“Master Elrond,” the figure in the shadows said, “this council’s proposal will waste more lives than necessary. We should speak with Gandalf.”

Elrond withdrew Gandalf from the council, and the three retired to a private chamber.

“Gandalf,” Elrond began, “This is Spock. He has a certain clarity of thought that we elves considered impossible for a mortal. I ask you to hear him.”

“Gandalf the Grey, live long and prosper. If you would, tell me about the eagles.”

Their discussions, sometimes lively, lasted well into the evening.

The next day at noon, Frodo and Gandalf departed Rivendell on Gwaihir the eagle. Giving Orthanc a wide berth, they arrived at Mount Doom unopposed near midnight. The Ring was disposed of in the fires, Sauron was destroyed, and the Fourth Age of Middle Earth began. Unfortunately, Gandalf and Gwaihir returned alone. Of the events at Mount Doom, Gandalf does not willingly speak, except to sadly say, “Frodo was a brave hobbit, but the needs of the many must outweigh the needs of the one.”