Like a phoenix from the ashes…I rise from the fire…I'M BACK! It has come to my attention that this story is over a year old. This is the longest it's ever taken for me to write a story. For all of those who have been reading since the beginning, kudos to you and thank you for sticking with me this long!

"There was no lie in Pippin's eyes", Gandalf said as he addressed those in the Golden Hall. "A fool…but an honest fool, he remains."

Solatiri put her hand on Pippin's shoulder as he looked down to the floor. They discussed what had happened the night before and what to do. The poor little Hobbit was scarred for life.

"He told Sauron nothing of Frodo and the Ring", Gandalf continued.

"That's good, is it not?" Solatiri asked. "Frodo is still safe from Sauron's wrath, right?"

"We don't know for sure", Aragorn said.

"We've been strangely fortunate", Gandalf said. "Pippin saw in the palantir a glimpse of the enemy's plan. Sauron moves to strike the city of Minas Tirith."

Everyone looked at Solatiri as she gave an audible gasp.

"His defeat at Helm's Deep showed our enemy one thing. He knows the heir of Elendil has come forth. Men are not as weak as he supposed. There is courage still, strength enough perhaps to challenge him. Sauron fears this. He will not risk the people of Middle Earth uniting under one banner. He will raze Minas Tirith to the ground before he sees a king return to the throne of Men."

"We cannot let him do that", Solatiri said. "There must be something we can do."

"What can we do?" Aragorn asked. "Gondor has no army with no one to lead them."

"If the beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war."

"Tell me", Theoden started. "Why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours?"

Solatiri glared at him the minute he said those words.

"What do we owe Gondor?" he asked.

"You owe them everything", she growled. "Aragorn and I are from Gondor. We aided Rohan when you needed it the most. You owe Aragorn everything."

"I will go", Aragorn quietly said.

"No", Gandalf argued.

"They must be warned."

"They will be. You must come to Minas Tirith by another road. Follow the river and look to the black ships."

"Gandalf is right", Solatiri said. "If Rohan answers Gondor's call for aid, you must help lead them. I will go warn them."

"You cannot ride", Eowyn said. "Not in your condition."

"I know it is dangerous, but Minas Tirith is my home. Boromir's brother is there as well as his father. They know nothing of mine and Boromir's fate. Faramir will need all the help he can get id the city is attacked."

"I will ride for Minas Tirith with you", Gandalf said. "And I won't be going alone."

Solatiri turned her head as Gandalf turned his gaze to Pippin.

"Of all the inquisitive Hobbits, Peregrin Took you are the worst!" Gandalf said as he rushed to the stables.

Pippin dragged along behind him and Merry to the stables. Solatiri was accompanied by Hallath who helped prepare her horse for the long ride.

"How far is Minas Tirith?" Pippin asked.

"Three days ride as the Nazgul flies", Gandalf said. "And you'd better hope we don't have one of those on our tail."

"I know it's too soon of me, but I have to go", she told him. "You are my brother, and I love you. But my beloved's brother needs my help too."

"I understand, sister", Hallath said. "Do not concern yourself any more than you have to."

They both looked at her belly. She had already reached her fourth month of her pregnancy and it was showing. Solatiri hugged her brother one more time before mounting her horse.

"I will see you again someday", she said. "After this war ends, I will bring you home to Minas Tirith and take care of you."

"I will wait", Hallath said. "Be careful, my sister."

"Stay safe, my brother."

Solatiri looked at Gandalf as he mounted Shadowfax. Pippin sat in front of him as Merry backed away from their path.

"Run, Shadowfax", Gandalf said. "And show us the meaning of haste."

"Merry!" Pippin yelled as he took his last glimpse at his best friend.

Solatiri followed Gandalf as they ran at full speed out of Edoras to begin their long journey to Minas Tirith.