Chapter 83: Returning to Rivendell

"We learned from Beorn that Orcs have been gathering at Dol Guldur recently, so we plan to go there and investigate," Gandalf explained. Hearing Gandalf's words, Radagast showed a look of lingering fear and hurriedly tried to dissuade them. "You must not go!" "I sensed a very powerful dark force shrouding that place. Even I felt alarmed. Now that force has spread and covered Mirkwood, with countless dark creatures being drawn and gathering there. It has become even more dangerous!" "That's all the more reason we must go!" Gandalf said firmly. "Darkness has appeared again. We must know its true face so that the people of Middle-earth can be awakened and prepared for another assault of darkness." "Besides, I'm not unprepared... don't I have help?" "You and Kael? No, no, no, this is too dangerous!" Radagast shook his head frantically. "You have no idea how terrifying that dark force is. Even if you two join forces, you're no match for it!" "Of course it's not just us," Gandalf said cheerfully. "We came here hoping you would help us." "Me? No, no, no way, Gandalf. You know me... I can't fight at all. And I'm not trying to boost the enemy's morale while dampening our own, but even if the three of us joined forces, we might not be able to leave there safely!" Radagast shook his head, his face full of disapproval. "Knowingly walking into a trap is not a wise move, Gandalf." "Don't be so quick to refuse, my old friend," Gandalf persuaded. "In fact, Kael shares your view, so we plan to find more allies to go and conquer Dol Guldur together." "Allies? What other allies?" Radagast asked, puzzled. Gandalf looked at Kael. Kael nodded and stood up, walking toward the fireplace. "Radagast, may I borrow your fireplace?" "Borrow the fireplace?" Radagast was even more confused but still nodded. "Please, go ahead." Under Gandalf's mysterious smile, Radagast watched Kael wave his wand and mutter incantations at the fireplace. "Alright," Kael put away his wand and took out a glass bottle filled with glittering powder, smiling at the two of them. "Time is urgent. We should set off!" Gandalf was the first to stand up, grabbing a handful of Floo Powder from the bottle. Then he walked to the fireplace and threw it into the fire, which instantly turned green. "Rivendell!" Gandalf stepped into the green flames and shouted loudly. The next second, the green fire engulfed Gandalf completely, taking him away and making him disappear instantly. Radagast stared wide-eyed at this scene, hurriedly running over to search up and down carefully, then turned back to look at Kael. "Where's Gandalf? Where did he go?" "Didn't you hear? Rivendell," Kael answered with a smile, then handed the bottle to him. "Take a handful." "Remember to shout the place name clearly when you throw it at your feet, or you might easily be transported to another fireplace." Radagast grabbed a handful of Floo Powder, looking at the glittering powder in his hand with great amazement. If Kael hadn't stopped him in time, he would have wanted to put it in his mouth to taste it. Finally, under Kael's guidance, he took the Floo Powder and walked into the fireplace, threw the powder at his feet, and shouted Rivendell's name. Watching Radagast disappear in the flames, Kael then followed into the fireplace and threw down a handful of Floo Powder. "Rivendell!" In a whirlwind of dizziness, during the transport process, Kael even caught sight of Beorn's fireplace window, vaguely seeing Beorn's tall figure in the living room. Before he could finish processing the thought, his feet touched solid ground again. "Ptui, ptui... Scourgify!" Kael spat out the ash in his mouth and immediately cast a cleaning charm on himself. The Floo Powder transport was very stable and convenient. The only drawback was that it left you covered in soot every time. Outside the fireplace stood Gandalf and Radagast, both covered in soot. "Kael, clean up Radagast and me too," Gandalf said cheerfully. "We should make ourselves presentable before meeting Lord Elrond." Hearing this, Kael waved his wand and cleaned up both him and the somewhat excited Radagast. Just then, Elrond appeared in the doorway, his demeanor elegant and noble, his smile gentle. Then he greeted the smiling Elrond with a bow. "Lord Elrond, it's been a long time." "Welcome back to Rivendell, Wizard Kael." Elrond's demeanor was elegant and noble, his smile gentle. "Time passes quietly. Your last departure seems like yesterday, and today we meet again... what an unexpected joy." "I've already heard from Gandalf that you came from Mirkwood. To travel thousands of miles in an instant... Wizard Kael, your magic truly amazes me!" "Lord Elrond is too kind!" After some pleasantries, everyone began to address the main topic. Gandalf explained their purpose to Elrond and told him about the current situation at Dol Guldur. Radagast also supplemented and confirmed from the side. Hearing the news provided by Gandalf and Radagast, Elrond's expression became serious and grave. He didn't have Saruman's stubbornness and prejudice against Gandalf, so he believed Gandalf's words and immediately agreed to the invitation to go to Dol Guldur together. However, before setting out, he still hesitated. "This matter is of great importance. Should we send word to Lady Galadriel and Saruman?" Especially since Saruman was the leader of the White Council... if they didn't inform him, it would probably make Saruman displeased. Gandalf pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Of course we need to send them word." "But the journey is long, and Saruman doesn't have Floo Powder transport like we do. It would be quite normal for him to receive the message only when we reach Dol Guldur, wouldn't it?" Gandalf showed a deliberate smile, his tone innocent. Hearing this, Elrond could only acquiesce. He knew that Saruman and Gandalf didn't get along. At the last White Council meeting, Saruman had vetoed the request to investigate Dol Guldur. He and Galadriel couldn't oppose Saruman's decision, but they actually leaned more toward Gandalf's viewpoint. Not to mention that as holders of the Three Elven Rings, he, Galadriel, and Gandalf naturally had closer relationships. Kael also made a suggestion. "Lord Elrond, Dol Guldur not only has large numbers of Orcs gathering, but also Nazgûl appearing, and their master may even be hiding there. Just in case, could we invite more people, such as Lord Glorfindel, who lives in Rivendell, to guard against the enemy having even more powerful forces?" "I cannot make decisions for Glorfindel. This matter needs his opinion." Elrond didn't immediately agree. As an Elf who had been reborn and sent to Middle-earth by the Valar, Glorfindel had a very special status. Even Elrond, as Lord of Rivendell, greatly respected him. To everyone's delight, Glorfindel ultimately agreed to the invitation, deciding to go to Dol Guldur together to eliminate the darkness. Glorfindel's joining made everyone more confident about this mission. Once everyone was assembled, Kael began distributing Floo Powder to everyone and explaining how to use it. "Radagast's cottage!" With rising green flames and voices calling out one after another, everyone successively disappeared from the fireplace, transported to Radagast's wooden house in Mirkwood. [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!