Back in Gondor, Faramir was surprised to hear the horns of Gondor announcing the return of the armies. He wasn't expecting them back so soon. He greeted the tired king warmly, but Ellesar's face was grim.
"Ellesar, what happened?" Faramir prodded. The king shook his head, a look of disbelief on it.
"Faramir, the enemy troops were a distraction, a decoy. The witch was nowhere to be seen. I just don't understand…" Just then Eldarion, having just shed his armor, ran up the steps, searching for Isolde.
"Lord Faramir, have you seen-," he started, but was interrupted by the opening of the door. Merry ran in, Pippin on his heels.
"Excuse us my lords, but Lady Isolde has gone missing. A stable boy reported her riding off into the woods this morning but she hasn't been seen since," He said, panting lightly. "I wouldn't have been worried, except when I looked to the forest, something seemed wrong. A great many dark clouds have formed there and I fear there is some sort of evil at work," All three men ran to look outside. Their eyes did not deceive them. Faramir turned to the door, but Ellesar caught hold of him with a strong hand.
"No Faramir. If my suspicions are correct, then you would be in just as much danger as Isolde is. Let Eldarion and I go," Faramir jerked away, and forgetting formalities for a moment, actually used the king's birth name.
"Aragorn, she is my daughter. I must go!" He turned again, and again Ellesar stopped him.
"I love her as if she was my own Faramir. Never question that. But I need you here. We will find her," Ellesar said, staring him down. Faramir finally gazed at the floor.
"You have never failed me before," he muttered. He sank into a nearby chair, rubbing his temple before looking up. "Bring her back, Aragorn," He pleaded.
"You know I will," he whispered, crouching beside him. He stood and nodded to his son who ran to the stables. The two rode their horses hard and fast into the forest, unaware of what they would find.