At the Black Gate

When the Mouth of Sauron brought out the hobbits’ garments and possessions, I could only maintain my outer façade of calmness, but inside, I felt great dread and uncertainty. However, some inner conscience was telling me that either Frodo or Sam was still alive, even though it did not seem so. I could not believe that this was the end, for if Sauron had the Ring, he would present himself at the Black Gate and fight himself. There was still hope. Only could I convince myself to believe this, could I continue to negotiate with the foul Mouth of Sauron.

“Name the terms,” said Gandalf steadily, but those nearby saw the anguish in his face, and now he seemed an old and wizened man, crushed, defeated at last.***

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“The Eagles are coming! The Eagles are coming!” –The Return of the King (The Field of Cormallen)***

The Eagles coming was certainly a good sign… But as we all saw the Black Gate crumbling down and the Enemy’s structures in Mordor collapse, all doubts were dashed. This was the hour of victory. The Ring-bearer had succeeded. Words could not describe how glad and relieved I was at this gamble … this fool’s hope as everyone had thought. That I would succeed in bringing out the courage of a long overlooked race of people in Middle-Earth and have them fulfill the seemingly unachievable. My dear, courageous hobbit lads! Tears of happiness came to my eyes as I shouted,

“The realm of Sauron is ended! The Ring-bearer has fulfilled his Quest.”***

***A/N—The 100 words do not include the quotes that are brought in from the Return of the King.