In Dreams Chapter 5
Rose G
Gandalf and the other wakers never noticed Frodo's dream; even faithful Sam was occupied with his own thoughts.
Frodo stepped forwards, one pace and then another until he had advanced about a mile. Black mountains towered behind him; mountains of the shape of those around Rivendell, hills like those in the Shire. A wind, somehow black and dank blew down from them and howled not of death but of enslavement beyond the reach of time. Horrors beyond the imagination of Melkor.
He began to hurry, increasing the length of his strides rather than his speed. The terrible, awesome image of Mordor bathed in shadowless light drew him on against his will.
Behidn Frodo, others followed, calling to him, begging him. Aragorn, grim faced and bloodstained demanded his birthright. 'Mine, mine! My precious, by Isildur's hand!' and Boromir echoed his words. Legolas, fair face marked by the pallor of death reminded his companions of his death in Rohan. Gimli, Merry and Pippin swayed as they walked, ready to drink their own blood for liquid during this endless march.
'No! I must – I must return the Ring to Sauron! You cannot stop me.' Frodo shouted to them.
Sam wept as he collapsed, too weak to walk. 'Master, please stop. You are killing them – all of them. Strider and Merry and Pip. Don't you care?'
'I must give the Ring to him. He will heal them all; he can conquer death and come to rule.'
Gandalf or Saraman or sometimes both were there; Gandalf riding a black horse whose ribs cut through its tattered coat. The wizard begged for forgiveness, for rest and Frodo denied it.
As they drew nearer to Mordor, he called out and the Nine were there; each walking beside one member of the Fellowship and Frodo knelt to offer the Ring to a no longer incorporate spirit who exalted himself above even Manwë. And Frodo, the hobbit from the Shire shared in that glory as his companions fell to dust.
The taste of that was sweet, and Frodo did not wake; instead luxuriating in the security brought by the deaths of his challengers.
