I’m a Doorman at an Assassin’s Hotel

The atmosphere in the hall was heavy with the weight of the impending battle on Rohan's borders. As the leaders worked on their next steps, the large doors creaked open.

Dr. Joseph and Dr. Murphy Cooper entered, their expressions a mixture of urgency and intensity. Joseph clutched a roll of hand-drawn schematics, while Murphy scanned the room, her gaze betraying both exhaustion and an underlying excitement.

"We've heard about Sauron," Joseph began, his voice cutting through the tense silence. He strode to the center of the room, spreading the schematics across the table, revealing intricate symbols and designs. "We've found a way to seal the energy of the Space Stone, and more importantly, a method that could weaken Sauron's power—even destroy him entirely."

"Destroy him?" Gandalf rose to his feet, his piercing gaze fixed on Joseph. "Explain yourself, Doctor."

Murphy stepped forward, her tone calm but firm. "Sauron's strength is tied to the One Ring—it's the core of his power. But we've discovered that the energy of the Space Stone can resonate with the Ring's magic, creating a destructive feedback loop. In essence, we can use the Stone to neutralize the Ring's influence."

A wave of murmurs rippled through the room. Aragorn frowned deeply. "But the One Ring has a will of its own. It won't cooperate willingly with such a plan."

Murphy nodded slightly. "That's correct. That's why we need someone capable of resisting the Ring's corruption to trigger the resonance." She turned to Gandalf, her tone grave.

"Frodo."

All eyes turned toward Frodo, who lay weak and pale in the corner, barely conscious as he fought to breathe.

"What will this method do to Frodo?" Aragorn asked, his voice low and tinged with concern.

Joseph hesitated, carefully choosing his words. "The Ring's influence will intensify significantly, placing immense psychological strain on the user. It could break his will entirely. But if it succeeds… Sauron's chances of returning will be obliterated."

The hall fell silent, the weight of the plan sinking in.

"This is too dangerous!" Sam suddenly stood, his fists clenched. "You can't make Frodo go through this again! He's already been through enough!"

"Sam…" Frodo's weak voice broke through, faint but resolute. "This is my responsibility. If we don't try, Sauron's shadow will cover all of Middle-earth."

Elaysa's cold voice cut through the room. "This doesn't sound like an option—it's inevitable. The only question is when."

Gandalf took a deep breath, his expression heavy with thought, before turning to Joseph. "Doctor, how much time will you need to prepare the resonance?"

"We'll need to locate the Space Stone's final resonance point," Joseph explained, his finger tracing a line on the schematic. "We've identified a potential location—Mount Doom."

"Mount Doom?" Aragorn's frown deepened. "That's the heart of Sauron's territory. It's a death sentence to go there."

"It's also the only chance we have," Murphy replied, her voice steady. "There's no alternative."

Gandalf's gaze swept across the room, settling on each person in turn. "Sauron's forces are gathering strength, and time is running out. First, Frodo must recover. Without him, this plan is meaningless."

The tension in the hall grew heavier. Sam clenched his fists, his lips trembling as though to protest, but he said nothing. He knew Frodo's condition was dire, and the mission ahead was perilous.

"Frodo must reach Rivendell for treatment as quickly as possible," Gandalf said, his eyes meeting Frodo's. His tone carried a sense of urgency.

Frodo gave a weak nod, managing a faint smile. "I understand. This is about the fate of Middle-earth. I'll do my best."

Sam immediately stepped forward, his voice unwavering. "I'm going with him. No matter where he goes, I won't let him face it alone!"

Gandalf gave a small nod, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. "Your loyalty, Samwise, is the greatest strength Frodo has."

Murphy examined the map closely, speaking with calculated precision. "To reach Rivendell, we'll need to cross the Emyn Muil and Anduin River. With the Ringwraiths on our trail, a direct route is nearly impossible. We'll have to take a more concealed path."

"This will delay us," Elaysa remarked, her brows furrowing slightly.

"It's the only way," Gandalf said firmly, his tone leaving no room for debate. "Frodo's recovery is the first step. Without him, the rest of the plan cannot succeed."

"I'll escort him," Aragorn offered, his voice resolute. "We'll need a small team to divert the enemy's attention and ensure Frodo's safety."

"What about the rest of us?" Elaysa asked coldly, clearly displeased with the arrangement.

"I will stay," Gandalf replied, his voice steady. "Rohan needs someone to coordinate its defenses. King Théoden's army must be ready to face the coming battle."

Joseph raised his head, his eyes glinting with thought. "We'll stay, too. The resonance method needs further testing. Once Frodo is healed, we'll synchronize our efforts."

Elaysa's gaze swept over the Coopers, her tone laced with sarcasm. "Let's hope your tests don't complicate things further."

Murphy met her gaze unflinchingly. "We don't have time for mistakes. Trust me."

