The Last Debate

The morning after the great victory on the Pelennor Fields, the Captains of the West gathered in Aragorn's tents on the field near where King Théoden had fallen. The Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth, Éomer of Rohan, the sons of Elrond, and Gandalf were present, together with Aragorn himself. The air was still heavy with the memory of battle, but the debate that followed was not about past triumph but about the desperate future that lay ahead.

Gandalf's Revelation of Despair

Gandalf opened the council by recalling the last words of Denethor before his death: "You may triumph on the fields of the Pelennor for a day, but against the Power that has now arisen there is no victory." He did not bid them despair as Denethor had, but he insisted they must ponder the truth in those words. The Stones of Seeing, he explained, do not lie, and Sauron cannot make them do so. Denethor had seen what truly was: great forces arrayed against Gondor in Mordor, and more still being gathered. The first great assault had been beaten off only with the utmost difficulty, and the next would be greater. Victory could not be achieved by arms, whether they sat enduring siege after siege or marched out to be overwhelmed beyond the River. Prudence would counsel them to strengthen their strong places and await the onset, prolonging their end a little longer.

The Strategy of the Bait

But Gandalf did not counsel prudence. He still hoped for victory, but not by arms. The Ring of Power, the foundation of Barad-dûr and the hope of Sauron, was the key. If Sauron regained it, their valour would be vain and his victory swift and complete. If it were destroyed, he would fall so low that none could foresee his arising ever again. Sauron knew that the Ring had been found, but he did not yet know where it was. He was in great doubt, for some among the West had strength enough to wield it. Aragorn had shown himself to Sauron in the Stone of Orthanc, drawing the Eye of Mordor away from his own land. Now they must push Sauron to his last throw, call out his hidden strength so that he would empty his land. They must march out to meet him at once, making themselves the bait, though his jaws might close on them. Sauron would take that bait in hope and greed, thinking the new Ringlord had pushed his neck out too soon and too far. They must walk open-eyed into that trap, with courage but small hope for themselves, for it might well prove that they would perish utterly in a black battle far from the living lands.

The Decision and the Mustering

Aragorn spoke next, declaring that as he had begun, so he would go on. They had come to the very brink where hope and despair were akin, and to waver was to fall. He did not claim to command any man, but let others choose as they would. The sons of Elrond answered that from the North they had come with this purpose, and from Elrond their father they had brought this very counsel. They would not turn back. Éomer said he had little knowledge of deep matters but needed none: as Aragorn had succoured him and his people, so he would aid him when he called. He would go. Imrahil held Aragorn to be his liege-lord, whether he claimed it or no, and his wish was a command. Yet he also thought of the people of Gondor and urged that some prudence must still be given: they must prepare against all chances, good as well as evil, and not return with victory to a City in ruins. There was still an army unfought upon their northern flank. Gandalf agreed that the City must not be left unmanned, but the force that led east need not be great enough for any assault in earnest on Mordor, only great enough to challenge battle. He asked the Captains what force they could muster and lead out in two days' time at the latest, hardy men who went willingly, knowing their peril. Éomer said he could not hope to lead even two thousand, and leave as many for the defence of the City. Aragorn countered that new strength was on the way from the southern fiefs, and he judged they could lead out seven thousand of horse and foot, yet leave the City in better defence than it had been when the assault began. Imrahil laughed at the jest of riding with seven thousand to assail the mountains and the impenetrable gate of the Black Land, but Gandalf answered that Sauron would not smile: he would try to trap the fly and take the sting. Aragorn drew Andúril and swore it should not be sheathed again until the last battle was fought. So the Captains resolved to set forth on the second morning from that day with seven thousand men, six thousand foot and a thousand horse, to march into Mordor and challenge the Dark Lord to his final throw.