Chapter 17

Gimli suddenly stirred behind, sniffing the air at first Legolas had forgotten the dwarf was even there as he had sat so quietly and calmly throughout the journey so far. An obvious sign that the dwarf was becoming use to riding horses despite his argument with Éomer the very first time they meet.

 The dwarf breathed in deeply before realising it in a sad sigh: "I can smell the good rocks of the north from here" he said "Oh how my heart longs to walk amongst the Iron Hills as my father has done"

"I am afraid the only rocks you shall see my fiend will be the hazardous razor sharp rocks of Emyn Muil and the equally hazardous and treacherous mountains of Mordor" Legolas replied. "I have no doubts that you will wonder through the Iron hill one day, searching for any reaming gold and treasures and dance upon the grave of Smaug the dragon, for that is what I would do!" he smirked.

Gimli broke into a deep laugh that made his beard bob and his moustache twitch. His laughter was soon joined by Legolas's and even when tears slid down their cheeks could they not stop laughing.

 Sam wished their laughter would left his heart even just a little. But it seemed the Ring had plummeted him into shadow, whispering and tempting him every moment. Begging him to slip in onto his finger, it felt so heavy now, it was weighing him down but he hid his expression of pain under his rising bad mood.

In the far distance he could see the scattered rocks of Emyn Muil where he and Frodo clambered over for days, disorientated, lost and alone. Beyond that would be the sinking Marshes of the Dead, the unmistakable smell of decomposing bodies that lay beneath the surface once alive and fighting, men, elves and orcs no longer able to walk like the army of the Dead that Aragorn awoke eight years ago. The Dead in the marshes are treacherous they hypnotise you with their eerie lights and lead you into the hands, plunging you into the stank water where below the Dead would reach out for you as you fight for the surface. They would do everything they can to stop you reaching it, only if you were travelling with a companion would you be saved. Sam turned away from the direction of the Marshes remembering clearly how the dead mislead Frodo into their hands, in turn which could have ended in his early death and would cause the Ring to be lost. He had raced to his master's aid but Gollum beat him and pulled Frodo from the waters which nearly drowned him. Gollum or Sméagol whatever he was playing at that moment could not let the Ring vanish it seemed.

 Sam half turned in the saddle to Gandalf and asked: "How do you plan to get us into Mordor?"

The wizard did not answer immediately pausing as if trying to work out how he should explain their path..

"As you can see" he said at last. "We are going around Emyn Muil and the Marshes of the Dead" – Sam shuddered at the name – "We will then abandon the horses on the west side of Mordor and under the cove of darkness enter Cirith Ungol"

"You speak of it so lightly as if you have journeyed it many times" Sam said bitterly.

"You know very well I have not Sam"

"Why that way? Surely there is another!"

"You tell me Sam, you've been there, not I. Though I do not suggest we go knocking on the front door!"

Sam snorted: "You'd rather risk a darker more dangerous and treacherous path"

"There is no other way! You know this Sam" Gandalf rose his voice, but Sam's anger was greater and more fierily.

"Instead you'd rather force us through a path that could by our undoing! No way we will be able to enter Mordor that way un-detected like last time – they know we will be going that way!" Sam shouted, the horse flattened his ears against his head blocking out their argument.

"I know of our risk, but statistics have never bothered me" Gandalf said ignoring Sam's anger.

"I could tell! You didn't see or go through what I did! You didn't have to see Frodo suffer or listen to Gollum muttering curses under his breath always plotting something crude and evil"

"No Sam I did not. I instead passed through fire and death to return, leading armies of Rohan and Gondor against the thousands of Sauron and Isnegard. Don't you dare say I did not suffer also!"

Sam's face paled and he coward under Gandalf's power. The wizard dropped his towering, powerful appearance and soothed Sam.

"I am sorry Gandalf its just –"

"I know Sam, I know."

Elrond lowered the letter, the yellowing parchment gently touching the polished table top, the messenger bird still singing on windowsill.

The heavy burden of guilt that he had carried since news of Mirkwood's ambush reached his ears lifted slightly Thranduil was alive and were many survivors though the news of half of them being mortal. Touched by Sauron's new weapon a type of water that would wither anything it touches and striped any elf of his or her immortality. It seems Legolas was one of the first for this weapon to be trailed on – his hair shortened along with others for reference to the enemy. It made him sick knowing that Cassione someone he trust, someone he made them take could do this. Her betrayal hurt him more then any battle wound he ever bore. The destruction of Lothlórien numbed him and the deaths of Galderial and Celeborn mortified him, so many had died by her hands. First Mirkwood, then Lothlórien, Jacob and how many others would fall? Would Rivendell be next?

