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ðàñøèðåííàÿ âåðñèÿ
I amar prestar aen…
The world is changed.
Han mathon ne nen…
I feel it in the water.
Han mathon ne chae…
I feel it in the Earth.
A han noston ned gwilith.
I smell it in the air.
Much that once was is lost. For none
now live who remember it.
<A female voice describes the
development of the Rings of Power. Elves, Dwarves and Men are enthralled
by the beauty of the rings upon their fingers.>
It began with the forging of the
great rings. Three were given to the Elves, immortal, wisest and fairest
of all beings. Seven to the Dwarf lords, great miners and craftsmen of
the mountain halls. And nine, nine rings were gifted to the race of Men,
who above all else, desire power. For within these rings was bound the
strength and will to govern each race.
But they were all of them deceived,
for another ring was made. In the land of Mordor, in the fires of Mount
Doom, the Dark Lord Sauron forged in secret a master ring, to control all
others.
<Sauron is shown at the Crack
of Doom, masked and clothed in metal armour, wearing the One Ring upon
his right hand. It begins to glow and an inscription appears as if written
in red flame.>
And into this Ring, he poured his
cruelty, his malice, and his will to dominate all life. "One Ring to rule
them all."
<Villagers flee in terror from
their burning homes as the army of Sauron begins its relentless attack
on the inhabitants of Middle-earth.>
One by one, the free lands of Middle-earth
fell to the power of the Ring. But there were some who resisted. A last
alliance of Men and Elves marched against the armies of Mordor, and on
the slopes of Mount Doom they fought for the freedom of Middle-earth.
<Vast armies of Men, Elves and
Orcs assemble on the battlefield. The Elves and Humans regard their enemies
as the Orcs snarl back, taunting them. Then the Orcs attack the Alliance,
rushing across the field that separates the two armies. The Elven lieutenant
gives the command to the Elven archers to engage.>
<<Elf: Tangado haid! Leithio
i philinn! (Hold positions! Fire arrows!)>>
<The Elves raise their bows and
release a slew of arrows at the oncoming Orcs, taking down the first line
of Orc defense. As the wave of the Orc infantry reaches the first line
of the Elven troops, the Elves swing their swords up, slicing the Orcs
as they come, one after the other down the line. Soon the Eves and the
Men are fully engaged in combat, taking down many of the Orc troops. The
leader of Men raises his sword in triumph.>
Victory was near. But the power of
the Ring could not be undone.
<Sauron strides onto the battlefield.
The Elven lieutenant looks up in trepidation. The Dark Lord, towering over
both Elves and Men, brandishes a mace and shows the Ring of Power glowing
on his finger. In fear, some of the warriors back off. Sauron wields his
mace, hitting a group of warriors and sends them flying across the field.
He repeats it with another fell swoop. The leader of Men raises his sword
to strike Sauron, but Sauron parries the blow and flings his adversary
against the rock, crushing him to death. Horrified, one of the Men rushes
to the fallen warrior.>
It was in this moment, when all hope
had faded, that Isildur, son of the King, took up his father's sword.
<Isildur grasps the hilt of the
sword, but Sauron quickly stomps it down, shattering the blade. Sauron,
with the Ring on his finger, reaches down towards Isildur. With a last
desperate attempt, Isildur lets out a battle cry and strikes Sauron’s hand
with the shards of the sword, slicing the finger that bears the One Ring.
Sauron lets out a cry as the Ring is separated from him. He implodes, sending
a shock wave throughout the battlefield, knocking the warring troops off
their feet. His armor falls unto the ground, his body vaporised.>
Sauron, the enemy of the free-peoples
of Middle-earth, was defeated. The Ring passed to Isildur, who had this
one chance to destroy evil forever. But the hearts of Men are easily corrupted.
And the Ring of Power has a will of its own.
<Isildur, proudly wearing the
Ring of Power on a chain round his neck, returns from the battle. On the
way, his troop, all but obliterated in the recent battle, is attacked by
a band of Orcs. In the melee, Isildur grabs the chain and snaps it, putting
the Ring on his finger, and immediately vanishes. He dives into the river.
But the Ring slips treacherously off his finger and falls down to the river
bottom. Isildur, visible again, is spotted by Orcs and killed by 3 arrows.
His body floats down the river.>
It betrayed Isildur to his death.
And some things that should not have been forgotten were lost.
History became legend, legend became
myth, and for two and a half thousand years, the Ring passed out of all
knowledge. Until, when chance came, it ensnared a new bearer.
<A small human-like hand, scrabbling
on the river-bed, comes across a round metal object, and closes its fingers
around it.>
<<Gollum: My Precioussssss>>
<The hand, now gnarled, twisted
and filthy, opens its palm to reveal the Ring.>
The Ring came to the creature Gollum,
who took it deep into the tunnels of the Misty Mountains. And there, it
consumed him.
<The Misty Mountains come into
view. The scene changes to reveal a midden of decayed fish flesh and bones.
Beyond them, Gollum, twisted and deformed beyond recognition by his 'precious',
crouches with his treasure.>
<<Gollum: It came to me, my
own, my love, my own, my prrrrreciousssss! Gollum!>>
The Ring brought to Gollum unnatural
long life. For five hundred years it poisoned his mind. And in the gloom
of Gollum's cave, it waited. Darkness crept back into the forest of the
world. Rumor grew of a shadow in the east, whispers of a nameless fear,
and the Ring of Power perceived its time had now come. It abandoned Gollum.
<The Ring bounces slowly down
a chasm in the rocks of Gollum's cave, and hides itself, unbeknownst to
Gollum.>
But something happened then the Ring
did not intend. It was picked up by the most unlikely creature imaginable.
<A human-like creature, scrabbling
amongst the bones and scree in the cave, comes across a round metal object.
His fingers close upon it.>
<<Creature: What’s this?>>
A Hobbit: Bilbo Baggins of the Shire.
<<Bilbo: A ring!>>
<Bilbo gazes in delight and wonder
at his new find.>
<<Gollum (from afar): Losssst!
My precious is lost!>>
<Bilbo hears Gollum's shrieks
of dismay, and gets to his feet in alarm. Something tells him to put the
Ring in his pocket.>
For the time will soon come when
Hobbits will shape the fortunes of all.
<The Misty Mountains fade from
view as a map appears, moving slowly across the landscape to reveal the
length and breadth of Middle-earth. A different voice takes up the tale.>
<<(Voiceover): Ahrrmm . . .
The 22nd day of September in the year 1400, by Shire-reckoning. Bag End,
Bagshot Row, Hobbiton, Westfarthing, the Shire, Middle-earth. The Third
Age of this world.>>
<The interior of Bag End makes
its appearance. Organic, rounded and compact in nature, it is revealed
as the home of a well-to-do, settled but rather untidy person. Books and
maps are piled up in every room, spilling over shelves, on the floor, anywhere
they can find a spare space, alongside firewood and assorted homely utensils.>
<<TITLE: THE FELLOWSHIP OF
THE RING>>
<Bilbo is seated at his desk in
the study at Bag End. His clothes are well-made but carelessly worn, as
of someone who has more important things on his mind than mundane matters
such as appearance. He has his back to view and is apparently writing something
in a large book. The title is revealed:>
<<Bilbo: There and Back Again.
A Hobbit's Tale, by Bilbo Baggins.>>
<Bilbo turns the title page over
to start afresh on a new page. He pauses and takes a puff from his pipe>
<<Bilbo: Now . . . where to
begin? Ah, yes.>>
<He dips his pen and resumes his
writing.>
<<Bilbo (v/over): Concerning
Hobbits.>>
<Images of the Shire and its
quaint inhabitants appear as Bilbo begins to describe the life of Hobbits.
In the market square Hobbits gather to look over the latest wares, present
their stock, and share a drink. In the fields, cows are being milked, pathways
swept clean, and animals grazed.>
<<Bilbo (v/over): Hobbits have
been living and farming in the four Farthings of the Shire for many hundreds
of years. Quite content to ignore and be ignored by the world of the Big
Folk - Middle-earth being, after all, full of strange creatures beyond
count. Hobbits must seem of little importance, being neither renowned as
great warriors, nor counted among the very wise.>>
<One of the more wisdom-challenged
Hobbits seems intent on removing a parasite from his ear. Bilbo pauses
in his writing and chuckles to himself at the image. A knock sounds at
his door.>
<<Bilbo: Frodo! Someone at
the door!>>
<He resumes writing.>
<<Bilbo (v/over): In fact,
it has been remarked by some that the Hobbits' only real passion is for
food.>>
<A hobbit, making eyes at and
preparing to kiss his lady love, is distracted by a tray of passing food
and grabs a large cake, stuffing it into his mouth. The lady does not get
her kiss.>
<<Bilbo (v/over): A rather
unfair observation, as we have also developed a keen interest in the brewing
of ales, and the smoking of pipe-weed. But where our hearts truly lie is
in peace and quiet, and good tilled earth. For all Hobbits share a love
of things that grow.>>
<A young hobbit, in a garden tending
to his flowers, holds up a fine specimen, pleased by its beauty.>
<<Bilbo (v/over): And yes,
no doubt, to others our ways seem quaint.>>
<Images of party preparation in
a field begin to emerge.>
<<Bilbo (v/over): But today,
of all days, it is brought home to me, it is no bad thing to celebrate
a simple life.>>
<A Party Banner is erected in
the field, to much applause and cheers.>
<More knocking at the door. Bilbo
exclaims impatiently.>
<<Bilbo: Frodo! The door!>>
<The knocks become louder and
more insistent.>
<<Bilbo: Sticklebacks! Where
is that boy? Frodo!>>
<A young hobbit is sitting beneath
a tree in the woods, reading a book. He hears a male voice singing.
<<Voice: <humming>, down
from the door where it began. <humming>, and I must follow if I can.>>
The hobbit closes his book and stands,
listening. Recognising the voice, he smiles then runs to the road. An old
man, wearing a gray cloak and a pointy hat, is driving a horse-drawn cart
filled with fireworks and such.>
<<Old Man (singing):
The road goes ever on and on,
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the road has gone,
And I must follow if I can…>>
<<Hobbit: You're late!>>
<The old man does not look at
the hobbit at first, and then turns slowly, with an emphatic expression
on his face that begins to twitch>
<<Old Man: A wizard is never
late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means
to.>>
<Both he and Frodo slowly begin
to grin and crack up into laughter>
<<Frodo: <leaps onto cart
and hugs the old man> It's wonderful to see you Gandalf!>>
<<Gandalf: <laughs> Ooh!
You didn’t think I’d miss your Uncle Bilbo's birthday?>>
<Gandalf sets the cart in motion
and resumes his drive towards Hobbiton.>
<<Gandalf: So, how is the old
rascal? I hear it's going to be a party of special magnificence.>>
<<Frodo: You know Bilbo. He's
got the whole place in an uproar.>>
<<Gandalf: Well, that should
please him! (chuckles)>>
<<Frodo: Half the Shire's been
invited. And the rest of them are turning up anyway.>>
<They both laugh. Bilbo's voice
takes up the narrative again as the cart makes its way past the fields
of bright crops, over the bridge by an old mill, and past the market square.>
<<Bilbo (v/over): And so, life
in the Shire goes on, very much as it has this past Age . . . full of its
own comings and goings, with change coming slowly, if it comes at all.
<The cart begins to climb up a
gradual slope towards Gandalf's destination. The hillside and the surrounds
are lush and verdant - the Shire is a land of plenty.>
For things are made to endure in
the Shire, passing from one generation to the next. There's always been
a Baggins, living here under the Hill . . . >>
<Back in his study, Bilbo puts
the finishing touches to his opening chapter.>
<<Bilbo: . . . in Bag End.
And there always will be.>>
< In the cart, Frodo and Gandalf
are nearing Bag End.>
<<Frodo: To tell you the truth,
Bilbo's been a bit odd lately. I mean, more than usual.>>
<Gandalf looks thoughtful.>
<<Frodo: He's taken to locking
himself in his study. He spends hours and hours poring over old maps when
he thinks I'm not looking.>>
<Bilbo tosses aside the maps he's
been studying and sighs. He puts his hands in his pockets. Suddenly an
expression of alarm comes over his face, as he digs urgently into his pockets
and turns them out, becoming more frantic.>
<<Bilbo: Where's it gone??>>
<He starts to turn the house over,
desperately searching for the lost item. Finally he digs deeper into his
waistcoat pocket, and with a huge sigh, pulls out the object and closes
his palm over it, closing his eyes in acute relief.>
<<Frodo (back in the cart):
He's up to something.>>
<Frodo glances at Gandalf, but
the wizard is non-committal and just stares deliberately at the scenery.>
<<Frodo All right then keep
your secrets.>>
<<Gandalf: Hrrrmmph>>
<<Frodo: But I know you have
something to do with it.>>
<<Gandalf: Good gracious me!>>
<<Frodo: Before you came along
we Bagginses were very well thought of.>>
<<Gandalf: Indeed?>>
<<Frodo: Never had any adventures
or did anything unexpected.>>
<<Gandalf: If you’re referring
to the incident with the dragon, I was barely involved. All I did was give
your uncle a little nudge out of the door.>>
<<Frodo: Whatever you did,
you’ve been officially labeled a disturber of the peace.>>
<<Gandalf: Oh really?>> <As
the cart drives past, Hobbit children are drawn to the sight of the old
wizard and his mysterious packages. They run behind the cart, shouting.>
<<Hobbit children: Gandalf!
Gandalf! Fireworks? Gandalf?>>
<A grumpy old hobbit with a grim
look is raking his yard. His wife comes out to see what the fuss is about.
She looks very disapproving. Gandalf pretends to ignore the children. They
come to a halt as the cart keeps on going away from them.>
<<Hobbit children: <disappointed>
Awwww.>>
<Fireworks suddenly go off from
the cart>
<The hobbit children cheer>
<Gandalf laughs>
<The grumpy old hobbit chuckles>
<The grumpy old hobbitwife gives
a nagging look to the grumpy old hobbit>
The grumpy old hobbit restores his
grumpy look.>
<<Frodo: Gandalf, I'm glad
you're back.>>
<<Gandalf: <as Frodo jumps
off the cart> So am I, dear boy! . . . So am I.>>
<Outside Bag End, Gandalf pulls
up his cart.>
<<Gandalf: Whoa, whoa.>>
He gets down and goes through the
gate which bears a sign saying: "No admittance except on party business."
Gandalf knocks on the door with his staff>
<<Bilbo: <from within> No
thank you! We don't want any more visitors, well-wishers or distant relations!>>
<<Gandalf: And what about very
old friends?>>
<Bilbo opens the door>
<<Bilbo (amazed): Gandalf?>>
<<Gandalf: Bilbo Baggins!>>
<<Bilbo: My dear Gandalf!>>
<gives Gandalf a hug>
<<Gandalf: Good to see you!
One hundred and eleven years old --who would believe it? <looks at Bilbo
in astonishment> You haven't aged a day.>>
<Bilbo and Gandalf laugh as Bilbo
bids Gandalf inside>
<<Bilbo: Come on, come in!
Welcome, welcome! <closes door and takes Gandalf's hat and staff> Oh,
here we are. Tea? Or maybe something a little stronger? I've got a few
bottles of the Old Winyard left. 1296 --very good year. Almost as old as
I am! Hahaha!
<Bilbo hangs up Gandalf's hat
and disappears down the corridor on his hunt for refreshments.>
<<Bilbo: It was laid down by
my father. What say we open one, eh?>>
<<Gandalf: Just tea, thank
you.>>
<Gandalf, bent double, backs
into the chandelier. He steadies it, but then bumps his head onto the beam
and utters an "Ooooff ". Nursing the pain he enters Bilbo’s study and sees
the map of the Lonely Mountain mounted on a frame. He picks it up to examine
it. Meanwhile, Bilbo is pottering around in the kitchen.>
<<Bilbo (out of sight): I was
expecting you sometime last week! Not that it matters, you come and go
as you please. Always have done and always will. You caught me a bit unprepared,
I'm afraid. We've only got cold chicken and a bit of pickle ... Oh, there's
some cheese here- oh no, that won't do. Err, we got raspberry jam and an
apple tart ... Not much for afters, I'm afraid. Oh, no -we're all right!
I've found some sponge-cake. <enters the study> I could make you some
eggs if you like-- oh. Gandalf?>>
<<Gandalf (appearing right
behind Bilbo): Just tea, thank you.>>
<<Bilbo: Oh, right! <with
mouthful of sponge-cake> You don't mind if I eat, do you?>>
<<Gandalf: Oh no, not at all.>>
<Gandalf sits down on a chair
just inside the kitchen entrance. There is a sudden, incessant knocking
on the door and a woman shouting: "Bilbo! Bilbo Baggins!">
<<Bilbo: <whispers> I'm
not at home!>>
<He tiptoes up to the front window
and peers out to identify the unwanted visitor.>
<<Bilbo: It's the Sackville-Bagginses!>>
<<Sackville-Baggins (outside):
I know you're in there!>>
<<Bilbo (in alarm): They're
after the house. They've never forgiven me for living this long!>>
<Still armed with his sponge-cake,
Bilbo disappears hurriedly into the kitchen.>
<<Bilbo: I've got to get away
from these confounded relatives hanging on the bell all day, never giving
me a moment's peace!>>
<Bilbo puts down his cake and
stares out his window while Gandalf tries to make himself comfortable at
Bilbo's hobbit-sized table.>
<<Bilbo: I want to see mountains
again, mountains Gandalf! And then find somewhere quiet where I can finish
my book. Oh, tea! (He hurries to prepare the tea.)>>
<<Gandalf (still disposing
his limbs): So, you mean to go through with your plan, then.>>
<<Bilbo: Yes, yes. It's all
in hand. All the arrangements are made. <Gandalf lifts up the lid of
a tea pot, Bilbo starts to pour water into it> Oh, thank you.>>
<<Gandalf: Frodo suspects something.>>
<<Bilbo: ‘Course he does. He's
a Baggins! Not some block-headed Bracegirdle from Hardbottle.>>
<<Gandalf: You will tell him,
won't you?>>
<<Bilbo: Yes, yes.>>
<<Gandalf: He's very fond of
you.>>
<<Bilbo: (a pause. Bilbo looks
away. An expression of regret comes over his face.) I know. <Bilbo again
wanders over to his window.> He'd probably come with me if I asked him.
<chuckles> I think, in his heart, Frodo's still in love with the Shire:
the woods, the fields … little rivers. I'm old, Gandalf. <Bilbo comes
away from the window> I know I don't look it, but I'm beginning to feel
it in my heart.>>
<Gandalf's gaze is drawn downwards
to Bilbo's waistcoat pocket as the Hobbit's fingers begins to fidget with
something inside it. Gandalf frowns.>
<<Bilbo: I feel thin -- sort
of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread. <He sits down
wearily at the table.> I need a holiday - a very long holiday - and I don't
expect I shall return. In fact, I mean not to!>>
<Evening falls on Hobbiton. Bilbo
and Gandalf sit peacefully smoking pipe outside Bag End. Below them, in
the party field, sounds of laughter and revelry float up from a growing
crowd of Hobbits preparing for their evening's entertainment. Torches and
candles light a festive scene and everywhere food is rapidly filling up
the space on wooden trestles>
<<Bilbo: Old Toby. The finest
weed in the Southfarthing.>>
<Gandalf is unimpressed. Bilbo
blows a large ring of smoke which hangs gently in the still air. Gandalf
regards it for a moment, and then, sucking his cheeks in and out, blows
a majestic, full-rigged ship that sails right through the ring.>
<<Bilbo: Ahh! Gandalf, my old
friend. This will be a night to remember!>>
<The party is in full swing.
The fireworks are going off and festivities are well underway. Some hobbits
come in, staggering under the load of a huge birthday-cake, candles already
lit. Some of the hobbits are already full of party spirit. Others, including
Frodo, are dancing to music being played by the band.>
<<Bilbo: <greeting his guests
inside the marquee> Hello, hello, Fatty Bolger, lovely to see you! Welcome,
welcome!>>
<Frodo finishes his dance. He
sits down next to a friend who has been casting sidelong glances at a hobbit-lass
dancing- the one seen gardening earlier.>
<<Frodo: Go on Sam! Ask Rosie
for a dance!>>
<<Sam: <gets cold feet>
I think I’ll just have another ale.>>
<<Frodo: Oh no you don’t! Go
on!>>
<He pushes Sam to the dance floor
and into Rosie’s arms. Frodo laughs aloud>
<<Gandalf: <setting off
a firework> Whoa!>>
<Fireworks explode over the party
field, a huge glittering umbrella in the night sky which changes into spears
and whizzes away into the distance.
Bilbo is telling stories to the hobbit
children gathered at his feet>
<<Bilbo: There I was, at the
mercy of three monstrous trolls! And they were all arguing amongst themselves
about how they were going to cook us, whether it be turned on a spit or
whether they should sit on us one by one and squash us into jelly.>>
<A cute hobbit child gasps and
shakes her head emphatically>
<<Bilbo: They spent so much
time arguing the wither-tos and why-fors, that the sun’s first light cracked
over the top of the trees - poof!>>
<Hobbit Children gasp>
<<Bilbo: And turned them all
to stone!>>
<Gandalf, laughing, returns from
his cart with more fireworks. A young hobbit appears from behind the tent,
signaling his friend to get onto Gandalf’s cart>
<<Young Hobbit #1: Quickly!>>
<Gandalf releases a busy shower
of firework butterflies, much to the amusement of the hobbit children,
who try to catch them.>
<<Gandalf: Whoa! Up they go.>>
<<Young Hobbit #1: No, no the
big one, big one>>
<The second Hobbit grabs a huge
red firework and disappears inside the tent. His friend nonchalantly chews
an apple, and strolls after him.>
<Bilbo is still greeting guests.
One of them seems to have an inexhaustible supply of children.>
<<Bilbo: Mrs Bracegirdle, how
nice to see you! Welcome, welcome. Are all these children yours?>>
<Mrs. Bracegirdle laughs and nods.>
<<Bilbo (somewhat at a loss):
Good gracious. You have been productive!>>
<Mrs Bracegirdle passes on. Bilbo's
ears are assailed by a familiar strident voice.>
<<Sackville-Baggins: Bilbo?>>
<<Bilbo (panicked): S-S-Sackville-Bagginses!>>
<He grabs Frodo and they head
into another corner of the tent.>
<<Bilbo: Quickly! Hide!>>
<Frodo and Bilbo hole up behind
a tent fold as the Sackville-Bagginses search for him, and then retreat,
baulked of their prey. Bilbo breathes a huge sigh of relief.>
<<Bilbo: Thank you my boy.>>
<He sighs again and Frodo chuckles
quietly. Bilbo then becomes more serious.>
<<Bilbo: You're a good lad,
Frodo.>>
<Frodo stares at his uncle, perturbed
by the change of tone.>
<<Bilbo: I'm very selfish,
you know. Yes, I am. Very selfish . . . I don't know why I took you in
after your mother and father died, but it wasn't out of charity. I think
it was because, of all my numerous relations, you were the one that showed
real . . . spirit.>>
<<Frodo: Bilbo, have you been
at the Gaffer's home brew?>>
<<Bilbo: No. Well, yes. But
that's - that's - not the point. The point is, Frodo (he pauses and seems
uncertain what to say) - you'll be alright.>>
<The two hobbits inside the tent
have managed to get their firework ready to light up.>
<<Hobbit #2: Done.>>
<He lights the fuse.>
<<Hobbit #1 (pushing it away):
You’re supposed to stick it in the ground!>>
<<Hobbit #2 (pushing it back):
It is in the ground.>>
<They continue to pass it to and
fro like a hot potato.>
<<Hobbit #1: Outside!>>
<<Hobbit #2: It was your idea!>>
<Just then the firework explodes
upwards, throwing them on to the ground and taking the tent up with it.
