Road to Mordor Chapter 4

Rose G

The Fellowship sat in silence, under the ominous shadows of the Misty Mountains. Aragorn laughed suddenly, breaking the long silence that had started while they were eating and then continued, mainly because Pippin had fallen asleep. He was watching Halbarad and Boromir, who were staring at Gandalf's fire, which was burning with a strange green light. They seem to think that Gandalf's fire is like to a new type of Warg or Orc.

Halbarad, suspecting that it was him who Aragorn was laughing at, swore and threw a handful of snow at Aragorn who failed to duck. He responded in kind, a furious fight breaking out between them. It was for them a moment of light heartedness amongst the cares and hardships of their journey, and the two Rangers ignored Gandalf's glare with an audacity that surprised Boromir. He knew something of Aragorn's destiny, and his actions had startled him, for the pair did not act like heirs to a throne.

Typically, it was Gandalf who woke Pippin a few minutes later and it was the wizard who spoke first to the group huddled around the fire. 'It is time to make up our minds. Tomorrow, one way or another we are going to have to pass through these mountains. Sam must also decide if he is going to come further with us or head back to Rivendell, as Frodo wished.'

'Gandalf, if we pass through Moria, then we must turn our horses lose and complete most of the journey on foot. Would you be willing to loose Shadowfax in an area where the Warg howls and the Orc prowls? I would not care to turn Silme away here.' Halbarad, who was still laughing at the sight of Aragorn trying to get snow out of his tunic, nearly choked on his grim words.

'Halbarad, please understand that the horses are secondary to the quest, and it is our safety not that of our mounts which is important. Turn them loose, I say, so we may pass through Moria without delay. Would you wish to make the hobbits continue in such snow?'

'Mr. Gandalf, us hobbits are actually quite fond of the snow. It does not bother us.'

The wizard rolled his eyes. 'Fool of a Took. Despite Pippin, I would still say that most of us would prefer Moria.'

Gimli nodded eagerly, and unhobbled his hill pony, slapping it on the quarters. There was a silence then, and it was the Ringbearer who broke it. 'Gandalf, I dislike Moria and Caradhas is unsafe, you say, for the Ring. And in Moira lies danger, death even. I would not inflict that on my companions at all, unless Gimli would like to chance it. I will pass through Moria so that the Ring may be safe, but I would have no others with me.' Valar help me, I do not wish to go through that accursed Dwarf hole. Even the thought of it frightens me.

'A wise idea, friend, but one that would not work. Are we all to abandon you to whatever fate lies ahead and backtrack to Rivendell? I for one would not do that - seeing as you can get lost in the Shire, Mordor will not be much of a place for you.' Halbarad grinned.

Boromir nodded. 'Minas Tirith lies ahead, so while my city stands I shall not turn back. However, I would be glad not to pass through Moria. Even in Gondor, tales have reached us of its fear and terror. Mayhap if Aragorn is so keen on Moria, we can allow him to take the chance of passing through there, and the rest of us can go over the paths of the mountains. That means that he need not lose that cob that he rides.'

'I say that we should choose which path to take and meet again once over the mountains. I myself shall go with Aragorn, and Gimli, no doubt.' Gandalf looked at the others questioningly.

'Elves are not fond of the darkness, so if Halbarad will allow me, I will go with him. We can handle the horses easily.'

'Thank you, Legolas. I would not care to leave Roheryn, even if Boromir calls my charger a cob. Arwen gave him to me many years ago, and I am also sure that Gandalf would not want to leave Shadowfax here.'

And by nightfall all was decided, and that night they spent camped in the mountains was the last they would spend together, this group of different races who were tied together by something more than friendship. Aragorn remained awake even as the others slept. In my heart, I know that we shall not meet again, for some of us are mortal and some are not, so that even death could not alter this parting. And how sorry I am that I have led them to this, when they may not choose which path will save their lives but only which one may prolong it. But despite his dark thoughts, he dreamt that night of Rivendell, of Arwen and that night when the starlight had held them both as they walked in the forest, of Elrond's knowing smile when they had returned, of Elladhan and Elorhir teasing him as though they were his blood relations and he was happy.