Rohan's royal city, Edoras, rose from the windswept grasslands like a crown upon green velvet.
The city nestled in the widest valley of the northern foothills of the White Mountains, built upon an isolated hill that commanded the entire valley's mouth. The Snowbourn River flowed past the city's eastern side, its waters catching the afternoon sunlight like scattered diamonds.
The hill was surrounded by deep ditches, stone walls, and thorned fences that spoke of centuries of defending against raiders. A single black gate provided entry to this fortress city, its iron-bound doors standing open to welcome travelers and traders.
At the hill's highest point stood Meduseld, the legendary golden hall of the King of Rohan. Its roof gleamed like captured sunlight, visible for miles across the endless grasslands.
With a soft popping sound that disturbed only the grazing horses nearby, Kael's figure materialized in a deserted corner outside Edoras. The familiar sensation of Apparition left him momentarily disoriented as his feet found solid ground.
He had departed from Isengard and made several carefully calculated Apparitions to reach Rohan's capital, each jump bringing him closer to his destination.
Apparition required either places one had personally visited or specific landmark impressions to accurately teleport to destinations without risk of splinching.
Kael had collected detailed descriptions of Edoras from Elrond, Gandalf, and others during his years in Middle-earth, forming a concrete mental image of the city to accurately arrive at this place he'd never seen with his own eyes.
Rohan's vast territories were covered by endless pastures and grasslands, an ocean of green that stretched beyond the horizon. The people lived primarily through horse breeding and livestock herding, possessing Middle-earth's finest horse breeds and maintaining a reputation for the most powerful cavalry forces on the continent.
The Mearas mares Kael had used for crossbreeding hippogriffs and flying horses, and Gandalf's magnificent tamed mount Shadowfax, all belonged to this legendary breed from Rohan's grasslands. They were descendants of the divine steeds that had once carried Oromë the Hunter across the world's morning.
They were also the Rohan royal family's exclusive mounts, symbols of power and nobility.
Kael surveyed this city where horses served as totems and cultural symbols, their influence visible everywhere from carved decorations to weathervanes shaped like galloping steeds. With the curiosity of a traveler exploring new lands, he walked toward the imposing black gate.
Gate guards watched the coming and going crowds with practiced eyes, alert for suspicious persons or potential threats to their city's security.
Kael's appearance immediately drew everyone's attention like a magnet pulling iron filings.
Compared to those around him, his height made him conspicuous among the shorter Rohirrim. He wore an elegant yet understated black robe that spoke of wealth and refinement, its fabric catching light in ways that suggested magical enhancement.
His entire bearing radiated the graceful nobility typical of elves, combined with the quiet authority of someone accustomed to command and respect.
Though Kael himself remained unaware of the impression he created, in others' eyes he commanded attention even when deliberately restraining his magical aura.
The soldier captain responsible for gate duty noticed this striking stranger approaching but dared not rashly offend someone who clearly possessed both power and position. He approached with careful respect and obvious caution.
"Sir, may I ask where you've traveled from?" The captain inquired politely, his hand resting casually on his sword hilt. "Outsiders entering our city are required to register with the guard."
Kael had come here solely to activate his check-in system and had no desire to cause trouble for the captain or create any unnecessary disturbance in this peaceful city.
Moreover, from years of check-in experience across Middle-earth, he knew that to successfully trigger the system, he would most likely need to reach this royal city's heart, the golden hall Meduseld itself.
So he felt no need to conceal his identity or create an elaborate cover story.
"I am Kael, master of western Isengard's Orthanc Tower," he said clearly, his voice carrying easily across the courtyard. "I've come to travel through your beautiful lands and wish to pay my respects to King Thengel."
Hearing Kael's calm declaration, the guard captain's eyes widened in surprise and recognition, his posture becoming even more respectful and careful.
As a loyal Rohirrim, he naturally knew of Isengard's strategic importance and had heard that the ancient stronghold had recently changed masters. Word had spread throughout the kingdom that the new lord had even managed to subdue those savage Dunlendings who had plagued their borders for generations. Their own king had personally traveled to the western border to sign historic peace treaties with these former enemies.
