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.
29/05/2013
A lot of reviewer debate caused by Thor's thoughts on Sauron's power. Especially about if Sauron could match the Avengers or even Odin in battle. My main purpose behind Thor's thoughts was to show that each Avenger is not one-dimensional but a complex character.
The movie franchises this crossover is based on have at least one theme in common. Even the most powerful and wise aren't immune to error, fear and misjudgment – even very serious ones. In the literature and movies, Sauron was a master at sewing doubt in the minds of his enemies including about their most certain beliefs.
A very credible argument can be made that, in the overall scheme of things, Odin has much greater power than Sauron. If the two of them entered into personal combat my money would be on the All-Father. But an equally credible argument can be made that Sauron is no fool. The Dark Lord would certainly know from his experience the futility of trying to defeat to a more powerful foe by directly slugging it out with them.
For example, Sauron learned that he didn't have the power to vanquish Numenor in a direct military confrontation. So he instead destroyed it from within by corrupting its rulers and people after he had ingratiated himself to them as their prisoner. The flip side to that coin is that the Dark Lord painfully underestimated the threat to him posed by Hobbits.
I will admit the reference to Sauron v Odin/Avengers is based on something I consider to be an axiom. Its hubris bordering on madness to assume that an adversary's threat is directly proportional to the raw power they can project. The ultimate victor and vanquished of a conflict isn't always determined by a direct confrontation between its participants.
gunman: In relation to your comments about Denethor I refer to my notes at the start of Chapter 17 about the difference between author knowledge and character knowledge. Boromir's had to re-evaluate a few of his assumptions in this story so far. I think some assumptions he still holds about his father will require the most painful re-evaluating he's done so far.
StoneCold22: To be honest I've never played the audio commentary on ROTK. But I'm relieved to know that at least Bernard Hill shares similar thoughts about the motivation behind Theoden's remark.
Arekanderu: In fairness to PJ, for the sake of the film, he had to simplify how the Ring was cut from Sauron's hand as described in The Silmarillion. Isildur was only able cut it after Elendil and Gil-galad – two of the Free People's greatest leaders and most powerful heroes of the Second Age - directly fought and weakened Sauron which cost the pair their lives. I think there's a bit of merit in the theory put by some that, in the film trilogy, Narsil was the only weapon crafted by the Free Peoples that could physically harm Sauron. The corollary to this are the reasons why Sauron took the bait Aragorn offered via the palantir. The reforged Narsil wasn't dangerous simply because it symbolised Isildur's heir openly declaring himself.
JakMartheDarkWarrior: Chapter 1 very clearly states that this crossover is largely based on movieverse with elements of literature to flesh it out – 'sigh' back at you.
Lupin2020: Theoden would've left it at reminders of royal station if not for Thor's blatant sarcasm. After 15 years' work experience in external relations, I've found the bulk of political leaders to be just as flawed as the rest of us. They don't always reply to every insult they receive with polite restraint.
Chapter 31 – Hopes and Fears Realised
The four Fellowship members travelling to Minas Tirith went via a route known as the 'Great West Road'. Rogers thought this description was being generous to the wide, dusty path he was following. The only connection the road had to its former state was sporadic chunks of paving - most of it having been overgrown by the grass of Rohan's plains. At least the White Mountains to the southern horizon ranging endlessly eastwards provided a nice backdrop as he ran.
It was about a 360-mile journey from Edoras to Minas Tirith by this route. Boromir told Rogers their company had crossed the border into Gondor after they forded a stream called the 'Mering'. Gandalf would have ridden Shadowfax to Minas Tirith without stopping if Pippin were his sole companion on this journey. But because of the other Fellowship members travelling with them, the company planned to stop at night for a few hours rest. Along with Pippin, Boromir and his steed greatly appreciated the routine stop. Gandalf suspected that Rogers appreciated the break for a different reason. Even Captain America was grateful to have an unhurried chat with his friends.
The four's first overnight stop was an oaken forest known as 'Firien Wood'. The company refrained from lighting a campfire. Even with the cover the foliage of Firien provided, the whole company didn't want to risk anything that could alert the Nazgul to their presence. Pippin still had bad memories of what happened when he, Merry and Sam lit a fire out of blissful ignorance at Weathertop.
By now, the rest of the company well knew that the Super-Soldier serum granted Rogers seemingly limitless stamina and the speed to outrun horses. They also knew he was physically strong. His companions asked Rogers if weight of the napalm he was carrying bothered him at all. Even Gandalf raised an eyebrow in surprise at Rogers's reply.
"Like everyone, I can't ignore the logistics of a package," Rogers modestly prefaced. "But I can carry up to eight hundred pounds while on the move. Two tons is the most I've lifted standing still."
"How much can the Other Guy lift?" Pippin eagerly asked.
