Note: This was my very first fanfic ever, so it's pretty sappy... sorry. I wrote it in 7th grade. (During my Star Wars phase; that explains the different realm of space and everything around the middle of the story. Rather corny, I dare say.)
Disclaimer: This is Lord of the Rings fanfiction. All characters in this story are the property of J.R.R. Tolkien, except for Maxil
and Lyrion.
The Power of Enchantment
Aragorn, riding on his steed, came from the plain towards the Forest. When near the
woodland, he dismounted, and bent down to look for tracks left by the subject he
was hunting. When he looked up, he turned and saw a young maiden sitting by a small
pony leaning against a tree of some kind. She was unconscious as far as he could tell, and
had a rather large wound on her forehead. He walked over to where she was lying,
and saw that she was still alive.
* * *
She awoke and saw herself in the House of Healings back at Rohan. Aragorn and Eomer
were by her bedside waiting for her consciousness to break through. She rose quickly
and looked around vigorously. She screamed lightly and tried to escape to the door,
but Eomer stopped her.
"Listen to me, no harm will come of you. You are safe here at Rohan," stated Eomer.
"No!" she voiced, "You don't understand. I can't be here! I bring doom and destruction
to you all!" she yelled while trying to escape Eomer's grasp and attempted to reach
the door.
Aragorn looked at her puzzled for a moment. "Why doom and destruction? Please, if
you explain to me what troubles you, we may be able to help you."
The girl trembled, but complied and sat down on the side of the bed and began to speak.
"I come from a place North of here. My father is, or I should say was..." she choked
back a tear, "a nobleman of great wealth and power in our land. However, that was
his undoing. A so-called friend of many years, Lyrion, became jealous of this, and
murdered my mother, so he would thence become the receiver of my father's wealth. He couldn't
wait until my father died naturally, so he killed him soon after my half mother.
Lyrion said he would kill me next, because my family position as adopted-daughter
made me a legal inheritor of the wealth more than Lyrion would be."
"Your mother entered the family after your birth?" Eomer joined in.
"Well...no," said the maiden, "I should of worded it differently. You see, I'm the
adopted one. I never knew my real family."
"Ah, I see," said Eomer.
Aragorn glared at her and said, "But why this talk of doom and destruction towards
Rohan? What is to become of this city?"
"I ran away from my home far North, in fear of my life," she said, "I was afraid.
He finally tracked me down a fortnight ago and before I escaped, he told me he supposedly
knew what I was doing. He claimed he knew I was proceeding to Rohan to seek out my
brother who is the King of Middle-Earth, but this is all nonsense to my ears. I don't
know if I even have a brother, I was adopted. I had no idea even where Rohan was
located. He told me if I was to run to a man named 'Aragorn' he would find out, and
destroy this land along with the King. Lyrion is gone mad, I believe. He's convinced of
these stories he creates. He told me before I left that I was given to my step-father,
who now lays in peace, by a former King before this dark time. Lyrion also said I
had a brother who was separated from me at birth by the reasoning of fear on from my original
family."
By this time, Eomer was staring in wonder at the face of Aragorn wondering how he
was reacting to this story. Aragorn however heeded no notice to Eomer at that moment.
The girl at this point half covered in tears continued, "I wanted to come to Rohan
and seek him out, but I was unsure of this tale Lyrion spoke of, and I feared destruction
to everyone. Now you see I must go at once, and save not only my brother, if he exists, but this beautiful city as well."
Aragorn with a look of distress in his eyes, leaned forward and took the hand of the
young girl.
"Maximus? Is it you to whom I am speaking? My father often spoke your name, and always
claimed I heard wrong when I asked who it was."
"Aragorn? It is you, then, I presume." Joy ran through her veins and continued to
her face. "You...you? You are the King of Gondor?"
"Yes," he answered, "It is I."
"Why does Father refer to me as Maximus? It is actually Maxil.," she said.
"Father did not wish for me to know your real name when I asked him once. He just
told me Maximus, but I knew the identity he spoke of was false. I was unsure of your
real name until now," Aragorn answered.
Eomer stood by the wall staring blankly at them.
Standing slowly with tears strewn about his face in sheer joy, he went with Maxil
and Eomer to the hall outside the room. Maxil turned quickly and looked Aragorn,
and quickly said "Where is Father now? Our Father? and Mother?"
She said it with such a smile on her face as if there were no tomorrow, but when she
looked upon the face of sorrow expressed by Aragorn, she knew. Aragorn need not say
it, for Maxil knew the melancholy fate of her royal family. She turned away, and
looked at Eomer. He too possessed the same countenance as Aragorn. She bowed her head, as
if in deep thought and pondered on it, rose again, and continued more quickly down
the hall with Aragorn and Eomer next to her.
There was a deep silence but it was broken by the sudden query of Maxil.
"Aragorn, what of Lyrion? We must do something, I can go away if you'd like, I can
see you again when I return later. I would not have such guilt on my heart as to
the destruction of Rohan."
"No. I would not have you leave me. Not again," retorted Aragorn. "We will proceed
to the Golden hall and ask for advice from Theoden on the matter."
Maxil looked him in the eye and exclaimed, "But what of Rohan? If Lyrion, or even
Sauron comes looking for me, you would have better chance of survival without my
trouble corresponding."
"Ah," said Aragorn sharply, "You are forgetting, I am King of Gondor, yet I have not
proclaimed it yet, the time will come when the dark time will end, and the 3rd age
cometh. You are my sister, therefore we are both heirs to the throne. If the both
of us are together, the power would be beyond recognition."
"Powers?" asked Maxil, "What do you speak of these powers?"
Aragorn stroked her hair, "You will know when the time comes."
The three continued unsurely to the Great Hall at a quick pace. Soon, they passed
the Chamber of Eowyn, lady of Rohan. She came out of her quarters, and ran to them.
"What troubles you Eomer? Your face shows distress."
"Oh, yes," said Eomer. "Ma.....Galarol, meet my sister, Eowyn."
Aragorn said to her, "Greetings Eowyn, we were on our way to---meet the warden. One
of our dear friends has been overcome by an illness, and we were going to wish him
well. Eomer is rather dismal at the moment since he knew the man. We shall be back
soon."
"It does not seem you are being truthful to me, Aragorn," she said with her eyes glinting
at him. "You are hiding something. A secret you wish me not to know. What has happened?"
"Eowyn," he said, "Eowyn, if only you knew...well, you must know this: The return
of the king is coming. He will come, and possibly not alone now, now that he has
discovered the missing link to the mystery. It all seems clear. Sauron will not defeat
us. We have the link, the power, the will. Yes, the return of the king will occur soon enough.
He will come..."
Eowyn gave a confused look, and said "Aragorn, please. If something troubles thee,
please tell me. To see you in pain torments me. Let it no longer."
"I'm afraid I must, m'lady. You will know soon enough."
With that, they left her. The trio continued to the Golden Hall, but stopped before
the door.
"My lord," said Eomer, "What of Grima? He is a spy for Saruman. He must not learn
of this reformation."
"Ah, yes. Of course," Aragorn retorted, "How can I forgot? Our....friend Grima. Our
'friend' who betrayed the City, and all of us. Well, he shall never get what he wishes,
because we will not give him the chance. We will let Gandalf deal with Grima. Right
now, I must return to Gondor, to meet with Denethor of the greatest importance. You
two, stay together at all times. Eomer, never let her out of your site. No heir of
Isildur shall be Sauron's meddling tool."
With that, he departed and mounted his horse. He headed across the horizon to Gondor
to seek an audience with Denethor. Eomer and Maxil proceeded to the old Fangorn Forest
to search out Legolas and Gimli.
* * *
Soon, nightfall came upon them, and Eomer made camp while Maxil attempted to start
a fire.
