The Return of the King - Movie Transcript

The History of Gollum

[We see a young hobbit, Sméagol, gently fingering a worm, and as the camera zooms out, we see that he and his cousin Déagol, are sitting in a small boat on the river Anduin, surrounded by the lush green of the Shire. Suddenly, a look of excitement comes into Déagol's face.]

Déagol:

Sméagol! I've got one! I've got a fish, Sméag!

[They both laugh, Sméagol watching happily as his cousin struggles with his catch.]

Déagol:

Sméagol!

Sméagol:

Go on! Go on, pull it up!

[As Déagol continues to struggle, the line gives another tug, pulling him into a water with a splash. With a look of concern on his face, Sméagol watches his cousin's hat as it bobs up and down in the water.]

Sméagol:

Déagol!?

[We are underwater, and a huge fish, caught in a hook, pulls Déagol along the river floor. With his cheeks puffed out, we see that Déagol is running out of breath. Eventually, he lets go of the pole, and as he opens his eyes in the water, a glimmer of gold in the sand catches his eye. He closes his hand over the sand surrounding what we see is a golden ring. As he gets to the surface, he peers into the shimmering water, then, as suddenly remembering something, he opens his clenched fist, gazing at the shiny ring in awe. In the background, a bunch of birds leave the surrounding trees hurriedly, and Sméagol hurries to his cousin.]

Sméagol:

[laughing]: Déagol! Déagol!

[Sméagol stands behind his cousin's back for a moment, eying the muddy ring greedily.]

Sméagol:

[Slowly:] Give us that, Déagol my love.

[Déagol closes his fist and turns to face Sméagol.]

Déagol:

Why?

Sméagol:

Because it's my birthday and I wants it.

[The smile on Sméagol's fades in an instant, and in a sudden motion, he snatches at the Ring. In the background comes the eerie call of of the Ring. Sméagol continues to snatch at the Ring, and they circle around each other, Sméagol's attempts becoming more desperate and violent. At last, they are openly fighting for the Ring. Sméagol bites at Déagol's arm, and the Ring falls to the ground. They hit out at each other desperately. The call of the Ring becomes louder, more piercing. Déagol grabs hold of the Ring with a lunge. Sméagol screams in terror, as Déagol swiftly closes his fingers around his throat. A drumming sound, like the heartbeat of a hunted animal pounds furiously.

Then slowly, emotionlessly, Sméagol begins to fight back, closing his own fingers around his cousin's neck, until at last, Déagol ceases to struggle, the drumming slowing down and fading, overcome at last by the whispering voice of the Ring. Sméagol clambours over the dead body of his cousin, and takes the Ring from his loose grasp, fingering it in delight.]

Sméagol:

My Precious...

[As he slips the Ring onto his finger, he vanishes from sight.]

[We see an older, more twisted form of of Sméagol, scrambling over rocks, agony on his face.]

Sméagol VO:

They cursed us...Murderer...

[We see Sméagol looking more pitiful still, huddled amongst the shadows, and biting his thumb while gazing at the Ring, as though unable to tear his eyes from it.]

Sméagol VO:

Murderer they called us. They cursed us and drove us away! Gollum! Gollum! Gollum!

[Sméagol kneels out in the open, in the cold dreariness of the rain.]

Sméagol VO:

And we wept, Precious. We wept to be so alone.

[In the dark by the riverside, Sméagol catches a fish with his bare hands. As it wriggles in his hands, he brings it to his mouth and sinks his rotten teeth into it.]

Sméagol VO:

Fish...and we only wish...so juicy sweet...

[We see various shots of Sméagol in the wildnerness, looking more and more like the creature Gollum in each scene. Finally, he crawls into the dark tunnels of the Misty Mountains.]

Sméagol VO:

And we forgot the taste of bread, the sound of trees, the softness of the wind. We even forgot our own name...

[Sméagol's bony figure squats in the caves, the Ring in his hands. He closes his eyes, then reopens them, closing the Ring in his fist.]

Sméagol:

My Prrrreciousss...

---

The days are growing darker

[In a small, cave-like shelter, Sam lies sleeping in his Elven cloak. Nearby, Frodo is sitting up, handling the chain around his neck. He glances in Sam's direction, then takes out the Ring, and fingers it, breathing heavily. As he hears Gollum approaching, he puts it away hastily. Gollum peeks into the stony alcove.]

Gollum:

Wake up! Wake up!

[Gollum shakes Sam awake.]

Gollum:

Wake up, sleepies! We must go, yess...We must go at once.

[Sam sits up and looks at Frodo's blank face.]

Sam:

Haven't you had any sleep, Mr. Frodo?

[Frodo merely shakes his head.]

Sam:

I've gone an' had too much.

[Sam stands up and looks at the surroundings.]

Sam:

Must be getting late.

Frodo:

No, it isn't - it isn't mid-day yet... the days are growing darker.

[The earth shakes and rumbles as in the distance, Orodruin belches out it's firey contents.]

Gollum:

Come on! Must go, no time!

Sam:

Not before Mr. Frodo's had something to eat.

Gollum:

No time to lose, silly!

[Sam walks to Frodo, goes through his bag and hands Frodo a pack of Lembas bread.]

Sam:

Here.

Frodo:

What about you?

Sam:

[Hastily:] Oh no, I'm not hungry...

'least not for Lembas bread.

Frodo:

Sam...

Sam:

[In an undertone:] All right, we don't have that much left. We have to be careful, or we're goin' to run out. You go ahead and eat that, Mr. Frodo.

[Frodo takes a bite of the Lembas bread.]

Sam:

I've rationed it. There should be enough.

Frodo:

For what?

Sam:

The journey home.

[The hobbits look at each other, a trace of emotion playing on Frodo's face.]

[The scene changes and we see the hobbits continue their journey, Gollum leading them.]

Gollum:

Come, hobbitses! Very close now. Very close to Mordor. No safe places here. Hurry!

---

The Field of Victory

[Some distance away, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli ride through Fangorn forest. We see their position in the forest from above, and not too far away is Isengard. Merry and Pippin sit on the walls, eating and smoking pipe weed.]

Pippin:

I feel like I'm back at the Green Dragon after a hard day's work.

Merry:

Only, you've never done a hard day's work.

[both laugh]

[As they see Gandalf and their friends emerge from the woods, Merry hops to his feet, and Pippin raises his tankard.]

Merry:

Welcome, my lords... to Isengard!

Gimli:

You, young rascals! A merry hunt you've lead us on, and now we find you feasting and - and smoking!

Pippin:

We are sitting on the field of victory, enjoying a few well-earned comforts.

[Merry blows out a cloud of smoke in agreement.]

Pippin:

The salted pork is particulary good.

Gimli:

Salted pork?

Gandalf:

Hobbits...

Merry:

We're under orders! From Treebeard, who's taken over management of Isengard.

[Gandalf and the others are riding towards Orthanc in the flooded ruins of Isengard.]

Treebeard:

Young master Gandalf. I'm glad you've come. Wood and water, stock and stone I can master, but there's a wizard to manage here; locked in his tower.

Gandalf:

And there Saruman must remain. Under your guard, Treebeard.

Gimli:

Well, let's just have his head and be done with it!

Gandalf:

No, he has no power anymore.

Treebeard:

The filth of Saruman is washing away. Trees will come back to live here.

[Pippin, sitting on a horse behind Aragorn, sees something in the water. He jumps down to get it.]

Treebeard:

Young trees, wild trees.

Aragorn:

Pippin!

[Pippin sinks his hands into the water and lifts up a heavy globe that we recognise as the Palantír of Saruman.]

Treebeard:

Bless my bark!

Gandalf:

Peregrin Took, I'll take that, my lad.

[Pippin wades toward Gandalf, then glances back down at the Palantír.]

Gandalf:

Quickly now!

[Pippin hands the Palantír to Gandalf, who hastily wraps it in his robes. Pippin watches Gandalf, as he rides away.]

---

Celebration at the Golden Hall of Medusel

[Gandalf and the others ride across the plains of Rohan, towards Edoras. The camera pans around the great mound on which it is situated, and we see that the Lady Èowyn stands on the steps of the Golden Hall, gazing into the distance. That night, inside the Golden Hall, King Théoden stands before the people of Rohan.]

Théoden:

Tonight we remember those who gave their blood to defend this country.

[Raising his goblet:] Hail the victorious dead!

People of Rohan:

Hail!

[We see Aragorn, holding a tankard. After a pause, he brings it to his lips. Later on, we see the people of Rohan celebrating. Holding a goblet, Èowyn walks to Aragorn, and offers it to him.]

Èowyn:

Westu, Aragorn, hál.

[Aragorn takes the cup from him and drinks, as Èowyn watches him, a smile spreading across her face. Aragorn passes the goblet back to her, and walks away. Théoden joins Èowyn as he leaves.]

Théoden:

I am happy for you. He is an honorable man.

Èowyn:

You are both honorable men.

Théoden:

It was not Théoden of Rohan who led our people to victory.

[Èowyn watches her uncle, the smile on her face fading.]

Théoden:

Don't listen to me. You are young and tonight is for you.

[A faint smile flickers across Èowyn's face. Further away, Merry and Pippin are dancing on a table, tankards in hands.]

Merry and Pippin:

Oh you can search far and wide,

You can drink the whole town dry,

But you'll never find a beer so brown

As the one we drink in our home town!

You can keep your fancy ales,

You can drink them by the flagon,

But the only brew for the brave and true,

Comes from the Green Dragon!

[The crowd claps and shouts, as Merry leans backwards, emptying his goblet. Standing off to one side, Gandalf laughs and claps, and is soon joined by Aragorn.]

Aragorn:

No news of Frodo?

Gandalf:

No word. Nothing.

Aragorn:

We have time. Every day Frodo moves closer to Mordor.

Gandalf:

Do we know that?

Aragorn:

What does your heart tell you?

[Gandalf is silent and watches Aragorn, a little smile rising to his lips.]

Gandalf:

That Frodo is alive.

[Softly, as though to himself:] Yes... Yes, he is alive.

---

Once the Hobbitses are Dead

[It is night-time, and Frodo and Sam are asleep.]

Gollum:

Too risky, too risky... Thieves!

[With increasing anger:] They stole It from us: kill them, kill them, kill them both!

[With a scream, he comes to his senses.]

Gollum:

Shhh! Quiet! Musn't wake them! Musn't ruin it now!

[Gollum crawls down from where he was sleeping and makes his way to a little pool of water.]

Sméagol:

But they knows! They knows! They suspects us!

[Sméagol sits on the edge of the pool, and sees Gollum look back at him from the gently ripping water.]

Gollum:

What's it saying, my precious, my love? Is Sméagol losing his nerve?

Sméagol:

No! Not! Never!

Sméagol:

[In protest:] Sméagol hates nasty hobbitses! Sméagol wants to see them - dead!

Gollum:

And we will. Sméagol did it once; he can do it again.

[A flashback of Sméagol strangling Déagol at the river-bank.]

Sméagol:

It's ours!!! Ours!!! We must get the Precious! We must get It back!

Gollum:

Patience! Patience, my love. First we must lead them to her.

Sméagol:

We lead them to the winding stairs.

Gollum:

Yes, the stairs... and then?

Sméagol:

Up, up, up, up the stairs we go and then we come to - the tunnel.

Gollum:

And when they go in, there's no coming out. She's always hungry. She always needs to feed. She must eat. All she gets is filthy orcses.

Sméagol:

And they doesn't taste very nice, does they, precious?

Gollum:

No, not very nice at all, my love. She hungers for sweeter meats...

[Farther away Sam is waking up, slowly opening his eyes, silent as he listens.]

Gollum:

...hobbit meat. And when she throws away the bones and empty clothes, then we will find It!

Sméagol:

[Screeching in delight:] And take It for meeeee!!!

Gollum:

For ussss.

Sméagol:

[Apologetically:] Yes, we meant, we meant for us.

Gollum:

Gollum! Gollum!

Sméagol:

The Precious will be ours, once the hobbitses are dead!

[Gollum drops a stone into the pool and as the reflection in the water becomes still again, Gollum's eyes are met by Sam's. Sam hits Gollum in the head, sending him flying through the air.]

Sam:

You treacherous little -

Gollum:

Argh! No! Master!

[Frodo awakes from his sleep when he hears Gollum's screams. He hurries to his side.]

Frodo:

No, Sam! Leave him alone!

[Frodo pulls Sam away from Gollum, who is moaning on the ground.]

Sam:

I heard it from his own mouth; he means to murder us!!!

Gollum:

Never! Sméagol wouldn't hurt a fly!

