The Hammer of Aukron: A Tale of Middle Earth

By Evelyn M. Harrow

"The Hammer of Aukron: A Tale of Middle Earth" is an epic fantasy novel set in the richly-imagined world of Middle Earth. The story follows Robin Butcher, a Hobbit blacksmith, whose life is overturned when his village is attacked by the Villain King Maugrim and his dark forces. Amidst the devastation, Robin discovers the legendary Hammer of Aukron and joins forces with a diverse group of heroes including Elves, Dwarves, Men, and a reformed Orc. Together, they embark on a quest to gather allies, rally forces, and defeat the tyranny of Maugrim. Throughout their journey, they face numerous challenges, from treacherous landscapes and fierce battles to internal conflicts and betrayals. The narrative explores themes of courage, friendship, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness, culminating in Robin's ultimate sacrifice to save Middle Earth and restore balance to nature.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arcane Atlas Books
• Release date: Apr 19, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224304844

Book preview

The Hammer of Aukron: A Tale of Middle Earth

In a world where darkness threatens to consume all, a Hobbit's courage and an ancient artifact are the last hope for the Balance of Life.

Evelyn M. Harrow

Copyright © 2024 by Evelyn M. Harrow

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.

Contents

1.The Shire Under Siege

2.The Reluctant Hero

3.Forging Alliances

4.Shadows and Sabotage

5.The Elven Sanctuary

6.The Mines of Moria

7.The City of Shadows

8.The Battle for the Shire

9.The Final Showdown

10.Legacy of Hope

Chapter one

The Shire Under Siege

In the heart of the peaceful Shire, nestled within the rolling hills of Hobbiton, Robin Butcher worked diligently at his forge. The rhythmic clanging of hammer against anvil filled the air as he crafted tools and weapons for the gentle hobbits of the Shire. Robin’s skilled hands moved with precision, shaping the glowing metal into works of both beauty and function.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, Robin’s wife, Mara, appeared at the forge’s entrance, a basket of freshly baked bread in her arms. Their two children, Toby and Lily, followed close behind, their laughter echoing through the streets of Hobbiton. Robin smiled warmly at his family, his heart filled with love and contentment.

The Shire was a place of tranquility and happiness, where the Hobbits lived simple lives, tending to their farms and gardens, and enjoying the company of their neighbors. The inhabitants of Hobbiton were a close-knit community, always ready to lend a helping hand or share a meal with one another. Life in the Shire was idyllic, untouched by the troubles of the outside world.

However, as Robin worked at his forge, whispers of a growing threat began to reach the ears of the Hobbits. Travelers passing through the Shire brought tales of a powerful and ruthless figure known as the Villain King, Maugrim. His army, composed of orcs, goblins, and other foul creatures, had conquered lands far beyond the borders of the Shire, leaving destruction and despair in their wake.

Two of his most trusted and feared commanders, Grokk, a massive orc with a penchant for brutality, led Maugrim’s forces and Whisper, a cunning human assassin whose skills in stealth and deception were unmatched. Together, they formed a formidable duo, carrying out Maugrim’s bidding with ruthless efficiency.

Despite the growing unease, life in the Shire continued as it always had. The Hobbits, unaware of the true extent of the danger that loomed on the horizon, went about their daily routines. Robin, too, focused on his work, crafting a fine sword for the Thain of the Shire, the leader of the Hobbit community.

It was on an ordinary day that the peace of the Shire was shattered forever. Without warning, the forces of the Villain King descended upon Hobbiton, led by the terrifying Grokk and the elusive Whisper. Orcs and goblins poured into the village, their weapons glinting in the sunlight, while corrupted beasts, twisted by dark magic, rampaged through the streets.

Chaos erupted as the Hobbits, surprised by the sudden attack, scrambled to defend their homes and loved ones. Robin, grasping the sword he had just finished crafting, rushed out of his forge to join the fray. Alongside his fellow Hobbits, he fought bravely against the invading forces, his skills as a blacksmith and his determination to protect his family driving him forward.

The battle was fierce and bloody, with the Hobbits fighting valiantly against the overwhelming odds. Robin’s sword clashed against the crude weapons of the orcs, his movements fueled by a desperate need to keep his family safe. Mara, armed with a kitchen knife, stood back-to-back with her husband, fending off the attackers as best she could.

Amidst the chaos, Robin heard the terrified screams of his children. His heart pounding, he fought his way through the horde of enemies, desperate to reach Toby and Lily. But as he neared their home, he saw a sight that would haunt him forever: Grokk, his eyes gleaming with malice, standing over the lifeless bodies of Mara and their children.

Robin’s world shattered in that moment, his anguished cries echoing through the burning village. Consumed by grief and rage, he charged at Grokk, his sword raised high. The two fought viciously, trading blows that shook the earth beneath their feet. But even as Robin poured all of his pain and fury into the battle, he was no match for the orc commander’s brute strength.

Beaten and bloodied, Robin narrowly managed to escape the clutches of Grokk, fleeing into the nearby forests as Hobbiton burned behind him. The once-peaceful Shire lay in ruins, smoke rising from the charred remains of homes and gardens, while the bodies of fallen Hobbits littered the streets.

Robin ran until his lungs burned and his legs gave out, collapsing beneath a towering oak tree. There, alone in the forest, he wept for his lost family, for the life he had known, and for