Return of the King

Rough Draft 1.5

Screenplay by Jeff Long.

Based on the book “The Return of the King”

by J.R.R. Tolkien.

BLACK SCREEN

New Line Cinema Presents

A Wingnut Films Production

BLACK CONTINUES...

LORD OF THE RINGS

OPEN ON:

EXT. RIVENDELL – DAY

Rivendell, in all its beauty, sits nearly empty of residents, as almost all the elves had left for the Grey Havens. Only the occasional Elf would be seen in the streets or homes, of this Elvish kingdom.

INT. ELROND’S CHAMBERS

One of these such Elves was their leader, Elrond, who stands in his quarters, looking out his window at a darkening sky. The sky was not getting darker due to the end of the day, but instead due by the approaching darkness that the Dark

Lord Sauron was creating. The room he was standing in only gets light from outside, which was slowly fading, casting the room into shadow.

Elrond’s face has an expression of grave hopelessness as he stares at the darkness. We hear footsteps behind him as we also hear the giant oak doors open with a creak. We see Elrond turn around to see who had entered. His eyes immediately widen.

ELROND: What are you doing here? You were supposed to have left these shores with the others.

FEMALE VOICE (V.O.): I have sensed my love’s growing hopelessness, much as I have sensed yours.

We pan over to see the doors close and a figure walk in, wearing a cloak, and a hood down over their face. The figure reaches two hands up and pulls the hood back, revealing Arwen.

ARWEN: And I have thought of a way to bring hope back.

INT. ELVEN BLACKSMITH’S BASEMENT

Arwen and Elrond are down below the ground of Rivendell, in a blacksmith’s basement as the Elven Blacksmith prepares to get ready to forge a weapon. Arwen was standing beside her father, holding something wrapped up in thick cloth.

BLACKSMITH: I am ready to begin.

Arwen steps forward to a stone table and lays the cloth down. Both her and the Blacksmith begin to unwrap the cloth, which opens up, revealing the hilt of the sword of Narsil, and the pieces to the broken blade.

ARWEN: Please hurry. We haven’t much time.

The Blacksmith begins to work away as Arwen moves back to Elrond, and the two of them look on. The camera starts to pan up, and all we see is darkness as it moves up through the dirt in the ground, but we can still hear the sounds of the Blacksmith working.

EXT. OUTSIDE RIVENDELL – DAY

When we finish panning up, we see Rivendell, and we see a rider dressed in a cloak and hood ride out on a white horse, leaving the city, and riding as fast as the wind. There is a very long bundle wrapped in cloth tied to the side of the horse. The Horse rides past the camera, and as it does, we can hear it snort.

EXT. MORDOR – DAY

A baron landscape stretches for as far as the eyes can see. Nothing living occupies this area, only rocks and gravel. There are rocks of all sizes, small, big, huge, medium, and there are dips, valleys, hills, and mountains, all covered in the rocks. Some rocks are stuck in the ground, and other move freely with the kick of a foot.

On one such rocky hill, some of the smaller rocks suddenly start falling down the hill, falling past the camera. Then a hairy Hobbits foot comes down, followed by a leg, just inches from the camera.

TITLE CARD: The Return of the King

The camera pans up to show that this leg belongs to Samwise Gamgee of The Shire, as he catches his balance. Him and his companions are walking down a hill full of loose rocks, and part way down, Sam had lost his footing and had just caught his balance. For the moment however, we can only see Sam visible.

GOLLUM (V.O.): Hurry itssssss up.

Sam continues to look ahead as he takes small baby-steps down the hill, careful not to slip.

SAM: I have to take my time, Gollum! And if you were any bit concerned about yourself, you’d do the same. This is a very dangerous route you’ve taken us on, and I do not wish to perish on it.

We see Gollum climbing down behind Sam, with ease. He spits.

GOLLUM: Perishessss. Who cares if fat little hobbit perishesss.

Sam shoots a look of annoyance back as he continues going down the hill slowly.

From behind Gollum, Frodo climbed down the hill, much as Sam was, careful not to slip or fall.

FRODO: Now, now Sam. Gollum was kind enough to bring us all the way back here from Gondor. You should thank him for that.

SAM: Well if you don’t mind me saying so, Mr. Frodo, I’ll thank him when we get there and back all in one piece.

Suddenly Sam almost falls over as he feels something hit his leg really hard.

SAM: Hey!

Sam looks down and sees Gollum rush past him, having just hit his leg as he passed by. Gollum climbs down the hill much easier and faster then the hobbits, and waits at the

bottom, looking up at them with his big, round eyes, watching their every move as they take their time.

SAM: I don’t trust him one bit.

FRODO (Snapping): Yes Sam, you’ve made that perfectly clear! You’ve been whining and sniffling about him ever since we came across him, and all he’s done in return is help us!

Sam sighs and continues on down the hill, not daring to say anything else that might spark a temper in Frodo. They reach the bottom, and as soon as the do, Gollum turns and starts crawling ahead some more.

GOLLUM: Come on, this way!

Sam and Frodo are visibly tired and exhausted, but there is something else that seems to be wearing Frodo down, and all three of them know what it is – The Ring he has on a chain around his neck is getting a stronger and stronger hold on him everyday, making him weaker.

LONG SHOT: From the distance, from the side, we see the trio move through various parts of the land, Gollum always staying in front, the landscape never changing. We cut back to a close-up of the group.

We see the three move, Gollum a bit further ahead then the two Hobbits, who were getting even more exhausted. Gollum looks back with annoyance in his eyes.

GOLLUM: Mussst hurry itsss up!

He runs back to them and starts to tug on Sam’s pant leg. Sam then kicks him away.

GOLLUM: Ack!

Gollum tumbles over some rocks as he was kicked away.

FRODO: Sam! I’m having just about enough of you! I’m starting to wish you had never come along with me.

Sam stops on the spot as Frodo and Gollum continue on. Sam looks after them with sadness in his eyes, having been hurt emotionally.

SAM (Whispering): You aren’t the only one, Mr. Frodo.

He starts walking again, staying behind Frodo and Gollum.

EXT. MORDOR – DAY

The trio reaches a huge Pond, as still as the night sky, that is blocking their way.

SAM: Great! Just Great! He managed to lead us to yet another dead end.

GOLLUM: Not if fat hobbit can swim.

SAM: In there? You must think I’m as crazy as you are!

FRODO: Sam, that’s enough!

Gollum (In a soothing, yet mocking voice): That’sss right. Listen to the master.

Sam glares at Gollum, as Gollum turns and starts walking away, to their side.

SAM: Now where’s he going?

FRODO: I don’t know, Sam, but I think we should continue to follow him. After all, he hasn’t led us astray yet.

They turn and follow after Gollum. Soon enough they reach a spot in the ground, where it opens up, creating a hole, going down at an angle. Gollum reaches the edge of it.

GOLLUM: Come on! This way! Down there!”

Gollum started down the hall, disappearing into the darkness. Sam and Frodo follow without saying much, but as soon as they start down the path under the ground, Sam starts complaining.

SAM: I don’t mean to be a bother, Mr. Frodo, but its awfully dark down here.

FRODO: I know Sam. (Calling ahead into the darkness) How much further is it?

GOLLUM (Voice being carried from far ahead): Only another hour, hurry! Hurry!”

Sam and Frodo both sigh.

SAM: Well shouldn’t he at least wait for us?

FRODO: He should, yes.

And with that, he stops on the spot and sits on the dark, damp ground of the tunnel. Sam stops as well and looks down at Frodo.

SAM: What are you doing, Mr. Frodo?

FRODO (exhausted): I can’t go on anymore, Sam. I need a break. And I can tell you do to. We’ll stop here for a bit.

Suddenly we hear something slapping against the ground, heading towards them. Frodo starts to take out his sword, Sting, when Gollum comes into view. Frodo puts the sword away.

GOLLUM: What are you doing?! (tugs on Frodo’s cloak.) We must keep moving!

FRODO (Grabbing the end of his cloak and pulling it out of Gollum’s grasp): We need a rest. We can’t keep going on and on over this terrain forever without resting.

GOLLUM: We will ressst soon. (whispers in an almost evil tone, stares off into space) Yes, Soon.

FRODO (Yelling): No! Now! We can’t go on anymore. Me and Sam need a rest.

GOLLUM: Rest when we get out. We shouldn’t stay here any longer. Many dangerous thingsss wait for usss.

SAM: Maybe we should listen to Gollum just this once.

FRODO (Much weaker): But its so far away…

SAM: I know. But it’s just one more hour, and that’s one more hour I’m willing to make it, as long as we can rest somewhere safe.

FRODO: This is Mordor, Sam. Nowhere is safe.

SAM: Safer then here, I meant.

FRODO: I suppose you’re right.

He stood up and the two hobbits help each other walk as they follow after Gollum, who suddenly has an evil sneer on his face.

EXT. ROHAN – DAY

Across the landscape, we see a giant dark cloud reaching out from Mordor, and slowly going across the land, however it has yet to still reach this kingdom, and many others.

EXT. ROHAN – EDORAS – DAY

Within the stone walls, all the villagers had returned from Helm’s Deep, and were now living in their homes. Outside the Stone walls, a couple hundred small camps had been set up, for the Elves who had participated in the battle of Helm’s Deep and survived. There isn’t much room inside the walls, so the people of Edoras had set up many small camps for them.

INT. EDORAS - CASTLE – DISCUSSION ROOM – DAY

In this room, there is a large round stone table with chairs set up around it. Sitting in the chairs was Gandalf, dressed with his grey cloak over his white one, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Eomer, Theodon, and standing behind Theodon’s chair was Hama and another guard. Theodon sat at the front of the round table.

GANDALF: The Battle for Middle-Earth will soon begin. We must decide what to do. Will we stay here and defend Rohan, or meet in Minis Tirith of Gondor, join forces with them, and defend Gondor and everything that lays behind it?

EOMER: We should stay and defend our homes! Leave Gondor to defend themselves, just as they did with us at Helm’s Deep.

ARAGORN: If you defend Gondor, your forces are more then tripled, and by defending the White City, you defend all that lay beyond it, including Rohan.

Everyone turns to look at King Theodon, for it is really his call, and his call only. He sits in his chair for a few minutes, thinking heavily as everyone looks at him. Suddenly he opens his eyes and looks around and all his companions.

THEODON: We will ride to Gondor.

Sighs came from everyone in the room except 2 – Aragorn and Eomer.

EOMER: What of Saruman’s forces? Surly he’s already started rebuilding them.

Gandalf: That is why I intent on riding to Isengard first: To disable Saruman’s forces and try one last time to bring him back to the path of good.

EOMER: And if he refuses?

GANDALF: Then I fear I must destroy my old mentor.

LEGOLAS: What are we to do during all this?

GANDALF: I will need some assistance in disabling his army.

EOMER (Challenging Gandalf): How are we to go to both Isengard and defend Gondor at the same time?

GANDALF: I am not asking anyone to come with me, but if you wish, then you may. I will proceed to Gondor when my business at Isengard is finished. Anyone who goes on to Gondor from here, will also have the company of the Elves.

LEGOLAS: We have been apart from you for much of this journey. I do not wish to part with you again, unless it’s of great importance. I will go with you to Isengard.

GIMLI: If the Elf goes, I go. (Glances at Legolas) I still have a score to beat.

THEODON: With news of the Elves going on to Gondor, I know that they will not be without assistance. I will gather a handful of my men and follow you as well, Gandalf. (Gandalf Nods) And I would be honoured if my heir would join us.

EOMER: I wish to defend these borders, and if by doing that, I should have to go to Gondor, then so be it. But by doing that, we’re leaving the back opened to Isengard. The Elves are going on to defend our front, so I shall join you in defending our back.

Everyone then turns to Aragorn, who has been quiet for quite a while.

GANDALF: And what of you, Son of Arathorn? Will you also join us?

Aragorn looks out the window, which was next to him, and looks below, seeing Eowyn talking with one of the villagers. As she talks, we can’t hear her, but she glances up and their eyes meet for a brief moment, before she looks back at the villager.

FLASHBACK SEQUANCE:

EXT. Rivendell – Docks – Night

Aragorn and Elrond are talking in Rivendell, during the night before the Fellowship had left. There seems to be a growing tension between the two. This is the same Flashback as the one in The Two Towers.

ELROND: Arwen’s time is ending. Let her go.

INT. RIVENDELL – ARWEN’s CHAMBERS – NIGHT

Aragorn is in Arwen’s chambers, talking to her.

ARAGORN: You have a chance for another life. Away from here. Away from War.”

ARWEN (In Shock): Why are you saying this?

ARAGORN: I’m Mortal. Your Elf-kind. It was but a dream. Nothing more.

END FLAHSBACK SEQUANCE

INT. EDORAS – CASTLE – DISCUSSION ROOM – DAY

Aragorn is still looking down at Eowyn. He turns back and stares at the others.

ARAGORN (To everyone’s shock): I will do neither. I wish to stay here and help the people of Rohan.

Gimli is at a loss of words.

GIMLI (Stumbling over his words): Bu..but…you can help them better by coming with us or going to Gondor. (beat) Or coming with us.

ARAGORN: I have seen enough war to last me several lifetimes.

GANDALF: We all have. But it is up to us to end it.

ARAGORN: I lost one love because of this war. I do not wish to loose another.

Not everyone in the room knows what he is talking about, but those who do, finally understands where he is coming from, much as the audience does.

HAMA: Is there anyway we can persuade you?

Aragorn (Shaking his head): No.

Gandalf: Then that is your decision. (Standing up) I wish you luck in your efforts here.

ARAGORN: And I wish you the same, in your travels to Isengard and Gondor.

GANDALF: Come. We must prepare for our journey.

Theodon: At this hour of late? It shall be nightfall before we get half the distance there. Why not wait until dawn of tomorrow?

GANDALF: We must leave as soon as possible and make haste. Who knows how many more armies Saruman is preparing.”

Everyone else stands up and slowly starts moving towards the door.

GANDALF: I will go below and tell the Elves to go on to Gondor.

As he is leaving, Legolas goes up to Aragorn.

LEGOLAS: We have seen much together, Aragorn. I do wish that you would come with us.

Aragorn places a hand on Legolas’s shoulder.

ARAGORN: I am sorry Legolas. But this is something I feel in my heart that I must do.

Legolas nods as he pats Aragorn on the shoulder. He turns and leaves as well. Aragorn is left by himself in the room.

EXT. EDORAS – CASTLE – DAY

Outside the castle, Theodon, Eomer, Gandalf, Legolas, Gimli, Hama, and many more of Theodon’s men were on horses, Gimli on the back of Legolas’s horse. Aragorn was standing beside the small army, seeing them off.

ARAGORN: Be careful. And make haste. I fear that Gondor may not be able to stand alone.

GANDALF: We will go as quickly as we can, Aragorn.

At that moment, Eowyn runs out from the castle and over to the group.

EOWYN: I wish to go with you!

ARAGORN: M’lady, it is far too dangerous for you. You should remain here.

THEODON: Aragorn is right, Eowyn. It is far too dangerous. You should remain here with Aragorn to look after the villagers.

Eowyn turns to storm off but suddenly stops on the spot. The others see her looking off into the distance and they follow her gaze. They see a rider dressed in a cloak, riding at a fast pace towards the town.

EXT. EDORAS – DAY

The gates open the hooded rider runs onward, through the village, and to where the others are standing.

HAMA: Identify yourself.

The Rider looks up and pulls back the hood, revealing Arwen.

ARAGORN (Shocked and surprised): Arwen!

He runs over to her. Eowyn looks on, jealousy and hurt showing on her face, as she watches Aragorn help Arwen down off the horse and kiss her. Theodon shoots a quick look at Eowyn before turning back to the couple. Aragorn has tears of joy in his eyes.

ARAGORN: I thought you left to go to the Northern Shores! We agreed that you would leave all of this fighting and live a happy life over there.

ARWEN: My love for you is to strong, as my heart would have shattered if I had left. I would not be able to stay over there while my love was fighting for the fate of all Middle-Earth. (They kiss again) I have brought you something.

She turns around and takes the bundle off the side of the horse and hands it to Aragorn. Aragorn takes it and starts to unwrap the bundle of cloth. Next we see the cloth on the ground, blowing away in the wind. We pan up to see everyone watching Aragorn hold the sword of Narsil up, complete and whole, sun shining off the blade.

Gandalf (Whispering an old legend): With the reforging of the sword that cut the Ring from Sauron’s fingers, the King will reclaim his throne.

Aragorn’s faith and courage has been fully restored, now that his love has returned to him and she has faith in him.

ARAGORN (Turning to Gandalf): I will ride with you to Isengard, then to Gondor.

GANDALF (Smiling): I knew you would.

THEODON: Eowyn, bring us another horse.

No answer. Theodon looks around and sees that Eowyn is no longer among them. Theodon instead turns to Hama.

THEODON: Hama, go get another horse.

Hama nods as he climbs down his horse and rushes off to get a horse. Aragorn turns to Arwen.

ARAGORN: You have done more for me now, then I could ever do for you in a lifetime.

ARWEN: Do not talk like that. Fighting for the freedom of our lands is enough. I just did my part in that.”

ARAGORN: Come with us.

ARWEN (Chuckling): You have forgotten my place. I am not a fighter. I will remain here and do what I can from here.

Hama returns with a horse and leads it to Aragorn, who takes its reins. Aragorn climbs up and sits on top of the horse.

ARWEN: I will await your return from battle, when Middle-Earth is once again free.

ARAGORN: I will await seeing you upon my return.

They look into each other’s eyes, when Gandalf draws Aragorn’s attention back away from Arwen.

GANDALF: We must hurry. We’ve already lost much time.

They start out, riding slow at first, moving in as a group. Aragorn looks back at Arwen, who stays to look at Aragorn, until he gets out of view.

The group goes into a trotting jog, then a full-fledged run. When they get outside the walls of the city, all that has remained of the elves are the remains of their camps, for they had gone on to Gondor.

EXT. Fangorn Forest – Evening

The group has entered a giant forest, where the dirt trail seems to be very narrow. The sun is starting to go down, and loud moans and creaks come to the trees as the horses slow to a walk. Everyone looks on in caution.

GANDALF: Be weary of the trees. They are out to kill their enemies, and in times such as these, it’s often difficult to determine an enemy from a friend. I advise everyone to stay on the path.

They continue riding, cautiously looking around at the trees on either sides of them.

EXT. FANGORN FOREST – NIGHT

Hours have passed since the last scene and the darkness of night shows that.

LEGOLAS: We will have to stop soon. Our horses need the rest.

Gimli (Scoffing): If I was able run for many days without rest, they certainly can.

Aragorn moves his head to look behind him, at Legolas and Gimli’s horse.

ARAGORN (Joking): But the horses are not as strong or brave as you.

GIMLI (Thinking Aragorn was serious): Eye. I don’t think any creature is.

The majority of the people in the group slightly chuckle.

GANDALF: We will rest here the night. But remember, do not wander from the path. Perhaps it is best that you do no wandering at all.

The horses stop and the Riders climb down, getting ready to set up a small camp on the trail.

INT. ORTHANC – NIGHT

Deep inside the Tower of Orthanc at Isengard, Grima Wourmtongue and Saruman The White stand in Saruman’s chambers, the Palantir on its stone column. Saruman stands in front of the Palantir, moving his hands over it as he talks. Wourmtongue stands behind him, looking fearfully into the device.

SARUMAN (Into the Palantir): They have surrounded us, My Lord.

EXT. ISENGARD – NIGHT

All is barren. Inside the circle of Walls surrounding Orthanc, water has flooded into every ditch, hole, and cavern. Parts of the walls belonging to the circle of walls, are broken, or are smashed.There is a spiked machine next to the tower of Orthanc, with a wheel near the ground.In the water, surrounding Orthanc, there is a group of trees, stuck in the ground, forming a circle around the tower, their braches held up, as if they were holding hands.

SARUMAN (V.O.): They have taken us over.

INT. ORTHANC – NIGHT

Saruman is standing in front of the Palantir, Wourmtongue behind him.

SARUMAN: We have failed, My Lord. (looks behind him at Wourmtongue with an evil gaze.) Or should I say, my servant has failed.

Wourmtongue takes a step back, both scared and puzzled.

WOURMTONGUE: Me? How is it my fault?

SARUMAN: If you had done your job correctly at Edoras, we would be in control of Rohan!

WOURMTONGUE: But I’ve told you. That wasn’t my fault, Gandalf…

SARUMAN (Angry; cutting off Wourmtongue): Why do you feel the need to mention his name in my presence once again?

Wourmtongue bows his head as he fumbles over his words.

WOURMTONGUE: I’m…I’m…I’m Sorry.

Saruman points a finger at the doors to the room.

SARUMAN: Now leave me with my presence before I have you killed. (beat) Or something worse.

Wourmtongue gulps as he turns and walks out of the room. Saruman turns back to the Palantir and sighs.

SARUMAN: My apologies, Master.

EXT. FANGORN FOREST – DAY

Gandalf and company had awoke and started out again. It is hard to tell what time of day it is however, for the darkness casted by the trees met with the growing darkness above their heads, stretching out from Mordor.

LEGOLAS: The land is going into Shadow.

GANDALF: Indeed. We haven’t much time before Sauron unleashes his wrath. I’m afraid we must pick up our pace, despite the danger of the trees.

ARAGORN (Shouting behind him): Quicken up the pace!

The horses all go from a trotting walk to a slow jog, then before long, to an all-out run. The trees woosh past as they speed down the trail, branches whipping around, all around them, for they had startled the trees.

As they get further, they run into a low mist that starts at the horse’s feet, and before long, were up as high as the Riders’ knees.

GIMLI: What type of sorcery is this? This area does not have fog.

GANDALF: You are correct, Gimli, This is indeed not natural. If not for my nose, I’d think this was Saruman’s doing.

THEODON: It smells of dying smoke. Something foul happened here recently.

They continue running, and soon the trees give way to a barren landscape, tree stumps sticking out of the ground. They are all in awe as they come to a stop and look down at the flooded Circle of Walls, and the tower inside, which was clearly visible from their position, but hard to pick out, due to a circle of trees surrounding it. We now see that the smoke is coming from the water, which had put out all the burning fires.

EOMER: This has become a dreary place.

They ride down the hill, towards the area. Soon they reach the Circle of Walls and see a break in the wall. They trot their horses over the loose rocks, and onto the other side, into the water. They ride cautiously through the water.

ARAGORN: Gandalf, is it possible that the Ents caused this?

EOMER: Ents? They are just legend.

GANDALF: Oh no, my dear Eomer. For your eyes see some now, over by the tower. They are more then legend, for I have spent the better half of a year with them. And yes Aragorn, I do believe they had a hand to play in this.

VOICES (V.O): Gandalf!”

Everyone turns, drawing out weapons, preparing to attack their intruders. The two Hobbits, Merry and Pippin, stop on the spot, looking fearful as they back up a few steps.

GANDALF: Put away your weapons!

The Riders all obey Gandalf and put away their swords, daggers, and arrows.

GANDALF: These are Hobbits.

THEODON (In wonder): Remarkable! (Climbs down from his horse to get a closer look) I have heard a tale here and there of such creatures, but have never met one. (Sees the swords in their hands and the looks on their faces) But they were always talked about as being peaceful.

Gandalf climbs off his horse as well.

GANDALF: Hard times can force one to change.

THEODON: So these are the lost ones of your company?

GANDALF (Approaching Merry and Pippin) Indeed they are. (Turning to the Hobbits) Where is Treebeard, for I long to speak with him.

MERRY: He left awhile ago. He kept some of the other Ents to surround to the tower, and left with the others. He told me and Pippin to stay and help guard the tower as well.

GANDALF (Smiling): Even after all we’ve been through, Hobbits still amaze me.

Suddenly the Hobbits see Aragorn sitting on a horse. Their faces light up.

PIPPIN: Strider!

ARAGORN (Nodding his head in a ‘hello’ fashion): Master Pippin. We have finally located you.

GIMLI (Angry): And what of us? Are you not happy to see both me and Legolas as well?

Merry and Pippin chuckle.

PIPPIN: We are glad that you two are here as well.

GANDALF: I must go locate Treebeard. Do you know where I might find him?

PIPPIN: Away on the North Side. He went to get a drink of clean water.

GANDALF: I will go to him. (Turning to Theodon) Theodon King of Rohan, will you ride with me?

THEODON: I will. Farewell Hobbits. When I get return, we have much to discuss, for I long to hear your of your history and journeys.

Merry bows.

MERRY: If that is your wish, King of Rohan.

GANDALF: The rest of you shall stay with the Hobbits.

Gandalf and Theodon get back on their horses and take off riding at a fast pace, heading towards where Treebeard would be.

Aragorn turns back to the Hobbits. He hands Pippin his brooch that the hobbit had had gotten from Lothlorien, and dropped back when he was kidnapped by the Uruk-Hai.

ARAGORN: I would love to hear about your travels and journeys, but I think Theodon would also like to hear about them, so we shall wait for his return. But tell me one thing. How is it that you came to be here?

PIPPIN: Treebeard saved us from the Uruk-Hai and we were with him when he noticed what Saruman had done to the trees. Him and the other Ents attacked against Isengard and we won.”

ARAGORN: You will have to tell it in greater detail when Gandalf and Theodon return. But for now, that will suffice.

EXT. ISENGARD – RIVER ISEN – DAY - CLOUDY

Gandalf and Theodon reach a giant river that has many trees standing in it, drinking with their roots. One of the trees, Treebeard, opens his eyes and sees the two riders.

TREEBEARD (Slowly, as always): Gandalf! I am glad you have come. Wood, water, and stone I can muster, but a Wizard I cannot.

THEODON: Another marvellous creature! An Ent! In all my long years I have never met one!

