The Blue Mountains

[Auriel Haevasawen]

Radagast smiled down upon her.

"The beast will percieve you an easy prey my child. Your size and innocent aspect he will not be able to resist.

Look ahead and fix your eyes upon the figures atop the slope. Walk steadily forward. I believe Endereth is there, croutched by that tree but my eyes are old and perhaps not as sharp as they should be..."

Mattius interrupted, looking intently up the bank. "Aye, it is Ender, Radagast."

The wizard nodded, "Good, we have him then. We will be no more than a hairsbreadth from you. Go forth my dear." Radagast grasped his staff about halfway down and held it as if a weapon and not something for the old man to lean upon as he walked.

"Why can't Olo go?" Faye snapped. "Why me? It's going to have me flattened in seconds."

For the first time since they met him Radagast looked as if he would lose his temper. "Foolish girl. It is your destiny. Go forth and it will not be merely Endereth's life you save but every one of ours. There is a danger to all Middle Earth in this place. We are lucky we have come upon it while it is but young. If it takes us who knows what power it would weild or what power would be necessary to stop it." There was no mistaking the anger in his voice.

Once more Mattius interupted him. "It's looking this way."

Radagast looked up. The material beast seemed to grow in stature in his position of advantage at the brow of the hill.

"Ender still hasn't risen," said Calentoliel quietly to Mattius. Faye heard her whispered words. This was indeed her moment but she was so, so afraid.

Radagast looked into her eyes and saw her fear. His features and voice softened. "I am sorry I have made you more fearful yet. Perhaps I should go in your stead. The last of the Istari would be a very tempting morsel for him." He squeezed her shoulder and made to leave them.

"No Radagast. I will do it," Faye shouted. "I will face the beast." She pushed past him and began to walk toward the slope. After a few paces she turned back and faced him. "You did mean it when you said you'd all be a hairsbreadth away now didn't you?"