All this time he believed Gollum was the one responsible for the growing power in the east, but that was another horrifying lie.

"Do you really think Gollum is capable of such things, Gandalf? I think not, I believe there to be another, but I do not know whom"

 He had said that to Gandalf – even then he doubted Gollum but never did he think it would be Cassione who held the Ring like a secret medal, a treasure, a gift, a blessing and an opportunity. He did not think she could bring herself to kill in cold blood, Gollum, countless elves and Jacob. He always remembered her as a kind, clearing women, always bright and positive like her sister.

Elrond shot to his feet suddenly, so fast the messenger bird took flight in fright. Pity, he could do with it to send word to Aragorn and Gandalf – but what would he say?

'I believe there is another traitor, another female elf… but I cannot recall her name…' A lot of use that would be! Even if he could recall it where would they be?

What was her name? He racked his brains thinking, but the name did not come to him.

He could remember her now…she was like her sister, bubbly, bright and kind, but she also oddly hid from many. He could remember not meeting her for several years as she chose to hide from him and his sons, but spoke openly to Arwen. They were good friends Arwen and her, if only Arwen was here instead of in Gondor living her mortal life with Aragorn he could ask her.

 He returned his eyes to the letter and re-read Thranduil's list of names Legolas had chose to accompany him:

'I wished Erbschaft to go with him, Nymane his wife refused it fearing he would not return and would leave her and their young son fatherless. Instead Legolas chose, (though against my judgement) Hummel, Propfen, Aniond, Ruzlina, Aufstand, and Henduil. Three females, and a mortal! Can you believe him?'

 Thranduil's letter was long and confusing as if he battled with himself to write it, to tell Elrond of the battle, what had become to his elves, Gandalf's story and of Legolas' fate. Elrond sighed, defeated. His over worried and over worked mind could not function let alone remembering a name that was spoken so openly in his house hold.

Aragorn's company paused for a brief moment the glittering white towers of Minas Tirith caught in the early morning sunlight. They had ridden hard after the attack by the Nightmares, wasting little time gathering the horses who had mostly returned once the icily atmosphere had cleared.

 Spurring their horses on for the final league they hurried into the great White City fuelled by the stories of ill they have heard over the journey.

 No trumpet song or cry of joy greeted them as they neared, the heavy and still being braced gates parted as the company passed. None seemed to react as they come forth instead returning to their work of re-enforcing the outer walls and gateways leasing up to the inner parts of the city, obviously determined not to allow a repeat of the near defeat last time.

 Only a few faces greeted them as they halted the horses, those included the radiant face of Arwen. Yet her eyes told the stories of pain and fear since Aragorn's departure some months ago. He dismounted from his horse and embraced her tightly, soothing her tears which fell from her eyes steadily out of relief overjoyed to see her husband alive. Beside them stood the high men of Gondor and Rohan, Merry and Pippin stood at their knees after being assisted down.

Aragorn and Arwen parted with regret; Aragorn turned to the men and begged them to follow him inside to council.

 The twin brothers Redd and Maedd told of the latest concerning events since Aragorn's departure.

"Mordor, as you can see had become fiercely active. Stray orcs have been spotted in the land and quickly killed may I add" Redd explained. "A small force has been hiding on the outskirts of Ithilien as far east as they dare. They are expected to return here some time tomorrow"

"How is it they are able to stay un-detected where many have not?" Faramir questioned.

"I did not say they have remained 'un-detected' sir. Their fate we do not truly know. Their last message was five nights ago, if they have come across trouble since we do not know" Redd replied coolly.

"Easy Faramir allow Redd and Maedd to continue" Aragorn gently said attempting to kill the tension that had being to grow in the room.    

"The enemies spies have been passing through over lands by the gross. Nightmares have roomed free and unchallenged but now it seems they are abroad, for the company in Ithilien have reported witnessing them enter Mordor" Maedd continued where his brother had left off.

"The people are afraid majesty, they fear the evil in Mordor will spread over us" said Redd overlapping Maedd's final words.

