Disclaimer: I don't own anything, it all belongs to the estate of JRR
Tolkien. I do, however, claim the Hawk and other original characters and
would like to be told if they are used elsewhere.
A/N: This story is set in an alternate universe created by Evendim. She has graciously allowed me to play in her sandbox, and I am very grateful for it.
A/N 2: In order to understand this universe, and chiefly to understand how Boromir was able to survive Amon Hen, you really should read Evendim's fics, Behind Closed Doors, Beyond Closed Doors, and Beyond the Fourth Age. This fic ties in with the occurrences in those fics.
A/N 3: My heartfelt thanks to Evendim, who co-authored this chapter with me. Thanks for getting me out of my funk and helping me to pick up the thread again!
Dedications: To Evendim, who created this wonderful universe where Boromir gets to live, and to my darling AJ who gave me the courage and strength to post this story. I love you guys so much!
**********
"No!" snapped Aragorn. "I know we discussed this but...I am afraid I shall lose you. I like having a son."
"I like finally having a father. So far the nearest I have known is Boromir and that is why I must be there. There isn't a force upon Middle Earth that would keep him away if my life was on the line. You know how he can be; single minded and impossible!" smiled Faramir.
"I know. I never shall forget Moria. Boromir rolled his eyes, ducked a spear in the door by his head and quipped 'They have a cave troll!" like it was an everyday event!"
"Back along the tunnel the cave troll was saying 'They have Boromir of Gondor!" laughed Faramir.
"Exactly! The cave troll was for running!" said Aragorn. "Seriously, Faramir, we need to plan this carefully, I want both of you back safely in Minas Tirith. I lost him once. Twice would be considered careless."
"Thranduil would say so." said Faramir.
"I have enemies enough!" laughed Aragorn. "Here is the best place to agree to meet them; at this inlet. Once they are committed to land they cannot turn their boat and flee. The prow will face into the narrows and they shall be caught like bugs in a jar. Position your men here, here, and especially there! A ring of steel which you can snap shut with a single command!"
"Yes, of course! I shall go forth to meet their leader, this 'Hawk' and as we exchange the gold that shall be the signal!" said Faramir.
"Have a care, they may have a blade at Boromir's neck. Best to have them fetch him where you may see him."
"And if they refuse?" asked the Steward.
"Then perhaps he is already beyond rescuing and you may deal with the scum as you see fit!" whispered the king.
"Say it not. I could not bear it!" said Faramir as he moved into his father's arms for a hug.
"I ought to be the one to go. It is me they want." said the king.
"I cannot trade you off for my brother. You are the King, our last link to Isildur and you have no heir!" said Faramir as he twisted the king's hair between forefinger and thumb. "Boromir would not risk you for anything. No, I must go and you must stay and Boromir must take his chances."
Aragorn watched as his son rode out of Minas Tirith at the head of a company headed for Cair Andros. He knew what it had cost Faramir to say those words. Neither brother had ever let the other 'take his chances,' so to speak. They were in tune, and totally devoted to each other as well as to their King. And Aragorn pitied the pirates if so much as one hair on Boromir's head had been touched. If Faramir were unable to kill them, then he would do so.
A/N: This story is set in an alternate universe created by Evendim. She has graciously allowed me to play in her sandbox, and I am very grateful for it.
A/N 2: In order to understand this universe, and chiefly to understand how Boromir was able to survive Amon Hen, you really should read Evendim's fics, Behind Closed Doors, Beyond Closed Doors, and Beyond the Fourth Age. This fic ties in with the occurrences in those fics.
A/N 3: My heartfelt thanks to Evendim, who co-authored this chapter with me. Thanks for getting me out of my funk and helping me to pick up the thread again!
Dedications: To Evendim, who created this wonderful universe where Boromir gets to live, and to my darling AJ who gave me the courage and strength to post this story. I love you guys so much!
**********
"No!" snapped Aragorn. "I know we discussed this but...I am afraid I shall lose you. I like having a son."
"I like finally having a father. So far the nearest I have known is Boromir and that is why I must be there. There isn't a force upon Middle Earth that would keep him away if my life was on the line. You know how he can be; single minded and impossible!" smiled Faramir.
"I know. I never shall forget Moria. Boromir rolled his eyes, ducked a spear in the door by his head and quipped 'They have a cave troll!" like it was an everyday event!"
"Back along the tunnel the cave troll was saying 'They have Boromir of Gondor!" laughed Faramir.
"Exactly! The cave troll was for running!" said Aragorn. "Seriously, Faramir, we need to plan this carefully, I want both of you back safely in Minas Tirith. I lost him once. Twice would be considered careless."
"Thranduil would say so." said Faramir.
"I have enemies enough!" laughed Aragorn. "Here is the best place to agree to meet them; at this inlet. Once they are committed to land they cannot turn their boat and flee. The prow will face into the narrows and they shall be caught like bugs in a jar. Position your men here, here, and especially there! A ring of steel which you can snap shut with a single command!"
"Yes, of course! I shall go forth to meet their leader, this 'Hawk' and as we exchange the gold that shall be the signal!" said Faramir.
"Have a care, they may have a blade at Boromir's neck. Best to have them fetch him where you may see him."
"And if they refuse?" asked the Steward.
"Then perhaps he is already beyond rescuing and you may deal with the scum as you see fit!" whispered the king.
"Say it not. I could not bear it!" said Faramir as he moved into his father's arms for a hug.
"I ought to be the one to go. It is me they want." said the king.
"I cannot trade you off for my brother. You are the King, our last link to Isildur and you have no heir!" said Faramir as he twisted the king's hair between forefinger and thumb. "Boromir would not risk you for anything. No, I must go and you must stay and Boromir must take his chances."
Aragorn watched as his son rode out of Minas Tirith at the head of a company headed for Cair Andros. He knew what it had cost Faramir to say those words. Neither brother had ever let the other 'take his chances,' so to speak. They were in tune, and totally devoted to each other as well as to their King. And Aragorn pitied the pirates if so much as one hair on Boromir's head had been touched. If Faramir were unable to kill them, then he would do so.