AN Thank you all so much for favouriting and following! Particular thanks to Ny'Kle and Korkman2 for the reviews on the last chapter
Chapter 12
Although Gandalf wanted to see him immediately, the guards made them wait until Theoden woke to see him. It was a few hours after dawn when they were allowed in, and by that time Gandalf was in a very bad mood.
Aragorn had filled Eragon in while they were waiting. The white tree was a symbol of Minas Tirith, Gondor's greatest city. Gandalf thought its death meant that Sauron intended to attack it.
"If Minas Tirith falls," Aragorn said gravely, "we will lose this war. The evil in Mordor will spread like a disease, wiping out everything it touches. The Age of Men will end."
The great doors to the keep swung in on their hinges, silently beckoning them in. Gandalf strode forward, his white cloak flapping in the wind. The others followed suit.
"Theoden," Gandalf said cordially, sounding a lot calmer than he had outside, "we have much to discuss."
"Do we, Mithrandir. And what is it that we suddenly have to discuss?"
"Sauron intends to attack Minas Tirith."
Silence echoed around the hall, Theoden's advisers keeping their thoughts to themselves.
"How do you know this?" Theoden asked, leaning forward in his chair.
"Young Pippin here," Gandalf said, grasping Pippin's shoulder and bringing him forward, "could not resist the temptation to look at the glass orb we took from Isengard. It is called a palantír. Saruman used it to communicate with Sauron. When Pippin looked into it, he saw images from Sauron's mind – perhaps Sauron thought he was Saruman. He saw a white tree burning. The white tree of Minas Tirith."
Theoden sat back in his chair, thinking. He stayed quiet for a few moments, then he looked up at Gandalf. "And?" he said.
Gandalf's face changed instantly. The pretence of being calm vanished, and fury was visible in every line of his wizened face. "And - " he started to stay furiously, but then Aragorn stepped forward, putting his hand on his friend's shoulder.
"And, Your Grace," Aragorn continued in a much less offensive tone, "Gondor needs help. They cannot win this fight by themselves. They do not have enough supplies to withstand a siege or enough soldiers to win the battle. They will die without help. And if Gondor falls, there is nothing to stop that evil from coming to Rohan." He stepped right up to the foot of the throne. "On behalf of the people of Gondor – my people – I ask that the Men of Rohan fight with us."
Theoden looked down at him from above. He stood up and slowly walked down the steps, stopping in front of Aragorn. He grasped his forearm and said, "My friend, Rohan will not abandon you. We fight for Gondor!" he said, raising his voice so that the whole room could hear. There was a cheer, and Eragon could see Aragorn give a relieved smile.
"Eomer!" Theoden called, "send out riders to every village and holdfast. Gather their warriors and bring them to Edoras. I want every able-bodied rider to meet here in four days!"
Eomer nodded in understanding and left to carry out the orders.
"Theoden," Gandalf said, "I ride today. They need to know what is coming. When the beacons light, be ready to march." He turned to Aragorn and said something quietly in his ear, so low that Eragon couldn't make it out over all the chatter in the hall. When he finished speaking, Aragorn nodded, but he looked apprehensive.
"Now," Gandalf said, turning to the hobbits. "I will not be riding alone. Peregrine Took, you are coming with me to Minas Tirith."
"But why?" Pippin asked, upset.
"To keep you out of harm's way," Gandalf said sternly. He added in a kinder voice, "It's for your own safety, young hobbit. Now say your goodbyes, we are leaving."
Eragon, we need to go with him. If the riders don't arrive in time, the city will fall anyway.
I was thinking the same thing.
"Gandalf!" Eragon called after the retreating figure. He stopped and turned just as Eragon reached him. "Saphira and I would like to go with you to Minas Tirith. If the Rohirrim don't arrive in time, we can help until they do."
"You can come," Gandalf said after a pause, "but you need to stay out of sight until the battle starts. Sauron doesn't know that you are here in Middle Earth, and it would be to our advantage if we keep it that way." Gandalf gave him one last curious look, and left.
Eragon turned back to say goodbye to his companions. They were all grouped together in the middle of the hall. "Well Pippin," Eragon said, "it looks like we're going to Minas Tirith together."
"See Pippin?" Merry said, laughing. "You'll be fine. You have a dragon on your side! It's me you should be worrying about!"
"Merry, you'll be safe too," Aragorn said. "We'll make sure of it. Think of all the stories you can tell when you get back to The Green Dragon," he laughed. They quieted, knowing that they may never see each other again.
