Oh yeah, This chapter has been heavily re-awesome-ized, Baby! Made much longer, with unnecsarry parts thrown away and a lot more detail crammed into the council scene. I hope you guys enjoy it and please please please leave a review?

On with the tale! Allons-y!

Disclaimer- This is the last time I'll bother to add this. I'm not Rick or Tolkien

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Gandalf

"Are you sure, Gandalf? This is grievous news indeed." Elrond observed. They sat on one of the balconies overlooking the magnificent valley. Gandalf had arrived just days ago, looking exhausted, only few hours after Frodo had arrived. There had been not much time to talk, as Elrond had to tend to a delirious Frodo's wounds. For almost three days, they had kept a vigil by his bedside, trying their best to cleanse the wound of the darkness. Only last night had they been able to finally locate the shard and draw it out, destroying it immediately. The fever had broken, and it seemed as if Frodo had his first peaceful sleep in days. Only now had the two friends been able to find time to exchange news.

Gandalf nodded wearily, drawing deep on his pipe. "Indeed. We trusted him, and he was deep in all our councils."

Elrond sighed. "It is perilous to study too deeply the arts of the enemy, whether for good or for ill." He turned to Gandalf inquisitively. "how then did you escape Orthanc? Saruman has always been thorough. How did you escape his grasp?"

Chuckling slightly, Gandalf called to mind the events of five days ago.

Gandalf sat against one of the four black spires, trying to get some rest. Two days had passed since he had discovered Saruman's treachery and faced him. Two days since he had been defeated and lain helpless atop Isengard. A cold wind blew across the tower, and Gandalf shivered, his rags doing nothing to stop the cold from reaching his body. He sighed, knowing he had no other choice. "nárë" he whispered.

A small red glow emanated from his left hand, on his finger. Gandalf brought his hand close to his body, feeling the warmth from Narya wash over his body, soothing his bruises and cuts and giving him relief from the biting wind. He had to use the Elven Ring of Fire sparingly, though. It would not do to advertise the fact that he had it, as Sauron was searching hard for it as well.

Clang! The sound came from the trapdoor on the roof. Gandalf hurriedly extinguished the light of Narya with a whispered command, just as the top of Saruman's head cleared the trapdoor. "Well, Gandalf…" Saruman sneered as he looked upon Gandalf's pathetic form.

Gandalf raised his head. "Leave, Saruman. There is nothing for you here, and there will never be."

Saruman growled lightly, and raised two staffs in the air. Gandalf found himself lifted off the stone again by the force and groaned. Not again…He was thrown forcefully against another of the spires. "The friendship of Sauron is not lightly thrown aside, Gandalf. Since you have refused to aid me willingly, it seems I will have to turn to more…heavy means."

Gandalf was about to reply, when he felt a sudden gust overhead. Behind Saruman, unseen by him, a form swooped past. Sudden hope soared in him, and he smiled.

Saruman did not like him smiling. He was lifted off again, and thrown almost to the edge of the tower. Gandalf gave a groan as his bones complained yet again at the treatment. "One ill turn deserves another, Gandalf!" Saruman snarled. Before Gandalf could fall, Saruman lifted him and threw him back to the centre of the tower. "Embrace the power of the Ring or embrace your own destruction." He warned.

Gandalf groaned as he painfully got to his feet, but he was still smiling slightly. "There is only one Lord of the Ring." He retorted. "And he does not share power." So saying, he ran and leapt of the edge of the tower, trusting. His faith was not in vain, as he landed on the feathery back on one of his trusted friends. He smiled and placed a hand on the eagle's neck. "Gwaihir."

"Gandalf." Gwaihir the Windlord greeted him in turn, and soared back up, wheeling around the tower. Gandalf saw Saruman glaring at them, hatred in his eyes and both staffs lifted.

As if reading his mind, Gwaihir turned and suddenly dived at Saruman, talons outstretched, causing him to give a cry and jump out of the way. Gwaihir's talons closed around Gandalf's staff as it fell, and then they soared away into the direction of Rohan. "Thank you, Gwaihir." Gandalf said.

"It is no trouble, Istari." Gwaihir replied. Gwaihir was the King of the Eagles of the Misty Mountains, who had become a friend of Gandalf's nearly sixty years ago. Gandalf had saved him from an arrow wound, and in return, Gwaihir and his kin had rescued Gandalf and some dwarves from a fiery situation years later. They trusted each other completely.

"How did you know to come?" Gandalf asked.

