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The Fellowship of the Ring: Darkfire75's version, Chapters 4-15

Night came fast. The six of them were quietly making their way through the forest. "Anything?" Merry asked.

"Nothing," answered Frodo.

"What is going on?" sighed Pippin in a desperate voice.

"That Black Rider was looking for something or someone," said Merry sternly. "Frodo?"

"Get down!" cried Pippin. The others lowered themselves into the bushes.

They watched one of the Black Riders stop and trot away on its horse.

"I must leave the Shire," said Frodo without looking at Merry. "Sam, Mornie, Dinobot, and I must get to Bree."

"Right," he replied. "Buckleberry Ferry, follow me!"

The others followed after Merry. Just as they were passing along the road, a Black Rider jumped out on his horse and gave a shrill scream that sent shivers down their spines. Mornie and Dinobot looked at each other and nodded.

"You four go ahead, we’ll handle this bloke," said Mornie. She lunged at the ghostly figure, only to be knocked back. Dinobot growled and dug his killer claws into his enemy’s side. The rider shrieked in pain. Mornie finally stood up and helped Dinobot take down the rider. It was useless. It seemed immortal. They gave up and ran as fast as their legs would allow them.

They saw the others already on the ferry. Wait, someone was missing. There was Merry, Pippin, Sam…where was Frodo? Frodo! Mornie felt an impulse to go back and find him. Dinobot jumped on the ferry and beckoned his partner to do the same.

"Come on, female!" he barked.

"I can’t!" she cried. "Frodo!" she called.

The others mimicked her call. "Frodo!" they called loudly. Frodo suddenly came into view. He was being chased by a Black Rider.

"Go Frodo!" Mornie urged. "Jump!"

She realized that with his size, it would be helpless for him to jump without drowning. So she offered him a ride. "Get on my back," she ordered. He got on with some difficulty.

Mornie ran as fast as she could. The rider was gaining. She was almost there. A little further, just a little further. Finally! She made a jump and landed safely on the ferry. She transformed and embraced Frodo.

"Are you okay?" she asked him. Tears fell from her eyes. Dinobot nodded his approval.

"I’m fine," Frodo answered hugging her back. She kissed his forehead and held him close to her. It was chilly and he needed warmth.

"Stay by me," Mornie whispered. "I’ll give my Spark for you, young hobbit. I swear it."

Frodo smiled and sighed heavily. Sam was very relieved.

"Mr. Frodo, I didn’t know if you’d make it!" he cried. "But thanks to Miss Mornie here, you’re alive!"

Dinobot had transformed as well. He patted Mornie’s back. "That’s why she’s my partner," he stated with a grin.

She returned a smile in his direction. "How far to the nearest crossing?" Frodo asked Merry.

"Brandywine Bridge. Twenty miles," replied Merry. He grabbed an oar and pushed off from shore. They all watched as the Black Riders ran away.

It was raining now. The six crossed a road and Mornie knocked on the door. An elderly man looked through the top window. "What do you want?" he snarled.

"We’re heading for the Prancing Pony," said Frodo.

The man opened the door. "Two humans and four hobbits!" he said in awe. "Well, what business brings you to Bree?"

"We wish to stay at the inn. Our business is our own," Frodo replied.

"Alright, young sir, I meant no offence. It’s my job to ask questions after nightfall. There’s talk of strange folk abroad. Can’t be too careful," said the elderly man.

He allowed the six of them to enter. They walked through the dirty streets until Frodo saw the sign labeled Prancing Pony. When they entered, the four hobbits shook the water from their hair. Mornie and Dinobot dried themselves off. It was common that water shorted out robots. But a little rain never hurt them, just drained their energy.

Frodo looked up at the counter. "E-excuse me," he said loudly.

The bartender turned around and beamed at them. "Good evening, little masters!" he greeted. "If you’re seeking accommodation, we’ve got some nice cozy, hobbit-size rooms available, Mister…eh…uh…"

"U-underhill," stuttered Frodo. "My name’s Underhill."

"Underhill," mulled the bartender.

"We’re friends of Gandalf the Grey. Can you tell him we’ve arrived?"

"Gandalf? Gandalf…Oh yes! I remember, elderly chap, big gray beard, pointy hat! Not seen him for six months," he replied.

The others’ faces fell. Frodo nodded sadly and found them all a table. Sam was getting restless and kept glancing at the door. "Sam, he’ll be here. He’ll come," said Frodo.

Pippin was sipping a mug of beer, when Merry came back with a large glass. "What’s that?" asked Pip.

"This, my friend, is a pint," said Merry staring at his drink like a prize.

"It comes it pints?" replied Pippin. "I’m getting one," he said standing up.

"You’ve had a whole half already!" protested Sam angrily. He shook his head and turned back to Frodo. He pointed with his finger to a man smoking a pipe in the corner. "That fellow’s done nothin’ but stare at you since we arrived," he told his master.

Mornie glanced over and saw a light flash in the man’s eyes. His face was covered by a black hood. Frodo stopped the bartender and said, "Excuse me, that man in the corner, who is he?"

"Oh, he’s one o’ them Rangers. They’re a dangerous folk, they are, wandering in the wilds. What his right name is, I’ve never heard, but ‘round here, he’s known as Strider," he replied and walked away.

"Strider…" mumbled Frodo.

Mornie wrinkled her nose and made a face. "I don’t like the feeling of this place. I wanna leave," she said.

"We can’t," said Dinobot. "You heard Gandalf at Bag End. We’re to meet him here, at the inn."

"But he’s not here yet. Where could he be?"

Frodo became drowsy again and pulled the Ring from his pocket. He was suddenly awoken by the mentioned of ‘Baggins’.

"Baggins?" he heard Pippin saying to the men. "Sure I know a Baggins! Frodo Baggins!" He pointed to Frodo. "He’s my second cousin, once removed on his mother’s side!"

"Pippin!" cried Frodo in shock. He walked up to Pippin, but slipped.

"Steady on!" shouted Pippin. Frodo fell to the floor. The Ring flew up into the air. The man called Strider gave a start. The Ring landed on Frodo’s finger and he vanished. Pippin, along with the others, was astounded.

Luckily enough, Frodo reappeared within a few minutes. Strider suddenly picked him up and threw him against the stairs.

"You draw far too much attention to yourself, Mister Underhill!" he said pushing Frodo up the stairs. He knocked him through door.

"What d’you want?" Frodo asked.

"A little more caution from you, that is no trinket you carry," he said putting out the candles with his fingers.

"I carry nothing," he lied.

"Indeed. I can avoid being seen if I wish. But to disappear entirely," he said and removed his hood, "that is a rare gift." Behind the hood there was a wizened face of a middle-aged man. His eyes flashed with malice and his shoulder-length black hair swiped in his face.

Frodo recoiled. "Who are you?"

"Are you frightened?" Strider asked him.

"Yes," he answered.

"Not nearly frightened enough. I know what hunts you." The door suddenly flew open, letting in Merry, Pippin, Sam, Mornie, and Dinobot.

"Let him go, or I’ll have you, longshanks!" threatened Sam. Strider had drawn his sword.

"You have a stout heart, little hobbit," he noted while sheathing his sword at his side. "But that will not save you." He turned back to Frodo. "You can no longer wait for the wizard, Frodo. They’re coming."

*********

That night, when everyone was asleep, the Black Riders silently entered the room of the hobbits. All four of them were supposedly asleep. Each of the four riders raised a sword over the bed with a hobbit in it. The swords were brought down and they stabbed at whatever was in the bed.

Across the road, Strider was looking through the window at the building. The Black Riders took off the covers of the beds to see their handiwork. They each let out a terrible shriek. The beds were empty!

Merry, Pippin, and Sam awoke with a start. Frodo was gazing out the window beside Strider and Mornie. Dinobot was in the corner of the room watching from the dark.

"What are they?" asked Frodo finally.

"There were once Men," answered Strider with a sideways glance. "Great kings of Men. Then Sauron the Deceiver gave to them nine Rings of Power. Blinded by their greed, they took them without questioning, one by one, falling into darkness. Now they are slaves to his will. They are the Nazgul, Ringwraiths, neither living nor dead. At all times they feel the presence of the Ring. Drawn to the power of the One. They will never stop hunting you."

The next day, Strider led the company into the countryside. "Where are you taking us?" asked Frodo.

"Into the wild," answered Strider. Mornie and Dinobot leapt up the hills with the agility of raptors.

