In the water of the stone basin appeared a gaunt-faced, deep-eyed figure with a gray goatee, radiating both wisdom and the weight of long years—none other than Rómestámo, one of the two Blue Wizards.
Like Gandalf, Saruman, and the other wizards, "Rómestámo" was not his true name but a title meaning "East-helper," given to him by those he had saved in the East. His fellow Blue Wizard, Morinehtar, was known as "Darkness-slayer."
Both Blue Wizards were Maiar who served Oromë, the Huntsman of the Valar. Morinehtar, like Saruman, had volunteered to journey to Middle-earth to aid the Free Peoples against Sauron, and he had invited his friend Rómestámo to accompany him.
Upon arriving in Middle-earth, the two Blue Wizards headed straight for the East, where Oromë had once tread, offering aid to human tribes that had renounced the worship of Melkor and inciting rebellions against Sauron behind enemy lines.
Barg, the chieftain of the Dorwinrim, spoke with reverence to the image of Rómestámo in the water mirror, respectfully recounting the previous day's battle at the Easterling city. He added, "Rómestámo, we were saved by another wizard who prevented us from being killed by the Ringwraith and the fell beast. He wishes to meet you. Will you see him?"
"A wizard?" Rómestámo raised an eyebrow, curiosity evident on his face. "What kind of wizard?"
"He calls himself Albus Dumbledore and says he comes from the West," Barg replied.
Standing nearby, Luke felt a twinge of embarrassment upon hearing this. He stepped forward to the stone basin and introduced himself, "Greetings, Wizard Rómestámo. My name is actually Luke. I came to visit you under the guidance of the Gray Wizard Gandalf and the Brown Wizard Radagast." As he spoke, his aged appearance rapidly shifted back to his true form—that of a tall young man.
Barg, the Dorwinrim chieftain, stared in astonishment as Luke transformed from an old man into a youthful figure. Rómestámo, reflected in the water mirror, also looked surprised.
Then, smiling warmly, he greeted Luke kindly. "So it is the Black Wizard Luke! I had not expected you to be so young. Though I reside in the East, I have heard of your deeds in the West. Compared to you, we who have achieved so little feel somewhat ashamed."
"Wizard Rómestámo, you are too modest!" Luke waved his hand dismissively. "If not for you and Wizard Morinehtar containing Sauron's actions in the East and limiting his power, the West would have long fallen under his dark rule."
The two exchanged pleasantries and shared information about the East and the West. Then Rómestámo asked, "Wizard Luke, you have traveled thousands of miles to find me. Is there something important you seek?"
Luke seized the opportunity to ask, "Wizard Rómestámo, having been in the East for so long, do you know the location of Hildórien, the birthplace of humanity?"
Rómestámo's eyes showed surprise at Luke's question. "You seek Hildórien?"
Luke nodded.
"There is a substance I need to find in Hildórien. But with the passage of time, its location has been forgotten by all. I thought that you and Wizard Morinehtar, having traveled extensively throughout the East, might know of this forgotten birthplace of humanity?" Luke looked at Rómestámo with hopeful anticipation.
Rómestámo smiled warmly. "If it were anyone else, they might not know of Hildórien. But Morinehtar and I indeed do."
"When we first arrived in the East, we sought a temporary place to settle. We searched for many years and eventually stumbled upon Hildórien by accident. It lies in the far eastern lands, surrounded by the Mountains of the Wind to the west and bordered by the Eastern Sea to the east."
As he spoke, Rómestámo's expression grew nostalgic.
"It is a hidden valley called the Valley of Sleep, shrouded in sacred power. Its holiness and beauty rival that of the Blessed Realm. The soil and streams there are brimming with life. Morinehtar and I lingered there for a long time. If not for our mission and responsibilities, we would have gladly retired there!"
Hearing that Rómestámo had been to Hildórien, Luke felt a surge of excitement. After wandering the East for so long, he had finally found concrete information about Hildórien.
However, as if sensing Luke's eagerness, Rómestámo shook his head and dampened his spirits. "Hildórien is enveloped in sacred power. Without specific conditions, even with an accurate map, it is impossible to see or find it."
"Specific conditions?" Luke pressed urgently. "What conditions are needed?"
Rómestámo did not hold back. "Humanity awoke in the first year of the First Age, on the first day, when sunlight first fell upon Middle-earth. Thus, Hildórien only reveals itself when the first light of the New Year shines upon it. Only then can one enter the Valley of Sleep."