[Gollum presses his hand against his head and screams as he sees blood in it.]

Gollum:

He's a hobbit, fat hobbit who hates Sméagol and who makes up nasty lies!

Sam:

You miserable little maggot! I'll throw your head in!

[Frodo pulls at Sam's hand, holding him back as Gollum scrambles away from him.]

Frodo:

Sam!

Sam:

Called me a liar! You're a liar!

[Gollum screams, hiding behind a gangling tree. Frodo makes Sam face him.]

Frodo:

We scare him off, we're lost!

Sam:

I don't care! I can't do it, Mr. Frodo! I won't wait around for him to kill us!

Frodo:

I'm not sending him away!

Sam:

You don't see it, do you? He's a villain.

Frodo:

[Gently:] We can't do this by ourselves, Sam. Not without a guide.

[Sam watches Frodo with a serious face.]

Frodo:

I need you on my side.

Sam:

I'm on your side, Mr. Frodo.

Frodo:

I know, Sam. I know. Trust me.

[Sam lowers his face.]

Frodo:

Come, Sméagol.

[Gollum crawls past Sam, fear in his eyes, then takes the hand Frodo offers him. As they begin to walk, Gollum looks back at Sam, his scared expression suddenly replaced a look of malice. Sam's eyes narrow, but he says nothing.]

---

I saw Him

[It is night and Aragorn is walking outside the Golden Hall, his pipe in his hands. He turns to his left, and sees a cloaked figure gazing out to Mordor. Aragorn makes his way to him, and as the figure turns to face him, we see that it is Legolas.]

Legolas:

The stars are veiled.

[Aragorn stands beside him.]

Legolas:

Something stirs in the East... A sleepless malice.

[They glance at each other.]

Legolas:

The Eye of the enemy is moving.

[Inside a room only dimly lit, Gandalf and the hobbits are sleeping. We see Pippin awake, and after a moment's hesitation, he gets to his feet, and tiptoes towards Gandalf.]

Merry:

What are you doing?

[Pippin turns, but gives no answer to his friend. As he stands beside Gandalf, shock comes into his face, for his eyes are open.]

Merry:

[In a loud whisper:] Pippin!

[Pippin stares and Gandalf, then waves his hand across his face. Gandalf exhales.]

Merry:

Pippin?

[Merry sits up in his bed, as Pippin swaps the Palantír at Gandalf's elbow with a pot. The wizard mutters something, and the hobbit draws back, but Gandalf is still asleep. Quickly, Pippin, takes the Palantír away, back towards Merry.]

Merry:

Pippin! Are you mad?!

Pippin:

I just want to look at it! Just one more time...

[Pippin unwraps the cloth and takes out the Stone, sweat glistening on his face.]

Merry:

Put it back!

[Breathing in satisfaction, Pippin lowers his hands onto the stone.]

Merry:

Pippin...

[The smile on the hobbit's face soon transforms to fear, as the Lidless Eye appears in the Palantír. Pippin tries to draw back, but is unable to take his hands off the Stone. He starts to shake.]

Merry:

No! Pippin!

[Merry watches in terror, as his friend struggles with the glowing Palantír. We see Legolas and Aragorn, still outside the Golden Hall. Legolas turns to look at Aragorn, alarmed.]

Legolas:

He is here!

[Back in the hall:]

Voice of Sauron:

I see you...

Merry:

Pippin!!!

[Pippin jumps up, holding the Palantír as if it were glued to his hands. We see in slow-motion as the hobbit struggles with the flaming Stone, falling down on his back. Sauron's voice whispers in the background and Pippin cries in agony.]

Merry:

Help!!! Gandalf!

[Finally Gandalf stirs from his sleep and jumps up from his bed. Aragorn and Legolas rush into the room as well.]

Merry:

Help him! Someone help him!

[Aragorn snatches the Palantír from Pippin's hands but falls on his knees, taken over by its power. Legolas tries to help his friend and holds him still.]

[Finally the Stone drops from Aragorn's hands. As it rolls towards Gandalf, he hastily casts a cloth over it.]

Merry:

Pippin!

Gandalf:

Fool of a Took!

[Gandalf sees Pippin lying on the floor, his eyes open, staring into nothingness. He hurries to the hobbit anxiously, pushing Merry aside. The wizard takes Pippin's hand into his own and presses his other hand on the hobbit's forehead. He whispers something and strokes Pippin's cheek. Finally Pippin blinks his eyes. ]

Gandalf:

Look at me.

Pippin:

[Trembling:] Gandalf! Forgive me!

[Pippin makes to close his eyes, but Gandalf stops him.]

Gandalf:

Look at me. What did you see?

Pippin:

[After a long pause:] ...A tree... There was a white tree... in a courtyard of stone... It was dead.

[In a flash, we see the tree that Pippin talks of.]

Pippin:

The city was burning.

Gandalf:

Minas Tirith? Is that what you saw?

Pippin:

I saw - I saw - Him! I could hear His voice in my head!

Gandalf:

And what did you tell Him? Speak!

Pippin:

...He asked me my name; I didn't answer.

Pippin:

He hurt me!

Gandalf:

What did you tell Him about Frodo and the Ring?!

---

The Parting of Merry and Pippin

[The next day Gandalf is having a conversation with Théoden about the night's events. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli are also present.]

Gandalf:

There was no lie in Pippin's eyes. A fool... but an honest fool he remains.

[Farther away sits Pippin with Merry, looking remorseful.]

Gandalf:

He told Sauron nothing of Frodo and the Ring. We've been strangely fortunate. Pippin saw in the Palantír a glimpse of the enemy's plan.

Sauron moves to strike the city of Minas Trirth. His defeat at Helm's Deep showed our enemy one thing: He knows the heir of Elendil has come forth. Men are not as weak as He supposed; there is courage still. Strength enough perhaps to challenge Him. Sauron fears this.

[All the others are silent and listen as Gandalf continues.]

Gandalf:

He will not risk the peoples of Middle-Earth uniting under one banner. He will raze Minas Tirith to the ground before he sees a King return to the throne of men. If the Beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war.

Théoden:

Tell me, why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours?

[All are silent. Aragorn turns to look at Théoden.]

Théoden:

What do we owe Gondor?

Aragorn:

I will go.

Gandalf:

No!

Aragorn:

They must be warned!

Gandalf:

They will be.

[Gandalf walks to where Aragorn is standing with Legolas and Gimli by his side.]

Gandalf:

You must come to Minas Tirith by other road. Follow the river and look to the Black ships.

[Aragorn meets Gandalf's eyes before the wizard turns to face the others.]

Gandalf:

Understand this: things are now in motion that cannot be undone. I ride for Minas Tirith.

[He turns to look at Pippin.]

Gandalf:

And I won't be going alone.

[In the next scene we are outside. Gandalf, followed by the two hobbits is making his way to the stables of Edoras.]

Gandalf:

Of all the inquisitive hobbits, Peregrin Took, you are the worst! Hurry! Hurry!

[Merry follows Gandalf and Pippin runs behind him, trying to catch up, confusion on his face.]

Pippin:

Where are we going?

Merry:

[Annoyed:] Why did you look? Why do you always have to look?!

Pippin:

[Thoughtfully:] Don't know... I can't help it!

Merry:

You never can!

Pippin:

I'm sorry, all right?!

[They stop and Merry turns to look at Pippin, a serious look on his face.]

Pippin:

[Apologetically:] I won't do it again.

[Merry turns to Pippin.]

Merry:

Don't you understand? The enemy thinks you have the Ring!

[Pippin stares frowningly at Merry.]

Merry:

He's going to be looking for you, Pip. They have to get you out of here.

Pippin:

[Slowly, as though already knowing the answer:]

And y-you're coming with me?

[Merry turns, following Gandalf into the stables.]

Pippin:

Merry?

Merry:

Come on!

[Pippin follows Merry into the stables, and Gandalf lifts Pippin up to sit on Shadowfax's back.]

Pippin:

How far is Minas Tirith?

Gandalf:

Three day's ride as the Nazgûl flies.

[Pippin frowns.]

Gandalf:

And you'd better hope we don't have one of those on our tail...

[Merry steps forward, and pushes a leather pouch into Pippin's hands.]

Merry:

[Gently:] Here... Something for the road.

Pippin:

The last of the Longbottom Leaf!

Merry:

I know you've run out.

[Sadly:] You smoke too much, Pip.

Pippin:

B-but we'll see each other soon...

[Merry glances at Gandalf.]

Pippin:

Won't we?

Merry:

I don't know.

[Pippin stares at Merry, as though confused, as Gandalf gets up to sit behind him. Merry takes a few steps back, and speaks softly, his voice breaking.]

Merry:

I don't know what's going to happen...

[Gandalf makes to leave.]

Pippin:

Merry!

Gandalf:

Run, Shadowfax. Show us the meaning of haste.

Pippin:

Merry!!!

[Shadowfax gallops out of the stables and Merry runs after them. He climbs up to the watchtower, Aragorn running after him.]

Aragorn:

Merry!

[High up on the watchtower, Merry commands a magnificent view of all the lands around, but is blind to all but a single figure of white and silver, galloping swiftly away, vanishing into the distance.]

---

Renewed Shall Be Blade That Was Broken

[We are in a forest where the leaves are the colours of Autumn. Travelling in single file, some on horseback, and some walking, the Elves move in silence, to the song of the birds in the background. Amongst them is the Lady Arwen, on the back of a white horse, Asfaloth.]

Elrond VO:

Take her by the safest road. A ship lays anchored in the Grey Havens; it waits to carry her across the Sea. The last journey of Arwen Undómiel.

[As we trace the journey of the Elves, Arwen looks into the forest, and among the trees a small boy runs slowly, as though in slow-motion. As Arwen turns to look at the boy, he runs into a pavillion, to a grey-haired Aragorn with outstreched arms. Aragorn takes the boy into his arms, and spins him around, both laughing merrily.

Arwen watches, her eyes glistening with tears. As Aragorn kisses his son, the young boy turns in Arwen's direction, meeting her eyes. As Arwen looks lovingly upon the boy, she sees the Evenstart around his neck. He continues to stare at his mother, until a single tear rolls down her cheek. She closes her eyes.]

[Flashback:]

Elrond:

There is nothing for you here, only death.

[Arwen opens her eyes, and the vision fades. A dark-haired Elf approaches her horse, and looks up at her, his eyes filled with sympathy and concern.]

Elf:

Lady Arwen, we cannot delay.

[Arwen looks down at the Elf, then, in silence, turns Asfaloth back, and rides back along the path from which they had travelled.]

Elf:

My lady!

[In a golden sunrise, a white horse gallops into an emptied Rivendell, where Arwen's father, Lord Elrond sits alone. As he hears the sound of the hooves, he starts in surprise and makes his way to the entrance. Hurrying towards him, Arwen throws her velvet robe to the ground.]

Arwen:

Tell me what you have seen!

Elrond:

[Pained:] Arwen!

Arwen:

You have the gift of foresight, what did you see?

Elrond:

I looked into your future and I saw death.

Arwen:

There is also life.

You saw there was a child. You saw my son.

[Elrond turns away from his daughter, looking sadly around at his silent surroundings.]

Elrond:

That future is almost gone.

Arwen:

But it is not lost!

[Elrond sits down, sadness still in his eyes.]

Elrond:

Nothing is certain.

Arwen:

[Kneeling:] Some things are certain.

If I leave him now, I will regret it forever.

[After a pause:] It is time.

[We see a hooded Arwen, walking to the ledge upon which stand the Shards of Narsil.]

Arwen VO:

From the ashes of fire shall be woken,

A light from the shadow shall spring,

Renewed shall be Blade that was broken.

[Flashback: Isildur cuts the Ring from the hand of Sauron.]

Arwen VO:

The crownless again shall be King.

[Beside Arwen's bed:]

Arwen:

Reforge the Sword... Ada.

['Ada' = 'Father']

[Elrond turns away as Arwen sits upon the bed wearily, a book held open in her hands. Her breathing hastens, and the book falls to the ground. Elrond walks over to Arwen, concerned, and picks up the book from the ground. He looks down into Arwen's hands, and takes them into his own.]

Elrond:

Your hands are cold.

The life of the Eldar is leaving you.

[Arwen and her father look at each other.]

Arwen:

[Whispering:] This was my choice.

[Elrond's eyes moisten as Arwen continues.]

Arwen:

Ada, whether by your will or not, there is no ship now that can bear me hence.

[In the twilight, Elrond walks in Rivendell. He watches as sparks flicker in the distance, where two Elves take it in turn to beat the Shards of Narsil into a single blade.]

