Chapter 22: A Farewell to Lorien
After what seemed like an age in Lorien, the Company had to decide where their journey would continue from the Elven haven. Boromir yearned to move on with their journey. He thought about returning to Pharazphel. Their child would be arriving soon, and Boromir wished to be by Pharazphel's side as she gave birth. Alas, that could not be until the Company decided what road they would take. Boromir's mind was on the Ring. His father commanded him to bring back the Ring to use it against the Enemy. Boromir desired to please his father, but his greatest desire was to see Gondor restored to its former glory. He wished to see the White Tower again, and Osgiliath restored. He knew it would be some time before that was to happen.
As the Fellowship prepared to set out, Celeborn and Galadriel questioned the Fellowship about where there journey would go from Lothlorien.
"As for me, my home lies onward and not back," Boromir said.
"That is true," said Celeborn. "but is all this Company going with you to Minas Tirith?"
Aragorn shook his head. "We have not decided our course. Beyond Lothlorien, I do not know what Gandalf intended to do."
"When you leave this land, you cannot forget the Great River," Celeborn said. "It cannot be crossed by travelers with baggage between Lorien and Gondor, save by boat. And are not the bridges of Osgiliath broken down and all the landings held now by the Enemy? The way to Minas Tirith lies upon the west, but the straight road to your quest lies east of the River, upon a darker shore. Which shore will you take?"
"If my advice is heeded, it will be the western shore, and the way to Minas Tirith," Boromir said. "but I am not the leader of the Company."
Celeborn nodded. "I see you do not yet know what to do. I will furnish your Company with boats. Boats will make your journey less toilsome for a while, but they will not give you counsel. You will have to abandon your boats when you decided to turn west or east."
Aragorn thanked Celeborn several times for his generosity, but Boromir did not hear him. His heart was fixed on getting back to Gondor and returning to Pharazphel and his child. He knew that he had to bring the Ring to Gondor. He had to obey his father. He was sent to bring the Ring to Gondor, and he knew he must accomplish this task if he was to save Gondor.
The next morning, the Company departed from Lorien. Celeborn and Lady Galadriel had furnished them with small boats that were easy to navigate. They had also given them lembas, an Elvish way-bread kept in leaf wrappings. It would sustain them for days with even the smallest bite. The Company were then given grey Elvish cloaks with a leaf broach.
"Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own kin," Celeborn said. "May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes."
Galadriel stepped forward and presented the Company with gifts. To Legolas, she gave a bow of the Galadrim. For Merry and Pippin, she gave daggers of the Noldorim that had already seen service in war. Sam was given elven rope made of hithlain and Frodo was given the Light of Earendil, the most beloved star of the Wood Elves. Gimli only asked for one hair from Galadriel's golden head, but she gave him three. For the rest of the Fellowship, they were given golden belts adorned with the leaves of Lorien.
The Fellowship then took counsel in order to decide where they should continue their journey. Boromir once again voiced his desire to return to Gondor.
"I shall go to Minas Tirith, alone if need be, for it is my duty," he said.
Boromir gazed at Frodo then spoke again. "If you wish only to destroy the Ring, then there is little use in war and weapons; and the Men of Minas Tirith cannot help. But if you wish to destroy the armed might of the Dark Lord, then it is folly to go without force into his domain; and folly to throw away."
Boromir suddenly became aware of what he was saying as the Fellowship gazed at him.
"It would be folly to throw lives away, I mean," he said. "It is a choice between defending a strong place and walking openly into the arms of death. At least, that is how I see it."
At last Aragorn spoke. "Celeborn has spoken of a new enemy. A breed of Orcs that travel in sunlight. We are being followed. We can only hope to escape our enemy by reaching the Falls of Rauros. From there, we will decide where our journey will continue."
With that, the Company gathered into the boats. Boromir took Merry and Pippin in his boat. Aragorn was with Frodo and Sam, while Legolas and Gimli took a boat. As the Company paddled out, they saw Lady Galadriel raise her arm in farewell.
By nightfall, the Company had stopped to rest in Sarn Gebir before continuing their journey down the Great River. Every day, Boromir grew more anxious to return to Gondor. He could not fail his father. He had to bring the Ring to Gondor and save his city. He had to return to Pharazphel and his child. He could not fail in his quest. Every hour Aragorn tarried made Boromir all the more eager to return to Minas Tirith. As they stopped to rest, Boromir saw something strange moving in the water. A shriveled creature that looked more like an animal than a man or Hobbit.
"Gollum," Aragorn said. "He has tracked us since Moria. I had hoped we would lose him on the river, but he's too clever a waterman."
