Oh no, I can't believe how long this took, you all must have thought I died or something (sorry, no suck luck today:) )
Anyway's thanks for the reviews, they are (as always) greatly appreciated, you guys make my day!
sirithiliel: glad you liked it, and I found his death really sad to. He didn't really deserve it :(
Alynna Lis Eachann: Eeeeeeh, somebody liked the tickling (jumps around feeling very giddy) thank you! And for the Faramir/Boromir unision you'll have to wait *euhm* two more chapters I think. (Ducks thrown objects) I'm sorry, I really am!
Anne-Marie: Ok, this would definetly not fit your description of soonish i guess. *Sits down on knees* Forgive me? Please?
charysa: Thanks a lot! Nice to know that people are willing to wait for a next chapter. Valar I wish I could write faster!
skahducky: Nope, no mistake on your side, I did screw with the timeline :) But I have my reasons for it. We wouldn't want Faramir to ruin all the nice angst - scenes I have in wait for them. He would certainly do so if Pippin were there to tell him his brother was still alive. Babbling Hobbits, they always get in the way of my plot-bunnies :))
So here it is. I have vacation now so chapter 9 will be here sooner :)
Chapter 8 : Fool of a Took
----------------------------
As they left Isengard, the Ents came up to greet them, Treebeard in the lead. They discussed Saruman for a while until the old Ent turned towards the four new-arrived members of the Fellowship. He spoke briefly with Aragorn and Gimli and then turned towards Boromir and Legolas.
"Now there is a strange friendship." Treebeard said, with a rolling sound that Boromir thaught to be laughter. He glanced quickly at Legolas, who gave him a reassuring smile. "A city-dweller and a Wood-Elf, hoom, that is very good. If you ever feel the desire to visit my Wood, good Elf, feel free to bring your friend here along."
Legolas gave a light bow of appreciation, then looked sideways at Gimli.
'Oh no,' Boromir thought, 'he's not going to ask for that, is he? I don't think ...'
"I would dearly like to bring another friend with me also, if you would grant it, master Treebeard." Legolas said, his eyes sparkling with no small amount of mischief.
"Of course, any Elf you would wish to bring would be most welcome."
"This friend is no Elf, but a Dwarf." Legolas replied, gesturing towards Gimli.
'I can't believe he did that.' Boromir thought, 'Gimli certainly will not be amused.' But he still felt himself smiling. "Elvish humour." he muttered below his breath, and saw Aragorn's mouth twitch slightly in an attempt to not laugh out loud as he caught the words.
Meanwhile, Gimli threw his Elven friend a barely conceiled stare that promissed a wicked death to the receiver, and then bowed politely for Treebeard, which unfortunately caused his axe to fall to the ground.
"Ho, hmmm, a Dwarf and Axe-carrier." the Ent said, shooting him a threatening look. "It seems you make many strange friendships."
"Strange it may seem, " Legolas replied, "but as long as Gimli and Boromir live, I will not come alone. His axe is not for trees, but for Orc-necks, master Fangorn. Forty-two he slew at Helm's Deep."
Treebeard's brow rose at that statement. "Hoom, now, that sounds a lot better indeed. But let us not be hasty. Either way, you must be leaving now. Gandalf says you must be on your way before the evening. So I bid you farewell, and you too, my little Hobbits. You will be remembered."
As they packed their horses, Boromir kept a carefull watch out for the round object that Pippin had picked up. The Wizard had taken it from him, and now seemed to pack it with the rest of his small amount of lugage. If he only could remember where he had seen the damned thing before.
"What are you looking for?" Legolas asked him, following his gaze across the clearing. Seeing nothing wrong with the Wizard packing his bags, he raised an inquisitive eyebrow at Boromir.
"That round thing Wormtongue threw out of the Tower. I think I have seen it, or it's likes, before, yet I cannot remember where. Somehow, it makes me think of home." The Elf returned his gaze towards the now conceiled ball, then turned back to his companion.
"Gandalf said that Saruman wouldn't have thrown it away, if he had been given a choice. If it is any good to that Wizard, it is good enough for me to keep away from it." Boromir nodded thoughtfully as he put the last of the straps in place. He helped Gimli up behind Legolas first, and then mounted his own horse.
"I'm sure it's of no great importance." he said, more to convince himself then trying to keep the conversation going. "I'll remember sooner or later." Legolas shot him a smile and they urged their horses on to ride behind Aragorn and Éomer.
