LOTR - Rods of the Five Wizards

LOTR and Hobbit: The Rods of the Five Wizards

Draft Revision .2

Blake Salemink

TRU Undergraduate Program

Dec. 30, 2014

Mirror Chapter I

In the Lothlórien forest Gandalf peered into the Mirror of Galadriel.  The chalice of the great elf witch was known to reveal many secrets and answers.

“Tell me what you see,” whispered Lady Galadriel.

As the mirror image appeared before Gandalf, he observed the blue waters in which the orb was found.  

Gandalf pulled out from the mirror what he was searching for.  The mirror revealed the portrait of a ring, and the blue night sky ring was pulled out from a picture of Elvin Lords who were conversing over the orb that beheld such magic it could hex the ring.

“Gandalf?” pondered Lady Galadriel.

Gandalf broke from his vision letting go of the mirror and released the ring of Anor from his clutches.  “A ring,” he said.  “The mirror has showed me a ring from the ancient elves that used my orb to forge.  We must search for this ring from the orb, as it will restore the light of Elandriel and cast a moon again over the waters of the undying lands up the coast, past Bree.  This casting over will open the waters to the Elves to the undying lands and guide them over the dark seas…”

“Gandalf, what else do you see?” she asked again.

Gandalf paused and looked again.  He saw a ring, and then he saw a Halfling, that had an ill look.  He was in a boat and there was an image again the ring again.  It was gold and bright.  “I see a small hobbit-like creature.  Why, I just may have sold fireworks to his people,” said Gandalf matter-of-factly. 

“Gandalf, what I think you see is the uncovering and the fate of us all.  This Halfling must be found, and the image of the ring that is shown must be uncovered,” said Lady Galadriel tensely.

So, Gandalf sat and talked to his kingly Dwarf with whom they discussed the route of their new quest.  Gandalf had in mind another key companion to this journey who would need to be found but the identity of  this companion was shown in the mirror  as a Halfling who had taken this mystery gold ring was still unknown.  Gandalf had many questions that needed to be answered.  His first would be to encounter these woodland Elves travelling through Bree from the Blue Mountain and question them of this Orb and Ring they have forged and its true owner.

“Gandalf, I know the ring you search of.  For it is also in my dream.  Ever since the ring of power was lost by Isildur, we elves have searched for new ways to forge something more powerful than it.  These Elvin Lords whom have your blue diamante must not be harmed.  I will send word to the Woodland Elves who have come across your orb.” Lady Galadriel revealed a small bird and attached a golden envelope.  “This letter will detail your arrival, and I hope you do not make haste for these Elves are on their way to the Undying lands are woodland Elves of the North-west and behold much magic, lore and secrets of our people.”

“The fact that these Elves have my orb shows their worthiness for the orb which does not present itself to foul owners and would not produce such a ring for them.  On the other hand, this ring they forged can only be wielded by a Wizard or Witch.” Gandalf explained.

“Gandalf,” she said as she sent the bird on its way.  “Take care, and on the journey, do keep your safety; the land of Moria is riddled with Orcs.”

“It is an honour, Lady Galadriel.  Finding my lost orb and securing this new elfish ring will make me wielder of the Flame of Anor and secure the future of the next Century and hopefully also uncover the secrets of also this mystery gold ring,” said Gandalf patently.

“Gandalf take heed, for the Elves will be expecting you before you have come,” added Galadriel as Gandalf took his robe and headed off out of the elfish forest and trees.  As Gandalf proceeded down the carved wooden steps of the giant trees, he looked to the East and whistled harmoniously.

Out in the distance appeared a white light.  It was a Lord of the Meeras, Shadowfax; the lord of all horses.  “My old friend,” said Gandalf heartily.  He patted Shadowfax then quickly mounted the white horse.  “Show us the meaning of haste,” ordered Gandalf to Shadowfax.  Malin, Gandalf’s dwarf companion, rode alongside with Gandalf on Shadowfax

.