Aragorn nodded and briefly told his tale so far with Merry and Pippin adding pieces here and there. The room stood silent, shocked once the tale had ended, many looked around at one another clearly fearful.

"What are we to do?" Maedd asked breaking the silence.

"With luck the Ring bearer will be able to slip into Mordor un-detected – "

"With luck? What if he is caught?"

"Let us pray he is not" Aragorn said gently.

"And of us and the Rohirrim?"

Aragorn stood and said: "We stand together and fight, only matching to Mordor should the need arise. The enemy will not pass us!"

Under the late morning sun Elrond looked upon the armoured faces of the elves that filled the courtyard of Rivendell before him. Their helmets and armour shinning proudly in the suns wake.

"Sauron has grown far stronger then any could foresee." his strong voice carried over the clear skies stinking deep into the hearts of the elves before him, "Men of distant countries do not have the strength to defend their borders and hold off the power of Sauron alone. Only by he reuniting the Last Alliance of Men and Elves can our enemy be thrown down. Already the ruling Ring is nearing its master who no doubt taken physical form. Treachery has stained the fair soil of Lothlórien and Mirkwood – but no more! We march to Gondor, the last line of defence with all speed in a valiant effort to save this Middle-Earth and to cast away the evil for good!"

Elven horns blew loudly and others sounds that bounced off the water of the Ford and carried over the green lands of the West– the sound of the remaining elves agreeing. They were going to war.

Eówyen slumped into the seat at the table and gladly accepted the water she was handed. They had made it, at last to Helm's Deep the stronghold of Rohan newly repaired after Saruman's attack eight years ago. Their journey had not been without loss she had regretted the men who had lost their lives protecting the party, though this had been expected. They were venerable and exposed, an obviously target to any enemy including wild animals.

 She mentally plotted her next plans, strengthening the Keep, walls plus doors. Next the armoury would be checked, more arrows will be need no doubt, possibly new weapons and armour; that would depend after her inspection. She would be thorough unlike some of the men, next supplies would be gathered and put in the caves in case of up coming battle. The enemy knew of the Deep's weakness, they knew the people would go here for protection. But would they attack here, surely Mordor would attack Gondor first? There is nothing wrong with preparing the for the worst, just as long as the people are not frightened by it.

Though the journey had tired them, neither Merry nor Pippin could not find sleep, the air seemed electrified with both fear and excitement. Though no enemies marched within their vision they stood on edge shifting from foot to foot on watch on the outer walls. No one had argued with them, now dressed in the halfling Gordian get out that Pippin had worn here eight years ago, the hobbits feel into line and fulfilled the orders of the King and of the highest ranking officer.

"What do you think Strider will do next?" Pippin asked.

"I think he's going to wait until they come back from Ithilien and listen to what they have to say before he makes any move" Merry relied after some thought.
"I wonder what they will have to say. Do you think they would have seen Sam and the others?"

"Maybe, Pip. Maybe, though it depends on many things"

"Mirkwood for one"
"Yes, if some ill has become of it I do not know which way they will turn"

"Would the go onwards, into Mordor I mean?"

"I doubt they would make it Pip. They wouldn't have any food or water left, and as far as I can remember Sam and Frodo telling me their isn't clean water in Mordor or not much of it let alone anything eatable"

Pippin sighed. "I hope they'll alright, but Maedd did have a point if Sam…"

"Hush Pip, I don't want to think about that right now"

Pippin nodded silently his mind wondering exactly what would happen if Sam failed. He recalled Gandalf's brief explanation when the original Fellowship had set out about what it was like before Isildur cut the Ring from Sauron's hand. He shuddered returning his gaze onto the horizon, Merry was right it was something one did not wish to think about.

"Did you see that, Merry?" Pippin broke the silence some hours later.

Merry squinted into the darkness and shook his head. "You hopping you saw something, Pip".

"No, honest! I saw something moving out there."
"I think you tired, master hobbit I can see nothing" the nearest solider said he too looking into the night. Pippin sulked slightly his eyes falling out onto the horizon again. He had seen something even if the others did not believe him.

"There! There is was again!" he shouted moments later. Again the other watchmen peered into the night and saw nothing.

"I saw a flash of some sort, but the first time it was something moving" Pippin said to those who would listen, the men seemed to thing Pippin was over tired.