"How do we know this Strider is a friend of Gandalf’s?" Merry asked Frodo.

"We have no choice but to trust him," he said.

"But where is he leading us?" Sam inclined.

"To Rivendell, Master Gamgee, to the House of Elrond," Strider replied.

Mornie gasped and grasped Dinobot around the neck.

"Did you hear that?" she cried.

"Yes," he croaked out.

"Wow. Rivendell. We’re going to see the Elves," exclaimed Sam. They walked on for some time. Strider heard the hobbits whispering behind him and realized that they had stopped.

"Gentlemen. We do not stop ‘till nightfall," he said.

"What about breakfast?" piped up Pippin.

"You’ve already had it," Strider replied raising an eyebrow. Mornie giggled behind her talons. Dinobot rolled his eyes.

"Sometimes they are as bad as the vermin when it comes to food," he grumbled.

"We’ve had one, yes. What about second breakfast?" Pippin said irritably.

Strider turned around and continued walking. "Don’t think he knows about second breakfast, Pippin," Merry explained.

"What about elevensies? Luncheon. Afternoon tea. Dinner? Supper. He knows about them, doesn’t he?" Pippin wondered anxiously.

"I wouldn’t count on it, Pip," answered Merry. Strider suddenly threw an apple back and Merry caught it. He handed it to Pippin and patted him on the back. Then Strider threw another apple, which hit Pippin on the head. He looked up and around him, bewildered.

"Pippin!" shouted Merry impatiently.

*********

Strider stopped and gazed at a large sculpture. "This was the great watchtower of Amon Sul. We shall rest here tonight," he stated.

The other six settled down in the corner. Strider took out four short swords and passed them to each hobbit.

"These are for you. Keep them close. I’m going to have a look around. Stay here," he said. Some time later, when it was dark, Frodo, Mornie, and Dinobot woke up suddenly. Merry, Pippin, and Sam were cooking something around a fire.

"Can I have some meat?" asked Pippin.

"Ok. Want a tomatoes, Sam? Great tomatoes…" replied Merry.

Frodo stood up and walked over to his friends. Mornie followed after him as did Dinobot.

"What are you doing?!" cried Frodo in an urgent voice.

"Tomatoes, sausages, nice crispy bacon," said Merry.

"We saved some for you, Mr. Frodo," Sam said holding out a plate.

Frodo stomped on the fire, putting it out with his bare feet. "Put it out, you fools! Put it out!" he demanded.

"Oh, that’s nice!" cried Pippin. "Ash on my tomatoes…"

The cry of the Nazgul was suddenly heard. The hobbits drew their swords while the robots transformed. They saw the Nazgul circling Amon Sul. Frodo gestured for the others to go up to the top of the watchtower. "Go!!" he yelled.

The Nazgul followed them up and faced them. "Back you devils!" cried Sam standing in front of Frodo to shield him. The riders swipe Merry, Pippin, Sam, Mornie, and finally Dinobot away. Frodo fell backwards. The riders stood over him with their swords and Frodo put on the Ring. He saw the faces of the riders in bright light. The riders said something in another language then stabbed Frodo in the arm.

"Ahhhhhhh!!" he cried in agony. He took the ring off.

"Frodo!" Mornie and Sam shouted together. They rushed over to him.

"Sam…Mornie…" whispered Frodo. Strider came with a torch in one hand and his sword in the other. He took on the riders, with the aid of Dinobot. They managed to set the alight, driving them away.

"Strider! Help him Strider!" said Sam desperately.

"He’s been stabbed by a Morgul blade," he noted holding the dagger in his hand. "This is beyond my skill to heal. He needs Elvish medicine. Hurry!" He picked Frodo up over his shoulder, and they headed off into the night.

"We’re six days from Rivendell! He’ll never make it!" cried Sam suddenly.

"Hold on, Frodo," muttered Strider. Mornie and Dinobot herded the other three hobbits behind him.

"Gandalf!" cried Frodo.

*********

The company stopped walking. "Mr. Frodo?" said Sam feeling Frodo’s cheek. "He’s going cold!" Mornie wept against Dinobot.

"Is he going to die?" Pippin asked of Strider.

"He’s passing into the shadow world. He’ll soon become a wraith like them," he replied.

Merry then heard the riders. "They’re close!" he said.

"Sam, do you know the Athelas plant?" Strider wondered.

"Athelas?" repeated Sam.

"Kingsfoil."

"Kingsfoil, ah, it’s a weed."

"It may help to slow the poison. Hurry." He gave Sam a torch and then went off to look for the weed. He found some and took out his knife to cut it, but he found a blade at his throat.

"What’s this, a Ranger, caught off his guard?" sneered a female voice.

Strider grinned. Mornie hovered over Frodo and watched him carefully. Frodo turned his head and suddenly a bright light came into view. A maiden riding a white steed jumped from the stirrup and walked forward. The light eluded around her.

"Frodo…Im Arwen. Telin le thaed. Lasto beth nin, tolo dan nan galad [I am Arwen. I have come to help you. Hear my voice. Come back to the light]," she said in Elvish.

"Who is she?" Merry mumbled.

"Frodo," said the maiden again.

"She’s an Elf," replied Sam in shock. Mornie gaped in astonishment. Her partner bowed his head in honor of meeting such a fair creature.

"He’s fading," said Arwen. "He’s not going to last. We must get him to my father. I’ve been searching for you for two days."

"Where are you taking him?!" cried Sam.

"There are five wraiths behind you. Where the other four are, I do not know," she continued as Strider fastened Frodo onto the horse.

"Dartho guin berian. Rych le ad tolthathon [Stay with the Hobbits. I will send horses for you]," Strider answered in Elvish.

"Hon mabathon. Rochon ellint im [I’m the faster rider. I’ll take him]," she replied.

"Andelu i ven [The road is too dangerous]."

"What are they saying?" said Pippin, voicing the others’ questions.

"Frodo fir. Ae athradon i hir, tur gwaith nin beriatha hon [If I can get across the river, the power of my people will protect him]," Arwen stated. "I do not fear them."

Strider smiled. "Beyest lin," he said. "Arwen, ride hard. Don’t look back!"
Arwen mounted the horse and said to it, "Noro lim, Asfaloth, noro lim [Ride on, Asfaloth, ride fast!]." She rode off with Frodo.

"What are you doing?!" shouted Sam. "Those Wraiths are still out there!!"

Mornie looked after the fleeting form of Arwen. She turned to Dinobot and Strider. "I’m following her. She’s gonna need protection from those Ringwraiths," she said. "Watch over the other hobbits," she said to Dinobot.

He stopped her. "Mornie, you can’t go," he replied sternly. "We need you here."

"Frodo needs me," she said sighing. "I promise I’ll see you again. Goodbye." She kissed his cheek and converted to beast mode. She ran off full tilt in Arwen’s direction.

As Arwen rode, she was chased by eight wraiths. Mornie came striding into sight and leaped on two of the Black Riders. "No one touches her until they deal with me!" she cried.

She nodded to Arwen who smiled faintly. A rider reached out to grab Frodo, but Arwen mumbled in Elvish to her horse, "Noro lim, Asfaloth!" and Mornie dragged the rider down with all her raptor strength. Arwen and Mornie reached the river. The Riders stopped on the other side.

"Give up the Halfling, she-elf!" hissed a Ringwraith.

"If you want him, come an claim him!" Arwen cried raising a sword. Mornie transformed to robot mode and drew out her cyber-bow. The Riders began to cross the river. Arwen closed her eyes and said in Elvish, "Nin o Chithaeglir, lasto beth daer, Rimmo nin Bruinen dan in Ulaer [Waters of the Misty Mountains listen to the great word: flow waters of Loudwater against the Ringwraiths!]"

The water rose from the river. Mornie and Arwen watched on as the riders drowned. Frodo became fainter and made strange noises. "Frodo!" Mornie said in shock. She and Arwen bent over him.

"Frodo! No! Frodo, don’t give in! Not now!" sobbed Arwen. She held him close and whispered, "What grace is given me, let it pass to him. Let him be spared. Save him."

Elrond stood over Frodo, saying things in Elvish. "Lasto beth nin. Tolo dan nan galad [Hear my voice, come back to the light]," he said.

Frodo slowly opened his eyes. "Where am I?" he asked.

"You are in the House of Elrond, and it is 10 o’clock in the morning, on October the 24^th if you want to know," said Gandalf’s voice.

"Gandalf?" said Frodo uncertainly.

