"Wonder they are." said the prince.

The creature when it flew looked majestic as both the king of land and air.The creature was atleast 8 feet tall and was fat and huge.Its body was brown with a huge tail like a lion's.The head was shaped likean eagle.it had a long beak.Its ears were elongated like a horse's.Its eyes were as sharp as eagle's.The arms of the eagle showed power and it had paws as sharp as a sharpened blade.It could kill many.

"Yes they are wonders."

"Now tell me where is my brother?For i much desire to speak with him.It has been a long time."

"I m grieved to say that your brother is dead,Hawkeye.I am sorry."

"Goblins will pay for this.They will pay.I will have my revenge.That day will cokme and may it come fast."

"No Hawkeye.Your brother was not killed by goblins.He was beheaded by my own spear."

"You?"

"Yes a sad story.I was and am still shocked.I threw a spear at the goblin captain.But your brother who was killing many came in between and the spear cut off his head.I am sorry,Hawkeye.If there is anything i can do to mend this, i will do it.you just have to name it."

At that moment,The elven army reached them.

Elladan strode upto them,"How fare you prince,We killed and drove many orcs.What say you?"

"The batle has been won."

"This man.I have seen before.Was it not the one whom we buried in Hildorien itself?I am surprised that he still lives."

Hawkeye was crying.

"What happened?"

"By mistake it happened that his brother was killed by my spear."

Elladan grew shocked.
"well it cannot be mended.What is done is done.Now come Hawkeye,get up and tell us what happened."
Hawkeye said,"Take me to my brother, prince.Once i want to look at his face. I bear no ill to you. Alas,this day should have come."
"Who were those creatures,Hawkeye?" asked Elrohir
"Griffs from the north,From the forests near IRon hills."
"Ah!Griffs.Good We have allies now."
"Yes but the evil grows stronger.Come show me my brother.For the Last time."

Hawkeye was led to his brother.While the prince and others went to make preparations for a decent burial,Hawkeye knelt beside Hawkhold.
"Brother,Why did this happen?Why are you sleeping?"

Hawkeye saw here and there,he saw the prince and others far away.

Hawkeye knelt to his brother's ear,"How can ones who are already dead die?Get up Hawkhold.Mend yourselves.We have some tasks unfinished.We need to combat the evil that once destoryed us.Come back to light.And let the darkness flee."

At this a mist came from the west and sheltered Hawkhold and the dead men.


The prince returning was shocked to see the dead men alive.Elladan and Elrohir evoiked the same responses.

Hawkhold was not dead and neither was Hawkeye.There was a strange mystery to this,

This mystery had to be solved.The prince and Elladan decided to confront them later when it was time.Now they decided to talk among themselves.

"This is the most unexpected and uncanny thing i have ever seen in my life.Nothing like this has happened in three ages in this world.This is no mere miracle.There is a great tale that the brother have always kept secret.we do not know what their motive is..We do not know what their goal is.They are the undead.And why they are helping us i do not know.we must be thankful to them but we should not be beyond foolishness.We cannot trust them now that they are holding such terrible secrets.We donot know who they are/"

"What you say is rite Elladan.We cannot trust them.Well i think we should confront them now."

"No not now.This is no right time.We will do it later."

The prince remained quiet.Suddenly a voice came to them.

"We know what is going on in your minds.Let your doubts rest.All questions will be answered.Rest yourselves first.At the first light of dawn you will know our secrets."

From the mist they could see hawkeye and hawkhold emerge,green shadows covering them.

The elves slept.Elladan and Elrohir were watching and the prince too could not sleep.The three people stood their ground and glared unto the night. Suddenly images started showing up in front of them.Images of events that had happened long years ago.The images were blurred in the beginning.but as it progressed it became cleare and they saw many things that were unheard of till now

Five hundred years after the fall of Sauron,A thousand years ago,The sons of Eldarion, Elensil, Elmandil,Elfthorn and Elfivril held a serious council.

"The realms of Gondor and Arnor are two.There are four of us now.We have to divide the two kingdoms into four."said Elensil

"In the interest of the four,i propose a plan to divide a four equal share of the two kingdoms.The lands above Tharbad shall be the realm of Elfivril.The lands below tharbad till Langstrand shall be Elfthorns along with Isengard.The lands south of the mountains shall be Elmandils.The city of minas tirith,anorien,ithilien and osgiliath shall be mine to rule."

At this Elfthorn spoke,"I do not hold with this plan of yours.We seek to go eastwards and conquer the lands that lie without good men.There we can find lands that still are empty."