"Having trouble, are we?" said Eomer, with a laugh. Maxil was wrestling trying to
get the stick to create enough friction for the fire. Finally, she gave up and threw
the stick across the camp over to Eomer, just missing his knee.
"Whoa..." he said, "Must you try to kill me now?"
Maxil started to laugh, but then stopped, as if something had caught her interest
on the other side of her by the orange blossoms. Eomer walked over by the blossoms
and picked one. He started tearing a pedal from it.
"Fragile, aren't they?" he said looking at it, studying the contents of the pedal.
"So thin, so fragile," he said, then turning to her, "and yet...so beautiful."
Maxil turned southward and changed the subject. "I wonder what Aragorn is doing to
keep warm in this wretched weather. I hope his journey has not ended prematurely
and he is all right."
"No," Eomer said in response, "He has suffered and survived much worse conditions
than this. Much worse. I would not worry, but concentrate on how you are to keep
warm in this weather."
"How can I concentrate on anything right now when I know Lyrion is about, performing
incantations, paying no homage, giving no heed to anyone or anything...it just wouldn't
be right for me not to worry when it was at my coming here that led him to become
angry. My powers Aragorn spoke of would be no match for his."
Eomer stood up quickly, and looked at her with keen eyes.
"Incantations? No match for 'his' powers? Don't tell me this man Lyrion is a wizard."
"I'm afraid you are correct in saying this," she answered.
"I thought wizards were extinct except for Gandalf, Sauron, and Saruman. What of this
Lyrion? How has he hidden himself from the other wizards for this long?"
"I know not," she said, "but what I do know is that he is the only wizard I have ever
met. These others you speak of, the names mean nothing to me, but if they are as
evil and as powerful as Lyrion, than indeed destruction will befall Rohan. Not only
Rohan, but all of Middle-Earth as well. Slavery and destitution will over-rule us all."
She looked at Eomer with distress in her eyes and fear sounded in her voice as she
said, "Nothing can save us now."
Eomer ran over to her and tried to comfort her by putting his hand on her shoulder.
"It will be all right. There is still hope. You are forgetting Gandalf, who is against
evil in all his ways, and your brother who will soon be King of Gondor and of Middle-Earth."
"No, there is no hope!" she said. As she said it, anger took over her face and body.
A look of fire was raging in her eyes, and soon her eyes were pure black with no
other color. She threw her arm sideways to remove his grasp. Then, she put her hand
to Eomer's side and shoved him away fiercely. As she did this, a green glow appeared from
her hand in a spherical shape. The green circle of fire came from her hand, shot
across the distance between them, and hit Eomer straight in his chest. He flew at
least five meters off the ground and went across camp and smashed into a tree. Soon after he
hit the tree, he slid down and fell to the ground. His head was laying flat on the
grass without moving, his eyes shut without twitching.
"Oh my Lord!" Maxil screamed as she stood up and ran towards him, tears strewn about
her face in terror and fear of what she might of done, and blankness from it, for
she had no idea what had just happened, but she knew something had happened due to
her. She came to Eomer, and held his head in her hand, making sure he was all right, but
she found that fear of him possibly being dead overcame her, and she ran. She ran
too fast to know where she was going, but Maxil did not care. As long as it was away
from him, away from Aragorn, and everyone she had grown to care for that day, the day she
would cherish forever. The hard rocks, she tripped over. The thorns tore at her,
but still she ran. Finally, when she could go no farther, she stopped and fell to
the ground, her face wet from weeping, and her clothes torn, her feet full of bruises and scars
from the hard rocks. There Maxil stayed for days until a wanderer came and found
her speaking to herself and crying in the dark and loneliness of the forest.
"Maxil, you can't go back. Can I not? No, I couldn't possibly. I can't go on with
this....I wish I didn't have to live anymore."
"Hey there!" said the wanderer. He was cloaked in a tattered gray robe with a white
beard.
"Here you are," he said.
Maxil stood up quickly and reached for her sword and almost pulled it out. But before
she did, the old man said, "Don't be fearful, I am not your enemy."
She then put away her sword.
"Who are you?" she asked.
"I am Gandalf. No doubt you have heard of me, am I correct?"
"Yes, quite."
"Glad to hear it. I was sent by Aragorn to find you."
She looked curiously at him. "How did he know where I was?"
"He and Legolas found Eomer a few leagues from here," Gandalf answered.
She yelled hysterically, "I didn't want to kill him! It was so evil, whatever took
over my mind!" She covered her face with her hands and looked away.
"Do not fear it. It was not evil. If the power was evil, you would of killed him.
But the fact of the matter is, you didn't."
She looked up. "What? He lives?" she said with a smile taking over her earlier scowl.
"Yes, quite. He was stunned, and has a rather large headache. Other than that, he
is all right...come back with me, and I will take you to him."
Maxil stood up and slowly went with Gandalf. He led her out of the forest. Soon they
came to a clearing. All around them were grassy plains. A figure on a horse came
riding across the field. he held the reins of a second horse that had no one upon
it. He soon stopped by them.
"Ah-ha! There you are Gandalf. I see you've found our friend."
"Yes I have. Legolas, this is the Lady Maxil."
Legolas dismounted, and knelt before her.
"My liege, I am honored to meet thee at last, the second heir of Isildur."
She stepped back in fear of him. He was different to her, but yet something about
his face seemed so mysterious.
"What.....what is......"
"He is an Elf," Gandalf conveyed. "Do not fear him. Legolas is an ally. A considerably
close friend of Aragorn, and of all of us."
She then took the hand of Legolas and said, "Thank you. I am honored to be in your
presence."
He rose and handed the reins of the second horse to Gandalf, and mounted his own.
He held down his hand and assisted Maxil up to the horse with him. Then, the three
of them rode off across the plains to their rendezvous with the others.
* * *
At the rendezvous point about ten leagues from where they once were, they saw three
figures sitting by a fire on the side of the road under a tree. The riders could
see the sunset before them, displaying an art of colors, too many for their eyes
to digest. Legolas and Gandalf stopped their horses by the company at the road, and greeted
them as the riders dismounted.
"Greetings Aragorn. I have safely brought back your cargo," said Legolas with a laugh."
Aragorn and a rather smaller companion walked up to them, and they dismounted. Aragorn
grasped Maxil by the arm and took her aside.
"What were you thinking? You just endangered all of us. Not just us, the entire Middle-Earth."
"I-I was afraid. I don't know what happened."
"Well neither do I, and I hope to find out soon enough."
There was a long pause, and she sighed and shook her head.
"I still don't see how I endangered all of Middle-Earth."
Aragorn's eyes widened and had a serious look on his face.
"Don't know? You don't know? You have a mind! A mind that knows about the mission.
Yes, the mission. The mission in which two of the most bravest and closest people
to me, Frodo and Sam, are risking their lives at this very moment to bring peace
to this wretched land. They have already destroyed the Ring, but the destruction of the ring
did not destroy the evil that is Sauron. You have powers that Sauron can use to destroy
this quest, this purpose, this race of people. Everything is riding on this: Sauron
can not know!"
She cocked her head, so as not to look into his desolate eyes.
"Well....what if I didn't want these powers? What if I wanted nothing to do with this
anymore, and I wanted out?"
"You don't get it, do you? You and I are the ticket to either victory, or destruction.
There IS no way out. You're involved, and there's no changing that. You can't just
run away and hide when you get a little scared. It doesn't work that way. My Lord,
Maxil, you're just like your mother!"
Suddenly, Aragorn stopped short of saying something else. He regretted what he had
just said, and could do nothing to change the fact he had exclaimed it. She looked
at him with fierce looks.
"Our mother is dead! Would you like to convey that also? Or, shall I pretend I did
not hear it? Perhaps I should state that you are just like your Father, but how would
I do that? I have no idea what our Father was like. Would you like to comment on
that as well?"
