Disclaimer: I have no creative rights over the characters and places you can identify in this story and have no way profited from this work.
20/05/2013
A lot of reviewer speculation about the Fellowship going separate ways again. Things will be a bit clearer on that topic by the end of this chapter.
Thanks for the reviews from younger readers of this story. Especially from those of you that have English as a second language.
Quirky: The role of the Army of the Dead in the film trilogy is one of its hugest points of contention. Even by PJ himself. I suspect the role I have planned for the Oathbreakers in this story is not likely to resolve this debate.
MasterXMaster: You raise a very good point. IMHO Sauron would be very worthy foe for the movieverse Avengers – with or without the One Ring.
Professor A. Silvertree: No apologies needed as I appreciate readers for taking the time to give any review! Your comments about Sauron being a former Maia is the basis for the reviewer reply above.
Chapter 30 – Separations
Following the events of the previous night, Theoden called for a council of war the following morning. Eomer had some potentially other unpleasant business to attend to first though.
Despite their pair's best efforts, Eowyn and Rogers' early morning meetings quickly became subject to gossip among the servants and courtiers at the Golden Hall. For the last three dawns, Rogers had been seen holding on to Eowyn as they rode her steed to somewhere beyond the bounds of Edoras. Given that Eowyn was always flushed when they returned meant speculation about what the pair had been up to was discussed with knowing looks and smirks.
Eomer usually paid no heed to court gossip. But the final straw was when he overheard two of Theoden's counsellors discussing that perhaps Rogers and Eowyn's 'liaisons' could be 'put to practical use'. Namely convincing the pair to marry so as to seal an alliance between America and Rohan. They were talking about his little sister for the love of the Valar!
Eomer believed – no, knew – both Eowyn and Rogers's character to be beyond reproach. But war was also a stressful and lonely experience for many people. It wasn't unknown for even the most honourable people to seek out intimacy for comfort and support in response.
The rumours about Eowyn and Rogers had not yet reached Theoden's ears. Eomer felt it would be best for the pair if the King was first told about these rumours privately from his nephew rather than reading it as an agenda item when he next met with his councillors. But Eomer first needed to know if there was any substance to the rumours.
Eomer decided to go straight to the source to determine the truth. Not Eowyn if he could help it. Her response to him invading what she would consider her privacy would probably make even one of the Dwimmerlaik quake with fear. Eomer thought Rogers would immediately own up to anything untoward if asked about it. Captain America was a rare person by a number of standards. One of those standards was holding a lie of omission to still be a lie. The Third Marshal was told he could find Rogers in the Meduseld's armoury. He found Rogers sitting at a bench polishing his round shield. As Eomer entered the armoury, Rogers looked up having heard him approaching.
"Morning, Eomer!" Rogers friendlily greeted him.
"Good morning, Captain Rogers," Eomer replied trying to sound polite but authoritative. "I'm afraid there's a matter I must discuss with you immediately."
"No problem," Rogers replied, privately puzzled what could be making Eomer so anxious. He tried to put the Third Marshal at ease. "But first, please call me 'Steve' like your uncle and sister do."
Eomer sucked in a breath at Rogers' reference to Eowyn. It seemed ridiculous to even suspect a man who was honourable to a fault of scandalous behaviour. Eomer was sure that Rogers and Eowyn's relationship possessed nothing untoward like servants with overactive imaginations were assigning to it.
"Look, Steve," Eomer began as if embarrassed at having to raise the matter. "I've heard some idle talk that -"
"Good morrow, brother!" a familiar voice interrupted from behind.
Eomer turned around to see Eowyn had joined the pair. She was carrying a tray with a mug of milk and some warm dipping bread and honey. Eowyn didn't seem the slightest bit uncomfortable or embarrassed with Eomer's presence as she placed the tray on the bench Rogers sat on.
"Good morrow, sister," Eomer replied cautiously
"I apologise if I'm intruding on something," Eowyn continued. "I've only come to serve Steve breakfast."
"You shouldn't have, Eowyn," Rogers politely thanked her.
"It's the least I can do I, Steve," Eowyn countered. "Consider it thanks for the vigorous but enjoyable lesson you gave me this morning."
"Lesson?" a bulging eyed Eomer squeaked. His self-confidence in the propriety of Rogers and Eowyn's relationship now hanged in the balance. He began worrying that, for once, Meduseld gossip contained more than a grain of truth.
