Paths That Lead Home (LotR F.F.)

Chapter 22: My Own Hope

Cathy's POV:

It's has almost been twenty four hours since Saruman told me some of his offer when I was summoned.

Since I was returned to my cell, I thought long and hard on the pros and cons of the answers I could give. If I accept Saruman's offer then my friends will live, but I may have to be Saruman's puppet for the rest of my life. If I decline, then there is a strong possibility that he will kill me or torture me until I accept.

What would the others do? That question keeps popping up and the answer is still the same: they would rather die than help Saruman.

Granted, the old man never said what he wanted from me, but it's the same in every story: Where the villain tries to make a deal with the hero or the hero's friends (that me), but has his own secret agenda where everyone eventually gets killed in the end. So what should I do? I can't do something that can kill people. The thought alone makes me sick to my stomach. And I am not ready to die or face the torture. I just know that I will break the second they lay their hands on me.

"He's found proof already?" I asked, shocked.

The black orc grinned at me. "Never underestimate the power of Saruman."

I gulped and followed the black orc. We traveled up stairs, through a hall, then into a room. The room was circular with black, marble-like walls lined with torches. A stone pedestal sat in the center with a black orb sitting on top. There was blue mist swirling in the orb and something about it drew me to it, yet also made me want to run in the other direction.

"The Palantír." I jumped and turned to see Saruman enter the room, and he didn't come alone. A hunched man walked behind Saruman. He wore black clothes and had the greasiest black hair that I have ever seen. His pale skin and blue eyes looked like they never saw the sun or anything with light. Saruman strode to the other side of the pedestal. He stroked the orb. "It allows me to communicate to... my allies, and see throughout Middle-Earth. However, I will never be able to use it fully, unlike a Seer." He gave me a knowing look.

"So what does this have to do with Abby?" I asked.

"You may not be able to See into our world, like Abby. However, you can still use this orb to see that your friends and Abby are alive."

"What about that last half of your offer?"

Saruman smiled, but it had no warmth. "If you agree to my offer, then I will spare your friends and send you and Abby home. However, you must... aid me in a few matters."

"Like take over Middle-Earth?"

Saruman didn't look at me, although, he still had that cold smile on his face as he looked down at the Palantír. "If you do not agree, well, we have means to persuade you." Behind me, the black orc snickered.

I gulped, but nodded. "Ok," I piped. I walked over to the Palantír. Saruman stepped back, studying me. I took a deep breath and hesitantly placed my hands on the orb with the vision of Abby in my mind. At first, nothing happened, but then pain erupted through my skull, forcing me to close my eyes.

But it was gone the second it came.

I opened my eyes. A small group of people were walking through a village with an older man leading them. Behind him was Aragorn and Gimli. Behind them was Legolas and Abby. She looked surprisingly good. Her face was clean, save for a couple scratches and small bruises, and she was wearing a cream dress with a green vest, but at her side was a sheathed sword.

The old man leading them, caught my attention when he grumbled "Helm's Deep." I had to do a double take. The guy looks almost exactly like Gandalf, except everything that was grey on his is now white. But that's impossible! We all watched Gandalf fall back in Moria when facing that Balrog.