Her eyes started to contract, then grew black to display no color. A strong gust of
wind came and blew hard on the company, and her hand came up, and created a small
green orb. Her hand raised, and the sphere soared towards Aragorn at high speed.
His arms rose and a vast wall of fire came from him and ricocheted to a nearby tree. His hand,
held high, created a vast sphere surrounding her, and keeping her inside. She started
banging on the walls of the enclosure brutally. Suddenly, Maxil paused and stood
still. She stared at the stunned faces of Legolas, and others. Then, she glanced at Aragorn.
"What just happened?" she said in a soft voice. The black in her eyes slowly faded
and color returned to them. Aragorn walked towards the sphere that encircled her,
and with a raise of his hand, it disappeared.
"That," he stated, "was what happens when you allow anger to get the best of you.
Learn to control the anger, and you'll control the powers. Once you can control them,
you can use them when you choose, and conceal them when you choose."
She then noticed Eomer: alive, standing by Gandalf.
"Is that what happened to Eomer?" she said with a depressed look on her face.
"Yes, I believe so. I can't be sure until you tell me what happened,"
he answered.
"Doesn't he know?"
"No. he just remembers a blast, and waking up under a nearby tree with me standing
over him."
"But he remembers what happened before I nearly killed him," she retorted.
Eomer came forward, "You didn't intentionally try to do anything. Anyway, that's not
important. What's important is that we're all alive and here now, and that others
aren't. Everyone is in danger at this moment. We've found Legolas and Gimli, and
now we're ready to return to Rohan, and take to preparation for the times ahead."
Maxil looked around her, and saw there was a rather small man half the size of Legolas.
"I suppose you're an elf too?" she asked towards Gimli. Gimli had a look of disgrace
as his eyes widened, and Legolas's mouth dropped.
"M'lady, I am no such thing. Watch your tongue! I'm a dwarf, mind you."
At this, Gandalf began to laugh.
Legolas, trying to change the subject to hide the disgraced look in his eyes from
having his race compared to that of dwarves, commented "Maybe it's time we return
to Rohan."
* * *
As the company reached the castle, they noticed the sky full of dark obscure clouds
as a black eclipse cast down upon the land, and it seemed that death lurked behind
every shadow. The stillness and depression of their hearts deepened at this, but
they went on.
Finally, they came to the castle of Rohan, and met Eowyn by the gate.
"Greetings Aragorn," she said with a shy smile.
"Welcome, M'lady. We have no time to linger, though. We must see Theoden immediately,"
he replied.
"Just as well. He's waiting for your return in the Golden Hall. I suggest you hurry
if this is so important. In fact, so important you had to leave without saying goodbye.
You have been gone for days."
"I realize that," he answered, "However, I'm afraid I have to respect the wish of
others. You will be freed from this curiosity soon enough. Meanwhile, I wish for
you to remain here and wait."
"Wait?" she asked, "Wait for what? A savior to appear from nowhere and guide us? Women
and children are dying while our soldiers are suffering patrolling the area killing
off orcs, and lately I'm tired of waiting. You haven't seen it. It's gruesome: The
innocent perishing by the thousands, small children not being given the chance to grow,
live, prosper, or become anything. You're asking me to wait? I refuse. My love runs
off when he becomes afraid and disappears until he finds it safe to return. Who is
this Galarol you ride with? That is...that's what Eomer told me her name was." She glanced
at Eomer disgracefully. "Galarol isn't her name, now is it? I suppose she is from
Gondor, and wishes to help us. Well that is doubtful."
The color in Aragorn's eyes began to decrease and fluctuate with black, but then returned
to normal. His enraged expression dissipated, and he looked her straight in the eye.
"Eowyn, I do not desire to quarrel with you. If only you could understand how often
I wish I could take your pain and lay it upon my shoulders, but that is the one thing
I can not do. I must go."
With that, he departed into the castle towards the rendezvous point with King Theoden.
He took Maxil, Gandalf, and Eomer with him. As they reached the door to the hall,
it opened, and the face of Theoden appeared. He smiled, and beckoned them to come
in.
"Please, my friends, come."
They followed, and found themselves in the Golden Hall. Gandalf dismissed the guards,
and closed the doors. Aragorn explained Maxil's whereabouts and the powers they both
possessed. He also explained about Lyrion.
"Sir, we must move now," Aragorn said. "Lyrion is a wizard as Sauron and Saruman are.
He is not old as Saruman, however. He is younger and has much power. If he and Sauron
were to join forces, the consequence would be beyond recognition."
The King glared at Eomer for a moment. "What do you think of this, my Son? You seem
to be silent."
Eomer replied, "I agree, King of Rohan. We must go now and make the enemies fall before
they collide."
Theoden asked, "What of this Maxil woman? Where does she fit in?"
"My powers are strong, Theoden, but not strong enough," Aragorn answered. "However,
if Maxil and I were to both use our powers, we could defeat Sauron."
King Theoden shook his head. "So it is true then. You are the King of Gondor?"
"Yes. It is my time to rise from hiding. I can no longer hide. The time has come,
which is why I need you, my King."
"Please," he replied. "You can no longer rightfully call me that. Call me as Theoden.
I am now your underling."
"Theoden, it is not for me to take Rohan. I am the heir of Isildur. I await to overthrow
the tyrant, Denethor. You are in no danger from me. I treasure you as a friend."
"Still," Theoden said. "It is not for you to bow to me or do any great deed for me.
Your Father would never have agreed to that. What is it you need from me, Aragorn?"
He answered, "I need the strongest and bravest men of Rohan to aid us. Maxil and I
will take care of Sauron. We need help in getting through the army of evil to the
tower of Cirith Ungol to destroy Sauron."
Theoden seemed skeptical. "How do you know you can trust Maxil to not betray you?"
He asked.
She frowned; angry because Theoden spoke of her as if she was not even there. Eomer
then stepped forward to speak.
"Sir, if I may speak. Maxil can be trusted." He turned and smiled at her. "I know
she can. She has love for her brother in her heart. They just found each other, but
I know she will not betray him. She harbors love for him as her kindred, and I know
that she is a kind and loving person who cares, and will not betray a cause if she finds
it right and worthy. Is this a worthy cause, Maxil? To purge Middle-Earth clean of
evil and continue it into the 3rd age?"
She looked at him and smiled. "Yes, it is. I met you people not too long ago, but
already I feel as if you are not just people, but those who want to better the world.
I am honored to be a part in it, but I fear there is only a small chance in the success
of this attempt. We must do extensive planning to make this idea of ' purging the
enemy ' work."
Just then, a harsh voice came from a dark corner of the room.
"She's in it for revenge."
Gandalf gasped. He knew the voice. It was that of a loathsome creature of whom he
heartfully despised.
"Grima!" Gandalf yelled.
Grima came out of the corner and exclaimed, "Yes. It is I. She only wishes revenge
upon her Father's death. She's willing to sell her soul to the likes of you to just
gain revenge on Lyrion. Oh yes, I know about it. Saruman, also known as Lyrion, paid
good money for me to find you." Grima stretched back his bow and arrow ready to shoot.
"Luckily, I didn't have to look hard."
Eomer stepped in front and drew his sword. Grima did not have time to swerve before
he let go of the arrow. It soared towards Eomer, who did not fear death. Aragorn's
eyes grew black as night and threw up his hand. A light colored and about a few inches
thick matrix came from it and made itself into a wall in front of Eomer and Maxil. It
was transparent, but yet it seemed to distort everything inside it into different
dimensions and volumes almost. The arrow penetrated the wall, but did not come out
the other side. It slowed in velocity and disappeared from their site entirely as Aragorn
twisted his hand to move the transparent barrier. At this, Grima's eyes widened and
he fled. Gandalf and Aragorn smiled at Grima's retreat. Aragorn lifted his head slightly
and the barrier he had made earlier slowly transformed into a compact globe of a planet.
