Part 16

Eomer, Theoden, Eowyn and the warriors that followed them were fighting their battle in Gondor and the surrounding areas. The battle was turning against them and all hope seemed to be lost. A yell from the coast could be heard. The Corsairs of Umbar were approaching. Theoden looked up and saw the black ships approaching. The men fighting followed Theoden's gaze and it seemed that all hope was lost. They were fighting a losing battle with the Morguls and now the Corsairs were joining that battle. Theoden knew that with the Corsairs here other villages had most likely fallen.

The Morgul also noticed the Corsairs' approach and began to fight harder. Eomer thought that if he were going to die this day he would die in a way to rally his men. He kneed his horse to the top of the hill and ran close by the Morgul. He was able to dodge their weapons and when he reached the top of the hill he raised his sword in defiance to the approaching ships.

As he waved his sword he noticed closest ship's flag and he began to laugh in joy. The flag had a White Tree for Gondor. It had Seven Stars around it and a crown above it. It was the sign of Elendil. The symbol hadn't been seen in many, many years. This was the flag that Elrohir had brought from the Lady of Rivendale.

Eomer quickly kneed his horse into a gallop to return to the battle and tell them that Aragorn, the heir of Isildur had arrived. As word spread the others fought harder.

The Morguls were surprised when it was learned their own ships held their enemies instead of warriors for Sauron. They knew then the battle was lost. From the East were the Knights of Dol Amroth, from the South were Eomer and the warriors of Rohan and from the water came Merry, Pippin, Legolas, Gimli, Gandalf and Halbarad. Behind them were Haldir, Elrohir, Elladan and the Rangers. But leading them into battle was Aragorn and by his side, Willow.

After the battle was over Aragorn turned to see Theoden approaching. Theoden grasped Aragorn's forearm in greeting. "It is good to see you my friend. You came at just the right time."

Aragron smiled, "Did I not tell you that we would meet again in battle?"

Theoden smiled in response.

Willow saw Eowyn in the crowd and rushed toward her. The two small women embraced. "I was worried about you when Haldir said he had to leave and join you. I am very glad to see that you are all right."

Willow smiled at Eowyn. She reminded her so much of Buffy if Buffy had been a medieval lady. Middle Earth reminded Willow of the tales of King Arthur and Merlin with Aragorn as Arthur, Gandalf as Merlin and from how the others described Frodo, he would be Sir Galahad with the pure heart.

Eowyn looked over to where her brother and uncle were talking to Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. Her eyes rested on Aragorn, "This must be hard for him. Both sadness at the loss of so many people of Gondor yet a happy time to finally return to his home."

Willow smiled sadly. Aragorn had told her of his life and what it meant to be coming home. It was bittersweet. He was afraid that there would be an inner fight if he came unannounced so had decided to stay out here with the fighters until the Lord of the City welcomed him. He didn't want there to be political fighting while the war with Mordor was going on.

Word in Gondor spread that the flag carried the symbols of the heir to Isildur and there was rejoicing for their Lord was gone and Faramir lay ill and it was said that Royalty has the power to heal. A messenger was sent to the warriors staying outside the gates. He approached Aragorn and handed him a note.

Aragorn read the note, looked up into Willow's curious eyes and then back to the messenger. "Tell them I will come. But as a Ranger from the North. Gandalf will lead until it is decided otherwise."

The messenger nodded and went to spread the word.

Aragorn gathered Willow and his friends together. "The Steward of Gondor is gone and Faramir, his son lays wounded. They have asked that I return. I told them I will come but as a Ranger not as the ruler of Gondor. That role will belong to Gandalf until decided otherwise."

Willow slipped her hand in to Aragorn's and gave it a squeeze. Legolas noticed this small action and smiled. He was glad that Aragorn and Willow were growing closer. If Aragorn did decide to stay and rule Gondor Willow would make a wonderful companion.

Aragorn gently lead Willow away from the others. He needed, no wanted to tell her what else was in the note. Aragorn brought her to stand under some nearby trees.

Aragorn raised his hand and tucked a stray strand of Willow's hair behind her ear. "There is something else. Faramir is near death and one of the reasons they have asked me to come is that it is believed that Royalty can heal."

