The characters are the property of the Tolkien Estate
Written for the There and Back Advent Challenge
My father’s edict is clear. All who pass through this land unlawfully must be slain.
My heart tells me, though, that I should trust these travellers.
I can neither slay them nor take them before my father. One carries the bane that destroyed Isildur. I would not touch it if it lay on the highway, but would my father? I fear he would try to bend it to his will. This thing could doom us all! Better that my life be forfeit than I bring evil to my City.
May the Valar smile on the Hobbits! I accept my fate.