They did not know where this new planet was. It was a rather dark place with shadows
lurking all through its surface. It contained many volcanoes, one of which was erupting at that same moment. The volcano was transcending dark blood-colored lava scouring
like fire through the rocks on the surface, eclipsing all things green and alive
in the area.
"This is our target," said Aragorn. "We must get to this planet. Theoden, have your
men ready before sunset."
"Wait," Theoden exclaimed. "How are we to travel to another planet? Traveling to different
worlds is impossible. It can't be done. And also, our astronomers have never seen
this planet before. How far away is it exactly?"
"Beyond anything you know, Theoden. A different galaxy to be exact. But leave transportation
to me. Just have your men ready."
* * *
"Really! I saw it with my own eyes. If you think me mad, then I can assure you, I
am not."
"Are you sure?" asked Saruman.
"Positive," answered Grima.
"So you're telling me that Aragorn is the heir? I thought the royal line ended after
I murdered his Grandfather. How was the line continued?" Saruman asked again.
"It's all really quite simple," answered Grima. "He had a son before you killed him.
The son was in hiding, and then when he grew to an adult, and then HE had a son.
Only...he didn't just have a son. He also had a daughter. They were separated; however,
now they are together."
"But which is the eldest?"
Grima, anxious for his master to appreciate the information he had received, answered,
"Neither. They are twins."
At this, Saruman sat down and was in deep thought, as if afraid. He finally spoke.
"So they are both heirs, and both harbor the powers. That means if they're together,
it's one heir of Isildur's power multiplied by two. Grima, this is a serious matter.
Sauron must know. Give me the Palantìr, and go."
Grima was extremely angry and disappointed. He left and went outside the chamber of
Saruman. He sulked at his master's lack of appreciation.
"I almost get killed by that Aragorn character's laser object, and Master doesn't
bother with any thanks. I wish I could kill someone. Maybe one day I can dispose
of Aragorn myself, THEN Master will care. He would make me an honored ally, respected
by all wizards, instead of a servant who's treated as baggage." Grima had so much hate in
his heart. He wished to kill everyone in sight. This hatred almost drove him to the
edge, when Saruman came outside to retrieve him. Saruman walked over to Grima and
kicked him in the leg, which made Grima fall to the ground.
"Slave! Go back to Theoden, and keep your eye on him. Make sure if Aragorn comes back
there, tell me. Now!"
Grima looked up very afraid, and said, "Master, if they find me, I will most likely
be killed! You cannot let me die, Master. Grima is a good servant to you, yes?
Saruman laughed, "Go now you pointless fool! I don't care what happens to you, as
long as I get my information. And you know what happens if you come back without
it, right!?!"
* * *
The muster at Rohan grew with every moment. Men were gathering supplies, such as swords
and shields.
"Should we bring the horses, Sir Aragorn?" asked a soldier.
"I advise against it. Where we're going, horses will not help. We'll need maneuvering
capabilities."
"Yes sir," he quickly replied, and trailed off towards the armory.
Soon, the soldiers were prepared for the journey ahead, and came together by the cliff.
Eowyn met with Aragorn at the gate before they left.
"Aragorn, I'm prepared to go also. I can be of help in the upcoming battle." She seemed
so desperate to go with them, but Aragorn knew he couldn't possibly allow it. She
was too important to Rohan to have something happen to her during the fight.
"M'lady, it's too dangerous. I can't allow you to go through with this."
She sighed once more. "It's always the same thing: You go off to battle, and I'm left
with the rest of the weak population, wondering if you'll be coming back at all.
What becomes of me if you do not return?"
"Eowyn, if I do not return, you are still the same person. You cannot rely on my coming
back this time. I may, I may not. I say this because I wish to be truthful to you
now. I realize I have many a time lied to you, but it was for the protection of you,
and others. Now, the only alternative left to save us all, lies in another galaxy awaiting
our arrival. I wish you to know this so you know enough not to come up with one of
your ideas to try to rescue me if something may happen. Once I leave, you must remain here at Rohan. This is your protection, this is your home, this is your life. Protect
it well."
With that, he turned and pressed on towards the rendezvous point at the cliff. To
turn away from her hurt face was the hardest thing Aragorn ever managed to do. He
saw the fear of his end in her eyes, her wanting to say something to keep him here,
the worry on her face, the trembling of her hands; he never wished to leave her, but he knew
he had to. 'Only for a little while', he thought. 'I will come back to her soon'.
He knew it was a lie. He knew it would most likely be a one way ticket for him. As
long as Sauron and his army was dead, and at least one heir returned, then the mission would
be accomplished. The task was not as simple. First, they must destroy the evil army.
Then, Maxil and he must find Sauron and kill him. Maxil may help to weaken Sauron,
but Aragorn would not risk her life. He would let her hurt Sauron, then get her to
safety as he finished the deed. Aragorn was not about to have her killed after he
had just found her again. That was not an option.
Aragorn reached the cliff where Rohan's army was awaiting his arrival, pondering
how this transportation was to take place.
"Farewell, Theoden. We shall return," Aragorn called out. Eomer and Maxil were on
his left, and Legolas, Gimli, and Gandalf were at his right.
At long last, Aragorn raised his hand in the air, and allowed his eyes to become pitch
black once more. A pool of blue and white light lay in his palm, glimmering like
rippling water, and emitting a light stream so powerful, it grew and soon engulfed
the entire army of Rohan. It was like water reflecting from a lake. The sheer capacity
of the light was intoxicating the air surrounding the company in a reflecting cloud-like
shadow. Not a shadow of darkness; rather one of enlightenment.
Theoden and Eowyn uncovered their eyes and saw the vast light had disappeared,
and so had the soldiers.
* * *
The company found themselves traveling through a small tube-like liquid substance,
yet the liquid walls stayed in a circular formation around them. They found stars,
and vast color swirled in something most peculiar. Stars and planets zoomed past
them at the speed of light; or was it they who flew past the stars instead? Yes, they discovered
this to be true. They were traveling through this narrow and cryptic tunnel through
space and dimensions. Finally, this journey came to an end at a planet unknown to
the soldiers. They saw no plants or grass. Instead, there lay bodies strewn about on
the ground. Bodies and carcasses of animals and orcs. Eomer wondered who could survive
on this planet as he saw the huge mountain before him, with lava flowing forth from
it's rim. Released from his elusive trance, he was grabbed by Aragorn and pulled forward.
"We need to get out of here. The volcano's flow will reach us in moments!"
They both noticed that a large flow of lava was stretching towards them, and Eomer
yelled at the top of his voice for them to take cover.
"Everyone to the cave!" he yelled as he pointed to a small cave to one side out of
the way of the flow.
Legolas took Maxil by the arm and led her to the cave, running as quick as possible.
He wanted to make sure she was to safety, and looked back to see if Aragorn and his
men were far enough from the lava to be safe at this point. Maxil fell and Legolas
toppled over her. Theoden's army ran past him, and Aragorn picked them up and got them
to their feet, and ran past them, on to the cave. The two continued to run, and Eomer
was with Aragorn at the mouth of the cave, beckoning for them to hurry. Finally,
she and Legolas reached the den, and Aragorn held out his hand. He closed the opening with
an invisible blockade. The lava splashed into the blockade Aragorn had created and
continued by the them and took an alternate route past the cave, leaving those inside
free from harm.
After the danger had passed, Aragorn let down his hand, and the opening was clear
once more. Legolas and Gimli left and scouted the area to find if Cirith Ungol was
heavily guarded.
* * *
"We better camp here for a while, M'lady," said Eomer.
