Chapter 8
Road to Gondor
"Why are we so certain this is right?" Aragorn rode up next to a regal looking Elf.
"Because our allies deem it necessary." Elrond kept his eyes ahead, his head cloaked, showing little more than his face, "It is what you were meant to do."
Aragorn wanted to ask so many things in that moment, mostly from apprehension of what they had requested of him. He'd been running from it for so long, and with the destruction of the power of the Rings he had no excuse now.
"You wish to ask why we consider them allies when their enemy destroyed our enemies." Aragorn nodded to Elrond, never surprised by his knowledge. "It is the reason behind the killing that is important. Their enemy, this Evil, needs them to feed off of. In the moment they came here, he was defeated so he had to feed in order to have some power remain."
"What is this Evil?"
"Of that I am uncertain. Perhaps when Gandalf arrives we will be able to ask." He rode evenly, undeterred by any hazards in the road; Aragorn following, behind them one of Elrond's sons, along with several others from Rivendell who were making the journey.
Aragorn thought back to leaving Arwen, something he hated doing and his frown spoke to that fact. "And when we aren't well received in Minas Tirith?" His appearance never let on to his true calling or nature and his weapons remained close in his mind as he rode, almost as if expecting Orcs to come out of the shadows within the forest where they rode.
"We have requested emissaries from Rohan to assist. We also have a delegation from Mirkwood who will meet us on our journey."
"Denethor will not like being cornered, nor will his sons." He was more at ease, weaving through the natural path on the forest floor with the sun breaking through the leaves in several areas.
"True, but things are inevitable at times. They will have to accept it for the good of Gondor, for the good of this whole world." It was enough to solidify it in Aragorn's mind. He knew the Elves wouldn't just do something unless they had a true belief.
Rohan to Gondor
"Is it wise to make this journey, my lord?" A young man rode high in his saddle, his armor fitted well to him, his helmet not coming close to covering his long blonde hair. "Based off of…"
"Elrond, Eomer. Based off of Elrond's request. It's enough for me and for all of Rohan." An older man rode just as comfortably in his saddle as they made their way through the valleys and passes.
"Without an enemy we should be celebrating, my lord." Hama commented.
Theoden smiled and nodded, "Agreed, but if what killed our enemy is that strong we will have to ally just to defeat him."
"They say this enemy has no form. How can something without a body be a threat?" Eomer spoke without thinking and then realized his words, closing his eyes to them.
"I don't have to explain do I, nephew?"
Eomer rode up, "How can anything be that powerful, my lord?"
"That is why we must ally with Gondor and all the realms that need it. We may very well see a great war and the horse lords of the Rohirrim may well be needed." Theoden frowned; he turned his head to Eomer, "If that happens all of Rohan will answer."
Eomer nodded to the comment and then fell back; they'd left Theodred in charge and Eowyn at his side along with a stunted Grima. No one sure of what would have happened had Sauron and minions not been taken out, but this was not the time to dwell on what would not be, now was the time to focus on the present.
The terrain was varied and rough at times, but as skilled as the men of Rohan were they rode undaunted, spears in hand, swords at their sides. Along the way lay small villages and towns all loyal to the King and the Rohirrim, the people bowed as the lords of Rohan passed them.
Docking in Pelargir
The men onboard the Casella rushed around to dock their ship once more, this time with far more precious cargo then they'd ever brought from Aquetiri; ropes tied to moorings and ships sails already tied down the men had only to allow their cargo off to begin their journey. Lored and Cristiani moved slowly with their horses, Akhal Teke's, gifted to them by their Queen because they would do well on a long voyage. After setting foot on the docks several men were awaiting them, the one out front had near shoulder length brown hair, his eyes narrowed toward the men, unsure of why they were sent.
"Welcome, men of Aquetiri." His voice was strong.
Lored bowed and moved forward, "Thank you, I am Lored, my Queen sends her regards and bids me to turn over a letter to the General of Gondor."
"He has ordered me to escort you to Minas Tirith, I am Captain Faramir." He waited for the visitors to mount their horses. "They are a magnificent breed."
"Our Queen's gift, Captain. She prefers them to all others. It's said that they rode 2500 miles in 84 days, which included 3 days over open desert."
