Chapter 2 - Faromir

I slowly regained consciousness. As I did, I felt my self gently jerking every which way, as though I was bumping along through the air. I opened my eyes - I was on a horse! Startled, I sat up straight and cast glances in every direction I could. Strange men… that smelled… and were dressed oddly… their heads and faces were hooded. And they were dressed as for battle. Even more frightened, I prepared to make a jump and a dash for it. Before I got a chance, someone placed their hands on my shoulders.

'Don't jump. You may hurt yourself, and you are already in a rather sorry state.'

I twisted around. The man behind me also wore a hood that covered his face down past his eyes. His voice was so familiar…

'Where are you taking me? Let me off… I want to go back home. If I am hurt I can get help once I get there.'

'You are better off with me.'

'My parents wouldn't like; you are strange to me.'

'Your parents would not like you running away from home, would they?'

Being spoiled as I was, I did not like being spoken to this way. Anger boiled inside.

'What would you know? Let me off!'

With that I made an effort to jump. At first the man restrained me, then let me go. I landed on my feet, then stumbled. I sat down. More men, both on foot and on horses, passed me, but the one who had carried me stopped and turned.

'We have come at lease a league since you were found. Do you really think you could make it that far on your own?'

He urged his horse forward.

'And even if you could, how do you expect to travel in the correct direction?'

I looked around. I was surrounded by tall grass. There was no sign that anyone had passed this way from any direction. I felt ready to cry. The man pushed his hood back.

'Faramir?' I thought. 'Nooooooo….'

'My name is Faramor, son of Denethor.'

'I'm dreaming.'

Faromir dismounted and crouched beside me.

'Why don't you come to Osgiliath? I'll have riders sent out to search where you were found. Perhaps we can find your home, your family, and we can get you back home.'

'I doubt you will find anything but…'

I still hesitated. But, seeing as I was beaten, I tried to stand. Faromir helped me up, then lifted me up off my feet as though I was nothing. He placed me on his horse.

'This is Sendan. He won't hurt you.'

'That won't bother me, I've ridden untamed horses at home. But, are you not riding with me?'

'No.' He walked beside Sendan and led him. 'You are capable of supporting yourself so long as you sit. You do not need me. Besides, that saddle was not meant for two.'

'It would have been a little more cozy.'

There was a sharp, cold wind starting to blow, and as my sleeves were short, I was shivering. Faromir looked up and smiled. With his free hand he unhooked his cloak and handed it to me.

'This will have to do for now. We won't be long in reaching my city. Sit tight.'