"But the New Year has already passed this year. If you wish to enter Hildórien, you must wait until next year."
Good things take time. Luke was not too disheartened by this news, especially since most of the year had already passed. He didn't mind waiting a little longer.
"Wizard Luke, if you are willing to wait, after I finish my business here, I can draw you a map to Hildórien," Rómestámo added.
Luke was delighted and readily agreed. "Then I must trouble you, Wizard Rómestámo!"
Noticing the thoughtful expression on the Blue Wizard's face, Luke proactively asked, "Wizard Rómestámo, is there something you need from me? Please do not hesitate to ask."
Since the other had helped him, it was only natural to return the favor.
Rómestámo's expression softened, but he sighed with concern. "It is about Morinehtar. It seems he has encountered some trouble in the South, in Harad…"
Luke was taken aback. "What kind of trouble?"
Rómestámo shook his head, unwilling to say more. "I cannot be certain yet, and it is not something that can be explained in a few words. Let us discuss it when I meet you in person…"
Luke was full of questions, but since the other was reluctant to elaborate, he did not press further.
Soon after, their conversation ended, and they agreed to meet at the Dorwinrim tribe.
Thus, in the following days, Luke remained within the Dorwinrim territory.
After more than half a month, a wizard in deep blue robes, riding a tall wild ox, appeared at the Dorwinrim tribe.
It was Rómestámo.
His arrival sparked cheers among the Dorwinrim, who looked upon him with reverence as their savior.
Rómestámo greeted everyone with warmth and kindness, even recalling each by name. At last, his gaze came to rest upon Luke, and from afar he nodded with a gentle smile.
Rómestámo rode his wild ox up to Luke, then nimbly dismounted. Smiling, he said, "Wizard Luke, this counts as our first formal meeting. I have been curious about you ever since news of you reached us from the West. Now that I see you in person, you truly live up to your reputation!"
This was Luke's first time meeting a Blue Wizard in person, and he was also surprised by Rómestámo.
Unlike Gandalf or Saruman, Rómestámo exuded not only the mysterious aura unique to wizards, but also a wild, untamed bearing—more like a battle-hardened huntsman than a cloistered sage.
However, part of Luke's attention was captured by the wild ox behind Rómestámo.
The ox looked extraordinary—large in size, taller than ordinary oxen, with a shimmering pale white coat that reflected a dazzling halo under the sunlight.
Its two massive snow-white horns radiated a sacred and majestic presence.
"Wizard Rómestámo, is this your mount? It looks magnificent!" Luke praised.
Rómestámo's smile widened as he patted the ox. "This is Nólimar, an Araw-ox, descended from the cattle of Oromë the Huntsman. I found him as a newborn calf in the hills by the Sea of Rhûn and have raised him ever since."
The ox let out a low "moo" in agreement, appearing highly intelligent.
Luke understood. As a Maia serving Oromë the Huntsman, it was no surprise that Rómestámo would choose a descendant of Oromë's cattle as his mount.
But the Huntsman Oromë had quite a few remarkable pets: besides Huan the Hound, there was Nahar, the ancestor of the Mearas horse breed, and the cattle of Oromë—each a divine beast.
Huan the Hound had slain Melkor's wolves Draugluin and Carcharoth; the descendants of the divine horse Nahar could travel a thousand miles in a day; I wonder what abilities the descendants of Oromë's cattle possess?
"Moo?" The ox noticed Luke's gaze and looked at him curiously.
Luke couldn't help but laugh, shaking off his random thoughts. He then engaged in conversation with Rómestámo.
"This is the map I drew to Hildórien. I hope it helps you," Rómestámo said, handing Luke a piece of parchment.
Luke took the parchment, unfolded it, and upon seeing the depicted route, couldn't help but show his delight.
"Thank you, Wizard Rómestámo! You have been a great help!"
With this map, he could accurately find Hildórien and enter the Valley of Sleep at dawn on the first day of the New Year to collect the "Salt of the Body," the final component needed for the Philosopher's Stone.
Returning the favor, he asked Rómestámo, "Wizard Rómestámo, you mentioned earlier that Wizard Morinehtar has encountered some trouble. What exactly is the problem? Is there anything I can do to help?"
Rómestámo sighed, his face filled with worry. "When Morinehtar and I first came to the East, we worked together initially. But due to Sauron's extensive influence and power in the East, we had to separate to contain his actions."