"Impressive." Faramir waved them to join him.
Lored kept silent, but he could see Faramir wrestling with something, Lored smiled knowing what he did about Gondor from Haldir, Jora and his Queen. He rode up to his host, who was a fair distance from the others who rode.
"You do not wish to give that to the Steward?" Faramir hesitated.
"No, my order was to give it to the General. In fact, M'Lady was so insistent she sent a General to speak with a General." He smiled toward Faramir who opened his mouth slightly in revelation.
"Then we must take you to General Boromir." Faramir, smiled, "May I inquire?"
"Please."
"Is it true that your Queen goes into battle?"
Lored chuckled softly. "Unfortunately." He shook his head, "She is a worthy fighter, but she is our Queen and I would prefer she not be in harms way."
"A worthy fighter?"
"Yes, she's a strategist who's got clear thinking and insight. She's been a part of several campaigns, all of them victorious."
"If they were victorious then why worry? I mean if she were a man and your King would you feel the same?" The comment made Lored hesitate and think. "I don't mean disrespect, General, but if she has so much insight I would think you'd want her at your battles."
"She likes to say that we are sometimes given the greatest insight from those outside the situation. Now I will have to tell her I understand that statement." It led Faramir to laugh a bit.
"She has no King?"
"Let me give you a little insight, Captain. If you ever meet her, don't ask that." Lored laughed, "She is inundated with those questions day in and day out from several of her closest. I personally prefer dealing with her, she does not rule the way many do."
Aquetiri
"Do you think they made it?" Alya looked up from a book in the library.
"By now, yes." Navarre spoke out, seeming slightly frustrated. "How often will you ask this?"
"Till I have word, you know I have no patience." She smirked.
Haldir sat in the corner watching the back and forth.
Navarre smiled, "Why not ask Jora?"
"Because I can't find her for the FIRST time ever." She closed the book. "I hate that she can do that."
"Shall I send out people to look for her?"
"No." She moved to the chessboard and moved a piece, removing an opposing piece.
"You do realize I will win in four?" Navarre looked at her.
"You realize I know this and can beat you in three?" Alya smiled, closed mouth, and walked away. "I'm going for a walk."
Haldir and Navarre stood up, moving over to the board; scrutinizing over the move. "She's right." Haldir smiled.
Navarre looked at him, "I see that, thank you." He moved over it to study the board.
Haldir left to catch up with Alya, who was making her way through a back passage on the first floor. "Where are we going?"
"To bother Jora for the first time that I've been here." Alya looked over. "So who will be sent here?"
"I would suspect that Legolas of Mirkwood will volunteer."
"Volunteer?" She stopped a moment.
"Because he has a fondness for new experiences." Haldir stopped with her in the hallway. "However, I'm not certain about others."
"Too bad. I was hoping to have a little forewarning."
"None will do you harm, Alya." He showed concern.
"I know. I just prefer to know in advance of what I might have to deal with." She was met this time with a nod and began to proceed through the corridor and through a small doorway near the end.
"Where are we going?"
"Jora has a few hideouts around Avalon." She smiled at the comment and moved down a flight of stone steps. At the bottom of them she moved through a narrow hallway. "She doesn't like that anyone knows, so this will give me great pleasure that another person knows." They moved to another door with light flickering under it.
Alya knocked with her fist, the echo filled the corridor. "Jora?" They heard scurrying from behind the door. "Jora?" Alya tried to door, pushing against it slowly till it gave way, allowing the light from within to light up the corridor.
"Why's he here?" She pointed to Haldir.
"Because it annoys you." Alya looked to Haldir and smiled. "Have you discovered anything?"
"Many things." Jora waved them in, but did not speak until the door was shut tight behind them.
Coming up on Minas Tirith
Cristiani looked on in awe as the city they were set to visit came into view, it was immense and hosted varying levels which where nearly unbelievable. "Impressive."
"We have always thought so." Faramir looked back. He touched Lored on the arm and pointed towards riders that approached them. "General Boromir, my brother." Lored nodded, smiling, as the group of them rode faster to meet up with the arriving group.
"Welcome, friends." Boromir stopped short of them, holding up a hand to keep his men back. Faramir did the same as he and Lored moved up.
