Chapter 36:
Eden's POV:
Gandalf awoke Pippin and I just before the sun's rays had peaked over the horizon. We dressed and followed him out into the just awakening city. He was a man on a mission and we were not ones to argue.
"Peregrin Took, my Lad, there is a task now to be done. Another opportunity for one of the shire-folk to prove their great worth." Gandalf led us through many alleys and tunnels until we reached a stairway that led to a tower which gave way to a mountain, where a large pile of woods and undergrowth was stacked under an archway, two guards just by its entrance on a ledge very high up.
Gandalf bent down to Pippin's level and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You must not fail me." Pippin nodded and ran towards the stairs, up them and out of sight.
"Come, we shall see how it comes about." Gandalf led me to bridge where we had a better view of the beacon. Minor movement from the mountain leading up to it, assured me that Pippin was indeed climbing up it. I bit my lip in worry, for all I could do was watch and pray he did not fall, or get caught.
About twenty minutes later, a flicker of light caught my eyes amongst the wood under the archway and I grinned, nudging Gandalf with my elbow. "Look." I whispered, nodding my head in the direction of the beacon, where the flames were growing at a hasty speed.
Gandalf led me further out onto the bridge to look farther along the mountain. "Amon Din!" He muttered.
On one of the mountain peaks, flames erupted and its light could be seen. I let out a tiny squeal and clasped my hands together. One of the guards on my right saw the flame and turned to the doorway. "The Beacon! The Beacon of Amon Din is lit!" He shouted.
More guards rushed out onto the bridge to watch the beacon burn and I clutched Gandalf's arm, looking at him hopefully. "Now it is up to Theoden and Aragorn to answer." He smiled down at me, and I turned to watch the burning beacon. Hope is restored.
"Hope is kindled." Gandalf echoed my thoughts, as we watched. I inwardly cheered Pippin for such an impressive feat and could not wait to congratulate him.
"Come on, Aragorn." I whispered, wringing my clasped hands. "Do not abandon us."
Suddenly, loud screeches reached our ears, and anguished yells, fire and smoke materialized from the river. The small soldier's encampment, Gondor's last defense was under attack. "Gandalf!" I exclaimed, pointing to the river.
"It is as I have feared. Come, we must help." Gandalf stormed to the stables with me hot on his heels. Pippin met us there, with fear in his eyes and followed us inside.
I had no time to saddle Glory: I threw on his bridle and mounted him bareback, while Gandalf and Pippin got situated on Shadowfax. "Let us save those who are lucky enough escape." Gandalf burst out of the stall at a gallop, like a racehorse from a starting gate.
"Noro lim, Glory. Noro lim." I whispered, into the bay stallion ears that flicked back to catch my words. He leapt from his stall, hooves pounding on the stone as we followed Gandalf down the many levels the city had.
The large gate opened enough for us to squeeze out, just as a herd of horses and riders emerged from the gates of the river in the distance. On their trail was the Nazgul, mounted on vicious flying dragon-like creatures. I withdrew my sword from the scabbard at my hip and tilted forward, urging Glory on with every aid I had. The big horse did not fail me. He lengthened his stride, overtaking Gandalf and Shadowfax.
"Eden, be careful of the Nazgul!" Gandalf shouted, as Glory roared into an even faster gear, as if he knew that we were to save the soldiers currently fleeing for their lives.
The dragon-like creatures would swoop down upon the fleeing horses and rider, bringing some up with their claws and throwing them back down to their demise. I felt anger well within me. "Come on. Come on." I hissed, as Glory dug even deeper and threw his head down, catapulting his body across the ground.
I raised my sword as one of the beasts flew towards me, making to cut a laceration in his face, before he could close his jaws around me. It flew higher, letting an agonized screech.
I hunched low, turning Glory so he ran alongside a younger, raven haired man, alike to Boromir in appearance, hunched over and shielding his head with his arm from the Nazgul. I'm guessing this was Faramir.
Just as one of the Nazgul prepared to swoop down upon us again, like a Hawk would its prey, a bright light hit the beasts, coming from Gandalf's staff, as he, Pippin and Shadowfax caught up to us. The Nazgul flew higher and retreated from the White light, leaving the rest of us a safe passage to Minas Tirith.
The big doors opened again, as we galloped into the lowest courtyard of Minas Tirith, pulling the horses and up and breathing sighs of relief. Gandalf was by my side as soon as the doors closed again. "Well done, I've never seen you ride that fast before."
"They were in danger." I replied with a shrug. "Their innocents, its my job to protect them."
"And you did so nobly." He nodded, just as his name was called.
"Mithrandir." The raven-haired man from before urged his horse through the crowd to reach us. "They broke through our defenses. They've taken the bridge and the West bank. Battalions of Orcs are crossing the river,"
"It is as the Lord Denethor predicted." One of the soldiers pushed through the mass of soldiers. "Long has he foreseen this doom."