"Yes, brother," Eowyn enthused seemingly unaware of her brother's discomfort. "First, I suspect you won't approve of what I'm about to tell you."
Eomer's felt his stomach tying itself into knots while speculating what Eowyn was about to reveal that Rogers had been 'teaching' her.
"Prior to the evacuation to Helm's Deep," she retold, "Steve and I had a very short mock combat within the Meduseld where he noticed some flaws in my technique. Since returning to Edoras, he kindly offered to instruct me to improve it. Who else but Captain America could teach a shield-maiden how to better use a shield?"
"Who could indeed?" a now thoroughly befuddled Eomer agreed.
"Steve's also been helping me with thrown weapons and some unarmed techniques I've never seen before." Eowyn continued. "I've been writing down what I remember of them. I think they could be of benefit to all who carry arms in the defence of the Riddermark." She turned her attention to Rogers before asking him, "If you don't mind, Steve. Perhaps you could check the veracity of the text or even provide some illustrations to accompany what it says?"
"No problem on both counts, Eowyn," Rogers assured her.
Eowyn turned her attention back to her brother. "Once it's complete, I'd be keen to get your opinion on it, Eomer."
Eomer hoped his sister and Rogers didn't see on his face the huge wave of relief that washed through him. Although he hadn't directly accused either of them of anything untoward, he nonetheless owed both of them an apology of sorts.
"I await your text with much anticipation, Eowyn," Eomer answered her before speaking to Rogers. "My personal thanks for your generosity to my sister as well, Steve. I know many men in the eoreds under my command would like the honour of private instruction from Captain America."
Rogers gave a simple and polite nod in response to Eomer's compliment.
"Well, I'll see both of you later at the council." Eowyn remarked before saying with a curtsey, "Good day, my lords."
After Eowyn had departed the armoury, Rogers turned his attention back to her brother. He recalled Eomer wanted to talk about something prior to Eowyn's arrival.
"Sorry, Eomer," he restarted that conversation. "What did you want to talk to me about?"
"Please accept my pardon, Steve," Eomer humbly told him. "The matter's suddenly become clearer to me."
Seeing Rogers accepted this explanation, Eomer then changed the topic of conversation.
"So you have skill as an illustrator, Steve?" he asked Rogers.
"A little bit," Rogers advised slightly embarrassed. "I guess that seems strange to you seeing you only know me as a fellow soldier."
"Not at all," Eomer replied. "I myself have recently undertaken the craft of jewellery."
"Oh!" a genuinely surprised Rogers responded to this unexpected side of Eomer. "How long have you been doing it?"
"I've started this very moment," Eomer advised matter-of-fact before turning to leave the armoury.
This confused Rogers and what Eomer fulminated as he left the room.
"The first item I shall be attempting to craft is a necklace of servant's tongues…"
The council of war was held in the main hall. Given that Sauron had openly revealed himself and his plans, any secrecy surrounding the War of the Ring now seemed a moot point. All the Fellowship was in attendance in addition to Theoden, Eomer, Eowyn, Gamling and a handful of other high ranking Rohirrim.
Gandalf felt sure that Sauron was probably still unaware of the exact location of the Ring-bearer. With luck, the Dark Lord also remained ignorant of the Ring-bearer's ultimate objective. On this basis, he careful chose the words with which to open the discussion.
"There was no lie in Pippin's eye when he told me that he revealed nothing to Sauron of Frodo and the Ring," Gandalf declared before giving Pippin a sympathetic smile. "A fool, but an honest fool he remains."
Pippin felt a supportive hand on his shoulder from Banner who was standing behind him.
"We've been strangely fortunate though," Gandalf continued to give his analysis of the strategic situation. "Pippin saw in the palantir a glimpse of the Enemy's plan. Sauron moves to strike the city of Minas Tirith. Saruman's defeat at Helm's Deep and Thor's defeat of one of the Nine has showed our Enemy two things."
Gandalf first directed his attention to Aragorn before stating what the first thing was.
"He knows the Heir of Elendil has come forth. Men have courage and are not as weak as he supposed."
The White Wizard then moved his gaze over the three Avengers as he explained the second.
