Chapter 32: Gandalf's Speculations

In Gandalf's eyes, Kael, this young Wizard who claimed to be from outside Middle-earth, was shrouded in mystery. When he tried to peer into the soul of this enigmatic young man, he was met with an incomprehensible force, as if Kael's very essence was hidden within a thick fog, making it impossible to discern. Moreover, he felt a familiar, divine power emanating from him—the unmistakable blessing of Ilúvatar. The discovery of this secret deeply shocked Gandalf. As one of the five Wizards sent by the Valar to Middle-earth, and the last to arrive, Gandalf was certain that no one else had been dispatched by the will of the Valar. But looking at this young Wizard, so clearly favored by Ilúvatar, a seed of doubt was planted. Could it be that the Father of All, residing in the Timeless Halls, had intervened and sent his own messenger? Feeling Gandalf's soul-piercing gaze, Kael felt as if he had been seen through instantly. A shiver ran down his spine. He forced a puzzled tone. "Gandalf, what's wrong? Is there something amiss with me?" His thoughts interrupted, Gandalf immediately returned to his senses, his gaze towards Kael becoming warm and friendly. He glanced at Bilbo beside him and asked in a veiled, probing tone, "Wizard Kael, is your journey to Middle-earth for a mission?" Kael's pupils constricted, his heart churning. Could he have discovered the system within me? "Gandalf, I don't understand what you mean," Kael said, trying his best to remain calm and show no flaws. But to Kael's surprise, Gandalf gave him an expression that said, 'I understand,' and did not press further. Instead, he proactively said, "Wizard Kael, if you need anything, you can come to me for help in the future." "Uh, thank you!" Kael was a bit confused. What did this mean? Had he not discovered the system? Noticing Gandalf's change in attitude, becoming more intimate and proactive, and recalling his previous words, a guess suddenly popped into Kael's mind. He looked at Gandalf in disbelief. This guy... wouldn't have mistaken me for one of his own, would he? A bit guilty, Kael quickly changed the subject. "Gandalf, did you come from the East this time for a mission?" Perhaps having mistaken Kael for an ally, Gandalf did not hide anything. He nodded. "I found a dark shadow in Dol Guldur in the East and met an imprisoned Dwarf King. Entrusted by him, I am to deliver his relics to his son." "An imprisoned Dwarf King?" Kael asked, surprised. "Yes, he is Thráin II, the previous King of Durin's Folk. Over a hundred years ago, the Dragon Smaug descended upon the Lonely Mountain, plundering the Dwarf Kingdom there, and Durin's Folk were forced to flee. Thráin II was unwilling to abandon the Lonely Mountain, and while on his way to investigate it, he was captured by Orcs near Mirkwood and imprisoned in the fortress of Dol Guldur, where he was tortured. By the time I went to Dol Guldur to investigate and saw him, he was already on his last breath." As he spoke of this, Gandalf's expression became solemn. Hearing this, Kael recalled that Thráin II, imprisoned by the Orcs, was indeed Thorin Oakenshield's father. So Gandalf's journey this time was to hand over Thráin II's relics to Thorin, thus initiating the Dwarves' quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain. This meant the expedition to the Lonely Mountain was not far off. He couldn't help but look at Bilbo beside him. The Hobbit, who was listening with great interest at the moment, would never have imagined that he would soon be the protagonist of this grand adventure. And seeing Gandalf's specific visit to Bilbo's home, it was clear that the Hobbit had been preselected long ago. With Gandalf's cunning, this poor Hobbit evidently could not escape his schemes. Although Kael sympathized with him, he would not intervene. After all, this adventurous expedition was an opportunity for Bilbo, and also the chance to find the One Ring. The One Ring was now in Gollum's hands, hidden in the Misty Mountains. If not for Bilbo, the chosen one, even Kael, with his foreknowledge, would have no certainty of finding it. After afternoon tea, Bilbo and Gandalf shared some Long Cleeve Leaf. The two old pipe-smokers immediately began puffing clouds of smoke, forcing Kael to retreat to a safe distance. Seeing this, Gandalf laughed heartily and even encouraged Kael to try the taste of pipe-weed. Kael politely declined and prepared to go to the glass greenhouse to check on his two Mandrake plants. Upon hearing about the Mandrake's magic from Bilbo, Gandalf was also very curious and wanted to see them. Upon arriving at the glass greenhouse, Gandalf looked at the transparent glass and immediately recognized that it was transfigured, but still exclaimed, "What wonderful Transfiguration Magic! It actually changed the form of matter, transforming one thing into another. This is a very rare ability!" Gandalf admitted he did not possess such an ability. Although he could use illusions to change things, he could not transform the form of matter like Kael. Moreover, he had already seen the enormous potential of this Transfiguration Magic. As long as there was enough magical power to support it, everything in this world could be transfigured. Even at its most profound level, it might even touch upon the fundamental transformation of matter, at which point transmuting lead into gold and creating something from nothing might be possible. Thinking of this, Gandalf became even more convinced of his earlier speculation. After all, such authority and ability were not even possessed by the Valar. Besides Ilúvatar, the Lord of All, who else could bestow such power? Upon entering the greenhouse, Kael very carefully first checked the condition of the two Mandrake pots to prevent them from suddenly making noise. The cries of the nearly mature Mandrakes were already very dangerous. The moment Kael removed the glass covers, he immediately cast two Petrificus Totalus spells on them. If Kael had learned the Ear-Muffling Charm or Silencing Charm, he wouldn't have had to go through such trouble. Gandalf looked at the human-shaped Mandrake roots Kael had pulled from the pots. Their complete limbs and clear, vivid features made Gandalf marvel. After receiving Kael's permission, he picked up a Mandrake and observed it carefully. "I feel rich magic and vitality from it. If I didn't know you cultivated it, I would have thought it was a variant of the Ents!" Gandalf praised repeatedly, eagerly learning from Kael as he dressed the Mandrake in a baby outfit and then re-potted it with fresh soil. "I think Radagast would have a great deal in common with you. He is another Wizard, living in the forest, always fond of caring for plants and animals. If there's a chance, I'll introduce you two." Radagast the Brown Wizard? Kael knew of him, a Wizard who loved forests and nature. Unlike Gandalf, who traveled around organizing resistance against darkness, this Brown Wizard preferred to live with birds and beasts. Precisely because he neglected his duties, he ultimately did not receive the Valar's permission to return to Valinor after the War of the Ring. However, for this Brown Wizard, perhaps it was not a difficult fate to accept. Compared to returning to Valinor, he might have preferred to stay in Middle-earth, accompanied by flowers, birds, insects, and fish. (End of Chapter) *** (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!]