The Road To Mordor
By Rose G

Disclaimer - These are not my characters, all belonging to His Majesty Tolkien, and I have made no money from writing this. The title is taken from the lovely Robbie Williams hit, The Road To Manderlay.

A/N - This is an alternative universe story and starts at the Council of Elrond, after the history of the Ring has been told, and it has been decided to destroy the Ring. Aragorn and Halbarad will feature highly.

Everything I touched was golden
Everything I loved got broken
As I got lost along the road to Manderlay
Every mistake I have ever made
Has been rehashed and then replayed
As I got lost along the way.
No more dragons left to slay,
On the Road to Manderlay.
~~~Robbie Williams, Road to Manderlay~~~


'Who then will take the Ring and attempt to destroy it?' Elrond spoke slowly, and the Council Hall was silent. Frodo looked around him, hoping to catch Gandalf's eye and instead, seeing Bilbo sitting alongside Gimli the dwarf, his head nodding with tiredness, and Sam crouching by his side, eyes apprehensive.

'The Ring was gained by Elendil, and cut from Sauron's hand by Isildur, my fathers of old. As Frodo said, it is indeed mine, although long ages of this world have passed since a man of my line has held it.'

Elrond turned slightly to gaze at his adopted son, with intentness that none there save Aragorn could have bourn for long. 'Then Aragorn, do you merely accept that the Ring is a heirloom of your line or do you mean that you wish to take upon yourself the task of destroying it?'

'It seems only fitting that the heir of Isildur should labour to repair Isildur's fault, for if he had followed the council that Elrond gave, Middle Earth would not have been facing this peril and no one should have been forced to take this doom that befits none. I do not wish to gain power from wielding it, nor do I wish to challenge Sauron, for I am the heir of Gondor, and although long times may pass before I claim my birthright, that is power beyond any measure.'

'You speak wisely, my son, but are you sure of this? To bear the Ring is to hunted by the Ringwraiths, and to be easy pray to Sauron. It is not a fate to be chosen if another can take it instead, especially as Frodo has carried it this far and seems able to carry it further.' Elrond had the grace to look apologetic as Gandalf glared at him.

'I am aware of what is means to bear the One Ring, Elrond, and that is why I wish to take it. If of course, the Ringbearer wishes to give it to me. Well do I understand the lure of the Rings of Power, and I cannot force him to give it to me.'

Frodo looked around at the others, faithful Sam, Gandalf, Glorfindel, Arwen who was watching Aragorn and others beyond count. Then his gaze fell on the weather-beaten, haggard Ranger whose gaunt face was paler than ever and who was prepared to risk his life to protect him from the danger of the Ring.

The Ring seemed suddenly dead to his touch and he sensed that it no longer wished to be held by him. The Hobbit from the Shire had served his purpose, and it seemed to him that the time was come for the Ring to pass to a new owner. Briefly, regret touched him as it touches anyone who is giving up a treasured possession, however willing, but he undone the fine chain around his neck that held the Ring, with a shaking hand.

He held it out to Aragorn, who took the chain, careful not to touch the gold, even though it glimmered in the light. The Ranger, taller than all the others even while he was sitting at ease, bowed his head in acknowledgment.

Gandalf laughed, breaking the tension. 'Aragorn, if you intend to carry that Ring in Mordor, the Elves had better forge you a new chain as well as Narsil if you do not wish to strangle yourself.'

Aragorn laughed with the rest of them, although his eyes remained grave. 'Just let them hurry on my account, for I do not wish to linger and bear this any longer than is needed. I would leave as soon as I could.'

'In that case, I would say that this council has fulfilled its purpose, for now we are all familiar with the Ring's history and we have decided how best to deal with this menace. The quest of the previous Ringbearer has been completed, for through dangers beyond reckoning, Frodo has carried the Ring to Rivendell. And now Aragorn has taken up the burden.' Elrond spoke with a sense of finality in his voice.

Gandalf spoke up again. 'One thing still remains to be settled, and that is Aragorn's companions. Aragorn, as the Ringbearer should chose of his own free will. Aragorn?'

The Ranger looked blankly at him, his lips drawn tight and worry showing on his rugged face. Gandalf understood, and answered in his steed. 'Elrond, I think all that needs to be discussed here has been. The matter of the Fellowship can be left until tomorrow or even later, if need be.'

The Lord of Rivendell nodded and in a few minutes, only Aragorn, Arwen and Gandalf remained in the Hall. Aragorn was toying with the Ring, moving it from one hand to the other.

'Well, Aragorn, who would you take along?'

'If it was down to me, only myself so no innocent lives would be lost. But Elrond would not allow that. If others should go with me, I would say as few as possible, and I would beg you to come with me.'

'Aragorn, my friend, this war against Sauron has ever been my greatest task, and this would seem to be the final hurdle. Also, I would not abandon anyone to the fate of the Ringbearer, if it were nothing to do with me. You have my word that I shall come. But what of the others?'

Aragorn did not answer, and it was Gandalf who next spoke. 'Would you prefer me to choose them, so as you do not appoint their doom?' Aragorn nodded dumbly.

'In that case, I would take Legolas and Gimli, as Elrond planned. Boromir for Men, which leaves only the hobbits. Frodo wants in his heart to stay with Bilbo, and Sam will not leave Frodo. Either Merry or Pippin, but I shall ask them about that later. And myself.'

'Gandalf, my kinsman Halbarad is coming to Rivendell as we speak, and I would like for him to come. Together we have faced much and lost little. He is one I would trust, however much the road darkens.'

'Tell me, Aragorn, how are you aware of his arrival?' The wizard's voice was merely inquisitive and the Ranger smiled slightly.

'I am not sure, except that we have ever been aware of the other's doings. We are closer than brothers, him and me. It did not strike me as unusual until you mentioned it. But now the company is decided, could we not take a rest?'

Gandalf saw the look that Aragorn gave Arwen and smiling, he left the lovers alone.



Please give some feedback on this, I'm not sure where it's going.