GANDALF (Smiling; Jokingly): You have much to see, Theodon, I take it.

TREEBEARD: We have left Saruman alive, for I knew you would appreciate it.

GANDALF: And I greatly do. But do tell me, what was the cause of this?”

Treebeard seems to tense up and grow angry as he talks.

TREEBEARD (ANGERLY): The White Wizard was our friend. He walked in our forests and talked to us. Now he has killed some of my best friends and betrayed us. Ho-Hum!

GANDALF (Nodding sadly): We will continue this conversation later, Treebeard. For now I must go and confront my old mentor.

TREEBEARD: Do as you must. But I would like to talk to you again soon.

GANDALF: And you will.

Gandalf and Theodon turn their horses around and speed back to the others.

EXT. ISENGARD – DAY – CLOUDY

Merry and Pippin are leading the group through the ruins of the Circle of Walls, and through the water. They reach the Ents that were blocking the tower.

PIPPIN: This is where Treebeard told us to stand guard.

Legolas squints into the distance behind them.

ARAGORN: Legolas, what do you see?

LEGOLAS: Gandalf and Theodon are returning to us.

GIMLI: So soon? Ha! They must have thought we couldn’t handle to be on our own. I hope they know that we’ve been on our own before, and for much longer times. Like that one time when he we were hunting the Uruk-Hai…”

ARAGORN (Cutting Gimli off): Gimli, enough.

The two riders reach the group and climb off their horses.

ARAGORN: What do we do now, Gandalf? Our business here is done for us.

EOMER: I agree. We should ride onward to Gondor. If we hurry, we can still meet up with the elves before they arrive.

GANDALF: Soon. But first I must pay Saruman a good-bye visit. Perhaps it will be useless and in vein, but it must be done. I ask all of you to turn away and head back to the outer wall to wait for me, for Saruman is still just as powerful, and can cast a spell on any of you. There is no telling what he might do. A wild animal, cornered, is far

more dangerous then a lion chasing after its prey. He has powers that you can only begin to guess about. However, if you really wish to come, you are welcomed to it, but I ask that you leave the talking to me.

THEODON: Eomer, Hama, take the men to the Outer Wall and wait for us there.

Eomer and Hama nods, not having any plans to stick around anyway. they lead the small army of soldiers away from the tower.

GANDALF: You are not going Gimli, son of Gloin?

GIMLI (In shock): Wha?! You must have mistaken me for a cowered!

GANDALF: This has nothing to do with cowardice. Neither Weapons or a foul tongue will do any good here.

GIMLI: Are you saying I talk to much? Cause let me tell you…”

LEGOLAS (Smiling): Gimli, it is wise to keep your mouth shut at such times.

Gimli glares at the two of them and huffs, but remains on Legolas’s horse.

GANDALF: Very well, Master-Dwarf.

Everyone climbs down off the horses. Gimli falls of and splashes in the water. He gets back up, spitting out the bad liquid. Legolas is still on the horse, but is in the process of getting off.

GIMLI: Watch that step down, Elf. It is very tricky.

Legolas steps off without any trouble.

GIMLI (Angry) that he was the only one who fell): It was just luck.

Gimli storms after the others, who had already started walking away. The Ents start to move as Gandalf leads the group. They move their feet away, walking away from the tower and towards the pool to drink with the others. Now the tower stands in the open once again.

GANDALF: I will go inside Orthanc. I have been inside in the past and know my way around. Aragorn will join me.

Theodon: And I to, will go. I am old, and fear no peril any more. I wish to speak with the enemy who has done me so much wrong.

GANDALF (nodding): Very well. The others will wait out here for us to return. Remember what I have told you all, about his powers.

The Trio turns and walks up the steps, towards the doors.

GIMLI: Why have we come here? Just for them to toss us aside like children?

LEGOLAS (putting a hand on Gimli’s should to calm him): Be calm, Gimli. By going inside, we are only endangering ourselves. It was our choice to come and Gandalf said he would be doing all the work.

Gimli scoffs and turns to talk to the two Hobbits.

GIMLI: It is a shame that good Dwarf power is lightly thrown aside in such times, dear Hobbits.

At the top of the steps, Gandalf tries to open the door, but it is locked.

GANDALF (Shouting): Saruman, open the doors! I wish to speak with you peacefully!

WROMTONGUE (V.O.): Who is it?

Everyone looks up and sees Grima Wourmtongue glaring down at them from a balcony. Theodon gets a grave expression on his face.

THEODON: I know that voice, and I curse the day I first heard it.

GANDALF: Go bring us your Master.

INT. ORTHANC – HALL - DAY – CLOUDY

Wourmtongue is walking quickly out of the room and into the hall. He walks down the hall and into another room. He opens the door and Saruman immediately turns away from the Palantir and stares angrily at Wormtonge.

SARUMAN (Angrily; Voice Booming): I have told you not to interrupt me!

WOURMTONGUE: Sire, it’s Gandalf Grayham. He’s outside and wishes to speak with you.

SARUMAN: So, the Gray Wizard has returned. (Sneers) Very well.

He picks up the Palantir and puts it under his arm as he walks to the room that Wourmtongue had emerged from, and goes over to the Balcony.

SARUMAN (ignoring Gandalf’s and Aragorn’s presence): Ah, Theodon-King! Lord of the Mark of Rohan. Much have I desired to speak to you and save you from the unwise and evil counsels that beset you. Is it yet too late? Despite the injuries that have been done onto me, I will still save you, and deliver you from the inevitable ruin, if you ride upon this road which you have taken. Indeed I alone can aid you now.

The Hobbits, Legolas, and Gimli watch from their position, just behind the Trio. Gimli grips the handle of his axe.

GIMLI (Whispering): The words of this wizard stand on their heads. In the language of Isengard help means ruin, and saving means slaying, that is plain. We did not come here to beg. We have come for HIM to beg.

Theodon looks up, but says nothing. Everyone is silent.

SARUMAN: Well, King of Rohan, Do we make peace? Do we unite Rohan and Isengard once more?

Theodon continues thinking hard. Then he finally speaks up.

THEODON: Yes.

There are low murmurs and talking as everyone turns their head towards Theodon, surprised at his answer.

THEODON: Yes, we will make peace.

An evil sneer comes over Saruman’s face.

THEODON (Con’t): We will make peace when you, and all associated with you have perished.

Everyone starts to smile. Saruman’s look turns more evil and angry.

SARUMAN (Angry): So be it! (Facing Gandalf) Gandalf the Gray. You have returned.

GANDALF: Yes, but I am no longer Gandalf the Gray who you have betrayed, but Gandalf the White who has returned from the Dead!

He removes his cloak and underneath is his bright white clothes, shinning. Saruman steps back, for he had not seen such bright light in a long while. Saruman turns to leave.

GANDALF (Booming): Do not go! I have not given you leave to go!

Gandalf raises his arms and points his staff up at the balcony. Saruman returns to the edge, as if he is being dragged, breathing heavily, clutching his staff in one hand, and the Palantir under his other arm.

GANDALF (Shouting): You have become a fool. You have no color now, and I cast you from the Council!

Saruman’s staff falls from his hand and shatters into a thousand pieces on the floor.

GANDALF (Shouting): Go! Leave our presence!

INT. ORTHANC – DAY – CLOUDY

Saruman is flung back through the air, as if a great force hit him in his gut, and he hits the far wall at the other end of the room and falls to the floor, dropping the Palantir out from under his arm. Wourmtongue looks in from the hall and sees Saruman slowly standing up in pain.

WOURMTONGUE: What is the meaning of this? You could not even defeat Gandalf the Grey?

Saruman stands and glares at his servant.

SARUMAN: Insolent fool! He has become more powerful then I.

WOURMTONGUE: This is your land, you have more power here!

SARUMAN: He has beaten us.

WOURMTONGUE (Hissing): Then you have become weak!

Saruman picks Wourmtongue up by the throat and flings him part way across the room. Wourmtongue hits the floor hard and looks up with an expression of hatred. We see that he has secretly taken out a long dagger from his clothes as he looks up. Wourmtongue pushes himself off the floor and runs at Saruman, who was reaching down to pick up the fallen Palantir. Saruman stands up and turns around, brushing off the Palantir, just in time to get pushed by Wourmtongue, and he took a few steps back towards the balcony.

The two struggle as Wourmtongue tries to stab Saruman with the long blade, but the wizard uses one hand to keep the dagger away. Wourmtongue gets his hand free and rams the dagger forward and into Saruman’s gut as he takes another couple steps back. Wourmtongue takes the dagger out as Saruman steps back even more. Now he was on the edge, his back pressed up to the rail on the balcony. Saruman looks back up at Wourmtongue.

SARUMAN: How DARE you turn against me!

Wourmtongue runs towards Saruman, ignoring him, and shoved him back, over the edge of the balcony. Saruman falls down the length of the tower. His fall is ended when he lands on the spiked device close to the tower, one of the spike’s protruding from his chest. Saruman lays on the spike, feet just inches from the ground, as his eyes shoot open and his arms fall to his side, the Palantir falling into the water with a slight splash. Then Saruman’s eyes close and his head tilts back.

EXT. ORTHANC – DAY – CLOUDY

The others on the ground see Saruman’s fall and immediately look up at the balcony above them and see Wourmtongue standing there.

WOURMTONGUE: I am the ruler of these lands now. Leave them.

Legolas whips out an arrow from its holder on his back, and takes out his bow. He quickly loads the bow with the arrow and aims up, letting the arrow go. The camera follows behind the arrow as it soars through the air and sticks right into Wourmtongue’s chest, the sharp point of the arrow exiting his back. Wourmtongue gasps as he stumbles back, and collapses on the floor of the room.

GIMLI: Good shot, Elf!

ARAGORN: Good shot, indeed.

GANDALF: We have witnessed much today. We will rest here the night and move on in the morning. But be weary. Saruman and Wourmtongue may be gone, but there is still an evil presence that lurks here.

Everyone looks around at each other as they remain silent.

EXT. MORDOR – DAY

Gollum, Frodo, and Sam emerge from the dark tunnel and up onto land again, the pool now behind them.

SAM: Well that certainly got us around that dreadful pool faster.

FRODO (whispering; Almost out of breath): Now we rest.

GOLLUM: Only for a short bit. We have to keep moving. This is evil territory.”

The three sit on the rocks to catch their breath. As they sit, they pick up on a foul smell that makes them wrinkle their noses.

SAM: What is the cause of that foul stench?

GOLLUM: The smell of rotting corpsesss. The city of the Ringwraithsss is not far from here.

Suddenly they were able to hear sounds of thousands of feet. They all look at each other and stand up, Sam helping Frodo up, and walked in a direction. Every few steps they take, the sound gets louder. Soon they reach a cliff where they stay on the edge and look down. Gollum’s eyes went wide. Sam and Frodo follow his gaze and see a gigantic city below. Most of the buildings are ruined, pieces of them missing, or crumpled away. Towers, houses, shops, all of them look as if a bomb had been dropped. But that’s not what catches their attention. What they’re looking at is the army that is leaving the city. There are thousands and thousands of figures clad in armor, leaving the city. There are so many, that we can’t even see the city’s streets, and for as far as we could see, little black dots are moving, as if it’s a sea of ants, heading out of the city.

SAM: I sure hope Strider and the others are around to stop that. I hope there is still someone to fight against it.

Frodo is looking down below at the scene and suddenly finds the Ring inches from his finger. He lets it drop from his hand, going back to dangling from around his neck, as he keeps glancing at it, making sure it doesn’t try that again.

GOLLUM (whispering; in awe at the army): Keep moving.

He forces himself to turn away and start walking in another direction, the others following him.

EXT. MORDOR – DAY

A little but of time has gone by and they are still walking, a couple low hills in front of them. Sam is helping Frodo to walk.

SAM: We need to rest. Mr. Frodo needs to rest.

GOLLUM: Soon.

SAM: No, now!

GOLLUM: Soon.

Sam gives in, deciding not to fight with Gollum. He sighs as he continues to walk.

INT. EDORAS – CASTLE – GUEST CHAMBERS – EVENING

Arwen is sitting on a bed. Her eyes are closed as she meditates. She talks in her mind, stretching it out over hundreds of miles. As she talks, we see many different landscapes rush below us until we finally settle on Rivendell.

ARWEN (V.O.): Father, you have the gift of foresight, tell me what you see.

INT. RIVENDELL – ELROND’S CHAMBERS – EVENING

Elrond sits on his throne in his chambers, his eyes also closed. In his mind, he sees the army of Orcs leaving The City of the Nazgul in Mordor. We hear him talk as he sees this image.

ELROND (V.O.) An army is approaching from Mordor. Many will fight. Many more will die. This war will end with the destruction of one side. However, it is too soon to tell what side.

The picture of the army leaves his mind as it is replaced with him and his daughter standing on a grassy plain at night, stars filling up the sky. They are standing in front of one another, looking at each other.

ELROND: Will you not return to me and leave for the North shores together?

ARWEN: I cannot do that, father. I must stay. I have to do what I can to defend these people. It is my destiny.

ELROND: Your destiny lies with our kind.

ARWEN (slowly shaking her head): No. I have seen it in the Mirror of Galadrial.

FLASHBACK SEQUANCE

At night, Arwen is wearing her cloak, riding the white horse, on her way to Rohan. She rides into a forest, and soon enough, comes to the village of Lothlorian. She slows to a stop and climbs off her horse, just as the last few elves look out at her. Galadrial and Celeborn appear in the doorway up in a tree.

GALADRIAL: Come inside, Evenstar.

Arwen looks up, visibly tired from her journey.

INT. LOTHLORIEN – GALADRIAL’S CHAMBERS – NIGHT

Inside Galadrial’s chambers, Arwen stands in the middle of the room, Galadrial across from her, and in between them is a stone table with a tray. Off to the side is a fountain. Galadrial moves with such grace as she picks up the tray and fills it with water from the fountain and brings it back to the table.

ARWEN: What will I see?

GALADRIAL: No one can say, for it shows many things.

Arwen looks into the water and sees her reflection staring back at her. Suddenly the water ripples and she sees herself handing the sword of Narsil to Aragorn, then helping the people of Rohan by giving the starving people food, the sick people care, the homeless people a place to stay, ect. Then it ripples again and she sees herself sitting on a throne next to Aragorn, who has a crown on his head, looking a bit older. Arwen then sees her reflection again and looks up.

ARWEN: What is this that I have seen?

GALADRIAL: It is your destiny. One of many outcomes to the choices you make. Each decision may alter your destiny, or aid you in getting nearer to the one you have seen. Choose your decisions carefully. For some will also cause your destiny to become your doom. Our days are short. Either our hope will prevail, or all hope fails.

END FLASHBACK SEQUANCE

EXT. FIELD – NIGHT – MEDITATIVE STATE

Arwen and Elrond are standing face to face in the field.

ELROND (Sighing heavily): Is there no way to change your mind?

ARWEN (Slowly shaking her head) No.

ELROND: Then so be it. I will go away to The Gray Havens with Galadrial and Celeborn. Take care, child.

Tears start to come to Arwen’s eyes.

ARWEN: I will, father. My love for you will always be equal to that of Aragorn’s.

ELROND: I know.

Elrond smiles as he hugs his daughter, and Elrond himself, has tears in his eyes. Arwen closes her eyes as she hugs her father, and a tear falls down the side of her cheek, and we follow it as it falls off her face and to the ground. As it hits the ground, we see two eyes. We Pan Out to see That it was Arwen who had opened and she was sitting on the bed in the room she was staying in at Edoras. She brakes down crying as she lays back.

EXT. MORDOR – PLAIN – NIGHT

Gollum, Frodo, and Sam are walking across a plain of rocks. As far as they can see, the ground is mainly flat.

SAM: Great! Now there’s nowhere to rest. We’ll have to walk for hours more until we can stop.

GOLLUM (Sneering): My mistake…

SAM: You’re lucky I don’t kill you right now.

FRODO (Whispering weakly): Sam, stop it.

SAM: I’m sorry Mr. Frodo, but Gollum did this on purpose.

FRODO: So what if he did? There’s nothing we can do about it now.

They continue walking for a little bit more, in silence, until Frodo suddenly changes directions and starts walking away from them. Sam and Gollum stop and look at Frodo.

SAM (Shouting): Frodo, what are you doing?!

GOLLUM (hissing): Not that way!

Frodo is walking away from them, as if guided by another force. His eyes are glazed over as he walks across the rocky plain, not responding to anything Sam and Gollum are saying.

SAM: Why’s he doing that?

GOLLUM: The preciousss has taken a hold of him again.

Sam suddenly takes off jogging after Frodo. He catches up and stood in front of Frodo, grabbing him by the shoulders and shaking him. Frodo’s eyes go back to normal. He suddenly tries to start struggling, but Sam has a strong grip on him, and after a few seconds, Frodo calms down, back to himself.

FRODO: What happened Sam?

SAM: The Ring had gotten a hold of you. Chances are it was taking you through… (trails off and turns to look at Gollum) Mordor. The Ring is trying to get back to its master. That’s also where we’re trying to get. If it was bringing Frodo in that direction, then that is where the Dark Lord is. That’s where we should be going.

FRODO (Getting suspicious): Where are you taking us?

GOLLUM: This way is sssafer. That way leads through many dangers. Come on!

Gollum turns and starts walking again. Sam and Frodo look at each other as they start off after Gollum.

EXT. MORDOR – ROCK PLAIN – NIGHT

They walked aimlessly across the rock plain, stumbling and falling, The other Hobbit helping whichever one falls. Gollum however, crawls across the rocks with ease, and stays ahead of the hobbits.

EXT. MORDOR – CLIFF – NIGHT

Time has passed by and they had finally reached a cliff that goes up for as far as they could see, and going up with that

cliff was a winding staircase made of stone, going up right in front of the cliff.

GOLLUM (shouting excitedly): Up there! Come on!

He starts bounding up the stairs, just as Frodo and Sam stumble up the first couple of steps, not able to go on very much more. They force themselves to follow Gollum up

EXT. MORDOR – STAIRS OF CIRITH UNGOL – NIGHT

Some more time has passed. Part way up the stairs they reach a platform that was the halfway mark. They were going to continue on up, but then Frodo suddenly collapses and falls onto the platform. Sam falls next to him.

SAM (forcing his eyes to stay open; whispering): I’m starting to wish we had some water.

FRODO: There’s no water around to get.

The two Hobbits close their eyes and are soon fast asleep, with Gollum sitting nearby, watching over them, a predatory look going over his eyes.

EXT. ISENGARD – CAMP – NIGHT

Theodon, Eomer, all the Riders of Rohan, Legolas, Gimli, Gandalf, Aragorn, Merry, and Pippin have set up a small camp just outside the Circle of Walls. All the Ents have remained in the water. There’s a glow coming from inside a huge tent, and talking and laughter can be heard from inside. The tent flap moves and Pippin walks out, having decided to go for a walk. He walks inside The Circle of Walls and through the flood, sloshing through the water.

He passes by a huge hole in the ground and looks down to see water having flooded the hole as well. He also sees caverns

and dead Orc bodies floating in the water. Pippin gets a disgusted look on his face and continues walking. Within a minute or so Pippin finds himself just outside Orthanc.

He starts walking by it, the sound of the others in the distance. He looks up at the Spiked machine as he passes by it, and gasps and jumps a bit. Saruman was lying down on the machine, the spike ripping through his chest, his arms lying to the side. Pippin chuckles lightly at how the dead body scared him and starts to turn to walk away, but slips on something in the water and falls backwards.

Pippin lets out a short yelp as he lands on his butt in the water. After a few seconds, he stands up and bends down to pick up what he tripped on. He moves his hands through the water until they grasp a round object. He lifts it up and sees that it is the Palantir.

PIPPIN (Moving the Palantir through his hands, studying it.): What’s this?

He turns around to continue walking, but feels a sudden cold grip on his wrist and shoots his head up, seeing Saruman’s hand grasping him. Suddenly Saruman’s eyes shoot open and he look right at Pippin, who screams. After a few seconds, he stops and looks right into the Wizard’s eyes.

SARUMAN: You will all die. There is no hope for Middle-Earth. Frodo will fail. The Ring will fall into the hands of the Dark Lord Sauron and all of Middle-Earth will fall before him.

Pippin screams again, this time much louder, and tries to step back. He was able to do so without any trouble, and he blinks his eyes, not believing. One second, he was in Saruman’s grasp, the next, Saruman’s body is like it was when it had first fallen; head tilted back, arms at the sides, and eyes closed. It is as if he had never come back alive at all. Pippin turns and starts to run away from the spot. He runs through the water and towards the Circle of Walls.

Once he reaches the Walls, he comes to a part where there was an uneven gap in the wall, and a part of the gap has a part of the wall below it, on the ground. Pippin sits on that broken wall and lowers his head, looking into the Palantir. He looks down into it, concentrating on it, trying to figure out its point. He looks into its blackness, seeing his reflection in the glass, and suddenly swirls start going all over the round ball, and before long, all Pippin can see is a giant burning eye, looking right at him.

SAURON (V.O.): I see you.

Pippin starts getting mesmerized by it, when he suddenly hears his name get shouted out. He shoots his head up, and sees Gandalf rushing towards him. The Palantir has gone back to normal.

GANDALF (Shouting): Fool of a Took! You have gazed into things that should not be gazed into at such times. You have allowed for the Dark Lord to see us, see what we have done, and plan against us! (A shriek fills the air) And most importantly, you’ve led the Nazgul to us!

Gandalf swipes the Palantir from Pippin and starts running back to the camp, Pippin close behind. They reach the encampment and the others are already standing up, weapons drawn from when they heard the shriek.

ARAGORN: Gandalf, what is going on?

GANDALF: Young Pippin here just gave our location away to the Nazgul, involuntarily. (Murmurs arise among the group.) I will ride onward to Gondor from here, and I will take Pippin with me, so as he is not able to make such foolish mistakes again. (Hands the Palantir to Aragorn) Take this. Use it to distract the Enemy from Gondor and its army, but for nothing else. Come Pippin!

Gandalf whistles and Shadowfax rides towards him and he jumps on, dragging Pippin on with him.

GANDALF (Shouting back to the group): Be weary! The Nazgul are coming!

Shadowfax takes off, racing across the land.

MERRY (Shouting): Pippin! Don’t leave me here!

But it was too late. They were already out of site.

GIMLI: What do we do now?

ARAGORN: I know not how to use this device. Is there anyone here who does?

Everyone remains quiet. After a few seconds, he turns to Legolas.

ARAGORN: What about you, friend, with all your knowledge?

LEGOLAS: This is one thing I know nothing about. My knowledge to you is useless in this matter. (Beat) But I do know of someone who can help.

Aragorn looks at him, and after looking into his eyes, know who he means. They hear the shriek again, closer this time.

ARAGORN: I will ride back to Edoras with the Palantir. The rest of you should go on to Gondor.

THEODON: It’s too dangerous for you to go by yourself. We will all go with you, back to my kingdom, if not but to get a good day’s and night’s rest before going into battle.

Aragorn nods his head in agreement. They hear the shriek once more, even closer then before.

THEODON: But I suggest we get moving now. We are no match for the Nazgul.

Everyone starts packing up.

LEGOLAS (shouting): They are coming! Leave everything!

Everyone forgets about packing up and just grabs their weapons as they climb onto their horses. Merry tries to get onto a horse, but his first attempt ends in him falling backwards as he tries to climb the side of the horse. He tries again, and gets up, but falls over the other side. Theodon runs over and helps Merry up onto the horse. Theodon then climbs up behind him and takes the reins.

THEODON: There you are, Master Hobbit. Safe and sound.

MERRY: Hardly safe until we get away from these Black Riders.

The group takes off at a run, Aragorn and Theodon’s horses in the lead, leaving the area, and running up the hill, and back into Fangorn forest. Just as they go out of view, a loud shriek is heard and six Black Riders, sitting on dragons, glide into the area and start searching. Three stay in the air, while the other three land and climb off their dragons, getting on their feet to search Isengard.

EXT. FANGORN FOREST – NIGHT

The group runs through the forest.

EXT. FANGORN FOREST – NIGHT – LATER

Time has passed and the horses have slowed to a trotting walk.

THEODON: When we arrive, we will rest for one day and night, then move onward to Gondor.

ARAGORN: I am not sure if that is a wise thing to do. The Enemy may already be on its way. You should ride to Gondor as soon as we return. I wish I could come, but my job right now lies elsewhere.

THEODON: We will wait for you. Afterall, We cannot arrive in Gondor without their rightful King.

Aragorn shoots him a dirty look.

ARAGORN: Do not bring up old scars, Theodon. You know that I can never return to Gondor as King.

THEODON: Then why do you feel such a powerful need to protect the people?

They are both silent for a few minutes, until Merry speaks up.

MERRY: I do not care what you two decide upon, but do not toss me away like old baggage. I wish to help in anyway that I can.

ARAGORN: I feel that your place is with Theodon, for he longs for your tales and stories, and you will be more of assistance to him, then to me.

THEODON: Aragorn is right. You will come with me, little one.”

Eomer rides up from behind.

EOMER: What use is a Hobbit in battle?

ARAGORN: You may be surprised. This Hobbit has seen much and has proven to be worthy in battle before, putting his companions before him.

On the front of Theodon’s horse, Merry slightly smiles.

LEGOLAS (From near the back): We are being followed. I can hear the sound of hoof beats.

The Riders of Rohan start to panic as everyone stops.

GIMLI: Let me take them! I am small and can hide easier. I can jump them!

ARAGORN: Gimli, calm yourself.

LEGOLAS: They are getting closer.

Everyone takes out their weapons, ready to defend themselves against their stalkers. A group of thirty Riders appear and slow to a stop. No weapons are visible in their hands.

