Chapter 112: The Elven Army

Witnessing the ancient city walls restore themselves in mere moments left everyone utterly speechless, their faces frozen in pure amazement. Only Bilbo, having previously witnessed Kael's incredible magical abilities, wore an expression of obvious pride, clearly delighted by the crowd's thunderstruck reactions. Kael's work continued without pause. As he strolled through Dale's war-torn streets, his wand moved in graceful, practiced arcs through the air. Wherever he walked, the surrounding buildings began healing themselves with supernatural precision. Cracked stones sealed together seamlessly, collapsed roofs lifted back into proper position, and shattered windows reformed from scattered fragments. This divine spectacle made thousands of refugees stop their labors to stare in reverent awe at the figure working miracles before their eyes. When the extensive repairs neared completion, Kael finally lowered his wand and drew a deep, satisfied breath. "There! Now this place is actually fit for human habitation." Though the restored Dale still appeared somewhat weathered by time, it finally resembled a proper city once again. Houses that had survived the ancient dragon fire now stood fully restored and ready to shelter the homeless refugees. No longer would families be forced to huddle in makeshift tents against the approaching winter cold. Bard practically vibrated with excitement and overwhelming relief, bowing deeply to Kael with heartfelt gratitude. "I truly cannot find words adequate to express my thanks. Your merciful intervention has saved us all from certain disaster!" Kael waved away the formal gratitude with characteristic humility. "I'm simply glad I could help people in desperate need." "However, those sections destroyed by ancient dragon fire remain beyond my power to repair. That cursed magic leaves permanent scars that resist all restoration attempts. You'll need to rebuild those areas through conventional means." Bard shook his head emphatically, his voice thick with emotion. "What you've accomplished is already miraculous beyond belief! We could never have dared hope for more." "Perhaps I can assist with the remaining construction work," Beorn offered, stepping forward with quiet confidence. "Who might this distinguished gentleman be?" Bard asked with polite curiosity, studying the tall, powerfully built stranger. "This is Beorn, who dwells west of Mirkwood near the great Anduin River. He's a valuable ally I've invited to join our fight against the approaching Orc armies," Kael explained warmly. They watched in fascination as Beorn calmly removed his heavy coat and began the remarkable transformation. His human form rapidly expanded, thick black fur sprouting across his skin as he shifted into a colossal great bear that towered as high as Dale's defensive walls. That immense size and overwhelming presence caused nearby residents to cry out in alarm, some stumbling backward in instinctive terror. However, seeing that the massive bear showed no aggressive intent toward them, they gradually relaxed and began observing him with wonder rather than fear. Bard stared in complete amazement, clearly impressed by this display of supernatural power. Indeed, anyone invited by the legendary wizard Kael was bound to possess extraordinary abilities. The enormous bear began effortlessly lifting stone blocks that would have required dozens of men to move, carefully positioning them to seal the remaining gaps in Dale's protective walls. Witnessing this incredible demonstration of strength, Bard quickly organized his workers to coordinate with their ursine assistant, maximizing the efficiency of their defensive preparations. Rather than continue helping with the physical labor, Kael returned to their temporary residence to begin the delicate process of crafting Beorn's promised wand. Bilbo remained behind, eager to contribute whatever assistance his small hands could provide to the reconstruction efforts. Time flowed swiftly as Kael worked with intense focus and magical precision. Soon he held the completed wand in his hands, examining his craftsmanship with obvious satisfaction. "Warg heartstring core, ancient oak wood, sixteen inches in total length. This is the longest wand I've ever created... it's nearly the size of a proper staff." He presented the finished magical focus to Beorn with clear anticipation dancing in his eyes. "Please, give it a try and see how it responds!" Beorn accepted the wand with a mixture of excitement and nervous energy. His large, calloused hands handled the delicate magical instrument with surprising gentleness as he gave it an experimental wave. The response proved immediate and breathtaking. The wand's polished tip began sprouting fresh green branches, which quickly bloomed with tiny white flowers that rapidly developed into a perfectly ripe acorn. Beorn plucked the magical fruit with obvious joy, feeling the vibrant life energy pulsing within its