They had finally reached Rivendell, and the House of Elrond. Arwen had to fight off the wraiths via elvish power, but both she and Frodo were okay.

Aragorn had only recently looked out his window to see Frodo reunited with Merry, Pippin and Sam. There was laughter, merriness, and Frodo went to see Bilbo.

Aragorn sat on his bed, and Lord Elrond walked into his room. "Yes, Elrond?" he asked.

"Aragorn, son of Arathorn, heir to Elendil," he said, "Trouble has occurred."

Aragorn stared at him, and stood. "What kind of trouble?" he asked.

"The ring," he said. "The enemy is rising. Sauron has used Saruman, who has betrayed us, to breed a powerful army of Orcs. They are called the fighting Uruk-hai. They can withstand daylight, their armor is thicker, and their eyes are filled with a lust for man flesh."

"And what of Gandalf?" Aragorn asked.

"Gandalf is here," Elrond said. "Saruman imprisoned him on the Tower of Orthanc, but he in some way he won't tell us escaped. The council will meet momentarily. Be ready to come down soon."

He departed, and Aragorn put his boots on, and after a drink of cool water and some lembas bread, he came down.

Elrond was seated at a chief chair. Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin sat to the left of him, along with Gandalf, his staff broad in his hands. To the right of Elrond was a family of elves. Legolas Greenleaf was among them, and farthest right was Gimli son of Gloin, stroking his ax handle. Farthest left was Boromir of Gondor.

"The Council of Elrond has been called to order," Lord Elrond announced. "May the Ringbearer come forth and set the ring down."

In the middle of the circle of seats there was a pinnacle. Frodo marched up to it, set the ring down, and walked back to his seat.

The fate of the Ring was decided to be destroyed. "The only way is for the Ringbearer to carry it to the Cracks of Mt. Doom, where it was forged and it shall be destroyed!" Elrond proclaimed.

Frodo decided to carry the ring with his fellow hobbits at his side, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir would protect the hobbits, and Gandalf would lead the way to Mordor.

Aragorn came forth and knelt before Frodo. "If by life or death I can protect you," he said, "then I will do so."

There was one last evening before the Fellowship set out. Aragorn sat outside, and soon Arwen came out to meet him.

After burying her face in his chest, she murmured, "I will miss you, Aragorn."

He moved her head back, and her shining eyes met his. Then her soft hand touched his, and something slipped into his hand.

He opened his hand. The jewel that was about her neck lay in his palm. "I can't accept this," he said. "You keep it."

"It is mine to give," Arwen said. She moved closer to Aragorn. "Like my heart."

Aragorn fell headlong into her beauty, and wrapping his arms about her shoulders he kissed her.

The Fellowship, led by Frodo, took the path leading out of Rivendell, and soon Gandalf took the lead.

Over hills they went, and into the mountains of Ephel-Duath where wind and snow whipped their faces and large boulders cascaded near them. It was the voice of Saruman, which Gandalf pressed against.

Pretty soon they came into a cave, and into Balin's tomb. Gimli rushed inside and wept fiercely. His hands pushed on top of his ax, he cried. Then they heard the loud shrills of Orcs.

Aragorn and Legolas slammed the doors shut, and sealed them. Then they drew their bows and aimed arrows at the doors.

Gandalf drew Glamdring, Sam, Merry, and Pippin drew their swords, Frodo drew Sting, and Boromir drew his sword. Gimli shouted and drew his ax back, preparing a stance.

The doors couldn't hold back, and Orcs poured inside. Arrows showered them, and the Fellowship fought hard, and then a giant ogre crashed inside.

Legolas shot arrows at the legs, and Aragorn put his bow away. He took his long sword out and hacked at its ankles. Merry, Sam and Pippin jumped on top of its head and stabbed.

Gandalf participated in the fighting, and Frodo made a try at the fighting, but the ogre lunged at him and wheeled away.

Ever faithful Sam leapt out at the monster and hewed at its grey, broad ankles. Gashes ripped open and blood streamed out, as Aragorn and company fought the Orcs.

Aragorn thought tenderly of his last night at the House of Elrond and his thoughts were interrupted as he stopped an Orc's scimitar flailing at him. Boromir hurled a dagger into the throat of an Orc tearing after Merry and Pippin.

Legolas and Gimli teamed against a group of shouting Orcs and Gandalf threw like shining blue clouds at some Orcs, and ran them through with Glamdring.

The ogre defeated, they ran to the bridge of Khazad-dum and a great Balrog emerged from the darkness. Armed with a glowing white whip of several thongs and a large demonic Moria blade, it attacked them.

Gandalf stood his ground and his staff shone like bright blue crystals of light. Glamdring gleamed in the radiance, and he slammed it into the ground.

The bridge crumbled beneath the creature's massive feet, and it tumbled to doom. Then its whip curled around Gandalf, sending him hurtling downward. Their leader gone and defeated, they fled from the cavern as Orc arrows showered their footsteps.