GIMLI (Shouting): For glory!

He tries to jump from his and Legolas’s horse.

ARAGORN (Shouting): No!

Legolas shoots his hands out, gripping Gimli, stopping him from getting down. Gimli tries to struggle.

GIMLI: Let go of me! You do not know the fury you have caused me! (Stops struggling. Leans into Legolas’s ear) You will pay for that later.

Legolas smiles in amusement.

EOMER: Who rides in Rohan?

ARAGORN: Rangers of the North. They are my people. My kin.

He climbs off his horse and walks towards the Ranger group, just as the lead Ranger climbs off his and walked towards Aragorn. They smile as they greet each other. Aragorn and the Ranger hug.

ARAGORN: Halbarad Dunadan!

HALBARAD: Aragorn, Son of Arathorn!

They stop hugging and look at each other.

ARAGORN: How did you find us?

HALBARARD: We have been tracking you for days. You have had quite a puzzling journey.

ARAGORN: And I will tell you about it later. What’s the cause for this?

HALBARAD: We passed through Rivendell to find it deserted, save for Elrond. He sent us join with you, saying you were in need of us. Only thirty of us could come, but more are on their way. Elrond also sends a message to you.

ARAGORN: What did he say?

HALBARAD: He says to ‘Remember the Paths of the Dead’.

ARAGORN (Whispering): The Paths of the Dead.

Everyone who had been mumbling hushes up, as if fear strikes them. Merry looks around.

MERRY (Whispering): What is The Paths of the Dead?

THEODON (Whispering): It’s a trail through the mountains. Inhabited by restless spirits. These spirits are doomed to wander these paths for all eternity.

MERRY (Whispering): Why?

THEODON (Whispering): Many Generations ago, these people made a valuable oath to one of Aragorn’s ancestors, Isuldur, that they would help him in the fight against Sauron. They broke that oath and paid tribute to the Dark Lord instead. Because of this, they were cursed to remain as Spirits and to wander these paths in the mountains, until a heir of Aragorn’s bloodline comes calling for their assistance, in which they must help. Only then will they find peace.

MERRY (Whispering): That doesn’t sound so bad.

THEODON (Whispering): Many have traveled on those paths. None have returned.

Merry gulps.

MERRY (Whispering): That’s a bit worse.

THEODON (Whispering): Aragorn alone can raise the dead army and retrieve their assistance in this war.

ARAGORN (Retuning to his horse): We must hurry to Edoras! We have news that the Nazgul are headed this way!

Halbarard heads back to his horse as the two groups become one. The horses take off at a run. They ran for a few minutes and as soon as the sun starts to rise, they leave the forest and run across some plains. After a few more minutes of that, Edoras peaks into view.

INT. EDORAS – CASTLE - GOLDEN HALL – MORNING

Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Theodon, Eowyn, and Arwen were all in The Golden Hall. There is a stone stand, as high as any human, in the middle of the hall, and on this stand is the Palantir. The group is crowded around it. Everyone backs away, except for Aragorn, as Arwen steps forward.

ARWEN: Place your hands here and here.

She picks up each of Aragorn’s hands and places them on either side of the Palantir. During all of this, Eowyn is looking on with a bit of jealousy, and light tears in her eyes.

ARWEN: Now look into it. Look deep into it. Into your reflection. Stare at nothing but your reflection.

Aragorn concentrates on doing what Arwen instructs, ignoring all other sound and movements but Arwen’s voice and his reflection.

ARWEN (Con’t): Now concentrate on opening a doorway. Picture the blackness of the Palantir as a doorway and you are opening that door. (A couple beats) Now picture yourself going through that doorway, onto the other side.

Aragorn’s eyes widen as from we see, from his view, the giant Eye of Fire looking back at him, as if looking around the room, and then looking at him. Into him. Through him. Suddenly the eye blinks. It actually blinks. Then starts to fade away, but Aragorn uses all his will power to force it to stay, and it starts to come back.

Now we see everyone in the room as they see Aragorn staring into the Palantir, sweating, eyes wide, as if he was straining against something. All we/they can see in the Palantir, is the blackness.

ARWEN: Fight it!

Eowyn tries to rush up to Aragorn, but Theodon holds her back by putting his arm out in front of her.

We cut back to Aragorn and his view. Aragorn is looking right at the Eye. Suddenly his eyes roll up into the back of his head as he collapses on the spot. The Eye of Fire leaves.

Arwen rushes to him and starts damping a rag against his head as Theodon throws a cloth over the Palantir, and then proceeds to help Arwen lift Aragorn up. Everyone starts to crowd around, and help move Aragorn from the floor to a bedchamber. Everyone except for Eowyn, who could only stand and stare at Arwen as she held Aragorn’s head up.

EXT. MULTIPLE TERRAINS – DAY

Gandalf and Pippin are riding Shadowfax across multiple terrains. It goes from forest to plains, to little hills, to high mountains. We see them do that, on a map overlapping

the image of them riding. We then see them riding on more plains.

PIPPIN: Gandalf, Saruman is dead, isn’t he?

GANDALF: As dead as a rock.

PIPPIN: Then how is it, then when I approached him, he seemed to come alive, and tell me that it was all hopeless?

GANDALF: All Wizards have magical energy. That’s what makes them Wizards. When a Wizard dies, its energy stays around the body for a long time. It is possible that you wandered into a clutter of that energy and saw a vision.

PIPPIN: But why such a bad one?

GANDALF: The energy that’s left behind depends on the Wizard. Saruman turned to the path of darkness, therefore his energy was dark energy. If you get caught in a dark energy field, it leaves you with a feeling of loneliness, despair, ruin, or it could even turn you evil yourself. But enough of such talks. We approach Minas Tirith. The White City of Gondor.

Shadowfax slows to a trot as a huge kingdom comes into view. This kingdom is built on the side of a mountain, and surrounding it are seven great walls with gates between each set.

In the middle of these is the town and the Citadel where the Hall of Kings where and the Throne sit. There is also a tall tower overlooking everything.

GANDALF: Minas Tirith. The last free city standing before the Enemy and the destruction of Middle-Earth. Something you must know about this place, Pippin. Aragorn is the rightful ruler, but he refuses to become King, so they are forced to be ruled by the Stewards. The ruler now is Denethor. Boromir’s father.

Pippin looks up at Gandalf, then back at the city as the horse walks towards it. As they get nearer, they see a giant encampment outside the city.

GANDALF (smiling): The elves have arrived before us! I do not know, however, why they are not shown with kindness and compassion, and allowed to stay inside the city. There is more then enough room.

As they get nearer, Gandalf rides up to the front gate and knocks on the wooden door with his staff. A slot moves and eyes peer out.

GUARD: Mithrandir?

GANDALF: Yes, it is I.

The slot closes shut and we can hear the gate being unlocked.

PIPPIN: Why did he call you Mithrandir?

GANDALF: I am known by many names in many places. Here, I am just as well known as Mithrandir to them, as I am Gandalf to you. (The gate slowly starts to open.) When we reach the Citadel, say no more then is necessary in Denathor’s presence. He is a very greedy and selfish ruler.

The first gate creaks open and Gandalf and Pippin ride in.

INT. EDORAS – CASTLE – GUEST CHAMBERS – EVENING

Aragorn opens his eyes and looks around, looking out a window, seeing evening had come. He sits up and sees that

Arwen is sitting on his bedside, looking at him. Aragorn winces in pain.

ARWEN: You mustn’t make sudden movements.

ARAGORN (In pain): What happened?

ARWEN: You showed yourself to the Dark Lord. For those few minutes, he was blinded from all other views, as you presented yourself. He saw you. He saw who you were. He saw your destiny, and it scared him. He tried to turn away but you held him there, distracting him even longer. Unfortunately it took too much energy and you lost consciousness. With hope, the Dark Lord will make a mistake. He is worried that you will return to Gondor and reclaim the Throne. That is all that can stop him.

Aragorn tries to move out of the bed.

ARAGORN: I must prepare to leave.

Arwen places a gentle hand on him and he lies back down.

ARWEN: No. You must rest the night. By morning you will be fully healed again, and ready to set out.

Aragorn grips Arwen’s hand in his. “Will you stay by me until that time?

ARWEN (Smiling): I will.

She leans down and they kiss passionately.

EXT. EDORAS – MORNING

All the Rangers are packed and set to go, already on their horses, including Halbarard. Legolas and Gimli also sit upon a horse. Aragorn is walking towards them and towards his horse. Eowyn is following him, begging him not to go.

ARAGORN: Tell King Theodon that we will meet with him at Minas Tirith.

EOWYN (Begging): You cannot go! If you go, then I wish to go with you!

Aragorn turns to face Eowyn.

ARAGORN: Your duty is with your people.

EOWYN: Too often have I heard of duty! I wish to join you, or for you to remain here! Why do you go on such a dangerous route?

ARAGORN: Because I must. So I can see hope by doing my part against the war with Sauron.

EOWYN: Then let me come. I can aid you.

ARAGORN: It is a dangerous road.

EOWYN (Shouting): Then you should stay!

ARAGORN: I am trained for this. Legolas and Gimli follow me, as well as Halbarad and my people. I will be safe. I promise you that.

Eowyn has tears in her eyes.

EOWYN (Crying): They follow you because they love you. As do I!

With that, she turns and flees, crying as she runs off.

INT. EDORAS – CASTLE – GUEST CHAMBERS – MORNING

From a window in the castle, Arwen looks out, witnessing the scene.

EXT. EDORAS – MORNING

Aragorn turns and jumps onto his horse, and as he sits, he feels the necklace around his neck that Arwen had given him, bringing his mind away from Eowyn, and back to Arwen. Aragorn starts out first, the others following behind him, as they leave Edoras.

EXT. EDORAS – CASTLE – MORNING

As they the group is leaving view, Eowyn looks out from her spot on the steps of the castle as tears fall from her face. Eomer walks out from the castle and lays a hand on her shoulder in comfort. She turns and runs inside, crying harder. Eomer looks out as Aragorn’s group leaves sight.

EXT. EDORAS – TOWN SQUARE – AFTERNOON

Time has passed and Merry and Theodon were standing in the Town Square of the town, surrounded by the citizens and the people of Edoras. They were standing on a platform so that all could see. Citizens of the town and castle were gathered to witness the occasion.

MERRY: I wish to lend my assistance to you in anyway that I can.

THEODON: Then bow on one knee and hand me your sword.”

Merry goes down on one knee as he bows his head and holds his sword up in both hands. Theodon takes the sword and merry looks up.

THEODON: You have offered to serve me in any way that you can. I ask now, is this what you wish to do?

MERRY (Nodding): Yes.

Theodon places the sword on one shoulder then the other.

THEODON: Then I allow you to become my esquire. Arise, Meriadoc.

Merry stands up as Theodon hands his sword back. Merry takes it and places it back in its sheath.

MERRY: You shall be like a father to me.

THEODON: For the time. Now we must prepare to ride to Gondor.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – DAY

Gandalf and Pippin are walking through the streets of Minas Tirith, people busily doing jobs here and there. Some were making the stone walls stronger, others were making weapons, some were reinforcing their houses, and others were walking, going from one place to another. As they walk up a street, a man who looks much like Boromir passes by. We recognize this of course, as Faramir. He stops as he passes by Gandalf and Pippin. Gandalf also stops and smiles.

GANDALF: Faramir, second son of Denathor. It has been long since we’ve spoken together.

FARAMIR: It has at that, Mithrandir, for it seems whenever we meet, I am busy. Even now I am returning from battle and must prepare to go back out. (He sees Pippin) A Halfling?

Gandalf nods.

GANDALF: And a brave one at that.

FARAMIR: This is not the first time I have seen a Halfling. Just days ago, I had freed two of them from my very own hands. One was a Ringbearer. The other, short and fat, and there was a third, a foul creature.

PIPPIN (Scared; Frantic): Gollum! They have found Gollum! What can we do?

Faramir’s face suddenly turns more serious, and grave. Gandalf places a hand on Pippin.

GANDALF: It’s ok, Pippin. I told Frodo once that I feel Gollum has a part to play in all this, for ill or for better. Besides, there is nothing we can do now.

FARAMIR: I’m sure my father would like to speak to you. He is in the Citadel.

GANDALF: Thank-you, my old friend.

Gandalf and Pippin walk one way, while Faramir walks another. As they approach the citadel, Gandalf gives some warnings to Pippin.

GANDALF: As I have said, tell only what you must, but do not speak of the Ring, or of Aragorn, to Denethor.

PIPPIN: But why?

GANDALF: There is not enough time to answer all questions. All I will say is that he is a very troubled man.

They approach the citadel and open the doors, walking inside. The hall was extravagant with large marble monoliths and a great throne at one end. Beside the throne was a smaller seat, where Denathor, an old man with long grey hair, sat.

GANDALF: Lord Denethor, it is I, Mithrandir, and Perigin Took of the Shire.

Denethor looks up.

DENETHOR: A Halfling?

GANDALF: He has seen much battle. Just now we rode from an assault on Isengard.

DENETHOR: And what of my son, Boromir? Reports have told me that he was slain.

GANDALF: That is true. He was slain by Orcs.

DENETHOR: How is it that this Halfling survived, and not my son?

GANDALF: He allowed himself to be taken, while allowing others to escape. Your son died protecting him.

PIPPIN: If I could ever repay the gesture…

Pippin kneels down on one knee. Denethor is clearly surprised by this and he straightens in his seat.

DENETHOR: Do you wish to swear allegiance?

PIPPIN: Yes.

Denethor stands up.

DENETHOR: Then repeat after me.

Pippin repeats every word.

DENETHOR: Here I do swear my service to Gondor, and to the Lord and Steward of the realm. To speak, and to be silent, to do, and to let be, to come and to go in need, in peace or war, in living or dying, from this minute henceforth, until my Lord releases me, or death take me, or the world end. So say I, Peregrin Took of the Shire. (Pippin stands) Now my first command: Tell me of all your travels that brought you here, and do not be silent or leave any part out.

As Denethor sits down, Pippin looks back at Gandalf, and then back to Denethor.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – CITADEL – THRONE ROOM – DAY – LATER

After the long discussion that had taken place, Denethor nods his head.

DENETHOR: I understand more clearly now. But tell me, Mithrandir, are the Riders of Rohan not coming?

GANDALF: They will arrive when they get here, for that is all I know. But they did send an army of Elves.

DENETHOR: I have seen that. However I will not allow them in. We cannot have all our forces in Minas Tirith, while we could be attacked at any moment. The elves have far better eyesight then any of us. They will let us know of when an attack is coming. With luck, the King will have returned by then.

GANDALF: Do not worry about such things. You need to worry about maintaining your Kingdom until that day arrives.

DENETHOR: I have been trying my best, but these tides of War can be weary on a man. But you two may be dismissed. I will send a servant to bring you to your rooms.

Pippin bows before he leaves.

PIPPIN: Thank-you, my Lord.

The two leave the room and go out into the small hall off to the side.

PIPPIN: I hope you’re not mad at me.

GANDALF (Smiling): No. You did the best you could under oath, and all though you mentioned the Ring, you never spoke of Aragorn. Lets hope you never have to be forced into such a tight position again. But have no worries of that now. It is time to sleep.

A servant came and they followed him to their rooms.

EXT. MORDOR – STAIRS OF CIRITH UNGOL – PLATFORM – NIGHT

It is either still night, or night of a different day. Sam opens his eyes and yawns as he sits up, still on the platform. Frodo was still asleep. However, when Sam looks over, Gollum is sitting a couple stairs up, looking off into the distance, mumbling to himself. Gollum is so quiet that Sam couldn’t tell what was being said, if it was even in English. Sam stands up and starts to slowly approach him. As Sam gets closer, Gollum suddenly shoots his head around to glare at him, causing Sam to stumble back a little bit.

SAM: I didn’t mean to disturb you.

Gollum continues to glare at him.

SAM: How is it that you came to be this way?

Gollum sighs as the angry look leaves his face.

GOLLUM: It was long ago. Very, very long ago. It was our birthday…”

FLASHBACK SEQUANCE

EXT. POND – DAY

It is a clear day with the blue sky hanging overhead, the sun glistening off a pond. In the middle of this pond is a small row boat holding two people: Smeagol and Deagol. They both have fishing lines over the side of the boat, one facing one way the other facing the other way so as not to have their lines tangle.

DEAGOL (Smiling): Happy Birthday, Smeagol. I know how much you like fishing. What do you think of it so far?

SMEAGOL: It is the best birthday present ever! Thank-you, friend.

They continue sitting in silence for a few moments, waiting for something to bite on one of their fishing lines. After a couple more minutes, Deagol reels his line in, and as he does, he feels something a little heavy on the end of the line. He gets the line reeled in and reaches up and unhooks the object from the line. He holds it closer and sees that it is a golden ring. As he turns it over in his fingers, Smeagol glances over and eyes the Ring.

SMEAGOL: I want that.

DEAGOL: No. It’s mine. I found it.

SMEAGOL: It can be a birthday present to me.

DEAGOL: I already gave you one.

SMEAGOL (Shouting): I want it!

He leaps at his friend and knocks him to the floor of the boat, wrapping his hands around his neck, tightening his grasp. Deagol closes his hand tight, keeping the Ring locked away in his palm as he tries to struggle. Deagol’s eyes bulge as Smeagol tightens his grip. Soon enough, his eyes roll up into his head and he stops breathing. Smeagol opens up Deagol’s fingers and takes the Ring from his palm.

SMEAGOL (Hissing): My preciousss.

EXT. MOUNTAIN SIDE – STORMY - NIGHT

Later, after it had gotten dark and stormy, Smeagol was running down a path next to a mountain, hugging the rock side as to not get blown off. Before long, he makes it inside the mountain, in a hole in the side, and slinks away.

GOLLUM: I’ve got my birthday present. My precioussssss.

END FLASHBACK SEQUANCE

EXT – MORDOR – STAIRS OF CIRITH UNGOL – NIGHT

SAM: That’s terrible! What ever happened to your family?

Gollum gets an even sadder look on his face.

GOLLUM: I don’t know.

SAM: Well I suppose I should wake Mr. Frodo.

He turns and walks over to Frodo and bends down to shake him. Gollum turns around and starts talking to himself, in a kind, caring voice.

SMEAGOL: No. I can’t do this. They’re kind to me. Even fat hobbit.

Suddenly his expression turns more evil and his voice is meaner.

GOLLUM: But we have to! It is the only way to get the precious back.

SAM (Calling over from Frodo’s spot): What was that?

GOLLUM (Batting his eyes and putting on a fake smile): Oh, nothing.

Sam nods his head, thinking Gollum has lost it, and continues to try to wake up Frodo. Frodo stirs and opens his eyes.

FRODO: Sam?

SAM: Yes, it’s me, Mr. Frodo. We have to get moving again.

Frodo sits up and stretches, then stands up all the way.

FRODO: Well if we must, Sam.

GOLLUM (In a sad voice): This way. Follow me.

The three start out again, going higher up the winding staircase. As they climb higher, an even stronger foul smell then before hit their noses, and only gets stronger with each step they take and we can tell this by the expressions on Sam and Frodo’s faces.

EXT. MORDOR – STAIRS OF CITIH UNGOL – NIGHT – LATER

They have reached the top, which ends with the opening to a cave, in the side of the cliff.

SAM: In there?

GOLLUM: Yesss.

Gollum goes inside. Frodo and Sam start to follow, leaving outside behind. They follow Gollum for a few minutes until they come to an area where they switch paths and go onto another. This path is so dark, Frodo and Sam have to feel their way through it, causing them to move very slowly.

FRODO (Shouting): Gollum! Why are you taking us this way!

GOLLUM: We cannot be detected in here.

SAM: Nothing can be detected in here, including our path.

They walk for a while more, and they suddenly come to a fork in the tunnel.

FRODO: Which way?

SAM: Why don’t we ask our guide. That’s all he’s good for. Which way, Gollum? (No answer) Gollum? (Still no answer; Shouting) I knew it! I’ve been saying it all along, Mr. Frodo. He was trying to trick us. Now we’re lost and we’ll wander around here and eventually die, then he’ll come back and take the Ring from you.

Frodo gets a sad look on his face.

FRODO: I’m sorry Sam. I should have listened to you.

SAM: Now which way to we go?

They hear a soft hiss, which grows in intensity.

FRODO: What is that, Sam?

SAM: I dear not say its anything kind, Mr. Frodo. Use your light and we’ll see, though I am afraid of what we will see.

Frodo starts wondering what Sam was talking about. What light? Suddenly a voice comes back to him, and as it speaks, his eyes widen.

GALADRIAL (V.O.): May it be a light for you in dark places, where all other lights go out.

Frodo starts searching his pockets and pulls out the phial that Galadrial had given him when he had stopped at Lothlorian. It starts shinning a bright light, illuminating the area around them. The see the walls, the two paths separate, and they turn around and see the light show them something they didn’t wish to see. Hundreds of huge eyes staring back at them.

FRODO (Taking Sting out, which was glowing a faint blue): Run Sam!

He lifts the light up as he steps towards the beast. With every step Frodo takes, the eyes move back a step, the bright light blinding them, since it was so used to the darkness. Soon enough, it disappears down a huge hole, and Frodo turns and runs with Sam, picking one of the two tunnels to go down. After a little bit of running they enter a room filled with white material going from wall to wall, in some areas thicker then others. They are giant spider webs!

SAM (Frustrated): Now what?!

FRODO: Cut through it!

Sam takes out his sword and tries cutting through the material, but has no luck. It just won’t cut.

FRODO: Let me try.

Sam backs up. Frodo puts Sting against the material, and started cutting. It cuts through the webbing like paper. Sam walks behind Frodo as he cuts the webbing, forming a narrow path for them to follow. After a few minutes, all the webbing in their way is cut and they continue to run down the path, guided by the light that Frodo holds.

INT. LOTHLORIAN – GALADRIAL’S CHAMBERS - DAWN

Galadrial stands in her quarters, her eyes gazing into the mirror. In her view, she can see Frodo meet with the eyes.

GALADRIAL: Shelob the Great. She entered Mordor long before Sauron in the form of a giant spider. Gollum had worshipped her when he came across her trying to leave Mordor, in order to save himself. He had promised to bring her fresh food other then Orc-meat, as long as he was able to go through their clothes afterwards. Gollum has led them to her.

She now sees the Hobbits cutting through the webbing.

GALADRIAL: Sauron knows of her, but finds her amusing. He feeds her, giving her the meat and bones of prisoners.

She then sees Frodo and Sam clear of the webbing and running down a dark tunnel. Before long, they emerge onto the surface, on top of the cliff, just as dawn was breaking.

GALADRIAL: They may have escaped the caves, but She has many exits from her Lair.

She then sees her reflection in the water and looks up.

GALDRIAL (Whispering): Frodo. Our fate rests in your hands. Be weary.

EXT. MORDOR – CLIFF TOP – DAWN

Frodo and Sam reach the surface and slow to a walk.

SAM: I believe it’s safe now, Mr. Frodo. That beast can’t fit through that entrance back there.

FRODO: You were right, Sam. Gollum was trying to trick us. I should have listened to you sooner.

SAM: Don’t say that. It wasn’t your fault. Gollum was very tricky. He even had me fooled a bit. But now we know. And if we ever see him again, we’ll leave him behind.

They began walking across the rocky plain, when suddenly part of the ground opens up and a Giant Spider, bigger then a building, emerges with such speed, Sam and Frodo didn’t even have time to run. It pounces and lands on Frodo, knocking Sam away with one of its many legs. Sam goes flying and lands hard. He stands up.

SAM (Shouting): Mr. Frod…

He is cut off as a slimy hand covers his mouth and he feels legs wrap around his waist, causing him to fall to the ground.

GOLLUM: We’ve got this one! At last we’ve got the fat, filthy, mean hobbit. We’ll let Her take care of the other one.

Sam, full of anger, tilts his head and frees himself from Gollum’s grasp over his mouth. He then brings his mouth down again and bites into Gollum’s hand. Gollum screams as his entire grip on Sam loosens and Sam rolls away, standing up. He swings his pack off and while he is rummaging through, Gollum bounds up to him, just to meet with a punch and get knocked away again.

Sam continues to look through the bag and pulls out a frying pan. He turns around, just as Gollum leaps in the air. Sam swings the pan and hits Gollum right in the face, sending him back to the ground. He then brings the frying pan back down, over the back of Gollum’s head with such force, the handle brakes off. Gollum collapses on the ground, unconscious.

SAM: My frying pan!

He drops the two pieces to the ground and spins around and sees Shelob on top of Frodo, spinning him into a web. Sam spots Frodo’s sword, Sting, on the ground. It had fallen from his grasp when he was attacked. Sam starts running towards Shelob and as he does, he picks up Frodo’s sword. He reaches her, just as she turns her head, and he rams it into one of her many eyes, causing her to screech. He pulls out and slams it into another. Green liquid sprays everywhere every time he hits an eye.

He pulls the sword out once more and starts slashing at the gigantic body, each cut digging deep into her, spilling the dark green blood, causing her to screech more and more, too surprised to fight back. Sam steps back as Shelob turns her body to face him, and with one great big leap, pounces, heading for him. Sam steps back some more, but trips on a rock, falling backwards. As he lands, his back hits the ground, and his arm swings up, lifting the sword into the air. Shelob blackens out the sky as her body looms down on him. Suddenly, just as she lands on him, the sword pierces her stomach, and with her momentum, causes her to impale herself. She immediately moves off of Sam, dragging her body. Sam sits up, covered in the dark green blood. Shelob looks at her small adversary with her eyes, then turns and crawls into her trap door in the ground, closing it behind her. She leaves a trail of blood leading to it. Sam stumbles over to Frodo, and collapses on the ground next to him. Frodo was completely covered in webbing.