"Foreseen and done nothing." Gandalf spun Shadowfax to fully face the raven-haired man, who stared at Pippin upon seeing the hobbit, as though he had seen a ghost. "Faramir?"
Pippin looked away from Faramir's gaze, uncomfortable or ashamed, I wasn't sure which he was feeling, but there was something off about how Faramir was looking at Pippin.
"This is not the first half-ling to have crossed your path." Gandalf stated, rather than questioned.
The realization of what he said donned on me and I looked at the young Captain hopefully. "No." Faramir shook his head.
Pippin voiced my thoughts, a similar look of hope on his face. "You've seen Frodo and Sam?" Faramir nodded, still trying to regain his breath.
"Where? When?" Gandalf demanded, his own hope mirroring Pippin's and mine.
"In Ithilien. Not two days ago." Faramir replied, as Pippin and I exchanged smiles of joy. "Gandalf, they're taking the road to the Morgul Vale." Faramir said gravely, squelching our joy and relief.
"Didn't you say Minas Morgul was the Witch-king's lair?" I turned to Gandalf in fear. I had no doubt in Frodo's courage, but his battle technique was not at all worthy of a Nazgul.
Gandalf nodded, but his eyes were locked on Faramir. "Then to the pass of Cirith Ungol?" His expression went grim.
Faramir nodded, just as Pippin once again asked what I was thinking. "What does that mean? What's wrong?"
"Faramir, tell me everything." Gandalf swiftly dismounted and allowed Shadowfax to be led back to the stables by a stable hand. Faramir and I followed his example. "Tell me all you know."
Gandalf led us to a secluded area, away from prying eyes and ears. "Don't leave anything out."
"I came upon Frodo and Sam lurking in the woods near where we had taken down an army of Mordor's men from the West. We captured them, thinking the ring of power would be best suited in the hands of Gondor." He paused, as though berating himself for such stupidity. "We later captured their guide, a scraggly creature, known by the name of Smeagol, was what Frodo called him."
"Gollum." Gandalf sneered in disgust.
"Anyway," Faramir continued. "It was when we reached Ithilien, which was under attack, when I saw what the ring was doing to Frodo. He nearly threw himself in front of the Nazgul, if it had not been for Sam tackling him to the ground or my arrow piercing the heart of the beast, Frodo would have given the ring of power to the enemy and sent himself to his own death. I let him go, knowing the ring had to be destroyed, but against my better judgment, I let Smeagol continue to guide them."
"Why does that sound like a bad idea?" I looked to Gandalf, my eyes betraying my calm manner.
"Gollum is the reason I brought you here." Gandalf replied, his eyes cold and full of loathing. "He was not supposed to tell the Nazgul who had the ring. Yet the weak and pathetic vermin, told them and sent the Nazgul on Frodo's trail, nearly getting him killed in the process, that was when I knew we needed help and I sent for you."
"Gandalf, I do not mean to interrupt, but who is she anyway?" Faramir asked, nodding in my direction. "I've never seen a woman wield a weapon like she did before, against the Nazgul."
"I'm Eden." I smiled at him. "A warrior from the future, in another world."
"I asked the Oracles for help in this epic battle and they sent Eden to their warrior of this time." Gandalf explained.
"Warrior?" Faramir arched an eyebrow. "Which warrior?"
"None other than your rightful King. Aragorn, son of Arathorn is her Captain." Gandalf smiled. "He currently rides with Theoden of Rohan."
"Isildur's heir?" Faramir's eyes widened with surprise.
"One in the same." I nodded, turning to Gandalf. "Tell me about the path Frodo and Sam have taken."
"Gollum is leading them into a dangerous road. Frodo may not make it out the pass of Cirith Ungol alive." Gandalf frowned worriedly. "This may be Gollum's plan to get his hands on the ring again."
"Then I ride for the pass of Cirith Ungol." I stated firmly. "I won't let him die." I turned to head for the stables, but Gandalf's bark-like tone stopped me.
"Eden, no!" Gandalf stood and stepped up beside me. "You ride for Dunharrow, the encampment of Rohan. Your path lies with them."
"But Frodo…" I started, but Gandalf cut me off.
"But Frodo, nothing. Have faith that he will prevail." Gandalf motioned me back towards my seat beside Faramir. "The Fellowship already lost one member, it does not need to loose another."
"Boromir died protecting the hobbits and me, why can't I continue his honorable deed?" I grit my teeth. "Aragorn can help Theoden, I will not let Boromir's sacrifice be in vain."
"You knew my brother?" Faramir grasped my arm tightly.
I had forgotten that Faramir was with us; I immediately softened my tone and looked at him sympathetically. "I was with him when he died. I was shot with an arrow; Boromir was hit with three. I tried to save him, but I could not get up. I am sorry Faramir."