---

The Steward of Gondor

[Shadowfax's white coat glimmers in the sunlight, as he bears Gandalf and Pippin through forests and vast plains. At last, Gandalf nudges his sleeping companion as they approach a great city of stone.]

Gandalf:

We've just passed into the realm of Gondor.

[As the gallop up a hill, the White City looms before them.]

Gandalf:

[In delight:] Minas Tirith... City of Kings.

[Gandalf and Pippin ride through the streets, and we see the many layers of the seven-tiered citadal.]

Gandalf:

Make way!

[At last, they reach the top level, and come to a great stone courtyard. As Pippin looks around in wonder, he sees the White Tree of his vision.]

Pippin:

It's the tree! Gandalf! Gandalf!

Gandalf:

Yes, the White Tree of Gondor. The Tree of the King.

Lord Denethor, however, is not a king. He is a steward only; a caretaker of the throne.

[As they stand before a set great doors to the throne room, Gandalf turns to Pippin.]

Gandalf:

Now, listen carefully: Lord Denethor is Boromir's father. To give him news of his beloved son's death would be most unwise.

And don't mention Frodo.

And say nothing of Aragorn either.

[Gandalf moves towards the door, but in mid-motion, turns back and looks once more at Pippin.]

Gandalf:

In fact, it's better if you do not speak at all, Peregrin Took.

[Pippin nods, and follows his friend through the doors. At the end of the hall sits Denethor, staring down at his hands in his lap. As Gandalf and Pippin make his way down the hall, he makes no move to acknowledge their presence.]

Gandalf:

Hail, Denethor son of Ecthelion, Lord and Steward of Gondor.

[Denethor remains silent.]

Gandalf:

I come with tidings in this dark hour. And with counsel.

[Finally Denethor looks up.]

Denethor:

Perhaps you come to explain this. Perhaps you come to tell me why my son is dead.

[Denethor reveals the broken horn in his hands. In a flashback, Pippin sees Boromir fall to his knees, pierced by arrows, as he fights to defend Merry and himself. We see Pippin's look of helpless horror at Parth Galen, then we are back in the hall of Minas Tirith, and upon Pippin's haunted face is that same look.]

Pippin:

Boromir died to save us; my kinsman and me.

[Gandalf glances down at Pippin.]

Pippin:

He fell defending us from many foes.

Gandalf:

Pippin!

[The hobbit walks to Denethor and kneels before him. Denethor watches, his face inscrutable.]

Pippin:

I offer you my service, such as it is...

[Gandalf closes his eyes, but does not interrupt.]

Pippin:

... In payment of this debt.

[Denethor stares at Pippin, motionless, but says nothing. After many moments have passed, Gandalf steps forward, and knocks the hobbit with his staff.]

Gandalf:

Get up!

[He turns to Denethor.]

My lord, there will be a time to grieve for Boromir, but it is not now. War is coming.

[Denethor remains silent, his face lowered.]

Gandalf:

The enemy is on your doorstep! As steward you're charged with the defence of the city! Where are Gondor's armies?!

[Denethor stares at Gandalf.]

Gandalf:

You still have friends. You are not alone in this fight. Send word to Théoden of Rohan. Light the Beacons.

Denethor:

You think you are wise, Mithrandir. Yet for all your subtleties, you have not wisdom. Do you think the eyes of the White Tower are blind? I have seen more than you know. With your left hand you would use me as a shield against Mordor! And with your right, you seek to supplant me! I know who rides with Théoden of Rohan. Oh yes, word has reached my ears of this Aragorn son of Arathorn, and I tell you now: I will not bow to this ranger from the North! Last of a ragged house long bereft of lordship.

Gandalf:

Authority is not given to you to deny the return of the king, Steward!

[Denethor jumps up from his chair.]

Denethor:

Rule of Gondor is mine and no other's!

[Pippin stares at Denethor, bewildered. Gandalf turns, and walks swiftly back down the hallway.]

Gandalf:

[Calling, without turning his head:] Come!

[Pippin runs to catch up with Gandalf, casting a last look back at Denethor as he does so.]

---

A Conversation On The Balcony

[It is night-time, and Gandalf stands upon a balcony, gazing out to Mordor. Beside him is Pippin, inspecting a suit of armour.]

Pippin:

[Cheerily:] So I imagine this is just a ceremonial position... I mean, they don't actually expect me to do any fighting?

[He puts his sword away, and turns to his companion.]

Pippin:

[More seriously:] Do they?

Gandalf:

You're in the service of the Steward now, you're going to have to do as you're told... Peregrin Took, Guard of the Citadel.

[Pippin walks the edge of the balcony, and leans on the railing.]

Pippin:

It's so quiet...

Gandalf:

It's the deep breath before the plunge.

[After a short pause:]

Pippin:

I don't want to be in a battle... But waiting on the edge of one I can't escape is even worse.

[Gandalf comes to stand beside the hobbit and Pippin turns his face up to look at the wizard.]

Pippin:

Is there any hope, Gandalf? For Frodo and Sam.

Gandalf:

There never was much hope...

[Pippin turns to Gandalf, concern and surprise in his eyes.]

Gandalf:

Just a fool's hope.

[Gandalf turns once more to Mordor, where the blackness of the sky is overridden by the blood red of the fires of Orodruin.]

Gandalf:

Our enemy is ready. His full strength's gathered.

[We see an Elephant-like creature, a Mûmakil travelling.]

Gandalf:

Not only orcs but men as well, legions of Haradrim from the South.

[We see armies, and the Corsairs of Umbar.]

Gandalf:

Mercenaries from the Coast. All will answer Mordor's call. This will be the end of Gondor as we know it. Here the hammerstroke will fall hardest.

[We see the towers of Osgiliath.]

Gandalf:

If the river is taken, if the fort in Osgiliath falls, the last defence of this city will be gone.

Pippin:

[Hopefully, almost blissfully:] But we have the White Wizard; that's got to count for something.

[The smile upon Pippin's face fades, as his young hopeful eyes are met by Gandalf's serious ones.]

Pippin:

Gandalf?

[In Minas Morgul, the Witch-King of Angmar prepares for battle. He pulls on his foul gloves of iron, and places a heavy helmet upon his faceless head.]

Gandalf:

Sauron is yet to reveal His deadliest servant, the one who will lead Mordor's armies to war. The one they say no living man can kill: The Witch-king of Angmar. You've met him before.

[Gandalf and Pippin look at each other as the wizard continues.]

Gandalf:

He stabbed Frodo on Weathertop.

[As remembrance comes into Pippin's face, we see the cloaked figure pierce Frodo's shoulder with a long sword.]

Gandalf:

He is the lord of the Nazgûl, the greatest of the Nine. Minas Morgul is his lair.

---

Minas Morgul

[As Gandalf and Pippin talk on the balcony in Minas Tirith, Gollum leads Frodo and Sam to Minas Morgul. They crouch by the roadside, looking down the road, which ends at a set of foreboding iron gates. It is silent all around, and the only light is the eerie green glow from behind the gates.]

Gollum:

The Dead City. Very nasty place... Full of... enemies!

[Gollum glances significantly at Sam, then jumps onto the road. Frodo and Sam follow.]

Gollum:

Quick! Quick! They will see! They will see!

[Sam follows Gollum onto the rocky wall on one side of the road. However, Frodo wanders, as though in a dream, staring at one of the dark statues beside the road.]

Gollum:

Come away! Come away!

[Slowly Frodo turns and walks to Sam. They look up to where Gollum is sitting on a rock, pointing at the stairs.]

Gollum:

Look, look, we've found it: the way into Mordor! The secret stairs.

[They look up the stairs, to the impossibly high and rocky wall, into which is cut a set of narrow and winding stairs.]

Gollum:

Climb!

[Frodo and Sam look up the stairs in dread, and as Sam moves to attempt the climb, Frodo turns to look at the glowing city. Unable to control himself, he staggers slowly forward, clutching the Ring. As Sam turns around, he sees his master, and shouts in despair, drowning out the whispers of the Ring.]

[With his right hand he is clutching the Ring and on the background we can hear whispers and the high-pitched voice of the Ring. Farther away Sam and Gollum finally see what's going on.]

Sam:

No! Mr. Frodo!

Gollum:

Not that way!!!

[Gollum cries out, as Frodo staggers forward, closer and closer to the dark gates, as Sam and Gollum run desperately after him.]

Gollum:

What's it doing?!

[Sam grabs Frodo by his Elven cloak, and pulls him away. Frodo, however, still faces the City, and tries to pull free from Sam's grip.]

Frodo:

No! They're calling me...

[Gollum lunges forward, and pulls at Frodo's hand. At last, he allows himself to be pulled back to the stairs, just as the air is filled with a menacing rumble from inside the city. As the earth begins to shake, they all fall to the ground.

All is still for a moment, then the insides of the city seem to explode, and from the middle of the city erupts a column of green and blue light, towering up into the cloud-filled sky. As Frodo watches, he clutches onto the Ring.]

[In Minas Tirith, Gandalf and Pippin stand silently on the balcony, looking out to Mordor. Gandalf leans back from the railing in apprehension, as the tower of green light illuminates the sky.]

[In Minas Morgul, the earth continues to rumble, and the sound of thunder fills the air. Frodo presses himself close to Sam, and Gollum jumps off the road, and onto the rocky slope above it.]

[Back in Minas Tirith, a crowd of soldiers hurry onto the balcony, and watch the green lights in terror. Standing slightly apart from the others are Gandalf and Pippin. As Pippin looks up at Gandalf, the wizard sees the fear-filled eyes of his companion, and wraps his arm around his shoulder comfortingly.]

[As we go back to Minas Morgul, we see that Frodo and Sam are concealed behind some rocks, upon the winding stairs. Peeking out from behind the rocks, they see the Witch-King fly out from the city walls. Frodo slumps down, clenching his teeth in pain. As the Witch-King lets out a piercing scream, the hobbits cry out and cover their ears, and the look of agony upon Frodo's face intensifies, his hands falling weakly to his sides.]

Frodo:

I can feel his blade!

[Frodo cries out in agony, as the scream of the Witch-King sounds louder still. Mingled with the screeching of the Witch-King comes low the sound of grinding, as the iron gates swing open, and a great army marches out.]

[Back in Minas Tirith, Gandalf speaks as though to himself.]

Gandalf:

We come to it at last... The great battle of our time.

[The vast army marches along the bridge, just below the hiding place of Frodo, Sam and Gollum. With a piercing screech, the Witch-King flies over the hobbits, and they crouch down hastily.]

Gollum:

Hurry, hobbits! We climb! We must climb!

[They begin the steep climb up the stairs, as the seemingly endless supply of Orcs and foul beasts march on below.]

[Back in Minas Tirith:]

Gandalf:

The board is set.

The pieces are moving.

---

The Beacons of Gondor

[At dawn, Gandalf hurries along the streets of Minas Tirith, Pippin at his side.]

Gandalf:

Peregrin Took, my lad. There is a task now to be done. Another opportunity for one of the Shire-folk to prove their great worth.

[Gandalf stops, and kneels before Pippin. He looks into his eyes, and places his hand gently onto the hobbit's shoulder.]

Gandalf:

You must not fail me.

[With a look of determination on his small face, Pippin hurries down the street.]

[We go to the River Anduin, where boats filled with Orcs approach the city of Osgiliath.]

Orc leader:

Quiet.

[In the city, Faramir and his men prepare for an attack]

Faramir:

To the river! Quick!

Orc leader:

Faster!

[The Orcs quicken their pace, and we see the river filled with the huge army of Mordor. Inside the city, the men run to their posts.]

Orc leader:

Draw swords!

[The Orcs arrive upon the shores of Osgiliath, and begin to run out from their boats. Hidden in the shadows, Faramir and his men watch as the Orcs run past him, and into the city. At last, Faramir runs out from the shadows, and the battle begins. Men hurry to defend the shores, as more Orcs sail in from the river.]

[Back in Minas Tirith, Pippin climbs up a wooden tower. To one end of it sit two soldiers of Gondor, laughing and drinking amongst themselves. As Pippin nears the top, he casts an eye over to them, then swiftly pulls himself up. Still unseen by the soldiers, Pippin hauls himself up onto a pile of wood, and at last, strikes a light. The two soldiers turn around in surprise as the flame flares up.

At the foot of the tower, Gandalf smiles as he sees the flame kindling upon the tower, and runs to the West, as he sees the second beacon light up in the distance.]

[Below, on the street, Gandalf smiles as he sees the red blaze on the tower above. He runs out to the West, and sees the next of the beacons light up.]