"I thank you, General. I am General Lored of Aquetiri. I was ordered by my Queen to hand you this." Lored turned over the document to Boromir who sat boldly, wearing what Lored's queen would have considered street clothes.
"To me?" Boromir looked puzzled.
"She was emphatic about that, General." Lored watched as Boromir read the parchment, his lips widened slightly at the words, his eyes narrowed and giving him a furrowed brow.
He looked at Lored finally, "What she speaks of, He is a threat even now?"
Lored nodded, "Enough of one that he could take out your enemy in his failing."
The comment alone made Boromir nervous. "She believes this is what will be necessary for the peoples of Middle Earth." He shook his head, "A woman?"
"Were you to meet her General, you would understand that she does nothing without fully thinking it through. She knows this enemy, she's fought this enemy. She even saved an Elf from it." Lored spoke with passion. "I would follow this lady into anything. I had followed her father into it. That is my trust in them."
"I had heard the rumor of the Lady of the Light. I'd heard that the fighter had received a mortal blow." Boromir questioned.
"No. She was injured, but not a mortal blow. She has her insights, she trusts them. Just as she trusted me to come here." Lored assured his hopeful allies.
Boromir nodded and turned his horse around, "Ride with me, General." He moved passed his men, Faramir closing behind them, but keeping back enough to keep the men in reserve; Cristiani beside him. Boromir searched for the words, "Did she wish you to tell me because I might persuade my father?"
"No, she did it because of your love of your people and your home. She knows from ways I do not know that you would do anything for Gondor." He saw Boromir nod, "She believes this will bring all of Gondor through the war when it comes."
"I cannot promise anything. I see what she says as being true, but this is a difficult task."
"It would be difficult for her as well, but she believes you have the strength and fortitude to accomplish this for the sake of all."
"I'm certain you've been asked, but why should we…?"
"Why consider us allies when the Evil killed your enemy? Yes, I've heard it. The reason he killed him was so that he would not fade as much as he normally would. Every time He has fallen it takes 1000 years to return, because of your enemy it will take him less time. This means that He is a threat to everyone. He infects those He can to do his bidding and that could be hundreds of thousands."
"How do you destroy this Beast?"
"I've thought on that, it is a hushed subject because of the answer, Boromir. You can't destroy it." He paused looking back a moment. "I overheard the advisor and my Queen talking, they don't tell our people because of the damage to morale. You can't destroy It, it's in everything." He thought on the comment for a moment. "I mean people have an inherit evil in them so as long as they do He will exist."
"That is disturbing."
"It's not as bad as it seems. In our world He built up an army, vast and great. We are killing them slowly. That way the power He needs is drained. That is why He brought us here, that is why your enemies died. Once we have everyone under the same understanding, He can't gain the same power." Lored smiled. "He will be reduced to a few minor evil acts that he can barely survive on."
Boromir nodded, "I am afraid then that he is feeding off my father.
"No, I don't. I believe your father is suffering a madness of sorts, but that is not something that can be fed off of. The Evil can feed it, and may be. That's why she wanted you to have this parchment."
Boromir nodded, "I will do all I can for Gondor."
From Rohan to Gondor
"What if they don't accept him, my lord?" Gamling questioned.
"We will worry on that when it arrives. Have Eomer ride up, Gamling."
Gamling bowed his head and slowed his horse, falling back to where Eomer was.
"Yes, my lord."
"I was thinking on who to send to Aquetiri, I had thought of sending someone from Rohan", He paused for a moment. "Would that be acceptable?"
"You are thinking of sending me?" Eomer was startled, "Have I not served you well in the Westfold?"
Theoden laughed, "Yes, which is while I believe you would do well as an emissary."
"I believe your son would be better suited. He shows far more diplomacy."
Theoden was troubled, "Perhaps you should learn that as well."
Eomer bowed his head, "Yes, my lord."
"I do not wish to force this. Consider it. It is a new world, I want them to see the strength of Rohan and you show that, I believe." The comment gave Eomer a cause to smile; he had not considered that to be the reason for Theoden to send him.