"I do not blame you, only the Uruk that shot him down." He shook his head sadly. "At least he was not alone when he died."
"Aragorn and I were with him, before he took his last breath." I assured him. "He died in honor and I will never forget his sacrifice."
"Neither will I." Pippin spoke up from where he had been sitting in silence. "It t'was Merry and me that he died protecting."
"I must speak with my father, if you'll excuse me." Faramir stood, looking at us solemnly.
"Faramir, wait." Gandalf gestured for him to sit. "I have one more thing to speak with you about. Eden, accompany Pippin to the Citadel. I will join you shortly."
"Of course." I followed Pippin back into the courtyard and up its many levels to the Citadel. We went inside and Pippin found a stone bench to sit on. "What were you thinking, Peregrin Took?" He reprimanded himself. "What service can a hobbit offer to such a great lord of men?"
"You forget your own courage, Pip." I lowered to my knees so I was eyelevel with him. "Was it not you, who lit the Beacon? Was it not Peregrin Took who helped bring down Isenguard? You are more than what you think you are." I soothed. "Anyone would be lucky to have a hobbit such as yourself in his service."
"It was well-done." Faramir added, as he approached us. "A generous deed should not be checked with cold counsel. You are to join the tower-guard."
"I didn't think they would find any livery that would fit me." Pippin rose to his feet to face Faramir.
"Once belonged to a young boy of the city." Faramir answered, his gaze briefly flickering to mine. "A very foolish one…" I smiled, knowing he was talking about himself. "Who wasted many hours slaying dragons, instead of attending to his studies."
"This was yours?" Pippin asked, smiling up at the Captain.
"Yes, it was mine." Faramir nodding, matching Pippin's smile with one of his own. "My father had it made for me." He reached forward and tugged the sleeve of Pippin's armor down over his shoulder.
"Well, I'm taller than you were then." Pippin looked at the armor, then back up at Faramir. "Though, I'm not likely to grow anymore, except sideways." He joked.
Faramir and I laughed, finding his joke amusing in such a dire hour. "Never fitted me, either." He commented. "Boromir was always the soldier. They were so alike, he and my father. Proud. Stubborn even. But strong." He sighed.
"I think you have strength, of a different kind." Pippin assured him.
"As do I." I stepped up beside the hobbit. "There are many different forms of strength, not just in battle."
"And one day your father will see it." Pippin concluded.
Faramir smiled and nodded at us gratefully, before turning his attention to me. "Mithrandir asked me to accompany you to the stables, while Pippin meets with him just before he swears his services before my father."
"Guess I better go then." Pippin tugged my sleeve, pulling my gaze toward him. "This means you're leaving. Just in case I never see you again, I enjoyed being in your company Eden and putting a smile on your face."
I smiled at him and knelt to his level. "You will see me again, Pip. I didn't die the last time we were separated and I won't this time either. I will return to Minas Tirith with the armies of Rohan and the rightful King of Gondor. You'll see everything will be fine." I gave the little hobbit a hug. "Now run along before you make the Steward angry."
"Goodbye Eden." Pippin nodded and walked dejected through the hall towards where the Grand Hall waited for him.
"Shall we?" Faramir gestured in the direction of the stables. We walked through the courtyard in silence for a moment, before he spoke again. "My brother must have adored you, enjoyed fighting beside such a lady with uncanny wit."
I laughed. "Oh, he didn't start out that way. He was not very receptive of a woman fighting in the Fellowship, but I won him over before he died. He was a friend and I miss him." I turned somber. "Even after he was shot fatally, he kept fighting, with courage and valor that will never be overlooked."
"And that I do not doubt, but our discussion of Boromir shall wait until another time. Gandalf suggests you ride to Dunharrow with all haste." Faramir opened the door to the stable for me and gestured me to go through. "He said that if Rohan answered the Beacon's call, its armies would lie there."
"Aragorn will make sure they answer, I have no doubt that the Rohirrim will be waiting there." I snatched my saddle off the rack and tossed it over Glory's back, tightening the girth and attaching my sword and scabbard to the saddle. His bridle hung outside the door and I snatched it off its hook. "When I return, I shall not be alone."
Faramir nodded. "You have two days, so you must ride hard. Gandalf said your horse should know the way. Be careful, the Nazgul might still be soaring about."
"I will." I bridled Glory swiftly and allowed Faramir to give me a leg up. "You be careful as well, Faramir. I do not want to return only to receive ill news of your death."
"As you wish." Faramir stepped back and opened the stall door. "Til we meet again, fair lady."
"Until then, good Lord." I leaned forward. "To Dunharrow, Glory. Noro lim." The big bay snorted and once again, leapt from his stall into a gallop, out of the stables, through the many levels of Minas Tirith and into the valley that surrounded it.
"I'm coming Aragorn. I'm coming." I whispered, as we tore across the plains. "We'll be reunited soon, Legolas. Just give me two days."