High above the crowd, it bursts into the shape of a flaming dragon, turns
and swoops slowly towards the merrymakers. The hobbits make a hurried attempt
to get out of the way.>
<<Hobbit: Look at that!>>
<Frodo's face is lit momentarily
by the dragon's flame. He shepherds Bilbo out of the way.>
<<Frodo: Bilbo? Bilbo, watch
out for the dragon!>>
<<Bilbo: Dragon? Nonsense!
There hasn’t been a dragon in these parts for a thousand years…>>
<Frodo pushes Bilbo to the ground.
The dragon swoops low over the hobbits’ heads, flies off and bursts into
a beautiful finale over the lake. Hobbits clap and cheer in delight.>
<The two mischief-making Hobbits,
covered in soot, gaze proudly at their accomplishment.>
<<Hobbit #1: That was good!>>
<<Hobbit #2: Let’s get another
one!>>
<Gandalf comes up behind them
and grabs them each by their ear.>
<<Hobbits : Aah!>>
<<Gandalf: Meriadoc Brandybuck
and Peregrin Took. I might have known.>>
<The serious business of eating
and drinking is concluding. Merry and Pippin, under Gandalf's eagle eye,
are washing the mountainous piles of plates. Under the party tree, the
other Hobbits are gathered.>
<<Hobbits: Speech, Bilbo! Speech!>>
<<Frodo: Speech!>>
<<Bilbo: My dear Bagginses
and Boffins, <cheers> Tooks and Brandybucks, <cheers> Grubbs, <cheers>
Chubbs, <cheers> Hornblowers, <cheers> Bolgers, <cheers> Bracegirdles
<cheers> and Proudfoots.>>
<<Proudfoot Hobbit: Proudfeet!>>
<Hobbits laugh. Bilbo waves dismissively.>
<<Bilbo (stumbling slightly
over the words): Today is my 111-11th birthday!>>
<<Hobbits: Happy birthday!>>
<much raising of glasses>
<<Hobbit: Happy birthday!>>
<<Bilbo: Alas, eleventy-one
years is far too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable
hobbits. <cheers and sentimental gazes abound.> I don’t know half of
you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half
as well as you deserve.>>
<There is a dead silence from
the crowd. They gaze at each other blank-faced. Gandalf smiles.>
<<Bilbo: I, uh, I h-have things
to do. <fidgets with the Ring behind his back. Whispers to himself>
I’ve put this off for far too long. <to the crowd> I regret to announce
- this is The End. I am going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell.
<whispers to Frodo> Goodbye.>>
<Bilbo puts the Ring on and vanishes.
There is a collective gasp.>
<<Hobbits: <shocked> Ooh!>>
<We follow the sound of footsteps
as their invisible owner heads for home. At Bag End, the front door opens
mysteriously and then shuts again, as if by magic. Inside the hall, Bilbo
suddenly re-appears.>
<<Bilbo: Hahahahaha!>> <flips
the ring, catches it and puts it in his pocket>
<<Gandalf (appearing suddenly
in the parlour): I suppose you think that was terribly clever.>>
<<Bilbo (startled at Gandalf's
unexpected presence): Come on Gandalf! Did you see their faces?>>
<<Gandalf: There are many magic
rings in this world, Bilbo Baggins, and none of them should be used lightly.>>
<<Bilbo: It was just a bit
of fun! Oh you’re probably right, as usual. You will keep an eye on Frodo,
won’t you?>>
<<Gandalf: Two eyes - as often
as I can spare them.>>
<<Bilbo: I’m leaving everything
to him.>>
<He starts to pack various items
into his travel pack.>
<<Gandalf: What about this
Ring of yours, is that staying too?>>
<<Bilbo: Yes, yes. It’s in
an envelope over there on the mantelpiece.>> <Gandalf turns to look>
<<Bilbo: No, wait, it's --here
in my pocket. Heh, isn’t that, isn’t that odd though? <looks at the
Ring> Yet, after all why not? Why shouldn’t I keep it?>>
<<Gandalf: I think you should
leave the Ring behind, Bilbo. Is that so hard?>>
<<Bilbo: Well no… and yes!
<Bilbo starts to become agitated> Now it comes to it, I don’t feel like
parting with it, its mine, I found it, it came to me!>>
<<Gandalf: There’s no need
to get angry.>>
<<Bilbo: Well, if I’m angry,
it’s your fault! <caresses Ring> It’s mine! My own, my precious.>>
<<Gandalf (becoming perturbed):
Precious? Its been called that before, but not by you.>>
<<Bilbo: Argh! What business
is it of yours what I do with my own things!>>
<<Gandalf: I think you’ve had
that Ring quite long enough.>>
<<Bilbo (puts up his fists):
You - want it for yourself!>>
<<Gandalf: Bilbo Baggins!>>
<The very air seems to shake as
Gandalf draws himself up to full height. His voice thunders throughout
Bag End.>
<<Gandalf: Do not take me for
some conjurer of cheap tricks. I am not trying to rob you. I’m trying to
help you.>>
Bilbo starts weeping. He stumbles
towards Gandalf, who embraces him gently.>
<<Gandalf: All your long years
we’ve been friends. Trust me as you once did, hmm? Let it go.>>
<<Bilbo: <collects himself>
You’re right Gandalf, the Ring must go to Frodo. It’s late, the road is
long.>>
<Bilbo collects up his travel
packs and assorted cooking utensils and hoicks them onto his back. He takes
up a walking stick and prepares to go out the front door.>
Bilbo: Yes, it is time.>>
<Bilbo opens the door>
<<Gandalf: Bilbo … >>
<<Bilbo (pauses): Hmm?>>
<<Gandalf: … the Ring is still
in your pocket.>>
<<Bilbo (sheepish): Oh, yes
… >>
<Bilbo pulls out the Ring from
his pocket. He stares at it on his palm, then slowly and with a great effort
turns his hand, allowing it to slip off his palm. It lands on the floor
with a heavy thud.>
<Bilbo runs out the door, goes
a few paces, then stops and lifts his head. He looks relieved. An owl hoots
in the night air.>
<<Bilbo: I’ve thought up an
ending for my book. <turns to Gandalf at the door> "And he lived happily
ever after, to the end of his days.">>
<<Gandalf: And I’m sure you
will my dear friend.>>
<<Bilbo: Good bye, Gandalf.>>
<<Gandalf: Good bye, dear Bilbo.>>
<Their hands clasp. Bilbo goes
out by the gate, and starts down the road, singing>
<<Bilbo: The road goes ever
on and on, down from the door where it began … >>
<<Gandalf: Until our next meeting.>>
<Gandalf re-enters Bag End. His
hand hovers over the Ring, about to pick it up, but stops short when the
Eye of Sauron flashes in his mind. He rises and proceeds to sit himself
by the fireplace and light his pipe.>
<<Voice of Bilbo: Its mine,
my own, my precious!>>
<<Gandalf: <sotto voce>
Riddles in the Dark.>>
<The smoke from Gandalf's pipe
drifts up, obscuring his face. Frodo is heard entering Bag End>
<<Frodo: Bilbo! Bilbo!>>
<Frodo opens the door and sees
the Ring on the threshold. He stoops to pick it up>
<<Gandalf: <mumbles> My
precious.>>
<Frodo notices Gandalf smoking
by the fireplace, approaches him>
<<Gandalf: <mumbles> Precious…>>
<<Frodo: He's gone hasn't he?
He talked for so long about leaving. I didn't think he'd really do it.>>
<<Frodo: Gandalf?>>
<<Gandalf: Hmm? <smiles
at Frodo, noticing the Ring in Frodo's hand.> Bilbo's Ring. He's gone to
stay with the Elves. He's left you Bag End…>>
<He holds envelope open, Frodo
slips in the Ring, and Gandalf seals the envelope>
<<Gandalf: …along with all
his possessions. The Ring is yours now. Put it somewhere out of sight.>>
<Gandalf gets up to leave, collecting
his hat and staff.>
<<Frodo: Where are you going?>>
<<Gandalf: There are some things
that I must see to.>>
<<Frodo (confused): What things?>>
<<Gandalf: Questions. Questions
that need answering!>>
<<Frodo: But you've only just
arrived! I don't understand.>>
<Gandalf stops his hurried exit
and looks back at Frodo. His face is full of sympathy. He goes back and
drops a hand on Frodo's shoulder.>
<<Gandalf: Neither do I. Keep
it secret. Keep it safe.>>
<Gandalf leaves Bag End. Frodo
looks at the envelope in his hand, containing the Ring.
A huge tower appears, rearing up
against the night sky. Although still under construction, it dominates
the landscape. Rivers of fire from a neighbouring volcano pour around its
foundations as an army of minions scurry to build it even higher. A tortured
scream breaks the air.>
<<Voice: Shire!!! Baggins!!!>>
<Huge gates at a different tower
open slowly outward. On horseback, nine cloaked figures on horseback ride
out.
Day has come. In the distance, a
smoking volcano belches out ash and fire into a darkening sky. The air
echoes with its thunder. Gandalf, on a white horse, comes to a halt on
a slight hill and watches the distant activities. Closer to Gandalf's position
is a white-towered city, sheltered against a mountain range. Gandalf heads
towards it. He goes deep into its bowels and finds himself in a dark room,
covered from floor to ceiling in books and ancient scrolls. He shuffles
through them, trying to discover the secrets he is after. Eventually he
settles on one, sits down with a glass of wine and begins to read by the
flickering candlelight.>
<<Voice of Gandalf: The Year
3434 of the Second Age. Here follows the account of Isildur, High King
of Gondor and the finding of the Ring of Power.>>
<Isildur, lying on the ground
at the Battle of the Last Alliance, stares at the Ring as it encircles
Sauron's dead finger. He reaches out to grab it, crushing the burnt finger
to char.>
<<Gandalf (reading Isildur‘s
words): "It has come to me, the One Ring. It shall be an heirloom of my
kingdom. All those who follow in my bloodline shall be bound to its fate
for I will risk no hurt to the Ring. It is precious to me, though I buy
it with great pain. <The Ring in Isildur's fingers seems to shrink>
The markings upon the band begin to fade. The writing, which at first was
as clear as red flame, has all but disappeared. A secret now that only
fire can tell.">>
<Back in the Shire, a Hobbit is
chopping wood in front of his home at nightfall. His dog, alerted to a
stranger's presence, barks incessantly, then backs off, whimpering, as
it retreats into the house. A huge shadow crosses the house as the stranger
draws nearer. A horse neighs and stamps the ground. Its hoofs are nailed,
its hair matted and bloody. Its eyes are blood-red. The black rider turns
to look at the Hobbit. No eyes are visible inside its cowl.>
<<Black Rider: Shire. Baggins.>>
<<Hobbit: <fearful> Baggins.
There's no Bagginses ‘round here! They’re up in Hobbiton, that way!>> <points>
<The Black Rider gallops off.
At the Green Dragon, a party is evidently
in full swing, with cries and shouts of laughter. Inside, the Hobbits are
engaged in the important business of drinking and singing. Tankards in
hand on the table-top, Merry and Pippin indulge in some entertainment>
<<Merry and Pippin (singing):
Hey ho, to the bottle I go!
To heal my heart and drown my woe.
Rain may fall and wind may blow.
But there still be -
many miles to go!
Sweet is the sound of the pouring
rain,
and the stream that falls from hill
to plain.
Better than rain or rippling brook
-
(Pippin finishes off solo) is a
mug of beer inside this Took!">>
<Huge laughter and clinking of
mugs. At a nearby table, some Hobbits are not so amused. They are engaged
in serious discussion.>
<<First Hobbit: There's been
some strange folk crossing the Shire. Dwarves, and others of a less than
savoury nature.>>
<<Second Hobbit: War is brewing.
The mountains are fair teeming with goblins.>>
<He continues to expound on his
theme of doom to the others. Sam, opposite, takes a pull of his pipe and
looks at Rosie behind the bar. She gives him a huge smile.>
<<Third Hobbit: Far-off tales
and children's stories, that's all that is. You're beginning to sound like
that old Bilbo Baggins. Cracked, he was.>>
<<Second Hobbit: Young Mr Frodo,
here, he's cracking! (Laughs)>>
<<Frodo (arriving with drinks):
And proud of it! Cheers, Gaffer!>>
<<Third Hobbit: Well, it's
none of our concern what goes on beyond our borders. Keep your nose out
of trouble, and no trouble'll come to you.>>
<Frodo merely smiles and raises
his tankard.>
<Frodo and Sam are preparing to
leave. Rosie stands at the door, wiping a tankard.>
<<Rosie (smiles at them): Goodnight,
lads.>>
<<Sam: Goodnight.>>
<Frodo and Sam continue on their
way. Behind them, a slightly intoxicated Hobbit gives Rosie an exaggerated
bow and tries to impress her.>
<<Intoxicated Hobbit: Goodnight,
sweet maiden of the Golden Ale!>>
<Sam hears this and turns back,
muttering.>
<<Sam: Mind who you're sweet
talking.>>
<Frodo encourages Sam to keep
walking.>
Frodo: Don't worry, Sam. Rosie knows
an idiot when she sees one.>>
<<Sam (doubtfully): Does she?>>
<The idea seems to bother him.
Frodo and Sam eventually stagger
to Bag End and part ways.>
<<Frodo: Goodnight Sam.>>
<<Sam: Goodnight, Mister Frodo.>>
<Frodo comes up the steps and
opens his front door. Inside, Bag End is unlit, but papers and curtains
are flapping in the breeze, indicating open windows. Frodo enters cautiously.
There seems to be no sign of life, but suddenly a hand descends on his
shoulder from behind. Frodo jumps, gasps and turns. It is Gandalf. He looks
wild and dishevelled.>
<<Gandalf: Is it secret?! Is
it safe?!>>
<Frodo opens a chest in the hallway
and rummages through it, tossing out scrolls and other items in the process.
He finally finds the sealed envelope he left there.>
<<Frodo: Ah! >> <hands Gandalf
the envelope>
<Gandalf snatches it and throws
it on the fire in one swift motion.>
<<Frodo (alarmed): What are
you doing?!>>
<The envelope is rapidly consumed
by the flames, revealing the Ring inside. Gandalf gets a pair of tongs
and carefully picks up the Ring as Frodo watches, bewildered.>
<<Gandalf: Hold out your hand
Frodo, it’s quite cool.>>
<He drops the Ring on Frodo’s
hand. It seems to weigh the Hobbit's hand down. Gandalf stands up and turns
away from the fire.>
<<Gandalf: What can you see?
Can you see anything?>>
<<Frodo: <turning the Ring
over and over between his fingers> Nothing. There's nothing...>>
<Gandalf sighs in relief, and
then his eyes narrow suddenly as Frodo corrects himself.>
<<Frodo: Wait. There are markings.>>
<Faint glowing runes start to
appear on the band. A voice whispers, as if the Ring is speaking to him.
The runes are reflected on Frodo's face as he tries to puzzle them out.>
<<Frodo: It's some form of
Elvish. I can’t read it.>>
<<Gandalf: There are few who
can. The language is that of Mordor, which I will not utter here.>>
<<Frodo: Mordor?>>
<<Gandalf: In the common tongue
it says, "One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them. One Ring to
bring them all and in the darkness bind them.">>
<Frodo and Gandalf sit down in
the kitchen with tea. The Ring lies on the table between them.>
<<Gandalf: This is the One
Ring. Forged by the Dark Lord Sauron in the fires of Mount Doom. Taken
by Isildur from the hand of Sauron himself.>>
<<Frodo: Bilbo found it. In
Gollum's cave.>>
<<Gandalf: Yes. For sixty years
the Ring lay quiet in Bilbo's keeping, prolonging his life, delaying old
age. But no longer Frodo. Evil is stirring in Mordor. The Ring has awoken.
It's heard its master's call.>>
<<Frodo: But he was destroyed!
- Sauron was destroyed.>>
<The Ring whispers softly in the
Black Speech. Alarmed, both Frodo and Gandalf stare at it.>
<<Gandalf: No, Frodo. The spirit
of Sauron endured. His life force is bound to the Ring, and the Ring survived.
Sauron has returned. His Orcs have multiplied. His fortress at Barad-D?r
is rebuilt in the land of Mordor. Sauron needs only this Ring to cover
all the lands of a second darkness. He is seeking it, seeking it - all
his thought is bent on it. The Ring yearns above all else to return to
the hand of its master. They are one, the Ring and the Dark Lord. Frodo,
he must never find it.>>
<Frodo stands up and grabs the
Ring. He walks down the corridor as if looking for a safe hiding place.>
<<Frodo: Alright, we put it
away. We keep it hidden. We never speak of it again. No one knows it's
here, do they? <He turns slowly and stares at the wizard intently.>
Do they Gandalf?>>
<<Gandalf: There is one other
who knew that Bilbo had the Ring. I looked everywhere for the creature
Gollum. But the enemy found him first.>>
<In the chambers of Barad-D?r,
Gollum's tortured body writhes again at the hands of Sauron's Orcs.>
<<Gandalf: I don’t know how
long they tortured him. But amidst the endless screams and inane babble,
they discerned two words . . .>>
<<Gollum (shrieking): Shire!!!
Baggins!!!>>
<<Frodo: Shire. Baggins. But
that would lead them here!>>
<Two Black Riders thunder down
a moonlit road. A Hobbit holds up his lantern at the sound of the approaching
horses.>
<<Hobbit: Who goes there?>>
<One of the Riders brings down
his sword and scythes it directly at the Hobbit's head.>
<Back at Bag End, Frodo holds
out the Ring urgently to Gandalf.>
<<Frodo: Take it Gandalf! Take
it!>>
<<Gandalf: No, Frodo.>>
<<Frodo (desperate): You must
take it!>>
<<Gandalf: You cannot offer
me this Ring!>>
<<Frodo: I'm giving it to you!>>
<<Gandalf: Don't tempt me Frodo!
I dare not take it. Not even to keep it safe. Understand Frodo, I would
use this Ring from a desire to do good. But through me, it would wield
a power too great and terrible to imagine.>>
<<Frodo: But it cannot stay
in the Shire!>>
<<Gandalf: No! (More softly)
No, it can't.>>
<Frodo seems to come to a decision.
He closes the Ring inside his palm and looks up at Gandalf.>
<<Frodo: What must I do?>>
<Frodo starts to fling items hastily
into his backpack to prepare for his journey.>
<<Gandalf: You must leave,
and leave quickly.>>
<<Frodo: Where? Where do I
go?>>
<<Gandalf: Get out of the Shire.
Make for the village Bree.>>
<He throws a neatly-rolled up
shirt to Frodo. Frodo grabs it, unrolling the bundle in the process, and
stuffs it into his bag, along with some food.>
<<Frodo: Bree. What about you?>>
<<Gandalf: I'll be waiting
for you, at the Inn of the Prancing Pony.>>
<<Frodo: And the Ring will
be safe there?>>
<<Gandalf: I don't know Frodo.
I don't have any answers. I must see the head of my order. He is both wise
and powerful. Trust me Frodo, he’ll know what to do. You’ll have to leave
the name of Baggins behind you, for that name is not safe outside the Shire.>>
<He helps Frodo into his cloak.>
<<Gandalf: Travel only by day.
And stay off the road.>>
<Frodo is finally ready, cloaked
and victualled. He smiles at Gandalf.>
<<Frodo: <slips the Ring
into his waistcoat pocket> I can cut across country easily enough.>>
<<Gandalf: My dear Frodo. Hobbits
really are amazing creatures! You can learn all that there is to know about
their ways in a month, and yet after a hundred years, they can still surprise
you. <hears rustling of the leaves> Get down!>>
<Frodo drops to the floor. Gandalf
goes to the window, peers out cautiously then gives the bushes a whack
with his staff. An "oofff!! " is heard as the object of the whack complains.
Gandalf drags the offender up by his hair and plops him onto the table.>
<<Gandalf: Confound it all
Samwise Gamgee! Have you been eavesdropping?!>>
<<Sam (breathless and afraid):
I haven't dropped no eaves sir, honest. I was just cutting the grass under
the window there, if you follow me.>>
<<Gandalf: A little late for
trimming the verge, don’t you think?>>
<<Sam: I heard raised voices.>>
<<Gandalf: What did you hear?!
Speak!!!!>>
<<Sam: N-n-n-nothing important.
That is I heard a good deal about a Ring and a Dark Lord and something
about the end of the world but… Please, Mister Gandalf sir, don’t hurt
me. Don’t turn me into anythin’ --unnatural.>>
<<Gandalf: Noooo? <He turns
a conspiratorial gaze upon Frodo.> Perhaps not. I have thought of a better
use for you…>>
<Early dawn on the following
morning, Gandalf, Frodo and Sam make their way along the road. Sam, encumbered
with pots and pans, puffs along behind Gandalf's horse.>
<<Gandalf: Come along Samwise,
keep up!>>
<They enter a more heavily forested
area and some dense undergrowth.>
<<Gandalf: Be careful both
of you. The enemy has many spies in his service: birds, beasts. <turns
to Frodo> Is it safe? <Frodo pats his vest pocket> Never put it on,
for the agents of the Dark Lord will be drawn to its power. Always remember,
Frodo, the Ring is trying to get back to its master. It wants to be found.>>
<Gandalf rides off, leaving Frodo
and Sam in the forest. They stare at each other. Eventually Frodo sighs,
takes up his stick and continues on their journey. Sam follows.>
<Frodo and Sam trek along the
countryside, making their way across streams, over hills and through meadows.
Eventually they find themselves before a cornfield. Frodo walks through
the corn. Sam following behind, suddenly stops besides a large scarecrow.>
<<Sam: This is it.>>
<<Frodo: <turns> This is
what?>>
<<Sam: If take one more step,
it’ll be the farthest away from home I’ve ever been.>>
<<Frodo: <reassuringly goes
back to take Sam's arm> Come on Sam. Remember what Bilbo used to say: "It's
a dangerous business… <Bilbo’s voice> …Frodo, going out your door. You
step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there's no knowing
where you might be swept off to.">>
<Frodo and Sam set up camp for
the night. Sam cooks their meal of bacon, tomatoes and sausages as Frodo
parks in a tree limb, waiting for the meal. Suddenly they both stop and
listen. Singing can be heard in the distance. The voices are sweet and
high, singing in an strange language.>
<<Frodo: <looks at Sam with
a delighted smile> Sam! Wood-Elves!>>
<They hurry quickly up to the
nearest ridge where they can lie and watch unseen. A group of Elves is
passing slowly through the forest, some on horseback, some walking, some
with banners. The group seems to shine of its own light, their white garments
softly glowing against the purples and midnight blues of the woods. Their
haunting song continues.>
<<Elven song:
a Galad ren i veniar
hi' aladhremmin ennorath
A Elbereth Gilthoniel
ithil n? th?l, ithil l?n hen
O Light to us that wander here
Amid the world of woven trees!
O Elbereth! Gilthoniel!