"The moth you sent found his way to Radagast the Brown, who then contacted the Eagles. I came to offer my assistance, and Manwe has provided a swift and warm current to speed me on my way. Where do you need to be, Gandalf?"

"I need to make all haste for Rivendell of the elves, but you cannot fly that far with me on your back. Alight instead in Edoras of Rohan, where I may be able to purchase a swift steed." Gandalf replied.

"As you wish, friend." Gwaihir spread his magnificent wings against the moon, and rode a swift current towards the Golden Hall.

The tale brought a small smile to Elrond's face, but then the grim reality of the situation returned to them. "It seems that the days grow darker, my friend. Our list of allies are thinning, while Sauron's power grows as one of our most trusted allies turn to him."

Gandalf frowned. "His treachery runs deeper than you know." At Elrond's worried glance, he continued. "By foul craft he has crossed orcs with goblin men. He is breeding an army in the caverns of Isengard. An army that can move by sunlight. He is exerting all his power to search for the ring."

Elrond stood up, looking over Rivendell. "The Ring cannot stay here, Gandalf. This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the elves. We do not have the strength to fight both Mordor and Isengard." Suddenly, as if on an impulse, he asked. "how is the hobbit?"

Gandalf furrowed his eyebrows. "His strength returns. I have hopes that he might awaken today." Suddenly, he understood, and his face darkened. "No, Elrond. That burden was never his to bear. We can ask no more of him."

Elrond gave a noncommittal shrug. "who, then, shall carry it? Who shall we turn to? My people, as you know, are waning. The age of the elves is fading. Soon we shall go over the sea. The dwarves still stay in the caverns, seeking their own treasure. Who, Gandalf?"

Gandalf leant on his staff. "It is in men we must place our hope."

"Men!" Elrond turned away dismissively, even angrily. "Men are weak. The race of men is failing. It is because of Men that the Ring survives. Do you not remember Isildur, my friend? On that day, where evil could have been destroyed, three thousand years ago." His eyes were far away, reliving that fateful day. "I was there when the strength of men failed. It should have ended that day, but evil was allowed to endure. Men are weak." He spat.

Gandalf placed a calming hand on Elrond's shoulders. "Perhaps not all men are. By your own account, it was youths of the race of men that ensured Frodo's safe arrival."

Elrond turned. "Yes, Gandalf, I have been meaning to discuss it with you." He sat back down on the carved wooden chair, steeping his fingers. "Arwen has spoken to me of them. She told me of impossible deeds, of raising the waters of the River Bruinen, of sending lances of lightning upon the wraiths." He chuckled slightly. "Are you certain that they are merely from the race of men?"

Gandalf's eyes widened at this. "Control over the elements? How is this possible?" He wondered aloud.

Elrond shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine, my friend."

"Perhaps…the Rings? Control over the water could be achieved by means of Nenya. Has there been any word from the Golden Wood of this? Lightning? Vilya does grant power over the air…" Gandalf's thoughts were racing.

"Gandalf, Gandalf." Elrond held up his hands. "Calm yourself! Vilya is safe" He passed a hand over his fingers, as if removing an illusion, and Gandalf perceived the Elven Ring of Air, marked by the clear diamond , resting on Elrond's finger. "There has been no word from Lothlorien, and so we must assume that Nenya is kept safe. And Narya is, of course, safe, I take it?"

Gandalf held up his own finger, revealing Narya, the Elven Ring of Fire, marked with a ruby. The same ring he had used to warm himself in Orthanc. "What explanation do you have, Elrond?"

"They claimed to be wizards, Gandalf. Wizards."

"They are not Istari, of that it is certain." Gandalf mused. "Could they be lying?"

Elrond frowned slightly. "I detected no lie in what they said, though I could sense they were withholding something. They do not feel foul, though, so I allowed them to stay."

Speaking of rings…Gandalf sighed as he remembered their plight. Elrond, too, seemed to have remembered their original topic. "We seemed to have gotten slightly of course." He smiled wryly. "We need to decide what will happen to the Ring."

"Yes, I think you should call a Council, Elrond. A council with all the representatives of Middle Earth."

Elrond's face was grim. "Time is of the essence, Gandalf. I do not think we have the time to call a council. There would be too much time wasted in waiting for all to arrive."

They were both startled by a series of sharp knocks on the door. Glorfindel, one of the elves that lived in Rivendell hurried in with a message. "Lord Elrond, there are newcomers into the valley."