"Can you hear something?" the solider beside Merry asked. They stood stock still listening hard, and very quietly they could hear the hurried noise of hoofs.

"Bring light up here!" someone called.

"Are you sure? What if they –"

A horn rang out in the night, loud, long, strong note neither wavering nor dying, another blasted beside it, then another.

A solider turned to Merry: "Raise the King!"

They rode silently onwards the Brown Lands behind them, the rocks of Emyn Muil alongside and the smell of the Marshes of the Dead ahead. The horses were less willing here, the evil sensation in the air filled them and only by the gentle loving whispers of the elves did they ride onwards.

Hummel looked back watching Henduil with his mortal sluggish abilities fight against his unwilling horse.

She called to it in elvish: "Ride on, Vitez" the grey horse pricked his ears and extended his stride to ride alongside Hummel, a smile playing on her lips.

"I do not like this" Henduil said gripping his reins tightly. "Even if I were – you know I don't think I would travel to Mordor"

"Why then did you volunteer?" Hummel shook her head.

"Erbschaft couldn't go I knew how much he cares for the Prince so I went on his behalf. He tried to raise awareness in everyone, but those who were suffering did not respond. Instead they sat lazily and stupidly upon the ground still denying what had happened"

"Did you not feel that way?" Hummel was curious to how he felt now that he was mortal but respected him too much to ask plainly.

"Of course I was shocked and numbed I began to fall into despair, but Erbschaft and his wife Nymane helped me, their son Pal was too young to understand what had happed to me, instead he continued to play and laugh like he had always done. This innocent act made me realise that I was no different from the other elves, really. I still had a personality I was not an empty shell" he eyes dropped onto the flapping horses mane rather then onto Hummel. "The biggest boost was Legolas confessing openly the fate had befallen him, I suddenly understood Erbschaft words – he was in the hall when Thranduil saw what had happened to his son and Gandalf was trying to comfort him. Gandalf had said that the mortal elves will be able to reclaim some of their grace and strength once they had accepted what they have become. I found comfort in his words and felt compassion towards Legolas that I have never felt before. So when Erbschaft said that Nymane would not allow him to go I stepped into his shoes. I wanted to prove that even I, a mortal could defend our Prince"

Hummel beamed: "Good for you! I am glad to here that you did not fall into despair like many others have – you are stronger then you think my friend" she steered her horse closer, leant over and kissed him on the check, then laughed at his confused, puzzled face.

 Propfen snapped his head round at her laughter and smiled chuckling too at Henduil's face. It was quite a picture, he should count himself lucky being kissed by the most popular and prettiest elf maiden in the woods, perhaps that was why he looked like he had been announced the owner of a large prize without even entering for it.

 As the rear guard Aufstand flashed a smile before her eyes raked the scenery, the fiery sky flickering, nearer and nearer they rode, yet she felt no fear of the dangers ahead. Only when they walk in the Nameless Land may she might feel its terror. Her eyes fell onto the back of Gandalf leading with Sam the hobbit and Ringbearer in front, so much depended on him. They could not afford to fail.

Sam had been dozing lightly, but woke suddenly the Ring falling heavily against his chest the lingering vision fading in his minds eye. He shuddered, clutching the Ring around his collar drawing strength from it, ignoring the dangers it posed. He felt suddenly weak under the strain of bearing this simple looking golden ring, the Eye of Sauron faded from view. It had spoken to him in the rough, chilling language of Mordor then in Common tongue. It scared him so much he woke from his dream shivering and sweating: "Come little one, come into my hands," it said "I am waiting."

 Merry dashed away, the horns blowing loudly, several above from the night watchers answering. His little bare feet slapped stone as he hurried away inside the City and along the winding corridors turning here and there desperate to remember the path to Aragorn's chambers. Though he need to worry as Aragorn stepped into view around the next corner and travelling so Merry nearly ran into him in his haste.

"There are someone approaching the gates, Strider" Merry panted.
"So I hear, come Merry let us see who blows the horns of the west."

"Do you think it will be the force form Ithilien?" Merry asked hurrying along beside Aragorn's long pace.

"Perhaps"

Already the gates had been opened at the horses where filling in spaces outside the doors in which Aragorn exited from. These were indeed the men that had been sent into Ithilien.

"Majesty" one bowed handing his reins to a stable lad. "I bring tidings from Ithilien and as far into Mordor as we dared."