shell. He carefully tucked the precious acorn away, already planning to plant it in his garden upon returning home. Witnessing this perfect magical harmony, Kael beamed with deep satisfaction. "Congratulations! It appears you've found your ideal magical partner." He finally understood the profound satisfaction that master wandmakers like Ollivander must experience daily. Witnessing a wand you've painstakingly created find its destined owner brought an indescribable sense of fulfillment and purpose. Beorn lovingly stroked the smooth, polished wood of his new magical companion, his gratitude evident in every heartfelt word. "Thank you, Kael. Thank you for creating this incredible gift for me!" Kael smiled warmly and gestured dismissively. "We're friends, aren't we? True friends help each other without expecting anything in return." "Yes, we certainly are the best of friends!" Kael then spent considerable time patiently teaching Beorn fundamental magical principles and basic spells, watching with growing pride as the skin-changer successfully mastered both Incendio and Aguamenti. The experience gave him a genuine taste of the satisfaction that came from instructing eager students. He mused privately that if he ever found himself at Hogwarts, he might actually make a decent professor. After completing Beorn's magical education, Kael turned his attention to another pressing matter. Opening his enchanted leather pouch, he carefully revealed the young Great Eagle living within the magically expanded space. "Is that actually a Great Eagle chick?" Beorn and Bilbo stared wide-eyed at the enormous young bird before them, clearly amazed by its impressive size. "Please tell me you didn't steal it from its nest!" "How could you even suggest such a reckless thing? This little one was formally entrusted to my care by the Eagle King himself," Kael replied with mock exasperation and obvious fondness for the creature. "Thank the Valar for that!" Beorn breathed a genuine sigh of relief. "The Great Eagles are the undisputed lords of the sky. Very few creatures in Middle-earth can harm them. I was genuinely terrified you'd kidnapped their precious offspring and they'd hunt you to the very ends of the earth." "But he does appear rather undernourished and weak. Is he perhaps congenitally frail?" "Otherwise, why would they willingly allow me to take him?" Kael shrugged with obvious concern, then carefully used his wand to perform a thorough magical examination of the young eagle. The diagnostic results made him frown with deep worry. No wonder the Great Eagles had reluctantly abandoned this particular chick. The poor creature had suffered serious developmental problems even while incubating within his egg, emerging naturally weak and chronically fragile. Combined with his complete inability to compete against much stronger siblings for limited food after hatching, he had grown increasingly frail with each passing day. If Kael hadn't intervened when he did, the eaglet probably wouldn't have survived much longer before succumbing to starvation or fatal weakness. "Poor little fellow, don't you worry about anything. I'll find effective ways to help you grow strong and healthy so you can soar majestically through the heavens like all other Great Eagles!" Kael spoke with genuine sympathy and unwavering determination. The eaglet seemed to understand every compassionate word, responding with several tender, melodious calls that tugged directly at the heart. Given the youngster's delicate medical condition, magical potions would provide the most effective treatment for restoring his compromised health. Kael searched methodically through another enchanted bag and retrieved his last remaining bottle of precious Healing Potion. "Come here, brave little one. Drinking this medicine will make you feel much better very quickly." The eaglet displayed remarkable intelligence despite his tender age. Though less than three years old, he could already comprehend human speech with impressive clarity and nuance. His previous hardships and struggles had taught him to be extremely well-behaved and understanding of adult intentions. He obediently opened his sharp beak and swallowed the terribly bitter potion completely, offering absolutely no resistance whatsoever. His instincts told him this medicine would help heal his weakened body. The potion's transformative effects manifested almost immediately. The previously lethargic eaglet suddenly radiated with newfound vitality and energy, while even his previously dull plumage transformed to display brilliant, lustrous colors. The youngster made joyful, triumphant calls, his voice noticeably stronger and more vibrant than it had been mere moments before. He gazed at Kael with obvious affection and deep admiration, clearly considering the kind wizard as beloved family. Beorn and the others naturally noticed the dramatic transformation, commenting happily, "It seems he's completely accepted you as his