Sam kneels up and starts to cut the webbing with Frodo’s sword, and as he cuts, he removes the strands away with his free hand. Tears are in his eyes, as he sees Frodo’s head, eyes closed. He finishes getting Frodo free, and bends down to listen for a heartbeat. He lifts his head, tears falling down his face. He holds Frodo in his arms as he sits and cries.

SAM (Crying): Mr. Frodo, Don’t leave me here alone! It’s your Sam calling. Don’t go where I can’t follow. Wake up, Mr. Frodo. (Frodo does not move) Did I come all this way for nothing?” (Sees Ring around Frodo’s neck) Must I carry on

this quest alone, even though I fear it? Is it even right to take the Ring? (Beat) All of Middle-Earth will fall if the Ring does not get destroyed. If it must be done by me, then by me it shall be done.

Sam takes the chain from around Frodo’s neck and puts it around his own, taking the Ring into his possession. Suddenly a blue light catches Sam’s eye, and he turns and sees that Frodo’s sword was glowing a brighter blue. He takes the sword into one hand, and Galadrial’s light from Frodo’s hand in the other, and slips the Ring on, disappearing from view. Minutes later, a small group of Orcs came from around the corner, garbling and talking to each other.

SHAGRAT: We shouldn’t have broken off from the rest!

GORBAG: Shut your mouth, Shagrat! This way is faster, and we will be praised when they get there and find we got there first.

SHAGRAT (Growling): Whatever you say, Gorbag.

The group walks some more, and comes across Frodo’s body.

GORBAG: Hai! A spy! We must bring him to the Master. We can go down into Her liar and take the side route back to the Keep. It’ll be faster. She’ll not bother us if all the signs have been right.

And with that, the group lifts Frodo up onto their shoulders and starts walking into the dark tunnels that Sam had come out of minutes before.

RANDOM ORC: We should leave the body. A dead body is no good to us.

GORBAG: He is not dead. Shelob’s venom only makes a body seem dead. She likes life meat.

EXT. MORDOR – CLIFF TOP – CAVE ENTRANCE – MORNING

Sam sees everything as different shades of white, and as if a great wind was blowing. Of courses he hears what the Orcs say and follows after them back into the tunnel. As he goes down, he also notices that Gollum’s body is missing.

INT. MORDOR – CAVE TUNNELS – MORNING

The Orcs travel through the underground tunnels, carrying Frodo’s body. There is a montage of clips to show how far they have really traveled, and during the montage, the Orcs are singing a song in Orcish. AT the end they come to a huge underground doorway with two huge double doors. It slowly opens as the Orcs get nearer, and they go onto the other side.

INT. MORDOR – CAVE TUNNELS – GATE WAY – DAY

Sam runs to follow as the doors start to close, but just as he reaches them, they clang shut as the bars of iron fall into place. Frodo was alive, and taken by the Enemy, and Sam has no way of getting onto the other side to save him. He turns and sits on a small boulder.

EXT. ROHAN – PLAINS – DAY

Aragorn leads his group across the plains during the afternoon heat, heading towards the mountains.

GIMLI: So this army we are getting, is really dead?

LEGOLAS: Yes. They will become of the flesh when summoned by Aragorn, to fulfill their oath, and then they can return to the ground, and rest forever in peace, once and for all.”

When Legolas finishes, Gimli’s eyes are wide as he looks straight ahead.

ARAGORN: Sauron should be confused and scared now. He is liable to make a mistake. We must hurry along the Paths of the Dead to reach Gondor.

HALBARAD: So you mean to take up the throne?

ARAGORN: I do not wish to do anything of the sort so soon. It will only raise conflict among the Stewards. I mean not to raise conflict among our own people in such times. When we arrive, I will remain outside its walls until this war is settled. Then we will see what happens.

LEGOLAS (Shouting): Attackers!

Legolas pulls his horse to a stop and jumps off, bending down and loading his bow. Everyone stops their horses as a small army of about fifty Wildmen run at them. (Wildmen are the people that Saruman was talking to in TTT movie, right before the attacks on the Rohan villages.) Gimli however, was still on top of his and Legolas’s horse.

GIMLI (Shouting): Get me off of here! I cannot do much from atop this beast!

He goes to climb down, but uses his balance wrongly and falls off backwards. He stands up and takes out his axe. Aragorn also climbs down and takes out Narsil. As the Wildmen attack, Gimli swings his axe around, killing one here. Killing another there. Legolas fires his arrow, piercing one. He reloads and fires. Reloads and fires. Reloads and fires.

Aragorn swings his sword and it clangs against a Wildman’s axe. He pulls away and attacks again, and again, it met with the axe. He then swung around in a 360 turn and chops off the Wildman’s head. Halbarad rides his horse around, swinging his sword down whenever he passes by a Wildman, either chopping off his head, stabbing him, or cutting into his chest. The other Rangers are doing mostly what Halbarad is doing.

As Gimli swings his axe around, he is looking at the other Wildmen.

GIMLI: Are any of you woman? I’d hate to hurt a woman.

ARAGORN (Shouting): Gimli!

Aragorn swings his sword, blocking an attack.

GIMLI: Well with dwarves, we all look alike, and these things appear to be similar to dwarves! (Swings and kills another) Except that they end up dead, and we do not! Ha ha!”

Gimli runs and swings his axe this way and that. Up and down. Legolas fires an arrow. A Wildman comes up next to him, so instead of loading his bow, he uses the arrow he takes out as a dagger and rams it into the forehead of his attacker. He turns around and fires his bow, impaling a line of Wildmen with one shot. After the arrow has passed through them, they all fell down, some falling to the left, some falling to the right.

One of the Rangers falls to the ground as an axe kills their horse. The Ranger swings around and comes up to his feet, swinging his sword, killing the Wildman that had attacked him. Another Ranger jumps off his horse, swinging two blades around in his hands. Just as a few Wildmen approach him, he rams one dagger into the closest one, and the other dagger into the other one, then turns around and rams them both into the one coming up behind him.

Halbarad swings his sword down, over, back, forward, and so on as he rides his horse around, taking down any Wildmen he can. Before long, the remaining few Wildmen turn and run away, leaving the carnage behind. Gimli starts to chase after them, screaming. Legolas and Aragorn run and hold him back.

GIMLI: Arh! We can finish them off!

ARAGORN: They are not our problem anymore. Our problem lies ahead, not to our side.

The three turn around and head back to their horses, Gimli getting back onto Legolas’s horse. Before long they start back out again.

INT. EDORAS – CASTLE – GOLDEN HALL – DAY

Theodon and Eomer were discussing what to do.

EOMER: We must ride to Gondor quickly, and with as many men as possible.

THEODON: The most we can afford is six thousand. The others must stay to protect the woman and children of Rohan.

EOMER: Six thousand? Where have we come up with such a number?

THEODON: Days ago I sent out for all men over the age of 13 to arrive here, in preparation for battle. They have already begun to arrive, and will continue to arrive for the remainder of the day. We will set out when all are here.

EOMER: The shadow stretches out from the East.

Eomer looks out the window, seeing a darkness covering the distance. This was not the darkness of night.

THEODON: We will make haste.

INT. EDORAS – CASTLE – EOWYN’S CHAMBERS – DAY

Eowyn is tying her hair back. She is wearing armour that covers her body, and a helmet lies on the bed next to her. After that, she starts putting mud on her face she had collected into a jar earlier.

In a room, Eowyn was tying her hair back. She was wearing armour that covered her body, and a helmet lied on the bed next to her. After that, she started putting mud on her face she had collected into a jar earlier. Arwen suddenly walks in and stops on the spot, seeing Eowyn preparing for battle.

ARWEN: What are you doing?

Eowyn gives her an evil glance.

EOWYN: My Uncle tells me to stay here and look after the people. I am a fighter. I am going into battle to do what I must to win this war. (Beat. Then with a tint of evil) Unlike you.

Arwen remains calm.

ARWEN: I have done my part. I am not a fighter. I will not go into battle, unless the battle is brought to me, and I must do what I must in order to survive. My place is here.

Eowyn stops what she is doing and turns to face Arwen.

EOWYN: You let Aragorn go into war, yet refuse to be with him. I will not do that. I will be there when he arrives. It will be MY face he sees when he joins in the battle. It will be ME he fights beside.

Arwen’s face falters a little.

ARWEN: You may fight beside him, but you will not live your life beside him. His heart and mine are joined. Yours is not.

Arwen turns to leave,

EWOYN (Whispering): We will see.

Arwen turns around and slaps Eowyn across the face, then turns and runs out of the room. Eowyn is left staring at the empty space where Arwen was seconds before, a red mark on the side of her face.

EXT. EDORAS – DAY – CLOUDY – DARK

Later that day, the sky is dark, but as before, not with nightfall, but with the darkness from Mordor. Thousands of men have arrived, dressed to go into battle. Theodon is standing outside with Eomer, both also dressed to go into battle. Theodon turns to Merry, who is dressed for battle himself.

THEODON: Merry, I am going into war, and you need not follow me there. You will be realised from my order when I leave, but not my friendship. You can reside here, and if you want, serve Eowyn, as she will have more need of you then I.

MERRY: I won’t be left behind! I don’t wish to be parted from you like this. All of my friends have gone into battle. I would be ashamed if I could not go.

THEODON: We ride on horses, tall and swift, and though your heart may be great, you cannot ride such beasts.

MERRY (Shouting): Then I will walk!

THEODON (Chuckling): Such bravery locked away in such as small body. (Lays on hand on Merry’s shoulder) You will do more good here.

Theodon climbs onto his horse, just as horses were presented to the rest of the army, and Eomer rides up next to Theodon.

THEODON: Sound the trumpets. We march onward to Gondor. We march either to our doom or our freedom.

Eomer gives a hand signal, and some of the Riders behind start blowing on trumpets as the army starts out, leaving Edoras.

THEODON (Shouting): Ride on! Haste we need now! Ride on!

Merry stands, watching the Riders move out for several moments, until a rather thin Rider stops in front of him. This Rider wears a helmet that covered most of his dirt-covered face.

DERNHELM: I am Dernhelm and I saw and heard your conversation with King Theodon, and understand your anger. If you still wish to ride to war, I will bear you on my horse, little one.

The Rider has a bit of a feminine quality to his voice.

MERRY: Yes, I do.

DERNHELM: Then hop on.

The Rider helps picked Merry up, and put him on the front of his horse as they ride the horse back into the line of the army and continue marching with the rest until they brake into a run.

EXT. ROHAN – ENTRANCE TO THE PATHS OF THE DEAD – DAY – CLOUDY – DARK

Aragorn and his group pass two dead trees on either side of the rode, the Shadow high above their heads. They come to a mountain soon after that, with huge stone pillars next to the gaping entrance to a cave.

GIMLI: My blood runs cold.

Aragorn rears his horse back.

ARAGORN: I may have made a grave mistake. None has ever lived beyond this point. I invite you all to turn around and head back. I am not unsure that I won’t do the same.

Legolas rides his horse up and lays a hand on Aragorn’s shoulder.

LEGOLAS: We will stay by you, even through The Paths of the Dead.

HALBARARD: This is an evil doorway and no horses may enter it. They will run in fear.

ARAGORN: But we must enter. Therefore our horses must also enter, for we have a long way to go to get to Gondor.

HALBARARD: If the myth is correct, we will be presented with horses.

Everyone dismounts from their horse and stands in front of the entrance. Aragorn was the first inside, Followed by Legolas, Gimli, Halbarad, and the Rangers. As they step inside, they walk slowly. Gimli’s legs tremble. He looks at Leglas, who doesn’t appear to be afraid.

GIMLI: Who would have thought it! An Elf is not afraid to go underground, but a Dwarf is.

A few of the Rangers light torches to help light the way through the path in the mountain. After a few minutes, Gimli steps on something that creaks beneath his feet, and he looks down, not seeing the floor. Soon one of the torch-bearing Rangers walks by, and as they do, Gimli saw what he stepped on, in the glow of the light; a skeleton in full armour! Gimli yells as he runs to catch up with Legolas. Aragorn was just standing up from looking at another skeleton. He starts walking again, and as he does, he recites something from memory.

ARAGORN: Hither shall the flowers of simbelmyne come never unto the world’s end. Nine mounds and seven there are now green with grass, and though all the long years he was lain at the door that he could not unlock. Where does it lead? Why would he pass? None shall ever know. (Shouting) For that is my errand!” (Turns to face the darkness) Keep your hoards and your secrets hidden in the Accursed Years! We only ask of quick passage! Let us pass, and then come with us! I summon you to the Stone of Erech!

Suddenly, whispers arouse from in the dark, coming from all around. Aragorn starts running at full speed, the others quickly behind.

GIMLI (Moaning): Oh no, not the running again!

Gimli moaned as he unwillingly starts to jog, then turns that into a run. The group runs through the tunnel as fast as they could. Before long, they emerge on the other side, back out into the open space. As they run, Legolas looks behind them.

LEGOLAS: The dead are following. I see shapes of men and horses. Of many weapons in their hands.

HALBARAD: Yes, they have been summoned. And we must reach The Stone of Erech before they do, or else they are allowed to rest in peace, without helping us!

The group runs faster, and soon enough, they come to a hill, and as they get to the top, there is a stone pillar, the height of a man. Halbarad gives a horn to Aragorn, who blows into it. Soon they hear answering blows from right in front of them, but unable to see anything. Aragorn hands the horn back.

ARAGORN: Oathbreakers, why have you come?

VOICE (V.O. COMING FROM THE AIR): To fulfill our Oath and have peace.

ARAGORN: The hour has come. You will come with us, and when the land is free of Sauron’s servants, I will free you from your oath, and you will be at peace.

Suddenly wind rises and the sound of a great storm can be heard, though the causes of both cannot be determined. The group watches on in awe as something spectacular happens before their eyes.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – CITADEL - SLEEPING QUARTERS – DAY

Pippin awakes with Gandalf sitting in a chair next to his bed. Gandalf sat in the shadow of the room. The Shadow from Mordor was heading towards Minas Tirith, but had yet to reach it.

PIPPIN (Rubbing eyes from sleepiness): Gandalf?

GANDALF: Yes, it is I, Pippin.

PIPPIN: What are you doing here?

GANDALF: I am meant to give you the order to go see Denethor when you awake.

Pippin climbs out of bed and rushes out of the room.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – CITADEL – THRONE ROOM – DAY

Denethor was standing in the throne room, looking out the window, a grave expression on his face. In the silence the door slowly creaks open as Pippin walks in.

PIPPIN: You sent for me?

DENETHOR (Not moving his gaze from the window): The elves have sent a message up, saying that a huge army is heading this way. Do you feel hope?

PIPPIN: I have faith in my companions.

DENETHOR: Some say I have the gift of foresight. But I do not. I could not foresee my son’s death. I cannot foresee the outcome of this war. (Turns around to face Pippin; Angry) I have lost a son and gained yet another follower? There is no balance in that. (Careless tone) Go to the armoury and pick out what suits you. Then go to the dining hall and eat your dinner with the other soldiers. No doubt one of them will have a job for such a little man.

Denethor turns back to the window and continues to look out. Pippin turns and leaves without saying anything, not wishing to anger Denethor anymore.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – STREETS – DAY

Pippin is in the streets of Minis Tirith, unsure of where to go to get suited up. He starts looking around, when he suddenly feels a hand on his shoulder. He turns around and Faramir is looking down at him.

FARAMIR: Lost, little one? (Gasp) Oh, sorry Master Hobbit. I had you mistaken for a child.

Pippin laughs.

PIPPIN: Yes, that happens a lot. But I am lost. Can you tell me where the armoury is? Denethor sent me to it to pick out what suits me, then told me to go to the dining hall.

FARAMIR: Follow me.

Faramir begins walking, Pippin by his side.

PIPPIN: Why is your father so angry?

Faramir’s face grows serious.

FARAMIR: He has lost hope that we will be victorious.”

PIPPIN: But without hope, you have nothing. You feel no compassion. You become a troubled person.

FARAMIR: You have just described my father in every aspect. He has been like that since the news of my brother’s death reached him. He was his favourite son. I could never compete with him. That’s why he was sent on the quest to help

destroy the Ring, and not me. No matter what I do, my father is never proud of me.

PIPPIN: Sometimes people can be surprised at how proud their fathers are. They just might not know how to show it.

FARAMIR: These days, my father is not proud of much.

They reach one of many buildings.

FARAMIR: Here it is, little one. The dining hall is just over that way. (Points in a direction.) I will make them wait for you before we start our meal. You will find a seat next to me.

PIPPIN: Your kindness is the most that has been shown to me in a long time.

FARAMIR: Well I thank you for your compliment, but I must be on my way.

Faramir turns and walks across the street. Pippin walks into the building and sees weapons and armour of all shapes, sizes, and make.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – DINNING HALL – DAY - LATER

The Dining Hall is filled with soldiers, waiting for their meals. The door opens and everyone quiets down as they see a child-size person walk in, wearing armour and a sword by his side. Pippin spots the free seat next to Faramir and walks over, sitting in it. Everyone goes back to their business as the food was served.

FARAMIR: After breakfast, you will join me at the Outer Wall, for it is my turn to stand guard.

Pippin nods his head as he eats.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH - OUTER WALL – DAY

Faramir and Pippin stand on top of the Outer Wall, looking out. Pippin looks out, and in the distance, he can see the ruins of another town.

FARAMIR (As if reading Pippin’s mind): Osgillith. I stayed to defend it, but it was soon destroyed. The Enemy forces have gone out of sight. Presumably to meet with the coming army.

PIPPIN: When will the attack come?

FARAMIR: No one knows. Soon though. The Elves have the army in sight. They will be here within a day or two. Already, people are preparing for battle.

Pippin looks down the wall, and back into the city, seeing people getting ready in the streets. He looks back out at the Pelennor Fields and sees the Elves also getting ready, loading arrow sacks and sharpening blades.

FARAMIR: We will have to defend this city with all our Might. After this city, there will be no one strong enough to stand between Sauron and the destruction of Middle-Earth.

Pippin looks back out, squinting to try and see as far as he can, wind blowing his hair.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – EVENING

The day passed and evening soon came. Faramir and Pippin are still on top of the wall, standing guard. By now however, many of the Elves had been allowed inside the city’s walls,

to get up on top of the Outer Wall. The wall was lined with Elven Archers. The attack can come at any minute.

PIPPIN: My heart has not yet despaired. Not like your father’s. Gandalf has fallen and risen, and is with us. We may stand when all this is over, if only on one leg.

FARAMIR (Smiling): Well, spoken, Halfling! Though all things must end in time, Gondor will not perish yet. Gondor will not fall into Darkness.

PIPPIN (With a sad look): Either way, I just wish this would end, for ill or for better. I am no fighter.

FARAMIR: It will end when the Great King comes to reclaim his throne. It is said he is a great warrior.

PIPPIN: What if he doesn’t come?

FARAMIR: Then he has truly abandoned us. He has abandoned his people. And then I wonder why he is referred to as the ‘Great’ King, if he cannot come when needed by his people.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – CITADEL – THRONE ROOM - NIGHT

Gandalf is in the Throne Room, talking with Denethor.

GANDALF: There can still be hope, Denethor. Do not give up yet.

DENETHOR (Sneering): Oh what do you know? All must end in time. This is our time. Gondor will parish. Many will die. We should flee while we have the chance.

GANDALF: It is too late for that. If we leave now, we will be slaughtered. I have already given the Call to Arms. Your

people, who you are failing to lead, are preparing to fight a war that you, yourself will not fight.

Denethor turns angrily on Gandalf.

DENETHOR: Who gave you the order to command my people?

GANDALF: You did, when you failed them as their leader.

DENETHOR: Get out. Get out of my Throne Room. I never wish to see your presence in here again!

GANDALF: As you wish, but you are making a mistake. Lead your people in battle! Lead them to victory!

DENETHOR: I will do no such thing! There is no victory to be found against such a foe. Only victory for Him. Now leave. And tell that Hobbit of yours that I wish to see him in the morning.

Gandalf turns and walks out of the Throne Room, closing the door behind him. Denethor turns and looks out his window again, into the night sky.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – NIGHT

Up on top of the Outer Wall, Pippin and Faramir see a giant dust cloud heading their way.

PIPPIN (Taking out his sword): Is that the Enemy?

FARAMIR: Nay, little one. It is coming from the wrong direction. Perhaps it is the reinforcements from all over Gondor.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – GATES – NIGHT – MINUTES LATER

A great army of over a thousand men is at the door, asking to be let in. Another messenger climbs the inside of the wall and meets with Faramir and Pippin.

MESSENGER: Mithrandir says to allow them in.

FARAMIR: Mithrandir? What of my Father?

MESSENGER: Mithrandir says that he was given into insanity. It will be wiser to listen to him now.

Faramir thinks for many long moments.

FARAMIR: He has never led us astray before. Open the gates and allow them in. Along with the Elves.

MESSENGER (Nodding): Sir.

He climbs back down and begins to open the Gate.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – CITADEL – BED CHAMBERS – NIGHT

Pippin walks into his room and finds Gandalf sitting in a chair, smoking a pipe.

GANDALF (Whispering to himself): When will he come back to reclaim the throne? Will he truly abandon his people?

PIPPIN (With joy): Gandalf!

Gandalf looks up at him.

PIPPIN: I’m glad to see you again. It has been a long day.

GANDALF: But the night will be too short. You should sleep while you may, young Pippin. At sunrise, you shall go to the Lord Denethor. He commands it.

EXT. GONDOR – MOUNTAIN RANGE – NIGHT

The huge army of Orcs leading from Mordor starts down a mountain, Minas Tirith in view.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – CITADEL – BED CHAMBERS – NIGHT

Gandalf turns to look out the window.

GANDALF: The Darkness has begun.

EXT. GONDOR – MOUNTAIN RANGE – NIGHT

The army is getting closer with each footstep they take, followed by an even darker sky then that of night.

GANDALF (V.O.): There will be no dawn.

INT. MORDOR – CAVE TUNNELS – GATE ENTRANCE – NIGHT

As Sam sits on the rock, both him and us realize that his senses are heightened when having the Ring on. He can hear conversations taking place inside the structure. There is a group of Orcs not far on the other side of those doors, arguing over what to do with Frodo.

Sam takes the Ring off his finger, and puts it back around his neck as he walks into the nearest side tunnel.

EXT. MORDOR – BARAD-DUR – NIGHT

Sam emerges on the surface, right in front of a huge tower. The Tower of Barad-Dur. He turns and looks off in the distance, seeing Mount Doom spit its roaring fire up. He looks back at Cirith Ungol, then back at the Mountain again.

SAM: Well I have to make up my mind. I cannot trust the Ring this close to Sauron. I can either take on the task of bringing it to Mount Doom myself, or use its power to challenge the Dark Lord.

Suddenly he shakes his head. What is he thinking? Is the Ring trying to make him get closer to Sauron, or is it just his imagination? He turns to look, and there is a second, smaller tower next to Barad-Dur. That was where Frodo was taken. No matter what decision Sam chooses, He isn’t going to do it without Frodo. He slips on the Ring and starts walking towards the Tower of Cirith Ungol, where the prisoners are kept.

As he gets nearer to the Tower, he looks up and sees that there are many Orcs standing guard on different levels of the tower. After a few minutes, he reaches a gateway that he has to pass through to get to the tower. He tries to step through, as anyone would with any gateway, but he is not able, as if there is an invisible wall.

He tries again, and again, he cannot not pass. He decides to take out Galadrial’s phial so he could see the sides of the gateway better, and see if there was any writing, but when the light shines out, he trips, and falls forward, landing on the ground on the other side of the gateway. He stands up, dazed, and puts the light away again.

He reaches the tower, and as he gets to the door, he sees that a dead body is propping it open. As he steps inside, he removes the Ring, becoming visible. He looks around the hall he had entered and sees bodies of men here or there, laying on the floor. He hears a high-pitch scream ring out from somewhere above. He takes off at a run, knowing that the scream came from Frodo. As he runs, he comes across more dead bodies.

He reaches a staircase and starts running up. He runs and runs, seeming to never get to the top. All he comes across was the occasional torch on the wall.

SHAGRAT (V.O.): Go on, get lost before we skin you alive, with this Halfling!

Sam peeks over the top of the stairs, just in time to see an Orc go running down the hall, in the direction away from him. He looks back and sees Shagrat go inside a room. Sam slips the Ring back on once again and follows down the hall that Shagrat and gone through. He enters into a large, empty room, occupied only by dead Orc bodies. Sam looks around. Shagrat has gone.

After a couple minutes, he hears footsteps and he cowers into a corner just as an Orc comes into view. It walks over to the middle of the room and reaches up, pulling down a trap door with a ladder. He climbs up and disappears into the ceiling.

ORC (V.O.; Growling): Was that you screaming, you dinghole bat? You do that again, and you’ll have me to deal with.

SHAGRAT (V.O.): What do you want?

ORC (V.O.): You’re needed in one of the lower chambers.

Soon enough, both Orcs come back down the stairs and leave the room, leaving the trap door open. Sam takes the Ring off and makes a dash for the trap door and runs up the stairs. He looks around the room and sees many torture devices hanging off the walls, and in the middle of the room, hanging upside down, is Frodo, badly beaten.

ORC (V.O.): What are you doing?

Sam whips around and sees an Orc coming up into the room. He whips out Sting and swung, chopping off the Orc’s arm. He then rammed it forward, stabbing the Orc in the chest with

it. He pulls it out and the Orc falls to the room below. Sam runs over to Frodo and reaches up, untying the rope holding him up. After a brief struggle with that, he gets it, and Frodo falls to the floor with a thud. Frodo rolls over and slowly opens his eyes.