They rode quite far and long until reaching the forest.  Across the distance of pines and tweed of the forest in the Elven lords from Galadriel’s domain.  As the sun set Gandalf came across a hills from the mountain entrance to the Mines of  Moria.  Gandalf was leaving the safe guarded borders of Lady Galadriel’s forest.  As Gandalf reached the peak of Moria, he saw some young Dwarves Lords guarding the steps of Moria into the mine.  Gandalf did not wish to take this route, but as the darkness overtook the hills, Gandalf knew the night would not be safe, but the Mines were a good place to cross and possibly pick up new companions for his quest.  

At the end of Lothlorien forest, there was a hidden bush which Gandalf knew from memory had a well liked farmer by the name of Ronin.  Gandalf peered behind the bush and entered to the entrance of the Lothlórien farm district.  Gandalf knocked on the wooden entrance.  From within came the murmurings of Elf Lords.  The steps of an old elf came from within the farm from the old oak tree.  Eventually there appeared the old elf farmer.

“Ronin,” greeted Gandalf hugging heartily his elfish companion.  They exchanged greetings and quickly proceeded to the topic of conversation.  Gandalf inquired about these elfish people he had seen in Galdriel’s Mirror.  Gandalf explained his position, and the position these elves had put him in.  This ring was forged from a great orb presented to Gandalf as a young elf wizard.  It was presented by his master and old friend Sauromon.  It presented light and vision to the holder, guiding them through terrible places.  Ronin explained that these Woodland Elves lived in the woods of the Blue Mountains.  He explained that they were known for great alchemy and would honor Gandalf if he so could wield it.

“By what name does this ring call?” interjected Ronin.

“The Flame of Anor,” answered Gandalf.

The elf farmer sat thinking what a ring that could guide one through perilous dangers, and lighted its path to its wielder.

The elf assured if Gandalf was the true owner of the orb and the orb produced the alchemy to create the ring, and Gandalf was to be the bearer of this ring, the elves would present it to Gandalf.

Gandalf quietly thanked Ronin and proceeded back out to the gate where Shadowfax stood grazing.  Gandalf prepared to mount Shadowfax, some members of Ronin’s family brought out a pack of elfish groceries from their farm.  “Thank-you little ones,” said Gandalf.  Before he kicked off Ronin said one thing.

“Gandalf the elves you wish to meet are proud folk.  I hope you present them a gift for them to give up their new alchemy,” said Ronin.  “Keep to the road, orcs will be out by nightfall.”

“Granted,” replied Gandalf cheerily.  “I have.”

Moria Chapter II

The history of Moria was a short one and Gandalf had a particular one with it.  He knew the elves were searching for new treasures to replace are of the dwarves of Lake Town.  The dragon had all but taken the great kingdom of Thráin.  “Hello there young master dwarves,” saluted Gandalf to the guards.

“Who are ye?” questioned the dwarves, wielding their axes.

“A friend,” responded Gandalf.

“A friend of whom?  Not an elfish one I hope,” said the guard shrilly.

“A friend who may be able restore the House of Thráin and restore his treasures to him,” explained Gandalf.

Malin stood quiet.

The Dwarves looked back and forth and with an approving nod withdrew their guard.  Gandalf smiled pleasantly.  Proceeding down the steps and across the path of Moria to the feasting, Gandalf saw many dwarves digging and delving greedily along the walls and the crevices of all the shiny places.  Gandalf observed a cart carrying mythril and a dwarf wheeling it up to the keep.  He followed the dwarf up the stairs and into the halls where there was gold and silver laced along the banisters of the hallways and various suits of armour guarding the entrances.

“Come, feast!” shouted the Dwarf Lord.  “I am Balin”

Gandalf walked with his wand like a walking stick up the steps of the Great Hall where a feast was being put out.  “Lord Durin, Lord of Moria, I beseech ye to let me pass through your Mine and bring you back the Kingdom of Lake Town” announced Gandalf.

“Lake Town,” spoke Durin softly.  “You know of our loss?” he asked.