"Come inside and speak" Aragorn extended his arm gesturing to the doors behind him.

Wearily the men filled through, Merry and Pippin trailing behind them.

"Shortly after we arrived in Ithilien I sent scouts ahead to asses the land and to find an ideal campsite hidden by the eyes of the enemy. As I looked eastwards I saw the oddest thing, sire" Deollyn leader of the force that had been in Ithilien explained. "There were unmistakable and did nothing to hide themselves, two elves entered Mordor through the Black Gates, my scouts later in formed me. What on earth would two elves be doing in Mordor?" Deollyn threw up a hand in disbelief.

"Could you see what they looked like?" Aragorn asked.

One of the men gave a hollow laugh: "All elves look the same, sire!"

"Not quite" Aragorn smirked.

"Yes, now that you mention it, they where rather different compared to 'normal' elves. They left, headed west some days later, we had moved closer by then and we were able to see them."

"Did they see you?"

"No, I don't believe so, sire despite elves sensitive abilities. They did not seem to notice us, I remember clearly they were laughing and skipping."

"They'll description?"

"Oh, yes!" Deollyn bought his hand down onto the table. "As I was saying they were different to 'normal' elves these two weren't blond. They were both brown heads and – oh they were female"

"Both of them?" Aragorn raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, I could tell that my their laughter it was giggly and rather girly"

"Did they say anything?"

Deollyn bough his hand up to his brown and scratched his dirty hair thoughtfully: "I couldn't understand mostly what they were saying, it was in their own tongue and I don't understand elvish"

Aragorn nodded, hiding his disappointment: "Did they repeat anything that you can recall, like a name for example?"

Deollyn shook his head, "No, I'm afraid not"

"Lye ta hama vanwa se ilya"

Aragorn looked up at the speaker, frowning slightly, behind him Arwen covered her mouth with her hand. No one spoke, all eyes were fixed on the speaker, the youngest member of the party who still held onto his boyish features.

He faced Aragorn held his eye contact and spoke again: "Er korma a' hama se ilya ar' e' tel' huine nard se* She stopped when she said this and knelt on the ground. She was digging for something. I couldn't see what then she brought up her hand and her companion squealed with delight. I caught the flash of gold before she slipped into her pocket." The young man stood and stepped towards Aragorn who did react to his movement but seemed stunted at his words.

"If I have heard correctly, sire both from you and the two elves we have seen leaving Mordor I believe we are in more trouble then you can image"

Aragorn snapped out of his trance and stared at the young solider: "I will not allow them to win. Amin ta il on lle n' lle nosse**"

The solider nodded, "I hope so for their sake"

Deollyn seemed to shake himself "Oh sit down Cobryn stop scaring everyone, I haven't finished yet"

The young solider moved aside and re took his seat.
"Stupid lad" Deollyn cursed. "On our return we saw – now you won't believe this – we saw or rather heard them first on horseback riding fast and well bravely I'd say. More elves riding into Mordor quite a crowd of them, we counted eight horses"

"Gandalf" Aragorn whispered his face pale.

The days riding hard nearly none stop came to an end. Alongside Gimli, Legolas and the other elves Sam watched the horses vanish out of sight after their command to run free going where they please. Some may return to Mirkwood or travel even to Rivendell to work for the elves, some may become tamed by the Rohirrim or men of Gondor whilst some of them may choose a wild, untamed and un-catch able returning to live by insists not by command.

Gandalf spoke turning their attention back to their situation and location. "Under the cover of darkness we will climb the stairs of Cirith Ungol and into the tunnel through the mountains. We must remain silent and ever so watchful as we near the tower of Minas Morgul. The slightest noise or disturbance could be the end of this journey."

The elves nodded, their eyes tracing the mountainside.

Gandalf took a deep breath to speak again, looking suddenly very old and weary: "This is the last chance you have if you wish to turn back. Any of you how have felt the power of the Ring I urge you to turn back now, for you shake."

No one moved or spoke for several moments; Gandalf's eyes inspected them thoroughly for signs of weakness. Turning away, they set camp, silently and careful on the edge of enemy territory always watching and listening, waiting for nightfall.

Marching steadily all day the elves rested for an hour before they would go on. They did not complain they understood the need for speed. Elves can travel can march all day and night without rest. Sleep was not to recover their physically bodies as it was for men but only a luxury where their minds could venture into sweet peaceful elvish dreams.

