Chapter 81: Gandalf's Wand

At Beorn's invitation, everyone stayed an extra day at his woodland home. Taking advantage of this respite, Kael finally began work on Gandalf's long-promised wand. The vine wood that would serve as the wand shaft had already been carved to perfection. The missing wand core had now been found, and other materials like tree gum and lacquer had long been prepared. Under Gandalf's expectant gaze, Kael carefully processed the Eagle King's tail feather, then used delicate tweezers to place it evenly into the hollow cavity of the vine wood. He poured resin into the cavity, completely fusing the core and shaft together. Finally, he polished and buffed the surface, engraving ancient magical runes along the handle. Thus, a complete wand was born. When the midnight moon reached its zenith, Kael raised his own wand, chanting complex and lengthy incantations. Moonlight gathered like silver mist, flowing from his wand tip into the new creation, completely awakening it. Feeling the wand in his hands seem to come alive, Kael's face showed a satisfied smile. He handed it to the already impatient Gandalf. "Twelve inches long, vine wood shaft—suitable for wizards with noble pursuits, hidden depths, and vision beyond ordinary people. With the Eagle King's tail feather as the core, the wand casts spells with exceptional speed, very suitable for offensive magic, and shows high loyalty to its master." "Try it, Gandalf," Kael urged. This was his first time making a wand for someone else, and anticipation filled him. Gandalf took the wand, gripping it in his weathered hand, his face equally full of expectation. With a gentle wave, he cast his most familiar spell—the light charm. Instantly, the wand tip blazed with dazzling radiance, illuminating Gandalf's delighted face. "What a wonderful feeling!" he exclaimed. "It's like my arm has been extended, and casting magic has become simpler and easier!" Seeing this, Kael felt a surge of joyful satisfaction. He now understood Ollivander's feelings—seeing a wand he had crafted find its matching owner brought a deep sense of recognition and pride. "This wand was made somewhat hastily," Kael said modestly. "Use it for now, and when I have the opportunity later, I'll make you an even better one." From his wandmaker's perspective, although the Eagle King's tail feather worked well, it wasn't the most ideal match for Gandalf. Even the vine wood shaft was taken from an ordinary Huorn branch, so this wand could only be considered adequate. Kael thought that when he found superior magical wood in the future—such as the White Tree or mallorn trees descended from the Two Trees—he could craft another wand for Gandalf. As for the core, if his strength proved sufficient, he could even consider materials from the Balrog beneath the mines of Moria. After all, they were both fire-attributed, and it would be a future mortal enemy—perhaps it truly was a destined wand core. Gandalf had no such lofty demands. He examined the wand in his hand with obvious fondness. "No need for such trouble, Kael," he said happily. "This wand is already magnificent!" He waved it experimentally, releasing gusts of wind, flames, light, and lightning. The more he tested it, the brighter his eyes became. In a voice only the two of them could hear, he said quietly, "Thank you, Kael. I can feel that when I use this wand to cast spells, the restrictions on me are much lessened." Kael understood Gandalf's words and immediately widened his eyes in disbelief. "Are you certain, Gandalf?" After all, Gandalf was under restrictions from the Valar, preventing him from using too much magic. But now, using the wand Kael had made, there were fewer such limitations? "It's true," Gandalf nodded with a smile. "Although I still cannot cast the most powerful magic, there are no restrictions on ordinary spells." "Then congratulations, Gandalf." After confirming this, Kael sincerely congratulated him. He looked forward to seeing Gandalf in future battles, wielding a wand in one hand and Glamdring in the other. After completing Gandalf's wand, Kael, with Beorn's permission, used magic to connect the skin-changer's fireplace to the Floo Network as well. He gave him a small bag of Floo Powder, inviting him to visit Weathertop in the future. Beorn was amazed by the Floo Powder's ability and readily agreed to Kael's invitation. The company didn't linger long. After breakfast the next day, they set off again. When saying goodbye, Beorn lent them horses that would carry them to the edge of Mirkwood. He also delivered troubling news to Gandalf: Orc armies had recently been gathering near Dol Guldur at the southern end of Mirkwood, and there were even traces of the Nazgûl. Hearing this news, Gandalf's expression grew grave, and he fell into troubled silence. It wasn't until everyone had bid farewell to Beorn, ridden across the wilderness, and reached the dark eaves of Mirkwood that Gandalf suddenly announced his intention to part ways with them. Everyone was shocked and confused by this news. Thorin's brow furrowed deeply, and his attitude turned cold once more. In his eyes, nothing was more important than reaching the Lonely Mountain. Gandalf's behavior seemed like betrayal. Kael wasn't surprised, since Gandalf had mentioned this possibility when they first set out. With the news provided by Radagast and Beorn, it would have been more surprising if he hadn't left now. After all, for Gandalf, the purpose of organizing this expedition was to prevent an alliance between the dragon Smaug and the Orcs, which would threaten all of Middle-earth. Now that Orcs were gathering at Dol Guldur, with Nazgûl appearing there, this situation was far more serious than the Lonely Mountain affair. He had to investigate Dol Guldur personally. Kael hesitated about whether to directly tell Gandalf that Sauron was there, and had even recovered much of his strength. He remembered that Gandalf would be trapped at Dol Guldur on this journey, suffering imprisonment and torture until the White Council came to rescue him. "Gandalf, have you considered that this might be a trap?" Kael warned hesitantly. "Orcs gathering at Dol Guldur, with Nazgûl appearing there—their master is very likely hiding in that fortress. They have superior numbers. If you go alone, you might become trapped there." "Thank you for the warning, Kael," Gandalf said with a serious and grave expression. "Precisely because it might be a trap, I need to make this journey. If I can prove that the Necromancer is indeed Sauron, it will alert all the powers of Middle-earth and unite them once again to stop the resurrection of dark forces!" Then his tone changed, and he winked at Kael with a hint of mischief. "So I want to invite you to come with me to Dol Guldur. I believe that with our combined strength, even if we cannot win, we can safely retreat from there." "What!" Kael's eyes widened in shock. "You want me to come with you?" He stared at Gandalf, wondering if he had misheard. [Chapter Complete] *** Want more? Check out my Patreon for: ✓ Advanced chapters of all my stories ✓ Exclusive novels & fanfics ✓ Early access content www.patreon.com/meowthtl ???? Community Goal: 500 Power Stones unlocks a bonus chapter! Thanks for reading and supporting the story!