Clear are thy eyes and bright thy
breath!>>
<<Frodo: They're going to the
harbour beyond the White Towers. To the Grey Havens.>>
<<Sam: They're leaving Middle-earth.>>
<<Frodo: Never to return.>>
<<Sam: I don't know why - it
makes me sad.>>
<Later, Sam and Frodo prepare
for sleep. Sam is trying to find a comfortable spot on the ground.>
<<Sam: Everywhere I lie there's
a dirty great root sticking into my back.>>
<<Frodo (already half asleep):
Just shut your eyes, and imagine you're back in your own bed, with a soft
mattress and a lovely feather pillow.>>
<Sam gives him a skeptical look,
and settles back. After a moment he sighs. and gives up, frustrated.>
<<Sam: It's not working Mr.
Frodo. I'm never going to be able to sleep out here.>>
<<Frodo: Me neither, Sam.>>
<Frodo smiles. Sam stares at the
sky and finds something to nibble on.>
<Mist descends over the landscape.
On a ridge high up above the Hobbits, a horse neighs and stamps. Its Black
Rider comes slowly to a halt and surveys the scene.>
<Gandalf rides swiftly and comes
to a huge stone tower, set on a plain in the middle of a forest. He passes
under a stone bridge and comes to the entrance of the tower. A tall figure
cloaked in white descends the steps to meet his guest.>
Figure: Smoke rises from the mountain
of Doom. The hour grows late and Gandalf the Grey rides to Isengard seeking
my counsel. For that is why you have come, is it not...my old friend?>>
<<Gandalf: Saruman. <bows>
>>
<Gandalf and Saruman are walking
through the Gardens of Isengard.>
<<Saruman: You are sure of
this?>>
<<Gandalf: Beyond any doubt.>>
<<Saruman: So, the Ring of
Power has been found.>>
<<Gandalf: All these long years
it was in the Shire, under my very nose.>>
<<Saruman: Yet you did not
have the wit to see it. Your love of the halfling’s leaf has clearly slowed
your mind.>>
<<Gandalf: But we still have
time. Time enough to counter Sauron if we act quickly.>>
<<Saruman: Time?! What time
do you think we have?>>
<Gandalf and Saruman take some
wine and confer in Saruman's chamber, amidst ancient scrolls, books, numerous
quills, and a few jars containing very strange creatures.>
<<Saruman: Sauron has regained
much of his former strength. He cannot yet take physical form, but his
spirit has lost none of its potency. Concealed within his fortress, the
Lord of Mordor sees all -- his gaze pierces cloud, shadow, earth and flesh.
You know of what I speak, Gandalf -- a great Eye... lidless... wreathed
in flame.>>
<<Gandalf: The Eye of Sauron.>>
<<Saruman: He is gathering
all evil to him. Very soon he will summon an army great enough to launch
an assault upon Middle Earth.>>
<<Gandalf: You know this? How?>>
<<Saruman: I have seen it.>>
<Gandalf and Saruman enter another
chamber. Upon a plinth sits an object covered in dark cloth. A large chair,
like a throne, stands against a wall.>
<<Gandalf: A Palant?r is a
dangerous tool, Saruman.>>
<<Saruman: Why? Why should
we fear to use it?>>
<Saruman unveils the Palant? r.
It is a perfectly spherical ball, made of some sort of glass, with strange
swirls in its depths.>
<<Gandalf: They are not all
accounted for, the lost Seeing Stones. We do not know who else may be watching!>>
<He covers the Palant? r. The
Eye of Sauron flashes briefly>
<<Saruman: <seats himself
upon his throne> The hour is later than you think. Sauron's forces are
already moving. The Nine have left Minas Morgul.>>
<<Gandalf (alarmed): The Nine!>>
<<Saruman: They crossed the
River Isen on Midsummer's Eve, disguised as riders in black.>>
<<Gandalf: They've reached
the Shire?!>>
<<Saruman: They will find the
Ring… and kill the one who carries it.>>
<<Gandalf: Frodo!>>
<Gandalf heads towards the door
but Saruman closes it with his mind and the other doors in turn. Trapped,
Gandalf looks at Saruman.>
<<Saruman: You did not seriously
think that a hobbit could contend with the will of Sauron? There are none
who can. Against the power of Mordor there can be no victory. We must join
with him, Gandalf. We must join with Sauron. It would be wise, my friend.>>
<<Gandalf: Tell me, "friend",
when did Saruman the wise abandon reason for madness?!>>
<With a shout, Saruman points
his staff at Gandalf, throwing him up and pinning him against the far wall,
then drops him heavily to the floor. Gandalf counters with his own staff,
throwing Saruman onto his back. They battle back and forth. Finally, Saruman
uses his power to yank Gandalf’s staff from his hands, and he advances
on Gandalf with both staffs. Gandalf spins helplessly just above the floor.>
<<Saruman: I gave you the chance
of aiding me willingly. But you...have elected...the way of pain!>>
<Saruman sends Gandalf rising
to the pinnacle of Orthanc.>
<Sam, in the middle of a field
of corn, emerges onto a small path between the rows of tall vegetables.
He looks back and forth, not seeing Frodo in either direction.>
<<Sam: <starts to panic>
Mister Frodo? Frodo! Frodo!>>
<Frodo appears round the bend
in the path, looking puzzled>
<<Sam: <sigh> I thought
I’d lost you.>>
<<Frodo: What are you talking
about?>>
<<Sam: It's just something
Gandalf said.>>
<<Frodo: What did he say?>>
<<Sam: "Don’t you lose him,
Samwise Gamgee!" And I don't mean to.>>
<<Frodo: <amused> Sam, we're
still in the Shire! What could possibly happen?>>
<Suddenly, Pippin bursts from
the cornfield and knocks over Frodo. Merry, close behind, barrels out,
knocking over Sam. Both have an armful of vegetables>
<<Pippin: Frodo? Merry! It's
Frodo Baggins.>>
<<Merry: Hello Frodo!>>
<<Sam: Get off him! <hauls
Pippin off Frodo> Frodo? Are you all right?>>
<<Frodo: What's the meaning
of this?>>
<<Merry: Hold this. >> <hands
vegetables to Sam.>
<<Sam: You've been into Farmer
Maggot's crop!>>
<They hear a dog barking and an
angry, yelling voice. Pippin grabs Frodo and runs, followed by Merry. Sam
does a double take on the produce in his hands, drops them and runs after
the others>
<<Farmer Maggot: <brandishing
a scythe> Hoi! You get back here! Wait till I get this through you! … Get
out of my fields! You'll know the devil if I catch up with you!>>
<<Merry: ‘Dunno why he is so
upset. It’s only a couple of carrots!>>
<<Pippin: And some cabbages.
And those few bags of potatoes that we lifted last week and, and the mushrooms
the week before!>>
<<Merry: Yes Pippin! My point
is, he is clearly overreactin’. Run!>>
<Pippin, Frodo and Merry stop
just before the edge of a gorge. Sam slams into them from behind and all
four hobbits roll down the hill. At the bottom, they end up in a tangled
heap, spitting various bits of forest from their mouths. Pippin has landed
just in front of a pile of droppings.>
<<Pippin: Ooh! That was close.>>
<<Merry: Oowwww! I think I've
broken something.<pulls out a broken carrot.>>>
<<Sam: Trust a Brandybuck and
a Took!>>
<<Merry: What?! That was just
a detour, a shortcut.>>
<<Sam: A shortcut to what?>>
<<Pippin: Mushrooms!!!>>
<Sam and Merry rush towards the
mushrooms, followed by Pippin. Frodo, standing, looks down the road.>
<<Pippin: That’s mine!>>
<Collective 'mmmm's abound as
they savour the mushrooms.>
<<Merry: Here is a nice one
Sam.>>
<<Frodo: I think we should
get off the road.>>
<Sounds something can be heard,
coming up the road.>
<<Frodo: Get off the road!
Quick!>>
<The hobbits grab their things
and cross the road, hopping over and then crawling beneath a large overhanging
tree root. Sound of hoof steps are heard.>
<<Sam: Shhh! <to Merry and
Pippin> Stop it! Be quiet!>>
<Merry and Pippin stop jostling
each other. Frodo looks up through a small gap and sees a great black horse,
and a Rider, clothed and hooded in black. The Black Rider leaps from his
horse. He approaches the tree root and rests his armored hand on it, hissing
and sniffing. Insects and earthworms start coming out of their holes. Frodo
enters a trance, tempted to wear the Ring as his finger strains towards
it. Sam realises this and he reaches over and hits Frodo in the arm, startling
him out of his the trance. Frodo jerks the Ring away from his finger. Merry
throws a bag full of vegetables into the forest to distract the Rider,
who whirls away and follows the sound. The hobbits make a break for it.
They run a short distance and then stop, gasping.>
<<Merry: What was that?>>
<Frodo stares at the Ring on his
palm but says nothing.>
<Nightfall. A Black Rider is patrolling
the area. The hobbits hide behind the trees.>
<<Sam: Anything?>>
<<Frodo: Nothing.>>
<<Pippin: What is going on?>>
<<Merry: That Black Rider was
looking for something… or someone. Frodo?>>
<<Sam: Get down!>>
<The Black Rider feigns leaving
the area.>
<<Frodo: I have to leave the
Shire. Sam and I must get to Bree.>>
<<Merry: Right. Buckleberry
Ferry. Follow me.>>
<Hobbits make their way to Buckleberry
ferry. A second Black Rider suddenly appears along their path. Frodo is
delayed as the others run on. The hobbits jump over the fence and run towards
the river. The Riders follows the chase, hot on Frodo’s heels.>
<<Pippin: Run! This way, follow
me! Run!>>
<<Merry: Get the rope Sam!>>
<Merry and Sam each uncoil a mooring
rope while Pippin starts to push off.>
<<Sam: Frodo!>>
<<Hobbits: Run Frodo!>>
<<Frodo: Go!>>
<<Hobbits: Hurry!>>
<<Sam: Frodo!>>
<<Hobbits: Jump Frodo! Go on
faster! Jump!>>
<Frodo leaps onto the raft. The
Rider stops short of the water and once again squeals in frustration. Looking
back the hobbits see the Rider ride away, followed by two others.>
<<Frodo: How far to the nearest
crossing?>>
<<Merry: Brandywine Bridge:
Twenty miles.>>
<The Hobbits arrive at the gates
of Bree, soaking wet due to the pouring rain. They pause, uncertain how
to declare themselves.>
<<Frodo: Come on.>>
<He knocks on the gates. A small
peep hole opens high above them, then slams shut. Another opens, nearer
their eye level. A wizened face peers out against the downpour.>
<<Gatekeeper (irascibly): What
do you want?>>
<<Frodo: We’re heading for
the Prancing Pony.>>
<<Gatekeeper: Hobbits! Four
hobbits! What business brings you to Bree?>>
<He opens the gate and stoops
down to throw his lantern light over them.>
<<Frodo: We wish to stay at
the inn. Our business is our own.>>
<<Gatekeeper: Alright young
sir, I meant no offence. ‘Tis my job to ask question after nightfall. There’s
talk of strange folk abroad. Can’t be too careful.>>
<He ushers them inside. The Hobbits
make their way up the cobbled path, through the motley crowd which jostles
and bumps them. One man, a particularly ugly customer holding a carrot,
belches contemptuously over them.>
<<Men of Bree: Out of the
way! Watch where you’re walking, young masters!>>
<Frodo looks up and spots the
sign of the Prancing Pony. The four Hobbits enter the Inn. Inside, it is
crowded, noisy and poorly-lit, but less so than the dark of the village
outside. They pull back their hoods, glad to be out of the wet. Merry and
Pippin breathe sighs of relief. Frodo steps up to the bar, which rises
far above his head.>
<<Frodo: Excuse me?>>
<<Buffer (leaning down over
the bar): Good evening, little masters! If you’re looking for accommodation
we’ve got some nice, cozy, hobbit-sized rooms available. Mr. uh-->>
<<Frodo: --Underhill, my name’s
Underhill.>>
<<Buffer: Underhill. Yes .
. .>>
<<Frodo: We’re friends of Gandalf
the Grey. Can you tell him we’ve arrived?>>
<<Buffer: Gandalf? Gandalf?
Ohhh yes! I remember, elderly chap, big gray beard, pointy hat. . . (Pauses)
. . . Not seen him for 6 months.>>
<The hobbits are shocked. Worry
crosses their faces.>
<<Sam: What do we do now?>>
<The hobbits are seated at a table
in the tap room of the Prancing Pony. The air is dark and smoke-filled.
Drunken men laugh raucously. Several glance suspiciously at the hobbits.
Frodo looks worried, as does Sam.>
<<Frodo: Sam. He’ll be here.
He’ll come.>>
<<Man: <to Merry coming
from the bar> Get, get out of my way.>>
<Merry sits down at the table.
He is holding a huge stein of beer, which he sets down reverently.>
<<Pippin: What’s that?>>
<<Merry: <gazing at it in
rapt admiration> This my friend, is a pint.>>
<<Pippin: It comes in pints?
I’m getting one.>>
<Pippin rushes to the bar. The
Men of Bree, amused, make way for him and he makes himself comfortable
in their company.>
<<Sam: You had a whole half
already!>>
<Sam turns back to his mug. After
a moment, he nudges Frodo and gestures to the corner of the room. A dark
cloaked figure sits alone regarding them. His face is invisible inside
his hood.>
<<Sam: That fellow’s done nothin’
but stare at you since we arrived.>>
<<Frodo: <takes the buffer
aside> Excuse me, that man in the corner, who is he?>>
<<Buffer: He’s one of them
rangers. Dangerous folk they are -- wandering the wilds. What his right
name is I’ve never heard, but around here, he’s known as Strider.>>
<<Frodo: Strider.. .>>
<Strider lights his pipe. Only
the gleam of his eyes can be discerned above the glow of the burning tobacco.
Frodo starts to play with the Ring. It starts to whisper, tempting him.>
<<The Ring: Baggins. Baggins.
Baggins. Baggins! Baggins!…>>
<<Pippin: Baggins!>>
<Frodo snaps out of his reverie>
<<Pippin: <at the bar with
his newfound friends> Sure I know a Baggins. He’s over there, Frodo Baggins.
He's my second cousin once removed on his mother's side <listeners laugh,
"It works for him!" yells one> and my third cousin twice removed on his
father's side, if you follow me.>>
<Strider sits up, his attention
fairly caught. Frodo rushes towards the bar to stop Pippin from babbling
further.>
<<Frodo: Pippin!>> <grabs
him>
<<Pippin: Steady on, Frodo!>>
<Frodo slips on someone’s boot
and falls back, tossing the Ring into the air. As he catches it, the Ring
slips onto Frodo’s finger. He disappears. Bree folks gasp in surprise.
Strider is alarmed. Outside the village, the Black Riders are alerted and
turn around, making for Bree. Frodo, now in the shadow world, looks around
bewildered. He then sees an immense singular orb, a lidless eye, wreathed
in flame. The Eye of Sauron stares down at him>
<<Voice of Sauron: You cannot
hide! I see you! There is no life in the void, only death!>>
<Frodo backs away, terrified.
He gropes for the Ring, unable to tear his gaze from the hideous Eye. Finally
he wrenches the Ring off, reappearing with a relieved sigh, beside Strider’s
table.>
<<Frodo: Ah!>>
<Strider grabs him from behind.>
<<Strider: You draw far too
much attention to yourself Mr. "Underhill"!>>
<Strider tosses him up the stairs,
flings open the door of his room, throws Frodo in and shuts the door behind
them. Frodo stumbles, falls to his knees, and stands up quickly, putting
his back to the wall.>
<<Frodo: What do you want?>>
<<Strider: A little more caution
from you. That is no trinket you carry.>>
<<Frodo: I carry nothing!>>
<<Strider: Indeed.>>
<He walks over to the window,
puts out the candles.>
<<Strider: I can avoid being
seen if I wish. But to disappear entirely, that is a rare gift.>>
<<Frodo: Who are you?>>
<<Strider: Are you frightened?>>
<<Frodo: Yes.>>
<<Strider: Not nearly frightened
enough. I know what hunts you.>>
<The door bursts open. Strider
draws his sword. Sam, Merry and Pippin rush in, Sam with fists clenched
and ready to fight.>
<<Sam: Let him go! Or I’ll
have you Longshanks! >>
<<Strider (sheaths his sword):
You have a stout heart little hobbit, but that will not save you. You can
no longer wait for the wizard Frodo. They’re coming.>>
<Inside the gatehouse of Bree,
the wizened gatekeeper hears a horse snorting. He gets up to investigate
and opens the window in the gate. Suddenly the Black Riders crash through
the gate, crushing the gatekeeper underneath it, and gallop to the Prancing
Pony. Screeches are heard. The Riders enter the Inn, swords drawn. The
innkeeper hides behind the door, terrified. Inside, the Hobbits are soundly
asleep. The Riders make for the hobbits' room. Silently, they raise their
swords high above them to plunge into the sleeping bodies. The swords descend,
stabbing at the still forms as the Hobbits suddenly awake. The Riders pull
back the covers and realise they have been attacking bedclothes and pillows.
They scream in anguish and frustration. Strider watches from the window
in his room as the Riders remount their dark horses. Frodo, gravely concerned
at the attack, sits at the foot of the bed. The rest of the sleeping hobbits,
awakened by the Riders' cries, lean wide-eyed against the headboard.>
<<Frodo: What are they?>>
<<Strider: They were once Men.
Great kings of Men. Then Sauron the Deceiver gave to them nine Rings of
Power. Blinded by their greed, they took them without question. One by
one falling into darkness. Now they are slaves to his will. They are the
Nazg?l, Ringwraiths, neither living nor dead. At all times they feel the
presence of the Ring. Drawn to the power of the One. They will never stop
hunting you.>>
<The following morning, Strider
leads the four hobbits and a newly acquired pony away from the village
of Bree.>
<<Frodo: Where are you taking
us?>>
<<Strider: Into the wild.>>
<<Merry: <to Frodo> How
do we know this Strider is a friend of Gandalf?>>
<<Frodo: I think a servant
of the Enemy would look fairer and feel fouler.>>
<<Merry: He's foul enough!>>
<<Frodo: We have no choice
but to trust him.>>
<<Sam: But where is he leading
us?>>
<<Strider: To Rivendell, Master
Gamgee, to the House of Elrond.>>
<<Sam: Did you hear that? Rivendell!
We’re going to see the Elves!>>
<Snow is starting to fall and
cover the ground. After a while, the Hobbits pause, pulling cookware and
food from their packs. Strider looks back at them.>
<<Strider: Gentlemen, we do
not stop till nightfall.>>
<<Pippin: What about breakfast?>>
<<Strider: We’ve already had
it.>>
<<Pippin: We've had one, yes.
What about second breakfast?>> <Strider walks away.>
<<Merry: Don't think he knows
about second breakfast Pip.>>
<<Pippin: <alarmed> What
about elevenses? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? He knows about
them doesn’t he?>>
<<Merry: I wouldn't count on
it.>>
<From over the bushes, Strider
tosses an apple and Merry catches it. He hands it to Pippin and pats him
on the shoulder. Another apple flies through the air, hitting Pippin in
the head. He looks up bewildered.>
<<Merry: <impatiently> Pippin!>>
<The party slowly make their way
through increasingly rough country. It becomes darker and the forest gives
way to flat marshland, which they eventually have to cross. All go up to
their knees in the sludgy mire. The conditions are made worse by an army
of midges which attack them all unmercifully. Merry slaps despairingly
at the cloud of pests hovering around him.>
<<Merry: What do they eat -
when they can't get Hobbit?>>
<Behind him, Pippin stumbles and
falls into the mire, measuring his length. It is a miserable journey at
this stage. Eventually they make camp for the night on the boggy ground.
Strider manages to hunt and kill a deer which he brings back for their
supper. The Moon rises as the hobbits fall asleep. Strider is keeping watch
by the fire. He hums a tune softly to himself:>
<<Strider (singing):
Tin?viel elvanui,
Elleth alfirin ethelhael
O hon ring finnil fuinui
A renc gelebrin thiliol.
Tin?viel the elven-fair,
Immortal maiden elven-wise,
About him cast her night-dark hair,
And arms like silver glimmering.>>
<Frodo wakes, hearing Aragorn's
song. He lifts himself up and stares at the Ranger.>
<<Frodo: Who is she? This woman
you sing of?>>
<<Strider (sadly): Tis the
Lay of L?thien. The Elf-maiden who gave her love to Beren, a mortal.>>
<<Frodo: What happened to her?>>
<<Strider: <looks way> She
died.>>
<He sighs. His face bears a hint
of tears. He turns back to Frodo.>
<<Strider: Get some sleep,
Frodo.>>
<Saruman is in the Chamber of
the Palantir at Isengard. His hand is suspended over the Stone, and a fiery
light is in its depths. The eye of Sauron appears within the Palantir.
Saruman, eyes closed, appears to be communicating with Sauron by pure thought.>
<<Voice of Saruman: The power
of Isengard is at your command, Sauron, Lord of the Earth.>>
<<Voice of Sauron: Build me
an army worthy of Mordor!>>
<Saruman is sitting on a chair
in one of his chambers, his arms wound about him. He looks haunted. Three
Orcs file into the room.>
<<First Orc: What orders from
Mordor my Lord? What does the Eye command?>>
<<Saruman: We have work to
do!>>
<Huge trees are being felled,
their creaks and groans like cries of pain as they are brought crashing
down by groups of Orcs under Saruman's orders. On the high pinnacle of
Orthanc, Gandalf, dishevelled and scarred from his battle with Saruman,
wakes painfully, the cold rain slashing down, the creaking of dozens of
felled trees heard far below. He slowly pushes himself up and moves cautiously
to the edge and peers down at the activity surrounding the tower.>
<<Orcs: The trees are strong,
my Lord. Their roots go deep.>>
<<Saruman: Rip them all down!>>
<Strider and the Hobbits have
left the marshland behind and are now crossing rough rocky country. Strider
stops and looks at the ruins atop a tall hill.>
<<Strider: This was the great
watchtower of Amon S?l. We shall rest here tonight.>>
<The Hobbits, weary from the long
travel, fling off their packs and settle down in an overhang near the hill's
summit. Strider opens a bundle, revealing four short swords. He hands them
to his companions.>
<<Strider: These are for you.
Keep them close. I’m going to have a look around. Stay here.>>
<Frodo, asleep, wakes up with
a start. Merry, Pippin and Sam gathered around a fire cooking.>
<<Merry: My tomato's burst.>>
<<Pippin: Can I have some bacon?>>
<<Merry: Ok. Want some tomatoes
Sam?>>
<<Frodo (in alarm): What are
you doing?!>>
<<Merry: Tomatoes, sausages,
nice crispy bacon.>>
<<Sam: We saved some for you,
Mr. Frodo.>>
<<Frodo: Put it out, you fools!
Put it out!>>
<He stamps on the fire, trying
to douse the flames.>
<<Pippin: Oh, that’s nice!