Elrond stood up sharply, glancing at Gandalf almost suspiciously. Gandalf shrugged, but his eyes were twinkling. "Who is it?" Elrond demanded.

"Men, my lord. One is Boromir, son of Denethor the steward of Gondor. The other is Legolas son of Thranduil of the Mirkwood elves. And I can see dwarves in the distance, my lord."

Elrond turned to Gandalf, his eyes slightly accusing, though with a twinkle of mirth. "Did you plan this, old friend?"

Gandalf stood up too, laughing into his beard. "No, not me, old friend. But you should remember that Sauron is not the only force in Middle Earth. There are perhaps others. Others that cannot interfere directly, but may yet be aiding our cause."

Elrond's eyes widened slightly. "You mean…?"

Gandalf laughed again, walking out of the room. "Call a Council, my friend. Make it tomorrow, perhaps. I shall be going to see how Frodo is doing."

Elrond chuckled quietly as he left. "You never fail to surprise me, old friend." He called out after him. "Never." He then walked off to make preparations for the council. Gandalf waved him off, still smiling, and walked into Frodo's room.

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Frodo

Frodo woke and found himself lying in bed. At first he thought that he had slept late, after a long unpleasant dream that still hovered on the edge of memory. Or perhaps he had been ill? But the ceiling looked strange; it was arched, and it had dark beams richly carved with leaves and vines. He lay a little while longer looking at patches of sunlight on the wall, and listening to the sound of a waterfall. His shoulder was feeling pleasantly cool, and there was something wrapped around it. He smelt the distinctive smell of pipe weed in the air. "where am I?" He wondered aloud.

"You are in the House of Elrond, and it is ten o clock in the morning on October the 24th, if you want to know" A very familiar voice said.

"Gandalf!"

Frodo tried to sit up, but Gandalf firmly put a hand on his chest, shaking his head. "Yes" He said. "I am here, and you are lucky to be here, too, after all the absurd things you have done since you left home." He shook his head, chuckling lightly. His face then turned serious and he took a long draw on his pipe. "Yes, you are lucky. A few more hours and you would have been beyond our aid. But you have some strength in you, my dear hobbit."

Frodo lay back, too peaceful and comfortable to argue, and in any case he did not think he would have got the better of the argument. He flushed slightly as the memory of his 'absurd' actions came back to him. The disastrous 'short cut' through the Old Forest, having to be rescued by Tom Bombadil; the 'accident' at the Prancing Pony, which had drawn the Ringwraiths to them; And his madness in putting on the Ring at Weathertop. At length, he spoke again. "Where's Sam? And are the others all right?"

"Yes, they are all safe and sound. Sam was here until I sent him off to get some rest, about an hour ago."

"What happened at the Ford, Gandalf?" Frodo asked. A flash of memory came back. A horse, an elf. A river. Wraiths. Four forms that shone in the in the Twilight world. The river rising. Water everywhere. He shook his head as he came back to reality.

"Yes, it would." Gandalf mused. "You were beginning to fade. The wound was overcoming you at last. You were very fortunate to have made it here in time, all thanks to Arwen's speed and the timely intervention of Perseus and his friends. But I think your strength also had something to do with it. You have much strength, as you showed in the Barrow."

"How do you know about the barrow? I told no one of it."

"You have talked long in your sleep, Frodo." Gandalf chuckled. "And do not worry! Though I said 'absurd' just now, I did not mean it. I think well of you and of the others. It is no small feat to have come so far, and through such dangers, still bearing the Ring."

"So what did happen at the Ford? Who is this 'Perseus'? And most importantly, where were you, Gandalf? Why didn't you meet us?" Frodo felt fit to burst with all the questions he had.

A shadow seemed to pass over Gandalf's face. "I was delayed, Frodo."

Frodo frowned. "I wish you would tell me what had happened!"

Gandalf laughed. "All in good time, Frodo. All in good time. There is to be a secret council tomorrow, where you shall know all. Remember, though, it is secret. Do not even tell Sam, and for Eru's sake, do not tell your two cousins!"

Frodo grinned slightly. "Can't you at least tell me what happened last night?

Gandalf relented slightly. "It was then when the cursed tip of the blade was finally found in your shoulder, and carefully extracted by Lord Elrond. It was deeply buried, and working its way inward all the time. Left alone, it would have turned you into a wraith. Again, I say you are strong, Frodo Baggins, for withstanding the tip for nearly two weeks before it was extracted. I have known strong warriors who would have been overcome in days. Now, you really should get some rest. Last night has been trying on you."

