Book 3: Where It Ends [Legolas]

Chapter 17

On the sixth day, Gandalf finally called them all to the throne room. Gimli took a seat on the Steward's throne smoking his pipe as they waited in silence. Linnéa stood beside the dais with Legolas. The Horse-lord was among their company as well, Aragorn staring at one of the many marble statues lining the hall. Since they saved Gondar, the Ranger refused to enter this particular room, and for good reason. He was staring at the memory of his late father.

The gathering in the King's Hall was not a jovial one to revel in their success. The atmosphere felt somber as all looked to the Wizard standing in the middle of the wide circle they created, waiting for him to speak. He appeared troubled from the way the older man paced for a moment.

"Frodo has passed beyond my sight," Gandalf stated. That was not comforting to hear. "The darkness is deepening."

"If Sauron had the Ring, we would know it," Aragorn pointed out.

The enemy would have returned with whatever forces he had left and completely destroyed them.

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

"Let him stay there," Gimli said. "Let him rot! Why should we care?"

"If only it were that easy," Linnéa sighed. The darkness would still plague the land if not properly destroyed.

"Ten thousand Orcs now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom," the Wizard pointed out.

The answer seemed to deflate the Dwarf as his shoulders slumped. Even the older man sighed heavily. The gravity of the situation was beginning to set in.

"I've sent him to his death..."

But the Ranger refused to allow that to come to be. "No," the man spoke up. "There is still hope for Frodo." Though the Fellowship found it difficult to see how. "He needs time and safe passage across the plains of Gorgoroth. We can give him that."

"How?" Gimli asked.

"Draw out Sauron's armies. Empty his lands. We gather our full strength and march on the Black Gate."

The answer caused the Dwarf to choke on the smoke he inhaled, coughing roughly. Even the princess stood stunned by the plan and couldn't help but wonder if Strider lost his mind.

"We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms," Éomer 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."

"A diversion," Legolas concluded.

That caught all of their attention with intrigue.

"Certainty of death..." Gimli mused, "small chance of success..." The Dwarf grinned, causing Linnéa to smirk at the prospect of another battle. And one that could put an end to all wars if execused right. "What are we waiting for?"

"We've been up against worse odds before," the princess pointed out. All couldn't help but agree and became more encouraged by the plan.

"Sauron will suspect a trap, he will not take the bait," Gandalf said.

"Oh, I think he will," Aragorn pressed.

Because Sauron would not have another chance to put the race of Men under his foot all at once. Completely annihilate them. And his greatest enemy would be walking up to his doorstep. The heir to Gondor carrying the sword that cut the ring from his person decades ago. He would not allow this opportunity to slip by him.