A/N: Ok guys, now we get to the really good stuff. Those who have read the Lord of the Rings will know what this is about. I promise, you won't be disappointed. Gandalf tells them of the old words of Glorfindel in the battle against the Witch-King of Angmar: "Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man shall he fall." This chapter and the following chapter are the stories of Gandalf and Merry, with the Pippin and an occasional mention of Frodo and Sam during the lead up to the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. Éowyn has little part in this chapter but most will know why.
I'm so sorry, I didn't realise that I had actually neglected to put in the part with Éowyn at the very end. It's been missing a fair bit of the chapter. I knew this would happen again. But that's what revisions show you, I guess. Good thing I picked it up. So here it is.
Chapter 13: The War BeginsGandalf did not stay long at Edoras after Aragorn's departure.
"I must return to Minas Tirith to inform Denethor of your agreement to assist in the battle," he said, next morning at breakfast.
"Why so soon?" inquired Éowyn, sadly.
"I am afraid that the situation there worsens day by day. I have news that the Witch-King of Angmar is wreaking havoc in Osgiliath and now turns his attentions to Minas Tirith. I will send one of the hobbits here within a day to give instructions as to the battle plans and inform you of the situation. A young lad by the name of Meriadoc Brandybuck."
That afternoon, Gandalf took his leave of the House of Eorl. He mounted Shadowfax, a white stallion and a gift from Théoden, and rode fast as the wind, to Minas Tirith. They watched as both white horse and White Rider disappeared into the gleaming sunset.
Théoden, too, left with Éomer for Dunharrow to meet the Rohirrim who had gathered there. He had received messages from each captain as to how soon they would arrive there. The force of Rohirric riders steadily grew to over six thousand riders and soldiers, all prepared to fight, for glory, against the armies of the Lidless Eye.
Éowyn bid them a safe journey and a quick return to her. One of Théoden's captains, named Elfhelm, offered to stay behind with his men and keep Éowyn safe for her brother and the king. He was a trusted friend of Éowyn's and had grown up beside her. He was good friends with Éomer and had been with Théodred. He, too, had known of the evils of Gríma towards Éowyn and her discomfort at being left alone with him for this time. This was his chief reason for staying, although he did not tell the king so. He agreed to converge with the army when they came to Edoras on their way to Minas Tirith.
As promised, Gandalf sent messengers with news from Minas Tirith to inform the king of their desperate situation. This was Merry Brandybuck, accompanied by a Gondorian soldier named Hirgon.
Both man and hobbit fell on one knee before Théoden in the hall of Dunharrow.
"Greetings, Théoden, Lord of the Rohirrim," cried Hirgon; "I bring tidings from our Lord Denethor."
"Speak," said Théoden, anxiously.
"The Nazgûl have begun their attack on Minas Tirith and Lord Denethor begs your assistance as soon as possible."
Théoden looked concerned, but still remained composed and stern.
"I have assembled almost all of my men here at Dunharrow, but I await the arrival of my largest éored by tomorrow. They arrive with a strong contingency of five hundred riders. I hope to leave within a day or so, after they have rested. If Lord Denethor is prepared to wait until then, I shall bring a force of six thousand men to assist him."
"Yes, lord," said Hirgon, graciously, "Denethor will await your coming." And with that he hurried out of the hall to ride straight to the steward.
Merry remained standing before Théoden.
"Lord," he began, tentatively, "I wish to join your service and to ride beside you in the coming days." He shuffled his feet somewhat nervously.
Théoden smiled warmly.
"I would be happy to have you accompany me to our capital of Edoras, Master Holbytla. There you shall look upon the Golden Hall of my forefathers, and meet my niece, Éowyn, shieldmaiden of Rohan. I shall provide you with one of my ponies; his name is Stybba."
"Thank you, lord," said Merry excitedly.
"Come," said Théoden, "let us talk of your adventures. Gandalf has informed me that you are well travelled for such a young hobbit."
Théoden seemed like a very kind old man, thought Merry, as he sat with Théoden discussing his travels from Hobbiton. It grew late into the night, and both Théoden and Merry were weary.
"It is time to rest," said Théoden to Merry, "I shall have one of my men show you to a room."
Merry was led to a comfortable guest room, where he would stay until their departure. He was exhausted from his ride and slept well that night.
The next morning, Merry was woken by the arrival of the last éored. He dressed himself quickly and hurried outside. The men were preparing busily to leave. A messenger had arrived early that morning, informing Théoden that they could not waste ay time. Merry ran to find Théoden. He came into the hall to find him sitting with all of the Rohirrim captains, discussing battle plans. Merry waited patiently until they had finished and then approached.
"Sire," he said, "what do you wish me to do?"
Théoden looked at him and smiled but Merry could see the distress in his eyes.
"You shall ride on Stybba, beside me. We go to Edoras as soon as all are ready."
Merry nodded and went to find Stybba and pack his things.
An hour later, all men were ready to ride for Edoras to inform Éowyn of the recent situations that had arisen, and to join with Elfhelm and his men. Théoden mounted his horse, Snowmane; Merry rode up to his side and looked up at the king. He face was grave and his eyes burdened. But he cried out to the men:
"Forth, Eorlingas! We ride to Edoras!"
