A flash of light and the sound of coughing came from behind the door that had just flown shut and then open. In the doorway stood a man that had never seen a sunset in Middle Earth before.

"Who are you?" Came a deep voice that reeked of power.

There was no answer from the below average height man wearing glasses. He stepped forward and emerged from the doorway.

"You don't look like -?" Came the deep voice.

"Well...I'm...Not from...I mean I don't know how to answer that." He stammered in his tenor voice.

"I am Gandalf the wizard, do you have a name?" Asked the Deep voiced Man.

"Wo...Woody...will do." He said as he pushed his blond hair out of the way.

"Do you do magic, are you indeed a wizard? All that power I sensed has brought you here correct?"

"I have been called a genius...magic maker. People love to laugh at what I do. I make quite a good living. I just have a problems with women."

"Then you are a court jester magician. I have heard tales of the unique magic. Woman on the other hand are always a challenge, it's unavoidable in your line of magic, or any line. Stay with me and we shall teach one another how to do each others magic."

"I heard a voice...it told me the first person...you meet will guide...your way,"

"I knew you were coming. But I didn't know who you would be or from whence you would hail." Indicated Gandalf.

"Well...I can't...begin to understand...where I am...I mean I only have heard of one man named...Gandalf. He lived in...Middle Earth, but I...never believed it to...be true," Explained Woody.

"I still do. Welcome to Middle Earth." Gandalf looked down and then spoke again "It is often hard to believe a place exists if you have no proof. When I was a lad I heard tales of a place called Halvawoodland. It was said to be a place of magic, to train wizards to relieve boredom for portions of the populations in vast lands. Halva Woodland was free from magic regulations. Are you from such a place."

"Yes, but its pronounced Hollywood Land and we no longer call it that. It's just called Hollywood. I gained my success there."

"Ah, the name Hollywood does sound better. Hollywood is tough wood, which is not easily tamed. It is idea for special spells."

"Yes, I have often been stuck by its thorns." Stated Woody.

"Woody, you have stopped stuttering. You are already growing as a person. Sit with me and talk. I need your insight into Court Jester Magic. I have two great tasks that I much over see. They both revolve around a ring that was made by a very evil man. He is bent on taking over and ruling Middle Earth. If it comes about it will be dark times for all who live here. It will surely mean the destruction of many."

"Yes, I know what the tasks are. I've read about them in a historical text."

"Truly you are from some far away land outside of Middle Earth outside of our time and space. Please tell me of what you have read while it is still in your mind. I believe that you are a part of these two great tasks. Your insight will help me plan accordingly."

"Very well. But you can't change what's destined to happen." Returned Woody.

"Yes, however your very presence is part of what is to happen.

Woody and Gandalf talked for days eating, walking, and sitting. They met many inhabitants on the way. And Woody had learned as much as he had taught Gandalf.

"Woody you have been with me for a week. I will miss you weird little man. I sorry there aren't more people with such a fresh look at things such as you."

"Gandalf, I will miss you and why do you talk as if you know I am leaving soon."

"I am sorry Woody I should have told you I knew you were coming. Indeed I knew you were to leave me today. I received an ancient spell never used; it came to me in a dream before you came. It will send you on your way."

"Where am I going?"

"I do not know. But I was told that you would know when the inhabitants of that land greeted you. Yet I wish I could prevent you from going, even thou your destiny lays elsewhere. Thus I know I can not keep you. Come let us each lunch and then I will send you on your way."

Gandalf conjured up a wonderful lunch, and then made his good byes to Woody with a final request.

"Please Woody may I have your full name?"

"Of course, I should have told you. It's Woody Allen."

"What a fine name. I shall always remember you as Magician Allen."

Gandalf waved his arms with a hushed verbal spell that Woody couldn't hear. Suddenly Gandalf was no were in sight and the countryside had changed.

"I wonder where I am?"

"Not far from the Harper Hall. Get on my back we have much to do. The Tread is due to fall. We must be ready."

"I'm on Pern?"

"Of course you're on Pern. Where else would you be?"

Woody turned around and realized he was suddenly talking to a dragon, and it understood him. He remembered and whispered the name Robinton.

"Over there, He also can speak to dragons."

"So now I am now a dragon rider of Pern." Stated Woody.

"We shall see." Stated the dragon.

Woody thoughts wandered. Where else will I go? Who else will I help? I hope I get to see the land of OZ. I've always liked the cowardly lion.