"Alright, Gandalf." Frodo yawned, suddenly feeling tired once more. "See you later…"

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When he next awoke, he found the room full of people. There was a face right in front of his, studying it. "AAARGH!" He screamed.

The girl – he now saw it was one of the Big people – shrieked too, jerking backwards at once. Around the room, four hobbits and three more of the big people jumped as one. Frodo groaned, sitting up slowly and looking around the room. Suddenly one of the hobbits leapt unto his bed. It was Sam! "bless you Mr. Frodo, you're awake!"

Somebody chuckled, a familiar and well-loved voice. "Sam has hardly left your side since you arrived." Bilbo walked up to the bed, smiling widely. Frodo let go of Sam and hugged his beloved uncle tight. He chuckled again. "Hello, Frodo, my lad."

Frodo pulled back and looked around the room. Merry and Pippin then took that moment to run up to him and pull him into furious hugs too. Then they sat back and introduced him to the four big people in the room. There were two boys, the older was named Percy and the younger Nico; and two girls, named Thalia and Annabeth. The one who's face he had encountered as he woke was Thalia. Pippin said that they were visitors from a distant land who had never seen a hobbit before. They each waved as they were introduced.

Frodo noticed Annabeth was reading a red book which looked very familiar. Turning to his uncle, he nodded towards the book. "Is that…?"

Bilbo chuckled. "Yes, Frodo. That is my book. Annabeth, would you mind showing my nephew that book for a moment?"

Annabeth smiled, handing it over. "Of course not! I must say, Mr Baggins, you certainly had an amazing adventure. I'm at the part with the wargs."

Bilbo grinned. "Just you wait till you get to the part with the spiders."

Annabeth's face paled dramatically. "Spiders?!"

Frodo and Bilbo laughed at her expression, then Frodo looked at the title of the book. There and Back Again, A Hobbit's Tale. The first page read 'In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit…' Frodo smiled fondly. "That was the part you were writing twenty years ago, wasn't it? When you sent me off to nail that sign on the gate. You said it was 'private, and get your sticky paws off'" They both smiled at the memory. Frodo flipped through the beautifully detailed maps and drawings. "This is wonderful, Bilbo."

Pippin grinned. "Not as wonderful as our journeys, eh Frodo?"

Merry nudged him. "What are you so cheerful about? All I remember was a lot of walking and walking and not enough food." The room filled with laughter.

Pippin shrugged. "Hey, it seems impossible, somehow, to feel gloomy or depressed in this place. I feel like singing all the time!" He drew in a deep breath and prepared to sing."O! To –" Sam quickly clapped his hand over Pippin's mouth. "Oi!" Came a muffled shout.

Frodo snickered at their antics. "I feel like singing myself, though at the moment I feel more like eating and drinking!"

"Hear, hear!" Percy agreed, chuckling.

Pippin shoved Sam's hand away from his mouth. "Well. That is easily cured! You have shown your usual cunning in getting up just in time for a meal."

"more than a meal! A feast!" Merry cheered. "Many guests have arrived today, and heavenly smells have been drifting out from the kitchen all day! I think I have been chased out of the kitchen about five times this morning. Now come! Time for a feast!"

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Annabeth

Since their first night in Rivendell, and Percy telling them about his dream vision, Annabeth had spent most of her hours in the library, reading every history book she could find and poring over maps of this 'Middle Earth'. From Percy's dream, she now knew they were in another world entirely. Parallel world or alternate universe or another world entirely? Her mind wondered briefly before dismissing it. That question would take forever to solve.

Arwen had been a great friend in the few days they had been here. Annabeth in particular struck up a great friendship with her, since both of them spent their time in the library. Arwen had assisted her a lot in locating those books she was looking for. Speaking of which, they had tried to find out more about this land, in particular trying to find out about this 'fellowship' Lorien had mentioned. Ah, yes, Lorien. Annabeth had found an enlightening book detailing the creation of Middle Earth by a being named Eru Iluvatar, who had literally sung the universe into existence, and creating guardian spirits to protect the land. They became known as the Valar, the guardians of Middle Earth. It had been an extremely engaging tale, of how one of the Valar had broken away and corrupted or destroyed all that was good, including the Two Trees and the three Silmarils, and how the people of Middle Earth had fought to get them back. Morgoth, the traitor, had been defeated by the combined strength of the rest of the Valar and imprisoned forever. Among the names of the Valar, there was Irmo, also known as Lorien, Master of Dreams and Visions. His description in the book fitted what Percy had said he looked like.