They rode until the evening and then made camp under some trees. As they settled themselves and set out watches, Boromir noticed that he wasn't the only one who seemed to be ill at ease. Nudging Legolas who sat beside him, he jerked his chin in the direction of Pippin and Merry. The two Hobbits had lain down on their covers and were obviously trying to sleep. Or rather, Merry was trying to. Pippin kept tossing and turning, having some whispered conversation with his cousin.
When Boromir saw that Pippin kept glancing over at the Wizard, he got the uncomfortable feeling that the young Hobbit's mind was also preocuppied with the round ball. The Elf, perhaps feeling his tenseness, spoke up suddenly.
"I have heard tales off a thing that could perhaps be compared to this object that seems to hold so many people in thrall." he tilted his head slightly to look Boromir in the eyes. "They are called Palantir, the Seeing Stones, but they are believed to be lost, or at least some of them are. They show things, my father said, both far away and nearby. It seemed to me that he meant both in time and in space. If so, these things are as dangerous as the Ring, when they come into the wrong hands."
The Human squinted in the last rays of the sun, thinking this through. He had heard similar stories in his youth, but had not given them any thought afterwards, thinking them to be but tales told by old people to keep the young ones entertained. "You think this could be one of those stones?" he asked Legolas, remembering the intrest Faramir had shown them. His brother had always been interested in all things old and, preferably, Elvish.
The Prince nodded slowly. "Aye, I think there's a good chance that it could be. Mithrandir will know, he'll take good care of it, whatever it is." He turned his head completely toward Boromir. "Let's go to bed, it's getting late, and I don't think we'll get to sleep much this night. An air of watchfullness hangs around this place."
With a quiet smile at the riddles that always seemed to sneak into the Elf's phrases, Boromir lay himself down on his bedding and fell asleep almost immediately.
At the end, Legolas proved to be right, although Boromir was sure that the Elf regretted it. Sometime during the night, they were awoken by a scream. Boromir jolted straight, immediately going for his sword and looking for the ennemy, the movement born out of years of training. Confused when he didn't see anything from outside the camp, he turned towards Gandalf's voice, thinking the Wizard would know what was going on.
They all gathered around the spot of ground where Gandalf was speaking with Pippin. The Hobbit was obviously terrified, and looked around wildly, blabbering about something that Boromir could not understand. Gandalf questioned him harshly, and the answers he received were spoken in a trembling voice. Whatever he had been through, Pippin was really shaken up.
The fact that the young Hobbit had looked into the round ball, made Boromir uncomfortable. Legolas had voiced his doubt about the object if Saruman had had a use for it, and it seemed that that doubt was well-founded. But there was nothing that could be done about it now. The evil had occured and there was no turning it back.
From what Pippin told them, Boromir got the impression that he had talked directly to the Dark Lord himself. He pitied the Hobbit for it, but also respected the resilience that he had shown.
Gandalf seemed anxious, taking Aragorn apart to talk to him. Meanwhile Gimli and Legolas walked up to him.
"This isn't good." the Dwarf stated the obvious, breaking the silence in wich they all waited for gandalf to announce what they were to do now.
"I'm sure that Gandalf and Aragorn will come up with a reasonable plan." Boromir replied, trying his best to remain calm. Sauron knew that they were out here. Or perhaps not. Maybe he would think the palantir to still be in Isengard. If this was true, then they would have a small chance of escaping unnoticed. The only question was were they would escape to.
He joined Legolas on the ground, where the Elf was checking Pippin over to see if he had any hurts or if he needed something.
"What ails him, master Elf?" Gimli asked.
Glancing over the Hobbit one last time, Legolas replied with relief. "He's quite shaken up, but there seem to be no physical hurts, and I'm sure that Gandalf will have cured him of anything that could have happened to his spirit. He left Pippin in the carefull hands of his cousin, as he looked up to see if Aragorn and Gandalf weren't finished yet.
Both Man and Elf righted themselves when their leaders came back.
"Let's hope this didn't ruin or only chance at saving youir city, Son of Gondor." Gimli groused as the two approached. Boromir shot him a dreading glance, and felt his heart skip a beat at that possibility. A hand grabbed his shoulder, squeezing in reassurance.
"Peace, Boromir, Gandalf will not give up your city without a fight, and neither will Aragorn. You know that. Have faith, my friend, for my heart tells me that we will soon journey to the White City." The words were soft, but spoken with conviction, and the Man counted himself lucky to have the Elf as a friend.
Laying his own hand over the slender one on his shoulder, he gave a small squeeze himself, and nodded his thanks, still looking forward to see if he could read anything from the guarded expressions of the Wizard and the Ranger.