"I do not give you this advice.I think you stay here Elfthorn.There is no good there and evil sleeps all along."

"I insist.Do not you understand the determination of Numenor.I and Elfivril go eastwards.You and my other brother can rule the realms of Gondor and Arnor.We take some men who are willing."

An image occurred in front of the prince of a huge following with Elfivril and Elfthron.The images showed the prince to be a heir of Elfivril.And hawkeye and hawkhold to be heirs of Elfthorns, Then how evil king befriended Elfivril's son.And later when the minsiter corrupted the king's mind with dark arts.How the evil king attained his dark powers were also shown.Then how Efivril's descendants did war upon the evil king.

Then the evil king having been stabbed in the heart by the prince's father ran away came to the lands of Elfthorn's descendants.There he plotted evil and destroyed Elfthorn's kingdom by evil arts.Then Hawkhold and Hawkeye cursed him and desired to take revenge.The pledge they took to stand undead till the very evil is destroyed from middle earth.But they decided not to use their undead powers upon the evil king and having then they and their people still roamed the lands of Hildorien waiting ever for their kindred of the east.When they heard of the battles in the east the dead knew the kindred wud come and when the prince came,Hawkeye pretended dying to tell him the secrets of Numenor and his destiny.


Then the images faded.With this a heeavy air seemed to settle on the prince and the elves and lulled them to sleep

Dawn came quicker than expected.The prince and the elves woke up from their sleep.The air seemed cold and frosty.Green shadows appeared in the east.Hawkeye and Hawkhold came forward.

"I hope you do not fear us now.Do not doubt us.for we are here to help you.Whenever you need us,summon us by our names and we will be there at your disposal.Now farewell."

With that the green shadows vanished like smoke.Mist covered the lands and was driven towards the west.Hot rays of sun then reached them

The heat grew towards the afternoon.The Company had not yet started their march.

"We should now take the westward road and we should go as soon as we can.We spotted a group of orc camps towards the north.It would be impossible to escape them now since we raised such a foray yesterday.We should march westwards."said Elladan

The prince said,"I think you may have forgotten the westward road in which a terror lies you say.If that terror is bigger than the terrors of the orcs then there is no difference between taking the northward road and the westward one."

"You do not understand prince.We may be able to escape through the western road.We might be able to take a detour from the mountains.In places where that terror might not linger.It is true that we may be ill favored if we encounter that terror upon our road but still i think we should venture it.Its worth a little risk.Atleast a safe road is better than the one we will encounter in the north."

"As you say Elladan,But i warn you for i have a feeling that we will meet the terror upon our road."

"If it should be so,so it should be.Do not worry much.IF that terror comes,we will fight it and probably drive it away if not kill it."

Saying this,The Company took the westward road.They vanished into the mist covered slopes of the Muntains of Shadow
Shadows covered the path they took.The mountains were bleak and devoid of any trees.Bushes grew full of thorns and pricked ne1 who dared to pass near them.Though trees grew in the valleys below,here there were none.The mountain precipices were sharp.The path was small and none did know who the path was made for and why? The road had small tents on either side at some points and it was very straight.Though none now lived in those tents there was still some fear and shadow lingering here and there and could be felt.The Company grew tired by each step.The air was not wholesome.It weakened every one.Though the dark lord had vanished from that land long ago, the effects were not gone.They still lay upon this land making people lose hope and go weak.Even the elves could not keep up the pace.
"What a mournful road!" said the prince.
"Mournful?Yes it is.Even though Sauron has left this land,it still reels from the effects of his reign.Sauron tormented this lands for long.For two ages.and none has dared entered this land and freed it from evil.Maybe that is the reason why this land is so bleak and dreary and the very air we breathe is evil and not so wholesome.We will rest here.We can go no further."
"How far down the road we have come?"
"Fifteen leagues from where we stood this afternoon.Another twenty five leagues it is from here to South Ithilien and that is a very good land.We may even meet some elves there."
"Good.Now we sleep.For i m tired."
"Yes we all are.Elves seldom feel tired but here we are.This land is evil.A curse lies upon it."
"Tell me the about the terror that dwells upon this mountains."
"Nay,I would not tell it to you.You will not get answers from me nor from Elladan nor from any elf."
"Why do you hesitate so much?"
"Do not be so stubborn prince.It is unbecoming of you.Go now and sleep.Tomorrow we have a long march."
The prince left the elf and wandered far from the camp.He went near a place where it was covered by a rock above.What he didnt sense was there was a huge spider crawling on rock.