"Yes. Yes, I’m here. And you’re lucky to be here too. A few more hours, and you would have been beyond our aid. But you had some strength in you. My dear hobbit."

"What happened? What didn’t you meet us?"

"Oh, I’m sorry, Frodo. I was delayed."

He closed his eyes a moment as if remembering something. "Gandalf? What is it?" Frodo wondered.

"Nothing," he answered.

"Frodo! Frodo!" Sam and Mornie cried coming to his side.

"Sam! Mornie!" Frodo laughed heartily.

"Bless you, you’re awake!" said Sam. Frodo chuckled. Mornie bent down and kissed Frodo’s forehead.

"For a few minutes, I thought I lost you," she mumbled.

"Sam and Mornie have hardly left your side," added Gandalf.

"We were that worried about you, weren’t we, Mr. Gandalf?" Sam exclaimed.

"By the skills of Lord Elrond, you are beginning to mend," Gandalf said. An Elf with long black hair and a kind face strolled in with a smile.

"Welcome to Rivendell, Frodo Baggins," Elrond greeted. Frodo gave him a ‘thank you’ look.

Frodo walked around Rivendell with Sam and Mornie. They finally spotted Merry, Pippin, and Dinobot. Frodo embraced Merry and Pippin. Mornie ran into Dinobot’s arms and hugged him tightly. Suddenly they saw Bilbo.

"Bilbo!" cried Frodo running forward. Mornie followed after him, as did Dinobot.

"Hello, Frodo, my lad!" he said giving him a hug. "Mornie and Dinobot, my dear friends!" Mornie kissed his cheek and he silently blushed.

"Bilbo!" said Frodo again. Bilbo handed him a book and Frodo read the cover, "There and Back Again, A Hobbit’s Tale, by Bilbo Baggins. This is wonderful."

"I meant to go back," said Bilbo. "Wander the paths of Mirkwood. Visit Laketown. See the Lonely Mountain again. But age, it seems has finally caught up with me."

"I miss the Shire," Frodo said sighing. Mornie put an arm around his shoulder. "I spent all my childhood pretending I was off somewhere else, off with you on one of your adventures. But my own adventure turned out to be quite different. I’m not like you, Bilbo."

"My dear boy," he replied.

*********

"Now, what have I forgotten?" said Sam to himself.

"Packed already?" Frodo said with a grin.

"No ‘arm in being prepared."

"Thought you wanted to see the Elves, Sam."

"I do."

"More than anything."

"I did…It’s just…We did what Gandalf wanted, didn’t we? We got the Ring this far to Rivendell. And I thought, seeing now you’re on the mend, we’d be off soon. Off home."

Frodo turned around. "You’re right, Sam. We did what we set out to do. The Ring will be safe in Rivendell. I am ready to go home."

Gandalf, Elrond, Dinobot, and Mornie were watching from a high balcony.

"His strength returns," said Elrond turning from the window.

"That wound will never fully heal," replied Gandalf. "He will carry it the rest of his life."

"And yet, to have come so far, still bearing the Ring, the hobbit has showed extraordinary resilience to its evil."

"It is a burden he should never have had to bear," said Mornie defensively.

"We can ask no more of Frodo," added Gandalf.

"Gandalf," snarled Elrond, "the enemy is moving, Sauron’s forces are massing in the east. Its Eye is fixed on Rivendell. And Saruman, you tell me, has betrayed us. Our list of allies grows thin."

"His treachery runs deeper than you know," Gandalf replied with a heavy sigh. "By foul craft Saruman has crossed Orcs with Goblin men. He’s breeding an army in the caverns of Isengard. An army which can move in sunlight, and cover great distance and speed. Saruman is coming for the Ring."

Elrond took in everything Gandalf said. "This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves," he reasoned. "We do not have the strength to fight both Mordor and Isengard. Gandalf. The Ring cannot stay here."

Mornie looked away from the arguing wizard and Elf. She stared down the path and saw a man clad in armor ride up to Rivendell. A band of Dwarves quickly followed and after that, a troop of Elves.

"This peril belongs to all Middle-Earth," continued Elrond. "They must decide now how to end it. The time of the Elves is over. My people are leaving these shores." At that sentence, Mornie turned around and gaped at him. "Who will you look to when we’ve gone?" said Elrond to Gandalf once more. "The Dwarves? They hide in their mountains seeking riches. They care nothing for the troubles of others."

"It is in Men that we must place our hope."

"Men?" said Elrond sharply. "Men are weak. The race of Men is failing. The blood of Numenor is all but spent. It’s pride and dignity forgotten. It is because of Men the Ring survives. I was there, Gandalf. I was there three thousand years ago…and Isildur took the Ring. I was there the day the strength of Men failed."

Elrond had a flashback.

"I led Isildur into the heart of Mount Doom. Where the Ring was forged. The one place it could be destroyed," said Elrond’s voice.

The flashback ended and Elrond turned around with a downcast look. "It should have ended that day, but evil was allowed to endure," he sighed. "Isildur kept the Ring, the line of kings is broken. There’s no strength left in the world of Men. They are scattered, divided, leaderless…"

"There is one who could unite them," interrupted Gandalf.

"He turned from that path long ago. He has chosen exile."

*********

That evening, Boromir, a messenger from Gondor, was in the House of Elrond. Mornie sat in the corner in the dark. He examined the paintings and noticed a sword laid down upon a sheet.

"The shards of Narsil, the blade that cut the Ring from Sauron’s hand," Boromir mumbled to himself. He fingered the blade and cut his finger. "Still sharp," he noted. He then saw Strider watching him. "No more than a broken heirloom," Boromir said. He put the sword back in its place and walked off. As he walked off, the sword fell, but he did not stop to pick it up.

Strider picked up the sword and placed it back in its place. He stood in front of the sword for awhile. Mornie watched him intently. A shadowy figure emerged.

"Why do you fear the past?" asked Arwen. "You are Isildur’s heir, not Isildur himself. You are not bound to his fate."

"The same blood runs in my veins," sighed Strider. He turned around. "The same weakness."

"Your time will come. You will face the same evil and you will defeat it. A si i-dhuath u-orthor, Aragorn. U or le a u or nin [The Shadow does not hold sway yet. Not over you, not over me]."

The two of them met outside on a bridge overlooking Rivendell. Mornie was silently watching from the bushes. "Renech i lu ned ol reniannen? [Do you remember when we first met?]" Arwen asked Strider.

"Nauthannem i ned ol reniannen [I thought I had strayed into a dream]," he answered.

"Gwenwin in enniath. U-arnech n naeth i si celich. Renech i beth i pennen? [Long years have passed. You did not have the cares you carry now. Do you remember what I told you?]" she said again in Elvish.

"You said you’d bind yourself to me, forsaking the immortal life of your people."

"And to that I hold. I would rather share one lifetime with you, than face all the ages of this world alone." She gave him her necklace, the evenstar jewel, a symbol of her immortality. "I choose a mortal life," she whispered.

"You cannot give me this," said Strider.

"It is mine to give to whom I wish. Like my heart." They leaned forward and kissed.

Mornie smiled slightly. She felt a hand on her shoulder and whizzed around.

"Eavesdropping?" Dinobot said with a grin.

"I was just…watching," she stuttered.

"I beg to differ."

She narrowed her optics. "Isn’t it sweet? Strider has someone of his own," she said calmly.

"Indeed," agreed the raptor-bot. "It is a shame that only he can have someone."

"What d’you mean?" she asked.

Dinobot brought a hand to caress her face. "Mornie, we have known each other since you arrived in your stasis pod on prehistoric earth. We have become partners and friends. Why not take the next step?" he said.

"What is the next step?"

"You have just witnessed it."

"That?" she gasped pointing to Strider and Arwen. Dinobot merely nodded and gently took her in his arms.

"I love you, Mornie. I hope you can return the same feelings," he muttered.

Mornie was speechless. Finally, she regained feeling in her mouth. "You know I care about you, Dinobot," she answered. "And if I care about you, then you must know that I love you as well."

He suddenly brought his lips on hers with passion. She threw her arms around his neck, drawing him in closer.

Through the bushes, Frodo glanced at Mornie and Dinobot happily. He smiled as he saw his two friends embark on a feeling of greatness. He silently walked away, leaving them to whatever they must do.

Later on, everyone was gathered in a semicircle in Rivendell. "Strangers from distant lands, friends of old," began Elrond. "You have been summoned to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite, or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom. Bring forth the Ring, Frodo."