Ash on my tomatoes!>>
<Suddenly, a Nazg?l's cry pierces
the darkness. The hobbits jump up, startled, and look over the lip of the
overhang. They see five Nazg?l closing in on Amon S?l. They unsheathe their
small swords.>
<<All: Uh?!>>
<Frodo motions the others to run
up the steps, towards the ruins.>
<<Frodo: Go!>>
<The dark night surrounds them
as they climb to the top. They stand in the ring of broken pillars of the
old ruin, eyes darting about; shadows rise out of the dark. The Nazg?l
surround them, pulling out their long swords. Sam, Merry and Pippin prepare
to defend Frodo.>
<<Sam: <brandishing his
sword> Back you devils!>>
<Sam clashes swords with the Nazg?l,
but is swiftly thrown aside. Merry and Pippin close the gap in front of
Frodo, but they too are cast aside. Frodo backs across the hill, dropping
his sword with a clatter. He stumbles, falls, and crawls backward until
he is backed against a fallen column. Frodo brings out the Ring from his
pocket. Immediately, the leader of the Wraiths feels its presence and approaches
Frodo, drawing a long dagger. Frodo tries to scramble back, terrified,
but has nowhere to go. Desperately, he slips on the Ring.>
<The world changes. The Nazg?ls’
true forms are revealed to him, shining like ghostly kings. The King reaches
out for the Ring, and the Ring responds, lifting Frodo’s own hand towards
the wraith. With desperate strength, Frodo yanks his hand back. The King
stabs him through the left shoulder with his long dagger, pinning him to
the ground, then reaches again for the Ring. Frodo cries out in pain.>
<At that moment, Strider leaps
over Frodo and attacks the Nazg?l with both sword and flaming brand. The
King withdraws his dagger and drops it. Frodo summons the strength to pull
the Ring from his finger. He reappears in the middle of an anguished scream.>
<<Frodo: Aaaahhhh!>>
<<Sam: Frodo!>> <rushes
to his side.>
<<Frodo: Oh Sam!>>
<Strider continues to fight the
Nazg?l, torch in one hand, sword in another. He sets them afire and finally
drives them away.>
<<Sam: Strider! Help him, Strider!>>
<<Strider: He’s been stabbed
by a Morgul blade. <The blade dissolves, its remnants dispersing in
the wind.> This is beyond my skill to heal. He needs Elvish medicine.>>
<Strider carries Frodo over his
shoulder and proceeds to leave Amon S?l, the other hobbits following closely
behind them. Nazg?l cries are still heard in the area.>
<<Strider: Hurry!>>
<<Sam: We're six days from
Rivendell. He’ll never make it!>>
<<Frodo (whispering): Gandalf…>>
<<Strider: Hold on, Frodo.>>
<<Frodo: <cries out> …Gandalf!!!!>>
<Back at Isengard, giant caverns
have been opened up and a forge is seen at the base, where hundreds of
Orcs are working. Sounds of metal clinking rise up into the air. High above,
Gandalf is still imprisoned on the pinnacle of the tower. A tiny white
moth struggles against the breeze and reaches the top of the tower. It
flutters over to Gandalf, who captures it in his fingers. It appears to
sit still in his hand and listen to his words as though spoken in moth
language.>
<<Gandalf: <whispering a
final command> Gwaihir. Go, Gwaihir.>>
<Gandalf sends it off and the
moth flies away. Down in the Caverns of Isengard the forging of weapons
and armor is well underway. Hundreds of helmets and swords are piling up.
Saruman observes all the activity with pride. Deep in the pits, Orcs are
tending strange moving formations in the mud. Groans issue from within
the mounds. Something appears to be struggling to get out. Eventually a
giant creature emerges, killing the Orc who has been helping it to be born.
The creature is massive, towering above the smaller Orcs, with huge teeth,
and covered in birthing slime. Saruman gazes at his creation in rapt admiration.
<Back in the forest, the Hobbits
and Strider rest beneath a gathering of huge stone trolls. Sam tries to
keep Frodo conscious.>
<<Sam: Look, Mr Frodo! It's
Mr. Bilbo's trolls!>>
<Frodo is becoming more delirious
and weak. Strange sounds come from him, like the faint screeches of Wraiths.
Sam feels Frodo's forehead.>
<<Sam: Mr. Frodo? <to Strider>
He’s going cold!>>
<<Pippin: Is he going to die?>>
<<Strider: He’s passing into
the shadow world. He will soon become a wraith like them.>>
<Frodo gasps. The Nazg?l cry is
heard from a distance. Frodo cries out as if in answer to them.>
<<Merry: They’re close.>>
<<Strider: Sam, do you know
Athelas plant?>>
<<Sam: Athelas?>>
<<Strider: Kingsfoil.>>
<<Sam: Kingsfoil - aye, it's
a weed.>>
<<Strider: It may help to slow
the poison. Hurry!>>
<They search for the plant in
the nearby undergrowth. Strider finds a small patch and proceeds to collect
it. Suddenly a sword is at his throat.>
<<Female voice: What’s this?
A ranger caught off his guard?>>
<Frodo, lying on the ground, senses
a white light nearing him. He turns towards it, and like a vision, sees
a beautiful Elf-lady approaching on a white horse. She dismounts and comes
close to him.>
<<Female: Frodo.... Im Arwen.
Telin le thaed (I am Arwen. I have come to help you.)>>
Lasto beth n?n. Tolo dan na ngalad
(Hear my voice. Come back to the light.)>>
<<Merry (in awe): Who is she?>>
<<Arwen: <kneels> Frodo!>>
<<Sam: She's an Elf.>>
<Strider chews a portion of the
athelas and applies it to Frodo's wound. The Hobbit is sinking fast.>
<<Arwen (to Strider): He's
fading!>>
<Frodo gasps.>
<<Arwen: He's not going to
last. We must get him to my father. I’ve been looking for you for 2 days.>>
<<Merry: Where are you taking
him?>>
<<Arwen: <gets up as Strider
lifts Frodo up in his arms> There are 5 wraiths behind you. Where the other
4 are, I do not know.>>
<Strider mounts Frodo onto Arwen's
horse.>
<<Strider: Dartho guin perian.
Rych le ad tolthathon. (Stay with the Hobbits. I will send horses back
for you.)>>
<<Arwen: Hon mabathon. Rochon
ellint im. (I’m the faster rider. I’ll take him.)>>
<<Strider: Andelu i ven. (The
road is too dangerous.)>>
<<Pippin: What are they saying?>>
<<Arwen: Frodo f?r. Ae athradon
i hir, tur gwaith nin beriatha hon. (Frodo's dying. If I can get across
the river, the power of my people will protect him.)>>
<<Arwen (reassuringly): I do
not fear them.>>
<<Strider: Be iest l?n. (As
you wish.)>>
<Their hands clasp tenderly. Arwen
mounts her horse. Frodo is seated in front of her.>
<<Strider: Arwen, ride hard.
Don’t look back!>>
<<Arwen (to horse): Noro lim,
Asfaloth, noro lim! (Ride fast, Asfaloth, ride fast!)>>
<Asfaloth gallops away>
Sam (to Strider): What are you doing?!
Those wraiths are still out there!>>
<Strider stares after Arwen, well
aware of the dangers she faces.>
<Arwen rides on as the Nazg?l
give chase. Night gives way to day as they pursue her, from forest to open
plain, sometimes closing, sometimes falling behind. Frodo, half-unconscious,
senses their presence. One of the Wraiths closes on him, reaching out as
if to snatch the Ring from him. Arwen spurs Asfaloth on to an even greater
effort.>
<<Arwen: Noro lim, Asfaloth!!!
(Ride faster, Asfaloth!)>>
<Arwen reaches the river, and
splashes across the ford. She pauses and looks back. The Nazg?l have stopped
at the edge of the water. Their mounts rear up, screaming, seemingly terrified
of entering the river.>
<<Nazg?l: Give up the halfling,
she-Elf!>>
<<Arwen: <draws her sword
in challenge> If you want him, come and claim him!>>
<The Nazg?l draw their swords
and urge their reluctant horses across the ford. Arwen begins to chant
to the river.>
<<Arwen:
Nin o Chithaeglir, lasto beth daer,
Rimmo nin Bruinen, dan in Ulair!
Nin o Chithaeglir, lasto beth daer,
Rimmo nin Bruinen, dan in Ulair!
(Waters of the Misty Mountains
listen to the great word;
flow waters of Loudwater
against the Ringwraiths!)>>
<Gradually, the water level rises.
A great flood comes around the bend, with peaks like white horses. The
Nazg?l are cast from their mounts and washed away down the river as Arwen
watches.>
<Frodo starts to slip from the
horse. Arwen lays him on the ground.>
<<Arwen: No! Frodo...No! Frodo,
don’t give in! Not now!>>
<Arwen cries and embraces Frodo.>
<<Arwen (voice over): What
grace is given me, let it pass to him, let him be spared - save him.>>
<The surrounds fade to white.
Elrond appears, recognisable as the Elf who was a lieutenant in the Last
Alliance.>
<<Elf: Lasto beth n?n. Tolo
dan na ngalad. (Hear my voice, come back to the light)>>
<Frodo is lying in a vast bed.>
<<Frodo (half-asleep): Where
am I?>>
<<Gandalf's voice: You are
in the house of Elrond. And it is 10 o’clock in the morning, on October
the 24th, if you want to know.>>
<Frodo wakes up.>
<<Frodo: Gandalf!>>
<Gandalf is seated on Frodo's
bed, smoking his pipe. The bedroom opens on to a stunningly beautiful garden.
The noise of falling water is mixed with bird song. Leaves are gently falling.>
<<Gandalf: Yes...I’m here.
And you're lucky to be here, too. A few more hours and you would have been
beyond our aid. But you have some strength in you, my dear hobbit!>>
<<Frodo: What happened, Gandalf?
Why didn't you meet us?>>
<<Gandalf: Oh I'm sorry Frodo
. . . (long pause) . . . I was delayed.>>
<Flashback to Isengard. On the
tower top, Saruman is using his powers to flip Gandalf about. He then dangles
him dangerously over the edge of Orthanc.>
<<Saruman: Friendship with
Saruman is not lightly thrown aside. One ill turn deserves another. It
is over! Embrace the power of the Ring . . . or embrace your own destruction!>>
<Gandalf lies at full stretch,
completely at Saruman's mercy. A tiny white moth flutters across between
them. Gandalf observes it as Saruman continues to taunt him. Saruman hurls
Gandalf back towards the platform.>
<<Gandalf: <slowly raises
himself as the shadowy form of an eagle appears in the background.> There
is only one Lord of the Ring! Only one who can bend it to his will. And
he. does. not. share. power!>>
<The eagle screeches. Gandalf
leaps off the Tower of Orthanc and lands on the eagle's back.>
<<Saruman: So you have chosen
- death .>>
<Gwaihir flies over the mountains,
bearing Gandalf to safety.>
<<Frodo: Gandalf? What is it?>>
<<Gandalf: Nothing, Frodo.>>
<Sam enters the room and rushes
to Frodo's side, clasping his hand in joy.>
<<Sam: Frodo! Frodo!>>
<<Frodo: Sam!>>
<<Sam: Bless you, you're awake!>>
<Frodo laughs>
<<Gandalf: Sam has hardly left
your side.>>
<<Sam: We were that worried
about you, weren't we Mr. Gandalf?>>
<<Gandalf: By the skills of
Lord Elrond, you're beginning to mend.>>
<<Elrond: <entering the
room and smiles down at Frodo> Welcome to Rivendell, Frodo Baggins.>>
<Rivendell sits high above a
gorge which is thick with pines and deciduous shrubs. Delicate, lacy waterfalls
trace their way down to the river below. A stone bridge spans the chasm
as a cloaked rider upon a white horse plods towards the house. In the gardens,
Frodo is reunited with his friends. Multiple hugs and backslaps all round.
Eventually, Frodo spots a familiar figure sitting on a stone seat, reading
from a large Red Book.>
<<Frodo: Bilbo!>>
<Bilbo seems to have aged and
looks white and frail. He leans heavily upon a staff as he gets up to greet
Frodo.>
<<Bilbo: Hello, Frodo my lad!>>
<<Frodo: Bilbo! <hugs him>>>
<<Bilbo: Oh!>>
<Frodo reads aloud from Bilbo's
book.>
<<Frodo: "There and Back Again:
A Hobbit's Tale by Bilbo Baggins." <leafs through the book> This is
wonderful!>>
<<Bilbo: I meant to go back
... wander the paths of Mirkwood ... visit Laketown ... see the Lonely
Mountain again. But age it seems, has finally caught up with me.>>
<He gives Frodo a sad smile. Frodo
stops to look at the map of the Shire.>
<<Frodo: I miss the Shire.
I spent all my childhood pretending I was off somewhere else … off with
you on one of your adventures! <realises sadly> My own adventure turned
out to be quite different.>>
<<Frodo: I’m not like you,
Bilbo.>>
<<Bilbo: <pats Frodo's cheek>
My dear boy.>>
<On the balcony, Sam is trying
to pack his bags.>
<<Sam (to himself): Now what
have I forgotten?>>
<<Frodo: Packed already?>>
<<Sam: No harm in being prepared.>>
<<Frodo: I thought you wanted
to see the Elves, Sam.>>
<<Sam: I do!>>
<<Frodo: More than anything.>>
<<Sam: I did! It's just ...
we did what Gandalf wanted didn't we? We got the Ring this far to Rivendell
and then I thought, seein’ as how you’re on the mend, we'd be off soon.
Off home.>>
<<Frodo: You're right Sam.
We did what we set out to do. <shows the Ring on his palm> The Ring
will be safe in Rivendell.>>
<<Frodo: I am ready to go home.>>
<Gandalf and Elrond watch Frodo
and Sam from the balcony in Elrond's study.>
<<Elrond: His strength returns.>>
<<Gandalf: That wound will
never fully heal. He will carry it the rest of his life.>>
<<Elrond: And yet to have come
so far, still bearing the Ring, the hobbit has shown extraordinary resilience
to its evil.>>
<Elrond walks over to his desk
and pours wine.>
<<Gandalf: It is a burden he
should never have had to bear. We can ask no more of Frodo.>>
<<Elrond: <turns to confront
Gandalf> Gandalf, the enemy is moving. Sauron's forces are massing in the
east-- his eye is fixed on Rivendell. And Saruman you tell me has betrayed
us. Our list of allies grows thin.>>
<<Gandalf: His treachery runs
deeper than you know. By foul craft Saruman has crossed Orcs with goblin-men,
he's breeding an army in the caverns of Isengard. An army that can move
in sunlight and cover great distance at speed. Saruman is coming for the
Ring.>>
<<Elrond: This evil cannot
be concealed by the power of the Elves. We do not have the strength to
fight both Mordor and Isengard!>>
<Gandalf moves away, deep in thought.>
<<Elrond: Gandalf, the Ring
cannot stay here.>>
<Gandalf stands at Elrond's window,
looks out and sees a group of new arrivals in the garden. A man, an Elf
and companions, and a party of Dwarves all dismount and stare around them
in wonder.>
<<Elrond: This peril belongs
to all Middle-earth. They must decide now how to end it. The time of the
Elves is over-- my people are leaving these shores. Who will you look to
when we've gone? The Dwarves? They hide in their mountains seeking riches--
they care nothing for the troubles of others .>>
<<Gandalf: It is in Men that
we must place our hope.>>
<<Elrond (scathing): Men? Men
are weak .>>
<Elrond takes his glass and wanders
through his house as Gandalf follows. It is a beautiful house, full of
wooden paneling and ancient statues and artefacts.>
<<Elrond: The race of Men is
failing. The blood of Numenor is all but spent, its pride and dignity forgotten.
It is because of Men the Ring survives. I was there Gandalf. I was there
three thousand years ago … >>
<Flashback to Isildur slicing
the Ring off Sauron’s hand and holding up the Ring.>
<<Elrond: . . . when Isildur
took the Ring. I was there the day the strength of Men failed.>>
<Elrond and Isildur stand on the
slopes of Mount Doom. The volcano roars and gushes fire above them.>
<<Elrond: Isildur - hurry.
Follow me.>>
<<Elrond (v/over): I led Isildur
into the heart of Mount Doom, where the Ring was forged, the one place
it could be destroyed.>>
<Elrond stands near the cracks
of Doom, on the same spot where Sauron first held up the One Ring in triumph.>
<<Elrond: Cast it into the
fire!>>
<Isildur looks at the Ring in
his hand. The Ring whispers to him.>
<<Elrond: Destroy it!>>
<<Isildur (smiles in sly triumph):
No.>>
<Isildur walks away.>
<<Elrond: Isildur!!!>>
<<Elrond: (v/over): It should’ve
ended that day, but evil was allowed to endure.>>
<<Elrond: Isildur kept the
Ring. The line of kings is broken. There is no strength left in the world
of Men. They’re scattered, divided, leaderless.>>
<<Gandalf: There is one who
could unite them, one who could reclaim the throne of Gondor.>>
<<Elrond: He turned from that
path long time ago. He has chosen exile.>>
<Evening has fallen. Strider
is seated on the terrace reading a book. Footsteps echo on the stone floor.
The man who arrived earlier enters and pauses in front of a battle-piece
of Isildur, with broken sword raised against Sauron. He regards the painting
intently, then, conscious of another presence, turns and sees Strider.>
<<Man: You are no Elf!>>
<<Strider: The Men of the South
are welcome here.>>
<<Man: Who are you?>>
<<Strider: I am a friend to
Gandalf the Grey.>>
<<Man: Then we are here on
a common purpose . . . (he smiles) . . . friend .>>
<The Man seems puzzled by Strider's
reluctance to reveal his identity, but smiles again good-naturedly and
turns to the Lady's shrine opposite the wall painting. He sees the broken
sword lying there. He picks up the haft, shifting it in his hand, testing
its weight and feel as a warrior would, and stares at the blade.>
<<Man: The shards of Narsil!
The blade that cut the ring from Sauron's hand!>>
<He runs his finger up the blade
and cuts himself.>
<<Man (in amazement): It's
still sharp!>>
<Turns to look at Strider who
is watching him.>
<<Man (in disdain): But no
more than a broken heirloom!>>
<He returns the sword carelessly
and it clatters to the ground. He hesitates, then walks away. Strider gets
up and walks to the shrine. He picks up the dropped haft and carefully
sets it in place with the other shards. He takes a step back and touches
his right hand to his heart, as he looks at the statue of the Lady. Arwen
walks in behind him.>
<<Arwen: Why do you fear the
past? You are Isildur's heir, not Isildur himself. You are not bound to
his fate.>>
<<Strider: The same blood flows
in my veins. <turns to Arwen> Same weakness.>>
<<Arwen: Your time will come.
You will face the same evil, and you will defeat it.
A si i-Dh?ath ?-orthor, Aragorn.
? or le a ? or nin.
(The Shadow does not hold sway yet,
Aragorn. Not over you and not over me.)>>
<In the twilit gardens of Rivendell,
Arwen and Aragorn stand atop of a bridge. A love song plays softly in the
background:
O m?r henion i dh?:
Ely siriar, ?l s?la.
Ai! An?ron Und?miel.
Tiro! ?l eria e m?r.
I 'l?r en ?l luitha '?ren.
Ai! An?ron...
From darkness I understand the night:
dreams flow, a star shines.
Ah! I desire Evenstar.
Look! A star rises out of the darkness.
The song of the star enchants my
heart.
Ah! I desire…>
<<Arwen: Renech i lu i erui
govannen? (Do you remember when we first met?)>>
<<Aragorn: Nauthannem i ned
ol reniannen. (I thought I had strayed into a dream.)>>
<<Arwen: <tenderly touches
Aragorn’s cheek> Gwenwin in enninath...U-arnech in naeth i si celich. (Long
years have passed…You did not have the cares you carry now.)>>
<<Arwen: Renech i beth i pennen?
(Do you remember what I told you?)>>
<<Aragorn: <his fingers
run across the pendant on her breast> You said you'd bind yourself to me.
Forsaking the immortal life of your people.>>
<<Arwen: And to that I hold.
I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this
world alone.>> <Arwen gives Aragorn the pendant.>
<<Arwen: I choose a mortal
life.>>
<<Aragorn: You cannot give
me this!>>
<<Arwen: It is mine to give
to whom I will...like my heart.>>
<They kiss>
<The following morning, at the
Council of Elrond. Gandalf and Frodo along with a congregation of Men,
Elves and Dwarves sit in a semi-circle around a stone pedestal.>
<<Elrond: Strangers from distant
lands, friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat
of Mordor. Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can
escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this
fate--this one doom. <gestures to the pedestal> Bring forth the Ring,
Frodo.>>
<Frodo rises and lays the Ring
on the pedestal.>
<<Man of the South: So it is
true.. .>>
<Frodo returns to his seat beside
Gandalf. He seems relieved. The members of the Council stare at the Ring,
mesmerised by it. It appears to start whispering to each of them in turn.
Each person hears it differently.>
<<Unidentified Man : The Doom
of Men>>
<<Man of the South: <rises
to address the Council> In a dream, I saw the eastern sky grow dark. But
in the West a pale light lingered. A voice was crying: Your doom is near
at hand. (He approaches the Ring on the plinth.) Isildur's Bane is found.>>
<The Man reaches out towards the
Ring. Gandalf and Elrond exchange concerned looks. The Man's fingers hover
above the Ring.>
<<Man: Isildur's Bane.>>
<Elrond leaps up.>
<<Elrond (loudly): Boromir!>>
<The Ring utters a harsh chant.
Gandalf suddenly stands up and also begins the chant in Black Speech. Thunder
crackles as the sky darkens. The Council stare around them in fear and
confusion.>
<<Gandalf:
Ash nazg durbatul?k, ash nazg gimbatul,
ash nazg thrakatul?k agh burzum-ishi
krimpatul.
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring
to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in
the Darkness bind them. >>
<The voice of the Ring dies away.
People resume their seats, horrified, Boromir amongst them. Elrond rebukes
Gandalf strongly.>
<<Elrond: Never before has
any voice uttered the words of that tongue here in Imladris!>>
<<Gandalf: (voice raspy from
the force of the words and the language): I do not ask your pardon, Master
Elrond, for the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner
of the West! The Ring is altogether Evil!>>
<He gives Boromir a final scathing
glance and resumes his seat. Boromir is unperturbed.>
<<Boromir: It is a gift. A
gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this Ring? <paces> Long has
my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By
the blood of our people are your lands kept safe! Give Gondor the weapon
of the enemy. Let us use it against him!>>
<<Aragorn: You cannot wield
it! None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other
master.>>
<<Boromir: And what would a
ranger know of this matter?>>
<An Elf stands suddenly. He is
recognizable as the Elf Gandalf saw from Elrond's window.>
<<Elf: This is no mere ranger.
He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance.>>
<<Boromir: Aragorn? This...
is Isildur's heir?>>
<<Elf: And heir to the throne
of Gondor.>>
<Frodo looks wide-eyed at Aragorn.>
<<Aragorn: Havo dad, Legolas
(Sit down, Legolas.)>>
<<Boromir: Gondor has no king.
Gondor needs no king.>>
<returns to his seat>
<<Gandalf: Aragorn is right.
We cannot use it.>>
<<Elrond: You have only one
choice. The Ring must be destroyed.>>
<<Dwarf: Then what are we waiting
for?>>
<The Dwarf grabs an axe and approaches
the pedestal.>
<<Dwarf: ARGH!!!!>>
<He strikes the Ring with full
force but is repelled back, throwing him to the ground. Concurrently, Frodo
sees the Eye of Sauron in his mind and winces in pain. The Ring remains
intact with the shards of the axe all around it. Whispers in the black
tongue issue forth from the Ring.>
<<Elrond: The Ring cannot be
destroyed, Gimli, son of Gl?in, by any craft that we here possess. The
Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade.