Gandalf:

Amon Dîn.

Soldier:

The Beacon! The Beacon of Amon Dîn is lit!

[In the hall, we see Denethor's look of helpless anger.]

Gandalf:

Hope is recruit.

[High in the mountains, we fly across ragged mountain ranges as life springs into the Beacons of Gondor. We move westward, following the line of Beacons, going from one triumphant peak to another, the sun rising and setting as we go, until at last, we arrive at Edoras at the break of day. Aragorn stands upon a small hill, looking out to the mountains. As the final beacon is lit, hope comes into his eyes. Casting a last, glorious look at the burning beacon in the mountains, Aragorn sprints down the hillside in exhilaration, slowing down only to push open the doors of the Golden Hall. Inside stand many men, and they turn their heads in surprise as a panting Aragorn stands before them.]

Aragorn:

[Forcing his voice out loudly, even as he pants for breath:]

The Beacons of Minas Tirith! The Beacons are lit!

[Strongly, yet almost pleadingly:] Gondor calls for aid!

[For several moments Théoden remains silent, looking out into the distance. From behind him, Èowyn comes to stand beside her brother. Moments pass, and still there is no answer. At last, the King speaks.]

Théoden:

[Proudly:] And Rohan will answer! Muster the Rohirrim!

[Èomer bows and leaves to gather his men. Outside, many people prepare to leave. Théoden is talking to Èomer.]

Théoden:

Assemble the army at Dunharrow: as many men as can be found. You have two days.

[Èomer nods, but as he turns to leave, Théoden speaks again.]

Théoden:

On the third, we ride for Gondor. And war.

[Turning to his side:] Gamling, make haste across the Riddermark. Summon every able-bodied man to Dunharrow.

[By the stables, Aragorn straps his gear onto his horse, Brego. Èowyn leads her own horse towards him.]

Aragorn:

You ride with us?

Èowyn:

Just to the encampment. It's tradition for the women of the court to farewell the men.

[Aragorn looks at Èowyn, then walks to her horse and lifts a blanket from the straps, revealing her sword. He looks at her, as though questioningly. Èowyn pulls the blanket back over.]

Èowyn:

The men have found their captain. They will follow you into battle, even to death. You have given us hope.

[On the outskirts of Edoras, the women and children of Rohan farewell the men. King Théoden watches as the triangular flag of Rohan, bearing a horse, flaps in the wind. The he looks back out at his people.]

Théoden VO:

So it is before the walls of Minas Tirith, that the doom of our time will be decided.

[Aragorn mounts Brego as Èomer talks to the riders.]

Èomer:

Now is the hour, Riders of Rohan, oaths you have taken! Now, fulfil them all! To Lord and Land!

[The Riders of Rohan leave Edoras, led by their King on his white horse. Merry, too, rides with them, on the back of a large pony.]

---

Defeat at Osgiliath

[Back at Osgiliath, the battle continues. Faramir and his men continue to fight, but we see that they are outnumbered. Faramir runs to Madril, dozens of orcs on his tail.]

Madril:

Faramir!

[The archers of Gondor prepare to shoot, and Faramir springs out of the way, as a volley of arrows falls among the orcs. But the orcs charge on forward, only a handful falling to the ground.]

Madril:

We can't hold them! The city is lost.

[Faramir looks around as more of his men fall.]

Faramir:

Tell the men to break cover. We ride to Minas Tirith.

[The Gondorians continue to fall, and amidst the chaos comes a piercing screech.]

Gondorian Soldier:

Nazgûl!

[Riding upon their winged steeds, the Nazgûl circle the city, the home in on the battle. They dive down the soldiers, grabbing them with their huge claws.]

Gondorian Soldier:

Take cover!

Faramir:

Pull back! Pull back to Minas Tirith!

[Led by Faramir, the men retreat, the Nazgûl continuing to creat chaos, even as they ride away on their horses. Back amongst the orcs, Madril has been wounded, and falls to the ground.]

Faramir:

Retreat! Retreat!

[We see Madril lying on the ground in agony. The orcs encircle him, and, knowing his fate, he watches as the Orc leader plunges a spear into his chest.]

Orc leader:

The age of men is over. The time of the orc has come.

[The remaining soldiers urge their horses on, across the open fields of the Pelennor, the Nazgûl still with them, lifting men from their horses and throwing to the ground as they ride. As they approach the city, a single white horse charges out from the gates, its rider clad in white. Many Gondorian soldiers and civilians watch in wonder, as the lone horse rides out to the battle.]

Gondorian Soldier:

It's the White Rider!

[The three Nazgûl continue to swoop down onto the riders. As Shadowfax charges into the thick of the battle, Gandalf raises his white staff above his head, and as he does so, a blinding beam of white light comes from its tip. With a shriek, the Nazgûl draw back, then take to the skies.

Once in the gates, Faramir pushes his horse out from the crowd, to Gandalf.]

Faramir:

Mithrandir! They broke our defences, they've taken the bridge in the Westbank. Batallions of orcs are crossing the river.

Gondorian Soldier:

It is as Lord Denethor predicted! Long has he foreseen this doom!

Gandalf:

Foreseen and done nothing!

[Gandalf turns around with Shadowfax, revealing the small form of Pippin seated in front of him. As Faramir sees the hobbit, he stares down at him. Pippin notices his glance, and lowers his face.]

Gandalf:

Faramir?

[He reads the face of the young captain.]

This is not the first Halfling to have crossed your paths.

Faramir:

No...

[Pippin raises his head, his eyes brightening.]

Pippin:

You've seen Frodo and Sam!?

[Faramir nods at Pippin.]

Gandalf:

Where!? When?!

Faramir:

In Ithilien, not two days ago.

[As Pippin turns to look at Gandalf, we see happiness and relief in both their faces.]

Faramir:

[Gravely:] Gandalf, they're taking the road to the Morgul Vale.

[The smile upon the wizard's face fades, and worry fills his eyes.]

Gandalf:

And then the Pass of Cirith Ungol?

[Faramir nods silently.]

Pippin:

What does that mean? What's wrong?!

Gandalf:

[Slowly, yet filled with urgency:] Faramir, tell me everything.

---

The Winding Stairs

[Now high above Minas Morgul, Frodo, Sam, and Gollum continue up winding stairs. As Frodo climbs, he loses his footing, crying out in shock as he nearly falls.]

Gollum:

Careful, master! Careful! Very far to fall!

[Gollum pulls himself up to a small landing, and looks down, watching Frodo and Sam follow.]

Gollum:

Very dangerous on the stairs...

[At last, Frodo comes to the ledge. He struggles as he tries to pull himself up.]

Gollum:

Come, master!

[As Frodo tries to get a good grip on the rock around him, the Ring falls out from under his shirt. Gollum watches it with gleaming eyes.]

Gollum:

Come to Sméagol!

[Slowly he reaches out with his right hand, his fingers moving towards the Ring around Frodo's neck. The call of the Ring echoes in the background, as though ordering Gollum to reach for It. But even as his hand nears the Ring, Sam climbs up behind Frodo.]

Sam:

Mister Frodo!

[Sam pulls out his sword.]

Sam:

Get back, you! Don't touch him!

[There is a slight pause, but even as Gollum seems to reach for the Ring, his hand brushes past it, and he takes Frodo's hand into his own, pulling him up to safety.]

Gollum:

Why does he hates poor Sméagol?! What has Sméagol ever done to him?!

[Behind Gollum and Frodo, Sam continues to struggle up the stairs. Seeing this, Gollum leans over to Frodo, who lies on the ground, panting.]

Gollum:

Master...

[Gollum strokes Frodo's arm and speaks with a whispering voice.]

Gollum:

Master carries a heavy burden... Sméagol knows... Heavy, heavy burden...

[Behind them, Sam is pulling himself up to the landing.]

Gollum:

Fat one cannot know.

[Gollum positions himself beside Frodo, his mouth inches away from Frodo's ear.]

Gollum:

Let Sméagol look after master.

[Sam pulls himself over the edge slowly, watching as Gollum whispers in his Master's ear.]

Gollum:

He wants It. He needs It, Sméagol sees it in his eyes!

[Frodo listens, doubt and uncertainty creeping into his eyes.]

Gollum:

Very soon he will ask you for It! You will see! The fat one will take It from you!

[With suspicion in his eyes, Frodo swings around to see Sam behind him. He clutches the Ring protectively.]

---

The Steward and his Son

[We are in Osgiliath. The Witch-king of Angmar, with his Fell Beast, sitting up in the top of a tower, watches the ruined city. The ugly-faced orc commander comes to see him.]

Witch-king:

Send forth all legions. Do not stop the attack until the city is taken. Slay them all.

Orc commander:

What of the wizard?

Witch-king:

I will break him.

[In Minas Tirith, Gandalf stands upon the city wall, watching the Gondorian guards in the fields.]

Guard#1:

Where are Théoden's riders?

Guard#2:

Will Rohan's army come?

Guard#2:

Mithrandir?

Gandalf:

Courage is the best defence you have now.

[In Denethor's hall, Pippin kneels before Denethor, taking his oaths. Faramir stands in the background.]

Pippin:

Here do I swear fealty and service to Gondor. In peace or war, in living or dying...

[Pippin hesitates, and carries on uncertainly. Much amused, Denethor smiles condescendingly upon the hobbit.]

Pippin:

F-From...

[He closes his eyes, and takes a breath.]

From this hour henceforth, until my lord release me, or death take me.

[Denethor stands up and walks to Pippin.]

Denethor:

And I shall not forget it. Nor fail to reward that which is given.

[Denethor holds out his hand and Pippin closes his eyes and quickly kisses the man's ring. Denethor cups Pippin's face and makes him look up.]

Denethor:

Fealty with love.

[Denethor makes his way to a table that is set near by.]

Denethor:

Valor with honor, disloyalty with vengeance.

[Denethor looks at Faramir and sits down. He eyes his son as he starts to fill his plate.]

Denethor:

I do not think we should so lightly abandon the outer defences. Defences that your brother long held intact.

Faramir:

What would you have me do?

Denethor:

I will not yield the river in Pelennor unfought. Osgiliath must be retaken.

Faramir:

My lord, Osgiliath is over-run.

Denethor:

Much must be risked in war. Is there a captain here who still has the courage to do his lord's will?

[Pippin turns his head to see the hardened look upon the face of the Steward, then turns to Faramir. A look of sadness comes into the eyes of young captain as he watches his father.]

Faramir:

You wish now that our places have been exchanged.

[He swallows.]

That I had died and Boromir had lived.

[The is a pensive silence before Denethor answers.]

Denethor:

[Softly, almost in a whisper:] Yes, I wish that.

[With this, he brings a goblet to his lips and drinks deeply. Faramir looks at his father, his moistened eyes glimmering in the light.]

Faramir:

Since you are robbed of Boromir, I will do what I can in his stead.

[Faramir bows to his father and turns to leave. Pippin watches the father and son: Denethor seated in silence, grasping the goblet with both hands; Faramir's departing figure. Halfway down the hall, Faramir turns to look at Denethor.]

Faramir:

If I should return, think better of me, father.

[Faramir takes a last look at his father's silent face, then turns, and continues down the hall. But as Faramir approaches the door, Denethor calls out after him, his voice hard and clear.]

Denethor:

That will depend on the manner of your return.

---

Go Home

[Frodo, Sam, and Gollum rest on a small ledge, high above Minas Morgul. Sam watches Gollum suspiciously, and struggles to keep an eye on him, but is soon overcome by sleep. As Sam's eyes close wearily, Gollum's snap open, and he crawls over to Sam's bag, and takes from it the last of the Lembas bread.]

Gollum:

Ugh...

[Looking at it in disgust, he unwraps the leafy package, and, with a malicious smile, carefully scatters crumbs onto Sam's cloak. Moving over to the ledge, he takes a look down the cliff, then casts the remains of the bread over the side. Not far away, Sam moves in his sleep, then awakens.]

Sam:

What are you up to?

[Gollum turns, surprised.]

Sam:

Sneakin' off, are we?

Gollum:

S-sneaking? Sneaking!? Fat hobbit is always so polite. Sméagol shows them secret ways that nobody else could find, and they say sneak! Sneak!!! Very nice friend, oh yes, my precious, very nice friend!

Sam:

All right, all right! You just startled me, that's all.

[Sam looks down from where he is standing, then speaks less roughly.]

Sam:

What were you doing?

Gollum:

Sneaking.

Sam:

Fine. Have it your own way.

[Sam kneels down to wake up Frodo.]

Sam:

I'm sorry to wake you, Mr. Frodo. We have to be moving on.

