This chapter is a bit late but it arrived precisely when it means to. Sorry for the delay.

I sincerely hope that you´ll like this chapter.

Thanks for reading and staying with this story.

Enjoy.

Time has come

Sam could not find his Master Frodo in the dark. They were led in these caves by Gollum. Afterwards, separated. Since then Sam searches for his friend. The ringbearer should not be far now. Finally, Sam could make out the shape of his master. His friend does not move. He softly shakes Frodo. Then Sam hears voices. The ring lay there. Unguarded because his master was not awake. He takes it into safekeeping. Unfortunately, Sam could not move his friend away. It would take too long. So, the hobbit hides behind a large stone. Then the orcs found his master. "Shelob found her next meal," one states.

"Leave him... No take him. He is one of these small creatures we should watch out for," one obviously the leader declares. They carried Frodo away of his good Sam. However, the loyal hobbit follows them. Luckily, his cloak did good service by hiding him. The orcs brought his friend to a tower and vanished through a hatch. In time Sam hid again before he was seen. He produces the sword which Strider gave him and sneaks up to the guard. With a rapidity and strength, he did not know he possesses, Sam defeats the orc and the creature was no more. Words were good but not enough sometimes. Still, the hobbit dislikes blades. Only because of Master Frodo, he was willing to use one. Above were noises, then they fade away. Carefully, he draws near the hatch and opens it. The orcs had fought and none survived. Sam draws near Frodo. It was then his friend awakes and gapes at him.

"Sam. The ring. Where...," the ringbearer began.

"You were unconscious. So, I took it for safekeeping," replies the loyal hobbit and hands the ring to Frodo. His master does not answer and only reach for it. This evil thing remains a heavy burden for his friend. He could offer to carry it but the ringbearer would refuse.

"Sam. We have to get out of here," states Frodo and two brave hobbits continue their journey.

Pippin could stand the feeling no longer to remain useless. If only Merry would be here. Or Boromir. Or Frodo. However, the only companion who was still there was Gandalf. At least, the wizard found out that his friends were safely on their way to Mordor. "Are you sure we should not inform the Steward that Boromir was captured?" he asks once more.

"I am sure Mr Took. Our friend will return soon enough," answers Gandalf.

"I guess I will offer my services to the Steward," states Pippin. The wizard views him.

"Do what you think is right but remember, once pledged allegiance to the Steward, you will remain in service till death takes the soldier," explains his counterpart. "If you insist Mr Took, then I would not go to Denethor but to our friend Beregond. It is told that something has befallen the Steward of Gondor. I would blame Saruman for it," the Istari continues.

"Well, something has befallen me too. The desire to be of some help even if not of much. It is said that they will come. I believe the rumours for I had been in Isengard myself. Gondor needs everyone who is avail. This soldier may be small but they have to take me as I am. If you excuse me now. I search for the Steward," he counters.

"You are full of surprises young hobbit," responds Gandalf with a smile.

Soon Rohan will ride towards Minas Tirith and Éowyn was ready. Overnight she prepared everything. They would not recognize the shieldmaiden. She now looks like a soldier. The woman found a helmet that hides her face and hair. Together with the garment she wore, the look was complete. Éowyn wished she could spare her brother this but unfortunately there was no other way. Éomer saw only the little sister in her who needs to be protected from harm. However, he should know her by now. She hopes to see Faramir again. He was nice and their conversation too short. Then her gaze found the book of her dear cousin. If only, Thèodred could be here. She would make her family proud. Éowyn trained for this day. She was ready. The shieldmaiden leaves through a hidden door of her tent and searches for Merry. She will tell the hobbit of her plan and then make for the line-up of soldiers. Her friend sat next to the fireplace. "Be ready," she mumbles. He did not recognize her. However, the hobbit nods in excitement. Éowyn mounts her horse and joins the line-up.

"Brave soldiers of Rohan. Time is against us. We have to hurry. Follow me," Théoden speaks up and they departed. She waits till most men passed and collects Merry.

