These Characters are the property of the Estate of J. R. R Tolkien and New Line Cinema. This story has been written for pleasure and no profit has or will be made from it.
Warning – This chapter contains torture and may distress sensitive readers. It was not easy to write as I think this part of the story is the darkest I have ever written.
Despite Faramir's cruel betrayal, Aragorn could not bring himself to hate his former friend, for had not Faramir suffered dreadfully and almost died because of his folly but a few short months ago?
He loved him as a parent did a son and what father would hate his own child? In Faramir, he had believed he had found a kindred spirit and lifelong friend but it had all proved to be nothing but a cruel deception.
It seemed that a King could never choose a friend from amongst those who might lay claim to his throne, as they could so easily turn against him.
He had believed from their Thought Bond that Faramir bore him no malice over his time in prison, but obviously, the rebel lords had ignited some hidden spark of resentment that the Steward had suppressed then fanned the flames to entice him into their web. Maybe if like Eowyn, Faramir had blamed him at the time and vented his fury upon him, this would never have happened?
Yet, he could hardly believe his own eyes that his friend, who had been so loyal and loving and freely shared his thoughts with him, could be so fickle as to have become a traitor.
If it had been any other save Faramir, he could have believed that they were dissembling and it was all part of some elaborate scheme to rescue him. But he knew Faramir was incapable of even speaking a falsehood, not even when it would have been the best course of action, such as when Eomer had accused the Steward of making his wife lie with his friends.
No, it would be impossible for Faramir to engage even in a simple deception, not to mention such a complex one. Faramir could only have rescued him openly, most likely by force of arms with the King's Guard and his own White Company at his side.
Another factor, which also puzzled him, was why Faramir had not used his signet ring to seal the marriage document, as he had once shown him how it worked. He could only assume that he had forgotten, since it must have been over a year ago and they had both consumed a fair amount of wine at the time. Not that either of them had ever drunk to excess, but it had been sufficient to made learning complicated instructions rather difficult.
He felt far more sorrow and hurt than anger towards his Steward, as they would both now surely die soon. His hopes of rescue had lain mostly with Faramir, as he was the most well versed man alive in Gondorian politics and geography as well as the most intelligent and loyal. Or so he had wrongly believed, for no doubt Faramir had even informed the rebels that he went unarmed to the Houses of Healing and was weary after draining his strength from prolonged healing sessions over many weeks.
The rebels would kill the poor fool once he had served their purpose and he could only hope they might be reconciled in the afterlife.
All that was left to him now, was to protect Arwen and Eldarion as best he could by refusing to sign the document and hope that Arwen would seek help from Rohan to protect her and their son and secure his right to the crown.
He sighed as he thought of Eomer, so hot headed and impulsive, yet a loyal and loving friend, who once healed of his head injury, had been full of contrition over his fight with Faramir. It seemed though that the young King of Rohan's reservations about his brother in law had been all too perceptive. How ironic that Eomer, not noted for insights had seen, what he Aragorn had missed!
His melancholy musings were interrupted by the entrance of the burly servant who was always present when they tortured him. Ominously tonight, the man carried a sharp knife and a brazier filled with heated coals.
The Lords of Lamedon and Ringlo Vale then entered accompanied by Faramir who was staring fixedly at the floor. Hanna trailed behind them giggling and clutching a knife of her own.
Aragorn tried to brace himself for the inevitable pain he knew that would follow.
The servant placed a lighted torch in the sconce on the wall and retreated to the back of the cellar, a look of gleeful anticipation on his heavy features.
Aragorn wondered where the Lord of Lossarnach was tonight, as of those who appeared to be the chief conspirators; he seemed to have the least appetite for torture and usually looked away or suggested they leave him more time to reflect.
He almost pitied the young man whom he knew was married to Fosco's daughter and seemed a reluctant rather than enthusiastic member of the group .He had never been left alone with Aragorn as if the others feared the King might influence him to change sides.
Devorin was carrying a cattle brand while Fosco clutched the now familiar decree commanding the marriage of Eldarion and Elbeth together with quill and ink and Aragorn's signet ring.
He waved the parchment in front of Aragorn's face. "Sign this tonight, Elessar and save yourself a good deal of pain! You can see that resistance is futile as even your own Steward has turned against us!"
"I would advise you to sign!" Faramir's voice sounded rough and he still did not meet Aragorn's gaze. Fosco eyed him suspiciously.
