The Night of the Nazgul Ring

[giant_among_men]

Miguelito Loveless had spent days studying the Nazgul ring that he had retained after Dumbledore had stolen the One Ring i_am_shiny away from him. Indignation over that incident still burned him, but Loveless was a patient man. He would have his revenge, even if it took weeks, months, or even years. In fact, through his decades' long study of alchemy,

Comments

Re: How Do You Measure the Heart of a Man...or a Car?

[giant_among_men]

*Loveless just laughs and looks at Gordon with something akin to affection.* Ah, Mr. Gordon! You are trying to make me angry, aren't you? It won't work. You can't bait me! In fact, you can't do anything to me at all!

*shows Gordon his ring* Do you have any idea what this is? It's not just a ring, Mr. Gordon. It is a magical implement -- an extremely powerful magical implement. It amplifies my will. I have merely to think of something and it becomes reality!

*glares suddenly* For example, suppose the chain that binds you to the wall were suddenly to become a king cobra!

*The chain transforms itself into a 20 foot long cobra that rears itself up and flares its hood. As it strikes at Gordon, it transforms itself back into a chain.*

You see, Mr. Gordon? I can control reality itself! With this ring, I can control the entire world!

Once I am finished making myself a replica of that automobile there, I intend to use this ring on you, Mr. Gordon. You have been a thorn in my side long enough. Your meddling has ruined all of my plans in the past, but with this ring, I shall make certain...modifications to your thought processes. And then, you and I will be great friends. You will work for me as my assistant. I admit, you have a certain amount of cleverness that might be useful to me in my future work.

Re: How Do You Measure the Heart of a Man...or a Car?

[artemus_gordon]

*In spite of himself, Artie jumps back at the illusion of the chain becoming a striking snake then a chain yet again. He listens to Loveless' ranting, all the while trying to get a better look at the ring he claims is responsible. If this is one of the rings he's heard about, then they're far more dangerous than he'd first been led to believe. They were more than a risk to the National Security; they could indeed jeopardize the entire world.

He had to find a way out, and soon. He had to stop Loveless and anyone else who might possess such a ring for evil.*

Oh come now. Really, Doctor. A parlor trick and cheap illusion is hardly anything to brag about. The entire world? Controlled by a piece of junk jewelery you found in a popcorn bag? *tsk*tsk*

*Artie shakes his head sadly, as if concerned for the Doctor sanity, but shows absolutely no other interest in the ring or Loveless' plans.

Right. Well. You just go right on ahead with whatever fantasy it is you're playing at now. I'll just catch myself a nap . . .

Artie leans his back against the bars and proceeds to studiously ignore Loveless.

Re: How Do You Measure the Heart of a Man...or a Car?

[giant_among_men]

*Frowns* It's not a cheap ring! It is a ring of power!

*Loveless waits for Gordon to say something. He grows visibly annoyed at the fact that Gordon is ignoring him.*

Aren't you the least bit interested in my ring, Mr. Gordon?

*indignant* Mr. Gordon, I am speaking to you! It is only polite for you to look at me!

*beings to fume as Gordon continues to ignore him* Did you think that cobra was an illusion, Mr. Gordon? I assure you it was not!

*Loveless uses to ring to levitate Gordon off of the ground. He turns Gordon around so that the agent has to look at him.* There! Now do you believe me? With this ring, I can do anything, Mr. Gordon! That cobra was real, and now so is that very hungry Nile crocodile that is snapping at your heels! Is the crocodile an illusion? Should I let you down now Mr. Gordon? Hmm?

Re: How Do You Measure the Heart of a Man...or a Car?

[artemus_gordon]

*Even Artie has to admit that it's hard to ignore -- or feign ignoring -- his being bodily lifted off the floor with no visible means of doing so. No wires or gas or air pressure. Nothing to explain it, or the sudden appearance of the very toothy reptile beneath him. Artie was immediately reminded of Colonel Noel Voltrain, an expert at mental legerdemain and a man who could travel at will through the fourth dimension. Was this the power the ring had given Loveless?

Alright! Alright. *pulls foot up as the crocodile snaps at his chainless ankle* I'll admit it's a bit more impressive than I first thought. It is not an illusion. Now, erm . . . waves at his unwanted cell mate If you wouldn't mind?? You've made your point.

Re: How Do You Measure the Heart of a Man...or a Car?

[giant_among_men]

*Loveless claps his hands and the crocodile vanishes back to Egypt.* That's better.

*He regards Gordon with a very cold smile on his face. He is still indignant that Gordon isn't showing the proper respect for him or his new ring.* Perhaps I should leave you dangling up there, Mr. Gordon, until you've learned better manners. Fortunately for you, I must get on with my work. I'll return to you later.

Re: How Do You Measure the Heart of a Man...or a Car?

[artemus_gordon]

Artie offered no reply, not willing to bait Loveless any further. Not just yet.

As the Doctor turned his back and moved toward the black horseless carriage, Artie's body began to slowly sink back to the floor, as if Loveless' attention was too intently focused elsewhere. Now that was interesting. Very interesting.

Nevertheless, this ring Loveless possessed was far more dangerous than anyone could have guessed. There wasn't anything Artie could do about it locked and chained. Time to start working on an escape!