Gandalf joined them with Aragorn and some time later, Théoden and Éomer completed the circle, after they had given orders to their soldiers. Gandalf sighed and was silent for a moment. He looked at them all in turn, lingering somewhat on Pippin who was still sitting on the ground, with Merry's arms around him.
"The ennmy is hot on our tails now. But we still have some time, as he will think the palantir to still reside in Isengard. Alas for Saruman, he would have done better to give us his help. Now he will have to explain all this to Sauron himself. But his misfortune is our road to escape." He paused and turned towards Aragorn. "I would ask you to guard the palantir, keep it safe and do not use it, if I may council you in this." Aragorn nodded and put it away into his bagage immediately.
"I will go directly to Minas Tirith, and I will take Pippin with me." the Wizard continued, turning his attention towards Théoden, waiting for the King of the Rohirrim to unfold his own plans.
The old Human nodded at him, then gestured towards Éomer. "I will take Éomer and 10 of my Guard and ride at dawn. The rest is free to follow Lord Aragorn when he wishes to leave."
As he nodded his agreement, Boromir suddenly felt the nightair chill around him. He had felt this before, as he had defended Osgiliath, before he had left from his city to travel to Rivendell, and then again as they struggled agianst the current near the falls of the Rauros. Beside him the rest of the Fellowship also tensed, recognizing the feeling of dread that came over them.
"Nazgul!" Boromir shouted as he heard the piercing scream rent the air. The Rohirrim looked on in horror as the huge beast cut of the stars a moment.
"Nazgul!" Gandalf repeated Boromir's shout. "We have to be fast now, the storm is comming. The Messengers of Mordor have crossed the River. We must ride. Do not wait on those that are slower then you." Turning, the Wizard ran to where Pippin and Merry crouched. He scooped up the youngest Hobbit and carried him to Shadowfax. Aragorn wrapped him up in a blanket and set him in front of Gandalf, who had climbed up already and threw his bag on his shoulders.
"Farewell!" the Istar called to them, "Follow me quickly. Go on, Shadowfax." And with that shouit, the great horse threw back it's head, mane and tail streaming in the moonlight before they launched forward and disappeared into the darkness.
There was no time for the others to linger. Boromir saddled his horse again, tossing his pack on as well. "So muich for a quiet night." he muttered beneath his breath, glancing at Legolas to see if he needed help getting the Dwarf in place behind him.
"Pfah, " Gimli sputtered, as his friend pulled him up the horse behind him. "more horseback riding." This produced a laugh from the other two, as the Dwarf made himself more comfortable on this much hated perch.
Merry and Aragorn joined them as soon as they had picked up all their luggage, Merry also carrying Pippin's with him. Aragorn looked gravely at them and sighed.
"So five members of the Fellowship remain. We will ride further together, but at least we will not ride alone."
"Is Théoden going to Helm's Deep with us?" Boromir asked, mounting.
Aragorn nodded. "Because of the Nazgul he prefers to return to the Deep under the cover of darkness."
"And where to then?" Legolas asked.
"It seems to me that all roads now lead to Minas Tirith in the end." Aragorn said. "The King will have his Assembly first at Edoras, and then go there. As for myself, I'm not sure yet by wich road, but the White City is also my end goal." he looked intently at Boromir while speaking those last words.
"I will go with you," Boromir said, immediately backed up by Legolas and Gimli. Aragorn nodded thoughtfully.
Soon, they were all ready to leave. Legolas again rode next to Boromir, while Aragorn was up front with Éomer and Théoden. They hadn't ridden long before the Elf seemed to get skittish. He kept looking backwards, over Gimli, to see the road behind them. His nervousness rubbed of on Boromir, who began to also throw glances backwards, although he couldn't see anything but the rearguard.
"My Lord." a rider from the rearguard suddenly sent his horse to the fore, adressing Théoden, "there are riders behind us."
The whole company stopped and turned their horses. The warriors quickly got off their horses and stood on the ground, nervously waiting, while from time to time toutching the hilts of their swords, making sure they could be unsheated at the least sign of trouble or unfriendliness.
Merry stood over with Théoden, and Boromir could see that the little one was feeling very smaal and out of place, so he went to stand beside him, giving him a comforting smile. Merry, looking a little better as he saw his big friend, relaxed a little and gave him a smile of his own. But he tensed agaian as a couple of riders suddenly burst out of the dark.
Their was a brief but animated conversation as they determined who their pursuers were. Boromir knew who they were before they spoke, if he could go from their clothing. They were dressed in similar capes and gear as Aragorn himself had worn when they set out from Rivendell, and that would make them Northern Rangers.
