Written for Raksha. The characters are the property of the Tolkien Estate.
With eager hands, Denethor unveiled the Seeing Stone. What would its depths show him today of the Dark Lord’s nefarious schemes? Distant battles, rampaging Orcs, or the Witch- king’s armies, maybe?
He felt drawn towards the terrible lidless Eye of Barad-dûr.
Some strange compulsion forced him to focus upon its burning gaze.
The eye winked at him.
Certain his mind was playing tricks, Denethor looked again.
The eye winked back.
Shuddering, Denethor re-covered the Orb and trembling, hastened from the tower.
Sauron cackled evilly. Oh what joy to jest with Gondor’s solemn Steward! He would drive him to madness yet.