The Faces of War
Chapter 5: Purpose
Aragorn gave Sam instructions to administer a light sleeping draught to Frodo, to ensure that his sleep would not be haunted by his earlier terrors, then set off for his private chambers. As he strode through the grey stone passages, the sound of his passing was absorbed by the colorful tapestries that hung upon the walls. His mind was racing with all that needed his attention. As he approached his chambers he tersely gave orders to the pages awaiting him and he entered his rooms. A basin of water was wordlessly provided and he splashed cold water upon his face to wipe the sleep from his eyes. He groaned as he shook the water from his fatigued eyes, Unbeknownst to the wizard, he too had sat vigil by the bed of the ringbearer. He shrugged off his many layers of exhaustion and went to meet Gandalf in the throne room.
The Wizard was awaiting his arrival by the map table in the corner of the room. Aragorn motioned an attendant to bring food and sent for the captain of his guard before turning to speak with Gandalf. "As far as we know, most of the orphan children seem to encamped in pockets about the city....and in some peripheral spots outside the walls." Aragorn pointed to several spots on the map "they seem to be clustered here, here and here " he said as he contemplated the map below him. "There have been reports of smaller roving bands moving about the city, but they've been more difficult to track." The King shook his head wearily "There are so many in such pain from this war Gandalf...so many". The room was silent a moment then Gandalf spoke "have you reports of children missing from the camps?" Aragorn shook his head and looked up into the eyes of the wizard as he said sadly "my men are gathering reports of thousands of refugees Gandalf, it's just not possible to track individuals who have no family searching for them." The King closed his eyes a moment and reopening them said "I have not the men to find those whose loved ones do seek them." His face grew hard and Gandalf could see the pain of many etched in the lines his friend's face "I have not yet heard from all of the outer settlements and I can not right now spare the men to assist me in a tally of the city's orphans." Gandalf looked to Aragorn with a twinkle in his eye "Men no Aragorn.....but perhaps a certain resourceful hobbit could aid you."
Aragorn nodded reluctantly "yes, I and see how he might aid us in this, but the outer walls of the city are dangerous Gandalf, many evil and hate filled men roam the the streets of the lower levels." The King walked about the map table, hands clasped thoughtfully behind his back. "I could send Frodo and a small contingency of my tower guard to these spots" he said as he pointed to the 3rd and 4th levels of the city. "He must not go until he is well and he must stay away from the lower levels, most especially the Pellenor fields and the camps by the river." Aragorn looked Gandalf in the eye "There are those that would see harm come to the ringbearer....or who would seek to obtain riches for his return....he must be careful." Gandalf nodded "agreed" he said "I will go and inform Sam of your plan...and warn Sam to be especially vigilant when they are out of the palace." Aragorn sighed and looked to the growing number of advisors and delegates from outer settlements who were gathering to meet with him in the back of the throne room. Gandalf smiled as and as Aragorn turned to speak the wizard said "yes, yes I know....you'd rather deal with the hobbits." Aragorn laughed and he waved the Wizard away as he climbed the dais to set upon his throne and set to right the affairs of the day.
The next morning dawned grey with a light curtain of misty rain casting a shroud upon the city. Frodo woke slowly, to the sound of Sam trying to be quiet as he set a tray laden with breakfast foods upon the bedside table with a clatter. The weary hobbit opened one eye to catch Sam frowning and fuming at himself and his clumsiness. He smiled to himself as he opened both eyes and turned to his friend "no harm done Sam, I was awakening anyway" he said as he slowly sat up. "Mayhaps that's so Mr. Frodo, but ye may 'o been seeking a gentler way 'o waking" Sam replied and then continued "well, clumsy or no, I brought ye a breakfast ordered by the King himself." Frodo's face blanched at the thought of food. Sam noticed his master's discomfort and sought to reassure him "now sir, ye 'aven't eaten but barely a'tal in these past days...and yer gonna 'ave ta build up yer strength if yer ta help the King." As Saam spoke he readied the breakfast foods and tried to hand Frodo a dampened towel. Frodo did not extend a hand to take the towel, but asked instead "Samwise Gamgee, what are you speaking of?" he asked suspiciously. Sam set his lips in a stubborn line "wash first, then eat, then answers" he said glaring at his master. Frodo laughed out loud "Well Sam, I can see when I've been bettered my friend...very well, I shall do as you bid." Frodo took the towel and after washing his hands, face and neck to Sam's satisfaction he obediently handed back the towel and readied his stomach for what looked to be an enormous breakfast. Sam eyed his master's pale face with a slight smile, with a flourish he lifted the cover from one of the dishes to reveal a dish of applesauce.
Frodo's worried look changed instantly to a smile "applesauce Sam, why you're a marvel" he exclaimed as he took the dish from Sam's outstretched hand. "How did you know?" Frodo asked, with a mouth full of applesauce. Sam was fair to beaming as he answered smugly "I took it upon meself ta ask a certain Wizard what it was ye'd most enjoyed eating after the time you were down with the pneumonia and yer Aunt Dora was called upon ta nurse ya." Sam looked so pleased with himself that Frodo could not help but laugh "well done Sam...now what's next?" he asked handing the empty dish to Sam. "Well sir, jest a mite bit 'o this here porridge with honey and a wee bit 'o toast....if ye eat this, well I shouldn't be surprised to find Strider dancing his way in here." Frodo was nearly able to finish all on the tray and even surprised Sam by asking for seconds of applesauce.