[Slowly, Frodo sits up, and speaks wearily.]

Frodo:

It's dark still...

Sam:

It's always dark here.

[Sam looks into his bag, then moves his hands about it desperately.]

Sam:

[In anguish:] It's gone! The Elven bread!

Frodo:

What?! That's all we have left!

[Sam stands up and turns to look at Gollum, who is squatting a little higher up, merely scratching his head.]

Sam:

He took it! He must have!

Gollum:

Sméagol?! No, no, not poor Sméagol! Sméagol hates nasty elf-bread.

Sam:

You're a lying rat! What did you do with it!?

[Frodo looks at Sam, suspicion coming into his eyes.]

Frodo:

He doesn't eat it.

[He gets up and stands before Sam, a frown forming on his face.]

Frodo:

He can't have taken it...

Gollum:

Look! What's this?

[Gollum brushes the crumbs of the Lembas bread from Sam's cloak.]

Gollum:

Crumbs on his jacketses! He took it!

[Frodo looks at Sam mistrustfully, confusion in his eyes. Sam is speechless. Gollum jumps down, and kneels before Frodo.]

Gollum:

He took it! I've seen him! He's always stuffing his face when Master's not looking!

Sam:

That's a filthy lie!!!

[Sam strikes Gollum furiously, and the small creature falls to the ground. Sam gets to the ground, reaching for Gollum's throat.]

Sam:

You stinkin' two-faced sneak!

[Frodo watches the fight in confusion.]

Frodo:

Sam! Stop it! Sam!

[Frodo makes towards them, and, with his remaining strength, pulls Sam away from Gollum.]

Sam:

I'll kill him!

Frodo:

Sam! No!!!

[With this, Frodo's eyes roll back and he sinks down on the ground, Sam's hands still on his shoulders.]

Sam:

Oh my! I'm sorry! I didn't mean it to go so far! I was just so, so angry...

[Alarmed, Sam looks at his master who sits wearily on the ground as though spent.]

Sam:

Here, just... let's just rest a bit.

Frodo:

I'm alright.

Sam:

No. No you're not alright. You're exhausted. It's that Gollum! It's this place! It's that thing around your neck!

[At the mention of the Ring, Frodo's eyes widen and a frown rises to his face. Slowly, he turns to Sam, wearing an express of distrust.]

Sam:

I could help a bit! I could carry it for a while.

[As Frodo watches his friend, he seems to see him in slow motion, and his words seem to blur into one another.]

Sam:

Carry it for a while... I could carry it... carry it... share the load...the load...

[Frodo watches Sam, the words echoing in his mind. Then, in a sudden motion, he pushes Sam away.]

Frodo:

Get away!!

Sam:

I don't wanna keep it!

[The angry and confused Frodo stands up and watches Sam, who is lying on the ground.]

Sam:

I just wanna 'elp...

[Gollum, peeking from behind Frodo's back, gives Sam a satisfied and evil smile.]

Gollum:

See! See! He want's It for himself!

[Frodo turns to face Sam once more, and this time, the look of confusion is gone, and the mistrust has taken oven his face.]

Sam:

Shut up, you! Go away!

[Sam stands up, as Gollum smiles maliciously from behind Frodo's back.]

Sam:

Get out of here!

Frodo:

No, Sam... It's you...

[Sam looks up to meet Frodo's eyes in anguish, his eyes suddenly glistening with tears.]

Frodo:

I'm sorry, Sam...

Sam:

[In pain, pleadingly:] But he's a liar! He's poisoned you against me!

Frodo:

[Blankly:] You can't help me anymore.

Sam:

You don't mean that...

[They look at one another, silent shock upon Sam's face, until at last Frodo speaks, his expression empty.]

Frodo:

Go home.

[Sam watches Frodo, his face drawn in pain, and his tears begin to fall and roll down his cheeks. He sinks to the ground, sobbing aloud, his face in his hands. Beyond, Frodo continues his journey with Gollum.]

---

All Shall Fade

[In Minas Tirith, Faramir a small host of Gondorians soldiers prepare to retake Osgiliath. The people of Gondor line the streets, but there is sadness on each of their faces as they watch their men depart. Some throw flowers onto the streets, and other hand them to the soldiers.]

Gandalf:

Faramir! Faramir!

[Upon his white horse rides Gandalf. He squeezes Shadowfax through the crowd, and hurries forward to walk beside Faramir.]

Gandalf:

Your father's will has turned to madness! Do not throw away your life so rashly!

Faramir:

Where does my allegiance lie, if not here?

[Gandalf stops and watches as Faramir rides away.]

Gandalf:

Your father loves you, Faramir! He will remember it before the end.

[Faramir and the soldiers ride through the gates of Minas Tirith. The people of Gondor watch, as the form a line and race gallop towards Osgiliath. In Osgiliath, we see the Orcs rise their heads as they see the approaching men.]

[In his hall, Denethor sits upon his throne and eats noisly. Beside him stands Pippin, clad in the uniform of a Gondorian guard.]

Denethor:

Can you sing, master hobbit?

Pippin:

[Softly, sadly:] Well... yes. At least well enough for my own people. But we have no songs for great halls and ... evil times.

Denethor:

And why should your songs be unfit for my halls?

[Pippin utters no answer.]

Denethor:

[Commandingly:] Come, sing me a song.

[Pippin looks up and watches as Denethor bites into a tomato, the juices running down his chin. He takes a breath and begins to sing as Denethor continues to feast.]

Pippin:

Home is behind, the world ahead...

[A shot of Faramir and his men, riding towards Osgiliath. The orcs prepare to shoot arrows.]

Pippin:

And there are many paths to tread...

[As his son rides on, Denethor eats emotionlessly. We see Faramir draw his sword.]

Pippin:

Through shadow, to the edge of night.

Until the stars are all alight.

Mist and shadow, cloud and shade...

All shall fade... All shall fade.

[Denethor eats as the orcs release their arrows. Pippin turns to look at the unmoved Steward. He closes his eyes and swallows the lump in his throat. At the same time Gandalf sits alone in silence in an empty castle yard.]

---

Dunharrow

[We see how in Osgiliath the troops of Sauron are preparing to attack into Minas Tirith.]

[We then go to King Théoden and Aragorn, on their way to Dunharrow where the army of Rohan is going to camp out on their way to Gondor. The men stand up as Théoden rides past them.]

Théoden:

How many?

Soldier:

I bring five hundred men from the Westfold, my lord.

Gamling:

We have three hundred more from ???

Théoden:

Where are the riders from Snowbourn?

Gamling:

None have come, my lord.

[In the next scene Aragorn walks to stand beside Théoden who is looking down from the landing.]

Théoden:

Six thousand spears. Less than half of what I'd hoped for.

Aragorn:

Six thousand will not be enough to break the lines of Mordor.

Théoden:

More will come.

Aragorn:

Every hour lost hastens Gondor's defeat. We have till dawn. Then we must ride.

[Théoden looks at Aragorn and nods. They both turn to look behind their backs. The men are having trouble controlling their horses. Legolas, with Gimli, walks to Èomer.]

Legolas:

The horses are restless... and the men are quiet.

Èomer:

They grow nervous in the shadow of the mountain.

[They both look at the White Mountains.]

Gimli:

That road there; where does that lead?

Legolas:

It is the road to the Dimholt; the door under the the mountain.

Èomer:

None who venture there ever return. That mountain is evil.

[Aragorn walks towards the split in the mountain. As the camera zooms into the narrow path, we see the King of the Dead flicker there quickly, then disappear. As he watches, Gimli walks to him cheerily, and puts his hand onto the Ranger's arm.]

Gimli:

Aragorn. Let's find some food.

[Before following, Aragorn glances in the direction of the mountain but the King of the Dead is there no more.]

---

Andúril

[It is night-time in Dunharrow, and Èowyn and Merry stand alone in a tent. The young hobbit is glad in the armour of the Rohirrim. Èowyn places a large helment onto Merry's head, and smiles.]

Èowyn:

There. A true esquire of Rohan.

[Merry feels his helmet, a smile of excitement on his face. He draws his sword, and Èowyn leans back, startled but laughing.]

Merry:

I'm ready! Sorry... It isn't all that dangerous.

[Examining the blade:]

It's not even sharp!

Èowyn:

Well that's no good; you won't kill many orcs with a blunt blade. Come on!

[She leads Merry out of the tent. Outside Èomer and Gamling are eating by a fire as Merry lashes air with his sword, Èowyn walking behind him, happily.]

Èowyn:

[Laughing:] To the smithy, go!

[Èowyn watches with a smile, as the young hobbit runs off into the distance.]

Èomer:

You should not encourage him.

Èowyn:

[Reproachfully:] You should not doubt him.

Èomer:

[Jestingly:] I do not doubt his heart; only the reach of his arm.

[Gamling laughs.]

Èowyn:

[Challenging them:] Why should Merry be left behind; he has as much cause go to war as you!

[Èomer is silent. Èowyn walks off a little, turning her face away as she looks out into the distance.]

Èowyn:

[With a trace of bitterness:]

Why can he not fight for those he loves?

[In the distance, a cloaked figure rides towards the encampment. Inside his tent, Aragorn shifts restlessly in his sleep as he dreams of Arwen, lying uneasily upon her bed in Rivendell. A haunted look is upon her face as she opens her eyes, and in a flash, we see the entrace to the Dimholt road.]

Arwen VO:

I choose a mortal life.

[Arwen lies in Rivendell, a single tear rolling down her cheek.]

Arwen:

I wish I could have seen him... one last time.

[As she closes her eyes, she sees the Evenstar falling slowly to the ground, shattering like a million shards of broken light.]

[Aragorn awakens suddenly, and pulls out his sword. He sits on his bed to see one of the Rohirrim standing in the doorway.]

Soldier:

Sir? King Théoden awaits you, my lord.

[Aragorn breathes heavily, and follows the soldier to Théoden's tent. Inside the king sits beside the cloaked figure.]

Théoden:

I take my leave.

[Théoden leaves the tent, and Aragorn watches as the person before him rises from his seat and removes his hood. Aragorn looks at him in surprise, and bows his head.]

Aragorn:

My lord Elrond.

Elrond:

I come on behalf of one whom I love. Arwen is dying.

[Aragorn stares at Elrond.]

Elrond:

She will not long survive the evil that now spreads from Mordor. The light of the Evenstar is failing. As Sauron's power grows, her strength wanes. Arwen's life is now tied to the fate of the Ring. The shadow is upon us, Aragorn. The end has come.

Aragorn:

It will not be our end but His.

Elrond:

You ride to war but not to victory. Sauron's armies march on Minas Tirith as you know, but in secret He sends another force which will attack from the river.

[We see the Black ships and the Corsairs of Umbar.]

Elrond:

The fleet of corsair ships sails from the South. They'll be in the city in two days. You're outnumbered, Aragorn. You need more men.

Aragorn:

[Desperately:] There are none.

Elrond:

There are those who dwell in the mountain.

[We see a shot of the King of the Dead. Suddenly, a strong wind blows in the tent.]

Aragorn:

[In replusion:] Murderers. Traitors. You would call upon them to fight?! They believe in nothing! They answer to no one.

Elrond:

They will answer to the King of Gondor!

[Swiftly, Elrond pulls the sword Andúril from under his robes, and holds it out to Aragorn.]

Elrond:

Andúril - Flame of the West. Forged from the shards of Narsil.

[Aragorn walks to Elrond and examines the sword. He takes it into his hands.]

Aragorn:

Sauron will not have forgotten the Sword of Elendil.

[Aragorn unsheaths Andúril, and scans it from hilt to tip, it's blade glimmering in the dimly lit tent.]

Aragorn:

The Blade that was broken shall return to Minas Tirith.

Elrond:

The one who can wield the power of this sword, can summon to him an army more deadly than any that walks this earth.

Elrond:

Put aside the Ranger. Become who you were born to be. Take the Dimholt road.

[Aragorn blinks his eyes and lowers the sword.]

Elrond:

Ónen i-Estel Edain.

['I gave Hope to the men']

Aragorn:

Ú-chebin Estel anim.

['I have kept no hope for myself']

[Aragorn resheaths his sword. Outside the tent, Aragorn fastens his gear to Brego's back. Èowyn walks to Aragorn.]

Èowyn:

Why are you doing this?! The war lies to the East, you can not leave on the eve of battle!

[Aragorn looks at her.]

Èowyn:

You can not abandon the men.

Aragorn:

Èowyn...

Èowyn:

[Pleadingly:] We need you here.

Aragorn:

Why have you come?