"And of course, no one foresaw the Avengers' coming to Middle-earth. Sauron himself least expected this development. With the Avengers as their allies, the Free Peoples now have the strength to challenge him. As the Avengers grow in power, the Free Peoples may gain the strength to defeat him."
Gandalf then brought his analysis to a conclusion.
"Sauron is not so mighty as to yet be above fear. The prospect of the Free Peoples uniting under one banner aided by the power of the Avengers terrifies him. To prevent this from happening, Sauron will raze Minas Tirith to the ground!"
Boromir quickly turned to face Aragorn who was standing to his right. Given the look on Boromir's face, Aragorn had no doubt what he was about to ask him.
"Aragorn, I still hold myself to the oath I swore to you," Boromir began. "But after what Gan-"
Aragorn raised his hand to halt Boromir speaking further.
"Boromir, you need not convince me that you should immediately return to Minas Tirith," Aragorn humbly assured him. "You must warn your father of what we have learned. And who else should lead the city's defence but the Captain of the White Tower?"
"Who should indeed?" Gandalf enigmatically asked before revealing, "Nonetheless, I shall be accompanying you, Boromir."
The Heir of Isildur immediately picked up Gandalf's reference to his heritage.
"You forget, Boromir," Aragorn reminded him about Amon Hen. "I also swore an oath to you. I'll be joining you also, so we can defend the White City together as I promised."
Gandalf quickly moved to dissuade Aragorn of that notion. "Your fulfilment of that oath is by a different road, Aragorn."
Gandalf then walked up close to Aragorn and whispered something in his ear. Everyone else in the council noted Aragorn gave a worried reaction to whatever Gandalf told him.
"You'd better have a pretty good reason to stop me from coming instead, Gandalf," another voice joined the discussion.
Rogers's intervention drew the looks of everyone. Banner and Thor realised that the Avengers were now being separated again by no less than the free choice of their leader.
Rogers began to explain to all present the reasons behind his decision. "Look, Sauron knows about the Avengers. If he's going to hit Minas Tirith, at least one of us should be there. Rohan and Gondor may no longer be in a vice. But it's a good bet Sauron has a nasty backup plan to stop their forces uniting. If that plan's aimed at the Rohirrim, they'll at least have Thor and the Other Guy's help." Rogers then looked at Boromir and politely asked, "I'm basing this on the assumption your invitation Minas Tirith is still open, Boromir?"
"It most certainly is, Steve!" Boromir confirmed with a wide smile.
While there was the chance of introducing Rogers to Faramir, Boromir presenting him to Denethor was a certainty. Boromir would not be returning to Minas Tirith with the One Ring as his father had asked him to. And undoubtedly Denethor would be disappointed in him for this 'failure'. But Boromir hoped bringing Rogers to Minas Tirith would temper that disappointment. Any Steward of Gondor would be honoured to have Captain America aiding in its defence.
"And I've nothing against you coming, Steve," Gandalf happily added.
"Look, aren't we selling ourselves a bit short here?" Banner interjected which drew a number of curious looks in response. Seeing these looks, Banner explained, "Don't get me wrong. I agree we've to go and help Boromir's city. But even if Minas Tirith fell, surely we'd still continue to fight?"
"The Dark Lord chooses to destroy Minas Tirith not just because of its military value, Bruce." Legolas explained to him. "It is also where the empty throne of Gondor awaits its rightful heir. Minas Tirith's fall would prevent the return of its king. A king many of the Free Peoples wait to lead them in this dark hour."
"It's like why Loki chose to attack us in New York," Rogers compared it to the Avengers' stand against the renegade Asgardian Prince. "The blow to Free Peoples' morale would be a fatal if Sauron defeated their heroes while destroying their largest city." Rogers then drew on that quote of Sun Tzu's he remembered at Helm's Deep. "Unfortunately, Sauron knows he doesn't actually need to destroy us. He only needs to destroy our will to fight him."
"Point taken," Banner acknowledged, quietly disturbed at the parallels to the Chitauri invasion.
"The rest of should take another point of Steve's," Gandalf added. "Even with the Avengers aiding us, the Free Peoples still have to unite if we are to prevail against the Dark Lord." Gandalf then turned his attention to Theoden before telling him, "When the beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war."
