The Edge of a Knife

Chapter 14: The Fellowship Reunited

The next morning Aragorn and Merry had both fully recovered.
The fellowship gathered in a small room together. The hobbits were overjoyed to be together again.

Merry had almost fallen over when he saw Gandalf for the first time since Moria. Aragorn had stared in disbelief.

Now was the time for questions to be answered. They started with Gandalf telling them what had befallen him in Moria.

He told them how after he fell, he chased the Balrog high into the mountains. There they fought a terrible battle. In the end, Gandalf threw down his foe.

But Gandalf had collapsed from weariness. He felt himself leave his body. He told them of his return as Gandalf the White.

"I discovered what had become of the fellowship in Lorien." Gandalf told them. "I went after you immediately. I found Sam and Pippin in Fangorn and sent them with Treebeard to Isengard."

"What were you doing while we were at Isengard?" Pippin asked.

"There was an evil here that had to be dealt with. Saruman had poisoned the mind of King Theoden. I had to free him as well as save his son, Theodred."

"Oh. I see." Pippin looked at the others and asked, "So I guess you know what happened to the Ring?"

Gandalf nodded. "I know that Boromir has fallen. He will try and use the Ring to overthrow Sauron."

Aragorn remember their last encounter with Boromir. He needed to tell Gandalf what happened.

"We met Boromir before we were taken to Isengard."
Aragorn told them.

Gandalf's eyes widened. "What happened?"

Aragorn told them everything. About Boromir wielding the Ring, how he commanded the orcs, the change that had come over him.

"I don't understand Gandalf. How is it that Boromir can use the Ring? You said it could not be wielded by any except Sauron."
Aragorn said.

"I do not know. Something dark is at play here. And even if Boromir can use the ring, I doubt that it will last long."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Gimli stood to his feet. "Let's go after that scoundrel."

"Why do you call him that?" Pippin asked.

It was Legolas who answered.
"He betrayed us, took the ring for himself and doomed us all to the darkness of Sauron."

Everyone looked in surprise at Legolas. He hadn't said a word since they had gathered. The hobbits were especially surprised at his tone.

Gandalf shot a warning glance at the elf that was not noticed by the others.

"I don't think it's entirely his fault." Pippin continued. "You all said that the Ring is evil and that it tempts. Boromir just wasn't strong enough to overcome it."

"Your point Pip?" Merry asked.

"My point is, that maybe if Boromir hadn't been able to get the Ring, I believe that he could have overcome the temptation of it."

"Perhaps you are right Peregrin Took. But in these dark times, how can we be sure about anything?" Gandalf sighed and stood to his feet. The others followed suit.

"We must leave for Gondor as soon as possible. We will go to Minas Tirith and, hopefully, recover the ring before Boromir attempts to use it against
Sauron."

Gandalf turned away from the others. And I pray that we are not too late.

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Another shortie. More to come! Exciting part is on its way!
Plz comment if enjoying the story! (or if you have criticism I need the experience!)