Disclaimer: I own nothing. See Chapter One.

A/N: Thanks again for all the wonderful reviews. I only have a couple of chapters left to go before this story is wrapped up. I hope you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it. I know this update wasn't too timely, but it definitely wasn't as long as I usually take, so go me :-)

Enough chit chat…back to the story.

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Chapter Fifteen

Legolas slept the sleep of complete exhaustion.

Unable to find even the slightest reserve of energy after his arduous ordeal, he had fallen into a deep, healing slumber and he rested peacefully, feeling safe for the first time in a long time. While he slept, Gwaihir stood vigilant guard, his eyes daring anyone to disturb the young elf. With gentle care, he broke the binds that held Legolas to the ground and tended to his wounds, though the elf's own healing abilities already had him on the mend. And when Ugluk had awoken suddenly and hurled himself at the slumbering form with a growl, Gwaihir was there to send him back to the realm of unconsciousness. The Orc still lay in an untidy heap nearby, a bloody gash on his knarled head.

A day passed while Gwaihir patiently watched over Legolas and when morning arrived he yawned tiredly, his sleepy eyes squinting against the bright light of the sun. Gwaihir stretched his wings out and groaned softly as the night's kinks worked themselves out. Sighing, he realized that he was a young eagle no more…old age had crept up on him over the long, turbulent years. His advanced age seemed even more evident as he looked upon the slumbering elf. He had watched over this young one since he was but a small elfling, protecting him from the dangers of the darkening forest. The elfling had grown before his eyes into this brave lad before him. Pride mixed with fury as Gwaihir thought of what his young friend had endured to protect all that was good.

"You are staring." a soft, weak voice observed, causing the eagle to smile.

"I was merely contemplating how old I suddenly have become, young prince. I am happy to see you awake. How do you feel?"

Legolas yawned tiredly. "Surprisingly well, thank you. Your healing skills remain superb, as always."

"I have had to heal you too often." Gwaihir chided.

"Too true." Legolas agreed with an innocent smile. "I am fortunate to have you."

"I am glad you realize that. Has the poison left your system? Can you move?"

Legolas tested his limbs and grinned. "I believe it is wearing off. I can move my fingers and toes."

"That is welcome news." Gwaihir glanced at the unconscious Orc a few feet away. "You friend remains out cold."

"You hit him pretty hard." Legolas said, eyeing the bloody gash that decorated the Orc's head. "I would be surprised if he awoke at all. Gwaihir," Legolas added, his voice suddenly serious. "Amras knows that the others head to Mordor. He will most certainly try to stop Frodo from destroying the Ring. I must stop him."

Gwaihir cast another uncertain glance at the Orc. "You can go nowhere until the poison has left your system and you need nourishment if you are to recover quickly. Though I fear leaving in search of food while the Orc remains near."

"He will not wake up anytime soon, Gwaihir." Legolas assured him. "I will be fine."

"If you are certain. But I will not wander far. If you need assistance, call for me."

"I will." Legolas promised. Gwaihir nodded and with a final glance at the Orc, headed into the forest in search of food.

"Gwaihir!" Legolas called only moments later, startling the eagle. "I moved an arm!"

"Good, young elf." Gwaihir called back as he gathered fresh berries from a nearby bush.

"And a foot!" The elf called again.

"Splendid!"

Moments passed. "And another arm!"

More long moments passed in an unnatural stillness, though it went unnoticed by Gwaihir as he jovially gathered berries for his friend. Moments of silence turned into long minutes as the eagle amassed a large pile of fruit, while the air around him took on an aura of menace. Gwaihir cocked his head to the side as unease settled over him.

"Legolas?" he called, his voice sounding loud and hollow in the quiet forest. "Has any more feeling returned?"

An unnerving stillness followed, the forest making no sound around him.

"Legolas?" Gwaihir was worried now. His friend should have answered. Dropping his berries to the ground, his eyes darted around the trees, searching for danger as he moved slowly, silently back towards the clearing where Legolas lay. When he reached the clearing, he faltered. The Orc was gone.

"Legolas!" he cried, rushing to his friend. A long, bloodied gash adorned the pale forehead of the now unconscious elf, though Gwaihir was relieved to find him alive.

"He will not be alive for long, bird." A voice hissed near his ear as the cold, hard steel of a dagger pushed up against his neck. "And neither will you." A hard blow from behind sent Gwaihir flying through the air and he landed hard on the ground, his head banging solidly against a large rock. Gwaihir's vision swam as he tried to regain his senses, the smiling Orc stalking up to him with his sword aimed at his chest.