By the time Sam had helped Frodo through his bath, laid out his clothes and sat him by the window with a blanket, a book and some tea....the loyal servant was fair to beaming. Frodo smiled sadly to himself as he watched the cheerful countenance of his friend and thought 'I really must try harder around Sam, he takes such joy in my wellness'. He sat a moment, the unopened book upon his lap and gazed out the window to the serenity of the garden below. He found it hard to see the beauty of the vision before him as once again his mind filled, unbidden, with images of dust, fire, heat and pain. He rested his forehead in his hand, the maimed hand, as he tried to rub the vision from his mind. Sam paused in his puttering about to observe Frodo's moment of melancholy and was about to go to him when a knock was heard upon the door. Frodo straightened up quickly, hoping that Sam had not observed his sadness, and looked to the door to see Sam letting Aragorn and Gandalf in.
The regal pair walked to the frail hobbit "What, out of bed and dressed already?" the King asked impressed. "Splendid work Samwise" the wizard said warmly in agreement. Aragorn wordlessly uncovered the breakfast tray prepared to admonish the thin hobbit, but broke into a smile instead. Frodo began to speak but Aragorn motioned, with his finger to his lips, for him to remain quiet. Aragorn walked to the window and examined his patient, he took his pulse, checked the stitches upon his scalp and palpated his ribs, which caused Frodo to wince only slightly. Aragorn leaned over, placing his hands on either arm of the large chair in which Frodo sat he stared into the big blue eyes before him "now you may speak" he said smiling. Frodo smiled broadly in return and tilting his head to one side said "I have been a model patient, cooperative, cheerful and even hungry for dear Sam....now will you please explain why the three of you are grinning so?"
Aragorn stepped back from the smiling hobbit and motioned for Gandalf to bring forth the map of the city he clutched behind his back. Taking the map, he spread it wide upon the floor at Frodo's feet and showed Frodo what he know of the orphans of the city to date. "Now Frodo" the King said as he pointed to the map "I have not the men to keep sufficient tally of these children and I am asking that you assist me." Frodo's face lit up. "But", the King continued "there are conditions." "Yes of course sire" said Frodo as he rolled his eyes, but Sam looked serious. "Now then Mr. Frodo, you'd best be listening...Strider is looking ta yer best interests" Frodo looked shamefaced and humbly replied " I am listening, what would you have me do to help...and under what conditions?" Aragorn looked back to the map and then to the eyes of his friend "Frodo, you are not to travel beyond the 4th level of the city...there are some rough and dangerous men in the levels closer to the fields. You must also take two tower guards with you in your census taking forays, and finally...." Aragorn winked at Sam "finally, you must eat all that Sam tells you to." Frodo scowled a bit at that last condition, but he agreed. "When may I start?" Frodo asked eagerly. Aragorn hesitated a moment, but seeing the light on his friends features said "Will after second breakfast be soon enough?" he asked. Frodo nodded and reached from his chair to grab and squeeze Aragorns hand "Thank you Aragorn....I may yet find a way to help these children who haunt my dreams....and I will rest easier knowing that some may yet be saved."
Aragorn nodded wordlessly and walked with Sam and Gandalf to the door, leaving Frodo to once more pursue his dark thoughts as he looked upon the city. "Sam" the King said quietly "I will have the documents you'll need for traveling through the levels ready and with the guards before you leave. You must not let him out of your sight....no matter his schemes" he cautioned.
Sam nodded "He'll not come ta harm with me near ta him Aragorn." Sam said determinedly. Aragorn and Gandalf smiled and left.
Sam came back to find Frodo up and rummaging through his clothes. "Sam, have you seen my cloak...the older one?" Frodo asked . Sam frowned "Cloak sir? Why it's summer sir, ye'll not be needing it." Frodo found his cloak and turned to Sam "I know it is summer Sam, but I prefer to travel with some degree of anonymity...the cloak shall give me some privacy." Sam looked upon his master with some degree of suspicion. "Sir, it won't do you no good ta bundle yerself up...the guards walking with ya are sure ta draw some stares I shouldn't think being private is gonna be possible". Frodo nodded "Yes, I thought of that....which is why you shall wear my cloak and I yours....then the guards shall be seen walking with you and I shall trail behind to blend in somewhat with the people about us." Sam did not like the sound of this "Sir, ye promised ta keep ta Aragorns conditions....did ye not?" Sam asked crossly. Frodo nodded "Yes, I said I would travel with the guards, I never said where I'd be walking." Sam shook his head, he did n't like the way Frodo seemed to always have a need to rearrange things. 'Stubborn Baggins' Sam thought as he set off to his room to find his cloak.