I’m a Doorman at an Assassin’s Hotel

The atmosphere in the hall was as heavy as ever. Frodo lay in a corner, his pale face illuminated by flickering torches. Sam, Merry, and Pippin stayed by his side, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and determination. Their eyes swept over the room with vigilance, ready to defend Frodo at any cost, even with their lives.

I stood in the shadowy corner, trying to make myself appear as harmless and insignificant as possible. Gandalf and Aragorn were huddled together, speaking in hushed tones. Their occasional glances in my direction were laced with suspicion. It was clear my sudden appearance still bothered them.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed through the hall. The tension heightened as the doors swung open, and one of Théoden's guards entered, his face tight with urgency.

"Report, Your Majesty," the guard began, his voice strained. "The border sentries have detected unusual movement—a hostile force is approaching fast!"

"Hostile force?" Gandalf stepped forward, his brows furrowing deeply. "How many?"

"The numbers are unclear," the guard replied, hesitating before continuing, "but the banner... it bears the mark of the Uruk-hai."

A collective silence fell over the room. The name of the Uruk-hai was infamous across Middle-earth, and everyone understood the grim reality it brought.

"Sauron has made his move," Gandalf said, his voice grave. His gaze swept across the room before landing on King Théoden. "Your Majesty, a decision must be made now. Do we hold our ground or retreat?"

King Théoden's face darkened as he wrestled with his thoughts. After a tense pause, he straightened, his voice resolute. "Rohan does not retreat. This is our homeland, and I will not see it fall to the enemy." Turning to his guard, he commanded, "Rally the entire city. Prepare for battle!"

"But what about Frodo?" Sam's voice broke through, tinged with desperation. "He can't travel in his condition!"

"If the enemy breaches Rohan, he will be in even greater danger," Gandalf countered, shaking his head. "We must find a way to get him out of here—to Rivendell—before the battle begins."

"And how do we break through the enemy's blockade?" Aragorn asked, his voice heavy with concern.

Gandalf's gaze shifted to me, his piercing eyes locking onto mine. "Lorne, you said you protected them during their journey, didn't you?"

I blinked, caught off guard. "Uh… yes, that's right. Why?"

"Now, you must prove it," Gandalf said, his tone commanding. "You and Aragorn will escort Frodo to Rivendell. I will stay here and aid Rohan in holding back the Uruk-hai."

"Wha—me?!" I stammered, barely able to process his words. "Gandalf, I'm not sure I'm the right person for this—I'm just a—"

"Your actions in battle have shown that you have the skill to do this," Gandalf interrupted, his voice leaving no room for argument. "And more importantly, you need to earn our trust."

My mouth opened to protest, but the weight of Gandalf's gaze silenced me.

"He's right," Aragorn said, stepping forward and placing a firm hand on my shoulder. "If you truly stand with us, prove it."

I could only manage a weak laugh in response. Prove it? The cost of this proof might very well be my life!

Before I could think of another excuse, Elaysa appeared at the doorway. She looked worn, her clothes bearing the marks of battle, but her eyes were as sharp and unyielding as ever.

"The Ringwraiths have disappeared for now," she said curtly, her gaze scanning the room before landing on me. "Lorne, we need to talk."

Great, I thought bitterly. As if my troubles weren't enough.

Elaysa wasted no time. Her tone was as icy as ever, but the weariness in her eyes betrayed her.

"We need to move faster, Lorne," she said in a low voice. "Sauron's power is growing rapidly. If the One Ring is truly in his hands, every effort we've made will be for nothing."

Gandalf stepped closer, his expression solemn. "Are you certain of this?"

"I am," she replied firmly. "The Ringwraiths have taken the One Ring back to Mordor. Sauron's forces are already mobilizing. His gaze will fall on every bastion of resistance—starting with Rohan."

Gandalf's face darkened further. "How do you know this?"

"I read one of the Ringwraiths' memories," Elaysa said, her tone steady despite the weight of her words.

The room fell silent. Everyone stared at her in shock. Gandalf's voice dropped to a near whisper. "You… read a Ringwraith's mind? Do you understand how dangerous that is?"

"I do," Elaysa said, meeting his gaze without flinching. "But there was no other choice. Without knowing Sauron's next move, we're fighting blind."

Aragorn's hand instinctively moved to his sword, his expression guarded. "The Ringwraiths are Sauron's servants. Their minds are corrupted. How can we trust the information you've gleaned?"

"I can't guarantee its accuracy," Elaysa admitted bluntly. "But the intent in their memories was unmistakable—the One Ring is in Mordor, and Sauron is accelerating his plans to gather his full strength."

Gandalf fell into deep thought, his gaze shifting from Elaysa to Frodo and then to me. Finally, he spoke. "If this is true, time is no longer on our side. The Ring has already restored much of Sauron's power. If he gains full control…" He trailed off, leaving the unspoken consequences to hang in the air.

Sam's hands tightened around Frodo's, his voice trembling as he asked, "What do we do? We can't abandon him… and we can't abandon Middle-earth."

Gandalf straightened, his voice resolute. "We must act immediately. Frodo must be taken to Rivendell, and Lord Elrond must be informed of what's happened."

Aragorn nodded. "I will escort Frodo. But if what Elaysa says is true, Rohan cannot be left undefended. Gandalf, will you remain here?"

"I will." Gandalf's voice carried both determination and urgency. "Rohan's defense is critical. Aragorn, Sam, Lorne, and you"—he turned to Elaysa—"must take Frodo to Rivendell without delay."

Legolas and Gimli stepped forward, their faces set with resolve.

"We'll deliver the message to the Woodland Realm and the Lonely Mountain," Legolas said, his voice calm but firm.

"The dwarves won't turn their backs on a fight," Gimli added with a fierce nod. "We'll make sure they're ready."

Gandalf's eyes softened with approval. "Good. Middle-earth needs all its people united against Sauron's growing shadow."

Théoden stepped forward, his expression grim. "Send word to Gondor. They must be warned."

A murmur of uncertainty passed through the hall.

"Will they answer?" Théoden asked, doubt flickering in his voice.

"They must," Gandalf replied. "Denethor must see that the threat to Rohan is a threat to all of Middle-earth."

Théoden nodded, his resolve hardening. "Very well. A rider will leave immediately for Minas Tirith."

As the orders were issued and preparations began, I couldn't shake the gnawing fear in my chest. The path ahead seemed darker than ever, and I couldn't help but wonder if we truly stood a chance against the storm that was coming.

"Let's go," Aragorn said, his voice pulling me from my thoughts. "There's no time to waste."

As we stepped into the night, Frodo's faint breaths were the only sound that accompanied our footsteps. Elaysa walked ahead, her sharp eyes scanning the shadows.

I tightened my grip on Frodo's arm, whispering to myself, "Please, let this work."

Elaysa's voice cut through the darkness like a blade. "Hope won't carry us. Keep your eyes open and your sword ready."

I sighed heavily and followed.