Aria the Black (Book 2 of the Daughters of Durin Trilogy)

Chapter 22: A Sorceress' Aid

"One stage of your journey is over, and another begins. War has come to Rohan. We must ride to Edoras with speed." Gandalf was explaining to Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli as they walked through the forest. After their joyous reunion, the renewed White Wizard had revealed his knowledge of current Middle Earth, seeing as he had done some traveling before he returned to them. Soon enough, they reached the forest's edge, the four inhaling the fresh air that met them at the exit.

"I encountered the Riders of Rohan on these very plains, banished from their homeland." His usual merry countenance changed to that of dissaproval and grief. "King Théoden is ill. Sauron has plagued his mind for far too long, letting Rohan fall into waste and ruin. We ride there now, but not before another joins us."

Aragorn realized of who he spoke, and why. "A powerful magic lies upon the King, for a healthy Théoden would not let such peril fall among his people. We would need great power to break the spell upon him. You speak of Queen Ravonna of Erebor, do you not?"

"Yes. Ravonna the White is just who we need. I willl send a message; Thorin will escort her to us on the way." Gandalf whistled piercingly, the other three following his gaze off into the distance. Soon, an answering neigh reached their ears and a white horse appeared from the plain, answering the call. His coat shimmered in the sunlight as his piercing white mane blew in the wind behind him while he galloped. The horse stopped in front of Gandalf, his white robes matching the magnificent's horse's color almost exactly.

"That is one of the Mearas, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell." Legolas gaped at it, awestruck.

"Shadowfax." Gandalf announced. Gimli bowed in the background, recognizing the nobility of the horse's title. "He is the Lord of all horses. He has been my friend through many dangers."

Equipped with their own horses as well, the three hunters and Gandalf rode across the plains to Edoras, the wizard leading the way atop Shadowfax. As their hoofbeats filled his ears, Gandalf took the moment to deliver his message to his old friend.

My lady and dear friend, Gandalf rumbled inside their heads as their minds connected, we are in dire need of your assistance. The King of Rohan is not well. He needs to breathe the fresh air Sauron and the filth Gríma Wormtongue have long deprived him of. Help us, Ravonna. I beseech you.

Any one person would be a fool to let this go unnoticed, Gandalf. She replied swiftly as she too rode on the plains towards Mordor. Lifting a hand, she halted the army behind her, the thump of dwarven armor echoing throughout the valley. If you are in need, than so am I, Gandalf. Where shall I meet you?

Gandalf smiled to himself as her calm and confident voice filled his head, as light as the air on a midsummer's eve. On the meadow that which you and the dwarves ride, my dear. You only need go East.

And East I turn. Thank goodness you are alive and well, my friend. Middle Earth is overjoyed to have you with us once more.

...

Frodo and Sam were climbing a high rock overlooking Morannon, back in the unsteady footholds of the dark land. Soon enough, an enormous gateway came into view, the hobbits and Gollum stopped short in their tracks. Tens of thousands of Orcs patrolled and stood guard on the towers and it's walls. Along with them, an army of Easterling soldiers marched to towards the scene.

"The Black Gate of Mordor." Gollum welcomed them, although it was nowhere near an inviting sight.

"Oh, save us." Sam sighed, his eyes widening at the leagues of Orcs and Men before them.

"Master says to show him the way into Mordor, so good Sméagol does. Master says so."

"I did." Frodo agreed, his brow furrowing at the sheer number of their enemy.