Preparations moved quickly. Aragorn, Sam, Frodo, and Elaysa formed the escort team. Much to my dismay, I was assigned to join them.

"Why me?" I asked, pointing to myself in disbelief.

"Because you've had direct contact with Sauron's power," Gandalf said, his deep gaze fixed on me. "Your presence may prove critical."

I opened my mouth to protest, but Elaysa cut me off with her usual coldness. "Just don't slow us down."

"Slow down? Never!" I retorted, feigning confidence while inwardly panicking.

"Good," Gandalf said with a nod, his gaze softening as it turned to Frodo. "Go now, and may the Valar guide you."

We rode swiftly through the night. Aragorn cradled Frodo securely in front of him, while Sam clung tightly to me from behind.

"Slow down, Lorne!" Sam shouted nervously. "You're going too fast!"

"Relax! I've got this!" I yelled back, gritting my teeth as I struggled to keep the horse steady. Despite my lack of experience, the system's "Extreme Riding" skill allowed me to manage—barely.

Ahead of us, Elaysa rode her sleek black steed with an air of unwavering confidence. Her hand hovered near the hilt of her dagger, ready for any threat. She occasionally glanced back at Frodo, her expression unreadable but tinged with concern.

"How's Frodo holding up?" Aragorn asked in a low voice, his tone heavy with worry.

"Not good…" Sam's voice quivered. "He's burning up and muttering nonsense. I don't know how much longer he can last."

"He'll make it," Aragorn said firmly, though his furrowed brows betrayed his unease. He urged his horse forward. "Once we cross this forest, we'll be closer to Rivendell."

As we approached the forest's edge, the air grew colder, carrying the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. The rhythmic clatter of hooves was the only sound in the tense stillness.

Suddenly, Elaysa's horse reared, letting out a sharp whinny. She raised a hand, signaling us to stop.

"What is it?" Aragorn asked quietly.

"There's something wrong with the forest ahead," she replied, narrowing her eyes. Her hand tightened around her dagger. "The trees' arrangement feels… unnatural. Like an ambush."

"An ambush?" My grip on the reins tightened as my pulse quickened. "Can't we go around? This place is giving me the creeps."

Elaysa ignored me, dismounted gracefully, and patted her horse to calm it. She glanced back at us. "Stay here. I'll scout ahead."

"Wait." Aragorn dismounted as well, his tone resolute. "You're not going alone. I'm coming with you."

"I don't need help," she said coldly, but Aragorn followed her anyway, his hand on his sword.

"Uh, what do we do?" I asked, glancing nervously at Sam and the unconscious Frodo.

"Stay here and protect Frodo," Aragorn said firmly before disappearing into the shadows with Elaysa.

I swallowed hard and nodded. "Got it."

The forest grew eerily silent after they left. Sam gripped his sword tightly, his knuckles white. "Lorne, you think we'll be okay?"

"Of course!" I said quickly, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "They're experts. We just have to hold our ground."

A faint rustling behind us made my stomach drop. I turned to see a pair of glowing green eyes emerge from the darkness.

"Not again!" I groaned, drawing my sword.

A hunched figure crept into view, muttering incoherently. Its skeletal hands supported its frail body, and its eyes gleamed with a mix of fear and greed.

"Gollum!" Sam exclaimed, his body tensing.

"This guy again?!" I stared at the creature in disbelief.

Gollum's muttering filled the tense air as he crouched, trembling. "They're coming… They're coming for it… Precious… Precious…"

Before I could process his words, a heavy footstep shattered the silence. Moments later, a group of Uruk-hai burst from the underbrush, their weapons glinting menacingly in the moonlight.

"Uruk-hai!" Sam screamed, his voice laced with despair.

"Damn it!" I cursed, stepping in front of Sam and Frodo. "Sam, protect him!"

"What are we supposed to do?" Sam's voice shook, but he raised his sword, his eyes locked on the advancing enemy.

"We fight!" I shouted, charging at the nearest Uruk. My sword clashed against a battle axe, but the sheer force knocked me back. The enemy's strength was overwhelming.

"Precious! Run!" Gollum shrieked, darting into the shadows.

I had no time to chase him. The Uruk-hai's relentless attacks pushed me to my limit. Soon, a heavy blow struck my shoulder, sending me sprawling to the ground. My sword flew from my grasp.

"Sam!" I yelled as another Uruk advanced on me.

Sam's desperate cry reached my ears as he lunged forward, but he was quickly overpowered. The situation was hopeless.

Just as the killing blow was about to land, a massive tree root shot out of nowhere, slamming the Uruk away. A thunderous roar echoed through the forest as heavy footsteps shook the ground.

"What's happening?" Sam gasped, clutching his injured side as he looked around in disbelief.

The Uruk-hai faltered, their confidence wavering. I leaned against a tree, my vision blurring. Through the haze, I saw a familiar figure emerging from the woods.

"Who… saved us?" I murmured before everything faded to black.