It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from
whence it came.>>
<<Ring (whispers): Ash Nazg>>
<<Elrond: One of you must do
this.>>
<Dead silence from the council>
<<Boromir: 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!>>
<<Legolas: <stands indignantly>
Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!>>
<<Gimli: <leaps to his feet>
And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?!>>
<<Boromir: <rises> And if
we fail, what then?! What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?!>>
<<Gimli: I will be dead before
I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf!>>
<Commotion starts as arguments
erupt amongst the council members.>
<<Gimli: Never trust an Elf!>>
<<Gandalf: Do you not understand
that while we bicker amongst ourselves, Sauron's power grows?! None can
escape it! You'll all be destroyed!>>
<Frodo remains seated, watching
the Ring uneasily, the angry figures of the council reflected on its surface.
Suddenly, flames flare up, engulfing the surface of the Ring.>
<<Ring: Ash Nazg Durbatul?k!
Ash Nazg Gimbatul! Ash Nazg Gimbatul! Ash Nazg Gimbatul!>>
<The intensity of the arguments
increase. Slowly, determination dawns on Frodo’s face. He stands and takes
a few steps toward the arguing council, trying to make his voice heard
above the din.>
<<Frodo: I will take it! I
will take it!>>
<The argument dies down. Gandalf
closes his eyes as he hears Frodo’s statement. The members of the council
slowly turn towards Frodo, astonished.>
<<Frodo: I will take the Ring
to Mordor. Though-- I do not know the way.>>
<<Gandalf: <walks towards
Frodo> I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is
yours to bear <places his hands reassuringly on Frodo’s shoulders.>>>
<<Aragorn: <rises> If by
my life or death, I can protect you, I will.>>
<He approaches Frodo and keels
before him.>
<<Aragorn: You have my sword.>>
<<Legolas: And you have my
bow <walks to join them.>>>
<<Gimli: And my axe! <looks
grimly at Legolas as he joins the group.>>>
<<Boromir: <walks over to
them> You carry the fate of us all little one. If this is indeed the will
of the Council, then Gondor will see it done.>>
<<Sam: Heh! <jumps from
behind the bushes and joins them> Mr. Frodo is not goin’ anywhere without
me!>>
<<Elrond (amused): No indeed,
it is hardly possible to separate you even when he is summoned to a secret
council and you are not.>>
<<Pippin and Merry: <emerges
from behind the pillars to join them> Wait! We are coming too!>>
<<Merry: You'd have to send
us home tied up in a sack to stop us!>>
<<Pippin: Anyway you need people
of intelligence on this sort of mission, quest... thing.>>
<<Merry: Well that rules you
out Pip.>>
<<Elrond (musing): Nine companions...
So be it! You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!>>
<<Pippin: Great! Where are
we going?>>
<A hand traces runes on a pale
slab of stone, nestled in the deep forests of Rivendell.
"Gilraen," it reads. "Onen i-Estel
Edain, ?-chebin estel anim. I gave Hope to the D?nedain, I have kept no
hope for myself."
The hand reaches out, pulling a clump
of moss from the grove of a letter, wiping leaf-litter and mud from an
edge of the stone, pulling free entwining branches gathering over the smooth,
stony hands of a statue. Aragorn, kneeling, lifts his head. He gazes into
the solemn eyes of the statue, a woman in a cloak and hood. Aragorn touches
her face. A voice speaks.>
<<Voice: Anirne hene beriad
i ch?n ?n. Ned Imladris nauthant e le beriathar aen. (She wanted to protect
her child. She thought that in Rivendell you would be safe.)>>
<Elrond appears, walking towards
Aragorn through the trees.>
<<Elrond: In her heart, your
mother knew you'd be hunted all your life. That you'd never escape your
fate.>>
<<Elrond: The skill of the
Elves can reforge the sword of Kings, but only you have the power to wield
it.>>
<Aragorn looks up uncertainly.>
<< Aragorn: I do not want that
power. I have never wanted it.>>
<<Elrond: You are the last
of that bloodline. There is no other.>>
<On a bedside table, a hand folds
back a homespun cloth to reveal a short sword in a scabbard. Bilbo Baggins
picks it up and hands it to Frodo.>
<<Bilbo: My old sword, Sting!
Here! Take it, take it!>>
<Frodo unsheathes the sword and
examines it. It rings as Frodo draws it, glinting.>
<<Frodo: It’s so light!>>
<<Bilbo: Yes...yea--made by
the Elves, you know. The blade glows blue when Orcs are close. And it's
times like that, my lad, when you have to be extra careful!
<Bilbo brings out a mail shirt.
It shines- simple, yet beautifully adorned with intricate patterns in the
mail.>
<<Bilbo: Here’s a pretty thing
--Mithril! As light as a feather…and as hard as dragon scales! Let me see
you put it on. Come on.>>
<Frodo begins to unbutton his
shirt. As he does, the Ring is revealed. Bilbo sees it.>
<<Bilbo: Oh...M-my old Ring!
Oh, I sh-sh-should very much like…to hold it again, one last time.>>
<Bilbo’s eyes light up and he
wrings his hands, his eyes focused on the Ring. Frodo begins to cover it
up.>
<Bilbo smiles faintly in an almost
grandfatherly manner. Suddenly, transformed by the power of the Ring, he
lashes out. His eyes grow round, ringed in purple shadows, his teeth are
like yellowed fangs in his mouth, stretched open wide as he utters a strangled
cry. Frodo, startled, backs away, clutching his hand over the Ring. But
as quickly as the shadow comes, it is gone. Bilbo’s eye show surprise at
his transformation. He cowers back, his voice strained.>
<<Bilbo: I’m sorry I brought
this upon you, my boy...I’m sorry that you must carry this burden.>>
<He sits down on the bed, weeping.>
<<Bilbo: I’m sorry for everything!>>
<Frodo places a reassuring hand
on Bilbo’s shoulder. Bilbo reaches back and puts his own hand on Frodo’s.
He continues to weep in sorrow.>
<In a glade beneath an old stone
arch, the Fellowship gathers to bid farewell to Rivendell. Elrond speaks
to them, gazing sternly at the faces before him. Frodo stands, listening,
slightly apart from the others; leaves flutter to the earth.>
<<Elrond: The Ring-bearer is
setting out on the Quest of Mount Doom. On you who travel with him no oath
nor bond is laid, to go further than you will.>>
<<Elrond: Farewell. Hold to
your purpose. May the blessings of Elves and Men and all free folk go with
you.>>
<Elrond spreads his arms, and
Legolas and Aragorn bow their heads, hands upon hearts.>
<<Gandalf: The Fellowship awaits
the Ring-bearer.>>
<Frodo, turns and walks forward,
uncertainly. Before him, the path winds away to either side.>
<<Frodo (whispering softly
to Gandalf): Mordor, Gandalf, is it left or right?>>
<<Gandalf: Left.>>
<The Fellowship departs beneath
an old arch of lichen-encrusted stone. Yet Aragorn remains where he stands,
and turns to Arwen. Across the path between them they gaze into one another’s
eyes. Arwen‘s face is sorrowful; Aragorn smiles faintly, and nods a farewell.
He walks out. Arwen breaks off her gaze, looking down; solemn, alone.>
<The Fellowship departs from Rivendell
as the sun‘s rays pierce the valley. They travel through the woods, over
open plains and hillsides. They pause on a hill in the wild.>
<<Gandalf (v/over): We must
hold this course west of the Misty Mountains for forty days. If our luck
holds, the Gap of Rohan will still be open to us. From there our road turns
east to Mordor.>>
<Sam cooks sausage and other food
over a fire, climbing up onto a rock besides Frodo. The Fellowship is resting
on an outstretched arm of the mountains.>
<Boromir spars with Merry and
Pippin,
tutoring them on sword fighting. He battles with Pippin.>
<<Boromir (to each move of
the sword): Two, one, five. Good. Very good.>>
<Aragorn sits nearby, smoking
a pipe. He speaks encouragement.>
<<Aragorn: Move your feet!>>
<<Merry: You look good, Pippin.>>
<<Pippin: Thanks.>>
<<Boromir: Faster!>>
<As the Hobbits spar with Boromir,
Gimli approaches Gandalf.>
<<Gimli: If anyone was to ask
for my opinion, which I note they’re not, I’d say we were taking the long
way round. Gandalf, we could pass through the Mines of Moria. My cousin,
Balin, would give us a royal welcome.>>
<Gandalf takes a pipe he was smoking
from his mouth. Faint surprise registers in the old wizard’s eyes.>
<<Gandalf: No Gimli, I would
not take the road through Moria unless I had no other choice.>>
<Legolas notices something amiss
and looks intently towards the South. Meanwhile, Boromir continues to fight
Pippin.>
<<Boromir: Come on. Good.>>
<Boromir accidentally nicks Pippin’s
hand>
<<Pippin (in pain): Aaaah!>>
<<Boromir: Sorry!>>
<Pippin kicks Boromir on the shin>
<<Boromir: Ahh!>>
<<Merry: Get Him!>>
<Boromir goes down in a mock battle.
Boromir and Aragorn laugh with the Hobbits.>
<<Pippin: For the Shire! Hold
him! Hold him down! Merry!>>
<Aragorn walks over to them.>
<<Aragorn: Gentlemen, that's
enough.>>
<He lays a hand on either Hobbit's
shoulder. Pippin and Merry grab his legs, pulling him down on his back.>
<<Pippin: <off screen, still
in a mock battle> You’ve got my arm…you’ve got my arm!>>
<Legolas continues to look to
the South, where a strange cloud has appeared. Sam takes notice of Legolas’s
observation.>
<<Sam: What is that?>>
<<Gimli: Nothing, it’s just
a whiff of cloud.>>
<<Boromir: <getting up from
the ground, a hand on either Hobbit‘s shoulder> It’s moving fast…against
the wind.>>
<<Legolas: Crebain from Dunland!>>
<<Aragorn: Hide!>>
<<Boromir: Hurry!>>
<Aragorn rushes around, getting
the Fellowship out of sight.>
<<Aragorn: Frodo! Hurry! Take
cover!>>
<The Fellowship scrambles to gather
their things, and Sam puts out the fire. They hide behind rock outcroppings
and under bushes. They wait. In a burst of darkness against the light of
day, a flock of black birds rushes overhead, cawing loudly. They circle
the hill, then turn and fly back Southward.>
<The Fellowship comes out from
the rocks.>
<<Gandalf: Spies of Saruman!
The passage South is being watched. We must take the Pass of Caradhras.>>
<He turns, looking up at a great,
snowy mountain on high.>
<The Fellowship climbs the snowy
slopes of Caradhras. As they climb through the glistening, fresh snow beneath
the great blue sky, Frodo looses his footing and falls, rolling down the
slope towards Aragorn.>
<<Frodo: Ungh!>>
<<Aragorn: Frodo!>> <He
helps him to his feet.>
<Frodo regains his footing and
puts a hand instinctively to his neck for the Ring. Finding it missing,
he looks back up the slope. The Ring lies in the snow, its gold glistening.
Boromir sees the Ring in the snow and picks it up by its chain.>
<<Aragorn (quietly): Boromir.>>
<But Boromir is oblivious, riveted
by the Ring. His face seems sad.>
<<Boromir (speaking softly):
It is a strange fate we should suffer so much fear and doubt…over so small
a thing. Such a little thing.>>
<He reaches out a gloved hand
to touch it.>
<<Aragorn: Boromir!>>
<Boromir looks up, pulled from
his trance.>
<<Aragorn: Give the Ring to
Frodo.>>
<Boromir walks slowly down the
slope to the Ranger and the Hobbit. Aragorn’s hand is on the hilt of his
sword.>
<<Boromir: <holds out the
Ring> As you wish…>>
<Frodo does not wait, and grabs
the Ring sharply, a tormented expression on his face.>
<<Boromir: …I care not.>>
<Boromir jokingly tousles Frodo’s
hair, turning to resume climbing. Frodo looks on suspiciously; Aragorn
releases his grip from his sword.>
<Over Isengard there is a veiling
shadow. The crows fly down through a maze of underground workings, past
Orcs laboring. They circle around, cawing. Saruman stands by, hearing the
news they have to tell him.>
<<Saruman: So, Gandalf, you
try to lead them over Caradhras. And if that fails, where then will you
go?>>
<Gandalf’s staff drives into the
snow, forging a way through a growing blizzard as Gandalf guides the Fellowship
along a narrow ledge on the Pass.>
<<Saruman (v/over): If the
mountain defeats you, will you risk a more dangerous road?>>
<As the Fellowship labors onwards
through the high snow banks, Legolas runs out ahead. His step is light
and he moves with ease across the top of the snow, staring into the blinding
storm. A cruel voice rises on the wind.>
<<Voice: (chanting) Cuiva nwalca
Carnirasse; nai yarvaxea rasselya! (Wake up cruel Redhorn! May your horn
be bloodstained!)>>
<<Legolas: There is a fell
voice on the air!>>
<<Gandalf: It’s Saruman!>>
<With a rending echo, a horde
of rock slabs and boulders falls from the mountain‘s arms. The Fellowship
shove themselves flat against the sheer cliff wall to avoid the onslaught
of stone.>
<<Aragorn (yelling through
the storm): He’s trying to bring down the mountain! Gandalf, we must turn
back!>>
<<Gandalf: No!>>
<With determination against all
odds, Gandalf steps out onto the ledge, rising on the snow, chanting out
a counter command to Caradhras. The old wizard’s voice bellows into the
air, attempting to calm the rage of the mountain.>
<<Gandalf: Losto Caradhras,
sedho, hodo, nuitho i 'ruith! (Sleep, Caradhras, be still, lie still, hold
your wrath!)>>
<The wizard’s voice is drowned
out by a more terrible cry in the maelstrom. Saruman stands on the Pinnacle
of Orthanc and continues to command Caradhras, eliciting the mountain‘s
anger. Away above him where he stands, a great black wall-cloud towers
over Redhorn.>
<<Saruman: Cuiva nwalca Carnirasse;
Nai yarvaxea rasselya; taltuva notto-carinnar! (Wake up cruel Redhorn!
May your bloodstained horn fall upon enemy heads!)>>
<Lightning strikes the tip of
Caradhras, sending a second avalanche of sheer white ice onto the Fellowship
below. As the storm of snow falls, Gandalf continues to command the mountain,
to no avail. Legolas snatches Gandalf from the edge, pulling him against
the cliff just before the ice-fall hits. The avalanche cascades over the
Fellowship, and snow buries them completely. After a moment, they emerge.>
<<Boromir: We must get off
the mountain! Make for the Gap of Rohan and take the west road to my city!>>
<<Aragorn: The Gap of Rohan
takes us too close to Isengard!>>
<<Gimli: If we cannot pass
over the mountain, let us go under it. Let us go through the mines of Moria.>>
<In Gandalf’s eyes there is a
shadow of doubt, of fear that lies unsaid. He is conflicted.>
<<Saruman (v/over): Moria…
You fear to go into those mines.>>
<Saruman sits in his study in
Orthanc, reading a page in a book of lore written in a strange tongue.>
<<Saruman (cont’d): The Dwarves
delved too greedily and too deep.>>
<On Caradhras, Gandalf‘s eyes
glint, fearful.>
<<Saruman: You know what they
awoke in the darkness of Khazad-d?m:>>
<Saruman turns to another page,
revealing a mysterious form drawn as blackness and deep fire, with two
sparks in the midst of the flame and dark, like eyes.>
<<Saruman: Shadow and Flame!>>
<On the mountain, Gandalf speaks.>
<<Gandalf (grimly): Let the
Ring bearer decide.>>
<Boromir shouts through the snowstorm,
holding Merry and Pippin to him. Both are cold and extremely pale.>
<<Boromir: We cannot stay here!
This will be the death of the Hobbits!>>
<<Gandalf: Frodo?>>
<<Frodo: We will go through
the mines.>>
<<Gandalf: So be it.>>
<The Fellowship passes south.
In the shadow of the ruins of a great aqueduct in the mist and ice of the
mountains, Gandalf beckons to Frodo.>
<<Gandalf: Frodo, come and
help an old man.>>
<<Gandalf: How is your shoulder?>>
<<Frodo: Better than it was.>>
<<Gandalf: And the Ring?>>
<They look at each other.>
<<Gandalf: You feel its power
growing, don't you? I've felt it too. You must be careful now. Evil will
be drawn to you from outside the Fellowship. And, I fear, from within.>>
<The shadowy shape of a Fellowship
member passes by as the two converse. Gandalf looks up with suspicion,
Frodo with fear.>
<<Frodo: Who then do I trust?>>
<<Gandalf: You must trust yourself.
Trust your own strengths.>>
<<Frodo (despairingly): What
do you mean?>>
<<Gandalf: There are many powers
in this world, for Good or for Evil. Some are greater than I am. And against
some I have not yet been tested.>>
<They are interrupted by a gasp
from Gimli.>
<<Gimli (in awe): The Walls…of
Moria!>>
<The Fellowship stands and looks
upon a vast cliff face, sheer and brooding, rising above them and before
them, away into the mists.>
<<Gimli: Dwarf doors are invisible
when closed.>>
<He knocks his axe against a rock.>
<The Fellowship moves along the
rock wall, taping and prying, searching hither and thither for a door.>
<<Gandalf: Yes, Gimli, their
own masters cannot find them, if their secrets are forgotten.>>
<<Legolas: Why doesn't that
surprise me?>>
<Gimli grumbles, but says nothing.>
<A foot splashes into shallow
water. Frodo gasps, pulling his leg back, looking up at his surroundings.
It’s a great pool beside the rock face, with dead branches bearded with
moss hanging damp above the water.>
<Gandalf approaches the rock between
two twisted, gnarled trees. The wizard runs his hand over the cliff face.>
<<Gandalf: Now…let’s see. Ithildin
-
<Beneath his hand run spidery
silver lines, faint beneath the dirt of ages.>
It mirrors only starlight…and moonlight.>>
<He looks up at the black night
sky; the moon appears. Framed by the sharp shadows of the two trees, the
silvery lines grow bright, shining with sheer white light. They outline
a door formed of two columns beneath an arch with a star in the center.
Writing in a strange tongue appears in the arch. Gimli stares in awe at
the gate of his forefathers. Gandalf explains, pointing with his gnarled
staff.>
<<Gandalf: It reads "The Doors
of Durin - Lord of Moria. Speak, friend, and enter.">>
<<Merry: What do you suppose
that means?>>
<<Gandalf: Oh, it’s quite simple.
If you are a friend, you speak the password, and the doors will open.>>
<Gandalf sets his staff’s end
upon the glimmering star.>
<<Gandalf: Annon Edhellen,
edro hi ammen! (Gate of the Elves, open now for me!)>>
<The Doors remain closed.>
<<Gandalf: <raising his
hands> Fennas Nogothrim, lasto beth lammen. (Doorway of the Dwarf-folk,
listen to the word of my tongue.)>>
<<Pippin: Nothing's happening.>>
<Gandalf glances at him at him,
looking slightly annoyed. He begins to push on the doors, but they remain
fast.>
<<Gandalf: I once knew every
spell in all the tongues of Elves...Men...and Orcs.>>
<<Pippin (piping up): What
are you going to do, then?>>
<<Gandalf (angrily): Knock
your head against these doors, Peregrin Took! And if that does not shatter
them, and I am allowed a little peace from foolish questions, I will try
to find the opening words.>>
<Time passes. The rest of the
Fellowship is seated around the doors near the lake, waiting for Gandalf
to open them. Night is deepening.>
<<Gandalf (sounding weary):
Ando Eldarinwa…a lasta quettanya, Fenda Casarinwa… (Gate of Elves…listen
to my word, Threshold of Dwarves…)
<<Aragorn: <unhitching the
pony’s bridle> The Mines are no place for a pony, even one so brave as
Bill.>>
<<Sam (sadly): Buh-bye Bill.>>
<<Aragorn: Go on, Bill, go
on. Don’t worry Sam, he knows the way home.>>
<Bill clip-clops down the shore
through the night.>
<Merry begins to throw stones
into the water. Pippin follows suit but Aragorn stops him.>
<<Aragorn: Do not disturb the
water.>>
<<Gandalf (exasperated): Oh,
it’s useless!>>
<He drop his staff and sits down
beside Frodo, pulling off his hat. Meanwhile, Aragorn and Boromir watch
as a ripple runs through the water.>
<Frodo stands up and looks at
the writings of the glimmering gateway intently.>
<<Frodo: It’s a riddle.>>
<The water continues to ripple
ominously. The rest of the Fellowship watches.>
<<Frodo: Speak "friend" and
enter. What’s the Elvish word for friend?>>
<The water shivers again.>
<<Gandalf: Mellon…>>
<The stone doors slowly swing
open, rumbling deeply and the Fellowship enters Moria. The wizard places
a rough-hewn crystal into the gnarled roots topping his staff; Aragorn
follows last, casting a last suspicious glance at the waters.>
<Moonlight floods into a shadowy
rock chamber. Led by Gandalf, hat and staff in hand, they more towards
the inky blackness at the far end of the chamber.>
<<Gimli: Soon, Master Elf,
you will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the Dwarves! Roaring fires, malt
beer, ripe meat off the bone. This, my friend, is the home of my cousin,
Balin.>>
<Gandalf brings his hand around
his staff, blowing upon the crystal as though to kindled the rock into
light. It glows, as though from some inner strength. With its light glimmering
like stars in his eyes, Gandalf leans the staff towards the dark halls
ahead, throwing into relief dirty, broken stairs and columns, upon which
are tumbled many dark forms...>
<<Gimli: And they call it a
mine. A mine!>>
<<Boromir: This is no mine,
it’s a tomb!>>
<The wizard’s light reveals rotted,
broken and battered forms strewn about, casting long shadows across the
room. A strangled cry is heard.>
<<Gimli: Oh! No! Noooo!!!>>
<The forms are now clearly corpses.>
<Legolas pulls out an arrow from
the body of a fallen Dwarf, examines it and casts it away in disgust.>
<<Legolas: Goblins!>>
<Aragorn and Boromir draw out
their swords. Legolas fits an arrow to his bow.>
<<Boromir: We make for the
Gap of Rohan. We should never have come here.>>
<The four Hobbits are backing
toward the door. Something stirs in the water behind them.>
<<Boromir (echoing through
the hollow, dead hall): Now get out of here, get out!>>
<The company starts for the door.
Suddenly, Frodo is grabbed from behind and pulled off his feet. A long,
snaking tentacle pulls him down.>
<<Sam, Merry, and Pippin: Frodo!>>
<<Sam: <turning> Strider!>>
<<Frodo: Help!>>
<<Sam:: <hacks at tentacle>
Get off him! Strider!>>
<<Merry: Aragorn!>>
<The Hobbits clutch at Frodo,
attempting to keep him away from the water as the tentacles wrap around
him. The watching creature at the gate releases Frodo for a split-second,
and feigns disappearance under the waters. Suddenly, many tentacles come
boiling out of the water, slapping the other Hobbits aside and grabbing
Frodo around the leg. He is pulled out over the water and into the air.>
<<Merry: Frodo!>>
<Legolas runs out onto the shore
and shoots. His arrow pierces a three-pronged tentacle wrapping itself
over Frodo’s face.>
<<Frodo: Strider!>>
<<Strider: Yaghh!>>
<Boromir and Aragorn rush to the
water with their swords, and attack the beast. It flings Frodo wildly in
the air. Despite the Fellowship‘s efforts, the Hobbit is lowered towards
a gapping maw in the water, ringed by fangs, set in a gilled face akin
to some ancient kraken with wild, old eyes glistening fish-like from its
head. Aragorn slices through the tentacle holding Frodo, who falls into
Boromir‘s arms.>
<<Gandalf: Into the Mines!>>
<<Boromir: Legolas!>>
<Aragorn and Boromir retreat.