"Sign, you fool!" Faramir said in a more menacing tone," I would see my niece have her rightful place!" He aimed a halfhearted kick at Aragorn's legs.
"Shame on you, son of Denethor! I believed you once to be a man of honour, I see now that you have none!" Aragorn replied, looking directly at Faramir, noticing he was elaborately dressed in the colours of Rohan rather than of Gondor. The Steward turned away, unable to meet his gaze.
"Why are you doing this?" Aragorn asked his Steward.
"You stole my birthright, took my rightful place, humiliated me and had me beaten in prison!" Faramir replied. "Lord Lamedon has offered me redress for my wrongs!"
Aragorn sighed inwardly. It was just as he had feared.
"This stubborn creature refuses to listen to reason. Words are a waste of breath with him!" said Fosco, punching the helpless prisoner in the ribs as he spoke.
Aragorn flinched but made no sound and glared defiantly at his tormentors.
Fosco nodded to the servant who came forward and snatched away the filthy blanket that covered the King. "We are taking this privilege away from you first," he said," I warn you your clothes will be next if you do not cooperate."
"Let me try to persuade him!" Hanna said gleefully, brandishing her knife.
"Later, my dear," Devorin told her. "I promise you will have your turn."
Hanna giggled.
Fosco nodded to the butcher, who came forward, knife in hand. Without warning, he sliced it across the back of Aragorn's injured hand.
This time, the King was unable to prevent himself from crying out.
"Sign now and spare yourself further pain!" Fosco demanded.
"Never!" Aragorn replied, regaining his composure. He felt as if he could hardly breathe and his hand throbbed painfully, but never would he betray his wife and child. Nor would he hand his people over to the clutches of these miscreants.
"Why do you persist in your foolishness, Elessar?" Devorin asked, "You have no more autonomy now than one of my cattle!" He plunged the brand into the brazier as he spoke." As it seems you have not learned that yet, we shall have to teach you better than the Wizard and Elves who placed you over us did!"
"Undo your shirt!" Fosco ordered, "Branding you like one of the cattle in the field outside should remove some of your delusions!"
"I take no orders from traitors!" Aragorn replied defiantly.
"You are the traitor by depriving me of my rights!" Faramir snarled," The claim of Isildur's heirs was rejected by my ancestor but still you took the throne!"
"If I remember rightly, you were the first in Gondor to hail me as King, Lord Faramir!" Aragorn retorted, "It is as well your ancestors did not change their allegiances as faithlessly as you have done!"
"Enough talk!" Fosco snapped, "I give you one final chance to sign! We have treated you gently until now but rest assured, we shall show you the true meaning of pain very soon We will stop at nothing to make you sign the authorisation for the marriage! Proud and stubborn though you are, I assure you that we will break you!"
"Never!" Aragorn replied, "Unlike some I keep my word!"
Fosco beckoned to the servant, who held Aragorn down while he bared the King's shoulder.
Hanna giggled, " I could think of a far better place to apply a hot iron to a man!" she smirked.
"Maybe it would be better to brand him on the face?" Fosco mused.
"Better still on the rump like I would any other animal that is my property," Devorin chortled.
"Why don't you let me do it?" Hanna pleaded. "I can think of a better place still!"
Fosco ignored her as he retrieved the now red-hot glowing brand from the brazier but instead of advancing upon the helpless man, he turned to Faramir.
"Here is a good chance for you to begin to avenge your wrongs and show your commitment to our cause!" he said, "You brand him!"
Fixing his features in a mirthless grin,Faramir took the brand with a trembling hand and steeled himself to apply it to Aragorn's flesh.
The King watched in horror. Surely Faramir, his loving and gentle natured friend could never so much as torture a fly, far less one he had but a few weeks since professed his deep love for. He tried to force him to meet his eye, but Faramir deliberately avoided his gaze.
Aragorn hoped that he was at least ashamed of his cruel and treacherous actions. He noticed that he even wore the Ring of Barahir on his finger. To think that his once dearest friend was not only a traitor but a thief as well!
"Do not destroy your soul as well as your honour, Faramir!" he said quietly, as concerned about his former friend as himself.
TBC
A/N
A very big thank you to all my reviewers. You have now taken me past the 400 mark with your much appreciated comments, poems and playlets! A warm welcome to readers old and new.
A special thank you to Raksha for suggesting tonight's quote and helping me clarify some plot details.
"Lesser the Zerper" is Elbeth's interpretation of "Elessar the usurper."
I hope I have now explained better why Aragorn is fooled by Faramir's act.