"And if he alerts the Enemy of our whereabouts, it will make the crossing even more dangerous," Boromir said.
"I do not know Gollum's full purpose, but we need not worry about him now," Aragorn said. "We must decide where our Company shall go from Parth Galen."
"Minas Tirith is the safer road. You know that," Boromir said. "from there we can regroup, strike out for Mordor from a place of strength."
"There is no strength left in Gondor that can avail us," Aragorn said.
"You were quick enough to trust the Elves," Boromir argued. "Have you so little faith in your own people? Yes, there is weakness, there is frailty, but there is courage also, and honor to be found in Men. But you will not see that."
Aragorn turned away, but Boromir would not let him. "You are afraid! All your life, you have hidden in the Shadows, scared of who you are, of what you are."
Boromir let go of Aragorn, ashamed of what he had said.
"I will not lead the Ring within a hundred leagues of your city," Aragorn said.
Boromir bowed his head in remorse. "Forgive me. You have not led us astray. I only know that it is my duty to return to Minas Tirith."
"I would follow you and defend the White City," Aragorn said. "but if the Ring-bearer goes to Mordor, then I must follow. If you must go to Minas Tirith, that is where you must go. I will say no more."
By the second morning, The Company had reached Parth Galen. The Fellowship looked up in awe at the towering Argonath, two statues of old kings of Men, Anarion and his son, Isildur. The statues had aged but still retained their majesty and captured the Company. Boromir felt his heart lift as he looked upon the kings of old. He had long desired to look upon this great sight.
As the Company paddled to shore, Boromir felt an uncertainty come over him. He did not know where the Company would decide to go. He did not know where the Ring-bearer would go. He wanted to follow the Fellowship, but he could not disobey his father. While he was on this journey, Gondor was falling into ruin. Boromir knew that the Ring could change that. With the Ring, Boromir could save Minas Tirith and reunite with Pharazphel. If Frodo would not go to Minas Tirith, Boromir was not certain what would become of his people. All he knew was that the Ring must go to Gondor, whatever the cost.
As the Boromir continued his journey, Pharazphel was deeply troubled by Denethor's command. She would not know the gender of her child until it was born. Denethor was nearly certain that Pharazphel would bear a son. He had commanded that Pharazphel would bear a son, or her life would be forfeit. The child never let her forget its presence as it restlessly kicked in her belly. As Pharazphel awoke one morning, she found Faramir at her side.
"Faramir, what brings you to my side?" Pharazphel asked.
"I am fulfilling my duty to my brother and sister-in-law," Faramir said. "I have come to see how my sister and her child fare."
"The child is as strong as ever, giving me no rest," Pharazphel said.
Pharazphel frowned and lowered her eyes.
"You are troubled, my sister," Faramir said. "Has Father been here?"
"You know your father well," Pharazphel said. "Yes, he was here. He gave me a command."
"What could he command of you now?" Faramir asked. "You are bearing a child."
"That is precisely the nature of your father's command," Pharazphel said. "Your father came to me a few days ago. He spoke of the need Gondor has for sons. He ordered me to bear him a grandson to fight for Gondor."
"But when he heard the news of your child, he made it clear that he had no love for the child," Faramir said, confused.
"He knows that this child is Boromir's," Pharazphel said. "He believes that any son of Boromir's will have his strength, and thus, I am ordered to bear a son."
"How can my father give such a command?" Faramir asked.
"You know your father better than I," Pharazphel said.
"I find myself asking if I truly know my father these days," Faramir said. "I am truly sorry for my father's lack of courtesy. I know that you may not desire his love –"
"You are mistaken, my brother," Pharazphel said. "I do desire the love of your father. It is all I have wanted since I loved Boromir. I have never known my father. He died when I was born. I want your father to accept me as his daughter."
"Then why have you not sought to win my father's love?" Faramir asked.
"I desire the pity of no man," Pharazphel said. "I want your father to accept me as a daughter, but I will not force him. I should not have to persuade him to love me, and neither should you."
Faramir was silent for a moment. He knew that Pharazphel's words had some truth in them. Faramir did not expect a strong woman of Rohan to fall to the commands of Lord Denethor.
"What will you do when the child is born?" Faramir asked.
"I will not pay heed to your father's words," Pharazphel said. "If my child is a girl or a boy, I shall love it with all my being. It is a part of Boromir, and thus must be cherished. One day, your father will see that."
"I believe you are right," Faramir said.
A/N: Sorry for the delays. School has kept me quite busy. I hope you enjoyed this. Thank you for all the reviews, favorites, etc. I appreciate them greatly.