From what Pippin had seen of the Avengers, even Captain America's strength was miniscule compared to Hulk's.
"The only thing I'm aware of he hasn't been able to lift is Mjolnir," Rogers recalled from what he'd been told of the clash between Hulk and Thor that took place on the Heli-Carrier. "But as that wasn't about raw strength, I don't know if that really counts. As he keeps getting stronger, I doubt there's anything in Middle-earth he'll be unable to lift."
"I wish I could make a wager about that with someone who doesn't know anything about Hulk," Pippin wistfully remarked. "If only it could be Innkeeper Whitfoot - a year's supply of free ale if Hulk can lift The Green Dragon above his head!"
"Steve, you best stop now discussing the limits of Hulk's strength," Gandalf recommended with apparent exasperation.
Gandalf then looked at Pippin before his mouth began to twitch. The White Wizard was simply glad that Pippin was back to his cheerful self despite the danger the company faced.
"Otherwise," he mischievously warned. "By the time we reach Minas Tirth, Pippin will want to wager with the Steward that Hulk can lift the city for all the food and drink it contains!"
The four Fellowship members had settled in for the night, planning to reach Minas Tirith the following morn. They had made a short detour southwards at dusk before stopping in a dense pine forest known as the 'Druadan'. Gandalf advised against venturing too deep into the forest. Wild men whose loyalties were uncertain inhabited the Druadan. Unlike the previous two evenings, the company had lit a fire of sorts on this particular evening. The 'fire' was from Gandalf and Pippin's pipes as the pair blew tiny smoke rings from the last of Merry's Longbottom leaf.
Boromir and Rogers sat a couple of yards away from the pipe smokers. Over the last two evenings the pair had educated each other on their respective country's history. Boromir thought Rogers had every right to be proud of America's achievements even though it wasn't even a tenth of Gondor's age. Being able to devise a means to travel to the Moon was something that Numenor couldn't do even at its very height! But in keeping with his characteristic honesty, Rogers didn't gloss over the darker moments in the history of the country he was titled champion of. Like Gondor, America had experienced its share of natural disasters, pestilence, economic and social injustices, dishonourable leadership and civil strife.
One of Boromir's current fears for Gondor was that his father's response to Aragorn could see it spiral into a period of kin-strife worse than its last. Maybe even a period as destructive as the American Civil War from what Rogers described of it. Worse, in that event, Boromir would be as torn as Gondor given the choice he would have to make between familial loyalty and his oath of fealty to Aragorn. If Saruman knew about the events that transpired at Amon Hen as he hinted, Boromir now understood why he chose the taunt about Aragorn usurping Denethor to most hurt him. Boromir hoped Captain America might be able to advise him of a way out of this dilemma.
"You witnessed the oath I swore to Aragorn," Boromir reminded him of Amon Hen. "It was largely from feeling I owed him my life. But the more I've come to know him, I truly believe Aragorn can provide the leadership Gondor currently needs.
"I wasn't lying to you in Lothlorien about my father being a noble man. And I'm still very proud to be his son. Because my family's house has ruled Gondor for so long, my father said that Gondor doesn't need a king anymore. But…he's wrong. Especially because the return of its king is no longer a matter that just affects Gondor.
"From what I've witnessed as one of the Fellowship, nearly all the Free Peoples wait in hope for the King of Gondor to be restored. If only because, unlike my father, Aragorn still believes that Sauron can be defeated without us having to use the Ring."
Rogers felt for his friend. Theoden clearly wasn't the only leader among the Free Peoples suffering from the burden of command. If only Theoden knew what Boromir had just said, maybe he would've shown a lot more empathy towards Gondor's plight. Rogers still needed clarity on something before giving the best advice he could.
"I'm correct in saying there's no gone by date when the king's descendents had to claim the throne by?" he checked. After Boromir gave a couple of nods confirming this was correct, Rogers then continued. "There's one thing that Gondor and America seem to have in common. It's the principle that not even their leaders are above the law. I can't think of any greater threat to a free nation than when its leaders begin thinking they're above the laws they've sworn to uphold.
"It's easy to take a stand on that when leaders are strangers. The real test comes when we like those leaders or consider them to be our friends. And I can't imagine how difficult it is when they're family.
"You also told me in Lothlorien that your father looks to you to restore Gondor's glory. If that's the case, and if he's a noble man, he's only honourable choice is to accept your judgment on the matter. Even if he doesn't like what that judgment is.
"You've clearly come to believe that the best way to make Gondor great again is for Aragorn to be its king. But for that happen, the only honourable choice for you, Boromir, is you have to tell your father first."
There was a pause before Rogers concluded.
"I'm sorry if I've sounded like I'm preaching to you, Boromir. I can only call the situation as I see it. I'm afraid the rest is up to you."
