Chapter 25
Aragorn, Gimli, and Eomer traveled through thunderous rain, extreme heat, and sleet to make it to Mordor. The ring was forged there and therefore had to be destroyed there. It was a menacing place filled with nothing but evil memories and satanic soldiers. This dreadful place was exactly where they were destined to go, and they arrived there within two long weeks of travel.
Aragorn's hazy eyes scanned the black gates that were now presented before them. Arrow snorted and tried to back away from the danger the horse knew was ahead of them. Aragorn steadied Arrow and patted him gently.
"Stay calm boy, we will be alright." Aragorn whispered comfortingly to his steed.
"I do not see anyone but I have a feeling that many will meet us when we barge in Aragorn." Eomer observed.
"I agree…that is why we must stay together. We might stand a chance if we at least do this. Gimli? Are you listening?" Aragorn looked to Gimli who was seated behind him.
Gimli just grunted meaning he had heard of their plan, but did not approve. His mentality was to charge in and kill all in his way. He felt he did not require back-up.
"It is settled then, we must achieve destroying this ring, or else it will fall back into the hands of darkness. We must succeed in Mylea's honor…may she be blessed." Aragorn spoke.
Eomer and Gimli nodded suite and they all filed towards the foreboding gates.
Legolas sat outdoors and threw pebbles against the trees surrounding him. His face was vacant of expression, but many feelings sweltered in his heart. Mylea had not spoken for a full seven days now, she would now and then open her eyes and blink but that was all. It tortured Legolas to watch her slip away like that, she had been so strong.
It was almost too much for Legolas to bear. He had thought many times of shutting everyone out and running off, so he would not have to see the sorrowful faces of the other elves that came around so often. But he would not leave Mylea, not when she needed him most.
All these feelings began to pile up inside Legolas and he threw a handful of stones with all his might. He then rammed his head into his hands and took comfort in not viewing all the living organisms around him.
"Legolas? Why do you torture yourself so?" Arwen's voice filled his ears.
"I cannot find any other way to deal with this." Legolas answered, lifting his head.
"Legolas, hold faith in her…"
"I have none left Arwen, she is dying and I cannot stop it! I would trade places with her if I could, but I cannot. I am lost, I have no more will." Legolas cut her off.
"You must for Mylea Legolas! If your will fails her, then she truly will fall."
"How is she right now?" Legolas suddenly asked, ignoring Arwen's comment.
"She is still here with us, and that is all that matters."
Aragorn entered the great gates very slowly and was sure to let his eyes wander for incoming danger. There was only silence…until nine hooded figures emerged from the shadows.
"Ring Wraiths." Aragorn answered Eomer and Gimli's question before they asked it.
"How bad is it?" Eomer asked.
"We can handle it…I have a plan. Eomer, you and I must distract them…Gimli you must get to the top and throw the ring into the fires of Mordor."
"What? Me?" Gimli scoffed.
"You are smaller, much easier for you to pass them."
"Well although I do take some offense to that comment, I shall agree with your plan." Gimli added.
Aragorn nodded and he and Eomer readied their swords. Gimli jumped off from Arrow and fell to the ground. One of the hooded figures dashed towards him, but was stopped by Aragorn and his sword point.
Gimli looked up only a moment then dashed off to the stairway. He looked back as he climbed and saw Eomer and Aragorn continue to fight the creatures that could not be killed.
The dawn grew to dusk and Aragorn and Eomer were growing weary. The Ring Wraiths were not giving up their fight and the two men were slowly giving in to their tired bones.
Gimli had finally made it to the top of the mountain and looked in the fiery pits of Mordor. Just as he was about to toss the chain and ring into the fire, the eye of Sauron appeared. Gimli looked into it and became paralyzed with fear. The chain started to slip from his hand onto the cold ground.
Gimli's mind cleared and all he could think about was turning and running, but then a gentle voice packed his mind.
"Gimli…be strong…throw the ring…" Galadriel's sing-song voice echoed.
Gimli shook his head and tried to concentrate. Galadriel's calls did not cease. Gimli's arm lifted as if someone was pushing it up for him. The eye of Sauron shot out hot steam at Gimli, but Gimli continued to lift the chain. Finally the ring was dropped into the fire and Gimli fell backwards to the floor. He breathed heavily and was now surrounded by sunlight.
"Legolas! Arwen! Come quick children!" Elrond's voice boomed out the doors.
Legolas and Arwen followed it and they arrived at Mylea's bedside. She was blinking rapidly and was breathing then she pulled herself up and was supporting her own weight sitting.
"Mylea child, what is wrong?" Elrond questioned.
"What happened, I saw light…I was reaching towards it. Then I opened my eyes and I was back here." Mylea spoke and looked around wildly.
"Oh my…it is a miracle!" Elrond shouted and bombarded Mylea with an embrace.
Arwen cried happy tears when the sound of Mylea's voice filled the room. She was going to be alright. The color retuned to her face and her eyes did not seem blank any longer.
"Mylea! I thought you were gone!" Legolas yelled and grabbed onto to her.
Mylea rested her head on Legolas' shoulder and there was an exhilarated silence in the room. Elladan entered the scene and smiled, Mylea was alive. He vowed that he would not complain about her romantic absence from his life, if she could just be spared. It seemed someone had been listening above.
"Gimli!" Eomer screamed out as he and Aragorn approached the top of the mountain.
They ran all the way up and found Gimli staring as if an angel was seated beside him. The air felt brisk and fresh against his cheek and he felt peace fill his body and spirit.
"It was the Lady; she came to me and told me to do it." Gimli jabbered.
"Who?" Aragorn asked.
"The Lady Galadriel, she gave me the strength Lad, I swear by it."
"Well whatever it was that helped you, we are all in its debt. The Ring Wraiths shriveled up and fell when you threw that ring out." Eomer spoke.
Gimli smiled and hopped up. He had taken care of the one ring. No dwarf was ever going to believe this story. Aragorn and Eomer patted him on the back and the three made their way back down to the awaiting horses.