His suspissions were confirmed as the leader identified himself as Halbarad, and announced that he was looking for Aragorn. Strider indeed seemed to be very relieved and welcomed his kinsman with a brief embrace and warm words. A sigh at his side told him he wasn't the only one relieved to see they had escaped discovery by the Dark Lord. At least for now.
With the Dúnedain adding to their strength, the journey towards Helm's Deep was continued. Halbarad hadn't come alone it seemed: Elladan and Elrohir, the twin sons of Lord Elrond, accompanied him. They had messages to their foster-brother from their father and the group spoke quietly amongst themselves.
"I wonder what they're saying." Gimli rumbled as they rode on. Boromir had similar thoughts. He was somewhat reluctant to admit that he now trusted Aragorn fully, he only hoped that with the arrival of his old friends, the Ranger would not forget the duty he had towards the people of Minas Tirith. The comming of the Dúnedain had also rieminded him of another captain of Rangers: his brother Faramir. He missed him, and only hoped that the younger man was as fine as he could be in times like these. He didn't know why but the last month his brother had been on his mind even more often then at other times.
It was nearing dawn when they finally arrived at the Deep, where they would rest and decide about their roads from the Hornburry onwards. Merry fell asleep at once, and the three others talked for some time before they nodded of as well. Aragorn had retreated into the Burg with the Dúnedain nearly upon their arrival.
It was noon when Boromir awoke, finding himself beside a still snoring Dwarf and Hobbit. Legolas was not to be seen and so he stretched himself before standing up and looking around for a bit. He could smell the food that was prepared and decided it was time to wake up Merry and Gimli. A hand on his shoulder stoppid him.
Whirling around, hand on hilt and sword already half out of the sheath, he was met with nothing more dangerous than a grinning Elf. "Sorry." the prince said charmingly, buth with a gleam of misschief in his blue eyes. Boromir simply grunted and swatted at him playfully. Their banter woke up Gimli, who gave them a whithering look and moved to wake up Merry.
Deciding to forego showing their battlefield to the hobbit, they went to the meal with Théoden. As they walked towards the hall where they would eat, Merry asked after Aragorn, wich led to a discussion about the Dúnedain and the message for Aragorn that the Lady of the Wood had given.
During the dinner, Merry sat close to Théoden and told him stories about his homeland of the Shire. It still suprised Boromir somewhat that the little ones could make themselves at home where-ever they ended up. He smiled as the young one pledged his allegiance to the old King of Rohan.
At the end of Dinner, Éomer suddenly took the word, saying the time for leavetaking came close. "Shall I ask the man to blown the horns, my Lord. But where is Lord Aragorn? He hasn't eaten and his seat stand empty."
Théoden stood at that. "We shall preapere ourselves and depart. Let someone go and tell Aragorn that the time draws nigh." And with that he left the Burrow, his guards and Merry at his side.
Boromir went with Legolas and Gimli to seek out their friend. They found him in a room high in the keep. A gasp left the Dwarf's lips as they looked upon him. Boromir couldn't blame him, looking at the figure of their leader: Aragorn seemed to have aged a lot these last hours. His features were grim and his skin was nearly gray with exhaustion. "What happened?" Boromir could not help but ask as Legolas clasped a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"I'll explain later," he answered, "for now we must first see the King so that I can decide on the road I need to take. Are you still with me?" They all nodded, still too confused by the sudden change to ask any questions.
They left the keep and strode up to where the King and his Men stood. Merry flinched at the change in the Ranger. After listening to the King's plans, Aragorn informed him he would not go along with him any further. He and those who would ride with him would take the Paths of the Dead, aming for speed rather then for safety. Boromir was sadddened when he heard that Merry would go with Théoden.
"Goodbye for now, little one." he said with a smirk, "At least we leave you in safer hands this time." Merry didn't know quite what to see, and was visibly struggling against his tears, but he held himself bravely and the son of Gondor's Steward felt a stirring of something that could be called paternal pride at the courage of his little friend. A while later they rode away, leaving the four behind to look after them until they were no longer visible.
Not too long after, the rest of the Fellowship departed from the Deep towards the treatcherous route that their leader had chosen towards Minas Tirith. Riding amongst Men, a Dwarf and an Elf, Boromir felt lighter at heart, knowing that this would be the final treck before he would look upon the walls of his home once more.
If they could just brave the Paths of Death to get them there.
************************************
I hope you liked this one, it sure took me enough time to finish it (very sorry, blame it on the many duties of a last-year student).