"I will run you through, bird, for all the trouble you have caused me." Ugluk growled menacingly. "And then I will have fun with your friend."

Gwaihir struggled against the nauseating pain in his head, pushing himself up from the ground in an effort to defend himself. The Orc laughed and ran at him, his sword posed to impale the dazed eagle and Gwaihir closed his eyes, bracing for the pain he knew was inevitable. "Time to die, bird."

"You first!" another voice growled and Gwaihir's eyes flew open as Legolas rushed up behind the Orc and with one powerful blow of his sword, severed Ugluk's head from his body. Panting with fatigue, Legolas stared down at the now dead Orc, grim satisfaction on his face.

"Whoops. Ugluk lost his head." He grinned tiredly. "I have been wanting to do that for a long time." The sword dropped from his weak hand.

"Legolas," Gwaihir cried with relief. "You are moving."

"Looks as if I had more movement than I thought." Legolas observed wryly before collapsing to the ground in an exhausted heap.

Gwaihir shook his head in an attempt to clear the dizziness as he crawled over to the elf. "You saved my life, my friend." he said quietly. "Now rest."

* * * * * * * * * *

The army traveled day and night, stopping only for brief rests and meals. Increasing signs that the dark army was growing in power greeted them along the way. Villages, still smoldering from fires, lay in ruin -- the occupants lay dead on the ground, their faces frozen in masks of surprise and terror. Survivors, so few that there were, wandered aimlessly in a state of shock and despair, calling out to the passing soldiers for protection and help, receiving none. With apologetic faces, they continued on their way, each knowing that the outcome of a future battle would help these people more so than any aid that day. The devastation only increased as they entered the outskirts of Gondor and as Aragorn rode silently next to Boromir through an outlining village that had only recently fallen prey to the vicious Uruk-hai warriors, he could not help the anger that boiled within his soul.

"These are our people, Aragorn." Boromir said quietly to him as he gazed sorrowfully at the survivors.

"Yes."

"They need our help…our protection."

"We protect them best by destroying the Ring and with it, the source of this evil."

Boromir nodded. He too believed their Quest was all-important. But, he was not done. "They need their King."

Aragorn looked at him. "To be Gondor's King is my destiny and I will embrace it when the time is right. But, to give people hope in a King who might surely perish in a coming battle would be to do them an injustice and that, I cannot do."

"You will not perish, my friend."

Aragorn rode in silence for a moment, then sighed. "Legolas did."

Boromir studied the face of his friend, noting the deep, aching pain of loss that the other tried so hard to conceal. The death of his long time friend had wounded him greatly, yet he refused to show it. "You can grieve for him, Aragorn." Boromir said softly. "We all do."

"No." Aragorn said. "I cannot. Not now."

"But…"

"When this Quest is over, I will grieve his loss properly. I will return to Isengard to search the rubble for his body and return him to his home." Aragorn's face hardened with resolve. "That is my vow. Until then, we focus on the Ring."

"I will accompany you." Gimli offered quietly. "I wish to take him home, to the trees he talked of so often. That is where he loved to be."

"I, too, will join you." Boromir said. "The Quest will not be complete until we have all returned home."

Aragorn managed a smile. "He was lucky, as am I, to have such friends. It would be an honor to journey with you."

"Providing we survive the coming battle, as you so nicely pointed out earlier." said Boromir.

"And destroy the Ring." Gimli added.

"Hey!" Frodo cried from behind Aragorn. "I will destroy the Ring! Do not doubt a Hobbit."

"Of course you will." Laughed Aragorn. "And I would never dream of doubting a Hobbit."

"My King!" Faramir called, executing a flawless formal bow from atop his horse as it came to a stop next to Aragorn's. Boromir snickered at the scowl that appeared on Aragorn's face at the sight of the bow--his brother has taken to bowing each time he addressed Aragorn…and it annoyed the other man to no end.

"Faramir," Aragorn growled, "bow to me again and so help me, I will have you beheaded."

"That certainly would improve the view around here." Boromir laughed.

Faramir glared at him, then bowed again as a large mischievous grin appeared on his face. "As you command, oh great King."

"I swear, Boromir, he certainly has your witty charm." Aragorn muttered sarcastically.

"Taught him all I know." grinned Boromir.

"Which took two seconds." added Faramir.