Rogers guessed the beacons Gandalf spoke of were some sort of relay system between Gondor and Rohan. Many nations in Earth's past had used networks of torch-lit beacons to warn of an advancing enemy. Theoden, though, was privately seething at the tone of the Fellowship's conversation since this council commenced. The Fellowship seemed to think his consent to their strategy to be a mere formality without even asking for his input first. Theoden was sincerely grateful to the Fellowship for their assistance against Saruman. But he was tired of its members' belief that it had the right to lecture and order him in front of his subjects. The Fellowship needed reminding that Theoden was the Lord of the Mark meaning he was the one who decided when Rohan went to war.
"Tell me," Theoden retorted with dispassionate fury. "Why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours? What do we owe Gondor?"
Even Eowyn and Eomer were stunned at these words. The latter tentatively turned his gaze to Boromir whose anger at Theoden's words was plain to see. Eomer sincerely hoped these words for the sake of political theatre. Disobeying Wormtongue was one thing. But was he willing to disobey an order of his uncle's if it too jeopardised the safety of Rohan? Eomer was correct about Boromir being angry with Theoden. But Boromir also realised he needed to choose his words carefully as Gondor's fate could well hinge on them.
"If Gondor falls, Rohan will soon follow, milord!" Boromir firmly pointed out. "The Oath of Eorl m-"
"I've been familiar with the Oath before you played with toy soldiers, Lord Boromir," Theoden coldly interrupted. "Perhaps you will allow me the same length of time to consider Gondor's request that your father took when rejecting Rohan's requests over the years?"
Although the look on his face was impassive, Theoden was secretly satisfied with the reaction his recent words had caused. At least the Fellowship now understood they shouldn't simply take him for granted. Unfortunately for Theoden, he had taken for granted the Avengers would always display the same respect for his authority that Rogers gave at the feast. Particularly the Avenger whose temper matched the elements he was mythologised as God of.
Thor had only been half-listening to the unfolding debate. He was still silently brooding from his encounter with Sauron last night. Gandalf said that Sauron feared the Avengers. But from what he sensed of the Dark Lord's power, Thor thought the Avengers should also fear Sauron. The Dark Lord of Mordor could arguably even be a match for the All-Father. If Sauron had the One Ring, even the full Avengers' full foster would struggle against such a foe.
Thor's ears pricked up at Theoden's remarks about Gondor. From past arguments with Odin, Thor had no fear debating any monarch within their own halls. But given he still felt shaken from his experience with the palantir, Thor expressed his point less diplomatically than he normally would.
"Perhaps we should, Theoden-King," Thor sarcastically agreed. "Perhaps you also think the Fellowship should have taken their time to decide whether to free you from Saruman's control? Or Gondor's King and Captain-General should've asked what they owe Rohan before risking their lives at Helm's Deep?"
The satisfaction that Theoden felt from bringing the Fellowship to heel was gone in an instant. Rather than being the latest Fellowship member to unintentionally undermine his authority, Thor was the first to show a brazen contempt for it.
"Don't think your actions give you any special privilege to lecture me, Prince Thor," Theoden sternly reminded Thor of their difference in royal status. "Your words just spoken I'd expect from the mouth of a disrespectful boy."
"And your words are those of an old man and a fool!" Thor thundered in response, his face crimson red with anger.
All the Rohirrim sucked in a breath or let out a quiet gasp in response to Thor's outburst. It had been ages that any Lord of the Riddermark, let alone Theoden, had been addressed like this within the Meduseld. Normally any one of them would have leapt to defend their King's honour, including Eomer and Eowyn. But being aware of Thor's power, they were uncertain if he would release on them if enraged enough. Eomer quietly thought that Banner wasn't the only Avenger one shouldn't try to anger.
"How dare you speak to me like that within my own halls?!" Theoden angrily questioned Thor.
The heated argument came to an end when Gandalf sharply banged the end of his staff on the floor. Even Thor shuddered at the sound it made as it loudly echoed within the confines of the main hall. It reminded Thor of the sound made when Odin tapped his spear Gungir to call matters to order or to exercise his vast power. Rather than berate Thor and Theoden, Gandalf drew their attention to what they should be focused on.
"I assure all within the Golden Hall, the Beacons of Gondor will be lit." After a beat Gandalf then stressed, "May Rohan choose wisely when she sees them."
Boromir felt it best that this council wind up least Theoden prove as stubborn as Denethor when angered.
"When do we depart?" Boromir asked Gandalf.
