Vil'egelle

"

The chamber was filled with a somber mood. As she crossed the threshold, darkness enveloped her, broken only by the glow of a single candle set in an ornate chandelier in the center of the room. The young girl walked lightly and silently toward the light and sat down on the cold marble floor.

The elf wore a blue, multi-layered dress that revealed her slender shoulders. Her delicately-featured face was framed by long, straight, wheat-colored hair that gleamed in the firelight. The girl appeared weak, limp, and vulnerable, but her eyes gave her a sense of determination and strength. They were dark, almost black, gleaming and unsettling. They didn't match the rest of her appearance. If you looked closely, you could see pain and determination in them.

The girl sighed deeply and waited impatiently. After a few minutes, she began to play with a strand of hair, then smoothed the layers of her dress. Finally, she breathed a sigh of relief when she felt a cold gust of air on her back, almost extinguishing the candle.

"You're late," she said resonantly, her words echoing in the empty, spacious chamber. "

I'm never late," a cold, piercing voice replied. "I am when I deem it appropriate. And you, elf, be careful what you say," he said contemptuously.

The girl became confused and bowed her head humbly, looking at her hands. She waited silently for his words, but he remained silent.

"Forgive me, Lord of Darkness," she said finally.

"Better now, Vil'egelle." A terrifying voice echoed in her head. "You will stay here for a while longer and learn proper behavior.

" "Yes, my lord," she replied without emotion. "What do you expect from me today?

" "The same as always. I didn't kidnap you all those years ago without reason. You have a gift, my dear.

" "More like a curse," she said wryly and sighed. "A curse that's even difficult to interpret."

"Prophecies are never given directly; they have many meanings. They are full of symbols and allegories," said Sauron. "My only concern is that your gift has been deserting you lately. You see less and less, Vil'egelle.

" "Perhaps it's better that way...

" "Leave the judgments to me." The cold voice grew firmer. "You must find the Ring and discover what these fools are planning. That's all I need you for. If you fail again, I will dispose of you. Those filthy orcs will surely rejoice at this new elven prey."

The voice faded, and the girl felt another gust of cold air on her back, this time extinguishing the candle. The darkness in the chamber filled her with unease, so she quickly rose and confidently walked toward the large double doors leading to the main corridor on one of the floors of the Barad-dur keep. Finding herself in the hall among several orc leaders and other monsters, she lifted her head high and, ignoring everyone, strode proudly to her chamber. Clouds of black smoke swirled, and a bright light flickered among them. A moment later

,

a fire erupted, consuming everything around it. The wind picked up, scattering the dust and ash, revealing a gleaming center. The great sphere that illuminated the entire landscape grew brighter, and sparks appeared around it, falling into the black abyss. I looked closer at the sphere of light, but the image on it was blurry. Black clouds are approaching from the east again, trying to obscure my view. I try to concentrate on the sphere, but it's not easy. I feel a strange pang in my heart and close my eyes. After a moment, the black smoke disappears, and I can gaze unhindered at the luminous sphere. An image appears on its smooth, gleaming surface. My vision begins to clear. A group of people is walking through the forest. It's them. Nine travelers, the first a wizard. I didn't know they still lived in Middle-earth. It's a good thing it's not the white one. Two men are with him, one of whom has a sad fate hanging over him. The other's face is clear, but is that enough for him? Even a dwarf is in this strange group. I don't care about him. But the one standing next to him is an elf... A very important elf, I know him. The Prince of Mirkwood. Why is there an elf with them?! Why do I have to act against him?! But I betrayed them all.

What surprises me most is the presence of four children in this company. I don't know why the wizard took them with him. But they're unusual, especially one of them. He's suffering terribly, and children probably don't experience such pain; they don't understand enough. But this boy can barely cope with what he's carrying. He carries a heavy burden. Wait, is it possible that...? No, he's a child.

The vision blurs, but a new one emerges from the darkness. It's Mordor! Mount Doom! And this boy. So he's the one carrying the heaviest burden after all. I feel his pain, burning my insides and crushing my head. But he'll endure. He'll succeed and destroy Sauron's Ring, and then we'll all be free.