"Yes, I agree. Here, let me help you with that," she said, and took his sword which
he was sharpening on a coarse rock. She laid her palm around the handle, and closed
her eyes. Eomer was surprised to find that when she opened her eyes, the blade was
fully sharpened and ready for battle. He did know it was possible for her to do such things,
but he never expected her to help him at all. Not just about the sword, but help
him with anything. He thought she despised him. But, he just smiled shyly and said,
"Thank you."
She gave him a glare, as if she expected him to say more than just 'thank you'. She
stood and walked over to the tent in which Gandalf and Aragorn were conversing. The
tent was pitched right outside the cave. Gandalf was laying out a map of some kind.
It was the inside of Cirith Ungol.
"We meet Sauron's legion of evil here with about a thousand men, including myself.
This will be a diversion, while you and Maxil take two others inside Cirith Ungol
to this point."
Gandalf pointed to a point on the third upper level. He looked back at Aragorn, and
said, "Is this satisfactory?"
"Yes, quite. I think Eomer and Legolas will come with us at this time."
Maxil entered the tent, and walked towards Gandalf.
"Where has Legolas and Gimli gone?"
"They've gone scouting for us, discovering the enemy's number. They should be back
shortly. Legolas will be going with you and Aragorn when the time comes."
"For what reason?" she asked.
"For protection. Cirith Ungol is a palace of pure evil," Gandalf explained. You will
need someone to watch yours and Aragorn's backs. Eomer will be with you as well."
At that she didn't mind. She knew Eomer was trustworthy, and more than once he had
gone out of his way to do something nice for her. But there was something about the
Elf, Legolas, that she did not trust. Ever since he had called her 'cargo', she had
been skeptical of him. She knew he meant no harm in the adjective he chose; still, she
did not wish him to be protecting her back. She would be afraid at every step of
the way. Well, maybe not every step of the way. Legolas seemed very mysterious to
her, but she had to admit he was addicting at the same time. There was something about him in
general that puzzled Maxil to no end. Eomer was a capable knight, and a worthy one
at that, but Legolas was an elf: known for their quick and stealthy maneuvers and
stability. She sat down on a basket near Gandalf. At the moment she sat, a yelp sounded from
the basket. She jumped immediately and stepped back a few paces. Gandalf hurried
over, threw the lid off the basket, and picked up the person inside it by the neck.
"Explain yourself for being here, evil spy of Sauron's dominion!"
They all gasped, and Gandalf quickly took his hand off this hobbit's neck, and set
him gently on the ground. It was Peregrin Took.
"Pippin!" Aragorn exclaimed. "Why you old stow-away, you were supposed to stay with
Eowyn!"
"Fool of a Took!" Gandalf stated.
"I know, Aragorn," Pippin said. "I couldn't help it. I'm always left behind when the
battles come, and when they are over, your return is celebrated. During all this
time, Peregrin Took is forgotten. I'm sorry for stowing away. I just wanted to help
fight the battle when it comes."
Gandalf sighed. Aragorn shook his head sadly. He then stated, "Well there's nothing
we can do about it now. Pippin, while you're here, you can be of use to us. Go find
Eomer, and tell him to be ready. As soon as Legolas and Gimli return, we are leaving
for Cirith Ungol."
* * *
Gandalf and Gimli were just below the top of a hill by the edge of the forest. The
ground was all mud, and branches and fallen trees were strewn about. From the tower
in front of them, it was hard to see the two companions, because trees, drenched
from the rain, surrounded them on all sides. Gandalf was laying behind a fallen tree laying
horizontally across the ground, and Gimli was next to him. The air was filled with
fog, and the sky was full of clouds and blackness. There was not much light, except
from torches lit beside the tower of the dreaded Cirith Ungol by Orcs.
"Is Aragorn ready with the others? Are they in place?" Gimli asked.
"I'm waiting for the signal," he answered.
Gandalf stayed perfectly stationary, cautious not to make a single movement, lest
the enemy spot them. Soon, there was a quick flash over by a distant group of shrubberies
on the other side of the tower, followed by another extended flash, and then another short one.
"There it is. Let's go," said Gandalf.
Pippin made a soft whistle in the rest of the men's direction, and they slowly followed
Gandalf. Gandalf and Gimli marched out in the open, turning on to the path leading
to the gate at Cirith Ungol. Gimli was at his side, and the army of Rohan followed
behind. Broadly and bravely, they reached the gate. An extremely large and burly demon-like
creature appeared from the tower dungeon. His face seemed as if it was on fire, and
his venom lay dripping throughout his bodily skin, or was it scales and layers of
dried poisonous liquid that lay above and beneath his bones instead? His fangs shown
clear, even in the dreariness of the night.
The demon hissed sharply.
"Gandalf. Gandalf the White now, is it?" the villain asked briskly.
"My dear Balrog, you never die do you?" Gandalf sharply retorted.
"Obviously you do. I killed you back in Moria. I saw your dead body below the abyss.
Did that zealot Ranger child save you? Or is he still in love with that human, what
was her name? Eowyn."
Gandalf scorned him at this, "The emotional status of my King is of no concern to
you. You should spend more time bowing then scoffing."
"King? My
King
? No, no, Gandalf. You have me mistaken for someone else. My King is Sauron. I serve
only him. You serve a child. You once said wisdom comes with age. You are ten times
older than he. Why do you not take the throne in his stead? You are indeed much wiser," the Balrog stated.
"I will never forsake and betray my King. You can attempt, but I will never turn my
back on him. He is the true King. Neither you, nor your Sauron god will change that.
This day, Cirith Ungol will fall. Prepare to meet your eternal doom in a place where
evil reigns forever: your playground I presume. You will be pleased to go there; for
this planet will be handed over to the deserving and put to good use. You will no
longer desire to remain here once it is cleansed. Your stench will no longer pollute
this planet. The King's army will purge this galaxy of you and your kind. Now, step aside
and let us pass." Gandalf continued to walk forward, and the Balrog jumped a few
paces and growled.
"I'm afraid I cannot allow you to do so, Gandalf. Where is you King now? He runs from
the face of battle. He is still on your planet, I presume. You may want to check
on him; make sure he is using proper manners as a proud parent should."
Gandalf scowled, and looked up towards the Balrog.
"I do not have time for this. You insult my King once more, and I shall use lethal
force to protect his rightful honor."
"Aragorn: the 'would be' King. I'm not sure what Eowyn finds in him to be worthy of
her love. His kingdom will not prevail. It will fall at a moment's notice. Be intelligent,
Gandalf. Do not follow a collapsing sovereignty. You will not be spared when the
time comes to reform Middle-Earth if this false leader is allowed to take the throne.
I have seen what he did on the Paths of the Dead. He had total command of the un-dead.
Would you want that capability at hand if he were to become angry with you? I saw
Aragorn at Helm's Deep; what he did to those Orcs was brutal. He may use that brutality
on others. Would you want this guilt on your hands? Aragorn has much anger in him.
His obsessions will reflect the downfall of Middle-Earth: His desire for worldly
power, his envious and brutal deeds at Helm's Deep, and more. You cannot allow him to go
through with his reign."
At this, Gandalf took his wand in his hand and held it aloft.
"Gandalf, be intelligent. You know I'm right," the Balrog warned as it leaped forward
and swung his fiery arm at a group of soldiers; killing quite a few. Nearby soldiers
retaliated and threw daggers in his side.
Gandalf's wand began to brighten. A bolt of lightning came from the wand, and caused
the Balrog to disintegrate into a thousand pieces.
Gandalf smiled. "I told you I don't have time for this," he said softly to the remnance
of the Balrog's head. "Right then. Men, move forward!" He called.