“I wish to gain entrance into your Kingdom and stay till the morn and move through your mine to the front entrance at the bottom the Misty Mountains” implored Gandalf keenly.

“Why, you seek Thráin,” responded Durin.  He motioned to his guards and spoke some Dwarvish.  A few of the guards exited and returned shortly.

“We announce the entrance of Thráin,” spoke the dwarf coming out from a hallway.

A well-groomed black haired Dwarf came out looking sly and honourable.  “My name is Thráin, I seek the aid of a great wizard in my quest to return the Kingdom to my house,” he spoke loudly.

“Very well, I am in search of companions in my quest for a ring, and to uncover the secrets of old, as well as the journey up Esgaroth upon the Long Lake where we can retake the stolen treasure now guarded by the dragon known as Smaug.”

Journey Onward Chapter III

“Thráin, what does the great kingship of yours wish from a lonely Wizard travelling through the caves of Bahaddur?” asked Thráin.

“And well, I came across a lovely people whom seem completely oblivious to an outside world, and a thought came…” replied Gandalf.

“And that would be?” inquired Thráin.

“What is going on outside in the world.” answered Gandalf whimsically.

“Oh, you mean the world of dwarves?” asked Thráin.

“I do,” Gandalf mused, “You know, I use to be great friends with Thráin the first…  We use to always talk about the great days when we went up to the Lonely Mountain and bathed in the waterfalls of in Dul Gradir.  The wealth of the dwarves was revered among all the people.  Truly your father is known as a blessed man.  He was respected by the elves and was merry with the men of Rohan.  The dwarves have known to be good and hardy folk, as you have reclaimed Moria from the orcs quite well.”

“Ahh I see.  This is all and well Gandalf, but you forget one thing.” Continued Thráin.

“Hmm?”

“Smaug is ever restless, all attempts to gain access to Sindarin Erebor have failed,” he said simply.

“Well, now you have a burglar.” replied Gandalf.

At the edge of the entrance to Moria, Gandalf waved goodbye to Durin.  “Gandalf, remember that you are always welcome in the lands of the dwarves,” assured Durin.

“Ahh, I once knew every spell in all the tongues of Elves, Men, and Orcs” said Gandalf.  “I won’t forget your kin Durin.”

They hurried along the exit of the cave and exited to the Cave of Moria.

“Gandalf, I hope you know my kin will not be happy that you wish for them to meet on the west lakes so close to the shores of the Undying Lands,” snarled Thráin.  “Perhaps we have met an end.  I wish you good travels.  I have business in Dunland.”

“Thank-you, King Dwarf, and I leave you with my last words… take back your homeland of Erebor,” finished Gandalf “Call upon the dwarfish armies and if you need me just look for the rods of the five wizards.”

They passed on through the forests of Bree.  Until time Gandalf left to convene with a local and promised to reconvene with Thráin at the bar of the Prancing Pony after Gandalf had secured his ring from the woodland Elves of Bree.  Gandalf did not ever reconvene with Thráin but Thráin was lost several months out in the wild, last known to be seen at Dunland.  “Tell your kin that you will be happy I have secured such a good burglar, and there will be food too… Tell them.” sighed Gandalf thinking ahead of another journey, an unexpected one.  He waved goodbye to Thráin and continued on his way to the home of the Woodland Elves in the thick forest of Bree, in marshland and rainforest.

At which time Thorin son of Thráin was met with a vision and hurried to Bree, at the Prancing Pony.  He waited outside in the rain to get some fresh air, hoping to find some word of his father.

Meanwhile Gandalf was talking to the elves travelling through the Old Forest in the Blue Mountain past Bree.  He questioned them of the Ring of Anor.  “If you have it, I have been presented to it by the Mirror of Galadriel… It is mine,” said Gandalf.  Gandalf stayed with the elves, waiting for their decision of what to do with the new elfish ring, while Gandalf continued reading the lore of Smaug, thinking of his choice for the burglar… 

“Gandalf, you are both wise and powerful, but we must go…” said the Lead-elf.

