GONDOR'S REJUVENATION
Chapter Three
Minas Tirith
Aragorn paced the length of the throne room, turned, and then slowly retraced his steps. To say the king was angry was an understatement, and those standing nearby knew better than to speak while he paced.
He still wore the same singed clothing he had worn when he had helped clear the debris that once had been a tool shed.
The dwarves had built the shed near their small community to store their tools and materials. Last night, an explosive device had destroyed the shed, sending debris flying through the air.
Though nobody was injured, the attack broke the last of the dwarves' resolve to remain in Gondor. While the debris was being cleared, Aragorn sensed something different in Gimli's demeanor and asked the dwarf to meet with him in the throne room.
After several attempts to avoid the inevitable, Gimli entered the throne room, asked Aragorn to dismiss the guards, and then reluctantly told his friend of the dwarves planned departure.
The news had infuriated the king.
Gimli stared after the king, wisely waiting until Aragorn had a moment to collect himself. When that moment arrived, it was Aragorn who spoke first.
"My friend, long have you fought by my side. Never have you retreated from a fight."
"Aragorn, we have fought orcs, men, elves and even Sauron himself, but these are blatant cowards. They strike when none are near to witness their cowardice. We cannot fight a foe who does not have the courage to face us." Gimli straightened his back. "It is not my choice to return to the Glittering Caves so soon. If I had my way, I would teach these gutless men a lesson they would not soon forget."
"I shall give you that opportunity," the king vowed. He moved across the large room and lowered himself to Gimli's level. "Faramir has a plan. We must give him and Legolas time to set their trap."
"Bah, what do two wet-behind-the-ears princelings know of such matters?" The dwarf placed his hands upon his hips. "Here, we are rebuilding your city and those two are across the river playing in trees and planting flowers."
Aragorn smiled, shaking his head at the dwarfs attempt at humor. "Will you stay, my friend?"
"Aye, but only if after those that are responsible are captured, I and the elf are allowed to handle their punishment."
"You and Legolas?" Aragorn raised a brow surprised that Gimli would suggest an alliance with the much lenient elf. "Would he agree to such a suggestion?"
"The elf would agree." Gimli began to chuckle. "I promise they will beg you for retribution when they learn what I have in mind."
Ithilien, a week later,
As Legolas led Faramir through the burned remains of a nearly-completed flet, the result of yet another fire, the rain started falling harder, turning the scorched ground into a slippery muddy goo.
Seven members of Faramir's elite guard stood nearby, listening as several elves explained their whereabouts during last night's fire.
"The rainstorm prevented further damage," Legolas commented. He jumped to solid ground. Faramir followed and Legolas led him to a large section of thick trees. "When my people left these lands, these trees were only seedlings. They have opened their branches to our flets. While the decision to build flets is new to our people..."
"Flets? Why not build homes like the humans, Prince Legolas?" Galion said, approaching them from behind. "After all, you have lowered yourself to become their gardener."
Legolas spun around, infuriated at the insult. "Your presence has become tiresome, Galion. Around you, our people flourish. In Gondor, two of the most powerful men are considered friends. Yet, you find only fault."
"I speak the truth," Galion declared bitterly. He glared at Faramir. "Prince Legolas states you are a friend. You are no friend of the elves. Why have you not stopped the attacks on us? The answer is very clear. You, prince of men, are their leader."
Faramir made a move towards the arrogant elf, but Legolas anticipated the action and grabbed his arm.
Wide-eyed from shock, Galion retreated a few steps to distance himself from the human prince.
"As you can see, my friend, your race is not unique. We too have fools," Legolas said, glaring at Galion. Before he could reprimand the butler further, laughter erupted from the nearby trees.
Three elves climbed down from the oak branches, mocking Galion and calling him a coward. Furious over the embarrassment, Galion turned and left, unable to escape the growing laughter.
Legolas was unable to contain his laughter. "I must thank you, mellon nin. You have done the impossible. You have sent Galion home with his tail between his legs."
"It was not my intent to insult him." Faramir moved to go after the disgraced elf. "I will apologize."
Legolas grabbed his arm and shook his head. "Forget Galion. To ask him to return would be most unwise." As the laughter died down and the elves returned to their duties, Legolas pointed to the burned flet. "Your plan worked well. The false rumor of giving us more land attracted the troublemakers. They mistook the flet as another settlement, not the ruse created to capture them."
"Are they heading towards the river?"
Legolas nodded, pointing to the wet footprints that headed northeast. "When they set fire to the flet, the wind shifted and the rain fall quickly. Fearing capture, they fled. However, they did not anticipate their footprints would remain as evidence of their involvement."
"I must compliment your people for their restraint. I doubt my people would have allowed such vile individuals to escape unscathed."
"Had Galion not been occupied, he would have ruined the plan," Legolas stated. "Have you heard from the rangers? The arsonists were heading in their direction."
"Damrod and Mablung should arrive shortly. They have been watching the riverside for suspicious activity."
Half an hour later
Damrod and Mablung entered the false elven settlement, lowered their weapons as they walked towards where Legolas and Faramir stood.
"There are five men, Captain." Damrod said, preferring to address Faramir by his military title. "They boarded two boats and headed towards Anfalas. Mablung recognized one of the men as Ingold."
"Ingold?" Faramir asked. Surely he had heard wrong. Ingold was a war hero and a family friend. When Mablung and Damrod nodded, the prince felt heartsick.
Legolas sensed his young friend's distress. "You know this man, Faramir?"
"Ingold was a friend of the captain-general," Mablung answered instead.
"More than a friend, Legolas. Boromir was his mentor," Faramir answered. The prince turned to the ranger. "Mablung, where does Ingold reside?"
"Rammas Echor, Faramir. He is overseeing the repairs."
"Inform one of the guards to send a message to my wife. Tell her that I am going to Rammas Echor." Faramir glanced at his two most loyal rangers. "Until we have captured the saboteurs, I want the guards doubled at the house."
As the two rangers went to relay Faramir's message to the small division of the prince's elite guards, Legolas grew concerned over Faramir's increasing anxiety. "This man, Ingold, does not concern you as much as another. You believe Beregond is involved with the conspirators?"
"No. I refuse to believe my friend would do such a thing. Beregond is a man of honor.
"What of his brother?" Legolas asked. "You do not have the same regard for Iorlas as you do for Beregond." When Faramir didn't answer, the elf apologized believing he had misspoken. "Forgive me. Perhaps, it is not my place to ask such questions."
"You may ask me anything. I could not answer because I have none. I do not know Iorlas that well. Though he is closer in age to me, Beregond and I have always been friends. He seemed to resent our relationship. Beregond tried many times to involve him in our activities, but Iorlas had other interests. I could never reach him. To judge him now would be wrong and without proof or..."
"You have ways of learning what dwells in the hearts of men, my friend," the Elf replied, offering Faramir his support. "If you have no objections, I will accompany you to Rammas Echor. I wish to look upon the face of one who hates my people."