At that moment, the gate to Cirith Ungol opened, and line upon line of Orcs and
other evil demons made their way through towards the soldiers of Rohan. The soldiers
ran forward with a force of cause in their eyes, never to give up until their last
breath is driven from their bruised and weakened bodies. They were surrounded, and out
numbered.
"Hell has just arrived," Gimli said with a shaky voice.
* * *
Running through the trees at a rapid speed, Legolas suddenly gave a small quiet cry.
"Aragorn!" he whispered harshly. Legolas wrapped his arm around Maxil's waist and
pulled her aside behind the tree, and Aragorn hid with Eomer behind a separate one.
At first, Maxil wondered what he was doing, then she noticed the patrol of about
twelve orcs marching past them. Since they were hidden behind the trees, they were not seen
by the orcs. When they had passed, Legolas released his grip on her waist and the
four companions regrouped.
"That was too close," said Legolas.
"It would of been even more close had it not been for that advanced elf sight of yours,"
Aragorn stated with a smile.
"Elf sight?" She asked.
"Yes, elves by nature have much better eye sight than humans," he answered.
'Wonderful', she thought. 'First, better maneuvering capabilities, then the advanced
eye sight.' Now she definitely did not trust Legolas to watch her back.
"Let's keep going," Eomer suggested.
The company continued onward. At long last, they reached the back of the tower.
It was a stroke of good luck that no more patrols came across their path again. The
four trudged to the top of the damp hill and noticed a heavily rough river below
them, cutting off entrance to the tower of Cirith Ungol. Aragorn took two ropes with hooks
out of his small pack on his belt. He tossed one to Legolas, and they both swung
them hard, and threw the hook to the balcony, then pulled the rope tight into place.
Legolas put out his arm to Maxil.
"Take my hand," he said, one lay out for her to grasp, the other clinging to the rope
ready to fly across the river. She hesitated, and stood still, pondering for a moment.
Aragorn swung across on the other rope and beckoned for them to hurry. Aragorn swung the empty rope back to Eomer to come across.
"You don't trust me, do you?" Legolas asked. "Is it because you have never met an
Elf before, and you are afraid of me? If so, do not be afraid to trust your heart's
instincts."
She hesitantly took his hand. Legolas got a grip around her with one arm, and the
other clasped hard onto the rope, and they swung across. While over the raging rapids
of the river, she did not wish to look down, lest she become frantic and he lose
his grip. She looked up and stared into the eyes of the taller entity that she felt trust
gain a hold of every second. She couldn't bring herself to call him a 'man', because
he was an elf, and of course she had no idea what they were like. Legolas seemed
no different than a normal person to her, but yet he was so different. His eyes were of a
pure shade of green covering most of the area around his pupil. His face seemed of
a different structure entirely, except for one feature: his smile. She couldn't help
but notice his smile; one thing she had tried to avoid, because perhaps she found herself
admiring that smile for what it really was. It was a look of trust and respect.
Only a few seconds had passed before they reached the balcony, and Maxil was released
from the trance she had been in when Legolas set her back on the ground. He unhooked
the rope form the tower wall, and threw it back to Aragorn. He caught it, and tied
it quickly on his belt next to his saber and dagger. Eomer bent slightly while quickly
making his way toward the door to the stairway.
"I think this leads to Sauron's lair," Eomer whispered.
"Let's go," She said. Maxil took Legolas' hand, and they went down first watching
the front, while Aragorn and Eomer made sure no one was following them.
"We'll need torches," said Eomer. "It's entirely dark down here."
"Torches?" asked Maxil. "Where we're going we won't need torches."
She squinted, as if concentrating on something, and a small sphere appeared; a fire.
A metal circular holder appeared, and the flame laid to rest inside it. The metal
chalice seemed airborne, and it floated in the air in front of them, lighting the
way in which ever direction they proceeded.
They continued down the spiral stairs into what seemed like the depths of the Earth.
At last they reached a corridor. It was long and abandoned. For a long portion of
time traveling through the corridor, Eomer would often glance at Maxil when he thought
she was not watching. He smiled every time he looked at her.
The corridor finally led into a vast area surrounded in fire and falling molten rock.
The company felt extremely drowsy from the intense heat exposure. Aragorn closed
his eyes gently, and created an energy field which kept out the humidity and warmth
of this inferno. The chalice containing the flame was no longer needed, and so Maxil made
it disappear.
"It would seem as if the corridor leads underneath a volcano," said Eomer.
"Possibly the same one," replied Legolas.
"Either way it is a volcano just the same," Maxil stated.
Aragorn gave a look of inspiration. "No, Legolas is right. This is the same one. This
was the only one within the amount of distance in the corridor."
"Which means there are people here in this volcano. It's like a base of some kind
or other," Eomer pointed out.
Legolas let out a sigh and then opened his mouth to speak. "Which means they most
likely saw us when we arrived and ran to the cave."
"We don't have much time," Aragorn exclaimed. "Our army may not be able to hold out
long against the enemy. If they know we are here, on this planet, our people have
just walked into a deathly trap. We must hurry!"
The company ran quickly through the lair, dodging falling molten rock. The volcano
seemed likely to erupt soon. They had to find Sauron and get out quick. They were
running frantically towards the door leading away from the base beneath the volcano.
Almost there, an extremely large boulder fell in their path. Maxil was almost to the door,
she could almost feel it in her grasp. The boulder quickly came down, ready to kill
her on impact.
"Maxil!" Aragorn yelled in terror for her safety. Legolas rammed into her side and
knocked them both to the ground, Legolas landing on top of her. When the dust settled,
they could see the large barrier blocking them from the door.
Legolas quickly scrambled off her, and helped her to her feet.
"Why did you save my life?" she asked curiously. After all the distrust she had shown
him, she felt guilty that he had risked his life to save hers.
"Your majesty, it is known I protect the heir to the thrown," he answered.
"Yes, and that would be Aragorn."
"We are both heirs. If we were not, only I would have these powers," Aragorn explained.
"Even so, you just met me recently, and already you trust me," she said.
"It is because my lord Aragorn trusts you. I do his bidding."
"Because he is the King?"
"No," he retorted. "Because he is my friend."
"I would hate to intrude, but we still ARE inside a volcano," Eomer shouted as a rumble
shook the ground. "Legolas, use those eyes of yours to find another door of some
kind, if there is one."
Legolas looked around hard and concentrating, and found a door on the far side of
the underground den.
"Over there," he said, and pointed with his finger. "Over that lift!" They all looked,
and began to run towards it. There was a small lift like a cliff where the ground
had split into two sides, and a gap was visible that led down deep into an abyss
of molten lava. Aragorn jumped over it first, and Maxil followed. Eomer ran forward and
leaped across, and just as Legolas was jumping across, there was a deafening rumble,
and the gap widened even more to reveal a river of lava now about a mile downward.
Legolas stretched, but could not reach the other side of the cliff in time. He fell downward
and his hands tried to reach for the edge of the cliff, trying to find something
to grip. His hands found the cliff, and his body swung and banged against the inner
part of the cliff about a meter down. The impact knocked him unconscious, and caused him
to let go of his clutch on the side. The three others ran and knelt down at the rim
throwing their hands down for him to grab a hold, but it was too late. They helplessly
watched Legolas' body fall down-down into the abyss of fire. There came another rumble
louder than the first, and the large crevice closed and then sealed with no trace
of a break in the ground. It looked as though the ground had never cracked in the
first place. Their eyes widened in horror, trying to comprehend what had just happened
in those few and fatal seconds. Aragorn stood up slowly and stared all around him.
"This was no accident. This is the work of sorcery!" Aragorn whispered in fury of
his friend's death. "Come! We are being watched."
He beckoned for them to follow. Maxil choked back her tears and asked in a muffled
tone, "Where could we possibly go besides backwards? Legolas is gone, I wish no longer
to go on."
