Chapter 4: Welcome to Minas Tirith

It was March 9, 3019 in the third age of Arda. It was still morning as Imrahil and his men arrived at the capital of their nation. The sky was cloudy, the city tense. Imrahil dismounted from his horse to greet a man who was more than just important to him.

"It is good to see you well Faramir, you seem well," The royal from Belfalas said as he embraced his nephew. Farmir hugged his uncle back and gleefully stated, "it has been a long while, we were wondering if any of the fiefs would send any men. It is good to see that we can count on family."

Through their hugs and smiles the two men were keenly aware that things were not going as well as hoped. The steward's son had the knights and the other soldiers from Dol Amroth set up camp in the lower city. The relatives had other things of importance to discuss. They walked alone up the city, Faramir stopped and told his uncle about the death of Boromir and how he had found the body just a couple of weeks prior. Gloom hit Imrahil's face as the details were explained. It was no secret that Boromir was a bold warrior, indeed if any soldier in Gondor still had the combat skills of the kings of old it was Boromir. The loss of one his nephews was not a good tiding he thought though at least it was obvious he died fighting the enemy. However, Faramir had other news for his uncle.

"Gandalf is in the city," Faramir told his uncle. "Gandalf...here?" Imrahil seemed stunned.

"He is, he offers counsel to my father, but my father is angry with him. He does not trust the wizard." Imrahil was not surprised by this news. Denethor had been steadily decreasing in his health, mentally as well as physically, since the death of his spouse, Imrahil's sister. "But this is not all," continued the Captain of Gondor, "the weapon of the enemy has been found and is being taken to be destroyed at Mount Doom." Imrahil was astonished; the ring of power had been missing for centuries. "How big is the host that is out to accomplish this?" the prince asked.

"Two halflings," was the reply he got solemnly. Imrahil, laughing from disbelief said, "you must not be serious." "Very serious" Faramir said sternly, "I have met them and a guide, whom I do not trust." "However, I had a dream some time ago and more than that, I feel it in my heart that it is good that is being done this way. It is much harder to find such a small party than a large host," Faramir admitted.

Imrahil was surprised. He did not know what caused the decision to be made to go on in this manner. However, he learned from further discussions that Gandalf was also in approval of this. This being the case, the prince accepted what he had been told. He knew his nephew was wise and his judgement should be trusted. The decision being made, he had to take care of what he was called upon to do. As he approached the Steward's hall, he noticed an older looking man outside.

"The master of Belfalas has arrived, good very good." The wizard said with relief. Gandalf, Faramir and Imrahil talked under the White Tree. Imrahil learned of the attacks on Osgiliath and how the Witch-king of Angmar almost killed the captain just a few short days ago. It was Gandalf who intervened just in time to get Faramir to safety. The story was frightening to Imrahil. The enemy was much closer than he had originally thought. He was aware that battle was being raged, but the closeness of the foe made him uncomfortable. He realized the situation was grim. Faramir was unhappy with his father's constant complaints about his shortcomings. Gandalf was enraged over Denethor's despondency and refusal to listen to any advice. Would this be the state of the city's leadership on the eve of destruction? "How could this be?" thought the prince as he listened sorrowfully to the continued bad news coming from his friends.

As they talked under the tree, a hobbit dressed as a tower guard arrived. "Yes, what is it Master Took?" Gandalf asked. "The steward would like for yourself and Faramir to come right away." Pippin said hastily. Imrahil decided he would be going too, he did want to announce his arrival to his brother-n-law after all. His mind was clouded with darkness as the coldness of the city began to close in him. The Prince of Dol Amroth approached the great hall and the door swung open, the darkness of the interior matched that of his heart.

To be continued.