So Kael's name had spread rapidly through Rohan like wildfire, especially the incredible rumors of his dragon companion, which grew more mythical with each telling throughout the kingdom.
The captain dared not show any negligence toward such an important figure.
"Please wait here, my lord," he said hastily, snapping to attention. "I'll report your arrival immediately to the proper authorities!"
Then he hurried away to find his superiors, leaving Kael standing calmly in the courtyard while curious onlookers gathered at a respectful distance.
Inside Meduseld's golden hall, King Thengel sat upon his carved throne discussing matters of state with his chief advisor, Háma.
Háma had served as a Rohan general stationed at the kingdom's troubled western borders, earning King Thengel's complete trust through his dedicated service in resisting countless Dunlending raids. His promotion to chief advisor reflected the king's confidence in his judgment and loyalty.
Just then, breathless servants entered the hall to report the unexpected news of Kael's arrival.
King Thengel's weathered face immediately lit up with genuine pleasure upon hearing this development, and he ordered servants to invite their distinguished visitor into the hall without delay.
But advisor Háma's expression darkened with obvious displeasure at this news, his jaw tightening with barely concealed irritation.
Perhaps because he had spent years stationed at the western borders experiencing multiple bloody conflicts with Dunlending raiders, Háma had developed a deep distrust of them that bordered on hatred. One could even say he despised everything connected to those savage tribes.
When King Thengel had personally traveled to the border to sign peace treaties with the Dunlendings, Háma had strongly opposed the decision, arguing that the Dunlendings were inherently cunning and savage, completely untrustworthy, and should be eliminated entirely rather than negotiated with.
But Thengel had chosen not to adopt his advisor's harsh recommendations.
Háma continued harboring intense hostility toward the Dunlendings, extending his prejudice to include Kael, who had taken them under his protection and granted them sanctuary.
As Kael entered the magnificent palace hall, his boots echoing on polished stone, Thengel rose from his throne and descended the steps with arms spread wide in welcome.
"Wizard Kael! It's been over a year since we last met at Isen Ford," the king declared warmly, his voice carrying genuine pleasure. "Your visit to Edoras today brings great honor to our humble hall!"
Thengel didn't allow his royal status to create distance but showed Kael courtesy and treatment befitting an equal rather than a subject.
Since Kael had become Isengard's new master, Thengel had specifically sent trusted agents to gather detailed information about this neighbor's background and remarkable deeds. The reports had only increased his respect and strengthened his decision to cultivate this potentially valuable alliance.
Kael responded with an appropriate nod and genuine smile, his tone warm but respectful. "The pleasure is entirely mine, Your Majesty. Time has been kind to you, and you remain as glorious as ever."
After exchanging the proper pleasantries required by diplomatic protocol, Thengel gestured toward the stern figure standing beside the throne.
"Allow me to introduce my chief advisor, Háma, who has served our kingdom with distinction for many years."
"I've long heard your illustrious name, Wizard Kael," Háma said with a smile that never reached his eyes, the expression clearly artificial. "Speaking of interesting connections, I once maintained a station at Isen Ford, quite close to your Isengard, but never found the opportunity to visit your stronghold personally. I rather regret that missed chance now!"
Then his tone shifted slightly, taking on notes of feigned curiosity mixed with barely concealed suspicion. "But what fortunate circumstances bring the renowned Wizard Kael to our modest city of Edoras? Is there some important matter requiring attention? If you need any assistance whatsoever, we certainly won't hesitate to provide whatever aid is within our power!"
King Thengel nodded enthusiastically, his weathered face showing genuine warmth. "Háma speaks truly, my friend. If you require any assistance during your time here, Wizard Kael, please don't hesitate to ask! The hospitality of Rohan is at your disposal."
Kael's sharp gaze lingered on this chief advisor for several long moments, his expression subtly shifting as he sensed the man's true feelings.
Through his awakened Legilimency abilities, he could detect clear insincerity and barely suppressed hostility radiating from this supposedly respectful official.
Since developing his telepathic talents, Kael had grown accustomed to restraining his mental power to avoid being overwhelmed by the constant chaos of surrounding thoughts and emotions.
Now, sensing this chief advisor's hidden animosity toward him, Kael was about to employ Legilimency to investigate the source of this hostility when King Thengel's continued speech interrupted his concentration.