Frodo stood up and placed the Ring on the table. Someone mumbled, "The doom of man."

"So it is true…It is a gift," muttered Boromir. "A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this Ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor kept the forces of Mordor at bay by the blood of our people. Are your lands kept safe? Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him!"

Mornie and Dinobot stood side by side behind Frodo. They gritted their teeth. "You cannot wield it. None of us can," argued Strider. "The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master."

Boromir turned to face him. "And what would a Ranger know of this matter?" he sneered.

Suddenly, a handsome Elf with long blonde hair jumped up in anger. "This is no mere Ranger!" he said. "He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance." His voice was very soft, but at the moment, it was filled with anger.

"Aragorn? This is Isildur’s heir?"

"An heir to the throne of Gondor."

"Havo dad, Legolas [Sit down, Legolas]," said Aragorn said in Elvish. The Elf sat back down.

"Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king," snarled Boromir while sitting down.

"Aragorn is right," said Gandalf. "We cannot use it."

"You have only one choice," Elrond said. "The Ring must be destroyed."

"Then what are we waiting for?!" cried a Dwarf. He tried to smash the Ring with an axe, but the axe broke.

"The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin by an craft that we here possess. The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this."

There was a long silence. Finally, Boromir broke it. "One does not simply walk into Mordor," he said. "Its black gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. And the great Eye is ever watchful. ‘Tis a barren wasteland, riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly."

Again, the Elf called Legolas jumped up. "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!" he said.

"And I suppose you think you’re the one to do it?!" challenged Gimli the Dwarf.

"And if we fail, what then?" argued Boromir. "What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?"

"I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf!" roared Gimli.

All the Elves stood up at being offended. Legolas held them back. The Dwarves and then everyone except Frodo stood up and began arguing and yelling at each other. Frodo heard the voice of the Ring saying:

"Ash nazg durbatuluk, Ash nazg gimbatul, Ash nazg thrakatuluk, Agh burzum-ishi krimpatul [One ring to rule them all, One ring to find them, One ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them]."

"I will take it!" Frodo suddenly cried above the voices while standing up. "I will take the Ring to Mordor!" Everyone else stopped and listened to him. Gandalf turned around while closing his eyes. Mornie gaped at him in shock.

"No…" she mumbled.

"I will take the Ring to Mordor," repeated Frodo. "Though…though I do not know the way."

"I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins. As long as it is yours to bear," said Gandalf. He stood behind the hobbit. Mornie walked forward with Dinobot.

"I will fall dead before I abandon you, young Frodo. You have my cyber-bow and Dinobot’s sword," she said bending on one knee.

"If by my life or death, if I can protect you, I will," said Aragorn also kneeling down. "You have my sword."

Gandalf winked at Frodo. "And you have my bow," replied Legolas walking forward.

"And my axe!" added Gimli.

Mornie noted Legolas’s irritated look as Gimli stood beside him. Boromir walked forward. "You carry the fate of us all, little one," he said. "If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done."

"Here!" cried Sam’s voice from the bushes. He jumped out and stood my Frodo. He crossed his arms over his chest. "Mr. Frodo’s not goin’ anywhere without me!" he said stubbornly.

"No, indeed, it is hardly possible to separate you from him, even when he is summoned to a secret Council, and you are not," said Elrond with a smile.

"Oi!" Merry called. "We’re coming too! You’d have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!" he said as they ran to Frodo and Sam.

"Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission…quest…thing," replied Pippin to Elrond.

"Well that rules you out, Pip," Merry said to his friend.

"Eleven companions. So be it!" said Elrond. "You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring."

"Right," said Pippin. "Where are we going?" Everyone gave him an irritable look of astonishment.

Later that day, Frodo was visiting Bilbo for a final time. Mornie stuck her head through the door and smiled.

"Frodo, are you coming?" she asked.

"I’ll be there soon," he replied. The female robot walked into the room and patted his back. Then she kissed Bilbo’s cheek once more.

"I hope to see you again, dear friend," she said to him.

"You will someday," replied Bilbo.

Mornie then left the room. Bilbo handed Frodo a sword. "My old sword, Sting. Here, take it, take it," he urged.

"It’s so light," noted Frodo.

"Yes, yes…made by the Elves, you know? The blade glows blue when Orcs are close, and it’s at times like that, my lad, when you have to be extra careful. Here’s a pretty thing. Mithril. As light as a feather, and as hard as dragon scales. Let me see you put it on. Come on…"

Frodo eagerly began to unbutton his shirt. Bilbo saw the Ring hanging from a chain on Frodo’s neck. "Oh, m-my old ring. Oh! I sh-should very much like – to hold it again, one last time," stammered the older hobbit.

Frodo stared at him and began buttoning his shirt back up again. Bilbo was then transformed by the Ring and made a grab towards Frodo, his eyes bulging out. Alarmed, Frodo backed away.

Bilbo returned to normal again, backed away, and sunk into a chair with his back to Frodo. He sat there, weeping. "I’m sorry I brought this upon, my boy…I’m sorry that you must carry this burden…I’m sorry for everything!" he sobbed.

His nephew then placed a hand reassuringly onto Bilbo’s shoulder, and Bilbo, in a sudden movement placed his hand onto Frodo’s.

*********

The Fellowship departed from Rivendell. Gandalf spoke to the company as they walked, "We must hold this course west from the Misty Mountains for forty days. If our luck holds, the Gap of Rohan will still be open to us. From there our road turns east to Mordor."

Finally the Fellowship stopped. Boromir and Dinobot were teaching Merry and Pippin how to sword fight.

"Two, Three, Four, Five. Good. Very good," recited Boromir.

Aragorn mumbled while smoking, "Move your feet."

"Mmmm, that’s good, Pippin," Merry acknowledged.

"Thanks," his friend replied.

"Faster," urged Dinobot.

Frodo and Sam sat on a rock watching them with amused faces. Mornie sought out the Elf called Legolas. "What is it?" she asked spotting him standing on a high cliff.

"There is something in the distance," he replied without looking at her.

"I see that you carry a bow, like myself," she noted.

Legolas turned his head. His blue eyes flashed nicely against the sun. "What are you supposed to be, anyway?" he wondered with a sideways look.

"I’m a robot. I’m not from Middle-Earth, but I’ve been here before."

He nodded and looked away again. "Do you think you could teach me some archery?" Mornie asked suddenly with a small voice.

The Elf stared at her for a long time and then smiled. "I would be honored, fair lady," he said.

She blushed and replied, "Maybe we can be friends, that is, if you wanted to be." She looked at him hopefully.

Legolas placed a hand on her shoulder. "Lady Mornie, if you wish to become a friend of an Elf, then so be it. Let it be known of the Elf-Robot Friendship," he announced. Mornie chuckled and looked behind her to see Frodo watching her. He grinned somewhat.

The femme raised an optic eyebrow in surprise. Her attention was taken by Gimli, who was talking to Gandalf.

"If anyone was to ask for my opinion, which I note they’re not, I’d say we were taking the long way round. Gandalf! We could pass through the Mines of Moria. My cousin Balin would give us a royal welcome," said the Dwarf.

"No, Gimli," answered the wizard. "I would not take the roads through Moria unless I had no other choice."

Boromir was now fighting with Pippin. He hit him. "Ahh!" cried Pippin.

"Sorry!" said Boromir.

"Get him!" shouted Pip.

"Arr, ow, etc. For the Shire! Hold him, hold him! He got my arm, he got my arm…" Merry said.

The others laughed heartily. Even Dinobot laughed. Something suddenly withdrew their attention. "What is that?" Sam wondered.

"Nothing, it’s just a wisp of cloud," growled Gimli.

"Well, it’s moving fast. Against the wind," added Boromir while standing up.

"Crebain from Duneland!" Legolas suddenly cried.

"I take it that’s not a good thing," Mornie guessed. She ran back to Frodo, and Legolas followed after her.

"HIDE!" someone cried. Mornie covered Frodo’s body with her own. Legolas was beside her. Each was breathing loudly. Dinobot was with Boromir and the other three hobbits.

"Spies of Saruman," said Gandalf after the danger had passed. "The passage south is being watched. We must take the pass of Caradhras."

The Fellowship was walking up the steep and snowy mountains. Dinobot and Mornie were in beast mode and shivering. Frodo suddenly fell, and found that he had dropped the Ring. Aragorn and Mornie helped him to his feet. Boromir picked the Ring up.

