Fifty One - The Last Plan

I sat next to Nik’s body for a long time before I let anyone but the boys touch him. We had taken him to another room, somewhere more private, and I sat next to him for the longest time, staring at him. 

I promised myself that this would be the most I mourn over him. It was his last wish that I not abandon our family and I don’t plan on it.

“Alek,” I said, looking at him across the bed. He hummed and looked at me. 

“Saruman told me there was a prophecy. One where I turned against the realms of Men and I joined Sauron. How did he come across it?” I asked. 

He let out a sigh, sitting back. 

“I told him,” he answered. “I had a vision about thirteen years ago,” He started. 

“The Tempest Ring fell on the ground just outside these gates, a hooded rider on a horse leaving so fast you’d think death was chasing them. Next, you stood in an armoury beside him, his hand on your shoulder, looking out a window at thousands of Orcs below and an army at the Black Gates. He told you everything was going to change. That he couldn’t do it without you,” He explained. 

“Ver,” He said. “I’ve had false visions before. The future is not set,” He assured me and I nodded.

~~~

Eomer had found Eowyn on the battlefield, thought to be dead until Aragorn revived her. Pippin and Merry were reunited as well, off somewhere resting or eating, I’d guess.

We stood in the Great Hall of Minas Tirith. Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Eomer, and the remaining Tempests. 

“Frodo has passed beyond my sight. The darkness is deepening,” Gandalf said. “If Sauron had the Ring, we would know it,” Aragorn said. “It’s only a matter of time. He has suffered a defeat, yes, but behind the walls of Mordor our enemy is regrouping,” Gandalf said.

“Let him stay there. Let him rot! Why should we care?” Gimli said. “Because ten thousand Orcs now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom,” Gandalf answered. 

“I’ve sent him to his death,” Gandalf whispered. “No. There is still hope for Frodo. He needs time and safe passage across the plains of Gorgoroth. We can give him that,” Aragorn said. 

“How?” Gimli asked. “Draw out Sauron's armies. Empty his lands. Then we gather our full strength and march on the Black Gate,” Gimli choked on his pipe. “We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms,” Eomer said. “Eomer is right. We don’t have the numbers,” Alek agreed.

“Maybe not. But we can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's eye fixed upon us. Keep him blind to all else that moves,” Aragorn said. 

“A diversion,” Le said. “Certainty of death, small chance of success, what are we waiting for?” Gimli said. “Sauron will suspect a trap. He will not take the bait,” Gandalf said. 

“Yes he will,” I said and they looked at me. 

I know what I need to do

~~~

I looked at the silver band ring. The Tempest Ring. “Verena,” It whispered like the other Ring did. “I won’t fall for your tricks,” I told it. Inaudible whispers came from it as the Ring began to turn into a tint of gold and Sauron’s eye took my vision.

I stood in the same armoury, only no one was here. I walked toward a window, looking down at the masses of Orcs.

“Now you see it,” Sauron said as he appeared next to me, masked by a helm. 

“I assume I can’t kill you in this form?” I asked and he chuckled darkly. “You could try, little one,” He said evilly. 

“Why are you doing this? Why do you wish fell things upon the realms of Men?” I asked, looking at him. 

“My brother got all the praise. Same as the Elves praise the Men, then slaughter the Orcs,” He answered. “And this is revenge upon the descendants of those who wronged you? The world doesn’t need to fall to darkness for the wrongdoing of their ancestors whose names are long forgotten,” I said. He put both of his hands on my shoulders.

 “They have had their time. Now it is mine… it can be ours,” He said, genuinely. 

“Why me?” I asked. “You are the only other that could understand. Second born, second rate to your brothers, but so much stronger. Nikolas is gone, now you can rise. I want you to rise with me,” He said. 

“Men have had their time. The Orcs were downcasted by Elves and they flee somewhere untouchable. Join me in Men’s destruction,” He said. 

“I… I understand,” I nodded slowly, smiling. 

“Men have gone on long enough,” I said and he nodded. “That’s it, little one,” He said. 

“Go. Ride to the Black Gates and they will be opened to you. Come home,”

*Second POV*

“I can’t find her,” Hadrian said as he ran back to the group. 

Aragorn, Legolas, and the Tempest men had been searching for Verena, the new queen, in vain for the last few hours. 

 “She doesn't want to be found,” Cleos sighed, rubbing his head. “Hey,” Alek said walking to us. “What is this?” Legolas asked. “A letter. I found it in her chambers,” He answered. 

After reading it, Alek ran outside the others following. He stopped outside the gates of the castle, looking down at a shining object and picked it up. It was the Tempest Ring.

What he feared the most was coming true.

His darkest prophecy, almost fulfilled.

To the ones I love most,

If you are reading this, it means I am already gone. I have seen something in the Tempest Ring and in Sauron I never thought to see in such a being; hope. 

I can not ride to war with you this time because I have another path I must take. One that might be the most dangerous thing I have ever done, but as you all know, I will do anything to protect the people I love.

Legolas, I know what you have been wanting to tell me and it is alright if I never get to hear it. I know, and I feel the same. 

You must go on with the plan without me. Lead the armies, Cleos, there isn’t a better commander for our armies. 

I have another plan for Sauron that I must do alone.