Boromir gave a subtle nod of thanks to Rogers. Boromir always believed restoring the glory of Gondor would require a great battle to be fought. From what Rogers told him, that battle was shaping up to be one he feared more than one against Mordor's countless minions.
By mid-morning the following day, the four travellers crested a hill and saw to the their destination to the south-west.
"Behold Minas Tirith!" Gandalf proclaimed to the group. "City of kings!"
Minas Tirith was unlike any city Rogers had ever seen. Its description as the 'White City' was no exaggeration. Minas Tirith was built on a hill with the easternmost face of the White Mountains directly at its back. It was circular in shape being three quarters of a mile in diameter surrounded by a very thick outer wall about sixty feet high known as the 'Othram'. The city was divided into seven, one hundred-foot high levels each surrounded by a white wall of lesser thickness than the Othram. An interesting feature of Minas Tirith was a spur of rock whose summit was level with the city's highest tier. The spur of rock was in the shape of a ship-keel and it jutted out from the front of the city in an easterly direction, dividing all but the first level into two. At the highest level of the city was the Citadel of Minas Tirith, the civic heart of Gondor. The most imminent feature of the Citadel was a white tower some three hundred feet in height. At its summit, the tower afforded a one thousand feet high view of Minas Tirith and its surrounds. Rogers had no doubt this tower was the 'Tower of Ecthelion' that Boromir described to him in Lothlorien.
If he had to flippantly describe it, Rogers would say that Minas Tirith resembled a cruise ship crashing through a giant wedding cake. But Gandalf was right. The White City would be a city fit for any king. Rogers sensed that Boromir was staring at him, waiting on his initial reaction to Minas Tirith.
"You can relax, Boromir," Rogers casually remarked without even looking at him. "I'm more than impressed."
Minas Tirith was also a much more impressive fortification than Helm's Deep. Rogers could just make out that a number of trebuchets dotted the city. Gondorians obviously understood the importance of good artillery support in making a successful defence. The plain that stretched eastwards from Minas Tirith, that Boromir had earlier told him was called the 'Field of Pelennor', offered a superb line of sight against any besieging force. To a medieval army, even one carrying some of Saruman's experimental weapons, Minas Tirith would appear to be almost impenetrable. This got Rogers worrying about what had been revealed to Pippin in the palantir. Sauron would have to be pretty sure of his strength if he believed he could turn such a city into pile of burning rubble. Rogers's thoughts on ruined cities expanded upon sighting something in the far distance.
"Those ruins to the north-east," Rogers directed the group's attention by pointing in the direction. "What are they?"
None of Rogers's companions could see what he'd spotted with his Super-Soldier sight. Rogers refrained from laughing at Pippin's curious squinting towards the horizon. The Took's riding companion didn't have to see to know what Rogers was referring to.
"Those, Steve, are the ruins of Osgiliath," Gandalf educated him. "The city used to be the jewel in Gondor's crown many centuries ago. Now its ruins weep to Gondor's fallen glory."
The ruin's name instantly rang a bell for Captain America.
"That's where the battle you and your brother fought in?" he checked with Boromir.
"Yes, Steve," Boromir confirmed with ambivalent feelings. "It was the last time I saw Faramir and my father before setting off to Rivendell." Boromir quickly segued to outlining the ruin's strategic significance. "Our forces currently hold the western half of Osgiliath. If the enemy captures it, there'd be nothing stopping them from assaulting the White City."
"Whatever the case, we've tarried long enough," Gandalf curtailed discussions before addressing Rogers. "It's time for you to share Boromir's steed again, Steve. Sauron knows of your speed but I doubt the Steward does."
"I understand, Gandalf," Rogers replied before mounting behind Boromir. "I don't want to distract from what's important."
Rogers couldn't see the smile Boromir curled with his lips at this remark.
"You guess correctly, Steve," Boromir said before stating tongue-in-cheek. "I don't want anything drawing Minas Tirith's attention from my glorious return to it!"
The Great Gate was the main gate into the first level of Minas Tirith. It was part of the Othram with its face orientated directly east. In front of the Great Gate there was a large paved area called the Gateway. The roads to Minas Tirith met here: the Great West Road, the South Road to the southern provinces of Gondor, and the road heading east to Osgiliath. The Great Gate was very strong, constructed of iron and steel guarded by stone towers and bastions. The Great Gate had decorating its face intricately detailed iron motifs of armored soldiers.
The sentries manning the Great Gate hurriedly urged each their fellows to open the gates upon making out the four approaching travellers. Their Captain-General had finally returned to the White City! Their spirits rose higher on seeing that Boromir seemed to have brought with him no less than the famed Mithrandir to aid Gondor. But they were curious about Boromir's other travelling companions – a Halfling and a strangely dressed man who looked to be a mix of porter and shield-bearer.