"Happy hunting, Gimli," Eragon said to the dwarf.
"And to you, Eragon," he said gruffly. "Save some orcs for us lot; don't let Saphira have all the fun."
"Legolas, may your arrows always find their mark."
"And yours," he replied.
"Stay safe, Eragon," Aragorn said. "Tell Saphira to mind herself."
"I will. You take care of yourself too. Your people will need you when this is all over." Aragorn nodded.
"Come on Pippin," Eragon said. "Gandalf wants to leave."
Pippin nodded. He turned to Merry.
"I'll see you in a couple of days, Pip. Take care," Merry said, giving him a hug. When he released him, there were a few tears streaking down Pippin's face.
"Come on Pippin," Eragon said gently. "We have to go. You'll see Merry again, I promise."
Pippin wiped his face and swallowed back the rest of his tears. He stood up straight, and said in a sad voice, "Ok, let's go."
Together Eragon and Pippin left the hall, and followed the wandering path halfway around the hill until they found the stables. Gandalf was already waiting for them on Shadowfax. Eragon lifted Pippin up and put in in front of Gandalf. As he stepped back, Gandalf handed him a small bag.
"Food," Gandalf said in answer to Eragon's querying face. "Fruit and vegetables. A small bit of dried meat. I couldn't get anything for Saphira but there are plenty of animals on the plains between here and Minas Tirith."
"Thanks you," Eragon said sincerely. "You go, we'll catch up. If you can't see us, just look up," he grinned.
"Happy flying, Eragon. Run Shadowfax! Run!" Gandalf urged
The magnificent horse reared up, and Pippin let out a terrified squeak. When all four hooves landed back on the ground he took off, streaking away and leaving a cloud of dust in his wake.
Slinging the bag Gandalf had given him over his shoulder, Eragon jogged through the town until he reached the gates. Looking over to the hill where Saphira had stayed the night, Eragon was alarmed to see she wasn't there.
Saphira? Saphira?! Where are you?
Relax Eragon. Take your own advice.
What are you talking about? Eragon asked, relieved.
Look up!
He turned his head to the sky to see a giant blue mass heading straight towards him, rows of white teeth flashing in the sun. It pulled up at the last minute,, and Saphira landed with a thump beside him.
That wasn't funny, Saphira, Eragon said as he tied the bag to the saddle.
It was a little funny, she said, smirking.
Eragon hopped on to her back and strapped himself in. Well you'd better get going, that horse is pretty fast.
Saphira huffed. I hope you're not suggesting that I can't catch a horse. She flapped her wings, preparing to take to the air.
Not at all- Eragon started.
Challenge accepted, Saphira said devilishly.
"SAPHIRA!" Eragon yelled. She reared up on to her hind legs, and Eragon would have been thrown off if he hadn't strapped himself in.
Let's see who's fastest now, shall we?
No Saphira, please, I'm sorry –
Too late, Eragon, Saphira said gleefully, Too late.
She leapt into the air, and for a moment they were suspended, not moving, Saphira flapping hard to try and keep them airborne. Suddenly they shot upwards, the she-dragon winning the battle with nature. They flew up at a near ninety degree angle, Saphira spiralling for extra effect and Eragon trying desperately not to scream. Finally, they levelled off, and Eragon inhaled deeply to try and calm his racing heart.
Gah, Saphira, are you trying to make me sick?
Not at all, Little One. Just checking to see how you cope with my new aerial manoeuvres.
Of course you are.
Obviously.
And? Did I meet your lofty expectations?
You did, Little One. You passed with flying colours. Now, I suppose we should catch up to the wizard.
Shadowfax was quick, even if Saphira wouldn't admit it, and it took them a few minutes of fast flying to spot them racing across the plains below. Once they had Gandalf in their sights, Saphira slowed her pace so that they stayed above him. Saphira flew as high as she could without Eragon passing out, so that to anyone below they would appear as nothing more than a bird.
Gandalf rode for two days and a night, only stopping so that he and Pippin could relieve themselves and so Shadowfax could get a drink.
Eragon and Saphira stopped more regularly. Saphira needed to eat before the upcoming battle and they both needed to conserve as much of their strength as possible. Heeding Gandalf's advice, Eragon made the pair become invisible when they approached the ground.
On the second night of their journey, Gandalf stopped below and set up a small camp. Several minutes later, Saphira landed gently beside them. Eragon took off her saddle and Saphira stretched out her wings, relieving tension in her muscles.
I must hunt. This might be the last time I get the chance to eat before the battle.