If not for the inappropriate social environment, Kael would have immediately begun testing this remarkable new Metamorphmagus ability to explore its full potential.
So with barely contained anticipation humming through his veins, Kael graciously attended the feast King Thengel organized in his honor.
The Rohirrim were primarily nomadic people, and their feast reflected this cultural heritage with bold, unrefined celebration. Meat and strong alcohol served as the primary attractions, with massive platters of roasted beef and overflowing tankards of ale filling every available surface.
During the lengthy feast, chief advisor Háma appeared superficially enthusiastic, frequently raising his tankard to toast Kael while casually attempting to extract information through seemingly innocent questions.
Kael easily saw through Háma's transparent attempt to intoxicate him into revealing secrets or compromising information. But he chose not to refuse the repeated toasts, understanding that doing so would create social friction.
His physical condition had evolved to match elven capabilities through various magical enhancements. Ordinary human alcohol couldn't significantly affect his enhanced metabolism and magical constitution.
So he drank cup after cup without showing any signs of intoxication, his eyes remaining perfectly clear and focused while his movements stayed steady and controlled.
Instead, Háma, who kept initiating these drinking contests, grew increasingly red-faced and unsteady as the evening progressed, nearly unable to maintain his balance by the feast's end.
Háma stared at Kael's completely clear eyes with obvious disbelief and growing frustration.
"You... aren't you getting drunk at all?" he slurred, swaying dangerously in his chair.
Kael regarded him calmly and delivered a perfectly deadpan response. "Of course not. Though I can already feel my fingertips getting slightly numb, so I must be drunk."
Hearing this obvious falsehood delivered with complete sincerity, Háma's face flushed even redder; whether from anger or excessive alcohol consumption remained unclear.
Then he could no longer support his own weight and collapsed backward with eyes full of unwilling defeat, passing out completely from intoxication.
Seeing their chief advisor's spectacular defeat, the other feast attendees erupted in uproarious laughter and cheering, their admiration for Kael's seemingly impossible alcohol tolerance reaching new heights.
King Thengel laughed heartily, giving Kael an enthusiastic thumbs up that spoke of genuine respect.
"Háma possesses the greatest alcohol tolerance among all my advisors and has never met his match in drinking contests before tonight," the king declared with obvious amusement. "I didn't expect Wizard Kael to defeat him so completely! This is truly remarkable to witness!"
Kael responded with appropriate modesty, shaking his head dismissively. "Minister Háma was simply being courteous to his guest. If I had consumed much more alcohol, I probably would have collapsed directly onto the floor myself."
The other feast attendees, noting that Kael's face still showed no trace of flush or intoxication, expressed their complete disbelief at his modest claims.
But Kael's attention had shifted to focus on the unconscious Háma with calculating interest.
Now that the advisor was unconscious from alcohol, his mind possessed no defensive barriers against Kael's Legilimency abilities. His thoughts and memories lay completely open for Kael to examine without resistance.
After carefully reviewing the man's most recent memories and motivations, Kael's gaze toward the unconscious figure became cold and calculating, a mocking expression appearing on his features as he understood the full scope of Háma's prejudices and hidden agendas.
But Kael chose to take no immediate action, allowing the servants to carry the drunken advisor away to his chambers. He would wait until the feast concluded and he retired to his assigned guest quarters before taking any further steps.
The evening eventually wound down with traditional Rohirrim songs and stories of legendary horses and heroic riders.
Finally, Kael excused himself and returned to his private guest chamber to rest, the servants bowing respectfully as he departed.
Once safely alone in his room, he waved his hand to conjure a large, perfectly clear mirror from thin air, then positioned himself directly before its reflective surface to observe his own appearance.
Concentrating on his new abilities, Kael watched in fascination as his originally black hair began growing longer while simultaneously shifting color to a brilliant golden hue that caught the lamplight.
His dark eyes also transformed, becoming deep blue like sapphires, while his facial structure subtly altered its proportions and his skin took on a more ethereal quality.
Finally, his ears elongated and became pointed, completing the transformation.
The figure now reflected in the mirror was that of a tall, elegant male elf, bearing no resemblance whatsoever to the wizard who had entered the room.