Next time: On the Paths of the Death and Boromir finally glimpses his City again. But he also begins to have the nagging feeling that something's wrong with his brother. Angst :))
Please review? They're my life :)) (Sad but true, I know)
Anyway's thanks for the reviews, they are (as always) greatly appreciated, you guys make my day!
sirithiliel: glad you liked it, and I found his death really sad to. He didn't really deserve it :(
Alynna Lis Eachann: Eeeeeeh, somebody liked the tickling (jumps around feeling very giddy) thank you! And for the Faramir/Boromir unision you'll have to wait *euhm* two more chapters I think. (Ducks thrown objects) I'm sorry, I really am!
Anne-Marie: Ok, this would definetly not fit your description of soonish i guess. *Sits down on knees* Forgive me? Please?
charysa: Thanks a lot! Nice to know that people are willing to wait for a next chapter. Valar I wish I could write faster!
skahducky: Nope, no mistake on your side, I did screw with the timeline :) But I have my reasons for it. We wouldn't want Faramir to ruin all the nice angst - scenes I have in wait for them. He would certainly do so if Pippin were there to tell him his brother was still alive. Babbling Hobbits, they always get in the way of my plot-bunnies :))
So here it is. I have vacation now so chapter 9 will be here sooner :)
Chapter 8 : Fool of a Took
----------------------------
As they left Isengard, the Ents came up to greet them, Treebeard in the lead. They discussed Saruman for a while until the old Ent turned towards the four new-arrived members of the Fellowship. He spoke briefly with Aragorn and Gimli and then turned towards Boromir and Legolas.
"Now there is a strange friendship." Treebeard said, with a rolling sound that Boromir thaught to be laughter. He glanced quickly at Legolas, who gave him a reassuring smile. "A city-dweller and a Wood-Elf, hoom, that is very good. If you ever feel the desire to visit my Wood, good Elf, feel free to bring your friend here along."
Legolas gave a light bow of appreciation, then looked sideways at Gimli.
'Oh no,' Boromir thought, 'he's not going to ask for that, is he? I don't think ...'
"I would dearly like to bring another friend with me also, if you would grant it, master Treebeard." Legolas said, his eyes sparkling with no small amount of mischief.
"Of course, any Elf you would wish to bring would be most welcome."
"This friend is no Elf, but a Dwarf." Legolas replied, gesturing towards Gimli.
'I can't believe he did that.' Boromir thought, 'Gimli certainly will not be amused.' But he still felt himself smiling. "Elvish humour." he muttered below his breath, and saw Aragorn's mouth twitch slightly in an attempt to not laugh out loud as he caught the words.
Meanwhile, Gimli threw his Elven friend a barely conceiled stare that promissed a wicked death to the receiver, and then bowed politely for Treebeard, which unfortunately caused his axe to fall to the ground.
"Ho, hmmm, a Dwarf and Axe-carrier." the Ent said, shooting him a threatening look. "It seems you make many strange friendships."
"Strange it may seem, " Legolas replied, "but as long as Gimli and Boromir live, I will not come alone. His axe is not for trees, but for Orc-necks, master Fangorn. Forty-two he slew at Helm's Deep."
Treebeard's brow rose at that statement. "Hoom, now, that sounds a lot better indeed. But let us not be hasty. Either way, you must be leaving now. Gandalf says you must be on your way before the evening. So I bid you farewell, and you too, my little Hobbits. You will be remembered."
As they packed their horses, Boromir kept a carefull watch out for the round object that Pippin had picked up. The Wizard had taken it from him, and now seemed to pack it with the rest of his small amount of lugage. If he only could remember where he had seen the damned thing before.
"What are you looking for?" Legolas asked him, following his gaze across the clearing. Seeing nothing wrong with the Wizard packing his bags, he raised an inquisitive eyebrow at Boromir.
"That round thing Wormtongue threw out of the Tower. I think I have seen it, or it's likes, before, yet I cannot remember where. Somehow, it makes me think of home." The Elf returned his gaze towards the now conceiled ball, then turned back to his companion.
"Gandalf said that Saruman wouldn't have thrown it away, if he had been given a choice. If it is any good to that Wizard, it is good enough for me to keep away from it." Boromir nodded thoughtfully as he put the last of the straps in place. He helped Gimli up behind Legolas first, and then mounted his own horse.
"I'm sure it's of no great importance." he said, more to convince himself then trying to keep the conversation going. "I'll remember sooner or later." Legolas shot him a smile and they urged their horses on to ride behind Aragorn and Éomer.
They rode until the evening and then made camp under some trees. As they settled themselves and set out watches, Boromir noticed that he wasn't the only one who seemed to be ill at ease. Nudging Legolas who sat beside him, he jerked his chin in the direction of Pippin and Merry. The two Hobbits had lain down on their covers and were obviously trying to sleep. Or rather, Merry was trying to. Pippin kept tossing and turning, having some whispered conversation with his cousin.