The iron doors of the Great Gate rolled back open to allow the Fellowship entrance into the city. The four were first met by the Great Gate's commanding officer whose name was 'Hirgon'. Boromir instructed Hirgon to send word to the Steward that he and his three companions would like an immediate audience. Arrangements were also made to take the hessian sack that Rogers was carrying to the city's main barracks that was on the first level. Given the contents of what it was carrying, Boromir made it very clear the sack was to be stored well away from any flames.
As the four travelled through to the first six levels Rogers noticed several things about Minas Tirith. Each level comprised many alleys, narrow passageways, marketplaces, family shops and stores, public buildings, and dwellings such as apartments on the lower levels to luxurious townhouses on the higher ones (location seemed to be the most important thing in real estate on both Earth and Middle-earth). On the sixth level was located a complex of stone infirmaries known as the Houses of Healing that were surrounded by pleasant gardens. There were also stables that combined Rogers estimated could probably house a greater number of horses than the Edoras Royal Stable
The gates connecting the levels didn't lay behind one another in a line. Unlike the Great Gate, the gate to the second level faced south and the gate to the third level faced north. The pathway between levels zig-zagged in this south-north fashion until it reached the sixth level. Obviously, the layout was designed to help defenders establish a chokehold in the event of an enemy breakthrough.
Gondorians seemed to have an olive skin complexion with dark hair colours. They were a contrast to the Rohirrim who Thor described as possessing a Nordic-like appearance. Unlike their counterparts in Rohan, Gondorian men seemed evenly split in possessing a beard. But the other thing that struck Rogers was that Minas Tirith appeared sparsely populated compared to its size. He then recalled Boromir telling him that centuries ago Gondor experienced its equivalent of the 'Black Death' that hit Medieval Europe and Asia. Unlike those two Earth continents, maybe Gondor had never recovered from its most infamous pandemic.
The final thing that Rogers noticed was the reaction Boromir received as he passed through each level. All types of men, women and children who spotted him cheered as he rode by or called out to welcome him home. From what he had come to know of the man, Rogers wasn't surprised that Boromir was so highly regarded by his fellow Gondorians. Rogers suspected it was one reason Denethor expected so much of his eldest son. Boromir's popularity among Gondor's people and military was probably greater than his father's was. But if that were the case, the Steward would fear Boromir's popularity as well. If Boromir came out in support of Aragorn claiming his birthright, Denethor's position as Steward would almost become untenable. Even if Denethor believed Aragorn had no right to displace him as Gondor's ruler.
The company dismounted at the stables on the sixth level before entering the Citadel via a long lamp-lit tunnel that head been delved into the 'ship-keel' rock. The four entered into the Citadel and began walking towards to the Tower of Ecthelion. On the ground floor of the Tower was located the Tower Hall in which the currently vacant throne of Gondor lay. In the immediate vicinty of the Tower were some other great buildings that comprised the Citadel. These included the Merethrond or Great Hall of Feasts and the King's House that were just north and west of the Tower respectively. Boromir pointed out to Rogers his and Faramir's quarters as well as statehouses for important guests.
Gandalf and Pippin led slightly in front of Boromir and Rogers. Rogers quickly looked at the guards that were on duty in the citadel. They each wore a steel cuirass with a tree embossed on the chest. Over laying the 'trunk' was a three-pointed golden crown at the top of a semi-circle of golden stars. The fine black cloaks the guards wore largely covered the rest of their armour. An obvious exception was the helms they had been issued with. Their helms were high-crowned and pointed, with long cheek-guards fitting to the face and on each of its two sides was a large crest of white feathers. While the guards all seemed to have a scabbarded sword, their principal weapon was a ten-foot ashen spear that had a foot-long ridged blade resting upon a downward crescent hilt.
Jerking his head towards these guards, Rogers asked Boromir, "I take they're the equivalent of Theoden's bodyguard?"
Boromir nodded in confirmation. "To be made one of the Tower Guard is among the greatest of honours. The Guard's small in number. But they're our finest soldier. Aside from Gondor's ruler, the Guard protects something else important."
Rogers was interrupted from asking what it was. Pippin indirectly answered the question by pointing out the object that he saw in the palantir.
"It's the tree, Gandalf!" Pippin explained.
After seeing Ents, Rogers didn't think the botany of Middle-earth couldn't get any stranger. But the path the four currently walked on curved around a tree whose bark and branches were almost pure white in natural colour. Aside from its colour, what struck Rogers about the tree was how barren it looked. The tree stood next to a small circular fountain. The fountain had a Tower Guard posted close to it with backs turned at each of the four main compass points. Rogers guessed the silk mask that each guard wore over their mouth was a reminder that they were not to speak or be spoken too while they protected the tree.