Calemireth followed the older son of the Steward with care to not be seen. Alongside Anduin their way continued. She wonders if Prince Imrahil was behind her. Well, the woman only has to be in reach of the river and it will lead her to Minas Tirith. So, she could spare the time to watch out for the forces of Dol Amroth. Calemireth dismounts and gestures her horse the lay down. Her decision proved to be right and would she have refused to stop... Then she would have been sent back home, no doubt about that. Dol Amroth's troop gallops past her. The horse regards the lady. Calemireth pats his neck. Afterwards, she rises again, together with her steed. Next to her Anduin foams up, crashing over stones and waterdrops wet her hair. The horse neighs and nudges Calemireth. "Both of us will be there, Mistico," she states. "We will be there," the woman repeats.

They left their camp by sunrise and now the Pelargir lay in front them. Aragorn gestures his company to dismount and to continue with care. His trained sense of hearing could make out the voices of men. "I can see the enemy, as well," states Legolas in a low voice. The Dúnedain draw Andruil and together with Legolas, Gimli and Faramir came up to the river.

"They have not seen us yet," concludes the young ranger. Aragorn exchanges views with his companions.

"Nah, I will not draw my axe," speaks up the dwarf. Estel and Faramir smile.

"There is no need to my loud friend," replies the elf.

"Guess you would have loved it to fire an arrow," counters Gimli whereupon the elf smiled slyly at him.

"Surrender while you still can," declares Aragorn addressed to the captains of the fleet. Laughter was all he received. If it is foreseen to reunite the men of the east and the west, it will be an honour for him to do so. With his sword he points at the fleet. Green lines shone bright and became death men again. Soon, the fleet was captured and the lines returned.

"Still, don't like these fellows," states Gimli. The sword was brought back into its sheath. Aragorn enters one ship. Faramir left to collect the rest of their company. "Boats, horses, boats. My people will not believe me," mumbles the dwarf.

"Nonetheless, I am most grateful that you stayed with this Fellowship," responds Estel with a smile and Gimli returns it. As soon as all have entered the boats. They set the course towards Minas Tirith.

Gandalf walks through the city. Above only dark was to be seen. Not long now and the enemy will attack. Denethor refused to build up the defence. He would have done it but without orders, no soldier was willing to listen. They could not. Betrayal did mean consequences. However, with the enemy here, situation has changed. Pippin was still with the Steward. Unfortunately, there was no time to search for the hobbit. Gandalf hopes that his friend would stay safe. The Istari nearly collides with Beregond. "I guess that your Lord orders the retreat," he concludes. The man nods. "Time for such a thing has long passed," he adds.

"What are your orders?" the guard asks.

"Inform the men. Take your posts. Stand strong," Gandalf answers. It was a good move of Saruman to send Boromir away. However, the city will not be defenceless.

Denethor did not leave his chamber. The guards received order to leave the Steward alone. He was too weak. However, the man would never admit it. When Beregond informed him that the enemy arrived, it was clear that the city will fall. To trust Saruman proved to be a mistake. No one else will come to their aid. Gondor did not assist Rohan during the battle at Helm's Deep. So, the horsemen would not come. Forces were spread. Men not prepared. Denethor's suggested his folk to flee. His decision was to stay. Rather the Steward will fall with his city than to fail it. However, he will not die by the hand of the enemy. Then Denethor remembers his sons once more. With trembling hands, the man reaches for a book from which he always read to them when both were young. He strokes its cover. Then there was a knock at the door. "I do not wish to be disturbed. Whatever errand someone has," he declares. Silence. But then the visitor enters. "My apologies, my...lord. Father of Boromir. I am here to offer my services," the halfling states.

"Gondor does not need more soldiers. Now leave me alone," he responds.

"Are...are you sure... Lord Denethor?" stumbles his counterpart. "I mean. Your city is under attack and...," his visitor adds.

"I am, halfling. If you do not leave, then my guards will lead you outside," the man answers. Then the shades around his eyes were registered. He could tell from the face of the hobbit that there was a desire to help. No time to call the guards. He grabs the visitor by the shoulder, out of his chamber, closes and locks the door.

Well, I have to confess I nearly forgot about Pippin´s pledge to the Steward but here it finally came. And no, the refuse of Denethor will not stop our young hobbit.

Because of Denethor; I do only know the movie version of him and content of fanfics. Soon, I will get to know him from Tolkien´s book, I guess. What I am alluding to, I hope that I "caught" his personality right.

Next comes the battle. Unfortunately, I really can´t go without them and I won´t. The good thing is, "Chapter: Aftermath" is already finished. That is why it took so long for this chapter.

We will hopefully read each other further on. Stay safe.