"What I would not give to have an Orc shoot me right now, just to be rid of you two!"

"And leave me with them?" huffed Gimli. "I think not. Perhaps we can shoot each other at the same time and both be free of them."

"Or you could simply shoot them." suggested Frodo.

"Hey, hobbit, whose side are you on?" Boromir laughed, feigning insult.

"I agree with the hobbit." Aragorn grinned. "It certainly would make the ride to the ultimate battle against evil more enjoyable."

"I am sensing some hostility, my brother." said Faramir.

"Yes." Boromir agreed. "The masses are rebelling against us. Perhaps it is time to turn leadership over to another."

"Perhaps to our new King." Grinned Faramir. "Does that suite you, my lord?" he asked a scowling Aragorn, executing yet another long bow.

"I have had it." Groaned Aragorn. "When this is over, the two of you are banned from Gondor."

"Notice how he decided to ban us after the big battle." Faramir noted to Boromir. "He must need our superb fighting skills to defeat Sauron."

Boromir nodded. "That would be my guess. Use us and then ban us. Typical. Where should we go?"

"Go live with the Dwarves." groaned Aragorn.

"We do not want them." Gimli said quickly. "They would make lousy miners. Send them to the Elves."

"Not the Elves, they are too serious." Said Faramir. "Perhaps we will begin our own Kingdom."

"It would be the only kingdom to have two village idiots." Laughed Frodo.

"Funny." smirked Faramir. "Its always the quiet ones that can wound so well with words." His smile faded a bit. "But seriously, I did seek you out for a reason, Aragorn. The reinforcements from Gondor are up ahead, waiting for us."

"Good." Smiled Aragorn. "Are there many?"

Faramir looked skeptical. "We have as many as Gondor could spare, but I am afraid the numbers are not as great as I had hoped. Small bands of Orcs and Uruk-hai have been sporadically attacking the walls of Minas Tirith. Some remained behind to protect our people."

Aragorn frowned. "Evil grows more daring by the day. There was a time not long ago when none dared to go against Gondor."

"That is why we must defeat Sauron." Faramir said. "Your Quest quickly becomes more urgent."

"These attacks are most likely a diversion." Boromir observed. "Sauron hopes to divide our forces, to crush us more easily."

"So he knows we are coming." Aragorn said quietly. "His army will be amassing as we speak, waiting for us to arrive. Though it matters not, for we must prevail."

"Let us greet the troops." advised Faramir. "We reach Mordor in less than two days. The men will need reassurance." The two brothers briefly locked eyes.

"Aragorn," Boromir began hesitantly, "we feel that with such a battle approaching, our people need hope and leadership. After these long years, they need their King."

"Now is the time for you to accept the throne." added Faramir. "You said you would accept your destiny when the time was right. That time is now."

Aragorn's eyes closed as his friends watched him nervously. To be faced with one's destiny could not be easy. After a moment, his eyes opened and those that watched him almost gasped at the intensity that lay within those eyes. Their friend had changed in a matter of mere moments…he was no longer Aragorn the Ranger -- he was Elessar, their King.

Aragorn regarded his friends with knowing, wise eyes. "Gondor has been without her King long enough. I will accept my destiny."

Smiles greeted him. "That is welcome news." Faramir cried happily. "No time should be wasted. Let us introduce our new King to his army."

Their party soon joined with the newly arrived army from Gondor and as they approached, the men turned to Faramir for orders. Faramir rode slightly ahead of Aragorn and called for attention.

"Men of Gondor!" he yelled loudly. "Our time has come! I present to you Aragorn, son of Arathorn, heir of Isildur, possessor of the sword of Elendil."

Aragorn rode forward, his horse coming to a halt next to Faramir.

"Behold!" Faramir cried, acknowledging the man beside him. "Gondor's King has arrived!"

Long seconds of shocked silence greeted his announcement and Faramir glanced at Boromir, unsure of what to do, though his unease was unfounded as the soldiers erupted into a thunderous barrage of cheering and applause.

"Whew." Faramir breathed in relief. "They like you."

"They do not yet know him well enough." grinned Boromir as he clapped Aragorn on the back. "It will fade with time."

* * * * * * * * * *

"Gwaihir!" Legolas called loudly over the rushing wind. "Where are we?"

"We are just entering Gondor, young prince." The eagle called back.

Legolas looked down at the ground far below, which had melted into a great green and brown blur as they flew higher into the sky. "If you say so." he said uncertainly. "It all looks the same to me."