"Boromir," said Aragorn.

Something strange seemed to flicker in Boromir’s eyes. "It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing. Such a little thing," he muttered while looking at the Ring.

"Boromir!" called Aragorn angrily. "Give the Ring to Frodo."

"As you wish," replied Boromir coming out of his trance. Frodo grabbed it away from him quickly. "I care not," added Boromir. He laughed and ruffled Frodo’s hair. He walked off, and Aragorn took his hand off the hilt of his sword. Mornie came out of her pouncing position and retracted her killer claws.

*********

Saruman, who was in Isengard, heard from his spies about the whereabouts of the Fellowship. "So Gandalf, you try to lead them over Caradhras. And if that fails. Where then will you go? If the mountain defeats you, will you risk the more dangerous road?" he smirked.

*********

The company was walking on the side of a large snow mountain. Mornie and Dinobot had transformed just to keep moving. Mornie came up beside Legolas once more.

"What is it?" she asked.

"There is a fell voice on the air!" he exclaimed.

"It’s Saruman!" yelled Gandalf. Boulders fell.

"He’s trying to bring down the mountain!" cried Aragorn. "Gandalf! We must turn back!"

"No!!" he protested. He then shouted something in Elvish to Saruman.

Saruman stood on the top of Isengard and said something in Elvish as well. "Bow to the power of Isengard!" He hit the mountain with lightning.

The Fellowship got buried, but got out of the snow. Mornie and Dinobot quickly climbed out of the mounds consuming them. They helped the others out. Legolas reached out a hand from the snow and Mornie took it. She pulled him out carefully. She then went in search of Frodo. Dinobot was carrying a small form in his arms.

"Is he…dead?" she asked tentatively.

"No, just cold," he replied.

"We must get off the mountain!" shouted Boromir to Gandalf once everyone was recovered. "We make for the Gap of Rohan! Or take the west road to my city!"

"The Gap of Rohan takes us too close to Isengard," said Aragorn shaking his head.

"If we cannot go over the mountain, let us go under it!" inclined Gimli. "Let us go through the Mines of Moria."

*********

Saruman was sitting inside Isengard once more, this time with a book. "Moria," he droned. "You fear to go into those mines. The Dwarves delved too greedily and too deep. You know what they awoke there in the darkness of Khazad-dum. Shadow, and flame."

*********

"Let the Ringbearer decided…Frodo," said Gandalf finally.

Frodo glanced at him. "We will go through the mines," he replied.

"So be it," the wizard said.

They traveled off the mountain and soon found themselves getting closer to Moria.

"The walls of Moria," said Gimli in awe while pointing to them.

"Now, let’s see…Ithildin. It mirrors only starlight and moonlight…" said Gandalf. Doors were soon revealed. "It reads: The doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak friend and enter."

"What d’you suppose that means?" asked Merry.

"Oh, it’s quite simple," replied Gandalf. "If you are a friend, you speak the password, and the doors will open. Annon Edhellen edro hi ammen! [Gate of the Elves open now for me!]. Ando Eldarinwa a lasta quettanya, Fenda Casarinwa! [Gate of the Elves listen to my word, Threshold of Dwarves!]"

"The mines are no place for a pony," said Aragorn to Sam. "Even one so brave as Bill." He took baggage off Bill the pony.

"Bye, bye, Bill," said Sam sadly as he watched the pony leave.

"Go on, Bill. Go on. Don’t worry, Sam. He knows the way out," Aragorn replied.

Merry and Pippin were throwing stones into the water. As Pippin was about to throw another one, Aragorn grabbed his arm. "Do not disturb the water," he said.

Gandalf finally sat down in despair and took of his hat. "It’s useless," he mumbled.

Frodo stood up and looked the saying over. "It’s a riddle. Speak friend, and enter. What’s the elvish word for friend?" he asked turning to Gandalf.

"Mellon," replied the wizard. The doors opened and the Fellowship walked inside.

"Good job, Frodo," said Mornie with a smile. She patted his back.

"Soon Master Elf," said Gimli to Legolas, "you will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the Dwarves! Roaring fires, malt beer, red meat off the bone! This, my friend, is the home of my cousin Balin. And they call it a mine. A MINE!"

"This is no mine," said Boromir glancing around fearfully. "It’s a tomb."

"No! Nooo! NOOOO!" cried Gimli.

Legolas bent down and picked out an arrow from a dead body. "Goblins!" he said and drew out his bow. He fixed it with an arrow. Mornie followed his example and took out her cyber-bow.

"We make for the Gap of Rohan! We should never have come here!" shouted Boromir. "Now get out of here! Get out!"

The Fellowship backed out, but Frodo was taken by a tentacle from a creature in the water. "Strider!!!" cried the hobbit.

"Strider!!!" called Sam as well. "Get off him!" he spat to the creature. The hobbits slashed at the creature with their swords.

"Strider!" Sam called again.

"Aragorn!" someone else said.

The hobbits managed to free Frodo from the creature, but as he backed away from the water, many tentacles came out from the water, this time swinging Frodo high up into the air. "Frodo!" cried Mornie desperately. Legolas shot the tentacles with his bow, while Boromir and Aragorn entered the water, and slashed at the tentacles with their swords. Aragorn succeeded in cutting off the tentacle that was holding Frodo, and Boromir managed to catch Frodo as he fell.

"Into the mines!!!" screamed Gandalf.

The creature came out of the water and crumbled the doors down, blocking the way out.

"We now have but one choice," said Gandalf lighting his staff. "We must face the long dark of Moria. Be on your guard. There are older and fouler things than Orcs in the deep places of the world. Quietly now. It’s a four-day journey to the other side. Let us hope that our presence may go unnoticed."

Climbing upwards, Pippin let some rocks fall onto Merry. "Pippin!" Merry said indignantly.

"I have no memory of this place," said Gandalf when they reached the top.

The company had settled down. Most of them were smoking, except Gandalf, Frodo, and the two robots.

"Are we lost?" whispered Pippin.

"No," answered Merry.

"I think we are."

"Shhh…"

"Merry…"

"What?"

"I’m hungry."

Frodo suddenly saw something in the distance. He turned to Gandalf. "There’s something down there," he said.

"It’s Gollum," the wizard replied.

Mornie turned her head up and listened closely. "Gollum?" she said.

"He’s been following us for three days," Gandalf told her and Frodo.

"He escaped the dungeons of Barad-dur?" gasped Frodo.

"Escaped. Or set loose. He hates and loves the Ring. As he hates and loves himself. He will never be rid of his need for it."

"It’s a pity Bilbo didn’t kill him when he had the chance."

"Pity?" repeated Gandalf. "It was pity that stayed Bilbo’s hand. Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or ill before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of the Ring. When all this is over, the pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of the Ring."

Frodo sat down. Mornie came up beside him and comforted him. "I wish the Ring had never come to me," he muttered. "I wish none of this had happened."

"So do all that come to see such times, but that is not for them to decide," said Gandalf. "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, than and the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find this Ring. In which case you were also meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought. Eh – it’s that way."

"He’s remembered," Merry said happily while standing up.

"No," answered Gandalf, "but the air doesn’t smell so foul down here. If in doubt, Meriadoc, always follow your nose. Let me risk a little more light."

The light on his staff brightened and the Fellowship found themselves in a great hallway, with tall pillars, as far as the eye could see. "Behold the great realm of the Dwarf City of Dwarrowdelf," Gandalf explained.

"Well there’s an eye opener, and no mistake," mumbled Sam.

They walked on, but as they did so, Gimli saw a doorway to the side. It was strewn with the bodies of dead Orcs. Gimli ran through the door into a chamber.

"Gimli!" shouted Gandalf.

"No! Oh – no! No," the Dwarf cried.

The others followed after. "Here lies Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria," recited Gandalf from the tomb. "He is dead then. It is as I feared."

Dinobot placed a hand on Gimli’s shoulder, as did Boromir.

Gandalf then gave Pippin his hat and staff. Legolas leaned over to Aragorn and Mornie. "We must move on. We cannot linger," he said to them.

"They have taken the bridge and the second hall," Gandalf read from a book. "We have barred the gates but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes. Drums, drums in the deep. We cannot get out. A shadow moves in the dark. We cannot get out. They are coming."

Mornie gulped and glanced around herself. "That doesn’t sound too good," she mumbled to Dinobot.

Pippin suddenly touched a skeleton by a well, and it fell in, creating a lot of noise. Gandalf shut the book tightly. "Fool of a Took!" he snarled. "Throw yourself in next time, and rid us of your stupidity."