Another image. Very blurry, different from the others. I see a lot of light and white. A bright space, and in it, suspended in it, an elf with black hair and blue eyes. I run to him and embrace him. He lies in my arms, falling asleep. Together we fall asleep.

Vil'egelle awoke with a terrible headache. She opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling, decorated with dark coffers depicting dragons and flames. She sighed deeply and stood up. The girl felt a shiver run down her spine, feeling alternately hot and cold. She closed her eyes, and a tear rolled down her cheek. The visions she had seen in her dream overwhelmed her, leaving her unsure what to do. She realized she couldn't tell Sauron. For years she had worked for the Dark Lord, betraying all the good races of Middle-earth, her elven brethren, and herself. Now it seemed time for her to do something to prove her heritage and regain her honor. But why did she have to betray someone again? This time, Sauron. She didn't want his downfall, but she couldn't allow him to triumph either. She decided she wouldn't reveal everything she had seen to the Lord of Mordor. Her only concern was that Sauron would see right through her. But she had to try to save Middle-earth, to have some small part in what would happen.

The elf walked to the window, from which she could see the dark sky and the smoking Orodruin. She turned her head away in distaste and put on the navy blue dress that lay beside the bed. Once dressed and combed her hair, she left the chamber and headed for the hall where she had previously spoken with Sauron. She walked along the corridor, as always—silent and with her head held high.

Suddenly, she felt cold, and before she could stop, she bumped into a tall figure in dark robes. It was the one she hated most—the Witch-King of Angmar, leader of the Nazgûl. The Ringwraiths represented to her the quintessence of everything that was wrong with Middle-earth, so she avoided them as much as possible. The unexpected encounter with their leader only made her feel even worse. Vil'egelle took a step back and looked contemptuously into the black abyss beneath the Wraith's hood.

"I apologize," she said, and tried to leave, but the Witch-king grabbed her arm painfully.

"Wait, elf," a cold, hoarse voice spoke. "The Dark Lord says you've been acting worse lately.

" "I think you have more important matters on your mind, and this shouldn't concern you," she said tartly. "Focus on your work, for I hear you've done poorly in this Shire."

The girl smiled ironically, but after a moment she regretted her words. The Witch-king raised his large hand and clamped it around the elf's delicate neck. Vil'egelle began to thrash, striking the Wraith with her fists. As her face turned purple, the Nazgûl released her, and her body slumped to the cold floor. The girl choked and gasped for air, clutching her throat. Once she regained her breathing, she stood up and glared at the Phantom with hatred. Her face was flushed, and tears welled up in her eyes with anger.

"You'll regret this, monster," she hissed at him.

"I doubt it, Vil'egelle." He laughed. "A creature like you can't threaten me. You're an elf who serves Mordor. Don't you think that's pathetic?

" "I don't serve you willingly!" she shouted, drawing the attention of the orcs nearby.

"And does that make any difference?" he asked, contempt in his voice. "You belong to this privileged and glorious race, and yet you aid the one who poses the greatest threat to you all. Do you see the tragedy of your own character?"

The elf remained silent. She wanted to kill the Nazgûl, especially since he was telling the truth. He is only a traitor. But this time she wanted to do something for Middle-earth, and no one could take that away from her, just as they had taken her dignity.

"Have I spoken a devastating truth, elf?" he asked ironically. "Now go to the audience hall. Sauron wishes to speak with you, and you had better do what he desires."

Vil'egelle didn't look at the Nazgûl again, but quickly ran to the chamber at the end of the corridor. She pushed open the great door and sat down by the candle. This time the Dark Lord didn't keep her waiting too long. After a moment, she felt a cold draft and heard a voice that, after her conversation with the Ringwraith, seemed soothing.

"What did you see?" he asked in a voice devoid of any emotion.

"Nothing interesting, I'm afraid," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

"That's bad; it better be something interesting. Tell me about the visions," he said firmly.