"Yes, the White Tree of Gondor," Gandalf confirmed matter-of-fact to Pippin. "The tree of the king."
Rogers remembered Boromir telling how survivors from Numenor founded Gondor. Sauron managed to so badly corrupt Numenor that its destruction was considered Middle-earth's equivalent of Noah's Flood combined with Sodom and Gomorrah. The White Tree of Gondor was grown from a sapling recovered from a similar tree in Numenor. Rogers understood the logic of why Sauron wanted to specifically destroy the literal White Tree. If it happened, Gondor would lose its cherished symbol of liberty and one of its most enduring national monuments. The psychological loss would be the equivalent of an enemy of the United States destroying the engrossed copy of the Declaration of Independence.
At a quiet word from Boromir, the Fellowship stopped at the steps that led into the Tower of Ecthelion.
"I think it best we make no mention of Frodo and the Ring to my father," Boromir advised his three companions. "And while I'm happy to introduce you, Steve. We shouldn't yet inform him of what the Avengers are capable of."
Pippin may have recently engaged in acts of manipulation. However, the politics of big folk still went right over his head.
"Why wouldn't your Dad be happy that the Avengers helping us?" Pippin asked Boromir.
Inwardly, Boromir was glad that Pippin hadn't completely lost his innocence despite everything the Fellowship had been through.
"Unfortunately, Pippin, Thor and Bruce are currently in Rohan," Boromir pointed out to him.
"Well, they can get here even sooner than we did," Pippin replied thinking he understood what Denethor's problem was. Seeing the looks Gandalf, Boromir and Rogers exchanged in response to this, Pippin then checked to be sure with, "Can't they?"
"Let me put it this way, Pippin," Rogers began explaining. "If Bruce wasn't your friend, how'd you feel about the Other Guy?"
"I'd be scared stiff!" Pippin exclaimed without hesitation.
"That's how my father would feel if we told him what Hulk and Thor are capable of," Boromir picked up on Rogers's theme. "Gondor and Rohan may be allies, Pippin. But as you witnessed in the Golden Hall - my father and King Theoden suspect and mistrust each other. My father could think that Theoden will use Thor and Hulk to extract heavy concessions from him as the price for Rohan coming to our aid."
As far as Pippin knew, a hobbit wouldn't even hesitate to help put out a fire that threatened the home of any hobbit. Including the home of the hobbit they most disliked. No dislike towards somebody was of greater worth than an obligation to help him or her in the face of mutual danger. What was wrong with the Race of Men not to see this simple truth?
"Like Treebeard says, that doesn't make much sense to me," Pippin answered. "But I promise I won't say anything, Boromir." After a pause Pippin then added with trepidation, "If only because I don't want Gandalf the White scolding me about having a loose tongue like Gandalf the Grey did."
"In that case, Peregrin Took," Gandalf lectured him with mild forbearance. "There are other things you should make no reference to in front of the Steward. Make no mention of Aragorn. As well as what you overhead when you spied on the Council of Elrond. Or –"
"Gee whiz, Gandalf!" Rogers interrupted slightly annoyed at Gandalf's tone. "You could've simply said leave all the talking to Boromir and yourself."
Rogers thought that when it came to making enigmatic threats, Gandalf would give Fury a good run for his money.
Inside the Tower Hall were rows of tall pillars, carved monoliths of black marble crowned with capitals exhibiting figures of beasts and leaves, upheld the vaulted ceiling of gold and flowing traceries. Flanking the pillars were spacious aisles lit by deep windows and between the pillars were man-sized marble statues of Gondor's long-dead kings. Rogers thought the facial features on each statue he passed by had some resemblance to Aragorn.
At the far end of the Hall was a dais of many steps that supported the white-marble throne of the High King of Gondor. On the grey-marble wall directly behind the throne was the embossed image of a flowering tree. A large bronze crown hanged directly over the throne. Rogers realised that this throne hadn't a rightful occupant for nearly a thousand years. And from what he last remembered of Aragon, it was still uncertain whether it would ever have a king to occupy it again.
Right of the lowest step of the dais was an unadorned black seat. The seat was the Seat of the Steward. Unlike the throne, the current office holder occupied the Steward's seat. Rogers thought that Denethor to be as tall as his eldest son but with a more portly build. His straggly, grey shoulder-length contained some shades of the brown it once was. Fittingly for his position, Denethor wore a sumptuous, long-sleeved ermine robe that was black in colour.
Seeing the Steward in his seat of power reminded Rogers of when he first encountered Theoden in the Golden Hall. Denethor didn't seem to be under a spell like Theoden was at the time. Despite Boromir saying his rule was 'failing', Denethor's square-jawed face still projected an assured and authoritative bearing. Rogers nonetheless saw in the Steward's blue eyes feelings of jadedness and even sorrow. Those same eyes momentarily took on a different feel when the Fellowship came to within a few yards of where he sat.