When Boromir saw that Pippin kept glancing over at the Wizard, he got the uncomfortable feeling that the young Hobbit's mind was also preocuppied with the round ball. The Elf, perhaps feeling his tenseness, spoke up suddenly.
"I have heard tales off a thing that could perhaps be compared to this object that seems to hold so many people in thrall." he tilted his head slightly to look Boromir in the eyes. "They are called Palantir, the Seeing Stones, but they are believed to be lost, or at least some of them are. They show things, my father said, both far away and nearby. It seemed to me that he meant both in time and in space. If so, these things are as dangerous as the Ring, when they come into the wrong hands."
The Human squinted in the last rays of the sun, thinking this through. He had heard similar stories in his youth, but had not given them any thought afterwards, thinking them to be but tales told by old people to keep the young ones entertained. "You think this could be one of those stones?" he asked Legolas, remembering the intrest Faramir had shown them. His brother had always been interested in all things old and, preferably, Elvish.
The Prince nodded slowly. "Aye, I think there's a good chance that it could be. Mithrandir will know, he'll take good care of it, whatever it is." He turned his head completely toward Boromir. "Let's go to bed, it's getting late, and I don't think we'll get to sleep much this night. An air of watchfullness hangs around this place."
With a quiet smile at the riddles that always seemed to sneak into the Elf's phrases, Boromir lay himself down on his bedding and fell asleep almost immediately.
At the end, Legolas proved to be right, although Boromir was sure that the Elf regretted it. Sometime during the night, they were awoken by a scream. Boromir jolted straight, immediately going for his sword and looking for the ennemy, the movement born out of years of training. Confused when he didn't see anything from outside the camp, he turned towards Gandalf's voice, thinking the Wizard would know what was going on.
They all gathered around the spot of ground where Gandalf was speaking with Pippin. The Hobbit was obviously terrified, and looked around wildly, blabbering about something that Boromir could not understand. Gandalf questioned him harshly, and the answers he received were spoken in a trembling voice. Whatever he had been through, Pippin was really shaken up.
The fact that the young Hobbit had looked into the round ball, made Boromir uncomfortable. Legolas had voiced his doubt about the object if Saruman had had a use for it, and it seemed that that doubt was well-founded. But there was nothing that could be done about it now. The evil had occured and there was no turning it back.
From what Pippin told them, Boromir got the impression that he had talked directly to the Dark Lord himself. He pitied the Hobbit for it, but also respected the resilience that he had shown.
Gandalf seemed anxious, taking Aragorn apart to talk to him. Meanwhile Gimli and Legolas walked up to him.
"This isn't good." the Dwarf stated the obvious, breaking the silence in wich they all waited for gandalf to announce what they were to do now.
"I'm sure that Gandalf and Aragorn will come up with a reasonable plan." Boromir replied, trying his best to remain calm. Sauron knew that they were out here. Or perhaps not. Maybe he would think the palantir to still be in Isengard. If this was true, then they would have a small chance of escaping unnoticed. The only question was were they would escape to.
He joined Legolas on the ground, where the Elf was checking Pippin over to see if he had any hurts or if he needed something.
"What ails him, master Elf?" Gimli asked.
Glancing over the Hobbit one last time, Legolas replied with relief. "He's quite shaken up, but there seem to be no physical hurts, and I'm sure that Gandalf will have cured him of anything that could have happened to his spirit. He left Pippin in the carefull hands of his cousin, as he looked up to see if Aragorn and Gandalf weren't finished yet.
Both Man and Elf righted themselves when their leaders came back.
"Let's hope this didn't ruin or only chance at saving youir city, Son of Gondor." Gimli groused as the two approached. Boromir shot him a dreading glance, and felt his heart skip a beat at that possibility. A hand grabbed his shoulder, squeezing in reassurance.
"Peace, Boromir, Gandalf will not give up your city without a fight, and neither will Aragorn. You know that. Have faith, my friend, for my heart tells me that we will soon journey to the White City." The words were soft, but spoken with conviction, and the Man counted himself lucky to have the Elf as a friend.
Laying his own hand over the slender one on his shoulder, he gave a small squeeze himself, and nodded his thanks, still looking forward to see if he could read anything from the guarded expressions of the Wizard and the Ranger.
Gandalf joined them with Aragorn and some time later, Théoden and Éomer completed the circle, after they had given orders to their soldiers. Gandalf sighed and was silent for a moment. He looked at them all in turn, lingering somewhat on Pippin who was still sitting on the ground, with Merry's arms around him.
