My apologies for the late update. I do hope wait was not too long. Still busy with school.
Well, this chapter is a bit shorter than the previous ones. Next will be longer again.
There will be content of Faramir, Boromir, Denethor, Mablung, Saruman, Gandalf and Calemireth.
Thanks for reading.
Enjoy.
Time is short
The Grey Company were now on their way outside of the caves. Then, Faramir felt somehow... uncomfortable and stumpled nearly to the ground. Luckily, his horse was nearby. The younger one closed his eyes. Only for a moment. When he opens them again, Aragorn´s gaze rested on him The Dúnedain took lead and Faramir walked right behind him. The young ranger nods to assure he is alright and looks to the ground. So, their walk continued. Something happened. Likewise, he felt the presence of the Balrog, the feeling returned. This creature was no more, but the evil was near. It was an insight again. Hopefully, his brother was well. Faramir once more regards his hand. The dark circle was no good mark. However, through it he will be reminded of this place. To receive such information from his grandfather was indeed enlightening. So, the Steward of Gondor owns one of the palantír. Surely, not because it was the idea of his father. The very man knew about the risks. When Faramir was young he was taught by Denethor about this magic. As soon as, the younger one understood the alphabet. A fortunate time. Finduilas was around and the family complete and he was loved by his father. Next to him the horse seemed to sense the younger one felt sad because it nudged him. Faramir managed a weak smile and pats its neck. Should it be his destiny to led his father out of the shadow, it will happen. The young ranger would be more than willing to help the man. Suddenly, something hit him from behind and Faramir was about to grab his sword while he fell but could not do just that. He was pinned to the ground. "Nae! Goheno nin, mellon," Legolas apologized who lay now on him. Then the elf rose to regard Gimli. The dwarf stands the view. "I did not see the... stone," their friend began and adds in a low voice," Happened by accident." Aragorn had turned around and smiled, offering a hand. The younger one rises with th help of his friend and speaks up," Boromir would have liked our collision." His king and friend nods in agreement," He would. Your brother should have arrived at Minas Tirith by now. Soon, we will be there too. Before that, we need to stop the Corsairs' fleet." Yes, Boromir should have reached their city. Then the Dúnedain gestures them to continue then and they did. Hopefully, everything is well in Minas Tirith.
(Legolas to Faramir: L: Alas! Forgive me, friend.)
When Boromir awoke, hands and legs were bound and he could not move them as he would like. The older one could not explain what exactly had happened. The last thing he does remember was that this wizard talked to him. Saruman could not be made responsible for this. Never would he stand a chance against the Captain General of Gondor. It hurts him to even think this to be true. This will be held a secret. If only then his brother will know about it. Boromir tried to untie the ropes. At first, he did not succeed but nothing could hold him for long. He got rid of the rope around his hands and then unbinds the one on his legs. Highly time to explore this place. The older one looked around. No doubt, he was situated in a cabin of a boat. Boromir exhaled loud and sharply. A boat was not really his element and he was sure of it that he drifts away of his city. Poor little one. Pippin would fear for his life. The hobbit was not able to see that Boromir was only unconscious and may believe him dead. However, it does need a lot to bring him to the fall. As suspected the door was locked. Did the wizard think him weak? This barrier was no match for him. Not at all. Hopefully, Boromir will one day meet Saruman again to sort this out. This day will not be a good one for the wizard. The Captain General was crossed with this man. He was hurt in his pride and Saruman delayed his arrival at the Pelennor. The older one used his weight to break through the door. "Curse you," he mumbles. Minas Tirith was already completely out of sight as were the mountains. The boat now passed the part where Anduin flows into Tolfolas. Saruman has kept his promise. The wizard somehow used magic to guarantee that the boat won't sink. Even through the now mighty streams it sailed easily. Still, it was much to his disfavour. Curse this wizard. Time to change direction. Luckily, this country is his home and Boromir knew it very well, even the waters. When he would orientate to the right, Dol Amroth should be within reach. That is exactly where the older one needs to go. There help for Gondor awaits. "Let us see if the lessons in sailing were worth it," he says aloud and went to work. Randomly, Boromir felt the stone of his brother which was stored in a pocket at his chest. Actually, he wanted to pass it to Denethor as a gift. Unfortunately, his temper cancelled this plan of him. Soon. Soon, Boromir will be back. His city and people won't fall.
Denethor knocks at the door of his son's chamber. He received no answer. Maybe, Boromir was with the men. Yes, that could be. Then the Steward registers that the door was not closed entirely. He opens it and could see the sword of his son laying on the ground. Boromir never was around without it. The man bends down to pick it up. "Your son told me to tell you that he made for Osgiliath to reunite with his company," a voice from behind informs him. Denethor turned around to Saruman. "That does sound like my son, always a man of duty. A trusted soldier," he replies. "Indeed. He comes after his father," responds the wizard and lays a hand on his shoulder. Denethor felt a warmth he could not recall to have ever felt before. The man only nods and sat down on the bed. "You have to excuse me, Steward of Gondor. My work here is done," he heard Saruman tell, then his ears could hear no more and his view became obscure.
Mablung moved to Osgiliath with his Captain's unit. Forces of the enemy held them occupied. They received the call for assistance from the men stationed and it was followed. But even the Ithilien Rangers could not really compete against the enemy. The opponent was too mighty and the forces of Gondor spread. The second in command was about to lose hope. With every orc they brought to the fall, twice they returned. It was an exhausting task. By now the sun was setting down and all commanders found together to discuss strategy. It does not help to brighten his mood. Aearon, second in command of Lord Boromir, did not look better. However, they received order to stay at Osgiliath and to defend it. Mablung would to that. Still, he feared it could cost his life. "I would consider a retreat should we not be able to hold the city. Boromir would do the same. He always accentuates that it is not worth to waste the life of our men if the situation is hopeless," Aearon speaks up. The ranger nods with care. "That would mean to act against the orders of the Steward," he states. "It would indeed. However, I will take full responsibility," answers the soldier. "It will be our both," replies Mablung. "Then let us be prepared and stand strong till there is no more other way than to retreat," declares Aearon and left. He went as well to inform his unit. If only, their Captains were with them.
Saruman always knew for the weakness of men. It was quite simple to ensure Gondor will have no leader anymore. He enchanted Denethor. The Steward will believe that both his sons are dead. The bewilderment of the man will grow. He already was weak, thanks to the palantír he gifted him but now even more. Boromir may return but not in time. Sauron should be content. Minas Tirith should be easily besieged. With this thought, he left the city.
When Pippin returned out of breath and told him what happened, Gandalf could first not believe it. However, it suits Saruman to do that. The less work to do, the better. Still, the Captain General, their friend will return. Till then, the wizard ensures Gondor's defence.
Calemireth was outside to train with the sword of her father. Finally, her dreams come true. She was no longer a maiden who needs to be rescued. No, now Calemireth will fight for what is right on her own. Here at the beach of Tolfolas she could practice without any glares. It did not matter what they thought. But the views distracted her. Again, her hair fell into her face. One day, she may cut it. But Calemireth would have to wait with it, till she left Dol Amroth. Sand spin around her heels. Her hair was blown away by the wind. However, the sword laid firm in her hand. When she looked above the sky became dark. The green jewel clutched the sword even more. Whatever the cause it will be fought. Nothing shadows her land without to pay for it.