Another update of the story. It features one event I had in mind once it was clear that Boromir will ride to Minas Tirith. As well, this is meant to be the action part to which I referred (it only begins in this chapter). I sincerely hope that you like this chapter.
Thanks for reading.
This chapter does contain content of Boromir, Denethor, Gandalf and Pippin.
Enjoy.
Bright sight that shadows
Finally, his city came into view. It´s been a long time since Boromir last saw and walked through Minas Tirith. Pippin fell asleep and the Captain General gently awoke him. Gandalf did not dismount, no, the wizard set up a high speed and the older one could only follow. However, he took the liberty of greeting every man he passed. Most of them cheered and all returned it. A smile formed on his face. It was very good to be back. The ride continued till they reached the seventh level. Here, the White Tree was located, not yet bloomed. But he knew it wouldn't be long now. Then Boromir will see his brother again and Aragorn would be made officially king. Gandalf dismounts and the Captain General follows his example. Pippin slides down after him. "So, that is the tree of your arm protector?" asks the hobbit. "It is indeed," he answers then continues," "The White Tree is the Symbol of our land and the one of the King of Gondor." Pippin views it and Boromir witnesses that Gandalf is already about to meet with his father, the Steward of their territories. He took the hobbit by the shoulders and lead him into the Citadel. However, the guards block their way into the throne room. "Lord Boromir, your father awaits you but he forbids Gandalf the Gray to enter," one of them informs him. "Well, he is my friend and he will join me. So, may let us pass. It is not meant to be an order but if you do not accept my request, it will be made one," the older one replies. The guards exchanged views but stayed silent. "I guarantee to take responsibility for it," he adds. They were granted entrance and stepped into the throne room. His father was already present. When he saw that his son returned, a smile formed on his face. As soon as his gaze found the wizard it disappears. Though, the Steward decides to focus on Boromir for now. Denethor meet him halfway and embraces his son. "I am back, father," the Captain General states. "I am glad you are," the man answers then he turns around to stare at Gandalf. "I have ordered not to let you in. May tell me the reason for you to enter nonetheless?" questions Denethor. "I am the reason father. He is my friend," responds Boromir. "My apologies then, Denethor, son of Ecthelion and current Steward of Gondor. However, I have a very urgent request. To fulfil it, would be for the sake of your territories," speaks up Gandalf. The Steward gestures the wizard to propound it, displeasure visible on his face. Boromir silently asks forgiveness for the behaviour of his father. It has gotten even worse in his absence. "There is not such a threat. Our territories are safe. You are dismissed Gandalf the Grey," replies Denethor. His father was as stubborn as ever. Gandalf could do nothing else then leave but Boromir nods in the direction of his friend to let him know that from now on the older one would do the talking. "Father," he began but was interrupted. "Come and walk with me, my son," his father declares. He comes after that request and they started their walk through the Citadel. "My lord, Faramir sends his greetings to you," Boromir speaks up. "He does," mumbles Denethor. "Indeed. He regrets it but he was needed somewhere else," the Captain General responds. "So, why are you not with him?" his father asks. It was not possible. The older one has not mention... him yet. "Oh yes. I do know about the man who thinks he is Isildur´s Heir and worthy of the throne of Gondor," continues Denethor with a grim on his face. "There is only one to whom I will pass the throne one day. That person, my son, is you. No other should have it," the man adds. His father is wrong about that. The throne did no longer belong to him. He does not want it anymore. His thoughts may have been read already. Untouched of it, Boromir makes his point plain," Father, I do no longer accept the throne. I am not worthy anymore and I would not accept it. Neither, should it be posed as order. There is nothing that can change my mind." His father's expression became strict but before he could speak and be heard, Boromir left and the Steward was alone.
Denethor did not recognize his son anymore. Something happened. Something, that has caused Boromir to turn away from him. He may does want to believe it but this was not alone the guilt of Faramir. It could be that man. No, it was that man. The Steward was sure of it. He could not allow that this man will receive the throne. There was only one who may could help him now. Denethor turned and made for the chamber of Saruman the White. Once there, the Steward gestures Beregond to leave his post and knocks at the door. Then he entered and walked over to the Wizard. "Gondor is in need of your help, Saruman the White," Denethor began. The wizard bows his head and responds," And I will to everything in my power to assist it. Go on, greatest of all Stewards." Saruman was heard with relief and the Steward went on," My son, Boromir has gone mad. Something, someone caused that he did not want to fulfil his destiny anymore. He is my heir. The only one who may follow me onto the throne." A smile formed on the face of the Wizard. "Do not worry about it anymore, Denethor, son of Ecthelion. I do know exactly how to cure the mind of your son," the Istari answers. What the Steward did not see was the evil twinkle in the eyes of Saruman. No longer did the wizard serve the good and just Valar. That time had passed. The Istari now has another master.