[Èowyn is silent for a while and watches Aragorn.]

Èowyn:

Do you not know?

[They look at each other in silence. Èowyn's eyes glisten with tears.]

Aragorn:

[Gently:] It is but a shadow and a thought that you love. I can not give you what you seek.

[Èowyn backs away, pain written upon her face. Aragorn takes Brego and walks away, leaving Èowyn to stand alone, her eyes still shining with tears. As Aragorn is walking towards the crack in the mountain, he sees Gimli standing before him.]

Gimli:

Just where do you think you're up to?

Aragorn:

Not this time. This time you must stay, Gimli.

[The stout Dwarf stands his ground, and is joined by Legolas, who leads his horse.]

Legolas:

Have you learned nothing of the subbornness of Dwarves?

Gimli:

Might as well accept it. We're going with you, laddie.

[With a smile, Aragorn leaves with his friends down the Dimholt road. Back in the encampment, the soldiers watch as they leave, King Théoden with them.]

Soldier:

Where's he going? I don't understand. Lord Aragorn! Why does he leave on the eve of battle?!

[As the three figures disappear, a ring of soldiers turn to each other in despair.]

Gamling:

He leaves because there is no hope.

Théoden:

He leaves because he must.

Gamling:

Too few have come. We can not defeat the armies of Mordor.

Théoden:

No, we cannot.

[Proudly:] But we will meet them in battle nonetheless.

[The soldiers lower their heads.]

---

I would have you smile again

[It is dawn, and Èowyn stands alone, watching the sun rise. She is joine by her uncle.]

Théoden:

I have left instructions. The people are to follow your rule in my stead.

[Théoden turns around and walks to stand beside his serious-looking niece.]

Théoden:

Take up my seat in the Golden Hall. Long may you defend Edoras if the battle goes ill.

Èowyn:

[In protest:] What other duty would you have me do, my lord?

[Théoden pauses for a moment, before speaking.]

Théoden:

Duty? No...

[He takes a step to place himself before his niece, and takes her hands in his own.]

Théoden:

I would have you smile again. Not grief for those whose time has come.

[He looks out at the rising sun.]

You shall live to see these days renewed.

[Théoden takes the troubled face of his niece into his hands, and presses their foreheads together.]

Théoden:

No more despair.

---

The Paths of the Dead

[It is daytime and Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli are making their way to the Dark Door, the entrance to the Paths of the Dead. As the walk through the dark wilderness, Gimli looks around in apprehension.]

Gimli:

What kind of army would linger in such a place?

Legolas:

One that is cursed. Long ago the Men of the Mountain swore an oath to the last king of Gondor. To come to his aid, to fight. But when the time came, when Gondor's need was dire, they fled... Vanishing into the darkness of the mountain. And so Isildur cursed them: never to rest, until they had fulfilled their pledge.

[The three companions stand before the slope of Dwimorberg, and lead their restless horses towards the entrance.]

Gimli:

The very warmth of my blood seems drawn away.

[Legolas stops and stares at the entrance. He reads what is written above.]

Legolas:

The way is shut... it was made by those who are dead... and the dead keep it. They way is shut.

[A sudden blast of wind, mingled with the cries of the dead, coming from inside scares away the horses.]

Aragorn:

Brego!

[Aragorn turns to look at the entrance.]

Aragorn:

I do not fear death!

[With this, he walks in and disappears into the darkness. Legolas and Gimli are left behind and watch in terror. With a deep breath, Legolas enters the dark passage. Gimli is left alone by the entrance.]

Gimli:

Well this is something unheard of! An Elf will go underground where a dwarf dare not! > Ahh... I'll never hear the end of it!

[Gimli, too, enters the Paths of the Dead.]

[Back in Dunharrow, the men prepare to leave for the battle. Théoden and Èomer come out of a tent.]

Théoden:

We must ride light and swift. It's a long road ahead. The men and beast must reach the end with a strength to fight.

[Clad in the gear of the Rohirrim, Merry watches the mounted Riders. He is the only one still on the ground. Standing below Théoden's horse he looks up at the king.]

Théoden:

Little hobbits do not belong in war, master Meriadoc.

Merry:

All my friends have gone to battle! I will be ashamed to be left behind!

Théoden:

It is a three day gallop to Minas Tirith and none of my riders can bear you as a burden.

Merry:

I want to fight!

Théoden:

I will say no more.

[Théoden rides away, leaving Merry to watch as the Riders gallop past him. But as Merry stands alone, one of the Riders pulls him from the ground. As he turns, he sees himself seated in front of Èowyn, disguised as a man.]

Èowyn:

Ride with me.

Merry:

My lady!

Èomer:

Form up! Move out!

Théoden:

Ride! Ride now for Gondor!

[We see the host of men ride forth valiantly. Then we see the huge armies of Mordor march towards Minas Tirith. As they approach the city, we hear the air filled with their cries. Huge trolls beat their drums as the troops march forward.]

[We go back to Aragorn, who is making his way forward inside the underground realm, the only light coming from his torch. Legolas and Gimli follow behind him. At last, they come to a huge set of double doors, and stop to look around.]

The King of the Dead:

Who enters my domain?

[Aragorn turns around and sees the ghost-like King appear in front of the steps, leading to the doors.]

Aragorn:

One who will have your allegiance.

The King of the Dead:

The dead do not suffer the living to pass.

Aragorn:

You will suffer me!

[The King lets a laugh of contempt, and Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli look around them, to see a dead army float towards them.]

The King of the Dead:

The way is shut... it was made by those who are dead...and the dead keep it.

[They look around them and see that they are surrounded by the dead.]

The King of the Dead:

The way is shut. Now you must die.

[The King moves towards Aragorn. Legolas immediately fires an arrow, but it flies through the King.]

Aragorn:

I summon you to fulfil your oath.

The King of the Dead:

None, but the king of Gondor may command me!

[As the King swings his sword, Aragorn blocks its blow with the blade of Andúril, and puts its tip to the King's neck.]

The King of the Dead:

That blade was broken!

Aragorn:

It has been remade.

[Aragorn pushes the King back and the dead remain silent and watch.]

Aragorn:

Fight for us and regain your honour. What say you?

[The dead watch silently, as Aragorn walks around the ring of soldiers enclosing him and his companions, holding out Andúril.]

Aragorn:

What say you?!

Gimli:

You waste your time, Aragorn! They had no honour in life, they have none now in death.

Aragorn:

I am Isildur's heir. Fight for me! And I will hold your oath fulfilled!

[The King merely smiles, as Aragorn encircles him, his sword outstreched.]

Aragorn:

What say you!?

---

The Beginning of the End

[We go to Minas Tirith where the troops of Sauron are standing on the Pelennor Fields, ready for the battle. A lonely horse gallops toward the gates and a wounded Faramir is being dragged along with the animal.]

Guard:

Open the gate! Quick!

[We see that Faramir is unconscious and has two arrows pointing out from his chest. The gates are closed and the men bend down to help their wounded captain.]

[Outside the walls the orcs prepare to fire the catapults. The ugly orc leader arrives with a warg and looks around, a pleased expression on his face.]

[Inside the city Faramir is taken to his father.]

Guard:

Quick, hurry!

[Denethor storms out to the yard and runs to Faramir.]

Denethor:

Faramir!

[The Gondorian soldiers lower Faramir to the ground, next to the White Tree and Denethor kneels beside him.]

Denethor:

Say not that he has fallen!

Guard:

They were outnumbered. None survived.

[Farther away Pippin is watching the situation, a frown on his face.]

[On the Fields of Pelennor, the orc leader smells the air.]

Orc leader:

Fear... the city is rank with it.

Orc leader:

Let us ease their pain. Release the prisoners!

Orc:

Catapults!

[As the catapults are fired, the people inside the city receive a horrible surprise. The orcs are shooting the heads of the soldiers that rode to Osgiliath with Faramir.]

[Up on the highest level, the grief is getting to Denethor's sanity.]

Denethor:

My sons are spent...

[The steward steps back from his son and Pippin runs to Faramir.]

Denethor:

My line has ended!

[Pippin places his hand on Faramir's forehead.]

Pippin:

He's alive!

Denethor:

The House of Stewards has failed!

Pippin:

He needs medicine, my lord!!!

[Denethor continues, oblivious to the words of the Hobbit.]

Denethor:

My line has ended!!!

Pippin:

My lord?!

[Denethor walks to the edge and looks down. He stares at the mass of Sauron's forces below. The trolls are placing huge boulders into the catapults.]

Denethor:

Rohan has deserted us...

[The catapults are fired and the boulders hit the city and its towers which come crumbling down. The people begin to run onto the streets.]

Denethor:

Théoden's betrayed me...

[With every line spoken, Denethor's madness and despair seems to deepen. More boulders are fired at the city and civilians are killed.]

Denethor:

Abandon your post!!! Flee! Flee for your life!!!

[The soldiers look at each other, confused. As Denethor turns around, he receives a blow from Gandalf's staff and falls down, unconscious.]

Gandalf:

Prepare for battle!

[Gandalf rides through the streets with Shadowfax.]

Gandalf:

Pull them in! To the wall! Return to your posts!

[The fleeing soldiers follow the wizard up to the wall and prepare for battle. Gandalf sits on Shadowfax's back and looks down onto the fields, filled with thousands of orcs and other beasts from Mordor.]

Gandalf:

Send these foul beast into the abyss!

[The soldiers launch their catapults and fire boulders at the enemy. The orcs watch as the stones land on their fellow fighters and intend to move but their leader won't allow them to.]

Orc leader:

Stay where you are.

[They return the fire and more boulders hit the city of Minas Tirith.]

Soldier#1:

Watch out!

Soldier#2:

Down to the lower level! Quick!

[Pippin, wearing his helmet, is running with the flow. More stones are fired at the orcs. Both sides are on the receiving end. As a huge stone is about to land on the orc leader, he stands his ground until the last moment. He spits on the boulder and at the same moment the Nazgûl arrive with their Fell beasts. They fly and circle around the city, slaying many men as they go. We see that the Witch-king of Angmar is with them. Fear comes into the faces of the solidiers, and Pippin blocks his ears to the sound of the screeching of the Nazgûl. Meanwhile, Gandalf walks along the wall.]

Gandalf:

Hold them back! Do not give into fear! Return to your post!

[A boulder hits one of the siege towers, and many men fall out of it as it collapses. The Nazgûl keep attacking the city, slaying still more men, snatching them into the air with their claws, and dropping them onto the city from great heights. With fear on his face, Pippin tries to run with the crowd but is pushed down and he falls. On the walls, the archers fire their arrows.]

Gandalf:

Aim for the trolls! Kill the trolls!

[The trolls receive a shower of arrows, but one of the siege towers has been pushed close enough and the orcs start to enter the city through the walls.]

Gandalf:

Fight them back!

[Gandalf turns around and sees Pippin, walking towards him.]

Gandalf:

Peregrin Took! Go back to the city! Now!

Pippin:

You called us out to fight!

[Sauron's troops swarm onto the walls and one of the orcs runs towards Pippin. Just as it raises its arm to strike a blow, Gandalf slays it from behind.]

Gandalf:

This is no place for a hobbit!

[Gandalf continues to fight, using his staff and sword, but unaware of an orc preparing to attack from behind. Suddenly aware of his friend's danger, Pippin pulls out a sword, and kills the orc, then surveys the bloody sword with a look of wonder. Gandalf turns to look at Pippin, his tone of voice filled with both pride and surprise.]

Gandalf:

Guard of the Citadel indeed! Now back, up the hill! Quick! Quick!

[Pippin does as he is told and leaves the scene. Outside, on the fields, we see huge, rhino-like creatures pulling Grond, the battering ram. Gandalf sees this from the wall. The look on his face is serious as Grond is pulled towards the gates of the White City.]

---

Shelob's Lair

[We see that Frodo and Gollum have made it to the top of the Stairs of Cirith Ungol, and now face the entrance of dark cave, or tunnel. Gollum squats on a rock, pointing into the tunnel.]

Gollum:

There...

[Frodo looks in, holding his nose. The sound of wind and dropping water can be heard in the distance.]

Frodo:

What is this place?

Gollum:

Master must go inside the tunnel.

Frodo:

Now that I'm here, I don't think I want to.

[Frodo makes to step back.]

Gollum:

It's the only way! Go in - or go back.

Frodo:

[Resignedly:] I can't go back...

[With this, the hobbit hesitantly enters the tunnel. Gollum follows him.]

Frodo:

What's that smell?

Gollum:

Orcse's filth... orcses come in here sometimes.

