During the summer days of the year 3018 of the Third Age, Gandalf the Grey asked Radagast the Brown to send word among his feathered friends, the birds, to glean whatever they could of the Enemy's designs. The ever-faithful Radagast, in turn, sought aid from his companions of old. Swift and noble, the Eagles heeded the call, soaring aloft to gather tidings of the enemy. They bore witness to the assembly of wolves and Orcs, as well as the mustering of the Nine Riders. Further still, they brought word of Gollum's escape from the depths of Mirkwood's shadows.

Guided by Gandalf's instruction, Radagast dispatched Gwaihir to bear the news to him within the walls of Isengard. However, Gandalf, summoned by Saruman the White, languished in captivity atop the pinnacle of Orthanc at that very time. Upon an autumnal night, Gandalf caught sight of the Eagle winging its way toward him, and thus Gwaihir came to the Wizard's rescue. But, Gwaihir's strength faltered, and he could not carry Gandalf far. Thus, he left the Grey Pilgrim at Edoras, the seat of the horse-lords, embarking on a quest to find a steed...

Art by Karl Fitzgerald
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FROM 216.240.30.*