No Turning Back
Upon reaching the passage that would take them into Gondor, Elrond and his party were met by those of Mirkwood; Legolas, son of Thranduil and a small contingency of Elves. "Good to see you again, my friend." Aragorn nodded to Legolas, "You are meant for this, you must understand."
"Good to have you with us, my friend." Aragorn smiled, but didn't respond to his comment. They were a distinct contrast to each other; Legolas with his long blonde mane smooth and pulled back at the sides, and Aragorn with his brown almost chestnut hair, scraggly and waved, but they had such similarities most of which were never seen on the surface. They rode on, speaking of things unrelated to what their mission was, Aragorn still struggling with the idea and Legolas feeling his apprehension.
"They have sent emissaries as well, Aragorn." Legolas broke the spell.
"I have heard as well. Good men from my understanding, loyal to their people."
"And they have an advisor who is an Elf." Legolas smiled.
"This pleases you to no end I see." Aragorn smile broadened.
"Yes. Though, I am interested in meeting him. He is not from our world, I don't believe."
"Has your given you leave to go?" Aragorn saw Legolas nod at the question.
"Who will you send?"
"Why do you think I will be able to send anyone?"
Legolas smiled, "You still don't believe you should be King. You were born to it."
"I will, but only when I am on the throne. Until then I will not make decisions when so much can affect the outcome prior."
Gondor
Boromir led the guests up the path to the Citadel of the White City where the remains of a great white tree stood. Dismounting his horse he looked sickened, "How am I expected to do this?"
"Because it's right, Boromir. Because it's for the good of all Gondor." Lored spoke solemnly. "You know this is right."
Boromir nodded and looked to his brother, who was made aware of the request on the parchment. "How do you want to do this?"
"Give him the right to step down once Isildur's heir arrives." Lored could see the despair on Boromir's face. He knew what he asked, but he had to, they had to have someone within Gondor side with what needed to be done.
"And if he doesn't?"
"Have him arrested, temporarily." Lored swallowed hard. "I know it seems unreal. M'Lady would have a problem if she had to do this to her own father, but her father would understand because he cared for our people that much."
Boromir couldn't argue it, he knew what Lored was saying was true, knew what must be done and a small part of him didn't have a problem with it. He believed it was for the best, and that Gondor would become stronger for having done it. "Shall we enter then?" He waved the General and his friend in, following behind them, unaware that Elrond and his group were arriving shortly.
The made there way through the large structure, it's architecture was profound and ancient, with large windows which allowed the light of the day to cascade in on the white surfaces, almost making it appear that they had a slight glow. Their steps announced them long before the heralds could just before they made there way into the main hall, where a man with long graying dark hair sat, his face sullen with what seemed to Lored like disdain.
Lored bowed to him, "Lord Denethor."
"These are the men from Aquetiri?"
"Yes father." Boromir spoke attempting to make it sound friendly.
"What word from your Queen?" He stepped down and towards Lored.
"Just that she extends her greetings and wishes you to consider a plan." Lored was suddenly worried that Boromir would not do as he said.
"Go on."
"Before we arrived there were a great many things that should have occurred, one of them being a King on Gondor's throne."
"Gondor has not known a King in ages. Who would your Queen suggest?"
"She does not suggest anyone who is not meant to be on the throne. She would never assume to." Lored bowed.
"Isildur's heir?" He scoffed, almost fighting off something.
"Yes. He lives and he is best suited…" It was then that Lored knew he'd overstepped.
"Suited? You are suggesting that you know what is best suited for Gondor? An absent King on a decaying throne." His anger flared a bit.
"Father, if what he says is correct then there will be need for a King. For Gondor, for our people." Boromir tried to step in.
Denethor looked at him. Lored still seeing him struggle with something. "Is there a problem Lord Denethor?"
"No. No, there isn't" Denethor turned again, his breathing becoming rapid. He moved from the great hall, "Give me a moment."
Lored remembered back to what Jora had said and became worried. He hoped she was right in her assumption and that a leader like Denethor was still feeling hints of the madness he obtained by the trickery of their original enemies, but he was still uncertain and he knew he could not drive at Denethor the way he might his own leader.
Turning to Boromir, Lored searches for an avenue to assist him, "Boromir, he was driven mad by the Palantir he uses. Your old enemy saw to it. If I'm right then my enemy may be using it as an advantage. You must make your father see this, he is a strong man and a valued Steward, but he is strained by it."
