(PTII)Defenders of Middle Earth: A Middle Earth Story(Book 4)

Chapter 30: We Stand Together

The wind swirled about Gerithor, a maelstrom of vivid blues and violets. It clawed and grasped like powerful hands, catching his cloak and wrapping it tightly around him. The sky was black, and a million pale stars shone like pinpricks through the blackness. He glanced around slowly at the alien landscape that lie before him. A dream... This is a dream, he thought to himself as the realization hit him. That thought alone somewhat reassured him. 

He stood atop a tall hill, and from it he could see for miles all around. In the distance, he heard horns and the marching of many feet. Dark mountains stood stark against the sky to the south, and behind them he saw a great Eye. Suddenly, as he cast his eyes upon it it drew closer, and he could see that it was made of flame. A voice, terrifying and fell, spoke to him from out of the fire. 

"You cannot fight the shadow. The void will claim you, son of the North. The wheel of fire draws near, and it will consume all. Let the darkness in, ranger... Let it take hold of your heart."

A shaft of light fell from the sky at that moment and sundered the Eye in two. An otherworldly sound like that of air escaping one's lungs emanated from the fragmented Eye before it faded away, and in its place stood a figure. No... Not just a figure. The warrior that Gerithor had seen in his visions before. He was clad in silver armor, a blood-red cape flowing behind him in the ghostly wind.

The being stepped forward. "Gerithor, son of Gerimond. Your quest nears its end. The Eldar have sent me to you in Man's time of need, but that time too will soon be over. You will have need of me once more, then I shall return to the place of my forebears."

"Who are you?" Gerithor inquired, his voice carried away on the gusts of wind. 

"I am a warrior of ages past. I am a spirit of fire, but the dark flames were my bane. I will say no more than that. But know this. You must stay pure of heart, and you must guard yourself. My power is as treacherous as the blade of a sellsword. I do the will of they who sent me, but more than that I do the will of your desire. Do not let wrath consume you, or you may never return to the world of the living." The warrior's face blurred and shaped with the wind, but Gerithor could see eyes of blue fire glaring at him. 

"Why me?" He pressed. He wanted to know the source of this, what had caused this possession. 

"The Eldar have found you pure. More so than most in this fallen world. Only you had the innocence of mind to endure my power. Stay true to that, no matter what befalls you." The warrior raised a hand in farewell, and the wind carried him away until Gerithor stood alone.

==================

Two Days Later, Mirkwood Road

An unnatural dark had shrouded the road in shadow, though it was midday and only hours before the sun had shone. Distant rumors of thunder could be heard to the south, and many of the company whispered that Sauron had triumphed and was covering the land in eternal night. 

Gerithor didn't believe them. If these words were true, they would surely know it. Further, his scouts had reported the Zaskia had fortified Dol Guldur to withstand a siege. If Sauron had defeated Gondor, she would almost certainly be going on the offensive. 

What remained of Thranduil's host marched with them, as well as Rukil's men under the faithful hand of Hadar. Glorfindel, Gloin, and Gerithor rode with the commanders of the armies, for they were eager to see the quest to its end. Kalan had stayed behind to help the survivors rebuild Erebor, along with Edhael. The two had struck up a friendship through their shared trials, and now they could hardly be parted from one another. 

"M'lords, there's dust on the west road! An army marches!" A scout exclaimed as he reined his horse in beside the commanders. 

"Did you see them?" Glorfindel asked, his keen blue eyes scanning the road ahead.