2956:
Aragorn took leave of Annuminas and traveled south to Bree. There he was known as Strider for he went about at a great pace, he never told no body the cause of his hurry and was seen there when least expected. He was also called Longshanks by Bill Ferny for Aragorn was a very tall man. Bill Ferny was the Gate Keeper of the village and in secrecy an agent of Saruman. Thither Aragorn met Gandalf, also known as Mithrandir, a wizard full of wisdom from whom Aragorn gained much. Their strong friendship began. With Gandalf, he undertook perilous journeys, but as years wore on the ranger wandered more on his own and grew even more enduring. Gandalf, himself once said that Aragorn is the greatest traveler and huntsman that ever lived in the age of this world.
Yet, weariness still ensnared Aragorn's body, for his way was long and full of treachery and hindrance. His face became grim and awfully stern for he still was aggravated with the burden that he alone carried. Yet never was he daunted and, all who look upon this man known as Strider, said that his appearance is rather imposing and honorable, like a king in exile, which he truly is. Yet they were unable to perceive this as he went under many guises and won renown under various names, that kept his kingly identity concealed.
2957-61:
The Dùnedain rode to Rohan and pledged his service to King Thengel father of the Theoden. He rode in the host of the Rohirrim cavalry. However after just four years of restless fighting he took leave of the home of the horse lords and turned southwards to Gondor. Theoden was only but 13 years at that time.
2961:
Aragorn entered the white city and bravely fought the enemies of the West. His wrath and hatred against the enemy did not pass unseen and often did his companions in war follow his lead and when he was among them their morale arose and their hands wielded their swords more deadly in his presence. Still his identity he kept in secrecy. No one knew his true name and where he came from and thus the men called him Thorongil -Eagle of the Star, for his hands were swift in battles, his body agile, and keen- eyed and upon his dark worn-out cloak he wore a silver star. Thorongil won many battles and became thus revered by many. His alias reached many ears, including those of Ectehllion II son of Turgon, father of a 26- year old Denethor II and Steward of Gondor. Thorongil was summoned to the White Hall and Ecthellion offered to him the command of an army and the man accepts. Thus it was then, that Thorongil sweared his featly to Ecthellion.
It happened on a time that an army from Morannon, servants of the Dark Lord assaulted Cair Andros, an Island in River Anduin. So sudden was the onslaught that the Gondorian fort fell in less then a day's fight. When news reached captain Thorongil of these events without delay and without counseling his lord, he took with him whatever man he had and ere giving the enemy time to consolidate, he assaulted the fort out of hand. Never did the enemy imagine that the men would counter attack so swiftly and determinately. Thorongil's host smote the enemy down and the fort was again reoccupied by the men of Gondor. Thereafter it was fortified and never again did it fell into the enemy's hands and the love of Ecthellion towards this man grew stronger.
But the enemy was wicked and dark forces from the land of Shadow and from the South kept marching upon Gondor. Ecthellion deemed direly that he should strengthen his realm against the servants from Mordor. Thus with what power was left in the lands of Gondor, he gathered to him, from near and far, all men of worth and encouraged them to heed his counsel. And to those who proved to be trustworthy he gave to them rank and reward and in much that he did he had the aid and advice of a great captain, whom Ecthellion loved above all other men and above his very son. He gave Thorongil the command of his greatest army and he led them into many battles and almost ever he came out conquering and victorious.
2976:
Denethor married Findulias of Dol Amroth. Aragorn was invited by Ecthellion at his son's wedding.
2978:
The first son of Denethor was born and he was named Boromir who in later years was a valuable member of the Fellowship of the Ring. He was also the favorite son of Denethor. As Aragorn beheld the child great foreboding enveloped his heart at what he had foreseen in the child's path.
2980:
Thorongil's greatest feat was set in Umbar 2980 ere taking leave of Gondor unexpectedly. He deemed that the rebels from Umbar where of great peril and a threat to the fiefs of the south that would prove deadly to the lands of Gondor, if Sauron moved to open war. Thence he counseled Ecthellion whom he regarded with great respect, to assault these traitors. And at last he gets leave of the Steward and gathered to him a small fleet. He departed from Pelagrir and sailed to Umbar unlooked for by night. Thither the host of Gondor burnt a large part of the Corsair fleet and Thorongil himself overthrew the captain of the Haven in a battle upon the quays. Thereafter he withdrew his fleet with but a small lose. Soon tidings reached Ecthellion's halls and the White City within. All cheered at this mighty warrior saying that he is indeed the greatest leader of men, by land and by sea. However, when Thorongil and his fleet came back to Pelagrir, to men's grief and wonder he would not return to Minas Tirith where great honor awaited him. He wrote a message of farewell to Ecthellion saying.
"Other tasks now call me, oh great lord and much time and many perils must pass, ere I come again to Gondor, if that be my fate. Until then I bid you farewell.
May the lights of hope never cease to shine upon our great city, Gondor.'
No one could guess what summons he had received or what tasks and perils might be but it was known whither he went and all fell silent and pondered what he had in mind, for when they last saw him, he took the boat and crossed over Anduin and there he said farewell to his companions and went on alone, and when he was last seen his face was turned towards the mountains of Shadows.
There was great dismay in the white City and Ecthellion fell grim after reading the message of farewell that Thorongil had sent to him ere leaving, unless Denethor II who had become a men full of ripe. He was a proud tall and valiant and wise also, very much like Thorongil as to one of nearest kin, but he was ever placed second to this stranger in the hearts of men and to his own father. For this reason Denethor envied Thorongil and his heart became full of scorn. Some believed that Thorongil departed ere Denethor succeeded his father for they thought them rivals but Thorongil never held himself higher then a mere servant to Ecthellion and never vied the Steward's son.
Thus it was that Aragorn, without warning took leave of the land of the West and passed out of all knowledge of men ere Ecthellion's days where yet over. He journeyed far into the East. Thither, the land was inhabited by men of various races, abiding in many countries of Rhun. They were called the Easterlings. Aforetime these men were allies of Gondor, but then Sauron corrupted them and fell under his sway.
Aragorn wandered deep into the south of Middle Earth into the land of Haradwaith and Khand where it seemed to him that the stars were strange. Thither he undertook great perils and never did he come out unscathed. Thus, he became the most hardy of men that now walked Middle Earth for he learned the ways of lore and crafts of all realms and more then they, as he was brought up amongst elves, which made him-elven wise. But still his fair features bore sadness for the doom that was ever laid upon him since the day his lineage was revealed to him for he held himself weak, as Isildur in his hour of trial was before him. However, hope still dwelled in the man's heart, from which happiness and prosperity kindled and arose in the years that followed.