Pippin lowered his head in shame. Mornie was seized by an impulse to comfort him, but an inner thought said, ‘He deserved what he got. His curiosity got the better of him.’ Suddenly, drumming noises were heard. Frodo’s sword glowed blue. Sam saw the blue blade.

"Frodo!" he cried.

"Orcs!" said Legolas. Boromir ran to the door and two arrows narrowly missed his head. Aragorn turned to the hobbits. "Get back! Stay close to Gandalf!" he ordered.

They barred the doors. "They have a cave troll," noted Boromir. They barred the doors, then stood facing them, their bows and swords were out. Mornie stood beside Legolas and Aragorn who had both drawn their bows.

Dinobot readied his sword and charged his optic lasers. "Let them come!" cried Gimli. "There’s one Dwarf yet in Moria that still draws breath!"

The Orcs began to break down the door. Legolas shot his arrow at an Orc’s head. It died instantly. Aragorn and Mornie shot two more Orcs. Finally, the doors broke down. Legolas shot another Orc. Mornie kept her distance between herself and the Orcs. She looked around for Frodo and saw him with Gandalf. She smiled and went back to fighting.

Dinobot fired his optic lasers at a few Orcs. They were destroyed immediately. Gimli used his axe while the others used their swords. Just as Sam had finished hitting an Orc ("I think I’m getting the hang of this!"), a cave troll burst through the door.

Sam tumbled under the troll. The troll then made a swipe at Mornie. She ducked and fired an arrow. It hardly did any damage. She heard a scream and turned her attention to see Dinobot being hit by an axe from an Orc.

"Dinobot!" she cried. Then she remembered that a giant cave troll was hovering above her. Before she could even turn back around, someone slammed into her, causing her to fall to the ground. She looked up and saw Legolas standing over her.

He fired one of his own arrows, but made little victory over killing the troll. Mornie called out to Legolas to watch out. He gracefully jumped up onto a pillar. The troll swung a chain around the pillar. Legolas then climbed up its arm and stood on its shoulders. He pointed his bow and arrow at its head and let it go.

The Elf quickly hopped off and bent over Mornie. "Are you injured?" he asked.

"No, thanks to you," she replied. "Go help the others. I’ll be fine."

Legolas nodded and ran over to Boromir.

Aragorn turned his head and cried, "Frodo!" The cave troll was dragging the hobbit.

"Aragorn!" Frodo replied desperately.

Aragorn fought the troll, saving Frodo from it. He thrust a spear into its chest, but it did not pierce its thick hide. Then the troll flung the spear away and Aragorn was thrown aside. Frodo ran to Aragorn’s side, and faced the troll. The hurled a spear at Frodo, and he was pinned against the wall.

There seemed to be a deathly silence. Mornie and Sam turned in horror. Mornie gasped and nearly fell from grief. "Frodo! FRODO!!" cried Sam rushing forward. Merry and Pippin jumped onto the troll’s back.

Merry was flung off. Pippin stabbed the troll’s neck and Legolas fired an arrow into its throat, and it collapsed. Aragorn crawled over to Frodo. "Oh no," he whispered.

He turned him over to find that Frodo was still all right. "He’s alive," Sam said happily.

Frodo sat up holding his chest. "I’m alright. I’m not hurt," he replied.

"You should be dead," said Aragorn. "That spear would have skewered a wild boar."

"I think there’s more to this hobbit than meets the eye," Gandalf noted.

Frodo revealed his Mithril coat. "Mithril!" said Gimli in awe. "You are full of surprises, Mr. Baggins!"

They heard more Orcs coming. "Quick!" cried Gandalf. "To the Bridge of Khazad-dum!"

They ran, but Moria was filled with Orcs. Soon they were surrounded. But from the end of the hallway, there was a red glow on the walls. The Orcs ran away. Legolas held his bow out, ready, but soon lowered it, as did Mornie.

"What is this new devilry?" Boromir grunted.

"A Balrog," growled Gandalf. "A demon of the ancient world. The foe is beyond any of you. RUN!" They ran. Mornie and Dinobot urged the hobbits forward and told them not to look back.

Boromir ran into a chamber. He dropped his torch and nearly fell to his doom, had Legolas not been there to catch him and bring him to safety. "Gandalf!" Aragorn shouted.

"Lead them on, Aragorn," ordered the wizard. "The bridge is near. Do as I say! Swords are no more use here!"

They all moved on, but a lot of stone was breaking. They came to a break in the rock. Legolas jumped the gap, and stood ready to the help the others over.

"Gandalf," the Elf said. He signaled for him to jump the gap. Gandalf jumped, and was helped over by Legolas. The Elf turned back and motioned for Mornie to follow.

She bit her lip uncertainly. She swiftly transformed to beast mode. The female raptor went into a pouncing position and jumped. Right before she reached the end, she converted back to robot mode.

Legolas reached out his hand for her to take it. She grasped it and was pulled to safety by the Elf. "Merry! Pippin!" cried Boromir. He held one of them with each hand, and jumped over with them. Legolas helped them over on the other side. Dinobot followed after them.

"Sam," Aragorn said and tossed him over the gap. He then turned to Gimli.

"Nobody tosses a Dwarf," growled Gimli. He tried to jump the gap, but almost missed. Legolas grabbed him by the beard to stop him falling into the abyss. "Not the beard!"

Someone cried, "Gandalf!"

Aragorn and Frodo remained on the other side of the gap. The piece of rock they are standing on looked as though it was about to collapse. "Frodo!" Mornie cried in fright.

"Lean forward!" shouted Aragorn to Frodo. Mornie and Legolas caught them as they fell forward.

"Over the bridge! Fly!" ordered Gandalf. Gandalf remained on the other side of the bridge. "You cannot pass!" he shouted to the Balrog.

"Gandalf!!!" cried Frodo. Boromir held him back.

"I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Arnor!" Gandalf recited. "The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udun! Arrghh! Go back to the shadow!! YOU SHALL NOT PASS!!!!"

He broke the bridge, causing the Balrog the fall. Gandalf sighed, and turned around, but as he did so, the whip of the Balrog caught onto his ankle, and he was pulled down. He grabbed onto the edge of the bridge, but could not keep his grip. There was nothing the Fellowship could do to save him.

Mornie grabbed Frodo, to stop him running back onto the bridge. "No! GANDALF!!!" the hobbit screamed.

"Fly, you fools," he whispered and fell.

"NO!! NO!!!!" cried Frodo. Mornie closed her eyes in angst. She carried Frodo away. The Fellowship left, but Aragorn remained behind, still looking into the abyss. A few arrows are aimed at him from the Orcs.

"Aragorn!" Boromir said from a distance. The Fellowship finally got out of Moria, and there they stopped for a short while. Sam slumped on a rock and brought a hand to his face as he cried. Merry comforted Pippin as he sobbed. Gimli had to be restrained by Boromir. Dinobot put a hand on Mornie’s shoulder. Tears silently fell down her cheeks. Even Legolas gave her a pitiful glance. He felt the grief eat at his insides.

After some time, Aragorn said, "Legolas. Get them up."

"Give them a moment for pity’s sake," Boromir argued.

"By nightfall these hills will be swarming with Orcs. We must reach the Woods of Lothlorien. Come Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, Mornie, Dinobot, get them up."

He walked over to Sam and helped him up. "On your feet, Sam," said Aragorn.

He then saw Frodo, who had wandered away. "Frodo! Frodo!!" he called.

Frodo stopped and turned around. Tears were running down his face. They left and made their way to Lothlorien.

They entered the woods cautiously. "Stay close, young hobbits," said Gimli. "They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods. An Elf witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell."

"Frodo," said a mysterious voice.

"And are never seen again," continued Gimli.

"You are coming to us…is as the footsteps of doom…You bring great evil here, Ringbearer," said the voice again.

"Mr. Frodo?" Sam interrupted.

"Well, here’s one Dwarf she won’t ensnare so easily," gloated the Dwarf. "I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox." Dinobot muffled a laugh. Mornie nudged him and giggled.

Elves suddenly appeared, covering the company with arrows. "Oh…" said Gimli startled.

An Elf stepped forward. "The Dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark," he sneered. Gimli gave him a dirty look.

"Haldir o Lorien. Henion aniron, boe ammen i dulu lin. Boe ammen veriad lin [Haldir of Lorien. We come here for help. We need your protection]," said Aragorn to the Elf.