"Annabeth!" Percy ran into the room, screeching to a halt and smiling sheepishly at the glare Annabeth shot him. "Annabeth, we have to go. Elrond has called for a council. A secret council, and apparently we're invited!"

Annabeth raised an eyebrow curiously, quickly inserting a bookmark into the page she was at and stowing the book away. "Where?"

"In one of the courtyards. Come on. I have the feeling that this is going to be very important." Percy nodded a quick greeting to Arwen, then pulled Annabeth out of the room.

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"Strangers of distant lands, friends of old, you have been summoned to answer the threat of Mordor."

Annabeth sat between Percy and Thalia on a circle of seats, with Nico sitting on Percy's left. There was a circle of seats surrounding a stump, and in each seat there seemed to be a different representative of each race. As Elrond started speaking of Sauron and the Rings of Power, of which she already knew, she slipped unconsciously into an old habit, she stared intensely at each of them, analyzing everything. Boromir, the steward of Gondor. She remembered seeing the city of Gondor on the map. He was a large, strong man, with brown hair and a brown beard. He carried himself with pride. Two dwarves, an old stocky dwarf called Gloin and Gimli his son. Annabeth had already pegged them down as stubborn and impulsive. For the elves, Elrond, with his ageless face and old eyes, and Legolas, a wood elf with long golden hair and bright blue eyes. Thalia had snickered and called him 'goldilocks', and Annabeth had to smack her and Percy to get them to shut up. There were also some other elves, members of Elrond's household. And there was the Aragorn, the Ranger. Annabeth had heard he was the True King of Gondor, Isildur's heir from Arwen. Annabeth had suspected something was going on between Aragorn and Arwen, and Percy claimed he had seen them talking and kissing on a bridge last night.

Another strange character was Gandalf. An old man with a grey pointy hat and a long flowing beard. So this was a wizard, thought Annabeth. She was also pretty sure it had been his voice they heard when Lorien had called them. He seemed very old and very wise, though she could sense there was power as well. Lastly, there were the hobbits. A strange little man, smaller than a dwarf, yet as old as an adult. Frodo was a young hobbit with a child's face and blue eyes. He looked bewildered by everything that was going on. Beside him sat Bilbo, his uncle, and he held Frodo's hand as if to reassure him.

She was interrupted in her observations when Nico nudged her and subtly pointed to the pillars of the house behind them. She grinned as she saw the two prankster hobbits, Merry and Pippin hiding and eavesdropping. She had also noticed that a plant in the flowerbed would move occasionally, inclining towards the source of the speaker's voices. She suspected it was the other hobbit, Frodo's servant, also eavesdropping. Were all hobbits this inquisitive?

Turning back to Elrond, who was still speaking, Annabeth focused again on his words. He was now speaking of the Last Alliance of Men and Elves, where Gil Galad the Elvenking and Elendil the King of Gondor had marched against Sauron. He told of how Elendil was slain by Sauron, and how Isildur his son had risen and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, almost literally. But then everything had went wrong. Instead of destroying the Ring, as he should have, Isildur had taken the Ring for his own, and it proved to be his undoing many years later. "And so the One Ring passed out of knowledge, and we thought it lost. But we are in peril once more, for to our sorrow the One has been found. Others shall speak of it's finding, for in that I played a small part.

Before that, though, Gloin of the dwarves introduced himself, and spoke of a dark horseman riding into Erebor and Dain, asking for a hobbit and a Ring. The servant of Sauron had pressed them insistently, interrogating them for the whereabouts of a ring, a 'trifle which Sauron fancies'. Finally, Dain had sent them to Rivendell to seek aid.

Then Boromir stood up and introduced himself. He told of a dark power rising again in Mordor, of smoke pouring again from Orodruin, also known as Mount Doom. He told of a dark presence in the form of a dark horseman that spread fear being seen in the lands. Involuntarily, Annabeth shivered. She had seen those horsemen for herself only a few days ago. Boromir then told of a dream, in which he had heard the words spoken repeatedly.

"Seek for the Sword that was Broken,

In Imladris it dwells,

There shall be counsel given,

Stronger than Morgul spells;

There shall be shown a token,

That Doom is near at hand,

For Isildur's Bane shall awaken,

And the Halfling forth shall stand."

"Oh, great." Nico whispered. "Another prophecy."