FRODO (Weakly): Am I still dreaming?

SAM: No, Mr. Frodo. This is quite real. I’ve come to save you from this horrid place.

FRODO: Sam… (Frodo looks down at his shirtless body.) They took everything. EVERYTHING. They have gotten the Ring. We have failed.

SAM: We haven’t failed, Mr. Frodo. I took it. I took the Ring. I kept it safe.

Frodo’s eyes brighten as Sam helps stand him up.

FRODO: You’ve got it? You’ve got it here? (Sam nods his head.) Sam, you’re a marvel! (Frodo chuckles. Then quickly his tone changes; Hissing) Give it to me! (Puts out a trembling hand) Give it to me now. It is mine. Not yours.

SAM: All right, Mr. Frodo. Here it is.

Sam takes it from around his neck and hands it to Frodo, afraid of what might have happened if he didn’t. Frodo snatches it and puts it around his neck.

FRODO (Hissing): Stay away from it, you thief!

Something clears in Frodo’s eyes.

FLASHBACK SEQUANCE

Frodo is hanging upside down from the roof, an Orc standing behind him, whipping him. Another Orc standing in front, beating him with a club.

END FLASHBACK SEQUANCE

The Orc in front of him suddenly changes to Sam, who is staring at him, in fear, tears in his eyes.

FRODO: Oh Sam. What have I said? What have I done? Forgive me. It was the Ring. It has terrible powers. I wish I had never found it. I wish it had never come to me.

SAM (Sniffling his nose and wiping tears away): It’s alright, Mr. Frodo. I understand. (He turns to a more thoughtful mode.) We’re in Mordor. Surrounded by Orcs. We should match. Stay here.

Sam leaves and goes down below to the room full of dead Orc bodies, and comes up a few minutes later, carrying Orc clothes.

SAM: Here, put these on.

He gives Frodo some ripped pants and a baggy shirt, along with some armour and an Orc helmet. Sam does the same. Then he hands Sting back to Frodo, the blade glowing blue.

SAM: I also borrowed this, Mr. Frodo. (Takes the phial out and also gives that back.) They didn’t get everything.

Frodo smiles as he takes his stuff back.

FRODO: What would I do without you, Sam? (Looks around the room) What shall we eat?

SAM: I have enough Lembas bread in my pack to still last another few days. Water will be hard to find though.

They start down the stairs, into the room, and down the hall, heading down the giant staircase. A couple times on the way down, they pass by an Orc, which would just grunt in laughter at their size as it continues on going up. After a few minutes, they reach the bottom, passing by the body-lined hallways, and leave the tower through the door, going back outside.

They come to the gateway, and Frodo walks right into the invisible wall.

SAM: Use the light!

Frodo takes out the phial and holds it up as they walk through the gateway. Suddenly a high-pitched shriek of the Nazgul fills the air.

FRODO (Shouting): Run Sam!

They went in separate directions.

SAM (Shouting): Not that way!

Frodo stops and turns and follows Sam. As they run, the shriek caused by the Nazgul gets closer. They run over a wooden bridge and onto the other side, and then turn and run off the path. After a few minutes of running, they slow to a walk, realizing that the Black Rider was no longer following.

EXT. MORDOR – ROCK VALLEY – NIGHT

Before long, they reach a long, almost endless valley, and as far as they could see, it ended at the base of Mount Doom. Unfortunately it was still many, many miles away.

FRODO: I can’t manage this. We no longer have need for this.

He starts taking off the Orc suit, but keeping the pants and shit on. Sam did the same and they start across the valley.

EXT. ROHAN – PLAINS – NIGHT

The Riders have stopped for the night and set up camp. Dernhelm and Merry were laying on the ground, both sets of eyes open. They can faintly hear drums in the distance.

DERNHELM: Drums from the Enemy. They are preparing to fight. I only hope we are in time.

Merry looks on in the distance.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – CITADEL – BED CHAMBERS – MORNING – CLOUDY

Pippin awakes and immediately starts out to the Throne Room as was requested. The entire walk to the Throne Room made Pippin uneasy, for he can hear drums pounding in the distance. Pippin arrives at the Throne Room and is a bit more cautious then last time. He steps inside, seeing Denethor sitting in his chair, looking at the floor, a sad look in his eyes.

PIPPIN: You called for my services?

Denethor looks up.

DENETHOR: My esquire has left me to go into battle. I wish you to take his place. You shall wait on me, bear errands, talk to me, and sing.

PIPPIN: But sir, I was hoping to partake in the battle myself.

DENETHOR: Foolishness. Nothing meets you out there but death. Here you shall stay by my side.

Pippin sighs as he had no other choice.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – MORNING – CLOUDY

Gandalf and Faramir were on the Outer Wall of Minas Tirith, walking back and forth, walking in front of the Elven Archers. The Shadow from Mordor had reached them and blackened the sky. Behind the walls, a vast army waits to be set loose.

As Gandalf and Faramir walk, they gazed out over the fields below, and at the raising dust cloud heading towards them, bringing the sound of drumbeats.

FARAMIR: You are weary of this day.

GANDALF: I think all are, Faramir. This day holds ill news.

FARAMIR: The air is very thick and dark. That is strange in these lands.

GANDALF: That is strange in all lands other then Mordor. Mordor is stretching out its Shadow. Soon all will be under its cast.

FARAMIR (shouting): Foul beasts ride in the air!

Gandalf looks out. He looks beyond the fields, beyond the Great River, and sees many shapes flying in the air, not

going in any specific direction, often turning around and heading in a different way, swooping up or down.

GANDALF: Nazgul. If they are here, we may need more then hope to win this war.

They can faintly hear the beasts screeching.

PIPPIN (V.O.): Gandalf, Faramir, Denethor wishes to speak to you.

They turn and see Pippin standing on the ground below.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – CITADEL – THRONE ROOM – MORNING – CLOUDY

Minutes later Faramir and Gandalf stood before Denethor. Pippin stood at Denethor’s side as he sat in his seat.

DENETHOR: Last evening one of my soldiers told me of the Halflings he and my son had encountered. Of the Ring they held. (Looks at Faramir; Shouts) My son was a fool! You have paid more loyalty to that Wizard then to your own father! Your own people! You should have brought the Ring back here for safekeeping! Instead you let it go to Mordor. To the Enemy. Boromir would have been smarter. He would have brought me the Ring.” (Faramir has his head bowed low.) The idea of giving such a weapon to a Halfling was witless! It should have been brought here to use against Sauron.

GANDALF: That is a great decision that others must partake in. Other Kingdoms would also be affected.

DENETHOR (Shouting): We would be stronger in our fight against Mordor!

GANDALF: You would not have been trusted, and your mind is proving that as we speak!

Denethor glares nastily at Gandalf for a few minutes, before a sad look crosses his eyes.

DENETHOR: It matters not. All hope is lost. You two may leave my presence.

Faramir and Gandalf turn and walk out of the building, heading back to their positions on the wall.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – DAY – CLOUDY

Gandalf and Faramir are once again on top of the Outer Wall, looking out and seeing the army even closer.

FARAMIR: Is my father wrong? Is there any hope?

Gandalf sighs heavily.

GANDALF: Only a fool’s hope.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – CITADEL – DAY – CLOUDY

Pippin is standing next to Denethor, who is sitting in his chair.

PIPPIN: Of all the creatures coming towards us, is Sauron himself coming here?

Denethor laughs and knocks his chest, showing he had armour on under his shirt.

DENETHOR: Great leaders get others to fight their battles.

Pippin looks on at Denethor with fear and pity.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – DAY – CLOUDY

GANDALF: The leader of the Nazgul used to be a wizard once.

FARAMIR: Will you face off with him?

GANDALF: When and if the time arises.

FARAMIR (Meaning time of day): What time is it now?

GANDALF: Time to prepare for battle.

FARAMIR: Now? But they are still advancing towards here, with much time between us.

GANDALF: Yes, but would you fight them here, at out own walls, or out there, with room to fall back if we need it?

FARAMIR: Then let us go.

Gandalf and Faramir turn to walk down the ladder to the ground below.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – ARMOURY – DAY – CLOUDY

Faramir is in the armoury, putting on a suit of armour, and then picking out a helmet. He goes over to the many swords on the wall and takes one off, swinging it in the space of the room. He puts it in a sheath by his side. He picks up a pair of chain mail gloves and put them on.

EXT. MINAS TRITIH – OUTER WALL – DAY – CLOUDY

Faramir and Gandalf are both on horses, at the front of the army behind the wall of Minas Tirith. Behind them, all the men wear silver armour with helmets, all sitting on horses, except for the Elves that stood on foot. Up above, on top of the wall, stood many Elven and Human Archers. Gandalf looks at the closed doors, waiting for the to open.

GANDALF: This is it.

EXT. MORDOR – BARAD-DUR – DAY – CLOUDY

We see Barad-Dur sitting in Mordor.

GANDALF (V.O.) The Board is set…

EXT. GONDOR - MINAS TIRITH – DAY – CLOUDY

Minas Tirith sits on its mountain, a huge army within and on its walls.

EXT. GONDOR – PELENNOR FIELDS – DAY – CLOUDY

The Orc army is even closer to Minas Tirith then ever before. Another few minutes and they will reach it. Drums are banging loudly.

EXT. UNKNOWN LANDS – DAY – CLOUDY

GANDALF (V.O.): The Pieces are moving.

The Rohirrim army rides at full speed to reach Gondor.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – DAY – CLOUDY

The army at Minas Tirith stands around, waiting to go to battle.

CLOSE-UP

Gandalf is sitting on Shadowfax, next to Faramir on his horse as he finishes.

GANDALF: We come to it at last…

INT. RIVENDELL – ELROND’S CHAMBERS – DAY – CLOUDY

Elrond is sitting in his chair, eyes close, meditating.

INT. EDORAS – CASTLE – GUEST CHAMBERS – DAY – CLOUDY

Arwen is sitting, also meditating.

INT. LOTHLORIAN – GALADRIAL’S CHAMBERS – DAY – CLOUDY

Galadrial is standing above her mirror, seeing the army in it.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – DAY – CLOUDY

Gandalf pauses then continues.

GANDALF: The Great Battle of our time.

And with that, the giant doors open and the army rushes out to meet the Orc Army.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – PELENNOR FIELDS – DAY – CLOUDY

The Orc Army sees the Gondorian Army heading towards them, so they stand their ground and growl, hiss, sneer, and wait for the attack, brandishing their weapons.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – DAY – CLOUDY

Up on top of the walls, the Archers raised their bows, preparing to fire if the Orcs got any nearer.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – JUST OUTSIDE THE CITY – DAY – CLOUDY

On the ground, the Gondorian Army rushes on in an army of horses and Riders, taking out their swords. Gandalf and Faramir ride beside each other and Gandalf takes out his sword and raises it up.

GANDALF (Shouting): Onward to victory!

The other soldiers all raise their swords as they yell.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – PELENNOR FIELDS – DAY – CLOUDY

The Orc army bangs their weapons on the ground, much like that of Helm’s Deep, to the beats of the drums pounding.

LEAD ORC: Attack! Leave none alive!

The Orcs shout, snarl, and roar as they move forward from their spots into a run, heading to meet the Gondorian Army.

The two armies clash together in a gigantic wave, and in that moment, many soldiers are knocked from their horses and forced to fight on their feet. Fighting breaks out right

away. Orcs swing their bladed staffs up, knocking men from their horses.

Gandalf rides through the Orcs and as he does, he swing his sword out, up, down, back and forth, at anything that attacks him. He manages slice off a few heads as he rides. An Orc swings its bladed staff up, just as Gandalf rides by, and knocks him off of his horse. 

Standing up, Gandalf glances around at the battle, seeing all the men fighting the Orcs, some on horses, some on foot. Some attacking, others defending. Some dying. Some living. 

He holds his sword and take his staff from behind his back and holds that at the ready with his other hand. An Orc comes upon him but he starts to spin around in a circle, slamming the top of his staff into the Orc's face. Then with his continuing momentum as he comes back around, he slits the Orc's throat with his sword. As the Orc falls, another tries to jump at Gandalf. Gandalf rams his sword forward as the Orc jumps at him, and impales it in the chest. He lowers the sword, the body falling off. Gandalf takes another glance around the battle, and spots that Faramir had just entered his own fight as well.

Faramir has taken out a bow and fires an arrow at an Orc, shooting it in the head.  Other Orcs go down nearly the same as he turns and fires a few times, then turns and fires a few more times. Suddenly he hears an Orc growl and turns around to see an Orc swing a sword at him. He takes a hop back, but the sword cuts down through his bow. Faramir takes out his sword, swings it down, killing the Orc in front of him, and readies for more close combat.  Another Orc comes his way. Faramir ducks and spins, slicing the Orc's leg off. He straightens as he comes back around, and rams his blade through the Orc's chest. Bringing his blade up from the thrust, He swings it out and slices another Orc's chin, making it stumble back a bit, and fall.  Another Orc runs at him from behind, and just as he turns, he whips out a dagger and flings it, embedding it into the Orc’s neck. The Orc falls to the ground, allowing the dagger to go right up through the neck. Faramir turns his head and glances at Gandalf, and nods once. He faces in front of him and continues fighting.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – DAY – CLOUDY

The Archers have their bows raised high in the air, each one loaded with an arrow.  One of the Gondorian Archers was in charge. He had his name sketched into his shoulder armour, and it read ‘Isurgon.’

ISURGON: Fire the arrows!

A barrage of arrows shot by the Elves whistle through the air towards the battle below and hit a small amount of Orcs that have gotten through the defences and have been running towards Minas Tirith. The Archers reload their bows and fire again, hitting a few more of the remaining Orcs that had broken through. Isurgon takes his own bow and arrow and shoots down, hitting an Orc in the knee. The Orc falls and is run over by many of his peers. The Orcs are getting closer.

  Isurgon turns and runs down the stairs to the ground, followed by a small group of the Archers. The gates open again and they run out, firing their arrows point blank range at the Orcs. All the Archers, the ones on the Wall and ground, re-load, aim, and fire at the Orcs running toward them.  Many Orcs fall. Isurgon drops his bow, for he is out of arrows, and readies his sword and a dagger as he runs to join in the battle.

An Orc tries to slice at Isurgon, but he blocks the hit with his sword and slices the Orc in the chest with his dagger. He uppercuts an Orc with his dagger hand, splitting the chin and causing the Orc to fall back. Isurgon then decapitates the Orc in one slice. Isurgon spins to see another Orc coming his way. Before he knows it, an Elvin Archer shoots the Orc in the head.

A horse that has lost its rider is running back towards the city, but Isurgon grabs it, turning it around, and hops on, riding more into the battle, swinging his sword at any Orcs he passes by.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – PELENNOR FIELDS – DAY – CLOUDY

An Orc is running at Gandalf. Gandalf tips his staff down, and brings it up with all his might once the Orc gets close enough, throwing the Orc through the air over his head. Gandalf turns to see another Orc coming at him when an arrow strikes the Orc in the head. Gandalf turns, slashing his sword down, striking an Orc that was running towards him, about to attack.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – CITADEL – THRONE ROOM - DAY – CLOUDY

Pippin is staring out the window behind Denethor’s chair, staring at the battle. Denethor sits in his chair, his hand on his chin, his eyes closed.

PIPPIN (Looking back at Denethor): Will you not even glance at the battle?

DENETHOR: There is no point if there is no hope.

Pippin sighs and turns back to the window.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – PELENNOR FIELDS – DAY – CLOUDY

A Gondorain is riding a horse, swinging his sword down as he rides through the battle, slashing at the Orcs. One slash however, hits off the helmet of an Orc, and bounces off, the momentum causing the rider to loose his balance and fall of the side of his horse. He curls up into a ball, so as not to be trampled by the hordes of fighting men and Orcs that surrounds him. Suddenly he starts getting kicked around by all the feet that are moving about, clanging off his armour. In the moment that he is remaining still, he opens his eyes to look around and sees a hand reaching down to him. He takes it and the soldier helps him up, handing him back his fallen sword.

SOLDIER THAT HAD BEEN HELPED UP: My name is Bergil.

SOLDIER THAT HAD BEEN HELPFUL: Mine is Beregond.

BERGIL: Well Beregond, lets fight these Orcs together!

They turn, putting their backs together as they swing their swords, blocking and attacking.

Faramir slices an Orc in the gut, spinning the blade counter-clockwise. He is ready to slice another Orc when a second comes up from his side and swings its sword, slicing his side. Faramir screams as he turns and swings his sword, killing the Orc, then swings back to kill the one he was going to kill from before. He tries to stand up all the way, but only manages to stumble.

He hears a cry and turns, seeing another Orc, and swings his sword, but the Orc holds up a wooden shield, blocking the blow, then swings its own sword and slashes Faramir across the stomach, causing him to stumble back and fall to the ground.  The Orc stands above him and is about to make the final blow when its head gets chopped off by a sword blade, as a horse with a rider rides by. The Rider is Isurgon.  He slows the horse down and gets off, swinging his sword at any Orcs that come close, killing a couple instantly. A third runs at him, and he swings his sword, but is blocked from killing the Orc by its heavy armour. It punches Isurgon and he flies back.

The Orc walks over, an evil smile on its face as it looks down at him. Isurgon takes out his dagger and flings it upward, hitting the Orc in the face, causing it to fall backwards, dead. Isurgon stands up and runs back over to Faramir, picking him up and putting him on the horse.

ISURGON: Come, we must get you back to the city.

He helps Faramir onto the horse and slaps it, sending it off towards the gates of Minas Tirith. Isurgon whips around to block an attack, and kicks the Orc away, as he swings to block another.

The horse runs through the battle, running past the Orcs. Running past the Gondorians. Running past the Elves. Running past the fighting, running to reach the city gates. An Orc sees the oncoming horse and turns to kill it, when suddenly, just as the horse passes by, an arrow flies from the wall, killing the Orc. Another Orc stands in the way, preparing to kill the horse with its bladed staff. Then, just as the horse is going to run into it, it leaps, jumping over the Orc, using its back legs to kick it in the head as it jumps, landing behind it after it had been kicked away. The horse continues to run, reaching the gates of Minas Tirith with the wounded Faramir.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – CITADEL – THRONE ROOM – DAY – CLOUDY

Denethor sits in his chair, much as before, when the door opens and he glances up, just as Pippin turns around. It is one of the villagers.

MESSENGER: Sir, Faramir… (Beat) He’s injured badly.

Denethor stands up and turns to Pippin.

DENETHOR: Go set an extra bed in my quarters.

Pippin nods and runs off as Denethor walks towards the Messenger.

DENETHOR: Bring me to my son.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – PELENNOR FIELDS – DAY – CLOUDY

Gandalf swings his staff and close-lines a running Orc, then he rams his sword down into the body. He brings it up just in time to block another oncoming sword, and then block a second attack from that Orc. Then a third. Gandalf then thrusts his sword forward, but the Orc blocks. Gandalf brings his sword up and swings it down at an angle, hitting the Orc in the shoulder, crumpling him.

One of the Elven swordsmen runs up to Gandalf.

ELVEN SOLDIER: Sir, word has it that there is a second army coming forth from Mordor.

Gandalf sighs.

GANDALF: Will this battle never end?

He looks around at the chaos happening.

Beregond and Bergil are still fighting, side-by-side, protecting one another. Beregond rams his sword behind him, killing an Orc, then swings it out and down, killing another that was in front of him. Bergil swings his sword in a circle, above his head, the swings down at an angle, the momentum causing it to dig through the Orc’s armour, and into the Orc. Bergil turns and swings, but is blocked by a wooden shield. The Orc thrusts its sword, but Bergil blocks it and swings his sword towards the Orc, which then brings up its own sword and blocks. It swings its shield sideways, hitting Bergil, knocking him sideways to the ground. Bergil looks up just in time to see the sword connect with his face.

BEREGOND (Shouting): Bergil!

Beregond runs at the Orc and swings his sword down, getting it blocked by the shield, and every time he slashes his sword down, it’s always blocked by the shield or Orc’s sword. He is using his anger more the skill, to attack, and he is blinded by rage as he swings, is blocked, swings, is blocked, swings, is blocked, over and over and over. Then an Orc runs up behind him and lifts its bladed staff, when Beregond swings around, slicing open the stomach of the Orc, then swings back around to attack the Orc that he was attack before. The Orc punches Beregond in the side, causing him to loose balance and stumble over, but not fall. The Orc swings its other hand and hits Beregond in the side of the head with its shield, causing him to stumble even more, the other

way. It runs at Beregond, raising its sword up. Suddenly Beregond swings his sword out blindly, and chops off the Orc’s head.

After he regains his balance, and he shakes his head, Beregond looks up, seeing the line after line of Orcish Archers that had finally reached the battle. One of them eyes Beregond as it loads its bow. It raises the bow and fires, but the arrow bounces harmlessly off Beregond’s armour. Beregond begins to smile as the Orc reloaded, getting closer with each step. Beregond stands his ground, readying his sword. The Orc raises his bow again and fires, the arrow zipping through the air, and hits Beregond in the forehead. Suddenly the lines of Orcish Archers all raised their bows at once and fired.

All over the battlefield, the arrows fall, killing Men, Elves, and Orcs alike, striking them down dead.

Gandalf is blocking an attack by an Orc when it suddenly straightens and falls forward, an arrow in the back. Then Gandalf swings his staff out, knocking away any Arrows that come towards him.

Isurgon swings his sword, blocking an attack, then raises his foot up and kicks the Orc away as he swings his body around, blocking another attack. He swings his sword at the head of the Orc, but bounces off its helmet. He then swings at its body and it bounces off its armour. He blocks an attack by the Orc, then rams his sword up, into the chin of the Orc, hearing it scream as he removes his sword, watching the beast fall. Isurgon turns, just in time to get his armour ripped open by a slash of a giant scythe swung by an Orc. Isurgon jumps back and swings his sword down as the scythe comes back, chopping the blade off from the staff. The Orc takes a couple of steps and slams its fist into Isurgon’s head, causing him to turn around, just as another Orc comes up and rams its sword forward, into Isurgon’s stomach through the slit in the armour caused by the scythe. The Orc removes its sword and swings it again, chopping off Isurgon’s head, just as he starts to fall onto his knees from his injured stomach.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – CITADEL – DENETHOR’S CHAMBERS – DAY – CLOUDY

The sounds of the battle are carried by the wind. Even all the way to the Citadel, where three people stayed. Faramir is laying on a bed, near death and unconscious, while Denethor sits by the bed, crying for his son, and Pippin stands by, watching over the two.

DENETHOR (Crying): It is hopeless. My last remaining son will die and my Kingdom will fall.

PIPPIN: Do you wish for me to send for someone?

DENETHOR: Send for no one. For I refuse to see anyone, unless it is my son back from the dead, or God himself, to give me back this one.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – PELENNOR FIELDS – DAY – CLOUDY

The Orc army is getting closer to the walls of Minas Tirith, slowly pushing the defences back, and not all the Orc forces had yet reached the battlefield.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – DAY CLOUDY

The Archers on the wall fire another set of arrows down into the crowd of Orcs, striking down a few. The Orcish Archers aim and fire up, their arrows hitting and killing some of the Archers on the wall, causing some to fall back, others to fall forward off the wall.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – PELENNOR FIELDS – DAY – CLOUDY

Gandalf swings his sword to block an attack, then swings his staff out, tripping up the Orc, then swings his sword down, ramming it into him. He looks up, seeing all the fights around, seeing the Orcs slowly pushing the men back, and sees the huge army still coming towards the battlefield. Gandalf sighs for he knew what must be done. The battle is

over. The Orcs have won. There is nothing they can do anymore. He takes a deep sigh.

GANDALF (Shouting): Fall back! Fall back to the city!

He looks around and sees a man get killed by an Orc, then sees another and another, and then he sees a couple of Elves get killed. He looks to the other side and sees pretty much the same thing.

GANDALF (Shouting): Fall back now!

As he turns, he swings his sword, killing an Orc. He begins running towards the city, blocking an attacked here, swinging his sword to attack there, others quickly following his example. It was time to return to the city and prepare to die.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – DAY – CLOUDY

Gandalf is one of the first to reach the gates, which open for the retreating men, who run inside, the other survivors close behind. While a few of the men are running, the Orcish Archers fire their arrows, hitting some of the men in the back, killing them. When all the Men and Elves were behind the gates, they shut closed with a clang. Suddenly, another Man who had been slow, runs up to the gate and starts pounding on it. Gandalf looks over and sees a couple men about to open the gates.

GANDALF (Shouting): No! You open that gate, we are all doomed!

They move away from the gate, very sad at having to leave their comrade out there.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – OUTSIDE THE GATE – DAY – CLOUDY

The Solider turns and draws his sword. He is going to fight until the bitter end. He moves his feet, slowly at first, but it slowly turns into a run as he runs toward the oncoming marching army, raising his sword. An Orc with a spear brings its hand back, then forward, letting go of the spear as it flies through the air and pierces the soldier’s armour and skin, exiting his back.

As the army continues towards the city, some of the Orcs are pushed aside or trampled when giant catapult machines are rolled by, by the Orcs. On the end, in the stone bowls, are giant stones.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – BEHIND WALL – DAY – CLOUDY

RANDOM SOLDIER: What are they doing? The Outer wall is high and of great thickness. Surly they do not think they will bring them down with mere stones.

Another Solider runs down the stairs from the top of the Outer wall.

SECOND SOLDIER: The roads are blocked. Rohan cannot come to our aid.