Boromir looked to his brother who nodded, they both went walking to where their father had gone, when their father stopped them by coming back into the room, "I must know…" Denethor looked to Lored.
"Anything, Lord Denethor."
"Is your enemy making…doing this?" He pointed to himself, he'd become a shell of the man he was meant to be, but he'd retained a bit of his sanity in the death of those who'd originally cursed him.
"I believe so, my lord." Lored had hope for a moment. Denethor was fighting it and everyone in that hall could see it. "You were suffering at the hands of Sauron and with him gone you were granted a reprieve. Now I believe our enemy has made an attempt to infect you."
He searched out, almost in a state of madness, "How do I stop this?" His eyes showed the madness that was there. He looked at his sons, with such reverence, ashamed for how he had treated them both; he began to nod at nothing.
Boromir was disturbed by it. He wanted to move in and then backed up, unsure of what he should do. He looked to Lored, "I don't not want anyone to witness this."
Lored held up a hand, "What is it you want from us, my lord?"
"Boromir will take command, till I am well. Yes, make certain all know I am battling sickness; that I give up command freely and will agree to whatever my son decides." He moved up to his son, "You will do what is best." He moved back, seeing his son nod to his request, he smiled, "Come, help me, Faramir." He held out an arm which Faramir was all too happy to take his direction.
"This is good, Boromir."
"How can you say…?"
"Because he's aware of it; that alone has helped relieve some of the madness." Cristiani stepped forward, "Did you not see it? He appeared stronger from the admission."
Boromir thought for a moment, "So what do we do now?"
"Just what your father wanted. Do what is best for Gondor." Lored was relieved at the turn of events.
It wasn't too long before Faramir returned, his stressors seemed gone from him and he carried a parchment, signed by their father. A written decree giving Boromir all power over Gondor, a fact that froze his blood.
Dual Arrival
With Minas Tirith in sight two groups met up on the lands before the great city; all greeting each other with thoughts of their newest enemy and what they each must do. They rode straight for the gates right behind a delegation of Dwarves who had not noticed them.
They made their way through the large gates and along with winding streets; people who watched them commenting in whispers or trying to determine their quest and some simply bowed to the visitors.
Outside the Citadel soldier stood waiting, the groups dismounted. The Dwarves showing disdain for the Elves, thought respect was given to Elrond. They moved forward as a group, approaching the guards.
"Lord Boromir is waiting."
Some of the men looked to each other, questioning, "Thank you" Elrond bowed his head following the guards inside.
"We expected your father, General Boromir." Theoden walked forward, smiling.
"My father has taken…"
"Ill" a voice came from off to the side of the hall as a man with long white hair and beard appeared.
"Gandalf?" Boromir stood up from the seat he'd been in. "Welcome."
They were all stunned by his appearance. "It is good to have you." Elrond smiled, "You are well?"
"Quite." He moved in, "Denethor is in need of help, Lord Elrond; perhaps we can heal him as he needs." Elrond bowed as the two walked back before Boromir or Faramir could say a word.
"I was given this title till you arrived. I hope that what I've been told is right, my King." He stood up and bowed to Aragorn who was a bit taken back by it. "Emissaries from Aquetiri have already arrived."
Two men came forward, one with a parchment for Theoden; they bowed and moved back. "Our Queen has asked us to convey our urgency and our thanks for taking the steps you have. It will be a necessary thing." Lored smiled.
"We have a feast for tonight; we can enjoy ourselves and talk of the steps that must be taken." Boromir suggested, moving toward the banquet hall.
"Is there anything we may do to help your father?" Aragorn offered.
"No, what he needs he will receive in those that have already gone. Thank you though, my King."
Aragorn stopped Boromir allowing the others to pass through the doorway. "You do not need to do this if you are uncertain, General." His voice little more than a whisper to Boromir's ear.
"If what I've been told is true then it's what's best for Gondor, which is what I care most for." He moved away and then stopped, "Swear you will do what is best for our people, Aragorn."
"You have my word." Aragorn was impressed.
"Then you have my loyalty." Boromir entered into the banquet hall leaving a stunned Aragorn to follow.