She could no longer hold back her sorrow, and a single tear slowly made its escape
form her eye and ran down her cheek and fell on the ground, melting into oblivion.
"Legolas was the bravest Elf...no, bravest person I have ever met, and he was one
of the closest friends I've ever had. Where are we going, you ask? We are going to
face the evil right now, before he takes any more entirely innocent lives. He is
watching, and knows we're here. It is his sorcery that took the life of Legolas. There is no
turning back now, so we will face him now. Through that door, Maxil. Through the
door." Aragorn pointed to the door which they had been trying to get to before Legolas's
death. He turned back at Eomer.
"Eomer, you need not come with us if it is not your wish. You have done your duty
well, and I will always value your friendship. However, if you wish not to continue
further, you are free from your obligation."
"Tell me," he stated, "Why would I abandon my King and his treasured sister at their
time of greatest need for companionship? I will go with you, and will always go with
you, even if it be unto dust we draw hence."
The two smiled at him, and together they made their way slowly to the door out of
the volcano, which had stopped it's violent shaking temporarily. They went through
the door, and there was a large room, perhaps a half a mile wide. There was no roof,
however. The company looked straight up, but could see no light. It was an extremely long
distance from the floor to where walls ended and revealed a sky. However, the sky
was dark and filled with clouds. The door slammed shut behind them as they entered,
a great fire appeared in front of them, and a dark figure without a face appeared to them.
The face showed itself a moment later.
"Sauron. I'm not very surprised to see you. I would of thought you'd make a more dramatic
entrance," said Aragorn.
"Silence!" Sauron retorted.
Sauron looked at Aragorn for a moment in study.
"Yes. Yes, you! I can clearly see it is you who is the heir. You have bravery and
courage, ready to lead Middle-Earth into a new age. You also have stupidity for coming
here. And you, mortal!" Sauron yelled viciously at Eomer.
"You are the one who lacks intelligence more than the others. For you have nothing
to protect yourself with. You are weak!"
With this, he pointed his sharp finger at Eomer, and blue fire shot from it. It zapped
Eomer, and wrapped around him. Eomer drifted into the air, and halted as if to fall
any moment. Then, with a force unlike the strongest storm, was thrown back towards
the wall at a far end of the room and smashed into nothingness. He fell to the ground
on top of some sort of web-like material, as if from a spider. Next to him was a
person not visible to the eye, because he was devoured in some kind of pool of blue
liquid, more adhesive than of water. Although, Maxil thought she saw the face of Legolas
under the mass of poison.
"Yes," Sauron hissed. His black and dark figure transformed into a massive venomous
serpent.
"Yesss, that is your elf friend. I know what you are thinking, Lady Maxil. I also
know you are the brother of the heir to the throne. In fact, you are both heirs.
Yesssss, Lyrion, also known as Saruman in disguise, told me through the Palantìr."
The immense serpent now surrounded himself with a high ring of fire.
Maxil and Aragorn rose high into the air until they were at the height of Sauron.
They stayed floating in the air next to each other, waiting for what would happen
next. They both agreed telepathically to stay together at all times, until the very
end in which they would separate.
Sauron blew a breath of fire at them, and Aragorn swerved to one side in the air,
so the flame would not hit him, and then moved his eyes toward an extensive stone,
and with his eyes made it hit Sauron's head. Sauron changed back into his normal
black and humanoid shape. Then, Maxil and Aragorn returned to their previous positions on the
ground. Transparent and clear shields came up around each other, and Aragorn caused
another even larger stone to soar right at Sauron: a direct hit. They both dodged
a stroke of fire from the enemy, and after dodging, Aragorn held out this palm and small
single shots of flames came form his wrists, striking the evil wizard head-on. Fire
rose out of the ground underneath Maxil, and she ran to the left, but the flames
kept coming up from the ground where she went. She continued running as fast she could, and
swerved right, and came back up in the air. She nodded at Aragorn, and he proceeded
to the opposite side of Sauron. He was still aiming small streams of fire at him
as he made his way, slowly, as not to draw suspicion to what he was doing.
Sauron held his head high and small red ghostly creatures flew down from the sky into
the deep crevice in the ground of which they and Sauron were fighting. They seemed
like small demons that had come to assist Sauron in defeating them. The demons circled
all around Aragorn and Maxil, driving paranoia to every corner of the cavern. They
caused Maxil to temporarily lose her balance, and she started to soar towards the
ground, but she caught hold of her grip in the coarse and dry air, and returning
to her previous position.
With the demons still trying to make the two vulnerable, Aragorn nodded at Maxil,
and both of their eyes lost all color, and became black as night. The demons, realizing
who they were by their eyes and power, backed away. They floated motionless in the
air for a brief moment, then screeched as they soared above and away from the fiery mountain.
Sauron's face grew weary.
"Get back here, slaves of hell! You are under my command!" he shouted at them. He
sent two rocket-like objects into the air after them that had appeared out of nowhere
by his evil power. They exploded once by a group of flying in a group., They darted
across the sky at an even quicker pace.
"Satan now looks down at you as a failure; you have not fulfilled your mission," stated
Aragorn with a smirk.
He held out his arm, and a small red sphere started to glow from it. Maxil did the
same, only the sphere from her palm was glowing a green emerald color.
"I am the green of Middle Earth; the life," she said.
"I am the fire of Middle Earth; the death," he said. "And you are no longer anything
of Middle Earth, for you are now and forever perished from this land, and from life
itself; damned to rest only in the eternal fire that is of hell."
The sphere of fire Aragorn held in his hand grew brighter with light, and grew greater
in size. It was casting a stream of light through the room, the light making its
way towards Sauron. The light beam turned into fire on contact of Sauron. His body
spasmed and a dark fire ran through his veins. After this, Maxil's emerald sphere enlarged
its capacity, and its light became so luminous it filled the entire canyon. Her sphere's
light stream reached Sauron, and glowed a brilliant green through his face, and suddenly Sauron rose into the air. Both of their powers were attacking him on either
side. There was no escape for the evil master. He screamed, and then fell to the
ground. At impact, Sauron turned and disappeared with a flash of light.
Aragorn and Maxil ceased their incantations and she turned to Aragorn.
"Where has he gone?"
"To his eternal resting place," he answered.
There came a sound from the opposite side of the ravine, and they discovered it was
Eomer, still breathing. Maxil helped him to his feet, and Eomer looked around. His
only statement was, "It is finished, is it not?" Eomer asked.
"No, not quite," Aragorn answered.
Aragorn turned back around to see the mysterious figure that was there before, covered
in some type of blue restraints and goo-like substance covering his face. He became
hesitant, and gently moved the covering aside from his face. It was Legolas.
"How did his body get here? We saw him fall," she said.
"Remember," Aragorn explained. "It was no accident that Legolas fell. It was the sorcery
of Sauron. It was most likely his sorcery that brought him here. Come, let us give
him a proper burial; as a warrior, and as a friend. Aragorn began to pick him up,
as a groan came from his battered body.
Eomer stepped closer to hear what he thought he heard once more. Aragorn stopped moving
entirely.
They saw his chest moving, as he breathed in and out.
"He's alive!" Maxil shouted.
Aragorn set him down so he could breathe more. After a few moments, Legolas opened
his eyes to find his three companions by him. Legolas shot up quickly.
"Where is he? Are we captured?" he inquired frantically.
"You need not worry," Aragorn stated. "He has been destroyed."
Suddenly, the rumble came once more as an earthquake shook the unfirm mountain.
"We must leave here, now!" Eomer yelled.
"Can you walk?" she asked.
"Yes, I believe so," Legolas answered.
He got up, and followed them out of the canyon area where they were visible from the
sky, lest the demons return to finish their master's duty for him. He walked slow
at first, then accelerated to their quick pace.
