Greetings, dear readers. The next chapter awaits your reads.

It features the events that happen in Ithilien, this time without Faramir being present. You´ll find a large Sam contant, one of Mablung, a short of our well-known Steward of Gondor and at the end one of Faramir.

I guess for this chapter an extra amount of creativity was needed because I had the task to do reasonable events in Ithilien (I do hope it happens as you imagined it to be) and I decided to add a little song of Sam. (short but everything created with my mind alone)

Enjoy.

Tales of men

Sam would have never thought this journey to be more perilous day-by-day. When he stayed with Frodo, as promised to Gandalf, the two hobbits left their companions. Still, he could only wonder about Frodo's decision, not that he would ever question him. With Aragorn or Faramir, both at home in the country, the need to accept Gollum as scout wouldn't have been necessary. Master Frodo may defend Smeagol, as he called him but Sam could not develop any sympathy for their scout. Already was Gollum responsible for the gap that was forming between Frodo and his good Sam. He could not tell which country they passed right now. It was green and a beautiful sight. At last, a more welcoming view than the land of Mordor. On the contrary, the hike through this comfortless part of Middle-Earth was only delayed. Then something special caught his gaze. "Master Frodo, look oliphaunts," Sam calls out and tries to get a closer look at them. Frodo appeared next to him. Both regarded them a while, none of them has seen such a beast before. When they turned around the hobbits realized that their scout was gone. The next thing Sam determines, with a look to the right was that they were surrounded by large men. Gollum could have at least informed them about the patrol before he left. Frodo and his good Sam were brought in front of a man who obviously had command. Quite a mysterious fellow because he did not question them nor asked for their names. Still, the uniform had something familiar. Sam was quite sure that he had seen it before but not from where. The man spoken of gestures his company that the hobbits will be carried along. Sam exchanged a short view with Frodo. This event doesn't modify their time schedule for the better.

Of their journey with the men the hobbits saw nothing because as soon as they departed a cloth was thrown over them. Once they gained sight again, Sam and Frodo found themselves at some sort of hideout. While they don't really dare to look around because of the men, their leader left with his whole company except for one man that remained with Frodo and Sam. This man sat down to be at high with the hobbits. "We mean you no harm but it is most urgent you let us go," Frodo tries to explain. His Master received no answer.

The ringbearer was about to repeat the question in case he spoke low but the man interrupts him, "I have orders to watch you closely till Commander Mablung returns." Frodo could only nod and Sam decides to not lose hope, may this Mablung is kind to them.

It did not take too long for the troop to return. Their ambush was worked out with swiftness and efficiency. Mablung beckons Damrod to join him. He told him to stay with the hobbits at Henneth Annûn. Mablung asks silently if anything mentionable happened in his absent and Damrod negated with a short shake of his head. "Do you think this is the hobbit Lord Faramir referred to?" the Commander then questions.

"I believe so," Damrod replies. Shortly the day after their Captain departed, his second in command received a letter:

Mablung,

I will set out for Rivendell together with Boromir. While I am absent you have the command, which you will fulfil most adequate. One request I have however and on it I really have to insist of performing. As you know, a dream of mine told me that Isildur's Bane is in close connection to a hobbit. I suppose we will make acquaintance of this hobbit in Rivendell. Should this very hobbit make it to the territories of our patrols, let him pass. Regardless, of my father's orders. If needed I will take full responsibility. This letter will have to take action when I am not in his company.

My thanks, Faramir Captain of Gondor

The Commander as well deemed that the hobbit they found was the hobbit they should watch out for. Mablung does not know the causing of his Captain's letter but there was none needed. Faramir was not only his Lord but a good friend too. If it was his Captain's wish that they grant the hobbits safe passage through their land, Mablung will action this request. Indeed, the Steward has ordered the Ithilien Rangers to bring any strangers to him. However, Mablung values the decision of Faramir more, well aware of the consequences including his dismissal. He regards the two hobbits and it seems they were talking in a low voice. Then one of them comes over to him, none hinders the hobbit from doing so because Mablung instructed it. The Commander could tell that he is very frightened but then the hobbit collected himself and speaks up. "I am Samwise Gamgee, Sir. Loyal Companion to my master whose name is Frodo," the hobbit began. Mablung stays silent but wondered what goal he is pursuing. Then to the surprise of him the hobbit began a song:

When ten companions started,

It was not clear what perils there will be,

Through snow and grass they wandered, Day and Night greets them alternately.

They were three men of the west,

Four hobbits of the peaceful Shire,

One elf, a dwarf and a wizard that took lead.

The mountains bet them, the mines mislead and threat them, forcing one of them to remain in the deep.

Fair elves then greet the Fellowship, allowing them to stay, even helped them to sail away.

Enemies await them and the demand was high to set against them. Two hobbits stole away and more I cannot say.

"Commander, he was about to sneak away," Anborn declares while he comes over to Mablung, a hand on Frodo. Now it all makes sense. Samwise Gamgee should distract him so that Frodo as he called him could vanish in the woods.

"There is no need for such tactics, hobbits of the Shire," Mablung states. "We were announced of your coming," the Commander continued. Both hobbits remain silent and it was evident that they could not follow him. Mablung reveals the letter of Faramir and hands it to Frodo. The hobbit looks upon it and a shy smile formed on his face.

"Thank you," Frodo says addressed to him.

"My apologies if our appearance should have scared you," Mablung replies. Then he continues," Faramir is our acknowledged Captain and a good friend. Even if I do not know his intentions, he has my trust." Frodo was about to return the letter to him but Mablung closes the hobbit's hand around it. "Leave now. May the journey of yours turn out to be successful," he bid them goodbye.

Once again, the Steward of Gondor regards his territories through the palantír. Denethor could not believe that the Commander of the Ithilien Rangers betrayed him. Mablung will be dismissed of his service the next time he comes to Minas Tirith. The ring was now out of reach. Out of Gondor's reach. Denethor hides the palantír and returns to his chamber. Faramir failed him and probably convinced Boromir of his belief. He knew it. Never should he have agreed to send Faramir with his son. It was his fault. Denethor's wrong decision brought both of his sons out of reach.

Faramir closes his eyes because a vision is noticeable and stops. Frodo and Sam safely passed the woods of Ithilien. His father...a palantír...desperation. A horse with its rider comes to a halt next to him. The younger one knows it was Boromir. In contrast to Faramir his brother was not able to reject it. He pats the steed and looks up. "A vision again?" Boromir asks him in a worried voice.

Faramir nods and appends," I saw Frodo and Sam for a short moment. They are safe. And father...who seemed to be desperate...somehow."

The older one took his hand while saying," That are good news we do not receive often. As to our father, he will be fine." Faramir leaves off to caress the horse and began to walk again.

"You can't escape my attention little brother," Boromir teases him with a smile and overtakes Faramir. The younger one shakes his head about his brother's behaviour.

"Cannot believe you are the older one," he replies with a smile.

Did I met your expections about Ithilien? The first idea was to allow Frodo to sneak away and Sam coming up with a ring of Faramir, but I did not entirely like it this way so I chose to do the thing with the letter.

Again, thanks for your interest in this story. It is even more fun to continue with a story which readers enjoy to follow. The traffic already records more views than I imagined to receive. You´re awesome (I mean it)

Next chapter is already forming in my head and definitely contains a part of the battle at Helm´s Deep.

When you decide to follow me to the end of this story, (which is by far not reached yet) read on and stay tuned for the next chapters.