[The tunnel darkens as the make their way in, the only light coming from the increasingly distant opening. The walls are covered with sticky web and weird honeycomb-like shapes in the stone. Frodo stumbles forward and Gollum disappears quickly.]

Gollum:

[From the distance:] Hurry!

[Frodo begins to breathe heavily, and he looks around desperately for his guide.]

Frodo:

Sméagol??

Gollum:

... Over here!

[As Frodo fumbles in the dark, we can see the place is filled with bones. Frodo loses his footing and stumbles. As he leans against the stone wall, recoils in disgust.]

Frodo:

[Fearfully:] Ahh! It's sticky! What is it?!

Gollum:

You will see... Oh yesss, you will see...

[Frodo stops and looks around, desperately.]

Frodo:

Sméagol? Sméagol!?

[There is no answer.]

Frodo:

Sméagol!!!

[Frodo looks around him and sees only the cold, stony walls around him. Tears fill his eyes.]

Frodo:

Sam...

[A sadness, followed by a flash of hate come into his face.]

[Frodo steps forward, and looks down, to see that the rocky ground is filled with bones. His breathing begins to quicken, as he looks around once more, this time seeing the carcass of a bird hanging from the ceiling, wrapped in a huge sticky cobweb, hanging beside the bones of an orc. A menacing growl sounds from inside the tunnel, and Frodo starts to run, stumbling into the darkness.]

[The scene changes, as we see Sam wearily climbing down the winding stairs. He loses his footing and half falls, half slides down the stairs dangerously, and when he stops, he finds himself beside wafers of Lembas. He picks one up, his face contorted in anger, crushing the wafer in his hand in a flash of rage. Then determination comes into his brown hobbit face, and he makes to climb back up the stairs.]

[We see Frodo once more, running through the impossibly dark tunnels, uncertain of his direction. As he looks behind him, he stumbles, and finds himself caught in a web amongst sticky bones. He struggles helplessly, crying out in despir, but even as his will begins to give way, a look of recollection comes into his eyes.]

Galadriel VO:

And you, Frodo Baggins, I give you the Light of Eärendil, our most beloved star.

[Frodo pulls out the glass phial, and as he grips it in hand, it slowly begins to glow with a pale blue light.]

Galadriel VO:

May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out...

[Frodo closes his eyes for a moment, and when he opens them, determination is on his face. He holds the Phial before him, allowing it to quench the darkness ahead.]

Frodo:

Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima!

['Hail Eärendil brightest of the Stars!']

[As the Phial of Galadriel glows brightly in Frodo's grip, the hobbit slowly turns to look behind his shoulder. With a cry of horror, he sees Shelob, a man-sized spider scrambling towards him hungrily. She swings her front legs and Frodo falls down on his back, holding out the Phial to deter the spider. Once again, Frodo falls, but as Shelob attacks, he pulls his sword, Sting, slashing at her legs. Shelob recoils, giving Frodo time to flee. He runs through the tunnels blindly, followed closely by Shelob. Suddenly, he stumbles and falls onto his stomach, rolling into a hole, too small for Shelob to fit through. Frodo continues to run, still looking over his shoulder, causing him to become entwined in Shelob's web. Suspended in mid-air, Frodo cries out in panic, only to hear the voice of Gollum.]

Gollum:

Naughty little fly... why does it cry?

[Looking behind his shoulder, Frodo sees Shelob crawling towards him, as Gollum peeks out from behind a large boulder.]

Gollum:

Caught in a web! Soon you'll be... eaten.

[With this, Frodo slashes furiously at the web with Sting. Gollum quickly slips away, and at the last moment, Frodo cuts himself free from the web, running in Gollum's direction. At last, he makes it out into the open, but in an instant, Gollum grabs him by the ears and bashes his head against the stone wall.]

Gollum:

Got away, did it, precious!! Not this time!! Not this time!!!

[Gollum catches sight of the Ring langing from Frodo's neck, and makes a wild grab at it. In a rush of anger, Frodo pushes him away with a newfound strength.]

Frodo:

No!!!!

[Frodo attacks, and at last, has his hands around Gollum's neck. But as he tightens his grip, Sméagol takes over Gollum, and it is a pathetic creature that speaks to Frodo in desperation.]

Sméagol:

It wasn't us! It wasn't us! Sméagol wouldn't hurt Master! We promised!

[Still with his hands around the creature's neck, anger comes to his face once more, but is soon overcome by exhaustion and pity.]

Sméagol:

You must believe usss! It was the Precious! The Precious made us do it!

[Slowly Frodo releases Sméagol, and stumbles back. He sits on the ground and watches the bony creature holding his chest, a look of misery on his face. Frodo stands up.]

Frodo:

I have to destroy It, Sméagol...

[Gollum looks at Frodo in shock.]

Frodo:

I have to destroy It, for both our sakes.

[As Frodo starts to walk away, an angry grimace rises to Gollum's face and he quickly gets up and runs after Frodo.]

Gollum:

No!!!

[He jumps on Frodo and they both fall, but as Frodo tries to throw him off, he falls into the dark chasm below. Frodo watches him fall and finally gets up, panting in exhaustion. He staggers forward, and stops to lean against the stony wall, his breathing heavy.]

Frodo:

I'm so sorry, Sam... So sorry...

[With this, Frodo stumbles, and falls to the ground. But instead of hitting the cold stone that was beneath him, he falls softly onto a bed of moss and autumn leaves, in the woods of Lothlórien. Slowly, he opens his eyes and sees the Lady Galadriel standing before him.]

Galadriel VO:

This task was appointed to you, Frodo of the Shire. If you do not find a way, no one will.

[Frodo watches as Galadriel bends down with a kind smile on her face, offering her hand. With a determined look on his face, the hobbit takes the outstretched hand, allowing Galadriel to pull him onto his feet.]

[Back on his feet, Frodo finds himself back at Cirith Ungol. With new strength and determition, he continues on.]

---

The Choices of Master Samwise

[We are at Minas Tirith where the siege continues. The huge trolls are pulling at ropes to use Grond, the battering ram, which bangs hard against gates of Minas Tirith, but fails to break them open.]

Gandalf:

[Riding Shadowfax:] Back to the gate! Hurry!

[The remaining soldiers hurry to the gate with Gandalf. Grond continues to smash against the gates, and they ready their weapons. On the highest level, Pippin runs past the White Tree and sees the cavalcade that carries Faramir, led by Denethor. They are on their way to the Silent Street. Denethor pushes open the double doors and steps in.]

Denethor:

No tomb for Denethor and Faramir. No long, slow sleep of death embalmed. We shall burn like the heathen kings of old! Bring wood and oil!

[Down at the gate Grond is making progress, and the men wait with their spears and shields ready.]

Gandalf:

Steady! Steady!

[One final hit and Grond breaks through the gate of the White City, its fiery jaws making the men withdraw.]

Gandalf:

You are soldiers of Gondor! No matter what comes through that gate, you will stand your ground!

[As the gates are opened, huge beasts of Mordor step through and into the city, waving their spiky hammers. Gandalf's face shows shock, as these huge forces soon overwealm the men beside him, who are quickly thrown against the walls.]

Gandalf:

Volley!!! Fire!

[The archers release their arrows, but make little difference. The beasts keep attacking, killing men as they go. With Gandalf's help, one of the beasts falls to the ground. With the gates now broken open, Sauron's forces storm into the city.]

[Frodo arrives at yet more stairs, these leading to the Tower of Cirith Ungol, and behind him, Shelob crawls silently out of a hole. As Frodo makes to step onto the stairs, the sound of falling rocks catches his attention, and Frodo pauses, checking around him for signs of danger, unaware of the huge spider supported by the rocks above him. As more rocks drop, Frodo's breathing quickens, and in an instant, Shelob lowers her stinger. He has no time to react; as he opens his mouth to let out a yell, Shelob stabs him in the neck, and no noise comes from his lips. The look of shock on his face is soon replaced by a limp and deadened look, and foam fills his mouth. As he begins to fall forward, Shelob catches him, and encloses him in a cocoon of cobwebs.]

[Then, out of the darkness, Sam appears, brandishing Sting in his right hand, and clutching the Phial of Galadriel in the other.]

Sam:

Let him go, you filth!

[In a sudden movement, Shelob turns to Sam.]

Sam:

Let him go!!

[As Shelob drops the cocooned Frodo to the ground, worry flashes across his face, but is replaced by a look of determination.]

Sam:

You will not touch him again!

[Shelob growls and Sam creeps closer.]

Sam:

Come on and finish it!

[Sam charges and Shelob leaps forward. Sam slashes at one of her legs, but Shelob continues forward, undeterred, attack with her legs, and sending Sam flying to the air. When he hits the ground, the Phial slips from his hand, landing out of reach. Shelob scuttles forward, kicking the Phial further away still, then presses Sam against a rocky wall, her many legs closing in on him. Sam kicks out, and Shelob recoils, but she soon recovers, and pushes Sam to the ground. Shelob climbs to the rocks above, and just as Sam scrambles to his feet, she jumps back down, onto him. With Sting still in his hands, Sam strikes a blow at Shelob's head, this time drawing blood. With a surge forward, Shelob knocks Sting out of Sam's hand, and closes in on him, pointing her sting at him. At last, Sam makes a lunge at Sting, and plunges the blade upward into Shelob. Recoiling in pain, Shelob begins to wriggle, and Sam picks up the Phial and brandishes it.]

Sam:

Back!

[Staggering, Shelob scuttles back into the tunnel in agony. Sam hurries to Frodo, still wrapped in the cocoon.]

Sam:

Mister Frodo!

[Sam rips open the web around Frodo's face. His skin is yellowish, his lips blue, and his eyes open, yet lifeless.]

Sam:

Oh no!... Frodo!

[Sam tries to shake Frodo awake, but it's useless.]

Sam:

Mister Frodo!

[Sam takes the limp Frodo into his arms, tears falling from his eyes.]

Sam:

Wake up! Don't leave me here alone! Don't go where I can't follow...

[Sam weeps, as he watches Frodo's lifeless form in his arms.]

Sam:

Wake up!

Sam:

You're not asleep... dead!

[He presses his teary cheek against the crown of Frodo's head and rocks him in his arms.]

[We suddenly see that Sting, lying on the ground, begins to glow blue, showing that orcs are near. Sam looks around in shock, as he hears voices, and footsteps approaching.]

Gorbag:

You get lost, scum!

[Three Orcs come into sight, and see Frodo's body on the ground, though Sam is nowhere to be seen.]

Shagrat:

What's this?

Gorbag:

Looks like ol' Shelob's been having a bit of fun...

[Further away, Sam is hiding behind the rocks.]

Shagrat:

Killed another one, has She?

Gorbag:

No... this fellow ain't dead!

Sam:

Not dead?!

Gorbag:

She jabs him with her stinger, and he goes as limp as a bonefish! Then she has her way with them... That's how she likes to feed! Fresh blood! Get him to the tower!

[The orcs leave and take Frodo with them. Sam watches them go.]

Sam:

Samwise, you fool!

Shagrat:

This scum will be awake in a couple of hours.

Gorbag:

Then he'll wish he'd never been born!

---

Ride of the Rohirrim

[In Minas Tirith, Pippin runs after Denethor and the cavalcade. Faramir is gently lowered onto the top of an unlit pyre, lying almost as though dead, but groaning softly. As the soldiers bring more wood to the pyre, Pippin slips silently into the chamber.]

Denethor:

House of his spirit crumbles. He is burning.

[Denethor strokes Faramir's cheek, his face mere inches away from his son's but seems oblivious to the low groans he makes.]

Denethor:

Already burning!

[Pippin runs to the pyre, and speaks urgently]

Pippin:

He's not dead!

[Denethor glances at the hobbit, a dark expression on his face as Pippin starts to pull at the woods in the pyre.]

Pippin:

[In desperation:] He's not dead!!!

[In an upright motion, Denethor sweeps to the side of the hobbit and drags him out of the chamber emotionlessly.]

Pippin:

[Yelling in desperation:] No! No! He's not dead! No!

Denethor:

Hear now, Peregrin son of Paladin... I release you from my service. Go now and die in what way seems best for you.

[As though dealing with useless baggage, Denethor throws Pippin to the ground and closes the gate behind him.]

Denethor:

Pour oil on the wood!

[Out on the streets, Pippin runs through the city, calling urgently as he goes.]

Pippin:

Gandalf!

[The soldiers run around the hobbit as he calls for the wizard.]

Pippin:

Gandalf! Gandalf!

[Fiery boulders are being catapulted into the city, and the buildings are crumbling.]

Gandalf:

Retreat! The city is breached! Pull back! To the second level!