"My son!" Denethor greeted Boromir with barely restrained joy.
He stood and began walking towards Boromir with arms wide open.
"Words can't describe how happy I am to see you again, father!" Boromir replied in a similar manner.
After the Steward and his favoured son shared a heartfelt embrace, Denethor quickly ran his eye over Boromir.
"You've grown thin in your absence!" Denethor observed with a smile in his voice. "I shall have the servants prepare a meal fit for Gondor's finest champion."
"Thank you, father." Boromir humbly replied as he and Denethor softly broke their embrace "But I'm not the only one in need of such nourishment. As you can see, I've companions who shared in my journey here."
Rogers thought that Denethor only gave him and Pippin a fleeting glance. The Steward's face hardened and his eyes narrowed at the sight of Gandalf though. Theoden obviously wasn't the only Middle-earth identity that Denethor had misgivings towards. If the feeling was mutual, it wasn't apparent in Gandalf's respectful greeting to Denethor.
"Hail, Denethor, son of Ecthelion, Lord and Steward of Gondor!" Gandalf acknowledged him. "In this dark hour, your son brings not only companions. But also their tidings and counsel to you."
"I'm sure he does, Mithrandir," Denethor coldly replied with a voice dripping with sarcasm. "It's been so interminably long since I last heard your advice that I've forgotten its quality."
Denethor promptly turned his back and returned to sit in his chair. Rogers noted that Boromir momentarily shut his eyes in embarrassment at his father's impoliteness. Once seated again, Denethor gave Gandalf another backhanded insult.
"But I'm sure you'll understand the tidings I first want to hear are from the mouth of my son." Satisfied that Gandalf got his message, Denethor then resumed a friendly and caring tone as he asked Boromir, "Why have you taken so long to return home, Boromir?"
"I assure you, father, it wasn't by any design on my part," Boromir explained. "A major reason was assisting Gandalf in the defence of Rohan."
Denethor's eyes narrowed at this and subjected Boromir to an intense glare. Boromir knew he only received that look from his father when his words or actions displeased him. The look made Boromir uncomfortable now as it did when he received it as a young boy.
"As Captain of the White Tower, the defence of Gondor should always be your priority," the Steward coolly reminded Boromir. "Both of us know better than anyone how dire our situation is. We don't have the luxury of sparing even a single soldier from defending anything than our own borders. Theoden has never grasped this! Why else does he think I have rejected his countless requests for aid?" Denethor looked downwards to his left as he bitterly mused of Theoden, "The fool thinks the few bands of bandits and wild-men that threaten Rohan should receive greater priority from me than the many legions of Mordor that threaten Gondor. If anything, he's the one who should've been offering me aid over these long years!"
Where I've heard all this before? Rogers sarcastically thought as he recalled Theoden asking why Rohan should help Gondor. It would be high tragedy bordering on farce if Gondor and Rohan fell because their respective leaders didn't want to help each other unknowingly for the same reason.
Boromir was a bit unsettled by Denethor. He couldn't recall the last time his father had so plainly called into question his military judgment.
"Father, please believe Gondor's defence was one of my foremost reasons why I elected to help Rohan," Boromir calmly but urgently assured Denethor. "If Rohan fell to Isengard, we'd now find ourselves having to fight a new enemy pouring across our western border."
"Your son speaks the truth, milord," Gandalf intervened. "But even with Saruman defeated, the danger facing Gondor continues to grow. Sauron will soon launch his attack. An attack that will make all previous ones pale in comparison."
The Steward didn't care for the conversation he was having with his favoured son being interrupted.
"For all your subtleties, Mithrandir, you have not wisdom," Denethor replied with a restrained snarl. "Do you think the eyes of the White Tower are blind? I have seen more than you know."
Pippin was glad he had opted to remain quiet so far during this discussion. He and Gandalf had been antagonists on a number of occasions. But their disputes were never with malice like that currently on display. It would be unfair to describe Denethor as 'evil'. But the Steward seemed to be unaware that being arrogant and mean-spirited wasn't something to be proud of either. Pippin concluded Denethor would probably be one of the last people who'd entertain a wager about Hulk, especially if it was put to him in jest.
"Then you would know, 'Steward', that the enemy is on your doorstep!" Gandalf gave in brusque rejoinder. "Your son may be Gondor's Captain-General. But ultimately you are charged with the defence of this city. Where are Gondor's armies ready to protect it?!"
Gandalf calmed himself knowing he couldn't use this tone to convince the Steward. Creating dissension within the ranks of his enemies was one of Sauron's greatest tools. The Valar principally sent the Istari to Middle-earth to persuade and guide the Free Peoples to unite against the Dark Lord. Gandalf sadly reflected that he was probably now the only one left from his order still focused on the task.