"Aragorn!" shouted Gimli. "These woods are perilous. We should go back!"

"You have entered the realm of the Lady of the Wood," answered Haldir. "You cannot go back. Come, she is waiting."

*********

The Fellowship followed Haldir into Lorien. They traveled up the steps and saw Celeborn and Galadriel walk down the steps in bright light.

"Ten that there are here, yet eleven there were sent out from Rivendell," said Celeborn. "Tell me, where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak with him," he added.

Galadriel looked at Aragorn. "He has fallen into shadow," she mumbled. "The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fail to the ruin of all." She looked at Boromir, who was very uncomfortable. "Yet hope remains while the company is true," said continued glancing at Sam. "Do not let your hearts be troubled, go now and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight, you will sleep in peace…"

Frodo suddenly heard her voice in his head, "Welcome, Frodo of the Shire, one who has seen the eye!"

*********

Mornie sat on a rock beside Dinobot. He told her to calm down and rest, but she refused to sleep. She watched as Legolas walked by carrying a pitcher filled with water. He listened intently to the Elves singing.

"A lament for Gandalf," he said.

"What do they say about him?" asked Merry.

"I have not the heart to tell you," replied Legolas. He turned to Merry. "For me the grief is still too near." He sat next to Mornie and she looked at him. A silver tear fell from his eye.

The female raptor-bot sighed and shook her head. Dinobot stared at her. "Do you miss the others?" he asked her.

She nodded sadly. "Call Optimus," Dinobot ordered.

"What?" Mornie gasped. "From here?"

"Yes. Ask them how everything is."

Mornie hesitated, but agreed. She opened up her comlink and said, "Mornie to Optimus Primal, please respond."

"Optimus here. Hello, Mornie," said his voice over the link.

Legolas’s eyes widened in wonder at hearing Optimus’s voice. "It’s our leader," Mornie explained to the Elf.

He nodded. "Optimus, Dinobot asked me to call you. How is everything back at the base?" she wondered.

"Nothing’s happened. It’s been quite boring since you and he went away to Middle-Earth. When are you coming back anyway? I should think the party would be over by now. It’s been almost a week since I last saw you."

"That’s all? Gee, in Middle-Earth, it’s been a whole year."

"Well, what’s stopping you from coming home?"

"Optimus, Dinobot and I were sent out on this quest and we can’t back down from it. From my knowledge, we may never return. But don’t tell the others that."

"Don’t worry, I won’t."

She smiled. "Look, I gotta go. I promise I’ll call again soon. Send the others our love."

"Will do. Base out." The link shut off. Legolas patted Mornie’s back.

"You miss your friends?" he guessed.

"Yes, very much," she replied.

"I understand. I miss my home as well."

"What is your home like?" Dinobot cut in.

"My home of Mirkwood is a lush and beautiful place," answered Legolas.

"It’s probably better looking than prehistoric Earth or Cybertron," Mornie added.

The Elf merely nodded and closed his eyes.

Aragorn made his way over to Boromir. "Take some rest," he told him. "These borders are well protected."

"I will find no rest here," replied Boromir. "I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor. She said to me, even now there is hope left. But I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope. My father is a noble man, but his rule is failing. And then our…our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right, and I, I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored. Have you ever seen it, Aragorn? The White Tower of Ithilien. Glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver. Its banners caught high in the morning breeze. Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?"

"I have seen the White City. Long ago."

"One day our paths will lead us there. And the tower guard shall take up the call. For the Lords of Gondor have returned."

Aragorn smiled.

*********

Mornie was lying beside Frodo. They both saw Galadriel walking somewhere, and followed her. "Will you look into the mirror?" she asked them.

"What will we see?" Frodo wondered tentatively.

"Even the wisest cannot tell. For the mirror shows many things," answered the she-elf. "Things that were, things that are, and some things that have not yet come to pass."

Frodo and Mornie looked into the mirror. They saw Legolas’s back, then Sam and Pippin. They all looked sad and grave. Then they saw the Shire. It was filled with flame, and Orcs. Both Mornie and Frodo gasped. Sam was seen with his ankles chained on a line with many other hobbits. They were whipped. Then Frodo saw the Eye. He felt his Ring slipping in towards the mirror, but he pulled it backwards, falling onto the ground. Mornie helped him up.

Galadriel glanced at them. "I what it was that you saw," she said sternly. "For it is also in my mind. It is what will come to pass if you should fail. The Fellowship is breaking. It has already begun. He will try to take the Ring. You know of whom I speak. One by one it will destroy them all."

"If you ask it off me, I will you give you the One Ring," Frodo replied. Mornie wanted to make him put it away, but resisted and watched for Galadriel’s response.

"You offer it to me freely. I do not deny that my heart has greatly desired this. In the place of a dark lord, you would have a QUEEN!"

She suddenly changed, and seemed very powerful. "NOT DARK, BUT BEAUTIFUL AND TERRIBLE AS THE DAWN! TREACHEROUS AS THE SEA! STRONGER THAN THE FOUNTAINS OF THE EARTH! ALL SHALL LOVE ME AND DESPAIR." She became normal again, and breathed heavily, as thought trying to catch her breath. "I pass the test," she said calmly. "I will diminish, and go into the West, and remain Galadriel."

"I cannot do this alone," said Frodo. Mornie placed a hand on his shoulder.

Galadriel turned around. "You are a Ringbearer, Frodo. To bear a Ring of Power is to be alone. This task was appointed to you, and if you do not find a way, no one will."

"Then I know what I must do, it’s just, I’m afraid to do it."

"Even the smallest person can change the course of the future."

*********

The company departed from Lorien in the morning. "Farewell, Frodo Baggins," said Galadriel. "I give you the light of Earendil, our most beloved star. Namarie [Farewell]."

The Fellowship rowed off, and Galadriel stood on the shore waving. A voice inside Frodo’s head said, "May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out."

"Frodo," said Aragorn as they passed by two large statues of kings. "The Argornath. Long have I desired to look upon the Kings of old. My kin." They stopped rowing, and rested on the western shore.

"We cross the lake at nightfall," said Aragorn to everyone, "hide the boats, and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the north."

"Oh yes? Just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil?" Gimli snorted. "An impassable labyrinth of razor sharp rocks? And after that, it gets even better! Festering, stinking marshlands, as far as the eye can see."

"That is our road," Aragorn argued. "I suggest you take some rest and recover your strength, Master Dwarf."

"Recover my…phfwahh…"

Mornie and Dinobot chuckled. Legolas walked up to Aragorn. "We should leave now," he said.

"No. Orcs patrol the eastern shore. We must wait for the cover of darkness."

The Elf shook his head. "It is not the eastern shore that worries me. A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind. Something draws near. I can feel it."

"Recover strength…" Gimli was still complaining. He looked at Pippin. "Pay no heed to that, young hobbit."

"Where’s Frodo?" Merry asked. Aragorn saw that Boromir and Mornie were gone as well.

*********

Mornie was walking alongside Frodo in the woods. "Frodo, are you feeling alright?" she wondered.

"Yes, I am feeling fine," he replied without looking at her.

"I’m gonna go over there," she said pointing to the location. "If you need me, just call for me."

She walked away. Boromir came into view and he was carrying some firewood. "None of us should wander alone," he said casually. "You least of all. So much depends on you. Frodo?"

"He’s not alone," said a feminine voice. Mornie walked out with her hand on her cyber-bow. "What d’you want, Boromir?"

"I wish to speak with Frodo alone," he replied sternly.

"I’m sorry, but wherever Frodo goes, I go."

Boromir gritted his teeth. "Very well." He turned back to the hobbit. "I know why you seek solitude. You suffer. I see it day by day. Are you sure you do not suffer needlessly? There are other ways, Frodo. Other paths that we might take."

"I know what you would say, and it would seem like wisdom, but for the warning in my heart," said Frodo.

"Warning? Against what? We’re all afraid, Frodo, but to let that fear drive us to destroy what hope we have. Don’t you see, it’s madness."

"There is no other way."

"I ask only for the strength to defend my people!" he snapped throwing the wood to the ground in anger. "If you would but lend me the Ring…"

Frodo backed away against Mornie. "No!" he cried.

"Why do you recoil?" said Boromir stepping forward. "I am no thief!"

"You are not yourself!"