 On the road again Elrond had not only stretched his legs but his mind now thought clearer away from the confined of Rivendell.

 The name of Cassione's sister was coming to him slowly.

"What did Cobryn say, Strider?" Merry asked studying Aragorn after the council had finished. The man was withdrawn, pale and unsettled. He could not sit still and Merry could have sworn he saw the man tremble.

"How could I forget?" he cursed himself. "How could I be so blind?"

"Forget what? Be blind to what?"

"Would Gandalf or Legolas remember? Or Thranduil anyone?"

"Strider! Tell me what is it?" Merry shouted, but still Aragorn seemed not to hear instead he continued to pace and curse himself.

"What now? It is not safe"

The door flew open and Éomer entered with Pippin alongside.

"Enlighten us of Cobryn's words Elessar! Will this bring harm to my sister?" Éomer asked.

Aragorn spun to face him: "More then just harm my friend. Much more and far worse. Forgive me, I must leave"

"Leave? Where will you go?" Éomer stood to block the door.

"I must go into Mordor"

"Why?"

"I have overlooked the obvious and must correct my mistake"

Éomer shook his head: "You do not make sense"

"Cassione has a sister"

"She does!" Pippin yelped leaping off the floor.

"She is the other elf Deollyn spoke of"

"Oh, no! She's in on the Ring!" Realization hit the hobbits harder then Éomer.

"Yes, I fear she will attack Sam's company before they can fulfil their task"

"Surely Legolas or Gandalf would remember her sister?" Merry suggested.

"I dearly hope so, though I fear not as she was a mystery, shy and hidden. Even I had forgotten her" Aragorn stared around the room feeling hopeless.

"Already Cassione has done great harm to the race of elves and her sister will follow in her footsteps"

"How can you be sure?" Éomer asked, his upper lip sweating.

"Lye ta hama vanwa se ilya means: We will rule over them all"

Darkness had covered the lands quickly, a worrying sign of Mordor's strength, the dark fingers stretching further westwards. Sam shuddered; it was time for them to move into the cursed land. He feared this route the image of Frodo lying cold and still in the darkness haunted him even when he walked merrily in the sunshine of the Shire. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, and found little comfort in Gimli's equal reaction shifting his weight from side to side, fingering his axe shaft. Even the elves seemed nervous he thought, but they did not argue following obediently behind Gandalf's lead into the darkness, into the unknown.

To Sam the path seemed more far worse to tread a second time. Above them cut into the Ephel Dúath stood the walls and tower of Minas Morgul no longer dark like many thought but was lit with an eerie light. It countless windows were black along the tower walls, but the head of the tower revolved slowly, one way then another like a huge ghostly head biting into the night sky. Some of the elves paused in their climb to look upon it, the ones behind bumping into them urging them forward with silent gestures. Sam did not look up but continued, his eyes staring at the terrain underfoot. Behind him he could hear a muttered whisper uttered from Gimli's lips and Legolas gently pushing him forwards. Those who had stopped stepped forward reluctantly as if ensnared by magic only walking onwards by the pressure of the being behind forcing them forward.

 Slowly they came to the white bridge, here the road gleamed faintly, passing over the stream in the midst of the valley; and went on, winding deviously up towards the city's gate: a black mouth opening in the outer circle of the northward walls. Wide flats lay on either bank, which filled with strange luminous pale white flowers, beautiful and yet horrible. Like demented forms in an uneasy dream; and they gave fourth a faint sickening charnel-smell; an odour of rottenness filled the air. From bank to bank the bridge lay, figures stood at its head, corrupt, cunning, foul human forms. The water flowing beneath was silent, but steaming its vapours curling and twisting around the bridge. The company's senses reeled with all that they could see, smell and feel, their skin crawling with the thick evil feel that hung in the air like a blanket. Sam felt a sudden urge to walk along the bridge towards the dark forms and surrender, too tired and exhausted to carry on, the Ring weighing him. Then he remembered Frodo's mad dash towards the tower, it scared him watching him break away without warning. It took all his and Gollum's strength to pull him back and continue to hold their path without Frodo turning away. A strong hand touched his shoulder making him jump, turning he saw Gimli nodding him to walk on, he had not realised he had stopped walking remembering Frodo's maddened state at least Gimli, Legolas , Gandalf and the other elves will be there to stop him if something should happen…

They climbed higher, darkness falling over the paths and mountains as the shinning tower and river fell behind them, so dark it was they could not see one another only hear the occasional slip on lose stones of the panted of the mortals. The overpowering stench of death faded and they were able to breathe more freely, their minds becoming clearer but leaving them exhausted the fresh aches of saddle soreness returning.