"I took charge of maneuvering among the Easterlings, while Morinehtar went to the southern regions of Khand and Harad. We used to correspond regularly, but recently, Morinehtar suddenly fell silent. I have a bad feeling that something might have happened to him."
Luke's expression turned serious. "What do you plan to do?"
"Initially, I intended to rescue Morinehtar alone, but I sense great danger in this endeavor. A single misstep could lead to disaster. However, upon meeting you, I had a premonition," Rómestámo explained.
"Thus, I would like to invite you to accompany me to the South to rescue Morinehtar together."
A premonition? Luke knew that beings like Rómestámo and Gandalf possessed prophet-like intuition.
But he still hesitated somewhat.
After all, if something could put Morinehtar in danger, and even make Rómestámo, who was going to rescue him, sense danger, then what difference could he—a wizard of weaker power—possibly make?
It's just that the other had just helped him, so he couldn't very well refuse.
After hesitating and struggling for a moment, Luke still sighed helplessly in his heart. He simply couldn't bring himself to sit by and watch two Blue Wizards fall into danger. As far as he knew, the two Blue Wizards had been resisting Sauron's corruption in the East, relieving the pressure on the western nations in their fight against Sauron, making a certain contribution to the final victory.
But after the final War of the Ring, only Gandalf among the five wizards successfully returned to Valinor.
Among the other wizards, Saruman the White lost his qualification to return due to his betrayal;
Radagast the Brown became so enamored with Middle-earth's nature that he forgot his original mission, ultimately choosing to remain in Middle-earth, continuing to live in the forests with his animal companions.
As for the two Blue Wizards, little was said about them, but it was speculated that they likely failed, which was why they couldn't return to Valinor.
Luke wasn't clear on how the two Blue Wizards failed, but seeing Morinehtar fall into danger this time, with Rómestámo preparing to rescue him, he had a vague suspicion.
Perhaps without his arrival, things would indeed be as Rómestámo sensed—the two Blue Wizards would likely fall into a desperate situation and fail their mission.
So after losing the two Blue Wizards' restraint in the East, during the War of the Ring, Mordor's power would surge dramatically, able to strike out in all directions while still maintaining defensive forces several times larger than the Gondor alliance.
Since he knew the situation, Luke naturally couldn't let Rómestámo fall into danger.
So he agreed to Rómestámo's invitation and decided to go rescue Morinehtar together.
Hearing Luke's answer, Rómestámo was very happy and grateful.
Rómestámo and Morinehtar were very good friends. When Morinehtar, still known as Alatar at the time, volunteered to go to Middle-earth, Rómestámo, originally named Pallando, came to Middle-earth with his good friend to jointly assist in fighting against Sauron's threat.
So even knowing the danger, he wouldn't hesitate to rescue his friend Morinehtar.
"I know this journey is fraught with danger. That you agreed is more than I could ask for!" Rómestámo said, then drew a white horn inlaid with gold from beneath his robes.
"This is the Horn of Victory. When blown, its sound can carry for a thousand miles. It not only strikes fear into enemies and brings joy to friends, but can also summon the horn-blower's friends to come. It's something I carried with me when I came to Middle-earth. I'm giving it to you now—I hope you won't refuse."
With that, he handed the horn to Luke.
Luke was surprised to hear this, not expecting the horn to come from Valinor.
But since it was the other's personal possession, brought from Valinor itself, it must have extraordinary significance.
He immediately waved his hand in refusal: "I wouldn't take what you treasure. Wizard Rómestámo, this horn has been with you so long—please keep it."
Rómestámo didn't give Luke a chance to refuse, directly pressing the Horn of Victory into Luke's arms and shaking his head: "This horn was made jointly by Morinehtar and me. If we can rescue Morinehtar, we can make another horn together in the future. But if we can't, it would be meaningless to me."
Seeing Rómestámo's insistence, Luke had no choice but to accept the horn.
Only then did Luke realize that Rómestámo's introduction of the horn had been too simple.
The horn's material was clearly made from white horn, pure white as jade throughout, emanating an aura of light and sanctity—definitely not from any ordinary beast. Besides this, the horn was covered with ancient, mysterious script containing extraordinary power.This horn could be said to be a divine artifact of sonic attack. When blown, it could not only strike fear into enemies but also produce massive sound waves that would cause widespread enemy suffering.
More importantly, it wasn't an indiscriminate attack. In enemy ears, it was deadly noise; but in allied ears, it was an inspiring, melodious horn call.