"Why is the volcano going to erupt? Sauron is gone, so his sorcery has no power here,"
Maxil asked, out of breath because they were running.
"It's not the volcano," Aragorn answered. "The planet is ripping apart from the inside.
It's Master of evil is gone; and since Sauron had so much influence on this planet,
it cannot exist without him."
A larger rumble sounded once more, and a crack in the planet appeared only a mile
from them. The planet was separating into sections, and killing everyone on them
with fire from the center of the planet.
As the four ran, they saw the army and Gandalf up ahead.
"Praise be they're still alive." Eomer remarked excitedly
Gimli ran towards the four, and stopped next to Aragorn.
"My liege, we must leave now before the planet tears us apart with it!
"I agree," he answered.
The men, now sadly in less number than when they arrived, gathered quickly near them.
Aragorn's eyes were still black from the slaying of Sauron, as was Maxil's. Aragorn
stretched out his arm, and close his eyes, ready to transport them back to Middle-Earth, where Theoden was awaiting their return. Suddenly, an arrow soared through the
group men, and penetrated Aragorn's body. He grasped his chest in pain, and fell
to his knees. A scream came from Maxil, as she held him so he wouldn't collapse.
Legolas took his bow in hand and stringed an arrow; ready to shoot at whoever awaited behind
them who dare harm the heir of Isildur. Legolas saw it was a ghostly demon, evil
in shape and gesticulation. Maxil realized it was one of the same demons who attacked
them earlier in the canyon with Sauron. The incubus looked at them and laughed, and then
bolted away through the air.
There was another quake from the ground, and the crack , now only meters away, grew
larger. Gandalf came to her and knelt down beside him. He let Aragorn's head rest
on his shoulder in respect for his much loved friend, and turned to Maxil.
"He still may live, but not if he stays here. You must get us off this planet before
we are destroyed with it. Hurry," he told her.
She got up, and turned around to face the soldiers who were desperately awaiting to
hear their king's condition. She closed her eyes, so no one could see the tears she
held within. Then, she let her hand out in front of her, as if to touch lightly and
gently the outer edge of a bubble. The air rippled, as if it was a lake of water, and
slowly it circumfranced the army, and flashed an outward light. It was so eminent,
everything went blind for the people of Rohan, until the light disappeared, and they
found themselves inside the castle walls at Rohan.
Eowyn and Theoden had been awaiting their return, and ran to see what was wrong. Aragorn
still lay with his head on Gandalf's shoulder to keep him upright. Eowyn fell beside
him, and took his hand.
"Aragorn, what of this?"
He took a deep breath, and looked straight into her eyes.
"Eowyn,"
"Yes?" she asked compassionately.
"Eowyn, I want you to tell," he took another breath, struggling to speak. "to tell
Arwen...that I'm sorry I couldn't marry her before this."
At this, Eowyn choked. She tried in every manner not to burst into tears that instance.
Eowyn had always loved him, but never more before this moment. She had reached the
climax of love for him, and that he had promised to marry the daughter of Elrond
ripped her apart. She held his hand up to her face and kissed it. She knew he thought
of death at this moment. She would not allow it; not now, not ever. Maybe he did
not need her, but she needed him.
"Of course, anything you ask," was her reply. Over the course of his being at Rohan,
she had wished to say many things, but now she could not find the strength. He lay
there, helpless in the care of Gandalf.
Aragorn turned his head to Legolas, diminishing all his strength in that one gesture.
"Legolas, take care of Maxil for me. Elves are notorious for helping a friend."
Legolas looked puzzled. "No they're not," he said.
"This one is," Aragorn said with a smile. He looked at Maxil.
"You know what I want you to do; what you have to do."
With that he closed his eyes, and his head fell back on Gandalf once more.
"No! Gandalf, you're a wizard. You can help him!" Eowyn blurted out.
"I'm sorry," Gandalf answered. "I could do nothing."
Eowyn laid her head on his chest, her grief stricken face pale, and her eyes covered
in tears shed for a love that could not be. Maxil gave in to her sorrow, and let
down her mental barriers. She allowed a tear to trickle down her cheek and fall to
the ground. She bowed her head in thought. Gandalf stood, and laid the body of his King,
and friend on the ground with deep respect for him.
"Now, it is finished," Eomer stated, with despair and anguish in his voice.
Gandalf would not let his emotions get the best of him. As a wizard, he was extremely
old, but never in his life had he experienced a death so painful to him. He refused
to let the slightest amount of despair escape his inner soul and reach his face.
He turned to face Maxil.
"Your orders, My liege?" Gandalf asked her.
She wiped her eyes and breathed inward to digest into her mind what had just occurred
this day. Legolas took her hand in his, and gave her a look of compassion. She knew
Legolas experienced a pain inside him far greater than he had ever experienced. Aragorn was one of the closest friends he had ever had. Maxil knew this. She didn't know
how, but she knew. She slowly stood up.
"In life," she said. "My brother was dedicated to the unity of the different races.
Together, he believed Middle-Earth could unite into something greater. Instead of
being classified into different factions of races; that Hobbits, Elves, Dwarves,
Men, and any other race of beings should come together and assist in creating a world unlike
no other. We have just come from a planet so corrupt, that without evil, the planet
destroyed itself from the inside. We could never possibly allow this fate to become
that of Middle-Earth. What I wish is for you, Gandalf, to give Aragorn a proper burial.
He is more worthy than I to be the guardian of this world.
"Aragorn always felt obligated to destroy any evil inhabiting this world, no matter
the cost. He knew he would most likely not return, and yet he proceeded to Cirith
Ungol all the same. This is the type of spirit we should follow; to wish to do all
we can for the well-being of those we care about. Aragorn is now beyond our reach, but
there will come a time when we must reflect on the past, and the cause he died for:
to deliver us into the hands of eternal prosperity, instead of being bombarded by
the sword of pure evil in which to demolish us all.
"The future is unsure. Will we survive the entrance into the third age? Or be
left behind by war and more death. One thing is certain: Aragorn will never be forgotten.
I will see to it that his sacrifice was not in vain, and that while I reign, I may remember this day and know that no one is ever entirely alone. Race differences cannot
separate us now, now that the people Middle-Earth have come so far as to be rid of
evil from Cirith Ungol. Now, let us be rid also of the evil in our hearts, and unite
as one."
"M'lady," Legolas said. "You will need someone at your side as well, to help you and
be with you at times when others have gone."
"For that, Legolas, I need you."
He grasped her hand tighter, remembering the face of Aragorn saving him from Sauron's
evil grasp at the canyon, and yet he could not save Aragorn. They walked with Gandalf
and Theoden to the castle of Rohan to prepare a ceremony for the memory of Maxil's
beloved brother. Eowyn stayed behind, even after Aragorn's body was carried inside
for the ceremony. She proceeded to the gardens outside the Golden Hall. She could
hear the singing, and the mourning from inside, but wished to take no part in it.
As she walked in the garden, she remembered the last request Aragorn had asked of her. She somberly
reminisced as she walked
Eowyn, I want you to tell Arwen that I'm sorry I couldn't marry her before this.
She wished she had never heard him say it, but the fact was that she did hear it.
Eowyn knew she had to heed his request, even if she wished it not to be so. She could
not deny he had said that statement of regret about someone else, and not about her.
Eowyn decided she would tell Arwen what he had requested. At sunrise, she would leave
Rohan. She would proceed to Rivendell and stay with Arwen to comfort her when she
learned of his death, and to tell her he was sorry he did not marry her before.
Eowyn knew she would most likely never return to Rohan. She was of no importance now.
The war with Sauron was over; however, for her the war had just begun: the war of
lost love. She knew neither side would prevail in this war, but decided to fight
it out, instead of being neutral. If her heart was in war and agony, she would not ignore
it once more. Her feelings would not be left behind this time.
THE END
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