“Have you not received letter from Lady Galdadriel?  I cannot let you take this ring as it has appeared to me in the mirror,” explained Gandalf.

“Gandalf, we are heading to the Undying lands, we cannot be troubled by your musings,” responded the Lead-elf.

“It is mine, I will not be troubled by your politics,” said Gandalf conjuring a black cloud, “this ring has shown itself to me… It is mine.”

The elves looked frightened as the sound of the Old forest began to conjure magic and darkness.

“Here, take it, it is yours,” said the young Night Elf next to the Lead Elf,” he handed Gandalf the flame of Anor.

“Thank-you young elf, this ring will be used to protect against evil,” said Gandalf as the clouds quelled around the trees and the dust settled.  Gandalf stayed some time, and discussed the matter of Smaug.  He explained his wish to help the dwarves and later set back to Bree and to reconvene at the Prancing Pony…

[first lines; flashback to Bree - on the borders of the Shire, it's pouring rain, Thorin enters The Prancing Pony, he passes a man at the bar calling out to the bartender]

Man at Bar: I'm dying of thirst over here! Come on! Come on!

[the bartender places the man's drink on the bar]

Bartender: Here you are.

[a man goes past the barmaid nearly knocking the drink from her hand]

Barmaid: Watch it!

Bar Patron: Sorry, darling.

[the waitress takes the drink to Thorin, who's sat at a table by himself]

Barmaid: Here you are.

Thorin: Ah, thank you.

[Thorin starts to eat his meal when he notices a man in the corner watching him, he looks around and notices another man on the opposite site also watching him, they start to walk over to him, Thorin gets ready to draw his sword when suddenly Gandalf sits before him]

Gandalf: Mind if I join you?

[Gandalf stops the barmaid as she walks past their table]

Gandalf: I'll have the same.

[the two men stop in their tracks and go back to their seats]

Gandalf: I should introduce myself. My name is Gandalf. Gandalf the Grey.

Thorin: I know who you are.

Gandalf: Well, now, this is a fine chance. What brings Thorin Oakenshield to Bree?

Thorin: I received word that my Father had been seen wandering wild near Dunland. I went looking, found no sign of him.

Gandalf: Thorin, it's been a long time since anything but rumor was heard of Thrain.

Thorin: He was still lives, I am sure of it.

[the waitress interrupts them by bringing Gandalf's food and drink and placing it on the table]

Thorin: My father came to see you before he went missing. What did you say to him?

Gandalf: I urged him to march upon Erebor, to run the second army of the dwarves. To destroy the dragon and take back the Lonely Mountain, and I would say the same to you. Take back your homeland.

Thorin: This is no chance meeting is it, Gandalf?

Gandalf: No, it is not. The Lonely Mountain troubles me, Thorin. That dragon has had long enough, sooner or later darker minds will turn towards Erebor. I ran into some unsavory characters whilst traveling along the Greenway. They mistook me for a vagabond.

Thorin: I imagine they regretted that.

Gandalf: One of them was carrying a message.

[he unrolls the message and slides it across the table to Thorin]

Gandalf: It is Black Speech.

[Thorin looks at Gandalf with unease]

Gandalf: A promise of payment.

Thorin: For what?

Gandalf: Your head. Someone wants you dead. Thorin, you can wait no longer. You are the heir to the throne of Durin. Unite the armies of the dwarves; together you have the right and power to retake Erebor. Summon a meeting of the seven dwarf families, demand they stand by their oath.

Thorin: The seven armies swore that oath to the one who wields the King's jewel, the Arkenstone. It is the only thing that will unite them, and in case you have forgotten, that jewel was stolen by Smaug.

[Gandalf notices the two men that had been watching Thorin earlier get up and leave the bar]

Gandalf: What if I were to help you reclaim it?

Thorin: How? The Arkenstone lies half a world away, buried beneath the feet of a fire breathing dragon.

Gandalf: Yes, it does. Which is why we're going to need a burglar.