Annabeth rolled her eyes and started trying to analyze the riddle. She knew that this place was also called Imladris, and Nico had reported seeing a broken sword displayed in one of the halls. Counsel was, of course, what a council is for, and the halflings were another name for the hobbits. Isildur's Bane? What could that be?

Aragorn then stood. "Here its meaning shall be made clear, Boromir. You have seen the Sword that was Broken. In the days that come, I shall wield it in aid of Gondor."

Boromir turned. "Who are you. And what have you to do with Minas Tirith…Ranger?" He asked incredulously.

Legolas stood up angrily. "He is no mere ranger! He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance."

Boromir gave Aragorn a second look and said in a voice of quiet disbelief. 'This? This is Isildur's heir?"

Legolas nodded. "And heir to the throne of Gondor."

Boromir retreated slightly, though doubt still flickered in his eyes. Suddenly Bilbo, the hobbit beside Frodo stirred and stood, bursting out.

"All that is gold does not glitter

Not all those who wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither,

Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,

A light from the shadows shall spring;

Renewed shall be the blade that was broken,

The crownless shall again be King."

He sat down with a snort.

Annabeth's eyes were wide with wonder. "Did you make that up yourself?" She couldn't help asking.

Bilbo looked surprised, and blushed modestly. "As a matter of fact, I did." He grinned at her.

Boromir continued to study Aragorn. "Gondor has no king." He muttered, returning to his seat. "Gondor needs no king." He stared at Aragorn disdainfully. Obviously, he was jealous. Perhaps he felt threatened, Annabeth observed.

Aragorn frowned slightly, but his voice was placating. "For my part I forgive your doubt, Boromir. Little do I reseble the figures of Elendil and Isildur as they stand carven in the halls of Denethor. I am but a heir of Isildur, not Isildur himself. I have led a hard life, and long. For years I have led the Dunedan, defending the people against dark terrors that have slipped past Minas Tirith. For years we have received less thanks than you. But now the world is changing once again. Isildur's bane is found. Battle is at hand. The Sword shall be reforged, and I shall come to Minas Tirith." Boromir nodded slightly, but otherwise gave no other reply.

Gandalf then spoke. "Bring out the Ring, Frodo. The time has come. Hold it up, and everyone will understand the remainder of the riddle."

A hush fell upon the council. Frodo hesitantly stood up, walked over to the stump, and placed a ring on it. A simple gold band, without any markings, yet Annabeth suddenly had a strange sensation of wanting it, wanting to grab it. She shook herself out of it. She had experienced this feeling before, in the Sea of Monsters, when the sirens had tempted her. Now that she was focused, she recognized the evil of the ring, reaching out to tempt the members of the council.

Elrond then called upon Bilbo to tell of how he came across the Ring. Bilbo stood, smiling, and with a true storyteller's air recounted his adventures with the company of Thorin Oakenshield, and how they had come into the caverns of the Misty Mountains, and what he had found there. Annabeth had read all of this before in his book, but she also was drawn into Bilbo's storytelling. She particularly enjoyed the exchange of riddles between Bilbo and the creature Gollum, and Bilbo did not omit a single riddle. He spoke of finding the Ring in the dark and using it to escape from Gollum, to Annabeth's (and Gloin's) surprise. The book had stated that the Ring had been Bilbo's reward for winning the riddle game. When Bilbo had finished his tale, he cast a sidelong glance at Gloin and Annabeth. "If some had heard me tell this story otherwise, I beg them to forgive and forget. I only wished to claim the treasure as my own in those days, and to be rid of the name of thief that was put on me. But perhaps I understand things a little better now."

Then, far less enthusiastically than Bilbo, Frodo stood and told of his dealings from the day it passed into his keeping. He told of Hobbiton, and his trip to Rivendell. He told them how the Ringwraiths had started to pursue them from the very first day, their short detour into the Old Forest, his 'accident' at the inn and Aragorn (or Strider as he called him) taking them away. The Ringwraiths had followed them to a hill called Weathertop, and there he had been wounded. He confessed he did not remember any further.

It was then Gandalf's turn to speak, and he told them all that he knew of the Ring. When Bilbo had acquired it, he had grown worried and travelled to Minas Tirith to find out more about it, and how he had later travelled with Aragorn, tracked down Gollum and captured he had learned was what he had feared. He had hurried back to Frodo, and there his worst fears were confirmed, as words were found engraved upon the Ring. "Ash nazg durbatuluk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatuluk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul" The sky darkened, and the wizard's voice suddenly changed to become menacing, powerful, harsh as stone. The words were unnaturally harsh, and hurt Annabeth's ears, and her friends too. Gimli gave a horrified shout, and Elrond and Legolas covered their ears in pain.