"Milord, you still have friends," Gandalf gently encouraged Denethor. "Gondor is not alone in this fight. Send word to Theoden by lighting the beacons."
"Tell me, Boromir," Denethor questioned his son in a tone that simultaneously mocked Gandalf. "Did Mithrandir tell you who currently rides with Theoden? How he plans using us as a shield against Mordor with one hand while supplanting our house as Gondor's rightful rulers? Namely with a certain bedraggled Ranger from the North called 'Aragorn, son of Arathorn'?"
Rogers inferred that Denethor must have a highly placed agent within the Golden Hall to know of Aragorn's existence. Rogers didn't realise that the Steward got his intelligence about Aragorn from a different source than a 'human asset'. Unaware of this, Rogers wondered how much information Denethor's agent had passed on in relation to the Avengers. Boromir was able to shed some light on this matter.
"It's not just Rohan that we can count as an ally, father," Boromir replied thinking it best to divert discussion about Aragorn for a number of reasons. He then stood a bit straighter and directed his left hand in Rogers's direction. Boromir's chest filled with pride as he introduced the Avenger to Denethor. "Father, it's my greatest honour to introduce Captain Steven Rogers from America to you."
"America?" a puzzled Denethor repeated.
The Steward was unaware of any land in Middle-earth that went by this name in any tongue. Since when did his firstborn start spouting such nonsense? Unlike Mithrandir, at least this 'Rogers' knew not to speak unless spoken to. All Rogers gave the Steward was a polite nod of respect in response to Boromir's introduction.
"Yes, father!" Boromir enthused oblivious to his father's scepticism. "America's a great nation of Men previously unknown to us. Captain Rogers carries the title of being its champion. I encountered Ste-, I mean Captain Rogers, during my return here. He's one of the greatest warriors and strategists that I've ever known. Once you get to know him as I have, you'll agree Captain America will be a great aid in our defence against Mordor!"
Denethor pondered his son's words with a face that would've served him well at any poker table. The Steward released an annoyed sigh before speaking directly at Gandalf.
"Mithrandir, I tolerate you turning Faramir against me because his uses are few," Denethor told the wizard believing he was responsible for Boromir's uncharacteristic words and behaviour. "However, I will not allow you do the same to Boromir. He's the only one of my sons that does his father's will."
Boromir inwardly winced at this remark as the Steward continued to lecture Gandalf.
"Let me make things clear to you," Denethor began his response to the wizard's counsel about the beacons. "Gondor will see to its own defences. It does not need the aid of Rohirrim, Rangers, or imaginary lands whose soldiers are garbed like court jesters!"
Boromir was privately dismayed that his father had, by implication, totally disbelieved everything he had just said about Rogers. He wouldn't disrespect his father in the presence of the other Fellowship members. But Boromir decided to privately apologise to them later for Denethor's behaviour. In truth, Denethor owed him a private apology as well. How could his father even believe he was anyone's puppet?
"Now, if you'll excuse me," Denethor insincerely apologised to Gandalf. "But there are some matters I wish to discuss with my son in private." He summarily dismissed the rest of the Fellowship. "Wait outside in the Court of the Fountain. A servant will show to your chambers."
It took great discipline for Gandalf not to roll his eyes in disgust before turning on his heel to leave the Tower Hall. Rogers and Pippin quickly followed behind him. After the three had exited the Hall, Denethor signalled the Tower Guards in the hall to leave as well.
"Now then," Denethor remarked to Boromir after this happened. "We can discuss in private what is most important." Denethor leaned towards Boromir with an expectant gleam in his eye. "Did you get what I asked of you? Did you return from Rivendell with the mighty gift? The one that will change our fortunes in this war?"
Boromir had practiced this conversation in his head during the ride to Minas Tirith. Boromir thought about the answers he'd prepared for his father's likely questions. Those answers wouldn't be outright lies. But Boromir thought it best to keep hidden the Council's ultimate decision about the One Ring. Boromir resolved not to betray Frodo a second time even if Denethor put him on a rack to extract the truth. Boromir exhaled a deep breath before delivering his report to his father.
Gandalf began quietly fuming once he, Pippin and Rogers were back outside again.
"All has turned to vain ambition!" he bitterly observed of Denethor. "He even uses his own son to prop up his rule and pride."
"Back home we call it 'living through your children'," Rogers dryly agreed.
Gandalf snorted agreement to the wisdom of that Earth observation before sadly remarking of Minas Tirith, "A thousand years this city has stood. Now, at the whim of a madman, it will fall. And the White Tree, the tree of the king, will never bloom again."
The trio began walking towards the eastern embrasure of the 'ship-keel' that divided Minas Tirith.