"The ennmy is hot on our tails now. But we still have some time, as he will think the palantir to still reside in Isengard. Alas for Saruman, he would have done better to give us his help. Now he will have to explain all this to Sauron himself. But his misfortune is our road to escape." He paused and turned towards Aragorn. "I would ask you to guard the palantir, keep it safe and do not use it, if I may council you in this." Aragorn nodded and put it away into his bagage immediately.
"I will go directly to Minas Tirith, and I will take Pippin with me." the Wizard continued, turning his attention towards Théoden, waiting for the King of the Rohirrim to unfold his own plans.
The old Human nodded at him, then gestured towards Éomer. "I will take Éomer and 10 of my Guard and ride at dawn. The rest is free to follow Lord Aragorn when he wishes to leave."
As he nodded his agreement, Boromir suddenly felt the nightair chill around him. He had felt this before, as he had defended Osgiliath, before he had left from his city to travel to Rivendell, and then again as they struggled agianst the current near the falls of the Rauros. Beside him the rest of the Fellowship also tensed, recognizing the feeling of dread that came over them.
"Nazgul!" Boromir shouted as he heard the piercing scream rent the air. The Rohirrim looked on in horror as the huge beast cut of the stars a moment.
"Nazgul!" Gandalf repeated Boromir's shout. "We have to be fast now, the storm is comming. The Messengers of Mordor have crossed the River. We must ride. Do not wait on those that are slower then you." Turning, the Wizard ran to where Pippin and Merry crouched. He scooped up the youngest Hobbit and carried him to Shadowfax. Aragorn wrapped him up in a blanket and set him in front of Gandalf, who had climbed up already and threw his bag on his shoulders.
"Farewell!" the Istar called to them, "Follow me quickly. Go on, Shadowfax." And with that shouit, the great horse threw back it's head, mane and tail streaming in the moonlight before they launched forward and disappeared into the darkness.
There was no time for the others to linger. Boromir saddled his horse again, tossing his pack on as well. "So muich for a quiet night." he muttered beneath his breath, glancing at Legolas to see if he needed help getting the Dwarf in place behind him.
"Pfah, " Gimli sputtered, as his friend pulled him up the horse behind him. "more horseback riding." This produced a laugh from the other two, as the Dwarf made himself more comfortable on this much hated perch.
Merry and Aragorn joined them as soon as they had picked up all their luggage, Merry also carrying Pippin's with him. Aragorn looked gravely at them and sighed.
"So five members of the Fellowship remain. We will ride further together, but at least we will not ride alone."
"Is Théoden going to Helm's Deep with us?" Boromir asked, mounting.
Aragorn nodded. "Because of the Nazgul he prefers to return to the Deep under the cover of darkness."
"And where to then?" Legolas asked.
"It seems to me that all roads now lead to Minas Tirith in the end." Aragorn said. "The King will have his Assembly first at Edoras, and then go there. As for myself, I'm not sure yet by wich road, but the White City is also my end goal." he looked intently at Boromir while speaking those last words.
"I will go with you," Boromir said, immediately backed up by Legolas and Gimli. Aragorn nodded thoughtfully.
Soon, they were all ready to leave. Legolas again rode next to Boromir, while Aragorn was up front with Éomer and Théoden. They hadn't ridden long before the Elf seemed to get skittish. He kept looking backwards, over Gimli, to see the road behind them. His nervousness rubbed of on Boromir, who began to also throw glances backwards, although he couldn't see anything but the rearguard.
"My Lord." a rider from the rearguard suddenly sent his horse to the fore, adressing Théoden, "there are riders behind us."
The whole company stopped and turned their horses. The warriors quickly got off their horses and stood on the ground, nervously waiting, while from time to time toutching the hilts of their swords, making sure they could be unsheated at the least sign of trouble or unfriendliness.
Merry stood over with Théoden, and Boromir could see that the little one was feeling very smaal and out of place, so he went to stand beside him, giving him a comforting smile. Merry, looking a little better as he saw his big friend, relaxed a little and gave him a smile of his own. But he tensed agaian as a couple of riders suddenly burst out of the dark.
Their was a brief but animated conversation as they determined who their pursuers were. Boromir knew who they were before they spoke, if he could go from their clothing. They were dressed in similar capes and gear as Aragorn himself had worn when they set out from Rivendell, and that would make them Northern Rangers.
