Congratulations to all the new and returning writers who have submitted to Gandalf's Challenge.

I am so thrilled by the interest and talent (and passion) expressed by readers and writers alike. So, because of this I'm going to stretching out into the fellowship of fans to get some professional assistance. This means surprise guest judges...who will be sneaky in the background...judging you.

DO NOT PANIC...I'm being dramatic...they are nice, and you might just know them. They will be introduced at the end of voting.

Reader voting will continue as usual, but the judges will meet (including me) to discuss all entries and pick the overall, most deserving winner. As well as the bonus prize.

***Side Note: I'm still looking for honest and fair minded individuals to join the "White Council" aka guest judges. So, please, if you want to get involved, drop me PM. ***

So, without delay, here are the Challengers...

* * *

One Burning Log'
By: @mirkwoodminstrel
Link: http://my.w.tt/UiNb/1LMAWdsuXC

* * *

'Istari: Reborn'
By:  @gandalf_the_white
Link:  http://my.w.tt/UiNb/RzMobenuXC

* * *

'House of Telcontar'
By:  @Jetharp24
Link: http://my.w.tt/UiNb/SRIonPjuXC

* * *

'When the River Rolls'
By: @autumn_sunfire
Link:  http://my.w.tt/UiNb/JzX5zwguXC

* * *

'New Way of Life'
By: @sapphirerose14
Link: http://my.w.tt/UiNb/ifen7aZtXC

*    *    *

'The Guards Choice'
By: @Nichola_Royse
Link:  http://my.w.tt/UiNb/nsAqebRtXC

*    *    *

'Song of Change'
By: @Silvan_Elleth
http://my.w.tt/UiNb/6EVH3M7H8C

* * *

'Comfort'
By:  @piptheturtle
http://my.w.tt/UiNb/cHH4xXwI8C

*    *    *

'From the Ashes'
By: @Glassweaver
http://my.w.tt/UiNb/rqjPKDUI8C

* * *

'Home is Behind'
By: LivreanTinuviel
http://my.w.tt/UiNb/OZU62m7N8C

* * *

'The Time Tree'
By: SunnyTreasures
http://my.w.tt/UiNb/P0y5y3kF9C

*    *    *

VOTING

Voting cannot be achieved by traditional Wattpad voting, e.g. you cannot push a star button on the author's stories for a vote to be registered for this contest (though I suggest doing that anyway if you like what you're reading).

You must register your votes by posting a comment on THIS chapter listing your first, second, and third favourite stories.  ONLY comments posted will be counted between now and the 28th of May 2017.

All participants (the writers) MUST participate in the voting BUT they cannot vote for their own story.  If you do not participate your story may be disqualified.  This isn't to be mean, this is to encourage good sportsmanship, and friendship between your fellow writers.  You know how much it means to you when someone acknowledges your story so repay the favour.  Spread the Good Karma and you'll get good Karma back.

As I said, you can encourage readers to get involved in the contest BUT do not encourage them to vote just for you, this contest is about everybody. Readers aren't pawns, they are people with thoughts and opinions. Give them the freedom to vote for you if they honestly enjoy your work. After all these guys are what keep our fandom alive in the fanfiction world. So, RESPECT them, because REMEMBER you are one too.

Anyhoo...without further ado...

*raises flag*

Ready, Set, READ...