"Within the hour, Boromir." Gandalf informed him before adding, "And the three of us shall be accompanied by a special guest."
Pippin raised his eyebrows in surprise that the whole council had followed Gandalf's lead in gazing at him. Why were they all looking at him for? The First Avenger quickly thought of something else.
"If we're heading into another siege," Rogers began. "There's something else 'special' we should take…"
Gandalf, Thor, Legolas and Gimli were standing just outside the Meduseld's front porch. They were waiting on the companions that would be joining the White Wizard on his journey to Minas Tirith. Thor was arguing with Gandalf that he should be accompanying him as well.
"I understand your desire to draw Sauron's gaze away from Rohan, Odinson," Gandalf said. "But Steve is right. If you went with me to Gondor, Sauron may direct his wrath at the Riddermark instead."
"I defer to your wisdom again, Gandalf." Thor replied before glumly stating, "I only wish I had some of it an hour ago. My words to Theoden could now see Rohan not coming to Gondor's aid at all."
Gandalf gave Thor an understanding smile before comforting him; "Theoden and you share two things in common, Thor. You are both strong willed. And you also have the humility to admit when you've made a mistake."
The doors of the Meduseld swung open and the rest of the Fellowship poured through them. Banner walked just behind Merry and Pippin and Aragorn was in discussion with Boromir. Rogers halted under the front porch as he had a farewell to make before going on his journey.
"Sorry, Eowyn," Rogers lightly apologised. "I guess I'll have to check your draft when I get back."
"I understand, Steve," Eowyn replied with a smile. "And I intend to keep practicing those drills you taught me."
Before Rogers could smile back, he realised something. "I keep forgetting to give this back to you."
Rogers reached into one of his belt pouches. Cushioned in his right hand was the brooch Eowyn gave him prior to the Battle of Helm's Deep. The brooch was of a horse's head made of gold with an emerald for an 'eye'. Eowyn closed Rogers' fingers around the brooch.
"Consider it a gift," Eowyn told him. "A token of appreciation for your all kindness." Despite her best efforts, Eowyn could not prevent a tear rolling down her cheek before saying, "As well as helping to fill the hole in my life caused by my cousin's death." She firmly embraced Rogers before whispering in his ear, "Take care, Steve."
Eowyn went back into the Golden Hall to prevent herself from shedding any more tears over Rogers's departure. Rogers then joined the rest of the Fellowship who were waiting for him. He knew that most of them were unlikely to ask what Eowyn had said to him. However, Banner told him that Pippin had a habit of innocently asking indelicate questions. To protect Eowyn's privacy from the Took's possible inquisitiveness, Rogers decided to ask a question on a different matter.
"You want me sharing a ride with Boromir, Gandalf?" he checked.
With Thor's defeat of the Nazgul, the White Wizard believed keeping the Avengers' speed and endurance from Sauron to be now moot.
"Time's of the essence, Steve," Gandalf reminded him. "I think it best you run until I advise otherwise. Boromir's horse will find it difficult enough to keep up with Shadowfax without also bearing yourself. Especially given what you'll be carrying."
With his spirit improved from a few moments ago, Thor jested, "Your forget, Gandalf. You said yourself that Shadowfax would struggle to keep with the Avengers at speed."
"I did, Thor," Gandalf confirmed with a mirthful raised eyebrow. "However, as this is Steve's first journey to Gondor, he'll want to remain in our group to avoid getting lost!" After the Fellowship shared a laugh at this, Gandalf then stonily intoned, "But also because the Nazgul will now be searching for Pippin."
"What do you mean the Black Riders are looking for me?!" Pippin asked in alarm.
Gandalf curtailed discussion with a sharp, "Come!"
All but two of the Fellowship began following Gandalf to the Royal Stables. Before joining them, Rogers called Thor over for a quiet word.
"Thor, I don't have feelings for Eowyn," Rogers initially clarified. "But I think she does for Aragorn. Sooner or later, she's going to find out he's engaged. When that happens…" Rogers awkwardly paused before restarting, "I guess what I'm trying to say is –"
Rogers halted speaking when Thor placed a friendly hand on his shoulder.
"I understand you perfectly, my friend." Thor solemnly assured him. "You have my word I shall protect Eowyn's person in your absence."
"Thanks," Rogers simply gave in response.