It could even let friends a thousand miles away hear the summons and quickly come to provide support.
Obtaining such a divine artifact made Luke even more determined to rescue Morinehtar—otherwise he'd be unworthy of Rómestámo's gift.
Rómestámo and Luke didn't stay long with the Dorwinion tribe, immediately setting off south toward the regions of Khand and Harad.
Khand was located southeast of Mordor, mainly inhabited by the Variags who raised horses and had skilled cavalry, being a horse-riding people like the Rohirrim.
Harad was located south of Mordor, mainly inhabited by the Haradrim. The Near Haradrim close to Gondor had brown skin, black hair, and black eyes, similar to the Gondorians.
But the Far Haradrim had black skin and black eyes, said to be the result of crossbreeding between various dark creatures and humans.
Moreover, the Haradrim tamed mûmakil, with the giant mûmakil becoming their mobile war towers, charging about with riders on their backs.
Morinehtar had been active in the Khand and Harad regions for a long time, secretly inciting rebellions against Sauron's rule and infiltrating the upper echelons of Khand and Harad, turning high-ranking officials to break free from Sauron's control.
Throughout the journey, hearing Rómestámo speak of Morinehtar's deeds, Luke couldn't help but be amazed.
These two Blue Wizards were truly formidable. Rómestámo organized guerrilla warfare in the Easterling regions, opposing Sauron's forces.
Morinehtar was more like conducting espionage activities, undermining power from within Sauron's forces.
Throughout the journey, Luke rode his flying broomstick in low-altitude flight.
Rómestámo rode on his wild bull, moving no slower than Luke.
To avoid drawing attention, both chose to travel through uninhabited areas, avoiding Khand tribes.
Rómestámo was certain Morinehtar wasn't in the Khand region, so neither stopped, continuing south until finally, after a week, they entered the Harad region.
The Harad region was a mixed bag—besides Near and Far Haradrim, there were also many pirates, bandits, and Black Númenóreans.
The Near Haradrim were partially civilized, but the Far Haradrim were uncivilized races living primitive lives in jungles and wastelands, having interbred with trolls, orcs, and other dark creatures until they could hardly be called human.
As for the Black Númenóreans, they were descendants of Númenor like the Dúnedain, but had been corrupted by Sauron into evil and depravity, choosing to serve Sauron as part of his dark forces.
Most of the Harad region was desert. The two avoided the Harad Road, traveling through the desert toward Minas Harad.
Minas Harad was located deep in a canyon in the Harad desert—a massive fortress built by the Haradrim to monitor the Harad region.
Luke and Rómestámo hid behind sand dunes, quietly observing the fortress in the distant canyon.
Behind them, the wild bull seemed to sense danger, staying quietly in place without making a sound.
"Rómestámo, are you certain Morinehtar is in this fortress?" Luke whispered.
Rómestámo nodded firmly, "I'm certain. My connection with Morinehtar tells me he's here!"
Well, special connection between good friends? Luke didn't understand but chose to respect it.
However, Rómestámo seemed to want final confirmation. He closed his eyes and softly called: "Alatar, Alatar..." His voice was low, carrying a mysterious power.
After a while, Rómestámo opened his eyes, his gaze directly locking onto the high tower of Minas Harad fortress.
"Morinehtar is in that tower!"
But how to approach the tower was a problem.
Minas Harad was clearly a fortress stronghold with not only large numbers of Haradrim soldiers but also orcs, and even massive mûmakil roaming about. Under the gloomy sky, countless giant bats circled the tower.
If it were just dealing with these, they wouldn't be afraid.
But the problem was that once they made a huge commotion, it might draw Sauron's attention—that would be the real trouble.
"For now, we should try to infiltrate the fortress. If we can secretly rescue Wizard Morinehtar, that would be best. If not, we can fight our way out with him," Luke said.
He then drew his wand and pointed it at himself, quickly becoming invisible.
Then he cast a Disillusionment Charm on Rómestámo as well.
Under cover of night, the two quietly approached Minas Harad in the canyon.
As for the wild bull, they had it remain in place, ready to respond to summons.
The two bypassed the giant mûmakil and reached the fortress gates. Being invisible, they successfully passed the Haradrim soldier guards, but when passing orcs, the orcs sniffed alertly.
"Confundus~"
With the silent spell cast, nearby orcs became momentarily dazed, instantly forgetting what they were doing.