Gandalf, meanwhile, was at Minas Tirith, with the other three hobbits, Pippin, Frodo and Sam, speaking with Denethor and his son, Faramir.
"The Lord of the Nazgûl leads the forces of the Lidless Eye from Mordor, Denethor," said Gandalf, "you must prepare to charge against them."
"We have not the forces, Mithrandir," said Denethor, despairingly. "We do not have yet the strength of Rohan amongst us."
"I have news from Théoden that, at present, they ride with all speed to the city. They will be here within a few days."
"Then they will come to find only the rubble of a once great city, fallen."
"Your fortress is still strong, Denethor," Gandalf reassured him. "Your men are still dedicated to you. They have a captain whom they rest all their hope in." He gestured to Faramir.
"I would that Boromir were still with us to help in this troubled time. I would that I have my loyal son beside me now, not some wizard's pupil."
"Do you wish," he said, "that our places had been exchanged?"
"I would," replied Denethor, without much thought.
Faramir looked crushed as he stood beside his father. Is it not a father's duty to love both sons for their achievements and not wish the death of the less favoured son? He walked out of the hall in silence.
Gandalf stared after him and then turned to Denethor with a fury in his eyes.
"You are not fit to be called a father, if you choose to wish death upon your only remaining son."
Frodo stepped forward. "The ring drove Boromir to his death when he tried to take it from me!" he yelled with vehemence. "It is no fault of Faramir as to what happened to him and it should stand as proof of the Ring's evil."
"Frodo is right. Boromir was a great man," said Gandalf, "but over the course of the journey, I watched the evil consume him. Accept that he is gone and focus your mind on the problem at hand."
"I cannot accept that my son is dead. Let a father grieve for the loss of a son in peace, old fool," retorted Denethor.
"Do not speak to Gandalf in such a way!" shouted Sam, coming to Gandalf's defence. "He is wiser than you or I, and you should listen to his counsel."
"You know not of what you speak young hobbit. Mithrandir may be wise, but his wisdom does not extend to the troubles of lesser beings."
The hobbits stood still, flames in their eyes. Gandalf remained calm and composed. He did not appear offended by these comments. This confused the hobbits. Here was Denethor, Steward of Gondor, calling Gandalf, their dear friend, an 'old fool'. And Gandalf, wisest of all the Istari, stood in silence, saying nothing and seeming not at all insulted.
"Dear friend," said Gandalf, addressing Denethor coolly. "Do you not have within your possession, one of the palantírí, the lost Seeing Stones?"
"What business is it of yours?" Denethor snapped.
"Only that Minas Tirith will fall if the Dark Forces of Mordor have seen what you have been doing. They see all, and if you have looked into that palantír, they will know all. Gondor's fate will be sealed."
Denethor was silent. He stared at the floor.
"Just as I suspected," said Gandalf. "Do not gaze into the palantír again. Sauron looks for every opportunity to find our weaknesses."
Denethor looked worried. He had not thought of what he was doing and it may now cost him the city. He stared down blankly. Gandalf went on.
"The Lord of the Nazgûl is our chief worry now. The orcs of Mordor have high hopes in this battle and a powerful force to lead them to it. But our trial of strength is not yet come. And if words spoken of old be true, not by the hand of man shall he fall, and hidden from the Wise is the doom that awaits him. The Witch-King of Angmar will fall but we do not know who this force may be. Our hope rests in their hands."
Suddenly another deathly scream came from one of the Nazgûl as they flew over the city. All were still and felt the terror spread through their bodies.
"I wish for this person to come to our aid soon," said Pippin, shivering.
"As do all, young hobbit," replied Gandalf.
Meanwhile, Merry rode beside the king as the Rohirrim sped towards Edoras. It was growing dark, but the beacons of the city shone brightly as they approached. In this light, Merry was able to see a rider coming to meet them.
"Hail, Lord of the Mark!" cried the rider.
It was a woman, clad as a warrior, with a sword at her waist.
"It is good to see you, Éowyn," said Théoden; "I trust that my time away has not been too much of a burden for you?"
"No, sire," she answered. Merry observed that she was stern of face and almost sad.
"Elfhelm is awaiting your command to depart as soon as you are ready," said Éowyn.
Théoden nodded, "I do wish to leave soon, but first, we must eat and rest. The men are hungry and weary, but we must away as first light tomorrow." Théoden dismounted and gestured for Merry to follow.
The evening was rather uneventful as all were tired and eager to rest. Merry sat beside the king at supper and listened to him talk of the history of Rohan. He noticed Lady Éowyn speaking with a captain, whom he assumed was Elfhelm, as he had not seen him before, in low whispers, glancing up every so often to check that no one was listening. Éowyn caught Merry's eye but he quickly looked away.
When all had finished eating, they retired to their welcoming beds.
"Be ready at dawn tomorrow, Master Holbytla," said Théoden to Merry, as he made his way to bed.
"I will, my lord," answered Merry, sleepily.
A/N: Well, that's better. The chapter might make a bit more sense and be more complete.