"However," Thor warned. "Even the All-Father can't protect her from the pain caused by a broken heart."
"I know," Rogers sighed. "I just hope that pain doesn't make her do anything that could stop her heart as well."
Gandalf led the Fellowship towards the Royal Stables. A few steps behind him were Merry and Pippin walking side by side. Banner was closely following the pair and listening on the quiet argument they were having.
"Why did you look?" an exasperated Merry asked his cousin about the palantir. "Why do you always have to look?"
"I don't know," Pippin casually remarked. "I can't help it."
"You never can!" Merry bitterly scolded him
Banner heard the genuine hurt Pippin felt from Merry's words.
"I'm sorry, all right?" Pippin pleaded "I won't do it again!"
"Pippin, you go on ahead with Gandalf," Banner tactfully intervened. "There's something I need to talk about with Merry before we see you off."
After Pippin was out of earshot, Banner began to quietly talking to Merry.
"Look, Merry, you're right," Banner began. "Pippin shouldn't have looked in that thing. A bit like I should've been more careful before experimenting with gamma radiation."
"I'm not so much angry as worried about him," Merry explained. "He doesn't seem to understand that Sauron now thinks that he has the Ring or is the key to finding it. Like what happened after your experiment, Bruce. Pippin will have enemies coming after him. But unlike you, Pippin can't protect himself by turning into the Incredible Took!"
"True that," Banner conceded while chuckling at Merry's wit. Banner quickly sobered before coming to his point, "Still, my friends never had the chance to wish me well before I went on the run. Pippin's do before he does."
A short while later in the Royal Stables, Merry followed Banner's advice. The two cousins 'smoked the peace pipe' somewhat literally when Merry gave Pippin the last of his pipe-weed. Banner was also quietly pleased when Merry told Pippin he smoked too much.
Banner and Merry joined the Fellowship staying in Edoras atop its Gatehouse. They witnessed its members going to Minas Tirith leave on their journey. On the plains before them, Shadowfax carried Gandalf and Pippin. Boromir rode the steed that he'd been riding since Eomer gifted it to the Fellowship. Rogers was between the two horses effortlessly matching their speed as they galloped across the plains of Rohan. Across the front of Rogers's chest was a hessian sack that was tied diagonally behind his back with two opposite leather straps. The straps were hidden under his shield that he carried on his back in its customary fashion. The sack contained the four cases of napalm that had been salvaged from the Orthanc. The sight made Legolas reflect on the Fellowship's discussion at Fangorn prior to departing for Edoras.
"I apologise for my earlier teasing, Gimli," Legolas said to his Dwarven friend next to him. "I'm still amazed how a man can outrun one of the mearas."
"Mm." Gimli softly agreed before asking Banner, "And Steve won't get tired at all?"
"He'll keep that pace all the way to Minas Tirith," Banner confirmed matter-of-fact.
As the travellers to Gondor became dots in the distance, Merry's focus wasn't on the wondrous properties of Erskine's formula.
"He's always followed me, everywhere I went, since before we were tweens," Merry quietly reflected about Pippin. "I would get him into the worst sort of trouble, but I was always there to get him out. Now he's gone. Just like Frodo and Sam."
"One thing I have learned about Hobbits: they're a most hardy folk," Aragorn kindly reminded Merry of the much-underestimated inner strength of that race.
"Foolhardy, maybe," Merry said in reference to his cousin. "He's a Took."
"That may be, Merry." Thor remarked before arguing, "But with Gandalf, Rogers and Boromir protecting him, it would be foolhardy even for a Nazgul to come after him."
Hopefully the status of Steve and Eowyn's relationship is now clear for all concerned.
Theoden's apparent reluctance to answer the beacons is of course another book/movie difference. But I've always thought there was more to that reluctance than Theoden just venting over Gondor's lack of aid over the years. Theoden would've realised that Rohan on her own never stood a chance of defeating Mordor. But somewhere in The Prince, Machiavelli argued that rulers lose authority and standing if their people see them as just a rubber stamp for other powers. I think Theoden wanted to remind everyone that he was the final authority in Rohan not the Fellowship. Readers would be correct in concluding that I believe that perception management (aka 'spin') would be true in Arda's politics as it is in Earth's.
The next couple of chapters will probably focus on the Fellowship members that are currently travelling to Gondor.