The two then passed through the gates and silently evaded multiple checkpoints until finally reaching the tower where Morinehtar was imprisoned.
If not for the giant bats circling the tower, Luke really would have liked to Apparate directly to the top.
The tower also had Haradrim and orcs on guard. The two bypassed them level by level, finally discovering Morinehtar imprisoned in an iron cage at the top floor.
Morinehtar looked terrible at this point, covered in torture marks, his staff nowhere to be seen, trapped weakly in a spiked iron cage.
Seeing his friend in such a wretched state, Rómestámo's face filled with worry and tension. Not caring about exposure, he used his staff to shatter the iron cage and rescued Morinehtar.
The giant bats outside the tower sensed the disturbance, making piercing sounds before attacking Luke and the others.
"Protego Totalum!"
Luke cast a protective charm to block the giant bats.
Rómestámo, seeing his friend still unconscious and nearly dead from weakness, was about to expend magical power for healing when Luke stopped him in time.
He took out the golden cup, poured his crafted healing potion into it, shook it to maximize the cup's potency, then fed it to the unconscious Morinehtar.
The healing potion combined with the golden cup's curative ability restored some life to Morinehtar.
He slowly opened his eyes. Seeing Rómestámo, instead of showing joy, he revealed a look of terror.
"This is a trap! You—you must leave quickly!"
Hearing Morinehtar's words, Luke and Rómestámo immediately felt a sense of unease.
The next second, the giant bats that had been besieging them ceased their attacks. Instead, they circled the tower, forming an impenetrable barrier, and began emitting piercing, disorienting ultrasonic waves in unison.
Luke and Rómestámo winced in pain, feeling as though their heads and internal organs were about to burst. Gritting his teeth, Luke quickly cast a Silencing Charm, enveloping himself, Rómestámo, and Morinehtar within its protection. Only then could they breathe a sigh of relief. However, the ultrasonic attacks from the giant bats grew increasingly intense. The surrounding stone walls of the tower cracked under the vibrations, rapidly disintegrating.
Rómestámo urgently cried out, "Luke, quickly—sound the Horn of Victory!"
Acting at once, Luke drew the horn and blew into it with all his might.
In an instant, it was as if a majestic red sun had risen or a spring thunderclap had erupted. A brilliant, resonant horn blast echoed throughout Minas Harad! The Horn of Victory released powerful sound waves that not only neutralized the bats' ultrasonic attacks but also deafened them instantly. Disoriented and blinded, the bats collided chaotically with one another and the surrounding structures.
Upon hearing the horn, the Haradrim and Orcs lost all courage. Terror overtook them; they dropped their weapons and fled in panic.
Seizing the opportunity, Luke prepared to Disapparate with Rómestámo and Morinehtar. But his expression suddenly grew grave—he realized he could no longer Disapparate!
The situation felt eerily reminiscent of when he had been hunted by Saruman.
Simultaneously, the air grew icy cold, and an aura of darkness and fear spread.
Three Ringwraiths emerged from the shadows, exuding terrifying power. They closed in from three sides, forming a deadly encirclement.
At the same time, a fell beast approached from the distance, and on its back stood none other than Saruman.
Saruman gazed down upon Rómestámo and Luke amid the shattered stones of the tower. A thin, icy smile curled his lips.
"Well, well… what fortune blows into my net? I cast it for but a single prize, yet lo and behold! it yields me two. A greater catch than I dared hope for."
His eyes glinted with malice as he fixed his gaze on Luke.
"Black Wizard Luke, how did you enjoy your stay in my Orthanc? I've spent day and night thinking of ways to capture you and make you pay for the humiliation you caused me. I never imagined you would walk right into my grasp!"
"Saruman, how dare you conspire with Sauron to harm Morinehtar! Have you forgotten your mission?" Rómestámo roared in anger and disappointment as he recognized the staff in Saruman's hand—it belonged to his friend Morinehtar.
When they had first arrived in Middle-earth, the two Blue Wizards had traveled east with Saruman. After some time in the East, Saruman had returned to the West. Once, they had been allies.
Now, Morinehtar had suffered a terrible fate—and Saruman had undoubtedly played a role in it.
After all, only Saruman knew them well enough to understand their methods and how to counter them.
Facing Rómestámo's accusation, Saruman sneered coldly, utterly unrepentant.
"Mission? My mission is power and dominion—to rule this world!"