Be safe. Eragon hugged her neck.
Saphira took off again, disappearing into the black night.
Eragon turned back to Gandalf and Pippin and sat close to the small fire they had made.
"We will reach Minas Tirith tomorrow," said Gandalf. "We must be wary. The steward of Gondor – Denethor – is a strange man. He is very clever, but he can be cruel also. And he is grief-ridden." Gandalf turned to Pippin. "He was Boromir's father." Pippin looked up, his eyes full of sadness. "He will not welcome us. We must tread very carefully, indeed."
There was silence in the camp for a long while; the hobbit, the wizard and the rider each lost in his own thoughts. Gandalf spoke up again.
"It would not be a good idea for Saphira to show herself until the battle starts. We do not know who is watching the city, and the soldiers of Gondor may panic and attack her. The city is built into the side of a mountain. There is a large spur of rock at the top that Saphira can hide behind if she can get up there unseen." There was silence for another few moments. "When we arrive, Pippin and I will go and speak with Lord Denethor. You may explore the city if you wish – it has many beauties if you look for them. Tomorrow evening I will meet you at the front gate, and we can discuss what to do."
Eragon nodded, knowing that Gandalf knew exactly what he was doing.
"I think," Gandalf said tiredly, "that it is time for bed. What do you say, Pippin?"
Pippin yawned loudly. Eragon and Gandalf both laughed. They each took out a blanket and curled up in front of the fire. Gandalf and Pippin fell into a deep sleep, snores echoing from their side of the camp. Eragon stayed awake, keeping watch in this strange land.
A few hours later, Saphira returned. She curled up and then opened her wing, inviting Eragon into her warm side.
Sleep, Eragon.
He would've protested, but he had already fallen into his dreams.
It was mid-morning on the third day since they had left Edoras when they arrived at Minas Tirith. From above, it was spectacular. It was indeed built into a mountain, and it was divided in two by a piece of rock that looked like the bow of a ship. The city was made of white rock – much of it marble – and tiered in the same way Teirm was. Unlike Teirm though, Minas Tirith was not beside the sea – its walls were built to withstand armies and sieges, not raiding pirates. The walls were higher, stronger, bigger. Eragon hoped they were big enough.
Below them, Eragon watched as Gandalf rode through the barely-opened gates. He followed his progress from the sky, the white horse weaving its way through crowded streets and manned gates, eventually reaching the top of the mountain-city. Two figures dismounted the horse and entered a grand building, the door closing behind them.
Impressive, said Eragon.
Very. Ideal for defending, Saphira commented.
I agree. The gate is the only true weak point and even that looks strong. They have hope, yet.
Let's investigate this hiding place Gandalf mentioned, shall we? I need to get this saddle off.
Even though they were invisible, and had been since the walls of the city had appeared on the horizon, Saphira took care when flying over the city. She didn't want any freak gusts of wind to alert the inhabitants to the fact that there was a giant flying lizard about to take up residence on top of their home.
Gently hovering over a large spur of rock above even the building Gandalf and Pippin had entered, Eragon and Saphira could see for leagues. To the west was Mordor – a barren and hostile land ringed by black mountains. That was where the enemy would be coming from. Closer than that was a small city that straddled a large river. Even from this distance Eragon could see it was in ruins.
Saphira landed with a bump on a piece of rock that was inaccessible unless you could fly – or could use magic. Eragon undid his straps and clambered off – somewhat ungracefully – and removed the invisibility spell he had placed on them. He took off Saphira's saddle and left it to the side, then went through his belongings. He took all the saddle-bags off the saddle – they would only slow Saphira down in battle. Removing an apple, he sat down beside Saphira and started munching it.
I wish we had your armour, Eragon said regretfully.
Well there's no point wishing for something that will never change. Anyway, they've never fought a dragon before. The worst they can throw at me is arrows. Maybe something from a catapult.
Eragon's frown deepened.
I'm joking Eragon, lighten up! Saphira exclaimed. Catapults are slow – dragons aren't. I can dodge anything they throw at me. And your wards will protect me from arrows. I'll be fine. They won't. She grinned toothily.
Cocky, aren't we? Eragon asked, smirking.
Not cocky, confident, Saphira answered. She turned her head away and started to clean her scales. Anyway, what about your armour? You only have that flimsy leather. That couldn't stop a fork let alone a sword.
Don't worry about me; none of them will get close enough to test it.
Who's cocky now?