"None before has any voice dared to utter words of that tongue in Imladris, Gandalf the Grey." Elrond breathed, horrified and angered.

"And let us hope that none will ever speak of it here again." Gandalf answered. "For soon the black speech may yet be heard in every corner of the West. This is the Ring, my friends. Those were the words the Smiths of Eregion heard, and knew that they had been betrayed. 'One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them. One Ring to bring them all and in the Darkness bind them.' There is no doubt. The Ring is altogether evil."

He then gravely informed them of the betrayal of one of the Istari, or wizards, and how he had been captured and delayed. He had managed to escape only days ago, riding on the wings of Gwaihir the Windlord, and he had made all haste for Rivendell.

"Wait." Percy suddenly spoke, causing all to turn to him. "Gandalf…you spoke of this…Gollum. What happened to him?"

Aragorn answered him. "He is in prison. We gave him over to the elves of Mirkwood to watch over, as he could have worked much mischief if he were free."

"Alas, Aragorn, the news I bring must now be told."Legolas stood, sighing. "Smeagol, who is also called Gollum, has escaped."

"Escaped?" Aragorn cried. "That is ill news indeed. How came the folk of Thranduil to fail in their trust?"

"Not through lack of watchfulness, but perhaps through over-kindliness. We had not the heart to keep him ever in dungeons under the earth, where he would fall back into his old black thoughts." Legolas confessed.

Gloin snorted. "You were less tender to me." Nico snickered slightly at that.

Legolas ignored him and swiftly told them of how Gollum had aid from the orcs, and how he ahd been sent to tell of this news.

Elrond sighed, bringing the council back to their original point of discussion. "So there is no doubt that this is the One Ring forged by Sauron. The question that remains is what to do with it."

Thalia frowned. "Can't we just hide it from him?"

Elrond shook his head. "Unfortunately not. We do not have the strength to hide it from him forever."

"Then the path is clear" Legolas remarked. "Either to destroy it or get rid of it forever. Perhaps by tossing it into the sea."

Annabeth did not miss the way Percy's eyes lit up at the mention of the sea and chuckled slightly. But then Percy shook his head. "If I may speak, I don't think that is an option. Things that fall into the sea may not be lost forever. I know the sea better than any other, and I know there are some who live in the sea who may come across it, and they're not necessarily the good guys."

"Thank you, Perseus." Elrond nodded. "The boy speaks truly. There is only one course left. The Ring must be destroyed."

Gimli stood up. "Then what are we waiting for?" he raised his axe and smashed it into the ring with gusto. The results were spectacular. There was a tremendous crack, and he flew back to his seat, winded. His axe lay on the table, shattered. Yep, impulsive, just as I guessed. She noticed that Frodo jerked upright, then slumped, touching his temple. Gandalf looked at him with concern.

Elrond sighed. "the ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli son of Gloin, by any craft we possess. It was made in the fires of Mount Doom., only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor to be cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this." He finished, looking around at the council.

"I do not understand all this." Boromir spoke again. "Saruman is a traitor, but did he not have a glimpse of wisdom? Why do you speak ever of hiding and destroying?" There was a strange light in his eyes now. "It is a gift," he continued "a gift to the foes of Mordor!" he stood up. "Why not use this Ring? Long has my father the Steward of Gondor kept the forces of Mordor at our blood are the lands of your people kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him!"

Annabeth frowned slightly. Didn't he get it? The ring was evil! It practically radiated evil!

Aragorn reprimanded him "You cannot wield it! None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone." All around the council, heads were nodding, Annabeth included. Reluctantly, Boromir frowned. "So be it. But let me warn you, one does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. And the great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly!" Annabeth kept herself from letting out an exasperated sigh.

Percy groaned & whispered to Annabeth. "Doesn't this guy ever shut up?" She snickered.

Legolas stood indignantly. "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed!"

Gimli leapt to his feet. "And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?" he asked angrily.

"And if we fail, what then? What happens when Sauron takes what is his?" Boromir added for good measure. Annabeth took in the situation nervously. This could be trouble.

Gimli yelled, "I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an elf!" causing mass chaos as everyone stood and started arguing. Annabeth groaned. If this was the last hope of the people of Middle Earth, they were doomed.

Gimli yelled again, "Never trust an elf!" Legolas jumped him and they started to argue loudly.