"I saw nine travelers again." She began. "The wizard was at the head, and they were still walking with four children...

" "They're the hobbits from Eregion." Sauron interrupted her. "Did you see anything else?

" "No." She shook her head, but she sensed the Lord of Mordor wouldn't be fooled.

"Don't deceive me," he said calmly. "Tell me what else you saw.

" "There was a dark-haired elf with light eyes..." she began in a sad voice. "He was flying down the white expanse, and I held him in my arms.

" "Vil'egelle, was that a vision or your dreams?" he asked with a laugh.

"Sir, I saw it," she replied calmly. "I leave the interpretation of the vision to you. That's what you expect of me, isn't it?

" "Yes." She sensed satisfaction in his voice. "You did quite well, elf. Soon I will destroy Gondor and reclaim the Ring. Then the whole world will be covered in darkness, but you, my dear, will be full of light. I will let you live with me, and perhaps you will know happiness.

" "Thank you, Sauron," she replied, bowing her head. "Is there anything else I can do for you?

" "No, enough for today." I have more important matters ahead of me, but I will summon you again in time, Vil'egelle. Sleep soundly and look to the future. I need your visions." He fell silent for a moment. "And don't worry so much. You don't think I'd hand you over to the mercy of those filthy orcs, do you?"

"I think that's exactly what you would do," she replied quietly.

"You're exaggerating, Vil'egelle. Even the Lord of Darkness has a tiny particle of good in him.

" Sauron's voice suddenly vanished, leaving her in a terrible mood. The girl had doubts again. She blamed herself for another betrayal, a feat she had been forced to commit. But the Lord of Mordor was her executioner, the master of her fate, and the greatest threat to Middle-earth. She had to stop him by withholding such crucial information from him. Vil'egelle didn't want to get up. She sat on the marble floor in the candlelight, staring into the flame. The thoughts she feared most began to haunt her. After all, Sauron had behaved well towards her. She finally admitted this to herself. But the weight didn't lift from her heart at all. On the contrary, it became increasingly burdensome. What exactly did she feel when she thought of Sauron? It had once been hatred, but lately, the situation had been completely different. She only waited to meet him; the conversation with the Dark Lord somehow filled the void in her life. She knew that as a member of the elven race, and also as a resident of Middle-earth, she should hate him, fear him, and think of ways to bring about his defeat. But what should she do if she didn't? What had she become? Now she felt only pain, the enormity of her suffering clouding her thoughts. She preferred death to tormenting herself with her own doubts. She didn't want Sauron's defeat, but she couldn't bear the thought of Middle-earth's destruction . The day had finally arrived when her destiny would be decided. Today, this boy would destroy the Ring and end the suffering of the good races. Vil'egelle pondered, looking out the window at Orodruin, Mount Doom. She knew she would see it for the last

time

. Ever since the vision of the hobbit's victory, the girl had felt the pain that accompanied it. But she tried to bear it bravely, hoping that in this way she could ease the boy's burden.

Sauron had never learned of that vision. For days, the girl hadn't had a chance to speak with him. The Dark Lord had other matters on his mind. After the great defeat on the Pelennor Fields, he had thought only of armaments. And Vil'egelle rejoiced, and not only because her brothers had won. The death of the hated Nazgûl brought her joy.

The army of Isildur's descendant stood proudly at the gates of Mordor, and the hobbit was getting closer. The boy hesitated, but the Ring would fall into Orodruin anyway. Another moment and everything that had constituted her life for the past few years would be lost forever. Vil'egelle felt a powerful shock and fell to the floor, bruising her head. Blood flooded the marble slabs and stained her blond hair. So this was the end, she thought, and let her thoughts drift away.

She awoke in a white expanse that blinded her. As her eyes adjusted to the light, she looked ahead and saw a black-haired elf, as if in her vision. The girl ran to him and grabbed him. She lost herself in his blue eyes, wondering who he was. Then she understood. This elf was Sauron. The Lord of Darkness lay defenseless in her arms. So this was her destiny, to save Middle-earth's greatest enemy. She smiled, and together they fell asleep.