They fell into a companionable silence, Saphira continuing to clean herself and Eragon sharpening his various daggers. As late afternoon rolled around, Eragon rose to his feet and walked over to the saddle-bags. He strapped on his leather doublet and secured Brisingr to his side. Removing another apple, he put it in his pocket and walked back over to Saphira.
Will you be ok by yourself?
I'll be fine, Eragon. Go, enjoy the city.
He patted her side, and then spoke the words to make himself disappear from view. He climbed the rock face and when reached the top, he jumped. Before he hit the ground, he used the spell he had uttered so long ago in Helgrind to slow his descent, his feet gently setting down on the ground of the upper level of the city. Straightening up, Eragon strolled across the grassy lawns until he reached the gates that led to the city below. Walking past the unknowing guards, Eragon began his exploration.
He spent several hours wandering the city, gradually working his way down. It seemed as if the wealthy lived at the top, while those less well-off lived further down. That's not to say that these people were poor. They were all clothed, and looked as healthy and well-fed as could be expected in times of war.
Eragon had made himself visible again as soon as he found a secluded corner, and he noticed the strange looks he was getting. An armed man walking the streets, who was not a soldier of Gondor was bound to attract attention.
Eragon found the lower levels more interesting than those above, and he perused the various different shops and apothecaries while munching on his apple. At one point, the noise in the city got suddenly louder, all the townsfolk shouting and pointing at something far above. Turning to look, Eragon saw a beacon flaming, a call for help.
As the light started to fade, Eragon made his way towards the gates. As they came into view, he saw that Gandalf was already waiting for him, Pippin by his side.
"Eragon," Gandalf greeted, "I hope you enjoyed your day."
"I did. Minas Tirith is very interesting."
"That it is, that it is. Come, we can talk safely on the ramparts."
Gandalf led the way up the steps, Pippin at his heels. As Eragon reached the wall at the top, he asked, "How did your meeting with Lord Denethor go?"
"Bah," Gandalf said angrily, "He is a foolish, prideful man, and his judgement is clouded by grief. He will not defend the city. He thinks it is already lost."
"What?!" Eragon said aghast. "But they are his people! And all is not lost – this city was built to be defended. It will not fall easily."
"He will not listen to reason. He is too far gone to be of any help in this battle."
"Who will lead in his stead?"
"While he is alive he will not let anyone else lead, but his son Faramir is Captain of the Guard. The people will follow him. He is much loved here."
"Where is Faramir now?" Eragon asked.
"Osgiliath," Gandalf said, nodding at the city on the river. "It was a city like Minas Tirith for many, many years. In recent times it has been sacked by orcs from Mordor. Each time Gondor's soldiers drove them out, but the constant fighting caused its inhabitants to abandon the city. Gondor keeps a garrison of soldiers there to repel fresh attacks. If Osgiliath falls, Sauron will have a perfect base from which to attack Minas Tirith."
"So what do we do now?"
"Now," Gandalf replied slowly, "We wait. By now Rohan will have seen the beacon. Hopefully they have started their march. Tomorrow, we have to start to prepare the city as best we can. If Denethor will not take responsibility," Gandalf turned to face Eragon, "We will have to."
There was silence between the three as they stared out over the ramparts. Suddenly Pippin piped up, "I'm a member of the Tower Guard."
Gandalf laughed heartily, "You are indeed, Peregrine Took." At the confused look on Eragon's face, Gandalf said, "Our young hobbit swore to serve Lord Denethor as recompense for his son's death." Gandalf turned to look at Pippin. "I fear you do not understand what you have done."
Silence reigned again, lasting until night was well and truly upon them, the sky black. Without warning, in a valley between two of the distant mountains, a green beam of light shot high into the sky.
"Minas Morgul," Gandalf whispered.
Saphira! Can you see this?
She looked through Eragon's eyes, and was as wary as he was. "What is Minas Morgul?" Eragon asked, quietly.
"It was a sister city to Minas Tirith," Gandalf replied. "Now it is ruled by the Witch-King of Angmar, the Lord of the Nazgul. He commands Sauron's armies. "And that," Gandalf pointed at the light, his arm outstretched, "means that the city is emptying. War is coming sooner than we expected."
AN Hope you liked it! I'm going away for 3 weeks so won't be updating until then unfortunately (there is a very small possibility I might get another chapter up at the weekend)! Pleaseeeeee leave a review! It really does make it so much easier to write! It only takes a couple of minutes to leave one but it makes my day!
Anywayyy, big battle coming up next! Who's excited? *raises hand* Love you all, Nym x