[A council convenes in the throne room at Minas Tirith.]

Gandalf: "Frodo has passed beyond my sight."

Gandalf: "The darkness is deepening."

Aragorn: "If Sauron had the Ring we would know it."

Gandalf: "It's only a matter of time."

Gandalf: "He has suffered a defeat, yes, but behind the walls of Mordor our enemy is regrouping."

[Gimli sits on the steward's throne, puffing on a pipe.]

Gimli: "Let him stay there. Let him rot! Why should we care?"

Gandalf: "Because ten thousand Orcs now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom."

Gandalf: "I've sent him to his death."

Aragorn: "No. There's still hope for Frodo. He needs time, and safe passage across the Plains of Gorgoroth."

Aragorn: "We can give him that."

Gimli: "How?"

Aragorn: "Draw out Sauron's armies. Empty his lands. Then we gather our full strength and march on the Black Gate."

Éomer: "We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms."

Aragorn: "Not for ourselves, but we can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's Eye fixed upon us."

Aragorn: "Keep him blind to all else that moves."

Legolas: "A diversion."

Gimli: "Certainty of death. Small chance of success. What are we waiting for?"

Gandalf: "Sauron will suspect a trap. He will not take the bait."

Aragorn: "Oh, I think he will."