Boromir runs for the gates with Frodo as a huge tentacle uncoils a hand-like
appendage, snaking after them. Legolas takes aim.>
<<Aragorn: Into the cave!>>
<Legolas shoots. His arrow runs
deep into the beast‘s right eye, and it recoils for a moment with a roar.>
<<Aragorn: Run!>>
<As the Fellowship race into Moria,
the sea creature reaches out and slams the gates shut. Slabs of rocks drop
and the roof of the passageway collapses, crumbling. The Fellowship stares
back in fear as the last rays of moonlight are obliterated. Total darkness
falls.>
<Gasps and heavy breathing echo
in the inky blackness.>
<<Gandalf: We now have but
one choice.>>
<Light appears from Gandalf’s
staff. He knocks it on the floor and the light brightens, showing the startled
and frightened faces of the Fellowship.>
<<Gandalf: We must face the
long dark of Moria. Be on your guard. There are older and fouler things
than Orcs, in the deep places of the world.>>
<The Fellowship carefully picks
its way over the floor and up the broad steps. The silhouettes of skeletal
remains and black-fletched arrows frame them as they move away by the light
of Gandalf’s staff.>
<<Gandalf: Quietly now. It’s
a four-day journey to the other side. Let us hope that our presence may
go unnoticed.>>
<Time passes. The Fellowship
enters a great cavern with a serpentine walkway running down through the
middle. The path is rough-hewn and narrow, and rocky arches and boulder-like
lumps appear in the half-light of the caverns.>
<Frodo’s eyes dart about him.
A ladder hangs on his right. Crossing the path past a dark stony doorway,
the Fellowship comes to a narrow, curving stair. Ladders and iron chains
rise from a dark pit to their right. On their left, rock walls rise sheer.
A chain swings slowly, clinking. The noise reverberates. The light of the
wizard‘s staff moves beyond the chains, glinting like some pale will-o‘-the-wisp.>
<Gandalf rests his hand upon a
rock with a dark, silvery veins running through it.>
<<Gandalf: The wealth of Moria
was not in gold...or jewels...
<The wizard tilts his staff down
towards the pit.>
…but Mithril.>>
<The lights illuminates the Fellowship’s
faces, and they stare in awe at what is below them.>
<A vast, seemingly endless rock
wall drops into the depths below. Row upon row of ladders and scaffolding,
old and disused, disappear into the mining shafts below. Merry leans forward
slightly to look closer. Pippin puts a warning hand in front of him. Frodo
stares down until the light fades, the vision of a forgotten realm gone.>
<<Gandalf: Bilbo had a shirt
of Mithril rings that Thorin gave him.>>
<<Gimli: Oh, that was a kingly
gift.>>
<<Gandalf: Yes! I never told
him, but its worth was greater than the value of the Shire.>>
<Frodo looks faintly surprised.>
<They then climb up steep steps
on the side of a cavern with many rows of tombs, all silent, all quiet
now. A vast graveyard. Pippin loses his footing and slips onto Merry.>
<<Merry: Pippin!>>
<The Fellowship climbs another
flight of stairs to a crossroads in the mine: three portals loom before
them. Gandalf holds out his staff. He glances from one to the other and
back. His eyes slowly turn towards the left hand passage. He whispers.>
<<Gandalf: I have no memory
of this place.>>
<The Fellowship rests beneath
a peak of rough stone, while Gandalf tries to decide their course, sitting
alone at the top. Aragorn sits beside Boromir.>
<<Aragorn: Hmm.>>
<The Hobbits whisper amongst themselves.>
<<Pippin: Are we lost?>>
<<Merry: No.>>
<<Pippin: I think we are.>>
<<Sam: Shhh! Gandalf’s thinking.>>
<<Pippin: Merry?>>
<<Merry: What?>>
<<Pippin: I’m hungry.>>
<Frodo looks down into the cavern
and sees a small figure leaping from stone to stone. Startled, he walks
over to where Gandalf is sitting.>
<<Frodo: There’s something
down there!>>
<<Gandalf (without surprise):
It’s Gollum.>>
<<Frodo: Gollum?>>
<<Gandalf: He’s been following
us for three days.>>
<<Frodo: He escaped the dungeons
of Barad-D?r!>>
<<Gandalf: Escaped? <turns
to Frodo> Or was set loose?>>
<<Gandalf (off screen): And
now the Ring had drawn him here. He will never be rid of his need for it.
He hates and loves the Ring, as he hates and loves himself.>>
<Dark, dirty fingers clasp a stone
implement. From the distance below, Gollum looks up, his large, wet eyes
piercing the darkness, observing the company.>
<<Gandalf: Sm?agol's life is
a sad story. Yes, Sm?agol he was once called. Before the Ring found him...before
it drove him mad.>>
<<Frodo: It’s a pity Bilbo
didn’t kill him when he had the chance!>>
<<Gandalf: <glancing sharply
at Frodo> Pity? It was pity that stayed Bilbo’s hand. Many that live deserve
death, and some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo?>>
<Frodo looks down, silently.>
<<Gandalf: Do not be too eager
to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise can not see all ends.
My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or ill…>>
<Gollum pulls back into the darkness,
wrinkling his nose.>
<<Gollum: Golllllluum…>>
<<Gandalf: …before this is
over.>>
<Gollum slinks off.>
<<Gandalf: The pity of Bilbo
may rule the fate of many.>>
<Frodo sits down next to Gandalf.>
<<Frodo (sorrowfully): I wish
the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.>>
<The old wizard leans near in
a grandfatherly manner.>
<<Gandalf: So do all who live
to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide
is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces
at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant
to find the Ring, in which case you also were meant to have it. And that
is an encouraging thought.>>
<<Gandalf: <looks suddenly
towards one of the doorways> Oh! It’s that way.>>
<<Merry: <getting up> He’s
remembered!>>
<The Fellowship starts down a
dark stairway. Gandalf puts on his hat.>
<<Gandalf: No, but the air
doesn’t smell so foul down here.>>
<The wizard rests a hand on Merry’s
shoulder.>
<<Gandalf: If in doubt, Meriadoc,
always follow your nose.>>
<The old wizard leans upon his
walking stick, breathing heavily.>
<Before long the Fellowship comes
to a more open space. Broken ornate columns lie tumbled across the floor.
Gandalf uplifts his staff.>
<<Gandalf: Let me risk a little
more light.>>
<His staff illuminates a grandiose
hall of stone lined with tall pillars and arched ceilings as far as the
eye can see. The Fellowship reacts in awe. Gimli gasps at the halls of
his sires.>
<<Gandalf: Behold: the great
realm and Dwarf city of Dwarrowdelf.>>
<The dark halls are edged with
silver light from the wizard’s staff, shivering in a light not seen for
years to grace their stones.>
<<Sam: Now there’s an eye opener
and no mistake.>>
<Fellowship walks forward through
the hall, peering around a column. Gimli sees a ray of sunlight shining
through a chamber where corpses lay scattered about.>
<<Gimli: Haugh!>>
<<Gandalf: Gimli!>>
<Gimli pays no heed to Gandalf,
but runs into the chamber. Its walls and recesses are scarred and broken,
as are the bodies and weapons scattered about. The Dwarf stops and kneels
by a crypt in the center of the room where a single shaft of light spills
down, illumining it. Gandalf walks forward and peers at the tomb‘s surface.>
<<Gimli: No! No! <sob> No!
<sob>>>
<Boromir moves forward and places
his hand on Gimli’s shoulder.>
<<Gandalf: <translating
the runes on the tomb > "Here lies Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria."
He is dead then. It’s as I feared.>>
<<Gimli: <wails>>>
<A great sorrow has fallen on
the Dwarf. Gandalf gives his staff and hat to Pippin, bends down, and takes
from the grasp of a corpse a large and battered book. He opens it and clears
the dirt from its pages.>
<<Gimli: <chanting softly,
sobbing> Kilmin malur ni zaram kalil ra narag. Kheled-z?ram ... Balin tazlifi.>>
<<Legolas: <to Aragorn>
We must move on, we cannot linger!>>
<<Gandalf: <reading> "They
have taken the bridge…and the second hall.">>
<Gimli stops sobbing, and looks
up blankly.>
<<Gandalf: "We have barred
the gates…but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes.">>
<Pippin, still holding hat and
staff, backs away.>
<<Gandalf: "Drums...drums…in
the deep.">>
<He looks up slowly, and turns
the smudged, bloodstained page. The Fellowship begins to glance around
uncomfortably.>
<<Gandalf: "We cannot get out.
A shadow moves in the dark.">>
<Pippin stumbles back slightly
and sees a corpse sitting by a stone well with an arrow in its chest. He
turns towards it.>
<<Gandalf: "We cannot get out…"
<He glances at the last, single line, a scrawl fading out at the bottom
of the page. Gandalf looks up in the uncomfortable silence.> "They are
coming!">>
<The silence is broken by Pippin.
Curious, he reaches out and lightly twists the arrow in the corpse. The
skull slips off, falling into the well with a resounding crash.>
<Gandalf whips around, spooked.>
<Pippin turns to face him, looking
guilty. As he does, the corpse slips into the well, dragging with it a
chain and bucket, its noise echoing from hall to hall far below. Where
once was only silence, a ricocheting noise now fills every cranny. Pippin
winces at each new wave of noise. Then, silence. The Fellowship begins
to relax.>
<<Boromir: <exhales>>>
<<Gandalf: <slams the book
shut> Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity!>>
<He pulls his hat and staff from
the Hobbit’s hands.>
<Gandalf turns away. Pippin stands
still, awkwardly.>
<Boom…boom.>
<Gandalf slowly turns back, and
Pippin turns as well, staring down into the well.>
<Boom.>
<Almost as though seen from eyes
darting upwards, the caverns below appear from the dark.>
<Boom-boom.>
<Boom-boom-boom. The beat pauses.>
<Like a heartbeat, it begins again.
Boom-boom-boom-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM…>
<Terror creeps into the faces
of the Fellowship.>
<<Sam: Frodo!>> <Sting glows
blue.>
<<Legolas: Orcs!>>
<Boromir rushes to the doors to
have a look. Arrows hiss into the door near his face. Aragorn drops his
torch and runs to Boromir.>
<<Aragorn (to the Hobbits):
Get back! You stay close to Gandalf!>>
<They work the doors shut. A bellow
can be heard just outside.>
<<Boromir: They have a cave
troll.>>
<Legolas tosses weapons to Boromir
and Aragorn to help blockade the door. The Fellowship draw out their weapons.
Gandalf throws away his hat and pulls forth his sword.>
<<Gandalf: Yaggghhh!>>
<The Hobbits follow his example
and brandish their short-swords. Sting quivers, glowing blue.>
<Gimli leaps atop Balin's tomb
and brandishes his axe.>
<<Gimli: Aarrgghhh! Let them
come! There is one dwarf yet in Moria who still draws breath!>>
<These is pounding outside and
many creatures beyond begin breaking the doors down. Weapons crash through
splintering spaces.>
<Legolas and Aragorn stand poised,
ready to shoot; the Hobbits are also ready, though fear clouds their eyes.
The first clear gap is gashed in the door and Legolas shoots - a shrill
cry rings out. The Elf notches an arrow to his bow as Aragorn shoots another.>
<Suddenly, the beasts break through
and the battle begins. A wave of armour-clad Orcs charge towards the Fellowship,
who engage the Orcs. Aragorn and Legolas pierce Orcs with their arrows
while Boromir smashes another with his sword; Gimli catches one in the
stomach. With a roar, Gandalf launches himself into the fray, and the Hobbits
follow.>
<Aragorn beheads an Orc and black
blood spews forth. Sam pauses in the heat of battle, his attention drawn
upwards. Aragorn also looks up. A cave troll smashes through the doorway,
chains leading from his wrists to an Orc‘s hand. Legolas shoots the cave
troll in the shoulder; the beast growls and claps a hand to the wound.
Sam continues to stare, frozen, as the troll swings his mace down at the
Hobbit - he dives under the troll's legs and crawls away as the troll turns,
and sights him again.>
<Cornered, Sam cringes.>
<The beast raises his arm to strike
when, suddenly, he falls back. Aragorn and Boromir are behind the troll,
pulling on its chains. The troll twists its arm and whips Boromir across
the room. He lands in a recess of the wall, dazed. An Orc stands above
him, ready to strike. Across the room, Aragorn slings his blade into the
Orc’s neck, and, still dazed, Boromir gets up. Aragorn nods to him.>
<Standing upon the tomb of Balin,
Gimli the Dwarf slings an axes, piercing the troll’s shoulder near Legolas’s
arrow. The troll swings his mace into the tomb, shattering it and knocking
the Dwarf off.>
<Meanwhile, Merry and Pippin push
Frodo to safety behind a pillar. Gimli hacks at an Orc as the troll swings
its mace at him. Gimli ducks, and the monster strikes an Orc instead, and
then another. Gimli falls. From a corner among more of the vile goblins,
Legolas shoots two arrows into the mountain-creature, causing it to reel
back with a cry.>
<Gandalf knocks an Orc out with
his staff.>
<The troll is now swinging his
chain in circles above his head. He swings at the Elf, and Legolas dodges
it. Again he swings, and his chain whips around a pillar and catches. Legolas
darts towards it and stamps the chain tight; he runs along it onto the
trolls shoulders and shoots it in the back of the head and jumps off. The
troll cringes, whimpering shrilly in pain. It stumbles, snapping itself
free from the pillar.>
<<Sam: <hits an Orc with
skillet> I think I’m getting the hang of this.>> <He turns and hits
another.>
<The troll raises his mace and
brings it down at the other Hobbits, causing them to jump aside. Frodo
is separated from Merry and Pippin. The troll seeks Frodo, who tries to
evade its searches by hiding behind a pillar.>
<<Aragorn: <seeing the eminent
danger> Frodo!>>
<He tries to fight his way over
to the Ring-bearer.>
<Frodo dodges around the pillar.
The troll peers around it. Not being able to see him, it peers around the
other side, causing Frodo to dodge out of its vision. It disappears back.
Frodo carefully looks around the pillar - the troll has gone. He draws
a deep breath.>
<Out of nowhere, the troll blasts
around the pillar, bellowing in Frodo’s face. The Hobbit stumbles and falls
back behind the pillar in a corner. The troll finds him nevertheless and
grabs him. The troll lifts and drags Frodo off of the edge of a recess.>
<<Frodo: Aragorn? Aragorn!>>
<Aragorn breathes heavily, exhausted.
Still, he continues on.>
<<Aragorn: Frodo!>>
<Frodo slashes the troll's hand
with Sting. The troll drops Frodo to the ground, twisting his injured hand
and staring at it. Frodo lies on the floor. It raises its mace and begins
to swing, but Aragorn leaps down into the recess.>
<<Aragorn: Yaaahh!>>
<He grabs a spear from the floor
and stabs the troll with it. It does not penetrate its flesh, but holds
the beast at bay. Pippin and Merry begin throwing stones at the troll’s
head. The troll, infuriated, swings his arm down and hits Aragorn, sending
him flying across the room. He collapses onto the floor. Frodo races after
him and tries to rouse him, but Aragorn is too stunned to move.>
<Frodo begins to run but the troll
blocks Frodo’s path with its spear, throwing him back. The troll takes
aim and stabs Frodo in the chest. Gandalf turns instinctively. Merry and
Pippin stare in shock.>
<<Frodo: Ungh…uhh!>>
<The cave troll gapes at what
it has done in surprise. Merry and Pippin glance at each other and their
faces appear resolved. They leap onto the beast, stabbing him mercilessly.>
<<Merry and Pippin: Yaaahh!>>
<<Sam: <from a distance
away> Frodo?>>
<Gandalf stares silently across
the room, stunned.>
<<Sam: Frodo!>>
<He rushes bravely towards his
friend. Broken from their shocked trance, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf
fight madly to reach the Hobbit.>
<Frodo slumps to the floor, the
spear sticking into his chest.>
<The troll flails at its head
and finally grabs Merry, swinging him around and throwing him to the ground.
The Fellowship redoubles its efforts against Orcs and troll. Gandalf and
Gimli take turns stabbing at the troll and dodging out of range. Legolas
takes aim. With Pippin stabbing the troll one more time in the head, the
troll opens its mouth. Legolas delivers a deathblow, shooting his arrow
up into the brain through the mouth of the troll.>
<The troll stops fighting and
its hand fumbles towards its mouth where the arrow is. It stares upward,
shocked, and with a long, pained moan, it collapses to the ground. Pippin
is thrown against the floor. There is a moment of silence. All Orcs are
dead or have fled.>
<Gandalf rushes to Frodo, as does
Aragorn. Sam walks slowly over.>
<<Aragorn: Oh no!>>
<Aragorn rolls him over. Frodo
groans, gasping for breath.>
<<Sam: <looking up at the
wizard> He’s alive!>>
<Gandalf sighs in relief.>
<<Frodo: I’m all right, I’m
not hurt.>>
<<Aragorn: You should be dead!
That spear would have skewered a wild boar.>>
<<Gandalf: <with a twinkle
in his eye> I think there’s more to this Hobbit than meets the eye.>>
<Frodo reveals his Mithril shirt.
It glimmers.>
<<Gimli (in awe): Mithril!
You are full of surprises, Master Baggins.>>
<Orcs are once again heard down
the hall.>
<<Gandalf: <looking weary>
To the Bridge of Khazad-d?m!>>
<The Fellowship runs out the rear
door of the chamber into a high, ornate hall of pillars with a ray of light
breaking through from some high shaft. The Fellowship is closely pursued
by an army of Orcs. Other Orcs spring out from the floor or crawl from
the ceiling and down the pillars, like spiders. They surround the Fellowship,
who have drawn their weapons outward in a circle. The Orcs snarl and leer
at the frightened faces. Just then, a fiery light appears at the end of
a hall followed by a thunderous rumble. The Orcs, dismayed, flee, panicking,
in all directions.>
<Gandalf and the Fellowship are
left alone. The old wizard stares down the hall.>
<<Boromir: What is this new
devilry?>>
<Gandalf does not respond for
a moment. He closes his eyes, concentrating. The rumble is heard again.
Gandalf opens his eyes, and they look grim and solemn.>
<<Gandalf: A Balrog- a demon
of the ancient world.>>
<The thing growls, still hidden
around a corner of the vast hall, throwing fiery light on the pillars.
Legolas’s eye show only fear- he clearly knows what the beast is.>
<<Gandalf: This foe is beyond
any of you. <he turns> Run!>>
<The Fellowship runs between the
rows of pillars and comes to a small doorway in the wall. Gandalf shepherds
them through.>
<<Gandalf: Quickly!>>
<He takes a last glance behind
him, and follows.>
<The Fellowship enters a passageway
and goes down a flight of steps. The flight ends in a missing segment,
and Boromir nearly falls into fires below but Legolas pulls him back. His
torch whirls away into the vast underworld beneath; the Hobbits too stop
short of falling in. Last of all comes weary Gandalf, who leans upon a
wall.>
<<Aragorn: Gandalf!>>
<<Gandalf: Lead them on, Aragorn!
The bridge is near!>>
<They look across a wide space
to a long bridge spanning the gap between a hall and a cliff face. Away
behind them, the Balrog roars again.>
<Aragorn moves towards Gandalf,
but Gandalf pushes Aragorn roughly away from him.>
<<Gandalf: Do as I say!>>
<Hurt and confusion register on
Aragorn’s face.>
<<Gandalf: Swords are no more
use here!>>
<The Balrog roars again. The Fellowship
descend a flight of stairs twisting into the fiery depths, rising from
the ground far below. The Fellowship encounters a gap in the stairs. Legolas
leaps forward and lands on the other side.>
<The Balrog’s rumbles tear through
the fiery light. Foundations splinter and crumble, sending huge rocks tumbling
into the depths.>
<<Legolas: <beckoning> Gandalf.>>
<Gandalf leaps after him.>
<Arrows whistle into the air from
a far ledge, striking the stone steps at their feet, where Gandalf had
stood but a moment ago. Legolas shoots back. His arrow rises through the
air and pierces the skull of an Orc. The Orc tumbles down from his ledge.>
<<Boromir: Merry! Pippin! Hoo-aah!>>
<He leaps across the gap. A fierce
exchange of arrows follow from the stairs to the ledge.>
<<Aragorn: Sam.>>
<He pitches Sam to the other side
where the Hobbit is caught by Boromir.>
<Aragorn reaches to pick up Gimli.>
<<Gimli: <holds up his hand>
Nobody tosses a dwarf.>>
<He leaps forward but nearly falls
back into the chasm. Legolas grabs his beard and pulls him up.>
<<Gimli: Not the beard!>>
<Some of the stone steps crumble
and fall into the abyss. Aragorn pushes Frodo back up the steps and clambers
after him, struggling up. They climb to their feet and look at the widened
gap that separates them from the rest of the fellowship.>
<<Aragorn: <laying a hand
on Frodo’s shoulder> Steady. <yelling> Hold on!>>
<The Balrog can be heard approaching
from the other hall, its the fiery light getting closer. Stone structures
around the mine collapse as it draws near. A huge rock falls from the ceiling
and smashes through the steps behind Aragorn and Frodo, creating another
gap behind them and weakening the stairs’ foundation. The stairs begin
to wobble. Aragorn encourages the Hobbit, holding fast to his arm.>
<<Aragorn: Hang on! Lean forward!>>
<<Legolas: Come on!>>
<They shift their weight forward,
tipping the stairs across the divide and slamming them onto the steps where
their companions are. They leap across to safety, and many arms reach out
to pull them over. Turning, they run down the stairs as the stone structures
collapse behind them, crumbling and falling into the abyss.>
<Around a great pillar in a fiery
hall comes Gandalf, leading the Fellowship. A wall of flame whirls behind
them.>
<<Gandalf: Over the bridge!
Fly!>>
<The Fellowship flee. Gandalf
does not follow, but turns, looking into the wall of fire. A great form
of black shadow leaps through the flames, its eyes of white fire, great
ash-black horns curling around a bull-like head. It opens its maw, rippling
heat pouring out with a rumble. Gandalf turns, running after the Fellowship.
A great, black, cloven foot stomps down into the hall, bursting into flame.
A narrow bridge of stone appears in the fiery light, and the Fellowship
crosses the bridge. Gandalf turns to face the Balrog.>
<<Gandalf: You cannot pass!>>
<<Frodo: <watching from
the other side> Gandalf!>>
<Great shadows like wings of ash
whirl around the demon, which spreads its arms and bursts into cracking,
bursting, thundering flame. Gandalf stands beneath it, staff and sword
raised.>
<<Gandalf: I am the servant
of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor…>>
<He begins to lift his staff.