Gandalf still had some friends in Minas Tirith and that is where he went together with Mr. Took. Only a strong hand on the shoulders of the hobbit were able to drag him away of Boromir. Now, the wizard was to be found at the balcony, smoking his pipe. He expected that Denethor would be stubborn as ever but there was something new. As well, he felt that he was not the only Istari in the city. However, Gandalf was not entirely sure if Saruman could be here. Fortunately, he wasted no time to lit the beacons after he left the throne room. "Gandalf. May I go and search for Boromir?" asks Pippin. "You may do that Mr. Took but be careful as best as you can," replies the wizard. The hobbit smiled at him and walked out. Above the sky became darker and his thoughts drifted to two hobbits, he could no longer assist.
Pippin passed several men but was successful in staying unseen. He made his way up to the seventh level. Once again, the hobbit stopped to regard the tree. It would look even mightier when if it would bloom. He truly hoped that this will happen. Unfortunately, there were guards at the entrance of the Citadel and he would need to find another way inside. He would fail to reach Boromir if he proceeded. Pippin looks around. Then he saw a small door that was ajar. He sneaks towards it and went through it. Lucky as he was, no men nor women saw him. Still, he did not know where Boromir' chamber was located. However, he remembered that his friend once mentioned that his chamber was in the first floor. So, Pippin searched for stairs and climbed them. "Little one. What are you doing here?" a familiar voice query from behind. It was the one he longed to see. Instead of giving his friend an answer, Pippin rushed over to him. "I see. You looked for me," the man said while returning the embrace. "May follow me to my chamber. There we can talk without the risk to be heard," Boromir adds. The hobbit nods and keeps pace with his friend. The older one opens a door and gestures Pippin to enter. He did. Curious about the chamber. "I do know that it does not really look like a chamber if it weren't for the bed. Faramir refers to it as the second armoury of Minas Tirith," Boromir states with a smile. Indeed, the things most to be found were various swords and Pippin did understand the point of the younger one. The man took a seat on the bed and waited for the hobbit to follow. "Tell me. Where did Gandalf went?" his friend questions. "I do not know exactly where but he said there are friends. Somewhere in the sixth level," he replies. "Could be Beregond then. Haven't seen him since we arrived," the man thoughts aloud. "I suppose it where you and Gandalf that lighted the beacons," Boromir continues. Pippin nods in excitement. "He told me to do," he responds. "Good work of the two of you. You were more successful than I was. The conversation with my father... went not as planned. I do not share the gentle nature of my brother. Neither am good at negotiations," his friend declares. Then they heard voices from outside. "Pippin. Hide yourself. Over there in the cupboard and stay there," mumbles Boromir and drew his sword. He did and closed the cupboard from inside. Someone entered, but he could not recognize the voice. "Boromir. It is good that the heir of Gondor returned," it said. "Saruman. I cannot share the pleasure to see you here. Besides, I am no longer heir of Gondor. The throne belongs to someone else. Someone I will follow," his friend answers. So, the one who came was no other than Saruman. Now, Pippin did understand why they had not seen him after Isengard was destroyed. "Yes, your father told me that you changed. However, I am here to help the Steward of Gondor. You will change your mind, young man," the wizard continues. "I won't do that. You have to kill me first," Boromir replies. "That would be very foolish and not necessary. Though, I will ensure that you won't be able to hamper the plan we have for your people," counters the Istari. Pippin did not like him. It was silent. Very silent. His friend would have answered, wouldn't he? The young hobbit feared for him. Something was very wrong. "You may be one of the strongest men of Gondor but vulnerable for magic," he heard Saruman saying. From Pippin's position it was not possible to tell what happened but it could be nothing good. The hobbit raises a hand in front of his mouth. "Soon, Gondor will be ours, Sauron. The father thinks we are his ally and became very weak. The son will be sent away, unable to do anything for his people," declares Saruman. Gandalf need to know about that. When the footsteps vanished, Pippin dared to leave his hideout and was able to see the sword of Boromir that lays on the ground. His friend gone. Time, to tell Gandalf. The hobbit opens the door and ran the way back that he came.
I guarantee, Saruman is not right about that thing with Boromir. He will return and that will be in time. Have faith in this story.