"They want you to heal Faramir?"

"They think this will prove that I am the true heir if one that is known as the Ranger Strider can heal then his claim is true."

"Can you heal?"

"Elrond taught me some healing ways when I lived with them but I fear I won't be able to bring someone back from near death."

Willow felt her magick here was more powerful than in Sunnydale. Maybe it was that the negative effect of the Hellmouth was gone and she was able to tap into the pure energy of the Earth. Or the Earth of this realm was a more powerful conduit than the Earth of her reality. She still wasn't anywhere near as powerful as Gandalf but she might be able to help Aragorn.

"If I held your hand while you 'healed' would it seem strange?"

Aragorn looked at Willow quizzically. "You will heal Faramir and make it appear as if I did?"

Willow smiled, "No. It will be like Gandalf tapping into my magick with Theoden. You will do the healing because we can merge your Elvish training with my magick."

Aragorn nodded and with Willow returned to the others. "We must leave quickly for I fear Faramir's time grows short." Legolas, Gimli, Gandalf, Merry, and Pippin mounted their horses and followed behind Willow and Aragorn.

They entered the house of heeling and an old nurse greeted them. She escorted the travelers to where Faramir lay. Aragorn looked into the gray dieing face of Faramir and knew that he needed to begin quickly.

"How was he wounded?"

A voice behind them said, "An arrow struck him, my lord."

Aragorn looked closely at the wound and showed Willow. "It is beginning to heal. I fear the arrow had a poison in it."

"Who drew the arrow out? Was it a Southron arrow?"

Imrahil answered, "I drew it forth but I did not keep it. In the heat of the battle my mind was on other things. It was, if I remember, just like the arrows that the Southrons use."

Aragorn turned to the old nurse, "Do you have athelas?"

The woman looked confused and Aragorn clarified, "It is also called kingsfoil."

Her expression cleared, "No, my lord. I have never heard that it was useful."

"Do you know of anyone that might have it?"

"There is a man that might have it. His name is Bergil. He grows all kinds of plants."

Legolas turned to the older woman. "Where may I find him?"

Iodrahil looked at the handsome elf and smiled, "He lives just by the gate in the small house with the wild garden."

Legolas remembered passing it on the way toward the Healing house. With his Elvish swiftness he would be able to get there and back quickly. He turned to Aragorn who nodded to his silent question.

Aragorn and Willow knelt down beside Faramir while Legolas went to retrieve the kingsfoil. Willow brushed Faramir's hair away from his face and whispered to him. She told him of the victory and that Gondor was safe.

The others looked at her curiously and Pippin asked. "Why is she talking to him? He can't hear anything."

Willow smiled up at the Hobbit. "When I was younger I was in a coma like Faramir. I could hear my friends talking and they said how much they would miss me if I died. I think it is the same here. Those in comas can hear us so it's best to give them all the encouragement to come back to the living that you can."

Aragorn leaned down and softly kissed the top of her head. Willow smiled and looked up at him, "What was that for?"

"I was just thankful for your wisdom and kindness."

Iodrahil watched the interaction between her King and this kind woman and smiled. Maybe Gondor would get a King and Queen when this war was over.

Legolas quickly returned with the kingsfoil and Bergil. He handed the leaves over to Aragorn.

"I am sorry, my lord. These are not fresh. I picked them two weeks ago." Bergil said.

Aragorn smiled his thanks. He took two leaves and crushed them between his hands. The fresh smelling herbs filled the air. Turning to Iodrahil he asked her to bring the boiling water. Placing the herbs in the water he let them set for a few minutes. When they were ready he took them out and made a paste to apply to the wound. He gently applied the paste to the wound and Willow laid her hand over his.

She looked up into Aragorn's face and nodded. They both closed their eyes and concentrated. Willow could feel a slight tug on her magick like when Gandalf brought Theoden back.

Faramir began to stir and his eyes opened. He was still very weak but he was awake.

"Well, I guess kingsfoil has more qualities than I thought." Iodrahil said.

Faramir licked his dry lips and whispered, "You have called me back, my King."

Aragorn laid a hand on his forehead and smiled, "Rest. Eat and be ready for when I return."

Aragorn took Willow's hand and they made to return to the tents and the others.