"What chance do you think you have? They will find you. They will take the Ring. And you will beg for death before the end! You fool! It is not yours save by unhappy chance." He walked towards Frodo and Mornie, who were still backing away. "It could have been mine!" shouted Boromir. "It should be mine!" He lunged forward towards Frodo. "Give it to me! Give it to me!" He managed to get a hold of Frodo.

Mornie gasped and pounced on Boromir trying to get him off Frodo. "No!" Frodo shouted to Boromir again. Frodo suddenly disappeared and hit Boromir. Boromir threw Mornie off him. She hit a tree and fell to the ground unconscious.

"I see your mind!" snarled Boromir to Frodo. "You will take the Ring to Sauron! You will betray us! You go to your death! And the death of us all! Curse you and all the Halflings!" He slipped. His anger passed and he said softly, "Frodo? Frodo. I must find him. Please, Frodo…"

Frodo still had the Ring on, and the world was in darkness. As he climbed the steps to a tall tower, Boromir’s voice echoed, "Frodo, I’m sorry! Frodo!"

The hobbit saw Barad-dur, and then the Eye. He took the Ring off, and the world came back into its full light. He stood up and looked around.

"Frodo?" said Aragorn coming into view.

"It has taken Boromir," Frodo said suddenly.

"Where is the Ring?"

"Stay away!" he cried stumbling backwards.

"Frodo! I swore to protect you."

"Can you protect me from yourself?!" He showed him the Ring. "Would you destroy it?" He put his hand out, as if offering the Ring to Aragorn. Aragorn knelt down beside Frodo, and closed Frodo’s hand over the Ring.

"I would have gone with you to the end," he said. "Into the very fires of Mordor."

"I know," replied Frodo. "Look after the others. Especially Sam. He will not understand."

Aragorn noticed that Sting was glowing blue. "Go, Frodo. Run. Get Mornie and RUN!"

Orcs came and Aragorn came out and faced the Orc army. He fought them.

Frodo ran back to where he had abandoned Mornie. She lay at the foot of a tree unconscious. He nudged her and called her name. Her optics fluttered sapphire and she looked through blurred vision at him.

"Frodo, what is going on?" she whispered.

"Come, we must leave!" he urged.

"Where?" she asked as he helped her stand to her full height.

"We are going to Mordor ourselves!"

"What?!" she cried.

"Shh, they might hear you. They must not know of this. We are to leave at once. Aragorn will watch over the others."

Mornie sighed and lowered her head. "At least let me leave them a token of my farewell," she insisted. Frodo nodded and watched her place down a stable piece of energon against the tree. "Dinobot will find this and he will know that I have gone with you," she stated.

The two ran off together.

"Mr. Frodo!" Sam called through the trees.

Aragorn was doing quite well against the Orcs. "Find the Halflings!" cried an Uruk-Hai. "Find the Halflings!"

"Elendil!" shouted Aragorn.

Legolas, Gimli, and Dinobot came to help him. "Aragorn! Go!" called Legolas.

Frodo and Mornie hid behind a tree. Merry and Pippin were in a safer hiding place.

"Frodo! Mornie!" Merry whispered.

"Hide here, quick!" urged Pippin. "Come on!"

Frodo shook his head. "What’re they doing?" Pippin asked Merry.

Frodo shook his head again. "They’re leaving!" said Merry, figuring it out.

"NO!" cried Pippin.

Merry shouted, "Pippin!"

Pippin jumped out of his hiding place, and Merry followed. Orcs were running down the hills.

"Run, Frodo. Go!" said Merry. He waved to the Orcs. "Hey, hey you! Over here!"

"Over here! Over here! This way!" Pippin added. As they ran, Pippin commented, "It’s working!"

"I know it’s working! Run!" snapped Merry.

Legolas and the others fought the orcs. Merry and Pippin were soon surrounded by Orcs. Boromir came along, and fought them. Legolas had just killed an Orc, when he heard a loud noise.

"The horn of Gondor," he said in amazement.

"Boromir!" cried Aragorn running forward. They made their way towards Boromir.

As Boromir was fighting, an Orc shot him in the chest with an arrow. He continued to fight. He was shot two more times. Merry and Pippin tried to fight the Orcs, but were taken away. An Orc was about to shoot Boromir in the head, but Aragorn managed to decapitate it.

"They took the little ones," Boromir stammered. He was going pale.

"Stay still," soothed Aragorn.

"Frodo. Where is Frodo?"

"I let Frodo go."

"Then you did what I could not. I tried to take the Ring from him."

"The Ring is beyond our reach now."

"Forgive me. I did not see it. I have failed you all."

"No, Boromir. You fought bravely. You kept your honor." He was about to take an arrow from him.

"Leave it!" snapped Boromir. "It is over. The world of men will fall. And all will come to darkness. My city to ruin."

"I do not know what strength is in my blood. But I swear to you, I will not let the White City fall. Nor our people fail."

"Our people. Our people." Aragorn gave him his sword.

Legolas, Gimli, and Dinobot saw Aragorn leaning over Boromir.

"I would have followed you, my brother. My captain. My king," mumbled Boromir. He died. Aragorn sighed and lowered his head.

"Be at peace, son of Gondor." He kissed his forehead.

Chapter 15: The Breaking of the Fellowship

Frodo and Mornie were standing by the boats. "Frodo!" Sam called again. Frodo was holding the Ring on the palm of his hand. There was a sudden flashback.

The flashback ended. The hobbit closed his hand over the Ring and set out with Mornie in one of the boats. Sam reached the shore. "Frodo, no!!!" he cried. He entered the water.

Frodo mumbled to himself, "No, Sam." He then raised his voice, "Go back, Sam. We’re going to Mordor alone." Mornie looked away in guilt.

Sam began wading in the water deeper. "Of course you are," he replied. "And I’m coming with you!"

"You can’t swim. Sam!" Sam’s head went underwater. "SAM!!" Frodo and Mornie cried in unison.

Sam began to drown slowly. Frodo and Mornie rowed back to where Sam went under. Frodo then reached his hand into the water and grasped Sam’s hand. He pulled him into the boat.

"I made a promise, Mr. Frodo. A promise," he sobbed. "‘Don’t you lose him, Samwise Gamgee.’ And I don’t mean to. I don’t mean to."

"Oh, Sam," said Frodo and he hugged him. Mornie joined in and embraced both of them. "Come on, then," urged Frodo. They rowed off.

*********

Dinobot, Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli watched in sadness as a boat carrying Boromir sailed over the waterfall.

"Hurry!" cried Legolas pushing a boat into the water. "Frodo, Mornie, and Sam have reached the eastern shore!"

Aragorn made no sign of following. Legolas stared at him uncertainly. "You mean not to follow them?" the Elf asked.

"Frodo’s fate is no longer in our hands," he answered heavily.

"Then it has all been in vain," growled Gimli. "The Fellowship has failed."

Dinobot clenched his fists. He looked down and suddenly spotted something glittering against a tree. He picked it up and smiled.

"What is it?" Legolas wondered coming to see.

"It is an energon crystal," replied the raptor-bot. "Mornie left it as a farewell gift." He looked eastward. "Thank you, Mornie," he whispered.

Aragorn walked over to Legolas, Gimli, and Dinobot. He placed a hand of both Legolas’s and Gimli’s shoulders. "Not if we hold true to each other," he said staring into their eyes.

Gimli placed his hand on Aragorn’s.

"We will not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death," Aragorn continued. "Not while we have strength left. Leave all that can be spared behind. We travel light. Let’s hunt some Orc."

"YEAH!!!" cheered Gimli. Legolas and Dinobot smiled and ran up the hill with the other two.

*********

Frodo, Mornie, and Sam were looking over Mordor. "Mordor," noted Frodo. "I hope the others find a safer road."

Mornie placed her hand firmly on his shoulder. She bent down on her knee and whispered into his ear, "They are strong and capable fighters, Frodo. Besides, my Dinobot is with them. Nothing can go wrong."

"Strider will look after ‘em," added Sam with a smile.

"I don’t suppose we’ll ever see them again," sighed Frodo. Mornie shook her head. She kissed his forehead.

"Don’t lose faith, young hobbit," she muttered. "Faith keeps you going all the way. My leader told me that. I never gave up on my goal, and you shouldn’t either. Whatever happens, happens. Sam and I will be by your side the entire time."

"We may yet, Mr. Frodo, we may," said Sam with a grin.

"Sam. Mornie," Frodo said smiling as well, "I’m glad you’re both with me."

They both smiled in return and followed him down the sloping hill.

~ The End ~