"I thought elves were supposed to have excellent eyesight." Gwaihir teased.

"We do." Legolas grinned. "Just not so high up." He squinted at the ground again as fatigue nagged at him. After defeating Ugluk he had fallen into a deep sleep, awaking, much to his dislike, a day and a half later. Gwaihir had tended to his wounds and watched over him as he had slept and he had awoken feeling refreshed and healthy. After eating the meal Gwaihir had prepared for him, a result of the eagle's incessant nagging, he had insisted that they head for Mordor immediately. "How long until we reach Mordor?" he asked.

"We should join up with your comrades today." Gwaihir informed him. "Mordor is not far now."

Legolas nodded. Traveling atop the large bird definitely had its merits…they had covered more ground in one morning than he could have hoped to cover in two days on a horse. He only hoped he would arrive ahead of Amras, in time to warn his friends of the danger.

"Gwaihir," he called again as he peered at the ground, his eyes picking up movement. "My eyes fail me at this distance. Can you make out what that large mass below us is?

Gwaihir looked. "It appears to be a large group of beings, Legolas. Traveling very swiftly."

"An army?"

"Quite possibly."

Legolas frowned. "I wonder if they are friend or foe. It could be Aragorn's forces, marching on Mordor."

"Or it could be others." Gwaihir said mysteriously.

"Only one way to find out. Let us fly down there and see for ourselves."

Gwaihir nodded. "As you wish." He looked back. "I would hold on tightly, if I were you."

Legolas smiled and grabbed hold as Gwaihir made a graceful arc in the sky and headed down to the ground below. Wind whipped at his face, making his eyes water and hindering his visibility as they flew closer to the traveling group below. As they neared, Legolas gasped, certain that his eyes were deceiving him.

"Gwaihir! They are Elves below us!" He cried in dismay.

"Not just any Elves, young prince." Gwaihir observed. "Look."

And they flew lower, coming face to face with the army as its leader halted to an abrupt stop.

"Father?" Legolas asked, his voice faltering in shock.

The King of Mirkwood stared back at him, his stunned face mirroring that of his son's. "Legolas?"

Gwaihir lowered Legolas to the ground as the army of Elves surrounded him. "Father, what are you doing here?"

"Your friend summoned us." Another voice, equally recognizable, answered.

"Lord Elrond?" Legolas turned to the newcomer. "Who summoned you?" He could not get over the shock of seeing his father and the Lord of Rivendell in front of him.

"I did." Gwaihir said softy from behind Legolas. "At the request of Mithrandir."

"We have brought an army, Prince Legolas." Haldir explained, emerging from behind Thranduil. "Forces have joined together from Mirkwood, Rivendell and Lorien. It is time for the Elves and Men to battle together once more."

"You head for Mordor?"

"To help the King of Gondor." Thranduil said.

Legolas smiled. "Aragorn. So he has accepted his destiny. That is welcomed news indeed."

Thranduil frowned as he inspected his son. "Legolas, what has befallen you? You look as if you have been in a battle."

"Much as happened since I left Rivendell, Father." Legolas said, reluctant to go into detail in front of such a large audience. "Amras has returned and he threatens Middle Earth."

"Amras!" Thranduil hissed. "I knew I should have disposed of him permanently."

"He rides for Mordor, to gain control of the Ring. I must stop him."

"We near Mordor now, Prince Legolas." Haldir said. "You should join our company and ride with us."

Legolas shook his head. "I cannot. I must reach Mordor before Amras and warn Aragorn of the danger. The Ring must be destroyed."

"Legolas is right." Elrond said, staying an objection from Thranduil. "The Ring is his duty, as a member of the Fellowship. We must not hinder him in his Quest."

Legolas nodded his thanks. "Gwaihir will take me to Mordor. We will meet there."

"Be safe, my son." Thranduil said softly. "We will meet again in Mordor, where we will destroy this evil together."

"I look forward to it, Father." Legolas grinned. "Safe journey."

"And a safe journey to you, young elf." Elrond said as Legolas and Gwaihir flew away once more.

"Our fate may rest on the shoulders of your young son, Thranduil." Elrond observed. "We could not ask for a more worthy warrior to put our faith in."

"I hope they are up to the task." Thranduil observed. "They may yet make up for the mistakes of their fathers."

"I just hope they leave us old elves some Orc to slay." Elrond smiled, urging his horse forward swiftly. His eyes watched the eagle soar gracefully through the air, disappearing into the bright sky as he led his army forward to battle.

