The Edge of a Knife

Chapter 1: Betrayed

A/N
Hello, random reader!
Thank you so much for checking out my story!
This is the first book in The Edge of a Knife Trilogy.
It is currently going under editing so if you see some spelling mistakes or whatnot don't worry they will all be dealt with!
So anywho sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings. Places, names, and other stuff belongs to Tolkien.

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"We cross the lake at nightfall."
Aragorn announced as he made his way up the shore towards the small fire that the hobbits were tending.
"Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the north."
"And do you know what lies between us and Mordor?" asked Gimli as he smoked his pipe.
Aragorn looked at Gimli as the dwarf continued.
"Cruel mountains and the Dead Marshes. As well as entering the black land itself."
The hobbits looked nervously at one another. Gimli stared at Aragorn waiting for a reply.
"That is our road," Aragorn announced in a tone that said that he didn't want to discuss it anymore.

Satisfied that they made no argument, Aragorn turned away from them and made his way towards Legolas.

His friend was standing alone and staring intently into the trees, although he seemed to be completely lost in thought, he had heard every word of the conversation that had just taken place.

Aragorn stood beside Legolas and hoped for some word of encouragement from the elf, who didn't show it but understood perfectly well what kind of pressure Aragorn was under after the loss of Gandalf.

But instead of a kind word from his friend all he got was silence, and he could tell that something was on the elf's mind.

As if reading his thoughts Legolas turned to Aragorn with his eyes filled with concern, and something that Aragorn didn't usually see in him, fear.

"We should leave now," Legolas told him urgently. Confused, Aragorn shook his head. "No, orcs patrol the Eastern shore. We must wait for the cover of darkness."

"It is not the Eastern shore that worries me." Legolas turned back to the forest. "A shadow has been growing on my mind lately. Something draws near," Legolas turned back to Aragorn, his blue eyes wide with fear, "I can feel
it."

Aragorn looked at his friend, he had never seen him like this. He was about to reply when they heard Merry call out, "Where's Frodo?" Aragorn immediately began searching around the camp, he froze when he realized that Frodo wasn't the only one missing.

"Aragorn." Legolas placed a hand on Aragorn's shoulder.

Aragorn faced his friend and he could tell from his expression that he shared the same fear that he had.

"Stay with them." Aragorn placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and began racing towards the forest.

"Where are you going?" Sam called out as he began to stand, his eyes were filled with worry for Frodo.

"Stay here. All of you." Aragorn turned to Legolas and Gimli who stood next to the three hobbits.
"Keep them safe." He turned back to the forest and started out again.

"Aragorn," Legolas called out.
Aragorn turned back and looked at the elf. "No-dirweg."

Aragorn nodded at his friend, and without another word, he raced into the trees.

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Frodo walked through the woods quietly and alone with his thoughts. His bare feet treading softly over the leaves.

His mind raced with a million thoughts as he continued his walk. The one thought that continued to plague him was what Galadriel had said to the fellowship in Lothlorien.

"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife, stray but a little and it will fail. To the ruin of all."

He also couldn't stop thinking about what he had seen in her mirror. The Shire, his beloved home, destroyed. Overrun by orcs. Sam, as well as many other hobbits, being thrown in chains and led away from their families.

Of course, Frodo also knew that if he failed to destroy the ring, it wouldn't just be the Shire that fell. Rivendell, Lothlorien, Boromir's home, Legolas and Gimli's, all would fall and their people, kin, and friends.

They would all perish unless he could destroy the Ring. "Even the smallest person can change the course of the future." Galadriel's words echoed in his mind. Perhaps he could destroy the ring. With the others helping him, despite how utterly hopeless it seemed.

Thinking about the others suddenly reminded Frodo that he had been gone for a long time. Sam, as well as Merry and Pippin, would be worried.

Not wanting to cause any panic among the others, Frodo turned around and began making his way back to the shore. Now that he thought about it, he probably should have said something to Aragorn, or at least Sam before he decided to go wandering through the woods.

"None of us should wander alone." the voice made Frodo jump. He spun around and to his surprise, Boromir was standing a few feet away from him. "You least of all."

Frodo stared at him suspiciously. Something was different about Boromir. Something odd.

"I know why you seek solitude."
Boromir continued as he began walking towards Frodo. "You carry a heavy burden Frodo. One that should have never been yours."

Frodo began backing away from Boromir. He wished that he hadn't left the others.

"There are other ways Frodo. Other paths that we might take."
Frodo knew immediately what he meant. He wanted him to take the Ring to Gondor.

"I know what you would say, and it would seem like wisdom but for the warning in my heart."

"Warning?" Boromir asked in disbelief. His eyes narrowed, he clenched his fists. "I ask only for the strength to defend my people!"

Frodo's eyes widened in fear. Boromir took a menacing step towards him, Frodo placed a hand on Sting.

"If you would but lend me the ring-"
"No," Frodo told him sternly, backing away. "You're not yourself." Frodo was about to run when suddenly Boromir lunged at him and threw him to the ground.

"It could have been mine! It should have been mine!" He wrapped his hands around Frodo's neck and reached for the chain that held the ring.

Frodo struggled but Boromir was too strong. He kicked and desperately tried to reach his sword but it was no use.

Suddenly, Frodo heard the sound of the chain snap. Boromir flew backward and landed hard on the ground.

Frodo's hand immediately shot up to his neck. The chain that held the ring was gone.

Frodo looked up in horror. Boromir stood over him. His hand grasping his sword, and the other one tightly clasping the Ring.

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End of chapter 1
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Elvish translation (may not be 100% accurate)

No-dirweg--- "be careful"