Prequel to my version of The Lord of The Rings trilogy

Bridge of Khazad-Dum

The Fellowship races into the hall, the floor plated with fissures that spit flame. "Over the bridge, quickly!" Gandalf commands. They hurry toward the slender bridge of stone with a kerb or rail at the far end of the hall. The Fellowship recklessly hurries over the dizzying bridge, but Gandalf stops in the middle of the span, facing the Balrog, staff in one hand, sword in the other. Frodo looks back in horror.

"You cannot pass," Gandalf warns, his voice echoing through the cavernous hall. "Gandalf!" Frodo yells, panic lacing his voice. Liv notices Frodo's terror and quickly moves to block his view so he doesn't have to watch the impending confrontation.

"I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the Flame of Anor. The dark fire will not avail you, Flame of Udûn," Gandalf declares boldly. "Go back to the shadow," he continues, his voice unwavering.

The Balrog slashes at Gandalf with its sword of flame. Gandalf blocks with his sword, a ringing clash echoing through the hall as the Balrog's sword shatters into molten fragments.

"Liv, what's happening?" Frodo asks, his voice trembling with fear.

"I think it's best that I don't tell you," Liv replies softly, trying to shield Frodo from the horror unfolding before them.

"You shall not pass!" Gandalf declares, his voice booming with authority.

The Balrog places one foot onto the bridge. Aragorn, Boromir, and Liv race forward, swords drawn, their faces set with determination.

"Frodo, don't look," Liv instructs, her voice firm but gentle. Frodo nods, trusting Liv's guidance. His heart pounds in his chest as he grips the Ring tightly, feeling the weight of their perilous journey. With a swift movement, Aragorn, Boromir, and Liv position themselves between Frodo and the unfolding battle, shielding him from the terrifying spectacle.

Gandalf and the Balrog continue their epic duel, the clash of their weapons echoing through the vast hall. With every strike, Gandalf's staff and sword meet the Balrog's fiery onslaught, each blow filled with the desperation of a battle that could determine the fate of Middle-earth.

The Balrog, its fiery form towering and terrible, roars with fury, its flames casting eerie shadows across the bridge. The Fellowship watches in breathless anticipation as the struggle between light and shadow plays out before their very eyes.

Gandalf, facing the Balrog with unwavering resolve, stands as a beacon of hope in the darkness. With a mighty swing of his staff, he strikes the bridge, sending a surge of power through the stone. The bridge groans and shakes, and a blinding light erupts, momentarily blinding the Balrog.

Suddenly, a crack splits the stone bridge beneath the weight of the Balrog. The Fellowship braces themselves, feeling the ground tremble beneath their feet. Gandalf stands resolute, his eyes fixed on the fiery demon before him.

Aragorn, Boromir, and Liv exchange a glance, understanding the gravity of the situation. Without hesitation, they press forward, their swords ready to defend Gandalf and their mission. Boromir's eyes flash with determination as he raises his sword, ready to face the Balrog alongside Gandalf.

"Stay back, Frodo," Aragorn commands, his voice steady but edged with urgency. He positions himself protectively in front of Frodo, his sword gleaming in the flickering light of the flames.

Frodo, though fearful, trusts in their strength and resolve. He nods, his grip tightening on the Ring, a silent prayer on his lips.

"Fly, you fools!" Gandalf shouts, his voice echoing through the cavernous hall.

With Gandalf's command ringing in their ears, Aragorn, Boromir, and Liv turn and race across the bridge, their hearts heavy with the weight of leaving Gandalf behind. Frodo follows, urged on by Liv, who gently guides him, shielding him from the horror unfolding behind them.

"Gandalf!" Frodo cries out, his heart wrenching at the sight of their beloved guide facing the monstrous demon alone.

With a final, desperate effort, Gandalf smites the bridge once more. The stone shatters, and the bridge collapses into the abyss, taking Gandalf and the Balrog with it. The Fellowship watches in stunned silence as their guide, their friend, disappears into the depths below.

Aragorn, Boromir, and Liv stand at the edge of the chasm, their hearts heavy with grief. Liv bows her head, a tear escaping her eye, mourning the loss of their wise and valiant guide.

"We must continue," Aragorn says, his voice thick with emotion. "For Gandalf."

With heavy hearts, the Fellowship presses on, their determination stronger than ever as they continue their perilous journey through the heart of darkness.