"You want to rule the world? And what of Sauron? Do you intend to replace him?" Luke taunted.
Saruman ignored Luke's provocation and ordered the Ringwraiths, "Deal with the other Blue Wizard!"
Then, his gaze turned icy as he fixed it on Luke, with the cruel mockery of a cat toying with a mouse.
"As for the Black Wizard, leave him to me."
The three Ringwraiths raised their Morgul-blades and swiftly transformed into shadows, lunging at Rómestámo.
Meanwhile, Saruman advanced toward Luke.
Morinehtar, already tortured to the brink of collapse and stripped of his staff, posed no threat in battle.
Rómestámo stood protectively before Morinehtar, brandishing his staff as he faced the three Ringwraiths.
The Ringwraiths wielded immense power, and with the Nine Rings of Men, their strength had multiplied. They unleashed terrifying sorcery, their Morgul-blades striking with lethal precision.
For a time, the battle between them and Rómestámo remained evenly matched.
Luke, however, faced even greater pressure.
"Avada Kedavra!" Luke shouted, casting the Killing Curse. Saruman effortlessly blocked it with a piece of rubble.
Luke unleashed a relentless barrage of offensive spells. Dazzling flashes lit the battlefield, explosions cracked the air, and the massive tower shuddered under the ferocity of their duel, teetering on collapse.
Saruman deflected Luke's curses with ease, sneering, "Your little tricks are worthless before me, boy. If that's all you have, prepare to die here today!"
With that, he conjured a massive fireball and hurled it at Luke.
Luke cast a Shield Charm, but the fireball exploded like a powerful bomb, its force exceeding even a Blasting Curse. Flames shot skyward.
The top of the tower was instantly obliterated, sheared away by the explosion.
At the center of the blast, a sturdy magical shield protected Luke, Rómestámo, and Morinehtar.
A golden ring on Luke's right hand glowed, radiating a powerful barrier that absorbed Saruman's attack.
"My Ring of Power!" Saruman's eyes blazed with fury as he recognized the ring. He launched a frenzied assault, desperate to shatter the shield and reclaim the artifact he had forged.
But Luke had long imbued the ring with his own magic. Combined with its innate abilities, the shield was unbreakable as long as the magic lasted.
At its current rate of consumption, Luke estimated it could hold for at least a day.
But he had no intention of letting Saruman exhaust the ring. Glancing at the crumbling tower and then at Saruman atop the fell beast, he raised the Horn of Victory once more.
The horn's blast weakened the Ringwraiths' aura. Saruman winced at the intolerable sound, clutching his ears. The fell beast thrashed, nearly unseating him.
Seizing the moment, Luke unleashed another Killing Curse.
Saruman, unsteady atop the beast, prepared a counter-spell—only to realize Luke's target was not him but the creature beneath him.
The curse struck the fell beast. It died instantly, plummeting to the ground.
Saruman leapt from its back, landing nimbly upon the tower. But before he could recover, Luke channeled the ring's power, slammed his staff into the floor, and unleashed a shockwave.
The tower split apart, collapsing into ruin.
As the structure fell, Luke's shield carried him, Rómestámo, and Morinehtar safely down, while Saruman plummeted hundreds of meters.
Yet even this did not kill him. Saruman rose from the wreckage, battered but alive, his robes in tatters, his fury burning hotter than ever.
He raised his staff skyward. Thunder boomed, and a bolt of lightning as thick as a barrel struck Luke's shield.
The barrier held, but the attack drained the ring's magic far faster. What could have lasted a day might now fail within hours.
Luke made a grim decision: he would unleash Fiendfyre.
Billowing flames erupted, consuming everything in their path. The fire coalesced into a dragon of living flame.
But Saruman only sneered. With a wave of his staff, he summoned a colossal tornado. Sand and wind swirled together, trapping the Fiendfyre dragon. Its flames sputtered, smothered by the storm.
The tornado became a storm of whirling sand, sharp as blades. Haradrim and Orcs caught within it were shredded alive.
Saruman directed the storm toward Luke.
Luke's shield held against the howling vortex, but the pull was too strong. Soon, he, Rómestámo, and Morinehtar were swept into the storm.
The world spun wildly. Inside the shield, they were tossed about like ants in a balloon, battered by the storm. Countless grains of sand struck the barrier with deafening force.
Amid the chaos, Luke felt as if he were trapped inside a washing machine, spinning endlessly, nausea rising in his throat.