"Look, Gandalf," Rogers began. "Boromir told me his mom died a few years after Faramir's birth. He said Faramir taking a lot after her is painful to Denethor. I know that's bad enough. But is that the only reason Denethor dislikes him?"
"Your astute powers of observation aren't just confined to the battlefield, Steve." Gandalf complimented him. "In many ways, Faramir's a bit like Bruce. They both possess a gentle heart and scholarly nature. They've only learned the fighting arts from circumstance rather than choice. Denethor believes his youngest son should've concentrated on being a great warrior like Boromir. He blames me for being responsible for Faramir's love of books and lore. As if such interests are unworthy of a son of the Steward."
"I don't know if you've something like it in Middle-earth," Rogers reacted. "But a famous proverb on Earth is 'The pen is mightier than the sword'."
Gandalf reflected on this for a moment before remarking, "Seemingly like on Earth, many in this world forget that wisdom is what makes a ruler great more than a strong sword-arm. Denethor secretly fears that Faramir sees me as more a father than him. It's a tragedy that Faramir has to feel ashamed of his many qualities in seeking his father's love. Faramir feels that to be the man his father wants him to be, he has to reject being the man he truly is."
Gandalf's reflections came to an end when the trio reached the embrasure. Looking to the eastern horizon, Pippin and Rogers got their first clear view of Mordor.
"Mordor?" Pippin uneasily guessed.
"Yes, there it lies," Gandalf confirmed with a sigh. "This city has dwelt ever in the sight of its shadow."
Rogers reflected that Minas Tirith 'living in the shadow of Mordor' was both metaphorical and literal. The dark, impenetrable mountain range that formed Mordor's western border was plain to see, as were the volcanic eruptions from Mount Doom further eastward. Rogers remembered Aragorn once mentioning that Mount Doom was about four and a half thousand feet tall from its base. But unlike any volcano on Earth, Mount Doom's eruptions were tainted with a powerful evil aura. Every eruption was an angry orange-red in colour. The colour was eerily similar to that of the sky he saw in the image of Mordor triumphant via Galadriel's Mirror. From these eruptions spewed out a dark black ash-cloud. It was a cloud that seemed to be getting larger by the minute.
"A storm is coming from the east," Pippin observed of it. The only clouds he could remember anywhere near as dark were those that released hailstones.
"A storm is coming, Pippin," Gandalf agreed. "But it is not the weather of the world. This is a device of Sauron's making. A broil of fume he sends ahead of his host."
"Smart," Rogers bitterly praised the Dark Lord. "The cloud will nullify the Orcs' disadvantage when fighting in daylight."
"That's one of its purposes but it isn't the main one, Steve." Gandalf informed him. "The fume isn't natural cloud cover. The cloud would normally be spread over a much wider area. Instead, the Enemy concentrates its strength over the skies of Minas Tirith and the Field of Pelennor. It's a very potent act of sorcery by Sauron. So potent I can't displace it. Neither is Thor yet strong enough to be immune from its effects."
A concerned Rogers looked at the wizard and asked, "What do you mean?"
Gandalf arched a worried eyebrow. "In the upcoming battle, Thor won't be able to call on the weather to aid us."
Rogers rolled his eyes in frustrated alarm at this unwelcome news.
"Great," he sarcastically lamented. "I'd planned for Thor give the Rohirrim a greater offensive punch. Now he won't be much better than when we came through the vortex."
Gandalf sought to allay Rogers's bitter disappointment at this development.
"Thor could still regain enough strength to counter the fume by the time he gets here," Gandalf held out the possibility. "But the fume can't nullify all the advantages the Avengers can bring to bear."
"You mean the Other Guy?" Pippin guessed with some excitement.
The Took hoped the Mordor's forces would have the same look on their faces as Isengard's when they heard "Hulk Smash!" for the first time. There was a twinkle in Gandalf's eye at the hope contained in Pippin's question. Gandalf found it an amusing that a power that would strike fear into the heart of the fiercest dragon had won a fond place in the heart of a peace-loving hobbit.
"There is that, Pippin," Gandalf conceded. "But Thor will soon be able to use other powers of his. Powers the Dark Lord is unaware of and has made no plans to counter…"
This chapter has been a bit longer than I planned but I thought it important to address a few issues at the start.
'Hirgon' is in recognition of the Gondor herald who gives the Red Arrow to Theoden in the book. 'Whitfoot' is the innkeeper of 'The Green Dragon' in LOTRO. Faramir will make his first full appearance in the next chapter.
I've read John Noble's hair was brown in colour when he was younger.
I've simplified the history behind the White Tree for the sake of this crossover's plot.
[RD: MCU remains silent if Banner-199999 suffered the same traumatic childhood as in other versions. I made a guess about it in this chapter's original text. On reflection, that guess came across as somewhat flippant even if that wasn't my intent. On that basis, I've removed the relevant bit text.]