Through The Veil- A Different World

A Change in the Tide

At the Base of Caradhras

"Alright," Gandalf called to the company looking up at the large mountain that looms in front of them. "We will rest here for the night. Once we get on the mountain, it's a two day journey to the other side. Make sure you stay warm tonight for we won't be able to start fires on the mountain."

The Hobbits, who had all dropped to the ground after Gandalf had said night, groaned at the news of no fire. Harry chuckled along with Aragorn at the sight that they made. Legolas and Sam soon disappeared into the surrounding undergrowth, to hunt and gather wood respectively. Harry and Frodo took to setting up the sleeping bags in compatible silence. Gandalf found a large stone and sat down to smoke and think. The others all took turns bathing and filling the water skins in the nearby stream. The camp was mostly silent as everyone worked in harmony to set up for the night and cook dinner.

After dinner Legolas took the rest of the food that hadn't been eaten started to prepare it for the two day trip to the other side so that they wouldn't have to worry about food. Harry was sitting next to the elf with Aragorn on his other side. Aragorn was continuing Harry's lessons in Elvish and they were progressing well. At that moment Harry was trying and failing to say a particularly difficult word and Legolas was trying to not laugh at the words that he was actually saying instead. Aragorn wasn't even trying to contain it and Harry was scowling at the ranger for laughing at him. Suddenly there was a bright flash and Fawkes appeared before the assembled group.

"Fawkes! Your back!" Harry exclaimed with a smile. The bird flew over to the young wizard and perched on his shoulder, the birds favorite place to rest. Harry reached up and took the letter from him and gave him a loving stroke across the chest as he carefully opened it.

Harry!

What a surprise! Fawkes almost gave me a heart attack! I am not as young as I once was you know, things like that could kill me. Oh, who am I kidding, I am glad you are safe Harry, it has been a long time.

I wish that I had good news to pass on to you, but I do not. Things are not well here in Rohan. You said you are involved in the coming war, I will then presume you know of orcs and of Saruman's betrayal. Orc raids are increasing in number, news reaches us here in Edoras everyday about villages that have been attacked. The King, Théoden, cannot do anything, he is under some type of mind control from Saruman. I am trying my hardest to help him but I do not wish to earn the wrath of the White Wizard. The King is no longer the one making the decisions, the new 'advisor' is. His name is Grima Wormtongue and he is a puppet of Saruman. He has banished all of the Rohirrim from the city in the name of Warmongering.

Unfortunately that means both Remus and Sirius are banished as well. I was not a part of the Rohirrim so there was no valid reason for me to be banished. Before they left I was given the job to protect the city and help the king, his son and his niece. His nephew was the leader of the Rohirrim so he is banished as well. The King's son, Theodred, was injured quite severely and almost died, but I was able to save him. Though for his own protection everyone but his cousin believes he has passed. We need help here in Edoras, if by chance you are able to come here. I plead that Gandalf help us. I know that the Ring is the most important thing right now, but if there is anyway...

Stay safe Harry, please. We had wondered the outcome of the war so many times over the last two years. If our paths do not cross before the end of this war, do us a favor, keep yourself alive.

Please.

I'll pass on a letter to a messenger to take to Sirius and Remus to inform them of your arrival. They will be pleased. Keep in touch if possible.