GANDALF: We are on our own against an army of thousands.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL –OUTSIDE THE WALL – DAY – CLOUDY

All the catapults line up next to each other, making a line that goes on for 3 miles, each one with a dozen Orcs tending to it. Suddenly, one by one, the Orcs cut the rope with their weapons, causing the catapults to swing up, throwing the rocks through the air, over the Outer wall of the city.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – DIFFERENT LOCATIONS – DAY – CLOUDY

The giant rocks fly through the air, most of them going over the wall, landing on the other side, either on top of one of the many other walls, demolishing the bricks as they land, or into the city itself, making craters in the road, destroying houses or buildings. But either way, all the rocks did something similar: exploded on impact, causing a great fire to start up wherever one landed. Two hit the giant tower looking out over all of Minas Tirith, and by the time it crumples to the ground, it is no higher then a normal house. One exploding rock lands on top of the Outer Wall, killing all the Archers caught below it, as well as any caught in the blast, and destroying that section of the Outer Wall, raining rocks and debris down on the soldiers below. Another slams into the front of the Outer wall, exploding, destroying that part of the wall, any Archers standing above it, and any soldiers directly on the other side as the debris was blasted inwards towards them, are killed.

EXT. MINAS TRITIH – OUTER WALL – OUTSIDE THE WALL – DAY – CLOUDY

After all the rocks have been flung, the catapults are pulled back and reloaded with small, round objects. Many of these objects can fit onto one catapult. After they are loaded back, the Orcs fire again, sending hundreds of these small round objects over the walls.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – BEHIND WALL – DAY – CLOUDY

On the other side of the wall, the remaining soldiers are standing around, preparing for the onslaught the Orcs bring when they enter the walls. Suddenly small objects start pelting down on and around them, hitting them with heavy thuds, causing them to all scramble and take cover. One of the soldiers bends down to pick up one of the objects, seeing it all hairy and fury. He reaches down and holds it up, turning it over. He suddenly drops it, backing up as he gasps. On the ground, looking back at him, is a human head, the grim face looking up. The objects that the Orcs are

pelting are the heads of the soldiers that had died out on the field. Some are crushed or mangled beyond recognition, but others could have a name put to them.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – STREETS - DAY – CLOUDY

These heads fall all over the city as well, hitting buildings, people, and streets.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – BEHIND WALL – DAY – CLOUDY

After the heads have finally stopped falling, the men look back up, and as they do, they hear multiple shrieks coming from high above their heads. Gandalf glances up.

GANDALF (Whispering): The Nazgul have arrived.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – CITADEL – DENETHOR’S CHAMBERS – DAY – CLOUDY

Inside the Citadel, Faramir is laying on the bed, still unconscious, cold sweat breaking out on his face, as Denethor, crying, sits close by, Pippin standing by his side.

PIPPIN: Do not cry. He may get better. Gandalf may be able to heal him.

DENETHOR: Do not comfort me with the mention of wizards. The old fool’s hope has failed. We will fall.

The door opens as 3 Soldiers run in.

SOLDIER 1: Sire, we need you down by the Outer Wall. We are under attack!

DENETHOR (Not even looking up): No. I will not come down. I must stay beside my son. He might still speak before the end, which is near. Follow whom you want. Even that Grey fool, whose hope has failed us all. But I stay here.

Pippin turns and looks out the window, seeing parts of the walls, including the Outer Wall, on fire, and parts of the city on fire, from the destruction caused by the exploding boulders.

SOLDIER 1: The first circle of the city is burning, Lord.

PIPPIN (Still looking out the window): And the rest of the city by the looks of it.

SOLDIER 1: Not all will follow Mithrandir. Some flee from their spots, despite his orders. You are still the Lord of Gondor, and many will only follow you.

DENETHOR: Why do they flee? Is it not better to burn sooner then later. Go! Go back to the battle.

SOLDIER 2: What of you?

Denethor looks up.

DENETHOR: I will go to my Pyre! There will be no tomb for me or my son! We will burn like heathen Kings!

The three soldiers turn and run out of the room, to carry out their orders. Denethor finally stands up, looking determined.

DENETHOR: Farwell, Peregrin Took. Your service has been short, and now draws to an end. I release you from what little command I have left. Go and die in what way suits

you best. Send for my servants, if any are still alive, and then go.

PIPPIN: I will not go, sir. I will leave, if that is what you wish, but I refuse to be parted from your service. And if the Enemy comes at last here, to the citadel, I wish to be by your side.

DENETHOR: Do as you want, but my life is broken. Send for my servants!

Denethor turns back to his son.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – HIGH ABOVE IT – DAY – CLOUDY

The Nazgul circle high above the city on their dragons, as if they are vultures circling over a dead carcass.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – BEHIND WALL – DAY – CLOUDY

Gandalf is at the front of the remaining resistance, waiting behind the Outer Wall, by the gap from where part of the wall is destroyed, waiting for the rushing Orcs to reach them. Suddenly three soldiers push ahead of the others.

SOLDIER 1: Mithrandir, Our Lord refuses to come to our aid.

Gandalf looks out at the oncoming Orcs, then back to the soldiers.

GANDALF: I must speak with him. (Lays a hand on one of the soldiers.) You, young Juraham, must defend the remaining soldiers until my return, which I fear will be after the next attack. Defend the front Gate at all costs. It is the only strong gate. All others will be beaten by punches.

The soldier, Juraham, stands tall and nods.

JURAHAM: Yes, Mithrandir.

Gandalf turns to start up to the citadel, but he is stopped as Juraham continues.

JURAHAM: But there is a question among the people. When will the rightful King come to us? In legend, it has said he would come to us in our time of most need. Surly that time is now.

Gandalf turns to face him.

GANDALF: At one time I would have had an answer to that question, but not now. I’m starting to wonder if that’s all it is: a legend. Defend well!

And at that, he turns and rushes to the city. Juraham looks out, waiting for the Orcs that would reach them in a matter of minutes.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – STREETS – DAY – CLOUDY

In the streets, walking among the decapitated heads, Pippin follows after Denethor and the four servants that are carrying a casket with Faramir in it.

PIPPIN (Shouting): Your son is not yet dead! You can’t do this!

DENETHOR: His time is near. We shall go together, in the Death House of the Stewards.

They climb a steep hill, to a small, one-story building, which sits by itself. They walk into the building and enter into a long hall. They walk across the long hall, and into a huge room, filled with closed caskets. One of the caskets is knocked over onto the side, and Pippin goes to straighten it as the others go to put Faramir’s casket on a stone stand. Pippin bends down to pick it up, but he has to use all his strength to move it, for it has been there for a very long time. He manages to lift it a few feet up, part way back up onto its stone stand, when suddenly the lid falls open, and the skeletal remains of the body falls out at Pippin’s feet, causing him to scream and drop the casket down, on top of the bones. The four servants and Denethor turn around to look at the loud crash, but soon ignore it and go back to what they are doing. After the casket is set, opened, Denethor turns to his servants.

DENETHOR: Bring me wood that burns quickly, and lay it all about us, and pour oil upon it, and when I bid you, you thrust a torch onto it. Do this and speak no more of me. Farwell!

Pippin turns and runs from the building, in hopes of finding Gandalf, and that he might be able to talk Denethor out of his madness. He is going to kill Faramir and himself, and none were yet dead! Pippin runs down the hill, and towards the town, which is still burning in some places.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – BEHIND WALL – DAY – CLOUDY

The Orcs have reached the city, and were trying to swarm in through the break in the wall, where it had been destroyed. All around the walls, many places are still on fire. Juraham is among the many soldiers that has the gap covered, swinging their swords around at any Orc that tries to cross over, stabbing one here, slashing one there, decapitating another one there, chopping off an arm or leg of one here.

JURAHAM (Shouting): Hold the defences!

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – OUTSIDE THE WALL – DAY – CLOUDY

Suddenly some of the Orcs begin to make way as many other Orcs push a battering ram along. This battering ram isn’t normal however. It is held by chains, which are connected to stands of wood. This battering ram is shaped like a Warg. It is long, narrow, and the front is shaped like the head of a Warg, with eyes, ears, teeth, and snout. It also has two feet, pointed forward, with metal casings in the form of a claw at the end. The other two feet are at the back, pointed outward.

The Orcs ram it forward, hitting the gates of Minas Tirith, causing a loud booming noise to sound out.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – BEHIND WALL – DAY - CLOUDY

Juraham looks to his side at the men behind the gate.

JURAHAM (Shouting): Protect the gates!

The soldiers rush forward and run up to the gates, forcing their bodies against it, as another boom shudders it, driving them away, causing them to fall backwards. They get back up, and rush to hold the gates yet again, as another boom sounds, but an even louder sound was that of the gates cracking.

Juraham looks over at the soldiers defending the gates.

JURAHAM: Hold!

He turns back around to slash at an Orc, and then runs over to help the men hold the gates, using all his strength to do so. Suddenly the gates shatter in an explosion of wood and splinters, causing the soldiers to fly back, as the ram brakes through.

Orcs flood inside the walls, into Minas Tirith, grunting and roaring as they slash at the injured and fallen soldiers, showing no mercy. The soldiers that had been defending the gap in the wall turn and start defending themselves from the rushing Orcs, and as one of them swings his sword, blocking an attack, he looks over and sees Juraham’s dead body lying on the ground.

High above, one of the Nazgul circles with the rest, then flies down to the ground, landing his dragon, right into the midst of the Orc army. The dragon stands up, tall, making the Ringwraith be seen high above the heads of the Orc army, staring at the burning, fallen city. The Orcs rush through the gates and broken wall, into Minas Tirith. The Nazgul fly high overhead, circling, and shrieking once in awhile. The one Nazgul on the ground sits on his dragon, overseeing the entire invasion.

Suddenly horns sound out from their side and the Ringwraith turns, seeing an army riding on horses, pushing their way through the Orcs blocking the roads leading up to Minas Tirith, and leading up to the main army of the Orcs. Rohan has finally arrived.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – PATH LEADING TO PELENNOR FIELDS – DAY – CLOUDY

Theodon and Eomer lead the army of Riders up the road, slashing, cutting, and pushing their way through the Orcs.

EOMER: The city is burning! We have come too late!

Eomer swings his sword, striking down an Orc here, another there.

THEODON: There may still be time. But we must hurry.

Theodon kicks an Orc in the face, sending it back as he swings his sword at another. A few of the Riders continue to blow on the horns as they ride.

Merry, riding with Dernhelm, takes out his sword, just in time to kill an Orc, while Dernhelm swings his sword on the other side, killing another Orc. Before long, the Rohan army has reached the main battlefield, the majority of the Orcs turning their attention from Minas Tirith to meet their new adversaries. As the army rushes through the Orcs, they come to a small area where no Orcs stand. They stop their horses, and look around at all the Orcs heading towards them. Many of the Riders that had yet a chance to draw their swords, draw them. Theodon continues to look out.

THEODON: Out of doubt we came singing in the sun. Sword unsheathing. To Hope’s end we ride, and to heart’s breaking.

He looks around and sees that the Orcs are practically upon them.

THEODON (C’ont.) Now for wrath. Now for ruin. And a Red Nightfall!

And with that, the Riders plunge into the army of Orcs.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – STREETS – DAY – CLOUDY

Gandalf is running up a small hill towards the city, when he looks back and sees the Lord of the Nazgul overseeing the war from the ground, on top of its dragon. He turns and starts to head back down, when he hears his name being shouted out.

PIPPIN (V.O.): Gandalf!

Gandalf turns back around and sees Pippin running towards him.

PIPPIN: I am frightened! I fear Denethor may do something that all will regret. He is out of his mind! He is trying to kill himself, and Faramir too!

Gandalf looks down at the battle, then back at Pippin.

GANDALF: I have to return. The Lord of the Black Riders is upon us.

PIPPIN: But Faramir is not yet dead! They will burn him alive!

GANDALF: Where are they?

PIPPIN: At the Tombs. He says we are all to burn and he will not wait. Can you not help?

GANDALF: Perhaps I can.

He looks back down at the Orcs rushing through the gates and walls, the few men defending.

GANDALF: But I fear others will die from it.

They start up the hill, towards the Tombs, and as they go, the sky draws even darker as even more darkness from Mordor grows out.

GANDALF: Darkness lies heavy on this city.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – PELENNOR FIELDS – DAY – CLOUDY – DARK

Theodon slashes his sword down, striking an Orc as the darkness begins to fall. He kills another. And another. And another. An Orc fires an arrow at him, but he blocks it with

a shield. An Orc is going to ram a spear into Theodon’s side, but Eomer rides up and chops the end of the spear off with his sword, then swings his sword, killing the Orc.

Fighting brakes out all around yet again, as the Riders attack and defend.

Dernhelm and Merry both swing their swords, until Dernhelm’s horse brakes into a run, catching Merry unbalanced and causing him to fall to the ground. He soon jumps to his feet, and starts swinging his sword around, even though no Orcs were attacking him.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – DAY – CLOUDY – DARK

Many of the Orcs have broken through, even though there are still many soldiers fighting.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – PELENNOR FIELDS – DAY – CLOUDY – DARK

As the Riders ride around, fighting, they also trample many Orcs.

THEODON (Shouting): Fear no darkness!

Theodon rears his horse up, slashing an Orc that gets too close. Suddenly another Orc rams its sword into the side of Theodon’s horse, causing it to fling him off. Theodon lands hard on the ground, but he stands up, and for the first time, sees the fires actually burning in the darkness, casting light over the area. He turns, slashing an Orc, then turns back around, stabbing another one. He turns in another direction, and sees some Orcs heading towards him. Suddenly, one Orc is flung through the air in one direction. Then another in another direction. Suddenly a huge Orc, big, strong, muscular, and very intimidating-looking steps up.

ORC LEADER (Growling): You will die. You will die a painful death.

It runs at him, raising its sword, and bringing it down. Theodon blocks with his sword, but it is smashed as the Orc brings his sword down. Theodon ducks as the Orc swings its sword again. When he comes back up, he picks up the sword of a fallen soldier, and rams it up, chopping off the arm of the Orc, causing it to cry out in pain. He then swings his sword and it goes part way into the Orc, and then gets stuck. Theodon lets go of the sword and the Orc falls.

Theodon picks up a spear he finds on the ground, and turns just in time to see the Nazgul that was in the battlefield, land his dragon in front of him. In his hand, he holds a giant round Mace. Theodon stands his ground, preparing to attack.

Eomer rams his sword down, into the top of an Orc’s head, then turns his horse around, to slash the throat of another. He turns to face the city again, and starts riding towards it, swinging his sword this way and that, blocking or attacking any Orcs that come close.

Dernhelm rams his sword forward, killing an Orc, as he rides. He did the same again, but an Orc blocks with its wooden shield, causing the sword to stick in the wood. Dernhelm continues riding anyway, taking out his extra sword from its sheath, and then continuing to fight in the battle.

Merry stands and swings his sword, slashing an Orc across the waist, then turns and rams it into the waist of another Orc.

Theodon goes to plunge his sword forward, but the dragon snaps, causing him to take a small step back. When he looks back up, all he sees is the giant Mace head towards him and hit him full on, causing him to fly through the air, breaking every bone in his body.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – PYRE OF DENETHOR – DAY – CLOUDY – DARK

Gandalf and Pippin reach the entrance to the Tombs. They walk into the long hallway, seeing the door at the other end blocked by two servants. When they reach the doors, the servants refuse to let them through by stepping in their way and holding a hand up.

GANDALF: You will grant us access. (They stand their ground; shouting) Fools! (Raises staff) Now is not the time for your petty foolishness!

He swirls his staff around, causing the servants to go up into the air, get banged together, and then flung in opposite directions across the room. Gandalf swings the doors open and walks into the Tomb room, Pippin close behind.

They look and see that Denethor stands beside Faramir’s casket, gasoline poured all over Faramir, his casket, and the surrounding floor. Slabs of wood layered the floor around the casket. Denethor holds a lit torch in one hand as he looks at his son, tears in his eyes. Pippin stays back near the doors, watching as Gandalf moves and starts to pick Faramir up out of the casket. Denethor does nothing but watch with sad eyes.

GANDALF: It is not right for you to decide your son’s death.

DENETHOR: The West has failed. All of Middle-Earth will fall.

Suddenly Faramir twists his head slightly.

FARAMIR (Weakly; whispering; Moaning; from his sleep): Father…

There is a flicker in Denethor’s eyes as all madness leaves him. He starts to cry.

Denethor (Crying): Do not take him from me!

Gandalf lifts Faramir all the way out of the casket.

DENETHOR (Crying): He calls for me.

GANDALF: He calls, but you cannot come to him yet. He must seek healing. Where as you must go out to battle.

That thing that used to be in Denethor’s eyes returns.

DENETHOR: He will not wake again. Battle is in vain. Why should we wish to live any longer? Why should we not go out side-by-side?

GANDALF: You have not the authority to decide the deaths of your own kin. Come. There is yet much you can do.

Denethor starts laughing as he walks towards the wall and places the torch in a holder. He then walks towards the back of the room, to where there is a cloth with a round bulge in it, lying on the floor. He stands in front of it and removes the cloth, standing up and turning around, holding in his hands, a Palantir.

DENETHOR (Shouting): Despair is on its way! Do you think that the White City has been blind? I have seen more then you know, grey fool. There is a great fleet of Orc Warships heading our way from the Anduin River. They are coming to join the already massive army. Against the Power that now arises, there is no victory.

And then with that, he takes the torch from the wall and casts it into the empty casket that Faramir had once occupied, causing a great fire to roar up. Denethor walks towards it.

GANDALF (Shouting): Denethor, do not do this!

DENETHOR: This is my hope, Mithrandir.

Denethor climbs up and lies down in the burning casket, holding the Palantir as he burns.

GANDALF: Come Pippin!

Gandalf turns and leads Pippin out of the room, carrying Faramir. Pippin closes the doors behind them. The two servants that had been flung, are now standing up, swords drawn.

GANDALF: You serve Faramir now.

At first they hesitate as Gandalf outstretches his arms for them to take Faramir, but they hear the crackling of fire in the other room. They quickly put their swords away and grab Faramir.

GANDALF: Take him to the House of Healing. (Beat) If it still stands.”

The servants turn and leave with Faramir. Gandalf and Pippin start to walk out of the room.

PIPPIN: What happened back there, Gandalf?

Gandalf sighs.

GANDALF: I often thought that one of the lost Palantirs resided here, in Minas Tirith, but I never would have thought Denethor so foolish as to use it. It turned his spirit dark with fear of Mordor.

They leave the building and enter into the dark air.

GANDALF: I want you to go to the House of Healing as well. There you shall wait for me. (Beat) Or your doom. Whichever comes first.”

PIPPIN: Please hurry, Gandalf.

They turn, heading in different directions, Pippin going to the House of Healing, Gandalf going back towards battle.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – PELENNOR FIELDS – DAY – CLOUDY – DARK

All around Theodon’s now dead body, soldiers are dropping like flies, trying to defend from the Orcs reaching the body. Some Orcs are dying, but even more Riders and Soldiers are dying.

Merry had seen Theodon’s fall, and has tried to rush to his side, but can’t get through the hordes of Orcs. Merry slashes an Orc, stabs another. Blocks an attack, then strikes back.

Dernhelm is fighting a few Orcs away from the body, with some of the other Riders, when he turns and sees the Orcs closing in around the defenders of Theodon’s body. He turns and starts riding in that direction. As he rides, he takes a shield that was tied to the side of his horse, and ties it to one arm, while he holds his sword with his free hand.

Merry turns from his spot to see Dernhelm ride by, heading towards the Black Rider. He jumps off from the horse, landing on his feet. Dernhelm then starts to walk towards the Nazgul leader. An Orc gets in front of him and hisses, but before anything else can happen, Dernhelm swings his sword, killing the Orc. Another Orc gets in the way, and he rams his sword into its stomach and pulls out. An Orc charges at him, but he blocks the attack with his shield, then swings his sword out, hitting it off the Orc’s sword. He then swings the swords around, causing his sword to be on top, and then continues to go around, behind the Orc, and brings it back, chopping off the Orc’s head from behind.

Dernhelm reaches the Black Rider, standing in front of him.

DERNHELM (Shouting): Be gone!

tears are coming to his eyes. As a few of the tears trickle down his face, it washes away some of the dirt, revealing a smooth, gentle skin texture underneath. The Ringwraith hisses in a raspy voice.

RINGWRIATH (Hissing; Raspy voice): No man can kill me.

Dernhelm laughs.

DERNHELM: I am no mere man you look upon.

Dernhelm reaches up and removes his helmet, allowing long, golden hair to fall down. The voice goes from masculine, to feminine.

DERNHELM/EOWYN: I am Eowyn! You stand before me, my lord, my kin, and my people. Living or not, if you touch my King, I will smite you! Be gone!

Merry’s face goes to an expression of surprise as he watches.

The Ringwraith shrieks. The dragon beats its wings and leaps forward, hissing, snapping its jaws. Without flinching, Eowyn swings her sword up with all her might, cutting through the neck of the dragon, decapitating it. She jumps back as the body falls to the ground with a thud, flinging dirt up. All around her, the sounds of swords clanging together is still loud in the air. The Lord of the Nazgul rises up from the carcass, holding his Mace. He takes a step towards Eowyn. Then another. Then another.

Within a few steps he stands right before her, tall and menacing. He swings his Mace forward and Eowyn holds her shield forward to block it. The shield cracks all over in a spider-web fashion, and a loud cracking sound comes from Eowyn as all the bones in her arm also shatter. She stumbles

back from the pain, and then falls forward on her knees. The Nazgul brings the Mace back for the final swing.

Merry had snuck up behind the Nazgul lord in a fit of rage for hurting Eowyn. He brings his Elven blade back, and then rams it forward, into the back of the knee of one of the Ringwriath’s legs.

The Nazgul Lord lets out a loud shriek, causing every single fighting Orc, Soldier, and Rider to stop and look in its direction. Eowyn uses this opportunity to use the last of her strength and rises up, ramming her sword under the hood of the cloak, into the unseen face of the Ringwraith, with all her strength.

A great amount of dust shoots from under the cloak and hood, flinging all over the place as if a great wind is blowing it, and after all of it has settled, the cloak falls to the ground, flat, as an old, rusted crown rolls out from under the hood. The dark sky lets up a small bit.

Eowyn falls backwards, onto her back on the ground, eyes closing. Merry rushes over and stands above her, watching over her as the battle resumes all around.

Eomer looks down at his father, then over at his sister, both lying motionless on the battlefield. He knows that now Theodon was dead, he is the rightful King of Rohan. He fights his way over to Eowyn, climbing down off his horse as he looks at the crying Merry, then at Eowyn. He bends down to kiss her forehead, when he feels a small wisp of air on his neck. He looks down at her and puts his head on her chest.

EOMER: She breathes! Eowyn is still alive!

Merry looks up, wiping tears away.

EOMER: We must get her into the city!

He lifts her up gently and places her on his horse, then climbs up.

EOMER: Fight well, Master Hobbit.

Eomer nods and then takes off back to his father. Merry looks around for his fallen sword and picks it back up, turning around, seeing that the battle has moved away from him to other places. Some closer to the city, others further away. He switches arms with his sword, for his good arm had been injured while attacking the Nazgul lord.

Eomer stops by Theodon’s body and gets down off his horse, picking up the body and also placing that on the Horse. Eomer turns to a near-by Rider, who happens to be Hama.

EOMER: Hama, take My Uncle and Sister into the city. Eowyn is still alive, but not well. I refuse to leave my people while they still fight. Take them now into the city!

HAMA: Yes M’Lord.

Hama climbs down and gets up onto Theodon’s horse, taking the reins and heading towards the city. Eomer climbs up onto the Rider’s horse and follows closely behind, covering Hama from any attacks.

They ride through the battle at top speed, rushing by so fast that an Orc wouldn’t have been able to attack, even if it had wanted. That didn’t stop Eomer from swinging his sword out from time-to-time though, killing or injuring a few Orcs along the way. They soon reach the city walls, and see that some of the Orcs have crossed over to the other side of the wall. They also see that very few Soldiers still remain defending the city, and those that do, are quickly being overrun.

Eomer knocks an Orc from its feet as he rides by, and then slashes at another. Once Hama has safely gotten out of reach of the battle, Eomer turns his horse around and rides back out to the fight.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – DAY – CLOUDY - DARK

The Orcs are still overcoming the Riders, and entering the city, walking past the walls, and into the actual streets of the city itself.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH - RIVER ANDUIN – DAY – CLOUDY – DARK

From out on the large lake, a huge fleet of War Ships are seen coming out of the dark’s mist that hung over the water, heading towards the shore.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – PELENNOR FIELDS – DAY – CLOUDY – DARK

Eomer sees the ships heading towards the battle, and sees that they are of Orc design. Merry stands beside him.

EOMER: Will you ride with me, Master Hobbit?

Merry nods.

MERRY: I will.

Eomer reaches down and helps Merry up as a few other Riders join in beside Eomer.

EOMER (Shouting): We ride now, onward to our deaths, to meet with our new foes, as we leave our old ones to the city. We ride now for glory. For the honour that our deaths will bring. Let us all ride together, as one Nation!

And with that, all the Riders from all over the battlefield stop their fights and start riding with speed towards the docking ships, ignoring the Orcs that were just as surprised at this new movement from the Riders, as the remaining defenders of the city. The Riders ride through the battlefield, heading towards the ships, the armies that were on them, and their deaths.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – RIVER ANDUIN – DAY – CLOUDY – DARK

The ships dock on shore, with the Riders getting closer and closer. Suddenly, giant flags are raised on the War Ships, flapping in the wind. On these flags, is the White Tree symbol of Gondor. At that instant, from somewhere close by, a Rooster crows. Part of the darkness in the sky moves away, allowing bright sunlight to shine down, at first right onto the boards, and then moving outwards, until the land was free of the darkness.