guardian, Kael. You now have a Great Eagle as a loyal companion!" Kael's expression showed genuine amusement, and he couldn't suppress a slight, pleased smile. It appeared he would need to brew many additional healing potions in the coming weeks. Though the Healing Potion had proven remarkably effective, it couldn't completely address the eaglet's fundamental congenital weakness. He would need to create specialized Blood-Replenishing Potions and more powerful Healing Draughts later. However, some crucial ingredients for these advanced magical potions existed only in the wizarding world, requiring him to find suitable substitute materials here in Middle-earth. For such specialized botanical knowledge, he could consult Radagast, Middle-earth's foremost expert in herbology and natural healing magic. "By the way, Kael, have you chosen a proper name for this remarkable little fellow?" Bilbo asked with obvious curiosity, carefully studying the magnificent eagle that stood considerably taller than himself even as a mere chick. Kael considered the question thoughtfully for several moments before speaking with quiet conviction. "Thorondor. I sincerely hope he can somehow inherit his legendary ancestor's mighty name and eventually become a Great Eagle soaring majestically through the heavens." "Thorondor!" Beorn exclaimed with genuine surprise, clearly not expecting Kael to harbor such ambitious hopes for the seemingly fragile eaglet. Thorondor had been the illustrious name of the very first Great Eagle in the world, the mighty ancestor and patriarch of all his noble kind. He had courageously led the Great Eagles during the tumultuous First Age in the epic war against the dark lord Morgoth, helping the powerful Valar and wise Elves defeat the overwhelming dark forces, destroy the seemingly impregnable fortress of Angband, and successfully rescue the noble Elven lord Turgon during the legendary War of Wrath. His military achievements were absolutely legendary, his heroic reputation echoing through the ages like thunder. To bestow such an illustrious and weighty name upon a sickly eaglet seemed almost presumptuous to some. Yet the young bird showed the fearless, undaunted spirit of youth, accepting the mighty ancestral name without the slightest hesitation, fear, or pressure. Concerned about keeping Thorondor confined within the magical pouch, Kael allowed him complete freedom to roam Dale's restored streets and formally entrusted his daily care to Bilbo's capable hands. The hobbit was obviously absolutely delighted by the tremendous responsibility of caring for a genuine Great Eagle chick. Despite the amusing fact that this baby bird already towered impressively over him in size, Bilbo threw himself into the challenging task with enthusiastic dedication and obvious love. He even generously used his own precious gold coins to purchase large quantities of the finest fresh meat from grateful Lake-town residents, ensuring Thorondor received the superior nutrition his growing body desperately needed. In many important ways, Bilbo proved far more conscientious and attentive than Kael, the eagle's actual legal guardian. With Thorondor's care successfully delegated to such capable and loving hands, Kael began intensive study of the mysterious Book of Abraham. This ancient, leather-bound tome contained extensive alchemical formulas and arcane knowledge accumulated over centuries, most importantly the precious, closely guarded secrets of creating the legendary Philosopher's Stone. The book's incredibly complex contents proved extraordinarily challenging and mentally demanding. Even with Nicolas Flamel's detailed interpretive annotations written in the margins, the advanced material gave Kael severe, persistent headaches. Naturally, he was most intensely interested in the Philosopher's Stone creation methods and their promise of immortality. However, having never formally studied alchemy before in any serious capacity, he found the advanced chapters completely incomprehensible and frustrating. Reluctantly accepting this limitation, Kael resigned himself to beginning with the most fundamental, basic alchemical principles and theories. Fortunately, after obtaining the invaluable Runic Dictionary through his magical check-in system, he had never stopped studying ancient runic scripts with diligent dedication. Since comprehensive runic knowledge formed the absolute prerequisite foundation for understanding advanced alchemy, he could at least decipher the intricate alchemical formulas and theories contained within The Book of Abraham. However, before Kael could complete his preliminary study of basic alchemical principles, Gandalf returned to Dale with momentous news. And accompanying the wizard's dramatic arrival were the magnificent Elvenking Thranduil and his impressive Elven army in full battle array. Observing the disciplined Elven forces arrayed outside Dale's newly restored walls, clad in gleaming golden ceremonial armor and moving