I think I would have cropped out all the bright sky above, making this one even more dark and threatening. Sauron would love this either way. Good luck in the contest.

I agree with Nikoneer about croping out the bright sky but otherwise, I think this is well done. I feel as if I am looking straight towards Mordor, my knees shaking beneath me as I hold the One Ring in my hand, contemplating the long journey into those scary, dark mountains. :) Best of luck to you in the contest!

I thought the bit of bright sky lent an idea of what the clouds had nearly snuffed out and kinda signified the battle between good and evil and its perilous balance.

it reminds me of caradhras in the misty mountains, when Gimli says "the dark lords arm has grownm long if he can hurl snow at us all the way from mordor!" And Gandalf says "His arm has grown long."