His suspissions were confirmed as the leader identified himself as Halbarad, and announced that he was looking for Aragorn. Strider indeed seemed to be very relieved and welcomed his kinsman with a brief embrace and warm words. A sigh at his side told him he wasn't the only one relieved to see they had escaped discovery by the Dark Lord. At least for now.
With the Dúnedain adding to their strength, the journey towards Helm's Deep was continued. Halbarad hadn't come alone it seemed: Elladan and Elrohir, the twin sons of Lord Elrond, accompanied him. They had messages to their foster-brother from their father and the group spoke quietly amongst themselves.
"I wonder what they're saying." Gimli rumbled as they rode on. Boromir had similar thoughts. He was somewhat reluctant to admit that he now trusted Aragorn fully, he only hoped that with the arrival of his old friends, the Ranger would not forget the duty he had towards the people of Minas Tirith. The comming of the Dúnedain had also rieminded him of another captain of Rangers: his brother Faramir. He missed him, and only hoped that the younger man was as fine as he could be in times like these. He didn't know why but the last month his brother had been on his mind even more often then at other times.
It was nearing dawn when they finally arrived at the Deep, where they would rest and decide about their roads from the Hornburry onwards. Merry fell asleep at once, and the three others talked for some time before they nodded of as well. Aragorn had retreated into the Burg with the Dúnedain nearly upon their arrival.
It was noon when Boromir awoke, finding himself beside a still snoring Dwarf and Hobbit. Legolas was not to be seen and so he stretched himself before standing up and looking around for a bit. He could smell the food that was prepared and decided it was time to wake up Merry and Gimli. A hand on his shoulder stoppid him.
Whirling around, hand on hilt and sword already half out of the sheath, he was met with nothing more dangerous than a grinning Elf. "Sorry." the prince said charmingly, buth with a gleam of misschief in his blue eyes. Boromir simply grunted and swatted at him playfully. Their banter woke up Gimli, who gave them a whithering look and moved to wake up Merry.
Deciding to forego showing their battlefield to the hobbit, they went to the meal with Théoden. As they walked towards the hall where they would eat, Merry asked after Aragorn, wich led to a discussion about the Dúnedain and the message for Aragorn that the Lady of the Wood had given.
During the dinner, Merry sat close to Théoden and told him stories about his homeland of the Shire. It still suprised Boromir somewhat that the little ones could make themselves at home where-ever they ended up. He smiled as the young one pledged his allegiance to the old King of Rohan.
At the end of Dinner, Éomer suddenly took the word, saying the time for leavetaking came close. "Shall I ask the man to blown the horns, my Lord. But where is Lord Aragorn? He hasn't eaten and his seat stand empty."
Théoden stood at that. "We shall preapere ourselves and depart. Let someone go and tell Aragorn that the time draws nigh." And with that he left the Burrow, his guards and Merry at his side.
Boromir went with Legolas and Gimli to seek out their friend. They found him in a room high in the keep. A gasp left the Dwarf's lips as they looked upon him. Boromir couldn't blame him, looking at the figure of their leader: Aragorn seemed to have aged a lot these last hours. His features were grim and his skin was nearly gray with exhaustion. "What happened?" Boromir could not help but ask as Legolas clasped a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"I'll explain later," he answered, "for now we must first see the King so that I can decide on the road I need to take. Are you still with me?" They all nodded, still too confused by the sudden change to ask any questions.
They left the keep and strode up to where the King and his Men stood. Merry flinched at the change in the Ranger. After listening to the King's plans, Aragorn informed him he would not go along with him any further. He and those who would ride with him would take the Paths of the Dead, aming for speed rather then for safety. Boromir was sadddened when he heard that Merry would go with Théoden.
"Goodbye for now, little one." he said with a smirk, "At least we leave you in safer hands this time." Merry didn't know quite what to see, and was visibly struggling against his tears, but he held himself bravely and the son of Gondor's Steward felt a stirring of something that could be called paternal pride at the courage of his little friend. A while later they rode away, leaving the four behind to look after them until they were no longer visible.
Not too long after, the rest of the Fellowship departed from the Deep towards the treatcherous route that their leader had chosen towards Minas Tirith. Riding amongst Men, a Dwarf and an Elf, Boromir felt lighter at heart, knowing that this would be the final treck before he would look upon the walls of his home once more.
If they could just brave the Paths of Death to get them there.
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I hope you liked this one, it sure took me enough time to finish it (very sorry, blame it on the many duties of a last-year student).
Next time: On the Paths of the Death and Boromir finally glimpses his City again. But he also begins to have the nagging feeling that something's wrong with his brother. Angst :))
Please review? They're my life :)) (Sad but true, I know)