A blazing light radiates from it, illuminating the entire bridge, encircling
the wizard in a globe of endless light.>
<<Gandalf: The dark fire will
not avail you, Flame of Ud?n!>>
<The Balrog heaves its arm upward,
a sword of fire forming in its hand.>
<The Balrog strikes down on Gandalf,
who parries the blow with his blade, shattering the Balrog’s sword. Glowing
embers run off the circle of light around the wizard. The enraged monster
bellows at the wizard. Frodo gasps. Aragorn runs forward.>
<<Gandalf: <clenching his
teeth> Go back to the Shadow!>>
<A thread of flame issues from
the Balrog’s maw, and it steps forward onto the bridge. The beats brandishes
a flaming whip, lashing it about menacingly. Gandalf summons the last of
his energy, and raises his sword and staff together into the air.>
<<Gandalf: YOU...SHALL NOT...PASS!!!>>
<Gandalf drives his staff into
the bridge, causing a bright flash of blue light to appear. Flaring its
nostrils, the Balrog steps forward onto the bridge. The bridge collapses
from under it as it moves towards Gandalf, and breaks before the wizard’s
staff. The demon plunges backward into the chasm, still wielding its glowing
whip. Gandalf, exhausted, leans on his staff and watches the Balrog fall;
he turns to follow the others. At the last second, the flaming whip lashes
up from the depths of the abyss and winds about Gandalf’s ankle, dragging
him over the edge. He clings onto the bridge but strains to keep his grip.>
<Frodo rushes forward but Boromir
restrains him.>
<<Boromir: No, no!>>
<<Frodo: Gandaaaaalf!>>
<The wizard grasps vainly at the
stone, looking into Frodo‘s eyes. He stops struggling.>
<<Gandalf: Fly, you fools!>>
<Gandalf lets go of the stone
and falls into the chasm, spreading his arms, the light of the Balrog glimmering
far below.>
<<Frodo: Noooooooooooooooo!!!!>>
<Boromir grabs hold of Frodo and
starts to leave up a flight of stairs.>
<<Boromir: Aragorn!>>
<<Frodo: Noooooooooooo!!!>>
<Aragorn is stunned. He stares
at the distant bridge in disbelief. For a moment he does not move, but
then Orc arrows start whistling by once again, shooting at the companions.
Dodging them, he turns and follows the others up the stairs.>
<The Fellowship comes streaming
out into the stark brightness of the day, contrasting the blackness of
Moria. Everyone is distraught. Sam sits on the ground, bows his head onto
his hands, and begins to weep. Merry consoles Pippin, who lies crying.
Boromir tries to restrain Gimli as the Dwarf vents out his rage and sorrow.
Legolas wears a look of shock and disbelief. His eyes seem puzzled, unsure.>
<Aragorn wipes his sword clean,
re-sheathes it, and turns to the others.>
<<Aragorn: Legolas, get them
up.>>
<<Boromir (pleading): Give
them a moment, for pity's sake!>>
<<Aragorn: By nightfall these
hills will be swarming with Orcs! We must reach the woods of Lothl?rien.
Come, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, get them up.>>
<<Aragorn: <he reaches down
and lifts Sam up> On your feet Sam. <looks around> Frodo? Frodo!>>
<Frodo, grieving, stands alone
upon the stark hillside. Weeping silently, he turns towards Aragorn, a
single tear running down his chin.>
<Chortling, icy blue water gurgles
across the dale. Aragorn runs up onto a rock. Framed against a deep blue
sky, he looks past the mountains to the greengold woods beyond.>
<The Fellowship jogs across a
grassy field, halting under the eaves of a forest of tall and shapely trees:
lichen and moss cover them. Leaves twirl down to the earth.>
<<Gimli: Stay close, young
Hobbits! They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods, an Elf-witch,
of terrible power. All who look upon her, fall under her spell…>>
<<A Whispering, echoing voice:
Frodo.…>>
<Frodo, startled, looks around.>
<<Gimli: ...and are never seen
again.>>
<<Voice: …Your coming to us…<Frodo
halts in his tracks: a pair of eyes flash through his head> …is as the
footsteps of doom. You bring great evil here, Ring-bearer!>>
<<Sam: Mr. Frodo?>>
<<Gimli: Well, here is one
Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears
of a fox!>>
<An arrow, notched, appears before
his face.>
<<Gimli: Oh…>>
<Other bows at the ready appear
around the Fellowship. Legolas has his own bow out, pointing it at the
owners of the other weapons. The Fellowship looks around, alarmed. A tall,
golden-haired Elf appears.>
<<Elf: The dwarf breathes so
loud, we could have shot him in the dark.>>
<<Gimli: Grrr…>>
<Night is deepening amongst the
windy trees. The Fellowship stands on a platform in the rustling foliage.
The golden-haired Elf greets them.>
<<Elf: Mae govannen, Legolas
Thranduilion. (Welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil.)>>
<<Legolas: Govannas v?n gwennen
le, Haldir o L?rien. (Our Fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of L?rien.)>>
<Haldir glances at Aragorn.>
<<Haldir: A, Aragorn in D?nedain
istannen le ammen. (Oh, Aragorn of the D?nedain, you are known to us.)>>
<<Aragorn: Haldir.>>
<<Gimli: So much for the legendary
courtesy of the Elves! Speak words we can also understand!>>
<<Haldir: We have not had dealings
with the Dwarves since the Dark Days.>>
<<Gimli: And you know what
this Dwarf says to that? Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!>>
<<Aragorn: That was not so
courteous.>>
<Haldir glances at Frodo.>
<<Haldir: You bring great evil
with you. <looking at Aragorn> You can go no further.>>
<He walks away. Sam and Pippin
turn to look at Frodo. He looks slightly uncomfortable.>
<Aragorn argues with Haldir, angrily.>
<<Aragorn: Boe ammen veriad
l?n. Andelu i ven! (We need your protection. The road is fell!)>>
<Haldir whispers back inaudibly.>
<<Aragorn: Merin le telim.
(I wish we may come with you.)>>
<Haldir answers quietly, again
so that only Aragorn can hear his words.>
<<Aragorn: Henio, an?ron boe
ammen i dulu l?n! (Please, understand, we need your support!)>>
<Legolas turns to look at Frodo,
who looks uncomfortably away, and his eyes fall on Sam. Sam looks away,
a hurt expression in his eyes. Merry and Pippin do likewise. Gimli glances
at Frodo. Aragorn continues to argue loudly with Haldir. Frodo, looking
at his friends, sees blame that does not truly exist anywhere but in his
mind. He is alone, it seems. Aragorn is now pleading.>
<<Aragorn: Andelu i ven. (The
road is very dangerous.)>>
<Frodo appears downcast. But through
all of his worried, his loneliness, a voice of reason speaks.>
<<Boromir: Gandalf's death
was not in vain...nor would he have you give up hope. You carry a heavy
burden, Frodo...don't carry the weight of the dead.>>
<Frodo ponders this, but looks
up suddenly. Haldir appears, looking less than happy.>
<<Haldir: You will follow me.>>
<A caravan of Elves leads the
Fellowship along a ridge, through the golden woods. Boromir glances at
Frodo behind him, as though concerned for the Hobbit. The group comes to
the end of the high ridge and looks out. Below them, behind the mists,
under sunset, a great glade of trees rises above the world, green and gold,
rays of light drifting from the branches of trees.>
<<Haldir: Caras Galadhon...the
heart of Elvendom on earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel,
Lady of Light.>>
<The Fellowship arrive at Caras
Galadhon, climbing a winding way among the great trees as the last rays
of evening sun stream through their trunks. They ascend the path until
night falls. In the blue glow of a moonlit night, the Fellowship climbs
a twisting stair about the trunk of a tree, past glimmering lights of silver
and blue. Far above, the silhouetted shapes of the shadowy tree-branches
loom. Passing numerous platforms, they come to a great palace in the trees,
lit with silvery lights. A curving walkway lies before them, leading up
a low stair to an archway. Three-pronged, golden leaves are scattered about.
Slowly, they gather before the arch as Haldir steps to one side, and look
up. With a glow issuing forth from them, a Lord and Lady, descend to meet
the Fellowship, hand in hand. The Fellowship stares in awe. Aragorn touches
his head reverently in greeting.>
<The light dims, and before the
Fellowship the Lord and Lady, Galadriel and Celeborn, halt. The Lady’s
eyes focus on Frodo, but Celeborn speaks.>
<<Lord Celeborn: The Enemy
knows you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone.
Eight there are here, yet nine there were, set out from Rivendell. Tell
me, where is Gandalf?>>
<As he speaks, Lady Galadriel’s
eyes flicker to Aragorn’s, who looks up.>
<<Celeborn: For I much desire
to speak with him...I can no longer see him from afar.>>
<<Galadriel: <reading the
answer in Aragorn’s eyes> Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of
this land. <in sorrow> He has fallen into shadow.>>
<Aragorn nods slightly. Celeborn
turns to Galadriel.>
<<Legolas: He was taken by
both Shadow and Flame: a Balrog of Morgoth.>>
<Celeborn’s sorrow and surprise
is evident.>
<<Legolas: For we went needlessly
into the net of Moria.>>
<Gimli bows his head, sadly.>
<<Galadriel: Needless were
none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his whole purpose.
Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-d?m fill your heart, Gimli, son
of Gl?in.>>
<The Dwarf looks up as her words.>
<<Galadriel: For the world
has grown full of peril. And in all lands, love is now mingled with grief.>>
<Boromir turns his pained face
to the Lady, blinking and swallowing hard. The Lady stares back, starlight
glimmering in her eyes. Boromir looks away, weeping.>
<<Celeborn: What now becomes
of this Fellowship? Without Gandalf, hope is lost.>>
<A moment passes. Aragorn seeks
in his head for an answer.>
<<Galadriel: The quest stands
upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin
of all.>>
<Boromir looks back up at her,
unsure.>
<<Galadriel: Yet hope remains
while the company is true.>>
<Galadriel looks at Sam and smiles.
Sam continues to gaze at her, unlike Boromir.>
<<Galadriel: Do not let your
hearts be troubled. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much
toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace.>>
<She whispers to Frodo in his
mind, casting her eyes sideways at him.>
<<Galadriel: Welcome, Frodo
of the Shire…one who has seen the Eye!>>
<Galadriel‘s eyes, the same ones
that Frodo saw upon entering Lothl?rien, flash through his mind again.>
<Later, back on the ground, an
area is provided for the Fellowship to rest in. The Hobbits are settling
down to rest. In the trees, the Elves’ singing can be heard, and one female
voice rising above the others, who sing softly in the background.>
<<Female Elf:
A Ol?rin i yaresse… (Ol?rin who once
was…)
Mentaner i Numeherui (Sent by the
Lords of the West)
T?rien i R?men?ri… (To guard the
Lands of the East…)
<<Other Elves:
Melme n?ren sina (Our love for this
land)
n?ra ala (Is deeper than the deeps)
E?ro… (Of the sea…)
<<Legolas (pensive): A lament
for Gandalf.>>
<Aragorn sharpens his sword as
Gimli sleeps beside him, beneath a lily-shaped lamp glowing in the dark.>
<<Merry: <setting up his
bed> What do they say about him?>>
<<Legolas: I have not the heart
to tell you. For me the grief is still too near.>>
…Maiaron i Oiosaila, (Wisest of all
Maiar,)
Manan elye etevanne (What drove
you to leave)
N?rie i malanelye? (That which you
loved?)>>
…Ilfirin nairelma (Yet we will cast
all away)
ullume nucuvalme. (Rather that submit.)
Nauva i nauva... (What should be
shall be...)
<Sam crouches down to make his
bed.>
<<Sam (to Merry): I bet they
don't mention his fireworks. There should be a verse about them.>>
<Frodo watches them from a distance
in the shadows. After a moment, Sam stands up.>
<<Sam: The finest rockets ever
seen,
They burst in stars of blue and
green…
<Gimli snores loudly>
Or after thunder...silver showers…>>
<Aragorn turns, annoyed, and swats
the Dwarf’s pillow, eliciting a grunt from Gimli.>
<<Sam: Came falling like a...rain
of flowers…>>
<He squats down again.>
<<Sam (muttering): Oh, that
doesn't do they justice by a long road.>>
<Aragorn looks out from his resting
place beside Gimli’s bed. He gets up, moving past a small table with silver
chalices glinting upon it. He walks over to Boromir, who is seated alone
on a great tree root. A fountain gurgles, statues dance in solemn stone,
and lights twinkle beyond, invitingly. The lament continues.>
…?-reniathach (No more will you wander)
i amar galen (The green fields of
this earth)
I reniad l?n ne m?r, nuithannen.
(Your journey has ended in darkness.)>>
<<Aragorn: Take some rest.
These borders are well protected.>>
<<Boromir: I will find no rest
here. I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the
fall of Gondor. She said to me, "Even now, there is hope left." But I cannot
see it. It is long since we had any hope.>>
<Aragorn comes and sits beside
Boromir.>
<<Boromir: My father is a noble
man, but his rule is failing. And now our…our people lose faith. He looks
to me to make things right and I- I would do it. I would see the glory
of Gondor restored. <sigh> Have you ever seen it Aragorn? The White
Tower of Ecthelion, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver. Its banners
caught high in the morning breeze. Have you ever been called home by the
clear ringing of silver trumpets?>>
<<Aragorn: I have seen the
White City, long ago.>>
<<Boromir: One day, our paths
will lead us there. And the tower guard shall take up the call: "The Lords
of Gondor have returned!">>
<Aragorn smiles slightly, then
looks away, in deep thought.>
<The Fellowship is asleep. Shining
with soft white light, a figure in a flowing dress walks by them. Frodo
wakes up with a start as though by some invisible sign. Galadriel is there,
gliding past Elven statues among the trees, frozen amid their merriment
in the dark night; she looks neither to the right or left nor makes any
apparent sign. Frodo proceeds to follow her as though beckoned.>
<Galadriel descends to her garden
in a glade and fills a silver ewer with water from a trickling stream.
She stands before an ornate stand with a shallow silver basin upon it.
The Lady turns towards Frodo.>
<<Galadriel: Will you look
into the mirror?>>
<<Frodo: What will I see?>>
<<Galadriel: <stepping up
to the basin> Even the wisest cannot tell. For the mirror…shows many things…>>
<She begins to pour the water
into the silver mirror.>
<<Galadriel: …things that were…things
that are….and some things… <She empties the ewer and steps back> …that
have not yet come to pass.>>
<Frodo steps up onto a low platform
below the mirror to take a look. He peers down and sees nothing but his
reflection. Then, suddenly, the mirror clears and shows a vision of Legolas,
Merry and Pippin and Sam from the platform in the woods, recalling his
feeling of guilt. Then, the vision changes. The Green Dragon Inn appears
in the ripples, green and cheery as it ever had been. Suddenly, fires belch
up, flaming from windows and doors. Orcs lash whips.>
<Frodo gasps, his eyes wide.>
<Beneath grey skies and dark hills
shouldered with machinery and industry, a line of Hobbits is driven into
a mill to work by slave-masterly Orcs. Then, the Eye of Sauron fills the
mirror. The Ring hanging from Frodo’s neck pulls him closer to the water.
Steam begins to curl up from the basin as Sauron speaks to Frodo in a dark
tongue. The Ring hangs in the pit of blackness within the fires of the
Eye. Terrified, Frodo grabs the Ring and jerks back, throwing himself off
the step and landing on his back on the grass.>
<<Galadriel: I know what it
is you saw, for it is also in my mind. <Her voice echoes in Frodo‘s
head> It is what will come to pass if you should fail. The Fellowship is
breaking: it is already begun. He will try to take the Ring. You know of
whom I speak. One by one, it will destroy them all.>>
<<Frodo (silently): If you
ask it of me, I will give you the One Ring.>>
<Opening his palm, he offers the
Ring to her.>
<<Galadriel: You offer it to
me freely. I do not deny that my heart has greatly desired this.>>
<She approaches Frodo and places
her hand over the Ring, her hand quivering. Her image begins to change.
Suddenly, she towers over Frodo, her cloak running ragged in a sudden wind,
her eyes like dark hollows, arms flung high. She wears a breastplate; her
hair billows around her. As though underwater, the glade becomes murky
and green.>
<<Galadriel: In place of a
Dark Lord, YOU WOULD HAVE A QUEEN! NOT DARK, BUT BEAUTIFUL AND TERRIBLE
AS THE DAWN! TREACHEROUS AS THE SEA!
<Frodo backs away in fright>
<<Galadriel: STRONGER THAN
THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH! ALL SHALL LOVE ME, AND DESPAIR!>>
<The great murky light fades abruptly
and Galadriel lets her arms slowly fall, the pitilessness of her image
disappearing. Breathing heavily, she speaks to a windblown Frodo.>
<<Galadriel: I pass the test!
<with joy> I will diminish, and go into the West, and remain Galadriel.>>
<She begins to turn away>
<<Frodo: <troubled> I cannot
do this alone.>>
<Galadriel turns back>
<<Galadriel: You are a Ring
bearer, Frodo. To bear a Ring of power is to be alone.>>
<Galadriel lifts her hand up.
A ring adorns her finger.>
<<Galadriel: This is Nenya,
the Ring of Adamant, and I am its Keeper. <Frodo stares into her eyes>
This task was appointed to you, and if you do not find a way, no one will.>>
<<Frodo: Then I know what I
must do. It's just… I'm afraid to do it.>>
<Galadriel bends down to meet
him at eye level>
<<Galadriel: Even the smallest
person can change the course of the future.>>
<Orthanc rises through plumes
of black smoke. Saruman and a great Orc stand in the rising sun in the
inner chambers of Orthanc.>
<<Saruman: Do you know how
the Orcs first came into being? They were Elves once, taken by the dark
powers. Tortured and mutilated…
<The Orc growls.>
…a ruined and terrible form of life.
And now...perfected: my fighting Uruk-Hai. Whom do you serve?>>
<<Orc: Saruman!>>
<The Uruk-Hai are fitted with
armour and are given weapons. They receive white handprints on their heads
and faces, signifying Saruman’s army. They then assemble before him in
a great cavern beneath a high balcony.>
<<Saruman: <to the troops>
Hunt them down! Do not stop until they are found. You do not know pain,
you do not know fear. You will taste man-flesh!>>
<The Uruk-Hai raise their weapons,
shaking them, with a roar. Saruman speaks to the Uruk-hai leader whom he
spoke with in his chamber, as they stand on the balcony.>
<<Saruman: One of the Halflings
carries something of great value. Bring them to me alive and unspoiled.
Kill the others!>>
<An Uruk-Hai troop leaves Isengard
in a long column.>
<The mists of morning lay heavily
along the river. Bare-branched trees arch through the fogs, stray beams
of light falling on the cold, blue waters. An elegant ship is out on the
river, carved in the likeness of a swan, and Galadriel stands silently
in it, clothed all in white. On shore, cloaks are fastened around the Fellowship
members with green, silver-veined leaf-brooches.>
<<Celeborn: Never before have
we clad strangers in the garb of our own people. May these cloaks help
shield you from unfriendly eyes.>>
<Elves prepare for the departure
of the Fellowship. Legolas is among them, shifting parcels into a set of
boats provided by the Galadhrim. He holds up a thin wafer for Merry and
Pippin to see, as they sit in a boat.>
<<Legolas: Lembas! Elvish Way-bread.
One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man.>>
<He walks up onto shore, leaving
the Hobbits by themselves.>
<<Merry: <turning to Pippin>
How many did you eat?>>
<<Pippin: Four.>>
<He burps.>
<The light of early morning sets
the leaves of the trees along the shore on fire with a blazing yellow.
The sunlight streams through the trees, but beneath their great trunks
the land is yet dark, cast in blue. The swan-ship of Galadriel sails by.>
<<Celeborn: Every league you
travel south, the danger will increase. Mordor Orcs now hold the eastern
shore of the Anduin.>>
<As the Elf Lord speaks, the Fellowship
climb into the boats. Sam tries to steady himself, as though he is unused
to boats. Legolas helps Gimli onboard. Meanwhile, Aragorn and Celeborn
wander through the heavy mist and sunlight, in deep conversation.>
<<Celeborn: Nor will you find
safety on the western bank. Strange creatures bearing the mark of the White
Hand have been seen on our borders. <He speaks urgently> Seldom do Orcs
journey in the open, under the sun, yet these have done so!>>
<The two pause, and Aragorn looks
down. Celeborn holds a dagger before him. Aragorn takes it, and unsheathes
it; its blade glints.>
<<Celeborn (warningly): Le
aphadar aen. (You are being followed.)>>
<Aragorn sheathes the dagger.>
<<Celeborn: By river you have
the chance of outrunning the enemy to the Falls of Rauros.>>
<A paddle splashes into the water.
The Fellowship rows through the river, past the Elves onshore. The sun
is reaching its rosy fingers over the hills; Caras Galadhon rises far away,
in the mists. Voices sing with the rising dawn:
Ai! lauri? lantar lassi s?rien,
Y?ni ?ntim? ve r?mar aldaron!
y?ni ve lint? yuldar av?nier
mi oromardi lisse-miruv?reva
And?n? pella Vardo tellumar
nu luini yassen tintilar i eleni…
(Alas! Like gold fall the leaves
in the wind,
long years numberless as the wings
of the trees!
The long years have passed like
swift draughts
of the sweet mead in lofty halls
beyond the West,
beneath the vaults of Varda wherein
the stars
tremble in the song of her voice…)
<The voices continue. A song of
the sorrow of the Elves, of Lothl? rien. As the boats move further downstream,
Legolas‘s eyes stare distantly. He smiles, remembering.>
<<Galadriel: My gift for you,
Legolas, is a bow of the Galadhrim, worthy of the skill of our woodland
kin.>>
<The Elf stretches the bow, testing
it. There is awe in his eyes.>
<Galadriel smiles, and turns to
Merry and Pippin.>
<<Galadriel: These are the
daggers of the Noldorin. They have already seen service in war. Do not
fear, young Peregrin Took. You will find your courage.>>
<The Hobbits remember the meeting
as they sail downriver. Sam also recalls the Lady‘s gift to him.>
<<Galadriel: And for you, Samwise
Gamgee: Elven rope, made of hithlain.>>
<<Sam: Thank you, my lady.
<He looks sidelong at the blades held by Merry and Pippin, then looks
up hopefully.> Have you run out of those nice, shiny daggers?>>
<The Lady of the Galadhrim smiles,
and turns to the next Fellowship member in line. It is Gimli, who diverts
his eyes downwards. Galadriel speaks, her golden hair shining beneath the
poignant blues and whites and greens of the forest.>
<<Galadriel: And what gift
would a Dwarf ask of the Elves?>>
<<Gimli (grunting): Nothing.
<a change comes over him; he looks up> Except to look upon the Lady
of the Galadhrim one last time, for she is more fair than all the jewels
beneath the earth.>>
<Galadriel giggles, smiling at
the Dwarf. He turns to walk away, then halts and turns back.>
<<Gimli: Actually, there was
one thing -- ah, agh, that's quite impossible. Stupid to ask.>>
<Gimli sits in his boat with Legolas,
a far away look in his eyes, a faint smile upon his face. From another
boat, Aragorn glances towards them, then away. He too is remembering the
farewell on the shores of Lothlorien.>
<Galadriel stands before Aragorn
and places her hand on Arwen‘s Evenstar pendant.>
<<Galadriel: I have nothing
greater to give, than the gift you already bear. Am meleth d?n. I ant e-guil
Arwen Und?miel…pelitha. (For her love, I fear the grace of Arwen Evenstar…will
diminish.)>>
<The two share a sorrow in their
eyes.>
<<Aragorn: An?ron i e broniatha
ar periatham amar hen. An?ron e ciratha a Valannor. (I would have her leave
these shores, and be with her people…I would have her…take the ship to
Valinor.)>>
<<Galadriel: That choice is
yet before her. You have your own choice to make, Aragorn…to rise above
the height of all your fathers since the days of Elendil, <her voice
deepens ominously> or to fall into darkness…with all that is left of your
kin.>>
<There is silence for a moment.