[The streets are in chaos, men fleeing, fiery boulders rolling here and there.]

Gandalf:

Get the women and children out! Get them out! Retreat!

Orc leader:

Move into the city. Kill all in your path.

[We see how the forces of Sauron swarm inside the city, killing soldiers and civilians as they go.]

Gandalf:

Fight! Fight to the last man! Fight for your lives!

[On Shadowfax's back, Gandalf stops as he hears a horn sounding from the Fields of Pelennor, and even the orcs from Mordor pause, bringing the siege to a temporary halt, as they all turn to see what awaits them.]

[On the fields of Pelennor, just beyond the city of Minas Tirith stand the Rohirrim, and with them, Èowyn disguised as a man, Merry with her. Both stare wide eyed as they see the enemy in the distance. Èowyn places his arm around Merry.]

Èowyn:

Courage, Merry, courage for our friends.

Orc leader:

Form ranks, you maggots! Form ranks!

[The orcs start to march towards Théoden and his men. He rides in front of the long line of riders.]

Théoden:

Èomer! Take your éored down the left flag! Gamling, follow the King's banner down the center! Grimbold, take your company right, after you pass the wall! Forth! Down fear of darkness! Arise! Arise, Riders of Théoden!

[As Théoden rides past her, Èowyn hides her face.]

Théoden:

Spears shall be shaken, shields shall be splintered!

[Théoden rides before his men.]

Théoden:

A sword day... a red day... and the sun rises!

[The riders point out their spears and before the White City, the orc kneel down, doing the same.]

Èowyn:

[Softly, to Merry:] What ever happens, stay with me. I'll look after you.

[The King rides past his men, hitting their spears with his sword as he goes.]

Théoden:

Ride now... Ride now... Ride! Ride for ruin and the world's ending!

[He stops and prepares to face Sauron's army.]

Théoden:

Death!

Rohirrim:

Death!

[Èowyn takes a deep breath, as though summoning her courage.]

Théoden:

Death!

Rohirrim:

Death!

Théoden:

Death!!!

Èowyn and Merry:

Death!!!

Théoden:

Forth, Eorlingas!

[As the sun rises, the Rohirrim blow into their horn and they ride.]

Orc leader:

Fire!

[The orcs fire into the line of Riders, and though some fall, the Rohirrim charge on.]

Théoden:

Death!!!

Orc leader:

Fire at will!

[More arrows are shot, but still the Rohirrim ride on, approaching their enemy. At last, they clash. Spears are thrown and many orcs are trampled by the horses.]

[Inside the city, Pippin runs to Gandalf.]

Pippin:

Gandalf! Gandalf! Denethor has lost his mind! He's burning Faramir alive!

Gandalf:

Come!

[Swiftly, Gandalf lifts Pippin onto Shadowfax, and they ride off at great speed.]

[Meanwhile, the battle on the Fields of Pelennor continues, and the orcs begin to run from the battle.]

[Back in the White City, Denethor stands upon a pyre beside his son, and soaks himself in oil. He looks down to Faramir, who twitches uneasily, as though caught in a bad dream.]

Denethor:

Set a fire in our flesh.

[Denethor stands on the pyre, his son lying on his feet as the soldiers approach them with torches. At the very last moment Shadowfax kicks the double doors open, and the men pull back in surprise.]

Gandalf:

Stay this madness!

[Denethor snatches a torch from one of the soldiers and turns to look at Gandalf. He throws down the torch and the pyre lights up in fire. Stunned, Pippin watches as Gandalf grabs a spear from one of the guards, and rides toward the pyre. With the side of the spear, he hits Denethor, sending him flying onto the floor. In horror, Pippin watches as the flames spread across the pyre, creeping in towards Faramir's helpless body. Pippin leaps onto the pyre, and, heaving with all his might, he pulls the man from the pyre, falling to the ground with him. Quickly, Pippin smothers the flames in Faramir's clothes, but at the same time, a flare of madness comes into Denethor's eyes.]

Denethor:

Nooooo!!! You will not take my son from me!

[Pippin cries out as Denethor, already caught in flames, grips him by his collar. Quickly, Gandalf leaps forward on Shadowfax, who rears up and hits on the chest, sending him flying onto the pyre. As Denethor lays in the flames, he glances at his son, as though realising the truth at last. Faramir opens his eyes slightly, watching is father.]

Denethor:

Faramir...

[Denethor looks up in horror, but is already overwhelmed by the fire. He runs from the chamber and out onto the city, at last throwing himself from the edge, falling to his death.]

Gandalf:

So passes Denethor, son of Ecthelion.

---

I am No Man

[On the fields of Pelennor the fight continues. The Rohirrim wield their swords valiantly, and many orcs fall dead on the fields.]

Èomer:

Drive them back to the river!

Théoden:

Make safe this city!

[Suddenly everything stills. The Mûmakil, great Elephant-like creatures, arrive. Théoden and his men watch as the huge beasts of Haradrim march toward them in a line. One of the Mûmak commanders sounds his horn and the line moves on, toward the city. The Rohirrim stare at the sight, their horses nervous.]

Théoden:

Re-form the line! Re-form the line!

[The riders take their position in the line and prepare to fight the Haradrim. The enemy nears, and the ground begins to shake.]

Théoden:

Sound the charge!

[Gamling blows into his horn.]

Théoden:

Charge!

[As Gamling's horn sounds in the air, the Rohirrim rush toward the enemy. They clash and many riders fall dead as the Mûmakil use their gigantic tusks, covered with spikes, their huge feet crushing and throwing aside all that stands in their way. The Haradrim shoot their arrows, killing many of the Rohirrim. The fields are in chaos, and the Rohirrim seem unable to match the huge beasts of the enemy. Èomer stops to face one of the beasts, and spear in hand, and slays the commander, causing the Mûmak to stamp madly into another of its kind, causing both to fall to the ground.]

[We go to Èowyn and Merry who are still together.]

Èowyn:

Take the reins! Pull left!

[She takes Merry's sword as they ride amid the Mûmakil.]

Èowyn:

Left!

[As they ride under one Mûmak's stomach, Èowyn uses the two swords to wound the animal's feet, bringing it to the ground.]

Èomer:

Aim for the head!

[Èomer shoots his arrows and one of the Mûmakil rises to its hind legs, causing its riders to fall down from its back.]

Théoden:

Bring it down! Bring it down! Bring it down!

[More Mûmakil fall down and the ground shakes, and the horse bearing Merry and Èowyn falls to the ground, sending them flying from its back. As one of the Mûmak begins to fall onto Èowyn, and she rolls away just in time.]

Èowyn:

Merry!

[Inside the city, people are running in terror, as the Nazgûl fly around the city again. Everything is in chaos, and the enemy smashes against the gate the men are defending. Further away, Gandalf and Pippin are sitting together, watching the destruction. The hobbit turns to look at Gandalf.]

Pippin:

I didn't think it would end this way.

Gandalf:

End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path... One that we all must take.

[Pippin listenes and watches Gandalf curiously, as he continues. The battle around seems to quiet down.]

Gandalf:

The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all change to silver glass...

[A light comes into Pippin's face, as a small smile comes into his eyes, as Gandalf looks out into the distance]

Gandalf:

...And then you see it.

Pippin:

What? Gandalf? ... See what?

Gandalf:

White shores... and beyond. The far green country under a swift sunrise.

[They both smile as they look at each other.]

Pippin:

Well, that isn't so bad.

Gandalf:

[Softly:] No... No it isn't.

[They become aware of the surrounding battle once more as the enemy bangs at the gate. Gandalf gives the hobbit a little nod and Pippin closes his eyes, tightening his hold on his sword.]

[We go back to the Fields of Pelennor where the Mûmakil and Haradrim continue to cause destruction.]

Théoden:

Rally to me! To me!

[Théoden stops and turns slowly, to see the Witch-King of Angmar flying down to him. He watches in horror, as the Fell beast of the Nazgûl takes his horse with its jaws. In the distance, Èowyn stops, watching as the beast throws her uncle to the ground, trapping him under his horse. The Witch-king guides its steed to the broken King.]

Witch-king:

Feast on his flesh.

[The Fell beast approaches in relish, and still trapped, Théoden can move only his arms. He watches as a warrior we recognise as Èowyn positions herself between the Nazgûl and the king.]

Èowyn:

I will kill you if you touch him!

Witch-king:

Do not come between the Nazgûl and his prey.

[Èowyn stands her ground, her feet apart, and her sword ready, and the Fell beast attacks. She cries out as she slashes at the creature, cutting its head from its body. The beast falls to the ground, the Witch-King still on its back. Èowyn picks up a wooden shield from the ground, preparing to face the Nazgûl. Finally, the Nazgûl turns to face her, weilding its spiky sledge-hammer. Èowyn stares at the weapon in the Witch-king's hand, her eyes wide with fear. Trapped under his horse, Théoden watches as Dernhelm ducks the hit from the Nazgûl's sledge-hammer. Many times the Witch-king swings with his weapon, at last striking her shield, and shattering it to pieces. Èowyn cries out in pain and falls onto her back.]

[Away, along the the river, Black ships arrive.]

Orc:

Late as usual! Pirate scum! There's enough work here that needs doing. Come on, you sea-rats! Get off your ships!

[The Orcs watch in surprise, as the figures of Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli jump out from the ship.]

Gimli:

There's plenty for the both of us. May the best dwarf win!

[As Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli move on with their weapons upright, the Army of the Dead floats out from the ships, and they charge towards the enemy together.]

[Back on the fields, Merry gets up from the ground slowly. As he picks up his sword, he sees Èowyn, facing the Witch-king alone. She lies alone, her back against Théoden's horse, and fear is in her eyes as the Lord of the Nazgûl twines his iron fingers around her neck, lifting her up from the ground.]

Witch-king:

Fool... No man can kill me... die now...

[As Èowyn hangs in the Nazgûl's death-grip, Merry comes forth from behind. He slashes with his sword, hitting the Witch-king in his knee. The Nazgûl lets out a scream, falls to his knees and drops Èowyn to the ground. Merry cries out in pain and holds his hand.]

[Èowyn gets up to her feet and stands before the Witch-king. She removes her helmet, her long golden hair flowing in the air, finally revealing his true identity.]

Èowyn:

I am no man!

[With a cry, she thrusts her sword into the helmet of the Nazgûl. Èowyn lets go of the sword in pain, but it remains in the helmet of the Nazgûl for a moment, before being thrown out of it. The Nazgûl begins to writhe, smoke coming from the armour, which, at last falls to the ground, empty.]

---

The Death of King Théoden

Legolas:

[As he fires arrows:] 15, 16...

Gimli:

[Hacking Orcs with his axe:] 17...

[Aragorn takes down several Orcs, then looks up before him.]

Gimli:

29...

Aragorn:

Legolas!

[Legolas turns to see an Oliphaunt stamping towards him, and he runs towards it, deftly swinging himself up its tusk. Sticking his arrows into its leg as foot and hand holds, Legolas pulls himself up onto the creature's back, where stand many Southron warriors.]

Legolas:

[As he shoots them:] 33, 34...

[Legolas grabs onto the rope binding the platform onto the Oliphaunt's back, and with a slash, he cuts the rope, causing the the platform fall to the ground, bringing the remaining warriors with it. He strings three arrows, shoots them into the beast's head. With a groan of agony, it falls to the ground, as Legolas slides off the trunk, landing on the ground before Gimli]

Gimli:

That still only counts as one!

[Aragorn looks over the battlefield, to see most of the enemy lying dead upon the field. In the distance, a Mûmak is taken down by the Dead army. The Dead run easily across the fields, killing all that stand before them. Meanwhile, Éowyn crawls to Théoden's side, as the King opens his eyes to look at her.]

Théoden:

I know your face... Éowyn.

[Éowyn smiles tearfully.]

Théoden:

My eyes darken.

Éowyn:

[Stroking his face gently:]

No. No, I am going to save you.

Théoden:

[Smiling weakly:]

You already did. Éowyn, my body is broken. You have to let me go. I go to my fathers in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed.

[He draws a laboured breath.] Éowyn...

[His voice fades, and his eyes close for a last time. Éowyn, leans over him, weeping silently. In another spot on the battlefield, the Army of the Dead stands before Aragorn.]

King of the Dead:

Release us.

Gimli:

Bad idea. Very handy in a tight spot, these lads, despite the fact they're dead.

King of the Dead:

You gave us your word.

Aragorn:

I hold your oath fulfilled. Go, be at peace.

[The King of the Dead closes his eyes in relief, and the Dead Army fade, and disappear, as though blown away wi