Chapter 25: Return to Buckland

The Mandrake in the wizarding world was unlike any ordinary plant; it was a living, sentient being. Its root resembled a small human, and when pulled from the soil, it emitted a baby's cry, a sound potent enough to be fatal to anyone who heard it. Kael knew that in Middle-earth, the common mandrake was merely a plant, also known as deadly nightshade or poison apple, completely devoid of such magical properties. However, Kael believed he could use the methods of herbology to cultivate magical plants, transforming ordinary mandrake into its magical counterpart. He had, after all, successfully cultivated two Dittany plants and produced the Essence of Dittany. If he could cultivate magical Mandrakes, not only would he have the raw material for voodoo dolls, but Mandrake was also a crucial ingredient in many advanced Potions, which would be incredibly beneficial for his future Potion-making endeavors. Speaking of Potions, now that Kael possessed a magic wand, he had begun to seriously consider studying them. He had acquired Magical Draughts and Potions during his sign-in at Bywater, but because Potion-making required not only various magical herbs but also the precise movements and stirring of a magic wand, he had temporarily set the textbook aside. However, Potions, as one of Hogwarts' required courses, was also one of the most important and indispensable subjects in the wizarding world. Potions possessed the ability to treat various magical ailments and injuries, offering healing effects that spells alone could not replicate. They also had numerous miraculous effects, such as the Polyjuice Potion, which could transform one into another; Felix Felicis, the luck Potion; even resurrection Potions for the dead; and the legendary Elixir of Life. Kael knew that as he continued to sign in at different locations and faced increasingly formidable dangers, Potions would be an indispensable means of survival. So, in addition to needing to find mandrake, Kael also had the task of collecting various Potion ingredients. And he would also need a cauldron for brewing. Following the East Road, he passed the Old Forest and arrived in front of Brandy Hall. Kael turned south; he needed to go to Buckland first, as his carriage was still at Drogo Baggins's house. Moreover, he also wanted to visit Rory Brandybuck to see if he could use his authority as a lord to help him collect some of the more obscure Potion ingredients. Arriving at Drogo's doorstep in Bucklebury, Kael knocked on the door. It opened, and Drogo appeared, his face lighting up with surprise upon seeing Kael. "Kael! You're back!" Kael smiled. "It's been a month, and I'm glad to see you looking as spirited as ever." After his initial surprise, Drogo scrutinized Kael's new appearance, his eyes widening. "Wow, Kael, you look just like a Wizard now!" "Thank you for the compliment," Kael accepted the praise with a smile. The robe Goldberry had made for him suited him perfectly. It was tough, wear-resistant, warm, and comfortable. More importantly, the outer cloak had been blessed by Goldberry, imbuing it with a subtle concealing magic; unless Kael willed otherwise, passersby would unconsciously overlook him. Kael had noticed this effect upon entering Buckland. As the hero who had repelled the Huorns of the Old Forest, he was practically known by everyone in Buckland. Yet, as he entered the town just now, not a single Hobbit had noticed him, despite his very noticeable height. It was as if the cloak, in a sense, possessed an effect similar to an Invisibility Cloak. Of course, Kael did not assume he could act recklessly with the cloak; the blessing was primarily about making others overlook him. If he encountered someone with strong will or powerful magical ability, he would still be noticed. Nevertheless, Kael was still very satisfied and grateful for Goldberry's thoughtful gift. Subsequently, Kael once again stayed at Drogo's house, and under Drogo's expectant gaze, Kael began to recount his adventures during the past month. When Drogo heard that Kael had gone to the Barrow-downs and encountered a Barrow-wight, he couldn't help but gasp. Although the Barrow-downs were far from Buckland, even Drogo had heard of their terror, and the Barrow-wight was a name that instilled fear. But he had not expected Kael to dare to venture deep into the Barrow-downs alone and return unscathed. This gave Drogo a deeper understanding of Kael's strength. "So these are your spoils from the Barrow-downs?" Drogo asked, his gaze filled with shock and admiration as Kael laid out the five Barrow-blades (the greatswords), four daggers, and a pile of dazzling jewelry and accessories. Kael pushed the jewelry and accessories towards Drogo, smiling as he said, "Pick one you like as a souvenir." As for the Barrow-blades, such heavy swords were not suitable for a Hobbit, and even Kael found them cumbersome, so they were not appropriate as gifts. The four sharp daggers were originally forged by the Northern Dúnedain to fight against the Witch-king of Angmar. Not only could they cut through iron like mud, but they also had spell inscriptions carved on them that could break the Witch-king's sorcery, imbued with magic to counter evil forces. They had a powerful restraining effect on Nazgûl and other dark creatures. Kael naturally would not part with such precious daggers. These daggers could not only be used to carve the heartwood for his wand but could also replace his two cleavers. Before acquiring powerful offensive magic, controlling flying knives with magic was arguably Kael's strongest offensive method, as most of the spells he currently mastered were defensive in nature. But with these four incredibly sharp daggers as weapons, their attack power was incomparably superior. So, Kael unhesitatingly retired his two cleavers. Drogo was flattered by Kael's offer to let him choose from the jewelry, repeatedly shaking his head in refusal. But at Kael's insistence, he finally chose a brooch inlaid with a sapphire. After resting at Drogo's house for a short while, Kael went to Brandy Hall to visit Rory Brandybuck. Drogo naturally followed along; he was currently deeply in love with Dora Brandybuck, so he naturally longed to be by her side at all times. Upon arriving at Brandy Hall, Rory Brandybuck enthusiastically greeted him. "Welcome! Welcome back, our hero, Wizard Kael—the Tree-Cutter! You've been out of touch since you went to Tom's house in the Old Forest, which worried me for a while. Your safe return truly makes me so happy!" Upon hearing that title, the corner of Kael's mouth twitched. While the people of Middle-earth often bestowed epithets to commemorate great deeds—for example, Thorin Oakenshield's title came from his heroic use of an oak branch as a shield in battle—Kael found "Tree-Cutter" utterly ridiculous. Couldn't they have chosen a more pleasant title? "Huorn Bane" or "Enemy of Huorns" would have sounded far more respectable! *** (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For More Chapters On All Of My Fanfics!!] [www. [email protected]/meowthtl] [+300 Power Stones = +1 Bonus Chapter] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!]