Eomer stops his horse, right in front of the ships, putting up his hand to halt the other Riders. All is quiet as a drawbridge is let down onto the ground, and they peer into the darkness beyond. They suddenly see a flicker of movement, and then it takes shape as a horse and Rider, both clad in armour. As the Rider moves out of the darkness and into the light, everyone sees that it is Aragorn! On his chest plate, he bears the White Tree of Gondor.

Behind him moved out more Riders. Halbarard. Legolas and Gimli still sharing a horse. And after them follows a massive army that is joined by other soldiers that are unloading from the other ships. Aragorn rides towards Eomer.

ARAGORN: Thus we meet again.

GIMLI (Seeing Merry on Eomer’s horse): The little Hobbit!

EOMER: You come none too soon, my friend. We have suffered much loss and sorrow. Theodon, my uncle, is dead. Eowyn is greatly injured and on the verge of death herself. Young Merry here has injured his arm. Many have died. The city is burning.

ARAGORN: Then let us avenge them! (Shouts) Forth Eorlingas!

He takes out Narsil and raises it high in the air as he kicks his horse, leading his army of Rangers, soldiers, and

Elves into battle, quickly being joined by Eomer and the Riders of Rohan in an army that rivals that of the Orcs.

As Aragorn rides, he swings his sword, killing an Orc. He swings again, killing another. He swings yet again, killing again, another Orc.

Halbarard is on foot, and as he runs, he rams his sword forward, killing an Orc, then he turns it around and rams it backwards, killing another Orc. He brings his sword back forward, and ducks when a spiked staff swings out. While he is ducking down, he looks over and rams his sword into the chest of his attacker, causing him to loose grip on the staff and fall, dead.

Eomer’s sword clangs off a few Orcs’ swords as he stayed above them on his horse, Merry sitting in front of him.

Legolas and Gimli are riding around. Gimli has his axe drawn, swinging it down at any Orcs that they pass by.

GIMLI (Shouting): Three!

His axe buries into an Orc.

LEGOLAS: I’m at nine.

He fires an arrow.

GIMLI: How do you do that?

LEGOLAS: I don’t waste time figuring things out in my head when I could be fighting.

He fires once. Twice. A third time, killing Orcs with every shot. Gimli looks at him, then back at the battle, swinging his axe down with fury, then over, then back, then up and down again.

GIMLI: I… (Swings down, killing an Orc) Will not… (Swings again, hitting the flat top of his axe against the face of an Orc, sending it tumbling back.) Be beaten… (Swings the axe forward, chopping off a head as the Horse continues to run) By an Elf… (Raises the axe up, then down, ramming it into the top of an Orc’s head.) Again!

He turns to the other side of the Horse and swings his axe, killing an oncoming Orc. Legolas loads three arrows into his bow and fires all of them, shooting three Orcs at once.

An Elf with a spear rams it forward, impaling two Orcs in a row. He pulls it out, hitting an Orc with the end of it, causing it to stumble back. The Elf then turns around and rams the spear through that Orc.

All the Archers that had come with Aragorn stand in a line, pointing their bows outwards, and fires at the Orcs, killing a lot of them.

Many of the other members in the army are holding spears, and they also stand in a straight line, their spears held up at their side, watching as many Orcs from the Orc army run towards them, growling and brandishing their own weapons. Right before the Orcs reach them, they kneel down and ram their spears forward, impaling the rushing Orcs upon them.

From high above, the remaining Nazgul are shrieking and stop flying in circles, and start flying back towards Mordor.

From the ground, Legolas sees this and raises his bow to the sky, tracking one of the dragons. He fires, letting the arrow sore through the sky. One of the dragons looses its balance and squirms while in the air, but quickly rightens and continues on.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – STREETS – DAY

Gandalf runs down the street, rushing to get to the battle. An Orc runs up to him, but he stabs it with his sword. Then a few more Orcs rush him and he blocks one attack as he swings down and slashes an Orc. Then he returns his sword to its spot from a second before to kill the other Orc. He then brings it around to block an attack from the third Orc, just to hit it over the head with his staff, and when it is

distracted, rams his sword forward. He continues on down the hill, heading towards the Outer Walls, when he sees them swarming with Orcs, heading up towards the city.

He puts his sword away and clutches his staff in both hands, pointing it outwards. He mumbles a few words and soon the end starts to glow. He mumbles a few more words and a great blast of light shoots forward from the staff, hitting the rushing Orcs that are coming up the hill and towards the city, causing them to get severely burned (Enough to die) as they are flung back through the air. Gandalf takes another few steps forward and does it again, clearing the path a bit more. After every couple steps down the hill, he stops and fires again, clearing the path a bit more each time, and lowering the number of Orcs in the opposing army.

Before long, Gandalf has cleared away all the Orcs that has passed the Outer Walls, and the only threat lies out in the field, which even that threat is diminishing.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – PELENNOR FIELDS – DAY

The remaining Orcs that are still alive, began to try to retreat back to Mordor, trying to leave the battle behind, but they are not allowed. As they are running away in the other direction, Aragorn, Eomer, and other Riders and soldiers rush by them on their horses, stabbing them, slashing them, decapitating them. By now, Halbarard had gotten on a horse and was doing the same. The army of Archers fire their arrows, killing even more of the retreating Orcs. Gimli and Legolas ride by as well, Gimli ramming his axe into the back of nearby Orcs, Legolas firing arrows at them.

Soon enough, all the Orcs that had been retreating, and all the Orcs that remained in the fields, has been slaughtered. Only the soldiers of Gondor, The Riders of Rohan, and the reinforcements that Aragorn brought, are left standing. All the soldiers let out a victory cry as some of the Riders of Rohan blow on horns as they turn around and look at the carnage on the ground. They slowly ride their horses, or walk, back towards the city.

As they start their slow walk back, a light rain begins to fall, creating a mist on the ground and extinguishing the burning fires of the city.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – DAY – LIGHT RAIN

Pippin has snuck down to the city walls to greet the champions, and as he does, he stands alongside Gandalf, who looks proud at the marching army.

GANDALF: The legend came true. We must welcome the return of the King.

As the Riders get closer, Pippin sees Merry on Eomer’s horse, and quickly rushes out to greet him.

PIPPIN: Merry!

Merry climbs off the horse, holding his injured arm.

MERRY (Smiling): Pippin!

They hug each other, but as they do, Merry winces in pain. Pippin quickly backs up.

PIPPIN: You are hurt.

MERRY: It’s nothing. My arm started to hurt when I used my sword to injure the Black Rider.

PIPPIN: You must follow me. I’ll bring you to the House of Healing. I’d carry you if I could. You aren’t fit to walk. Here, lean on me.

Pippin puts an arm around Merry as he helps him walk inside the city. Part way up the hill between the gates and the city, Pippin looses his grip on Merry, but instead of Merry falling, Gandalf has come up from behind and catches him, and helps Pippin help Merry to walk.

GANDALF: You have both showed great courage and bravery today. I am very proud of the both of you.

They walk among the houses to a certain building.

GANDALF: But the fate of Middle-Earth still hangs in the balance. There is not much we can do now. Only Frodo and Sam can decide what happens from here.

They enter the building and there are many beds set up, two of them are occupied by Faramir and Eowyn. Gandalf and Pippin brings Merry over to a bed and help him lay down as an old lady walks over.

OLD LADY (Pointing to Faramir): Him, I can help. He will live. (Turning to Eowyn) But with her, my art and knowledge is baffled. She has been touched by the Black Shadow.

GANDALF: This one as well.

He helps Pippin lay Merry on a bed.

OLD LADY: Those touched by it fall into an eternal sleep, where they pass onto for many days, then die. But it is said that ‘The hands of the King are the hands of the Healer’. The King of the Throne of Gondor has the knowledge to heal them, and only him.

Gandalf stands.

GANDALF: Pippin, stay by Merry’s side. I must go and fetch Aragorn.

Gandalf turns and rushes out of the building.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTER WALL – OUTSIDE THE WALL – DAY – LIGHT RAIN

Aragorn sits on his horse, Legolas, Gimli, Halbarard, and Eomer around him. All the other soldiers have gone to take up residence in the city.

ARAGORN: I cannot enter. Unless granted by the Steward himself.

Gandalf appears on the other side of the wall.

GANDALF: You must come, Aragorn. The need for time is urgent.

ARAGORN: But I have not…

GANDALF: (Cutting Aragorn off; Shouting) Don’t be a fool now! Denethor is dead and Faramir is badly wounded. There is no Steward to grant you access. No one rules over this city at the moment. You may enter.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – HOUSE OF HEALING – DAY – LIGHT RAIN

Pippin has his head hung over Merry’s body, tears in his eyes. Merry lay still, eyes closed. Suddenly the door opens and he turns his head.

PIPPIN: Strider!

Aragorn walks in, followed by Gandalf and Eomer. Eomer quickly rushes over to his sister’s bed. Aragorn laughs at Pippin and suddenly Pippin was on his feet, hugging him.

ARAGORN (Smiling): Well met, Pippin.

The Old Lady looks at Aragorn.

OLD LADY: You are the King? Well we call you by such a name, or when you get crowned, will you be called by a different name?

ARAGORN: I will be Aragorn, son of Arathron, but Strider shall be the name of my house, if that is ever established.

Pippin lets go of Aragorn and sits back next to Merry’s bed. Aragorn turns and looks at Merry’s face, sweat breaking out on the Hobbit. He turns and walks over to Eowyn’s bed, and as he peers down, his eyes show affection, and fear. He had seen these effects before. He looks up at the Old Lady.

ARAGORN: Do you have any Athelas?

OLD LADY: I know not of that plant.

ARAGORN: Kingsfoil. It is also known by that name.

OLD LADY: Oh that! No, we have none in store. It is grown out in the woods behind the city.

ARAGORN: Then make haste and retrieve some. That is all that may save these young souls.

She nods and starts to head out the door when Gandalf stops her.

GANDALF: Take Shadowfax. He will burden you with great speed. You may find him at the stables.

The Old lady nods again and leaves.

ARAGORN: In the mean time, I will tend to Faramir’s wounds.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – HOUSE OF HEALING – LIGHT RAIN – LATER

The Old Lady has returned and Aragorn has boiling water standing by. He takes some of the herbs and brakes them into the boiling water. While it boils, Faramir, bandaged up, snaps his eyes open.

FARAMIR (Weakly): What…What happened?

Aragorn looks over and walks over with some bread.

ARAGORN: Eat. And rest for many days.

Aragorn turns back to the boiling pot of water.

FARAMIR: Lord? (Aragorn turns back to him.) I knew it was you. The King has returned.

Aragorn smiles.

ARAGORN: Rest now. I must move on to others who need my service.

Aragorn takes the boiling water that the herbs have been in, and moves on to Eowyn’s bed, Eomer sitting beside it. Aragorn looks down at her with sadness on his face.

ARAGORN: Here is a grievous hurt and a heavy blow. (He looks down at the arm, bandaged) The arm will heal. If she has strength to live. But the main injury comes from her sword arm, for there appears to be no more life in it, although it is not broken. She had been against a mighty foe and her strength had bested many men.

He breaks two more leaves into the boiling water and holds the kettle close by, the steam covering Eowyn’s face.

ARAGORN: Listen to my voice and come back to the light. Leave the darkness behind.

Nothing happens. Eowyn does not wake.

EOMER (Tears in eyes): Sister, come back to us. Your time here has not yet ended.

Suddenly Eowyn’s eyes start to flicker.

ARAGORN: Return to us.

Aragorn bends down and kisses her on the forehead.

ARAGORN: Your enemy has passed.

Eowyn’s eyes snap open and look right up into Aragorn’s. He looks back down into her eyes, but then turns his gaze away. She shifts her eyes to look at her brother, a smile coming across both their faces.

EWOYN (Weak; whispering): How long was I dreaming?

EOMER: Not long.

ARAGORN: You must rest.

She looks back into his eyes and nods.

EWOYN: If you insist. (Beat) In one dream, I had seen Arwen. She was greatly fearing the outcome of this battle. She’s worried about you.” (Aragorn looks back down at her; She sighs) You must go to her to ease her worrying. Then there you must stay, to live your lives together.

Aragorn nods.

ARAGORN: I will go as soon as I have news to bring her. Then she shall return with me to my Kingdom.

Eowyn nods then turns back to Eomer. Aragorn turns to Merry’s bed with Pippin and Gandalf close by it. He sees the fear in Pippin’s eyes.

ARAGORN: Do not fear for him, Pippin. I have come in time. He will live. But he is hurt much like Eowyn was, for he dared to smite that evil creature.

Aragorn breaks two more leaves into the water and lifts it so the steam floats towards Merry’s face. With his other hand, he touches Merry’s eyes.

ARAGORN: Merry, come back to the light. Your friends are waiting for you here.

Suddenly Merry opens his eyes and looks up, seeing a smiling Gandalf, Pippin, and Aragorn.

MERRY: I’m hungry.

They all chuckle, including Faramir, Eowyn, Eomer, and the Old Lady.

ARAGORN: I will send for some food. But now I must be gone. Get some rest.

And with that, Aragorn walks out of the building, Gandalf following him.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – STREETS – EVENING – MISTY

Aragorn and Gandalf walk down the streets. By now the rain has stopped again, leaving a grey, misty evening behind.

ARAGORN: Eowyn will wish to leave. When she gets well enough, she must not leave for ten days.

GANDALF: Once Faramir is well enough, he must be told the story of his father.

Aragorn nods.

Aragorn: I have yet to hear that story myself, but I only wish to hear it, after all threat is gone. Merry may be well enough to walk around for a bit tomorrow with Pippin, but it must not be a lot.

As they walk down the street, people look out from their windows, murmuring things about the King having returned.

GANDALF: How did you manage to capture those ships?

ARAGORN: We had traveled to the top of the River. We overthrew the fifty ships of the southern army. Many other Armies of men had gathered around, and they offered their allegiance to me. I told the Army of the Dead that their

oath was finished and they left. We got on the ships and set sail for here.

GANDALF: That is quite a story. But now we must all meet to discus what we wish to do. I will go to the Citadel, for the White Tower where such meetings are held, no longer stands. You should gather all who should be involved in our discussion and bring them there.

Aragorn nods and soon parts from Gandalf.

EXT. MORDOR – PLAINS – DAY

Sam and Frodo had been resting under a small rock formation, and they both awaken and slowly stand up and stretch.

SAM: We should get going, Mr. Frodo. We still have many miles to go before we reach our destination.

Sam looks out over the long plains and sees Mount Doom, sitting tall, a red glow coming from inside.

FRODO: This sleep did nothing for me, Sam.”

Frodo rubs his neck and Sam sees that the chain in which the Ring rests on, is chafing Frodo’s neck. They start out walking again.

EXT. MORDOR – PLAINS – DAY - LATER

Frodo starts to slow down.

FRODO: I need another rest.

SAM: Not yet, Mr. Frodo. We are being followed. High up.

He helps Frodo walk as, high above their heads, in between clouds, a black dragon with a rider on it can be seen for a second before disappearing into another dark cloud.

Sam had his arm around Frodo’s shoulder, helping him walk across the barren landscape, when the only sound is their feet, and once in awhile the distant sound of flapping wings from above. Suddenly, in the quiet, they hear the sound of another pair of feet, and Sam darts his head, seeing something small crawl into the shadows, out of view.

SAM: Oh dear, Mr. Frodo. I fear that Gollum is not dead. It appears he’s following us, again.

FRODO: His thirst for the Ring drives him on. He will not find peace until he has the Ring. I fear what he will do to himself once we destroy it.

SAM: No better then he deserves, that’s for sure.

Sam glares into the darkness. Suddenly they hear the sound of marching feet, and they begin to run. After a few minutes, they come to the edge of the plain, only to find themselves on a cliff, the plain continuing below them.

But what catches their attention the most, is the large army of Orcs moving across the plains, stronger Orcs standing around them, whipping them with whips, yelling at them to move faster. It is a second army. One more vicious then the last they saw, though not as great in numbers.

Sam and Frodo stays at the top of the cliff, waiting until the army passes by.

EXT. MORDOR – PLAINS – CLIFF – DAY - LATER

The army has passed and is out of view.

FRODO: Come on, Sam.

They start down the side of the cliff.

EXT. MORDOR – PLAINS – DAY

Before long, they are continuing across the plain, below the cliff, only a few miles away from Mount Doom.

SAM: It isn’t far now, Mr. Frodo. Only a couple hours or so. Frodo suddenly smiles as he stops and looks out across the plains.

FRODO: Its almost over, Sam. Our very own adventure will be over soon.

SAM: That it well be, Mr. Frodo. Then we can go back home to the Shire. Be in our nice warm Hobbit holes with our families. (Tears come to his eyes.) We can be sitting down by the fireplace, smoking a pipe and telling a tale to our children. The tale of how Master Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee saved Middle-Earth.

FRODO: They will enjoy it. Especially Sam’s bravery. Many will try to live up to it, and want to play as their favourite hero, Sam, when they go into the yard to play make-believe.

SAM: Well you can’t forget yourself. Little children love playing as the hero. Then they will come inside and ask to hear more, while sitting around a nice cooked diner.

FRODO: Sam, I’m sorry for what I said before.

SAM: About what, Mr. Frodo?

FRODO: When I said that I had wished that you never come along. I didn’t mean it. I’m glad you’re with me. I’d settle for no one else.

Sam wipes a few tears away.

SAM: It was the Ring talking. And actually, Mr. Frodo, I wouldn’t mind having Gandalf or Strider here. They could help a great deal. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to make sure that Ring can do no more harm, if you understand what I’m saying.

Frodo smiles again.

FRODO: Of course Sam. Lets finish our adventure.

And with that they set out once again, to go the last bit of distance on their quest.

EXT. GONDOR – NEXT DAY

Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, Gandalf, Halbarard, and Pippin are leading a great army out of Gondor, and onwards to Mordor. Pippin looks sad.

PIPPIN: I wish I didn’t have to leave Merry behind.

GANDALF: I know. But he needs his rest, and you will do more good with us. Eomer stayed behind with many men to defend the city from any further attacks. Your place is here.

They enter the ruins of Osgillath, dead bodies of both men and Orcs lying around, the horses walking over them.

GIMLI: Ay, we wasted too much time preparing, and not enough time fighting.

ARAGORN: We did the best we could, Gimli. We still defended Minas Tirith and all the lands beyond.

LEGOLAS: Why are we going onward to Mordor? There will be more armies there.

HALBARAD: We must go to distract Sauron.

GANDALF: Then Frodo can complete his task, if Sauron is concentrating on us.

Suddenly, a dirty head pokes around the corner and Gandalf sights it.

GANDALF (Shouting): Come out!

All the Riders come to a stop as a person walks out from around the corner of a house, and before long, the entire town of people who had survived the attack were walking out toward them.

GANDALF: The King has returned!

There are low murmurs.

ARAGORN: You are free of Mordor. Rebuild your town. When I return, I will send you assistance.”

And with that, the riders started moving once again.

LEGOLAS: You will be a very kind ruler, Aragorn. Your people will be very fortunate to follow you.

EXT. GONDOR – RANDOM FIELDS – DAY

The army is riding with speed across the green lands of Gondor.

EXT. MORDOR - DAY

They had left Gondor and are in the barren lands of Mordor. They ride more slowly, since this terrain was much more harsh then that of Gondor’s.

GANDALF: Be weary in this land. Many foul things have found a home here, and many of those wish to see us fail.

As they ride, they all start looking on all sides of themselves, close to the ground, and in the distance, looking out for anything mischievous.

EXT. MORDOR – DAY – LATER

Legolas looks up in the sky with his Elf eyes and spots seven black shapes up there.

LEGOLAS: Nazgul. Seven of them. Where the eighth is, I do not know.

GIMLI: Could it be after the young Hobbits?

GANDALF: Possibly. But that is not our concern. Neither are those Black Riders above us, unless they attack.

They enter a valley, where cliff faces were are on either side of them, and the entire army has to travel single-file in order to fit through.

ARAGORN: I don’t like this. We can be ambushed.

GANDALF: It is the quickest way, Aragorn. Unless you want to take days, even weeks to get there, then this is the only way.

Aragorn continues on, leading the army, looking back and forth from the two sides. They exit the small valley, and continue on.

EXT. MORDOR – BARD-DUR – DAY

It is now Evening and they have reached the Black Gates of Barad-Dur, and come to a halt. The Gates are between two giant cliff faces, and remains closed.

ARAGORN (Shouting): Come forth! Let the Lord of the Dark Lands come forth!

There is a great silence for many long minutes, as no answer is heard. Suddenly they hear drums banging loudly from the other side of the Gates. Then horns begin to play and a great moan sounds out as the Gates slowly open.

Only one Rider is coming out to meet them, and this Rider has no weapon. He wears a helmet, but his face is greatly disfigured, as if he is a skeleton with a thin layer of flesh on him. He rides out as the Gates bang closed behind him.

EVIL RIDER: I am the Mouth of Sauron. (Looks at the army and begins to laugh an evil laugh.) Is there anyone in this army worthy of speaking with me? (Looks at Aragorn.) It takes more to be King then mere Elfish blades and armour.

Aragorn begins to take out his sword, but stops when the Mouth of Sauron continues.

MOUTH OF SAURON: You cannot slay me, for I am only the messenger.

Aragorn lets his hand off of the hilt of his sword. The Messenger pulls up Frodo’s cloak.

MOUTH OF SAURON: You will move your forces out of Gondor, and away from these lands. And in exchange, we will give you your companion.

Everyone shows surprise and fear as they see this messenger hold Frodo’s cloak up. Even Gandalf.

ARAGORN (Hoping that they had not found the Ring): How does your master expect one prisoner to be worth so much? We will not retreat.

The Mouth of Sauron opens his mouth and a great screeching fills the air.

EXT. MORDOR – BARAD-DUR – ONTOP – DAY

Giant trolls are on top Barad-Dur, being whipped by Orc handlers. They start pulling and pushing a giant device, allowing the giant Gates to moan open.

EXT. MORDOR – BARAD-DUR – DOWN BELOW – DAY

From down on the ground, the Gates slowly open, revealing a great Orc army, banging their weapons on the ground. They roar and rush out at a run, and as they do, two more Orc armies start running down from the sides of the surrounding mountains, closing in around Aragorn and his army. The Riders all draw their weapons, the Elven Archers loading their bows.

PIPPIN (Shouting; Drawing his sword): For Gondor!

ARAGORN (Shouting): For Gondor!

ENTIRE ARMY (Shouting): For Gondor!

As the rushing armies continue to run at them, they hear screeching as the seven Nazgul start to swoop down towards them. The armies all met at once.

Aragorn swings his sword, killing an Orc.

Legolas fires an arrow, killing another Orc, while Gimli rams his axe down on another one.

Gandalf fires a great blast from his staff, causing many Orcs to fly back as their skin boils.

Pippin raises his sword and brings it down on the head of an Orc.

Halbarad swings his sword, chopping off an Orc’s head, then rams it behind him, right into the face of another Orc.

All around, men are fighting and defending, blocking and attack, swords clanging, many men falling.

The Elves are about to fire their arrows, when from behind, the Orc Archers fired first, killing the majority of the Elven Archers in one wave of arrows.

Halbarad Lashes out with his foot to kick an Orc, but it catches his foot and yanks him off his horse, causing him to land on the ground, hard. An Orc rushes at him, but he swings his foot up, kicking it away. He starts to stand, and gets shoved back to the ground by an Orc that was running by. He tries to stand again, but this time, he looks up, seeing an Orc look at him, growling. Then it rams a spear forward, impaling Halbarard. His eyes shoot open and he gasps. Aragorn looks over and sees this, stopping all his fighting.

ARAGORN (Shouting): Halbarard!

Halbarard falls to the ground, lifeless as the Orc pulls its spear out and lets out a victory cry. Aragorn starts running towards the Orc, killing any Orc in his way. Rams his sword into one, swings it at another. He finally reaches the Orc that killed Halbarard, only to have its back turned to him. Aragorn taps it on the shoulder, and when it turns around, he punches it, causing it to take a couple steps back. He then takes his sword, and with all his strength, swings sideways. The sword goes part way through the Orc’s midsection, and gets stuck. Aragorn uses the last of his strength to continue pulling it through, until it was freed on the other side.

The Orc looks at Aragorn and growls, taking a step forward. That’s when his top half fell away from his legs, which were left standing for a few seconds before also falling. Aragorn turns around and continues to fight.

Gandalf swings his staff around, hitting an Orc over the head, then tripping another up, then ramming it into the gut of another.

Gimli rams his axe down, splitting a head in half, then swings it again, killing another Orc. Legolas fires an arrow. Then another. Then another. Then another. Killing Orcs with each shot. But no matter how many Orcs were killed, more always seemed to replace them.

Pippin’s horse starts to panic and throws him off. Pippin lands hard on his back, with an Orc glaring down at him. He uses all his Might and rams his sword up and forward, killing the Orc, but causing it to fall on top of him, pinning him to the ground. He hits his head off the ground, causing him to go dizzy and his eyesight to go fuzzy.

RANDOM SOLDIER: Look! The Eagles! The Eagles!

And then Pippin slips away into darkness and sees no more.

EXT. MORDOR – PLAINS – DAY

Frodo and Sam are getting closer to the base of Mount Doom, when Frodo suddenly stops, looking very sick. Sam looks at him.

FRODO (Whispering): It’s the Ring. Its hurting my neck.

SAM: If you want, Mr. Frodo, I’ll carry it.

Suddenly Frodo gets a new burst of energy, but not a good energy.

FRODO: Get away from me, you little thief! Don’t touch me!

Sam takes a step towards Frodo.

SAM: But Frodo…

FRODO (Cutting Sam off): No!

Frodo backs up and takes Sting out.

