Chapter 4

The morning of the Council of Elrond had finally come. I walked with my parents and brother to the council. I had never worn a dress before. I did not like them. My mother looked beautiful and every man, elf and dwarf seemed to stare at her. My father looked like a king, though I knew he truly was. And my brother too looked a king. I felt as though I looked silly. However I found that Boromir stared my way. He glanced at my mother but only for a mere second to bow. His eyes locked with mine and he smiled slightly. I knew I was blushing for Dwalin was trying not to laugh. I scowled at him but said nothing. Now Elrond stood.

"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned here 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." He said.

I watched as young Frodo Baggins stood and brought forth the ring. He laid it on the small stone table in the middle of the floor.

"So it is true." Boromir said.

I looked upon the ring with disgust, as did my father. My mother did not look at it at all. I put my hand on hers and she looked at me. I smiled and nodded. She smiled a little but I could see the fear in her eyes. Eruantien looked confused.

"It is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor!"

I looked at Boromir. From what I had heard of this ring….it was the greatest evil to have come upon us. It corrupted the minds of all. This was why I hated it the moment I saw it. I could sense the evil. Men were easily corrupted.

"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!" Boromir said.

"You cannot wield it! None of us can." said another man.

I looked over at him.

"The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master."

"And what would a ranger know of this matter?"

I took some offense to that. For my mother was one of the rangers of the Dúnedain. My mother and Legolas stood angrily.

"This is no mere Ranger! He is Aragorn son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance."

My eyes widened and I looked at Aragorn.

"Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir?"

He nodded.

"And heir to the throne of Gondor." mother said.

I stared at him. Boromir scowled.

"Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king."

He looked at me but I scowled at him and looked away.

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

I nodded.

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

Boromir sighed in defeat. Then I heard Gimli stand.

"Well then what are we waiting for?" He growled.

He took his axe and let it fall on the ring. However it was Gimli who flew backwards and his axe shattered. Not a mark was left upon the golden band. I ran forward and helped Gimli.

"The ring cannot be destroyed Gimli son of Gloin by any craft that we here possess. The ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be un-made." Elrond said.

I looked at the ring in amazement and fear.

"It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came! One of you…must do this."

No one spoke and no one moved. Well almost no one.

"One does not simply walk into Mordor." said Boromir.

I looked up at him with frustration.

"Its Black Gates are guarded by more then just orcs. And the Great Eye is ever watchful…."Frodo looked at him uncomfortably. "It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air your breath is a poisonous fume. Not with 10,000 men could you even do this, it is folly!"

"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond just said?"

Legolas stood once more.

"The ring must be destroyed!"

For once I agreed whole heartedly with him. I nodded, but Gimli did not.

"And I suppose you think you are the one to do it!?" He snarled.

My father gave him a warning glance but he ignored it.

"And if we fail what then?! What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?!" Boromir asked standing.

I stood and placed myself between Legolas and him.

"Either way the ring shall not be yours!" I snapped.

"Silanna!" father said.

"I will be dead before I see the ring in the hands of an elf!" Gimli shouted.

That was all it took. The elves got to their feet and so did the dwarves. My father began to scold Gimli for what he had started and Eruantien was shouting at Legolas. I was still arguing with Boromir and Gandalf came stood with me. With all the arguing I almost did not hear the small voice.

"I will take it!"

I slowly looked upon Bilbo's nephew, Frodo.

"I will take the ring Mordor." he said firmly.

I smiled a little. I had seen bravery in many different people in many different forms. This had to be the bravest.

"Though….I do not know the way." He said.

Gandalf walked forward.

"I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins. As long as it is yours to bear."

Aragorn now stood as well.

"If by my life or death, I can protect you. I will."

He walked forward and knelt down in front of Frodo.

"You will have my sword."

I smiled.

"And you will have my bow." Legolas said.

"And my axe!" said Gimli.

"And mine as well!" my brother said.

My eyes widened and my heart stopped. My parents did not stop him.

"Well then I go as well!" I said.

"Silanna no!" mother said.

"Mother I must! Eruantien is my brother. And Gimli is my friend. I can fight. Dwalin taught me well."

"That I did. A fine student she was…" added Dwalin.

Father looked at me. I knew he did not want me to go.

"Father please."

He sighed and turned to Elrond.

"How long before the Fellowship departs?"

"In 2 days time."

He nodded and then looked back upon me.

"Allow me time to think."

I nodded and then the council was dismissed. Dwalin put his hand on my arm.

"Just be patient and you had best not pester him about this. I believe he will let you go with your brother."

I smiled small and nodded. My mother and father walked away and I saw Boromir walk towards me.

"Silanna I….."

I scowled and walked off. I heard him try to follow me but Dwalin stood in his way. I looked over my shoulder and smirked. No one was ever able to pass Dwalin.