Branches shake, a spider web’s glimmering strands sway in the wind. Galadriel
glances at the pendant, and smiles.>
<<Galadriel: Nam?ri?. (Farewell.)
Neravanyar i gerich. (There is much you have yet to do.) >>
<<Galadriel: <she looks
into Aragorn’s eyes, with both sorrow and joy dancing in her own> Dan…?-'eveditham,
Elessar. (We shall not meet again, Elessar.)>>
<Frodo sits in his boat with Sam
and Aragorn. He hears the echo of her voice in his mind. Galadriel hands
him a crystalline vessel shaped like a teardrop, filling with a clear water
and a shining light.>
<<Galadriel: Farewell, Frodo
Baggins. I give you the light of Earendil, our most beloved star.>>
<She kisses him on the forehead.>
<Back in the boat, Frodo looks
at the glass in his hand, and glances up at the shore. The Lady stands
there, her right arm upraised, her hand adorned with Nenya. A golden band
is upon her forehead and a white cloak is over her head and about her shoulders.
She speaks to him, silently, as he passes by.>
<<Galadriel: May it be a light
for you, in dark places, when all other lights go out.>>
<Frodo looks away finally.>
<The Fellowship sails out onto
the river and leaves L?rien behind. White mountains rise starkly beneath
blue skies and green trees. In the boats, Gimli talks to Legolas.>
<<Gimli: I have taken my worst
wound at this parting, having looked my last upon that which is fairest.
Haugh, henceforth I will call nothing fair unless it be her gift to me.>>
<<Legolas: What was it?>>
<<Gimli: I asked her for one
hair from her golden head. She gave me three.>>
<Legolas smiles.>
<The Fellowship passes out onto
a larger branch of the Anduin beneath sheer cliffs. The Uruk-Hai march
along through the forest as the three boats carrying the Fellowship float
along.>
<It is getting dark. The Fellowship
rests on a small island. Boromir looks out from behind a large rock, silvery
webs of lights reverberating from the water. He looks worriedly at a log
floating in the river. Small hands clutch it, and the top of a head is
barely visible over the log‘s edge, where eyes glint softly.>
<<Aragorn: Gollum. He has tracked
us since Moria.>>
<<Voice: Golllllluum…>>
<<Aragorn: I had hoped we would
lose him on the river. But he's too clever a waterman.>>
<<Boromir: And if he alerts
the enemy to our whereabouts it will make the crossing even more dangerous.>>
<Frodo hears them. He looks worried.>
<<Sam: <sitting beside him>
Have some food, Mr. Frodo.>>
<<Frodo: No, Sam.>>
<<Sam: You haven't eaten anything
all day. You're not sleeping, either. Don't think I haven't noticed. Mr.
Frodo…>>
<<Frodo: I'm all right.>>
<<Sam: But you're not! I'm
here to help you. I promised Gandalf that I would.>>
<Frodo pauses a moment.>
<<Frodo: You can't help me,
Sam... Not this time... Get some sleep.>>
<Sam leaves. Now it is not Samwise
who cannot sleep in the night, but Frodo, the Ring-bearer.>
<<Boromir: <walks from the
rock to Aragorn> Minas Tirith is the safer road. You know it. From there
we can regroup…strike out for Mordor from a place of strength.>>
<<Aragorn: There is no strength
in Gondor that can avail us.>>
<<Boromir: You were quick enough
to trust the Elves. Have you so little faith in your own people? Yes, there
is weakness. There is frailty. But there is courage also, and honor to
be found in Men. But you will not see that. <Aragorn turns away, but
Boromir grabs his arm and turns him.> You are afraid! All your life, you
have hidden in the shadows!>>
<Frodo looks out, suffering, from
his resting place, hearing Boromir‘s words.>
<<Boromir: Scared of who you
are, of what you are.>> <Boromir releases Aragorn, who turns away.>
<<Aragorn: <turns back suddenly>
I will not lead the Ring within a hundred leagues of your city.>>
<The Fellowship’s boats pass
through a canyon. Boromir glances at Aragorn’s boat across the water.>
<Aragorn, meanwhile, lifts his
head, half-smiles and taps Frodo on the shoulder.>
<<Aragorn: Frodo, the Argonath!
Long have I desired to look upon the kings of old. My kin.>>
<The Fellowship looks up in awe
at the towering splendor of the Argonath. Two majestic statues, carved
right out of the rock, proudly stand on each side of the Anduin. Two vast
quarries line the cliffs to either side of them, where once their stones
may have been hewn for their building. Their left arms are held aloft,
their palms facing outwards in gesture of warning. Solemn and stern are
their faces, the silent wardens of a long vanished kingdom. Voices sing
out in the light.>
<<Voices: Et E?rello Endorenna
ut?lien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta!’
('Out of the Great Sea to Middle-earth
I am come. In this place I will abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of
the world!')>>
<The Fellowship sail past the
statues towards a great, roaring waterfall. On either side of the falls,
the land rises in two hilltops crowned by distant ruins. In the center
of the rushing water a pinnacle of rock rises sheer from the cascade. As
they disembark on a gravel beach, Boromir looks troubled and appears to
be fighting a conflict within him, and Frodo glances at him, looking perturbed.
The Fellowship starts to make camp.>
<<Aragorn: We cross the lake
at nightfall. Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from
the north.>>
<<Gimli: Oh, yes?! It's just
a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil? An impassable labyrinth
of razor sharp rocks! And after that, it gets even better!>>
<Pippin looks up, alarmed.>
<<Gimli: Festering, stinking
marshlands, far as the eye can see!>>
<<Aragorn: That is our road.
I suggest you take some rest and recover your strength, Master Dwarf.>>
<<Gimli: Recover my…?! Phrrrrr…>>
<<Legolas (to Aragorn): We
should leave now.>>
<<Aragorn: No. Orcs patrol
the eastern shore. We must wait for cover of darkness.>>
<<Legolas: It is not the eastern
shore that worries me. A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind.
Something draws near...I can feel it!>>
<Legolas’s gaze wanders over the
dark pine woods, with a dark, brooding statue nestled amongst their needles.>
<<Gimli: No dwarf need recover
strength! <to Pippin> Pay no heed to that, young Hobbit.>>
<Merry, returning with some wood
for the campfire, looks around.>
<<Merry: Where's Frodo?>>
<Sam, who was half-dozing, rouses
with a start. Aragorn looks over the camp. His gaze stops on Boromir’s
shield, lying with his baggage.>
<Frodo wanders into the forest.
He stands by an immense stone head, long aged and lost from its body, lying
with its side in the ground. Boromir, gathering wood, sees Frodo and approaches
him across the leaf-littered earth.>
<<Boromir: None of us should
wander alone, you least of all. So much depends on you. Frodo?>>
<<Boromir: I know why you seek
solitude. You suffer; I see it day by day. You sure you do not suffer needlessly?
There are other ways, Frodo, other paths that we might take.>>
<<Frodo: I know what you would
say. And it would seem like wisdom but for the warning in my heart.>>
<<Boromir: Warning? Against
what? We're all afraid, Frodo. But to let that fear drive us to destroy
what hope we have…don’t you see, that is madness?>>
<<Frodo: There is no other
way!>>
<<Boromir: I ask only for the
strength to defend my people! <throws the gathered wood to the ground>
If you would but lend me the Ring…>>
<<Frodo: No.>> <steps back>
<<Boromir: Why do you recoil?
I am no thief.>>
<<Frodo: You are not yourself.>>
<<Boromir: What chance do you
think you have? They will find you! They will take the Ring and you will
beg for death before the end! >>
<Frodo begins to walk away from
Boromir.>
<<Boromir: You Fool!>>
<Boromir starts after him. They
begin to run, Boromir closing in on the Hobbit.>
<<Boromir: It is not yours,
save by unhappy chance. It could have been mine! <tackles Frodo> It
should be mine! Give it to me!>>
<The two struggle, Frodo wrestles
the Ring into his hand, clutching it.>
<<Boromir: Give it to me!>>
<<Frodo: No!>>
<<Boromir: Give me… Give me
the Ring!>>
<<Frodo: Nurgh…ugh!>>
<Frodo slips the Ring on and disappears.
He kicks Boromir and runs away.>
<<Boromir: <looks around
desperately> I see your mind. You will take the Ring to Sauron! You will
betray us! You’ll go to your death and the death of us all! Curse you!
Curse you! And all the halflings!>>
<Boromir slips and falls to the
ground. The madness of the Ring leaves him and he comes to his senses.>
<<Boromir: Frodo?...Frodo?...what
have I done?...please...Frodo!>>
<Frodo dashes up a set of dark
steps, the world of the Ring blurring away around the Hobbit.>
<<Boromir: <far away> Frodo,
I'm sorry! Frodo!>>
<Frodo, in the "shadow world,"
climbs up onto a seat of stone framed by two stone eagles. A great shape
looms before him from afar. The image rushes towards him and his vision
rise to a pinnacle- the dark tower of Barad-d?r, where the burning Eye
of Sauron stares back menacingly. Frodo, rushing to remove the Ring, falls
off of the seat and lands on his back. He sits up, trying to catch his
breath. Before him is a high structure on the cliff edge, surrounded by
the pines. A stairway runs up through its center, to a seat dwarfed by
stone eagles on top.>
<Aragorn approaches.>
<<Aragorn: Frodo?>>
<<Frodo: <startled> Huh?!
It has taken Boromir.>>
<<Aragorn: <intensely> Where
is the Ring?>>
<<Frodo: Stay away!>> <scrambles
up and retreats from Aragorn. Aragorn comes after him.>
<<Aragorn: Frodo!>>
<Frodo stops>
<<Aragorn: I swore to protect
you!>>
<<Frodo: Can you protect me
from yourself?!>>
<He holds the Ring upon his palm.>
<<Frodo: Would you destroy
it?>>
<Aragorn, looking at the Ring,
slowly approaches Frodo. The Ring begins to whisper.>
<<The Ring: Aragorn...Aragorn…Elessar…>>
<He reaches out, towards the Ring.>
<With both hands, Aragorn closes
Frodo’s hand over the Ring and pushes it to the Hobbit’s chest, refusing
the temptation.>
<<Aragorn: I would have gone
with you to the end, into the very fires of Mordor.>>
<<Frodo: I know. Look after
the others, especially Sam. He will not understand.>>
<Aragorn nods but then sees Sting’s
blue glow. He stands suddenly.>
<<Aragorn: Go, Frodo. <drawing
out his sword> Run. Run!>>
<Frodo runs from the hilltop.
Aragorn walks out from beneath the ruin and finds a troop of Uruk-Hai advancing
towards him. He gives a half-smile, and half-swaggers towards them, touching
his sword to his forehead in a gesture of acceptance to the challenge.
They attack. He cuts several down, but they force him up the stairs of
the seat.>
<Sam is searching frantically
for Frodo in the woods.>
<<Sam: Mr. Frodo!!!>>
<He hears the clash of sword on
sword. His eyes widen. Battle!>
<<The Uruk-hai leader: <to
his troops> Find the Halfling! Yaggh! Find the Halfling!>>
<<Aragorn: <jumping onto
the Uruk-Hai massing below him> Elendil!>>
<Legolas and Gimli run forward
from behind the the ruin. Legolas shoots several Uruk-Hai with quick bow-work;
Gimli lands blow after blow with his axe.>
<<Legolas: Aragorn! Go!>>
<Frodo runs and hides behind
a tree. Across the way, Merry and Pippin hide in a space under some fallen
tree trunks.>
<<Merry: Frodo!>>
<<Pippin: <beckoning> Hide
here! Quick! Come on!>>
<Frodo looks at them, anguished,
then shakes his head.>
<<Pippin (to Merry): What’s
he doin'?>>
<<Merry (in realization): He's
leavin’.>>
<<Pippin: No!>> <runs out
towards Frodo>
<<Merry: Pippin!>> <goes
after him>
<Merry and Pippin are out in the
open. Several Uruk-Hai are coming down the hill, towards them.>
<<Merry (quietly): Run, Frodo!
Go!>>
<Merry cups his hands and calls
out to the Uruk-Hai.>
<<Merry: Hey! Hey you! Over
here!>>
<<Pippin: Hey!>>
<<Merry: Over here!>>
<<Pippin: <waving his arms>
This way!>>
<Both Hobbits run away from Frodo.
The Uruk-Hai troop follows them. Frodo makes a break for it, running in
the opposite direction.>
<<Pippin: Its working!>>
<<Merry: I know its working!
Run!>>
<Back at the hilltop, Legolas,
Aragorn, and Gimli continue to fight the Uruk-Hai. In one smooth move,
Legolas stabs one Uruk with an arrow then shoots it out at another. Gimli
wields his axe. Aragorn stabs one behind his back.>
<Merry and Pippin run across an
old stone bridge. At its far end, they stop and see Uruk-hai running towards
them. The Uruks are closing in, both in front and behind. An Uruk runs
up to them, raising his battleaxe. But Boromir comes charging in, knocks
the Uruk back, and kills him with his own axe. He throws a knife at another.
More close in.>
<Legolas kills Orc after Orc.
He shoots down an Uruk who has closed in on Aragorn.>
<Three loud ox-horn blasts are
heard.>
<<Legolas: The Horn of Gondor!>>
<<Aragorn: Boromir!>>
<He runs down the slope towards
the sound, but Uruks are between him and Boromir. The forest sweeps by
as he goes.>
<Boromir sounds the Horn of Gondor
again. The Uruks attack Boromir.>
<Aragorn battles madly towards
Boromir.>
<Boromir kills two more. Merry
and Pippin take out some Orcs.>
<<Boromir (to the Hobbits):
Run! Run!>>
<The Uruk-hai leader walks into
view on the misty hilltop beneath the dark trees.>
<Boromir fights on, oblivious.>
<Merry and Pippin continue to
throw rocks. The captain aims his black-fletched bow at the battling warrior.
He shoots.>
<Boromir jerks backwards at the
blow to his left shoulder. Merry stops in mid-throw as Boromir falls before
a solemn statue as the sunlight streams by. The Hobbits look at him in
shock. Boromir begins to breathe hard. Uruks come closer, and Boromir gives
a battle cry, rises, and swings his sword at one, who falls. The Uruk chieftain
growls and walks further down the slope. He lifts his bow, and shoots again,
as Boromir turns to look at him. A black arrow flies into Boromir’s stomach.
He drops to his knees again, gasping. Merry and Pippin still stand in shock,
rocks in hand. Boromir stares into their eyes, but against death, they
can do nothing. Summoning his will to fight for them, the warrior swings
his sword at another Uruk and gets back up. The captain shoots him one
more time, in the chest. Boromir falls on his knees and stays there, swaying
a little and blinking. The ox-horn is cloven in two.>
<Merry and Pippin look at him,
aghast. With all the courage they can muster, they take up their swords
and attack the Uruk-Hai.>
<<Merry and Pippin: Ahhhhgggh!!!>>
<They never have the chance to
strike. The Uruk-Hai lift them up and carry them off. Merry and Pippin
wave their arms frantically. The Uruk-Hai troop walks away from Boromir.
Boromir looks on helplessly. The troop passes by Boromir where he kneels,
suffering, as though he does not exist.>
<The captain, now left alone,
stops before his foe. Boromir swallows and stares back at him. The chieftain
snarls and pulls his bow back, ready to deliver the final blow. Just then,
Aragorn crashes into him, and his arrow flies off harmlessly.>
<The captain and Aragorn fight.
Aragorn loses his sword and is thrown to the ground; when he gets up, the
Uruk-hai warrior throws his two-prong shield at Aragorn and pins him by
the neck against a tree. The Uruk raises his sword and strikes, but Aragorn
slips beneath the shield and dodges the blow. Aragorn pulls out a knife
and stabs the captain on the leg. He roars and pulls out the knife, licking
the blood from it, and throws it at Aragorn, who has found his sword and
uses it to bat the knife away. Aragorn closes in on the Orc and in a flurry
of swordplay, slices his arm off and then stabs him in the chest. The resilient
captain pulls himself up on the sword, closer to Aragorn, snarling, defiant.
Aragorn grimaces, pulls his sword out of the injured warrior, swings it
wide, and hacks off the Uruk-hai's head. The rest of him falls to the ground.>
<Aragorn pauses a moment, panting.
He then races to Boromir.>
<<Aragorn: No!>>
<Boromir, pale and bloodied, is
now lying on his back, his head close to a tree.>
<Aragorn kneels near Boromir,
who grabs Aragorn's shoulder.>
<<Boromir: They took the little
ones.>>
<<Aragorn: Be still.>>
<<Boromir: Frodo! Where is
Frodo? >>
<<Aragorn: I let Frodo go.>>
<<Boromir: Then you did what
I could not. I tried to take the Ring from him.>>
<<Aragorn: The Ring is beyond
our reach now.>>
<<Boromir: Forgive me. I did
not see it. I have failed you all.>>
<<Aragorn: No, Boromir, you
fought bravely! You have kept your honor.>> <reaches out to pull the
arrows from Boromir.>
<<Boromir: Leave it! It is
over. The world of men will fall, and all will come to darkness… and my
city to ruin.>>
<<Aragorn: I do not know what
strength is in my blood, but I swear to you I will not let the White City
fall…nor our people fail!>>
<<Boromir: Our people? Our
people.>>
<He reaches for his sword. Aragorn
places the hilt in his hand, and helps Boromir clasp it to his chest.>
<<Boromir: I would have followed
you my Brother…my Captain…My King!>>
<Boromir passes away. Aragorn
touches his hand to his forehead, then to his lips in respect.>
<<Aragorn: Be at peace, son
of Gondor.>> <bends and kisses Boromir on the brow.>
<Legolas and Gimli arrive at the
scene. Legolas looks sadly at Aragorn and Boromir. Gimli bows his head
and turns away.>
<Aragorn stands up. Boromir lies
among the earth: pale and gone, the black arrows sticking from his broken
body. The fallen warrior has gone to his last home. The trees, encrusted
in lichen and moss, tower around the two warriors, one fallen, the other
risen. Mist and light shine through the wood like a vision, in a tapestry
of long ago.>
<<Aragorn: They will look for
his coming from the White Tower. But he will not return.>>
<He lifts his head and the sunlight
plays like the glimmer of water across his features. A tear glints, falling
down his cheek. His eyes seem to stare distantly. For a moment, it seems
as though he has the dignity of a King.>
<Frodo stands upon the pale grey
shore, staring into the distance, with the Ring on his palm, seemingly
merely an unadorned gold band.>
<Sam runs through the woods.>
<<Sam: Frodo!>>
<Weeping silently, Frodo hears
his voice speaking from his conversation with Gandalf in Moria.>
<<Frodo: I wish the Ring had
never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.>>
<He hears a voice rise in answer,
to his surprise. Standing in the orange light of evening, Gandalf the Grey
speaks to the troubled Hobbit in a vision.>
<<Gandalf: So do all who live
to see such times but that is not for them to decide. All you have to decide
is what to do with the time that is given to you.>>
<Determined to proceed with the
quest alone, Frodo closes his hand over the Ring, and puts it into his
vest pocket. He pushes a boat into the river and jumps in. Just then, Sam
emerges from the woods. He sees Frodo paddling away and runs after him.>
<<Sam: Frodo, no! Frodo! Mr.
Frodo!>>
<<Frodo (quietly): No, Sam.>>
<continues to paddle away>
<Sam runs into the river after
Frodo. Frodo, hearing the splashes, looks back.>
<<Frodo: Go back, Sam! I’m
going to Mordor alone.>>
<<Sam: Of course you are, and
I’m coming with you!>>
<<Frodo: You can’t swim! Sam!>>
<Sam struggles to swim then sinks
into the water.>
<<Frodo: Sam!!!>>
<Sam sinks deeper and deeper.
He sees the sun shimmering up on the surface. His arm floats limply as
he descends into the water. Suddenly Frodo’s hand reaches down and grabs
Sam’s wrist. Sam tightens his hand around Frodo’s. Frodo pulls him out
of the water and up into the boat and Sam tumbles in.>
<<Sam: <dripping wet> I
made a promise, Mr. Frodo. A promise! "Don’t you leave him Samwise Gamgee."
And I don’t mean to! I don’t mean to.>>
<<Frodo: Oh, Sam! <they
hug> Come on. >>
<Frodo and Sam paddle towards
the eastern shore.>
<Boromir is laid to rest in one
of the boats. His sword rests with him, his shield is above his head and
his cloven horn at his side. The boat slips over the falls of Rauros and
then drops into the mists below. Gimli watches the boat disappear. Aragorn
wears Boromir’s vambraces in his honor. Legolas shoves the third boat into
the water.>
<<Legolas: Hurry! Frodo and
Sam have reached the eastern shore.>>
<Aragorn stand still and says
nothing.>
<<Legolas: You mean not to
follow them?>>
<<Aragorn: Frodo’s fate is
no longer in our hands.>>
<<Gimli: Then it has all been
in vain! The Fellowship has failed.>>
<<Aragorn: <putting his
hands on their shoulders> Not if we hold true to each other. We will not
abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death. Not while we have strength
left. Leave all that can be spared behind. We travel light. Let us hunt
some Orc!>>
<Legolas and Gimli look at each
other, grinning.>
<<Gimli: Yes!!! Haha!>>
<Aragorn runs into the woods,
followed by Gimli and Legolas.>
<Frodo and Sam stand upon a high
hill beside a reflecting pool of water. A dark sky is before them, though
light wings beneath it.>
<<Frodo: Mordor. I hope the
others find a safer route. >>
<<Sam: Strider will look after
them.>>
<<Frodo: I don’t suppose we’ll
ever see them again.>>
<<Sam: We may yet, Mr. Frodo.
We may.>>
<<Frodo: <turns, smiling>
Sam, I’m glad you’re with me.>>
<Frodo walks onwards. Sam stands
for a moment, and then follows. They go down the rocky slope into a light
mist beneath high, sunlit mountains, towards their destination. They have
a long way to go, and a lonely road. So far from home.>
Special Extended Edition and Added
Material Credits:
BrionnEquus, Eowyn unquendor, Ozwitch,
Tethra.
Transcript Credits:
Accela, Amarea, Angleet, BaD_BURN,
Bebbie, Beren Erchamion, Boromir's Chick, Catz, Chrysalia, Collierette,
Cuthalion, Eldarionztg, Elf Princess, Elven_chica, Finafyr, ForceFive,
Forn, Ghyste, HobbitLass, Kalyx, Kingslayer, LadyEowynKenobi, Lamia, Lochrann,
LoneWolf5050, Loriendur, Lorienelf, Loving Legolas, Maatkare, Mdjasrie,
Merp, Radwind, Rosie Cotton, Sun-kissed, Telchar, Teldor, The Red Avenger,
Theodwyn, Zeke.
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