Last Act of Love (Sequel to The Last One)

Chapter 25

"Frodo has passed beyond my sight. The darkness is deepening." Gandalf began, his voice deject of hope.

Gandalf turned to face Aragorn, Ruive, Legolas, Eomer, and Gimli who sat in the Steward's chair in the throne room of Minas Tirith.

"If Sauron had the Ring, we would know it." Aragorn all but growled.

"It's only a matter of time. He has suffered a defeat, yes, but behind the walls of Mordor our enemy is regrouping." Gandalf continued.

Gimli breathed out a puff of smoke from his pipe.

"Let him stay there. Let him rot! Why should we care?" The Dwarf drawled.

"Because ten thousand Orcs now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom." Gandalf let out a heavy sigh. "I've sent him to his death.

For the first time, Ruive spoke up.

"No. There is still hope for Frodo. He needs time and safe passage across the Plains of Gorgoroth. We can give him that." 

It was clear she had a plan in mind, her and Aragorn exchanged understanding glances.

"How?" Gimli queered. 

"Draw out Sauron's armies." Aragorn explained, "Empty his lands. Then we gather our full strength and march on the Black Gate."

Gimli choked out a surprised cough.

"We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms." Eomer pointed out.

"Not for ourselves. But we can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's Eye fixed upon us. Keep him blind to all else that moves." Ruive finished, a wry smile on her face.

"A diversion." Legolas stated, her and Legolas nodded in agreement.

"Certainty of death. Small chance of success. What are we waiting for?" Gimli cheered. 

Gandalf walked over to Aragorn and Ruive.

"Sauron will suspect a trap. He will not take the bait."

Aragorn only smirked.

"Oh, I think he will."

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Aragorn rode at the head of the armies of Gondor and Rohan, the White Tree worn proud on his chest. The armies of men lined in front of the Black Gate, it's ominous shape looming over them, hiding some of men's most darkest fears behind it.

"Where are they?" Pippin whispered from behind Gandalf.

Aragorn, Gandalf, Ruive, Legolas and Eomer spurred their horses forward, riding right up to the gate.

"Let the Lord of the Black Land come forth! Let justice be done upon him!" Aragorn barked.

For a few moments, nothing happened. But then the Black Gate stirred and opened a fraction to reveal a dark rider, completely adorned in black armour as well as his mutant horse. The only visible feature of the Rider, was its stretched black mouth.

"My master, Sauron the Great, bids thee welcome." The Mouth of Sauron grinned revealing stained, sharp teeth.

Aragorn returns a mocking look as well as Ruive who returns more of a deathly glare.

"Is there any in this rout with authority to treat with me?" The Mouth continues.

"We do not come to treat with Sauron, faithless and accursed. Tell your master this: The armies of Mordor must disband. He is to depart these lands, never to return." Gandalf decreed.