* * * * * * * * * *

Aragorn came to a halt at the dark border between Gondor and Mordor, noting the stark differences that lay between the lands. While Gondor was green and flourishing, Mordor was its contrast, marked by large outcropping mountains and gray skies.

"Lovely place." Boromir remarked wryly beside Aragorn.

Gimli glanced around. "Evil watches us."

They traveled between the mountains through a canyon pass, eyes warily watching the peaks above for sign of attack. Unease enveloped the entire company as they rode in silence, bows at the ready.

"He toys with us." said Faramir. "Here is where he should attack us and yet, he does not."

"He does not believe himself to be in danger." Aragorn observed. "He waits while we bring the Ring he seeks so desperately right to him."

Behind him, Frodo gulped nervously as an overwhelming dread settled over him. He could almost feel the eye of Sauron staring down at him, waiting for him, mocking him. His hand drifted up under his shirt and closed tightly around the Ring. He would not let it go without a fight. It was his. His precious.

Beside him, Sam watched him with a curious apprehension. "Are you well, Mr. Frodo?" he asked softly. "You look pale … ill."

"I am fine, Sam." he responded, though his voice was hard, his eyes daring Sam to question his statement. Sam merely shrugged and turned his gaze back to the canyons, his unease only increasing at the odd behavior of his master. As Aragorn had surmised, they were allowed to pass through the canyon without resistance and the company found themselves breathing a small sigh of relief as they exited the chasm and emerged into a large valley. Though their relief was short-lived.

Aragorn came to an abrupt halt as he gaped around in surprise. "Do you see what I see?"

"Large Orc army headed our way?" Boromir asked.

"Yes."

"I see it." Faramir said.

"Damn. I was hoping it was a mirage. Or a bad dream." Aragorn sighed.

"They look real enough to me." Gimli huffed.

"And at the rate they are traveling, they will intercept us in less than an hour." Observed Aragorn with dread. "And by the looks of things, we are vastly outnumbered."

Faramir cringed. "Damn."

"What do we do?" asked Boromir.

"We fight, as is our duty." Aragorn said with resolve. He turned to regard Frodo. "You must leave now, Ringbearer, and head for Mount Doom. We will distract Sauron while you complete the Quest."

Frodo nodded, sliding off the horse. "I will destroy the Ring." He vowed.

"I truly hope so." Aragorn smiled.

"I am going with you, Mister Frodo." Sam declared, hopping down from the horse.

"Sam, I must do this alone."

"Not without me." vowed Sam.

"The two of you will go together." Gandalf determined. "That is the way things were meant to be. You are stronger when you are together."

Frodo nodded with a smile. "I will be honored to have you with me, Sam." he said, causing Sam to beam.

"Safe journey, young hobbits." Aragorn grinned. "Our fate rests on your small shoulders."

"Safe journey to you, Strider." Sam said. "We will not let you down." Shouldering his pack, he moved to follow Frodo, who looked around uncertainly.

"Which way is Mount Doom?" He asked, blushing.

"Left." said Boromir. "Just head towards the large, smoldering mountain."

"And do not forget to avoid that large, murderous army out there." Advised Faramir with a smile. "I doubt they would let you pass easily."

"Do not worry." Sam assured him. "We do not plan on going anywhere near that army."

"Let us go Sam." Frodo said, moving away from the army. With one last glance over his shoulder, he disappeared into the mountain, followed, as always, by his loyal friend.

"Do you think they will do it?" Boromir asked quietly.

"They have to." Gandalf answered. "Or we are all doomed."

Aragorn unsheathed his sword. "If we are to go out, we go out fighting!" he yelled, earning cheers from those nearby. "Let the Orcs rue the day they decided to mess with Men!"

"Well, no sense rushing these things." Boromir said hastily beside him. "We have got a good hour before those Orcs reach us."

"Right." Aragorn smiled. "They will rue the day in about an hour. Let them come to us. In the meantime, we have some planning to do."

* * * * * * * * * *

A/N: Well? How was it? Were you all surprised by the arrival of Thranduil and Elrond? Will the Elves reach Mordor in time to help Aragorn defeat the Orc army? Will Legolas warn Frodo about Amras? Who knows…I do. You will have to wait and find out. There should only be two chapters left…but the next chapter will definitely be a long one, so please bear with me if it takes awhile to write it. Please remember to Review!