Ahead Gandalf slipped, nearly kicking Sam in the shins has he slip downwards several feet. He picked himself up after throwing a brief smile at Sam who had turned to look behind him, the glow of the tower neither fading nor becoming brighter. The silhouettes of the elves against the light made them look equally as eerie, their hair catching the light in mysterious ways.

The wizard had it seemed fallen over the first of many stairs which he now began to climb. Steep these steps were as Sam could clearly remember and broken in many places too. Tiered and struggling he crawled rather them climbed the stairs, behind Gimli followed his example, the elves reaming tall and upright taking each step with ease it seemed, their eyes wondering from side to side always checking their rear. Up and up they climbed without rest on and on digging deep pushing onwards out of fear.

 Then suddenly Gandalf stopped stepping backwards hurriedly. Through a gap in the rock lining of the valley he could see the tall black tower of Barad-dûr, with the Great Eye of Sauron watching his lands. Pressing his back against the rock wall he pressed a finger to his lips ordering for silence then he darted quickly from rock to rock attempting to avoid the Eye should it sweep the valley. The line of company followed his steps once the rear guard had fallen in Gandalf sighed lightly, the earth did not move underneath them in response. It seemed they passed across without being seen. Silently he lead them on, ducking under the overhang of the dark, long and cavernous tunnel leading into Shelob's Lair, hopping its occupier was long dead after Sam's onslaught eight years ago fighting to save his pale and cold master.

Elrond faltered in his step, his hand reaching into his deep pockets and withdraw Thranduil's letter, his hands trembling.

"Who is she? Cassione's sister? Where is she?" Éomer asked.

"I do not know where she may be. She dwelt in Mirkwood last I heard. She and Arwen were good friends and I fear she has gone with them into Mordor. If so she will betray them to their deaths and the Ring will be exchanged into its master hands" said Aragorn in fearful tone.

There! Her name glimmered there in the red ink, symbolic. Red ink, red blood – much of it would be shed soon. She would betray them and his nightmares come true.

And no one would ever suspect her, she, the King's close friend, would not hesitate to have his son killed and perhaps another attack on Mirkwood.

It made his blood chill.

Tapping his staff upon the tunnel floor Gandalf's staff glowed, throwing a dim light out into the tunnel. The flat smooth floors and walls faded into the darkness which the light failed to reach.

"Keep close" he said leading once more, the company filling in behind.

The smell of death had not lifted since Sam last entered the tunnel, the first cobwebs glittering in the staff light.

Beside Sam Gimli fingered his throwing axes at his waist and Legolas had drawn his bow, an arrow loosely notched his eyes wide and wondering. The fear of entrapment closed in around him.

"Gandalf stop!" Propfen called from behind cutting the silence and tension.

The wizard turned towards him: "I do not have the time to discuss –" he started.

Propfen cut across him: "Someone is missing"

The wizard raised his staff and counted the elves there were only six elves here not seven.

"Who is she?"

Aragorn turned to face the window facing east before speaking, her name stabbed him even though she was not here to hurt him: "Aufstand"

* = One ring to rule them all and in the darkness bind them

** = I will not fail you or your family

AN: Another long and hopefully not too confusion chapter. I know I have left a rather nasty cliff hanger but the next chapter should be up within the next two/three weeks as I have to write it and fine tune it yet – and trust me you will like it!

 Don't forget to check out my other story on at the moment called 'Decisions of the King' !

Thank you to all my reviewers, love you all!

Oh and one more thing, sorry if my elvish is a little out I don't have a very good translator thingy and I'm doing a lot of it word by word, not really the best way to do it.

 If you know of a ab-fab site where I can get instant elvish without being online to use it I would give you a hug! (and possibly if I'm feeling luck a preview of what's next to come!")

Thank you again,

Rosie

Oh and don't forget to re-read the opening seven chapters or so as I've re-written them to fit in better with the rest of the story. Plus a description of the weapon that make the elves mortal!