in perfect military formation, with the regal Thranduil himself mounted majestically upon his great elk with impressive antlers, Kael turned to regard Gandalf with obvious curiosity and growing concern. "Gandalf, did you actually succeed in persuading the famously stubborn Thranduil to join our desperate cause?" Gandalf smiled bitterly and shook his head in complete defeat. "Not even slightly, I'm afraid. Thranduil's legendary stubbornness rivals that of the most obstinate dwarves in all of Middle-earth. He came here solely to demand from Thorin a precious necklace of white gems that the dwarves were once formally commissioned to create for his beloved queen." "He brought an entire professional army just for a piece of jewelry?" Bard asked with obvious incredulity and disbelief. "It was his late wife's most cherished memorial, holding profound emotional significance for his grieving heart," Gandalf explained with understanding sympathy and sadness. "However, the only genuinely positive development is that Thranduil has graciously agreed to form a military alliance with the human survivors of Lake-town and has generously brought substantial food supplies to last through the harsh winter months." Hearing this genuinely encouraging news, Bard's worried expression transformed into relief and pure joy. Originally, he had been deeply concerned about critically insufficient winter provisions for Lake-town's displaced residents. Now Thranduil's generous supplies provided truly timely salvation from potential starvation. Bard immediately led everyone outside the city gates to formally welcome Thranduil's impressive arrival with proper ceremony. "Your Majesty Thranduil, I confess I never expected you to honor us with your distinguished presence." Thranduil sat astride his magnificent great elk with impressive branching antlers, maintaining perfect regal posture and radiating unmistakable noble bearing befitting his royal status. "I heard through reliable sources that you required urgent assistance, so I brought some necessary supplies." With an elegant, practiced gesture, he directed his disciplined Elves to drive forward numerous carts loaded with abundant food, fresh vegetables, and carefully preserved meat. Surveying such generous provisions, Bard felt overwhelming relief and gratitude. This was far more than "some supplies," as Thranduil had modestly described. It was completely sufficient to keep them all well-fed throughout the entire brutal winter and well beyond. "You have saved us all from certain disaster. I truly cannot find words adequate to express my profound gratitude." "No need for such elaborate expressions of thanks. I did not come primarily for your sake," Thranduil stated with characteristic directness and royal honesty. "I came to retrieve what rightfully belongs to me... something precious that the dwarves have been hoarding." Bard wisely made no comment regarding this sensitive claim but still warmly welcomed Thranduil and his impressive Elves, graciously inviting them to rest comfortably within Dale's newly restored walls. Thranduil did not refuse the hospitality and entered the city accompanied by his elite personal guard contingent alongside the grateful Bard. He surveyed the surrounding restoration work with obvious surprise and growing amazement. "This Dale was once utterly destroyed by the evil dragon Smaug's terrible rampage. When did you acquire such incredibly skilled craftsmen to rebuild these defensive walls in merely a few days?" Hearing this natural inquiry, Bard explained with unmistakable pride and admiration. "This miracle is entirely thanks to the legendary wizard Kael. His incredible magic was like witnessing divine intervention... he repaired all the damaged buildings in mere moments of spellcasting. And the mighty Mr. Beorn transformed into a colossal great bear to move massive stone blocks for our construction efforts. Together, they gave us these sturdy defensive walls!" Thranduil nodded in understanding, though his surprise and respect only deepened upon hearing of such incredible magical feats. Just ahead, Kael and his companions waited patiently to greet the famous Elven king. "Your Majesty Thranduil, I'm genuinely pleased and honored to see you again!" Kael said with a welcoming smile and respectful bow. "I am equally surprised and impressed to meet the renowned Dragon-Subduer, Master of Smaug, the legendary Black-Robed Wizard Kael. Your great name and incredible deeds now echo throughout even the deepest parts of Mirkwood." Thranduil dismounted gracefully from his great elk, his ancient eyes showing undisguised admiration for the young wizard's truly extraordinary accomplishments. [Chapter Complete] *** Want more? Check out my Patreon for: ✓ Advanced chapters of all my stories ✓ Exclusive novels & fanfics ✓ Early access content [email protected]/meowthtl ???? Community Goal: 500 Power Stones unlocks a bonus chapter! Thanks for reading and supporting the story!