Gandalf tried to stop the chaos. "Do you not understand? While we bicker among ourselves, Sauron's power grows! You will all be destroyed! Your homes burnt and your family put to the sword!" Unfortunately, it only added to the chaos going on.

Just as Annabeth was going to ask Percy to douse them all to cool them off, a clear voice cut through the chaos. "I will take it…I will take it. I will take the Ring to Mordor!" said Frodo Baggins. Annabeth saw Gandalf close his eyes, as if what he had desired yet feared had happened. The hobbit then added, "Though… I do not know the way." She had to be impressed at the courage of the young hobbit.

Gandalf strode forward and put his hands reassuringly on Frodo's shoulders. " I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear."

Aragorn also had stood. "If, by my life or death, I can protect you, I will." He knelt before the young hobbit. "You have my sword."

Legolas came over. "And you have my bow."

The dwarf had also come forward. "And my axe!" He proclaimed.

Percy snickered and whispered to the other demigods. "Yeah, his axe, which he just broke five minutes ago." Annabeth had to fight very hard not to smile.

Boromir stood and looked at Frodo. "You carry the fate of us all, little one." He looked towards Elrond. "If it is the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done."

Percy also stood, and Annabeth with him. Thalia and Nico also stood, their weapons materializing in their hands for dramatic effect. "We too will go with you, Frodo." Frodo smiled slightly at them.

Aragorn studied Percy. "I cannot ask of you to do this, my friend, as you have no obligation in this matter, but I cannot deny that my heart shall be glad to have you with us."

"Wait!" Boromir spoke. Annabeth started fingering her knife. This man's attitude was seriously getting on her nerves. "I have just realized. All on this council have introduced themselves, yet you remain unknown. Who are you, and what is your part in this matter?"

Percy's eyes narrowed. "I am Percy Jackson, and these are my best friends. Annabeth Chase, Nico di Angelo and Thalia Grace. We are here to help Frodo with his mission."

Annabeth walked to his side, also staring down the big man. "And do not make the mistake of underestimating us, Boromir." She held up her knife. "We are not mere children. We have seen things that you could not possibly imagine. We have fought wars. Do not underestimate us." To her satisfaction, Boromir backed away. Percy grinned at her and they shared a short fistbump.

"Yeah, what he said" Thalia grinned, while Nico nodded and displayed his Stygian Iron sword. Everyone looked duly impressed. The four of them gathered around Frodo as well. That made nine of them, but somehow Annabeth suspected there would be a lot more.

Frodo looked awed to see the greatest of Middle Earth standing beside him. His blue eyes were wide with astonishment and awe.

Annabeth looked at Percy and raised a fist. She slowly extended a finger and mouthed. "One, Two…"

"Three." The plant which Annabeth had been monitoring gave a yell. "Master Frodo's not going anywhere without me!" Sam, Frodo's servant, popped out of the flowerbed, brushing the dirt off himself, and made a run straight for Frodo.

Percy looked at Annabeth with surprise and admiration. She smirked back at him. Annabeth had to laugh at Elrond's face. He looked both shocked and amused at the same time. "No…Indeed. It seems impossible to separate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not." He observed dryly. Sam grinned with pride.

Another noise, and the other two hobbits ran out from behind the pillar. "Oi! We're coming too! You'll have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!"

Elrond's face was priceless. Percy smirked. "I think he's actually considering it."

"Anyway, you need people of intelligence for this mission…quest…thing." Added Pippin.

Nico rolled his eyes. "Well that certainly rules him out, doesn't it?" He whispered.

"Well that rules you out, Pip." Laughed Merry.

Elrond looked resigned to the craziness of hobbits. He took a step back. "Thirteen companions. An unlucky number it is true." The Companions stared at each other. Uh,oh. Then Elrond added, "Yet, I feel in my heart that this is the right thing to do." The companions breathed a sigh of relief. "You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring." He proclaimed.

"Great!" said Pippin. Annabeth smiled at the excitable hobbit. The hobbit gave everyone a wide innocent smile. "Where are we going?" Annabeth's jaw dropped, while Percy facepalmed. Nico burst into a guffaw while Thalia shook her head in despair. Everyone looked at Pippin like Seriously?.

Percy voiced the thought running through everyone's heads. "We're doomed."

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I'm really hoping that you guys leave a review telling me what you liked about this updated version! It feels like no one is reading, you know. Anyway, next I will be working on the new chapter.

Please leave a review! Thanks!

PJCrazy signing out