FRODO: It’s mine!

Sam quickly takes a couple steps back as Frodo seems to return to normal, putting his sword away.

FRODO (More kinder and gentler): It is my burden, Sam. I would not dare give you the danger I have put myself in. besides, I cannot give it up. If I try to, it will drive me mad.

Sam nods, still visibly frightened.

SAM: I understand. But there are other things we do not need. We should lighten our load. (Looks at Mount Doom.) There’s no point in taking anything we’re sure not to need.

FRODO: Very well.

Sam takes off his pack and starts taking everything out except for the remaining food. Tears come to his eyes as he throws his cooking supplies away.

SAM: Do you remember the day we had the cooked Rabbit, Mr. Frodo?

Frodo chuckles as he lets some small objects fall to the ground from his pockets.

FRODO: Yes Sam. It was a very tasty meal.

SAM (Sadly): I’m afraid we won’t be having any more of those on this journey.

Once everything they don’t need is thrown away, they stand back up and continue onward to the base of Mount Doom.

EXT. MORDOR – MOUNT DOOM – DAY

Before long, they reach and start up the side of the mountain, the air getting thicker, making it harder to breathe. Before long, Frodo collapses from being too weak.

SAM (Shouting): Frodo!

Sam rushes to him and kneels by his side.

SAM: Oh, Frodo! Don’t give up now. Not now that we’re so close to finishing our task!

FRODO (Whispering): I can’t go on, Sam.

SAM: It’s almost over. You can’t give up after all we’ve been through to get here.

He tries to help Frodo to stand, but it is no use.

FRODO (Whispering): I can’t stand. I’m too weak.

Sam turns around and sits on a rock.

SAM: Then it’s been all for nothing. Everything we’ve been through. All the people who has died. Its all for nothing. We mind as well stay here until death claims us.

Suddenly Frodo gets a last ounce of Hope in him.

FRODO: No Sam, we must complete our task. I will crawl if I have to.

And with that, Frodo turns his body around and starts to crawl up the side of the mountain. Sam smiles and also crawls, going up Mount Doom with Frodo.

EXT. MORDOR – MOUNT DOOM – DAY – LATER

Part way up, Frodo and Sam turns around to look behind them, and in the distance, they see the top tower of Barad-Dur, with a large, flaming, red Eye of fire. But the pupil is not on them. It is turned the other way.

FRODO: We should hurry, Sam. While we’re not being seen.

Sam nods his agreement as they continue on up.

EXT. MORDOR – MOUNT DOOM – DAY – LATER

A little further up, they come to a flat surface, and in front of them stands a cave entrance.

SAM: Look Mr. Frodo! There it is!

They stand up and start walking towards it, when suddenly a boulder lands between them, smashing. They look up, and on the mountain, above the cave, Gollum stands.

GOLLUM: Wicked masster cheatsss us.

He jumps down, tackling Frodo to the ground. Sam starts to run forward with his sword, but knows it was useless. Frodo and Gollum are locked together, with Gollum trying to force his way to the Ring. Frodo suddenly fights back with an ounce of strength that amazes both Sam and Gollum. Frodo throws Gollum off of him and to the ground. Frodo clutches the Ring in one hand.

FRODO (Furious): Down! Down and out of my way!

Gollum moves away from the path leading into the mountain, and Sam rushes over to him, pointing his sword at him.

SAM: Go on, Mr. Frodo. Do what we came here to do. I’ll stay and watch Gollum.

GOLLUM (Shouting): You mussstn’t go that way!

Gollum cries out as Frodo jogs into the tunnel, leaving their view.

GOLLUM (Shouting): You musssn’t harm the preciousss!

He reaches out his hand, but Sam brings his foot back and then forward, kicking it. Gollum quickly brings it back, rubbing it.

GOLLUM: Nasssty Fat Hobbit.

He glares at Sam. He jumps at Sam unexpectedly, knocking him to the ground, then turns and runs inside the tunnel.

SAM (Shouting): Frodo, watch out! Gollum is coming in after you!

Sam stands up and also rushes inside the cave.

INT. MORDOR – MOUNT DOOM – DAY

Sam runs through the tunnel and comes to an area that splits off into three directions. He quickly continues on, ignoring the side tunnels, and soon he enters into a large chamber that is lit by the glow of the lava below. Sam has entered the cavern that they are supposed to destroy the Ring in. The Lava is boiling, twisting, and turning it the pit.

He sees Frodo standing on the edge, looking down into the pit of lava. Sam sighs with relief.

SAM: So you have done it. You’ve destroyed the Ring. You have completed our quest. Middle-Earth is saved.

Frodo turns around, an evil sneer on his face, the Ring between two fingers, no longer on the chain. Sam gasps.

FRODO: I come, but I do not choose to do what I came to do. I will not do this deed. The Ring is mine!

And at that instant, Frodo slips the Ring on, disappearing from view.

EXT. MORDOR – BARAD-DUR – BATTLE – DAY

From high atop TH furious battle, all the Nazgul suddenly shrieks and takes off in a different direction, leaving the battle behind.

INT. MORDOR – MOUNT DOOM – LAVA CHAMBER - DAY

SAM (Shouting): Frodo! All this way for nothing. Just to loose. Just to give in.

Suddenly he is shoved hard against the wall, and all he sees is blackness.

INT. MORDOR – MOUNT DOOM – LAVA CHAMBER – DAY – MINUTES LATER

Sam opens his eyelids and rubs his eyes as he sits against the wall of the cavern. He gets a look of surprise as he sees Gollum jumping around, snapping at some unseen force. At times Gollum appears to stay in the air for a few seconds, on one spot, and then gets flung away.

Gollum quickly jumps back up, and continues snapping his teeth around. Suddenly Sam heard Frodo’s voice cry out as Gollum tears something away and Frodo becomes visible as he collapses to the floor.

SAM: Mr. Frodo!

Sam runs over to Frodo and stands by him as he sees Gollum dancing around with glee. Sam looks down and sees that Frodo’s hand is bleeding from…

Where his Ring finger is supposed to be! Gollum had bitten it off! Sam looks back up and sees Gollum prancing around.

GOLLUM (Happily): We’ve gotssss it!

He keeps repeating that as he continues to prance around the cavern. As he prances, he gets too close to the edge, and the ground starts to crack. Suddenly part of the edge crumbles away, causing Gollum to loose his balance and fall over the side, down towards the lava.

GOLLUM (Shouting): Precioussssssssssss!

The Ring slips from his grasp as he falls. Gollum sinks into the lava, the Ring close behind him. Suddenly there is a giant roar as the fires and lava shoot up, and start exploding in fits of fury, causing the entire cave system and mountain to shake and tremble.

Sam uses all his strength to pick Frodo up. He puts his arm around his shoulder and helps him walk out of the cavern, and down he tunnel as rocks fall loose all around them.

EXT. MORDOR – TOWER OF CIRITH UNGOL – DAY

The Tower of Cirith Ungol is breaking away, bricks falling. After so many falls loose, the tower collapses.

EXT. MORDOR – BARD-DUR – DAY

Barad-Dur also starts to fall apart, bricks raining down. High on top of the highest Tower of Bard-Dur, the Eye of Fire turns furiously in the direction of Mount Doom, and then suddenly explods in a shower of sparks and stars, lighting all of Morder, and freeing the lands from the darkness.

EXT. MORDOR – SKY – DAY

The Nazgul are flying towards Mount Doom when the bright explosion of the Eye happens. They get caught in the blast of light, and they begin to disintegrate, cloaks included. The dragons are blinded by the light and fall to the ground, the fall causing their deaths.

INT. MORDOR – MOUNT DOOM – DAY

Sam and Frodo are nearing the entrance to the cave.

FRODO (V.O.): Well this is the end.

Sam turns his head and sees Frodo looking up at him, his skin deathly pale. They exit the tunnels and run out onto the side of Mount Doom, into the new light of day. A light Mordor has not seen for a long time. Sam sets Frodo down.

SAM: Your hand!

FRODO: It’s alright, Sam. It was meant to happen. Do you remember Gandalf’s words, back in the Mines of Moria?

FLASHBACK SEQUANCE

INT. MINES OF MORIA – NIGHT

Gandalf and Frodo are standing together, peering into the darkness, in the Mines of Moria.

FRODO: Pity Bilbo didn’t kill him when he had the chance.

GANDALF: Pity? It was pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. Many who live deserve death, and some who die deserve life. Can

you give it to them? Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends, but my heart tells me that Gollum still has a part to play, for good or ill. Before this is over, the pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many.

END FLASHBACK SEQUANCE

EXT. MORDOR – MOUNT DOOM – CAVE ENTRANCE – DAY

FRODO: I could not have destroyed the Ring. Gollum was able to do, what I could not.

Then he looks at Sam as tears come to both their eyes, knowing it is finally all over.

FRODO: I’m glad you’re here with me, Sam. Here at the end of our adventure.

Suddenly part of the mountain explodes as the fires shot up. The ground starts to break away, collapsing into itself.

SAM (Shouting): Run, Frodo!

Sam helps Frodo to run down the side, lava quickly shooting up from many creaks, flowing down after them. They stay ahead of the lava for quite some time, until they discover that the mountain is now an island, lava flowing at its base. They stop on their spot, seeing that they are trapped. Lava flowing in front of them, cutting their escape off, lava flowing towards them from behind. They look back and forth between the two lava flows.

SAM: I don’t want to give up yet. It’s not like me.

FRODO: Maybe not, Sam. But its like things are in the world…

EXT. MORDOR – BARAD-DUR – DAY

FRODO (V.O.): Hopes fail…

Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Pippin, and the remainder of the army are fighting a battle. Pippin knocks his head off the ground, just as Barad-Dur starts crumbling. Suddenly a flock of giant Eagles are seen and someone points up, shouting something. (We don’t hear any sound other then Frodo talking)

FRODO (V.O.): An end comes…

The Giant eagles each take a person into the air, leaving the panicking Orcs below. The Eagles fly away, away from Mordor.

EXT. MORDOR – MOUNT DOOM – DAY

We see Sam and Frodo caught between the 2 lava flows, from an Arial shot.

FRODO (V.O.): There is no escape.

We cut down to Frodo and Sam as they look back one final time, seeing that the lava will reach them any second. They are already feeling the heat from it. They close their eyes, waiting for their deaths to come.

Suddenly they hear a caw and look up, just in time to see two giant Eagles swoop down and pick them up in their claws, carrying them away from Mount Doom and the lava. Frodo then passes out at that time, seeing only blackness.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – HOUSE OF HEALING – NEXT DAY

Frodo opens his eyes, and looks around, seeing he is lying on a bed. On the bed next to his is Sam, who also opens his eyes. Frodo’s hand has been bandaged up. Standing around them is Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Merry, and Pippin, who are all smiling.

GANDALF: So they awake.

MERRY AND PIPPIN: Frodo! Sam!

Merry and Pippin fling themselves on the two Hobbits, hugging them.

FRODO: Where are we? How did we get here?

GANDALF: You are in the House of Healing, at Minas Tirith of Gondor. You were brought here by two Eagles dispatched from The Lord of the Eagles.

GIMLI: You have saved us all, little-ones. And if in anyway I may lend my axe to you again, just let me know.

LEGOLAS: You have seen much. And I long to hear your tails.

ARAGORN: First they must rest more. For that is more important right now.

GANDALF: I agree with Aragorn. You have been through much and need your rest.

MERRY: We wish to stay by their side.

ARAGORN: You may do so, as long as you do not disturb their rest.

And with that, they all leave the building, except for Merry and Pippin.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – HOUSE OF HEALING – DAY – LATER

Eowyn opens her eyes from her sleep, seeing Faramir sitting on his bed, looking over at Sam and Frodo, who sleep, and Merry and Pippin who also sleep, sitting in chairs next to the two beds. Faramir stands up as Eowyn also climbs out of bed.

FARAMIR (Near tears): I almost stopped those two from completing their quest. I could have been the downfall of all Middle-Earth.

Eowyn puts a hand on Faramir’s shoulder.

EOWYN: But you weren’t. In the end, you allowed them to go. You did the right thing. (Tears come to her eyes) I must leave this room. I have to prepare my Uncle’s funeral.

Faramir turns to her.

FARMIR: You cannot leave yet. Your brother is taking care of those arrangements.

EOWYN: But I must…

Faramir takes her into his arms, cutting her off, and looks into her eyes.

FARAMIR: Eowyn of Rohan, I say to you, you are beautiful. It would make me happy for you to stay near me.

She looks up into his eyes, completely forgetting about her troubles.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – CITADEL – THRONE ROOM – DAY – DAYS LATER

A few days later, after everyone is healed, they all stand in a great hall, along with the citizens of Minas Tirith, and a few people from all over Gondor. Also in the crowd are Arwen and Elrond. At the front of the room stands Faramir, Aragorn, and Gandalf. The only two people missing are Frodo and Sam. A low murmur rises in the crowd, and suddenly the doors burst open with Sam and Frodo running in.

FRODO (Running down the aisles): Sorry!

The entire crowd stands and applauds and cheers the two Hobbits as they slow to a walk. Sam moves into a seat next to Merry and Pippin, in the front row, as Frodo continues on to the front with Faramir, Aragorn, and Gandalf. Faramir faces the crowd.

FARAMIR: Men of Gondor and guests, It is custom of old that the King shall receive the crown from his father. But since things must now be done otherwise, using the authority of the Steward, I have today brought hither from Rath Dinen, the crown of our last king, whose days passed long before our forefathers. Let Mithrandir pass it onto The Ring-Bearer, who then in turn, will place it upon the head of the King.

Faramir nods and Gandalf takes a case and opens it, revealing a bright, golden crown. He holds it up, and passes it to Frodo, who in turn, places it on Aragorn’s head.

FARAMIR: Now come the days of the King. May they be blessed while the thrones of the Valar endure. (Aragorn turns and looks at the crowd.) Behold the King!

In that moment, trumpets are blown, and all the viewers start clapping, a huge smile coming on all their faces, including Elrond’s. Faramir turns to Aragorn.

FARAMIR: Take your throne.

Aragorn turns, and sits down in the Throne, causing everyone who has been clapping to suddenly stand up as they continue.

INT. MINAS TRITIH – CITADEL – THRONE ROOM – DAY – LATER

All the chairs had been removed, and the majority of the crowd has left. Aragorn sits on his throne.

ARAGORN: Faramir, You will be the General of my armies. (Turns to Eomer) Eomer, from this day forth, Rohan and Gondor will answer each other’s calls for help, as a new alliance is formed.

Eomer nods.

EOMER: Wished of nothing else, King Aragorn.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – OUTSIDE CITADEL – DAYS LATER – EVENING

Stars lit the sky. Arwen, Evenstar of her people, stand in the glimmering light of the stars of night, wearing a dress of magnificent beauty. Standing beside her, is her father, Elrond.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – CITADEL – THRONE ROOM – EVENING

Inside the Citadel, another great crowd sits. Aragorn, King of Gondor, stands before his throne, facing the crowd. The doors at the back open and Arwen, holding arms with Elrond, walks into the room. They walk up the aisle, and once they reach the front, Elrond sits down as a priest stands before Aragorn and Arwen. Aragorn smiles at her.

ARAGORN (Whispering): Now not only the day shall be blessed by your beauty, but the night as well.

ARWEN (Smiling; Whispering): Such beautiful words.

As the Priest begins the marriage, and starts talking, we pan down through the crowd, seeing Faramir and Eowyn, side-by-side, and as the priest performs the marriage, we see that their hands find each other.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – CITADEL – THRONE ROOM – EVENING – LATER

After the ceremony, again, many of the guests have left. Frodo and the Hobbits approach Aragorn and Arwen, who sit on their thrones.

ARAGORN: I know what you have come to say, young Hobbits. You long for your home. As the saying goes, The Tree grows best in its homelands. But you well all be forever welcomed in these lands. Your names will be forever sung in the songs of my people.

FRODO: It is true that we wish to return to the Shire. But first I must go to Rivendell. I missed Bilbo, and I was surprised that he has not come here.

ARWEN: Your uncle grows old, Frodo. The Ring is destroyed, and with it, its power. He is aging quite fast, and will make no more journeys, save one.

FRODO: Then I beg to leave soon, for I long to speak with him.

ARAGORN: Then gather your things, for at Dawn’s light tomorrow, you will leave.

The Hobbits turn to leave, but are stopped by a voice.

ARWEN: But first!

She stands up and walks to Frodo.

ARWEN: “A gift I will give to you. My father soon departs to the Grey Havens, but I will not be joining him, for I have forsaken my immortal life to live beside the one I love. But in my place, you shall go if you choose, when the time is right. If your hurt grieves you, and you feel your burden is still to heavy, you may pass into the West. But wear this now, in memory of Elfstone and Evenstar.

Arwen takes a white star-shaped gem necklace, much like the one she gave Aragorn, and places it around Frodo’s neck.

ARWEN: When the memory of the fear and darkness troubles you, this will bring you aid.

Frodo nods as him and the other Hobbits turn to leave.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – STREETS – NEXT DAY

The next day, everyone is set to leave. Eomer leaves with the Riders of Rohan, carrying Theodon’s casket. Eowyn stays with Faramir in Minas Tirith, watching her brother leave. Gandalf has Shadowfax prepared, and he has two other horses prepared for the four Hobbits. Gimli and Legolas approach.

GANDALF: Do you wish to come as well?

LEGOLAS: Nay. I will be staying here and helping where I can. Aragorn has given me a place among the Archers.

GIMLI: And I go where the Elf goes. We well represent the new treaty between Elves and Dwarves.

GANDALF: Then I bode you good fortune in your future.

LEGOLAS: Well we ever see you again, Gandalf?

GANDALF: Only in memory. For I will be leaving for the Northern Shores as well. But you may visit the Hobbits at The Shire.

Gimli looks at the four Hobbits standing before him and he brakes down crying, trying to hug all of them in a giant bear hug.

GIMLI: I will miss you, laddies!

He starts to sniffle his nose, and as he bear hugs them, he takes the back of Sam’s shirt and uses it to blow his nose. He starts crying even louder, starting a commotion.

GANDALF: Gimli, you must let them go, if they are to have any air to breathe with afterwards.

Gimli lets go and they all start breathing again. They all shake hands with Gimli and shake hands and hug Legolas as they climb onto their horses. Suddenly Aragorn walks over.

FRODO: Good-bye, Strider.

ARAGORN: Good-bye, Frodo, and may you have good fortune. I wish to see you again in the future, but I fear in my heart that I will not. (Turns to Gandalf.) You too, old friend. You have shown me much, and you have returned me to my rightful place.

GANDALF: All I did was what I had to, to insure the safety of Middle-Earth. But as I said when we met in the woods of Fangorn oh so long ago, I must leave now that my business is complete.

ARAGORN: Then I bid you good fortune as well.

Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn stand, watching the Hobbits and Gandalf ride away. Arwen comes up and Aragorn and her hold each other in their arms as Gimli continues crying, awfully loud.

EXT. RIVENDELL – DAY

The group makes it to Rivendell, where Elrond is already waiting, having reached it before them. Also waiting for them is Bilbo, looking much older then the last time Frodo has seen him. Bilbo and Frodo hug.

BILBO: Frodo, my boy! Elrond insisted that I go to the Grey Havens with the elves, but I told him that I wanted to stay to see you complete the task. You must tell me all about it!

FRODO: So you mean to tell me that you are not returning to The Shire?

BILBO: No. I mean not to, like I said long ago. I well be going to the North when Elrond and Gandalf leave.

INT. RIVENDELL – GUEST CHAMBERS – EVENING

That evening, Merry, Pippin, Sam, and Frodo share a room. They are sitting around a table in the room, discussing their future.

PIPPIN: Well I wish to return to Gondor one day and see Aragorn and all the others again.

MERRY: I wish to join you in that. But first I’d like to settle down with a nice Hobbit family.

SAM: Oh, that sounds wonderful! I long to do that myself.

MERRY AND PIPPIN: Ohhhhhhh!

Frodo is dazing off, looking into space.

MERRY: And who’s the lucky lady you had in mind?

SAM (Looking Embarrassed): Well… (Beat) I was thinking about…(Beat) maybe…(Beat) Rosie.

They all start laughing and fooling around, making jokes. Suddenly Sam stops and turns to Frodo.

SAM: And what of you, Mr. Frodo?

Frodo snaps out of his daze and looks at them, a sad look on his face.

PIPPIN: What is it?

FRODO: I give my Hobbit hole to you three equally.

They are all shaken up by this and are surprised.

SAM: What are you talking about? Where are you going to live? You are coming back, aren’t you?

Frodo is silent.

SAM: Aren’t you?

Frodo slowly shakes his head, feeling tears in his eyes. The three Hobbits gasp.

SAM: But Mr. Frodo…

FRODO (Cutting Sam off): No use trying to talk me out of it Sam, I have made up my mind. As long as I stay here, my heart will always long for that in which it can’t have… (Beat) The Ring. Arwen told me that this would be healed by going to the Grey Havens. And I also wish to be with my Uncle in his last remaining years.

MERRY: But Frodo, We can help you get through it.

FRODO: No Merry. No one can. Not as long as I stay here. Arwen warned me of this.

SAM: Oh, Mr. Frodo.

Sam gets up and hugs him. Soon the others join in and they all begin to cry.

EXT. RIVENDELL – HILL – DAY

The next day, The Hobbits stand on a hill, looking at the landscape.

SAM: The Shire. Only a few days more and we will be home.

Elrond, the remaining elves, Gandalf, and Bilbo appear on the hill.

GANDALF: It is time, Frodo.

The hobbits turn to look at Frodo, tears still in all their eyes.

SAM (Crying): Take me with you, Mr. Frodo.

FRODO: You well not be able to Sam. Besides, you need to return to the Shire and live a life with Rosie. Tell your children stories of how Samwise The Brave got Frodo out of many bad situations. About how Samwise the Brave helped stop an evil lord from dominating all of Middle-Earth. You have to return to give the stories to the children, so they can play make-believe, and fight over who gets to play Sam.

By now Sam is crying even harder.

SAM (Crying): Oh, Mr. Frodo, I wish to see you again, though I know I never will.

FRODO: I know, Sam. But perhaps in another life, we well meet again.

SAM (Crying): Oh Mr. Frodo.

The other Hobbits couldn’t take it anymore and they also join in the hug once again and also cry.

EXT. SHIRE – DAY

We see Sam, Pippin, and Merry enter the Shire, long looks on their faces. However the Shire is even more beautiful then

they remembered, and that with the fact that they are now home, brightens their spirits.

GALADRIAL: Merry, Pippin and Sam returned to the Shire days later, to find it having grown more beautiful then they have ever remembered.

A commotion starts among all the Hobbits that are witnessing their return. Pippin and Merry go to their families as Sam goes to his. As he approaches his Hobbit hole, his little sister runs out to greet him. He picks her up and hugs her as his father appears in the doorway.

ROSIE (V.O.): Samwise?

Sam turns and Rosie runs up and hugs him, and he hugs her back, still holding his younger sister in one arm.

EXT. MIDDLE-EARTH – MULTIPLE TERRAINS

Legolas and Gimli are riding together across multiple terrains, all shown on a map.

GALADRIAL (V.O.): Legolas and Gimli stayed in Gondor for many years, before going off on their own adventures.

INT. MINAS TIRITH – CITADEL – THRONE ROOM – DAY

Faramir and Eowyn are getting married, Arwen and Aragorn standing close by.

GALADRIAL (V.O.): Faramir and Eowyn married and lived in the city of Gondor.

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – STREETS – DAY

Aragorn and Arwen are out in the town, among the people, talking with them.

GALADRIAL (V.O.): Aragorn and Arwen ruled over Gondor, and were hailed as its greatest rulers…

EXT. MINAS TIRITH – NIGHT

Aragorn and Arwen are lying in caskets outside, leaves falling around them as many mourn their deaths.

GALADRIAL (V.O. C’ont): … until their deaths came to pass, which claimed both Aragorn, son of Arathorn and Arwen, the Evenstar, at the same hour.

EXT. RIVENDELL – DOCKS - DAY

Frodo, Gandalf, Elrond, Bilbo, and the remaining elves are getting into a boat and setting out.

GALADRIAL (V.O.): The Quest did not claim Frodo’s life physically, but it did claim his mental life. He had to leave his home, all his friends and everything he loved, to go to the Grey Havens to free his mind of the burden that still lay on it.

EXT. LOTHLORIAN – EVENING

The place is completely deserted.

GALADRIAL (V.O.): And as for me, Galadrial, lady of the woods, I soon joined them. And thus ends, the Third age of Middle-Earth, and my story.

EXT. OCEAN – DAY

The boat carrying Frodo and the others is sailing through an ocean, no land in site. Suddenly in the horizon, they spot the Northern Shores and the Grey Havens.

THE END

As the Credits roll, a scene pops up beside the words.

EXT. SHIRE – HOBBIT HOME – BACK YARD – DAY

Two Hobbit children are shoving and pushing each other.

HOBBIT CHILD 1: No, I want to be him!

HOBBIT CHILD 2: No! You were him last time!

HOBBIT CHILD 1: But you ALWAYS get to be Sam!

HOBBIT CHILD 2: That’s because I’m the oldest and Sam was definitely older then Frodo.

Hobbit Child 1 turns and runs inside, crying.

HOBBIT CHILD 1: Daddy, Frilip won’t let me play Sam!

The Hobbit door opens again, and a hobbit we see as a much older Samwise Gamgee walks out, holding one of his sons in his arms.

SAM: Frillip come inside! I’m going to tell you children more adventures of Frodo and Sam.

Frillip looks excited as he runs up and the three go inside the Hobbit hole, closing the door behind them.

FADE OUT, allowing the credits to take up the entire screen again.