An urgent early morning meeting is underway, the subject…Sauron as seen last night through the Palantir, Sabine had a firm hand on Ezra's shoulder, she hadn't been awake last night, and after hearing from Hera of his ordeal had been berating herself all morning, well, at least until the meeting started.
"There was no lie in Pippen's eyes" said Gandalf "A fool…but an honest fool he remains, he told Sauron nothing of Frodo and the Ring." At that everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief, immediately drawn back in when Gandalf continued "Ezra, however, is a courageous fool, for he tried to save young Peregrin Took, though it was foolish to go against the might of Sauron, he also told the enemy nothing of Frodo and Samwise" the collective breath was released again, this time Ezra placing his hand on Sabine's and giving it a comforting squeeze.
"We have been strangely fortunate" says Gandalf, speaking after another lull, "Pippen saw in the Palantir a glimpse of the enemy's plan, Ezra seeing another trouble, but Pippen's is far more urgent, Sauron moves to strike the city of Minas Tirith". The crew of the Ghost had heard of the city from the rest of the fellowship, but few specifics.
"His defeat at Helm's deep showed our enemy one thing" Gandalf looked pointedly to Aragorn and continued "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 peoples of Middle Earth uniting under one banner." Gandalf grew more animated "He will raze Minas Tirith to the ground before he sees a king return to the throne of men! If the beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war."
"Tell me" began Theoden "Why should we ride to the aid of those that did not come to ours, what do we owe Gondor?" Gandalf sent Theoden a look of pure and undiluted annoyance as, of all people, Ezra spoke up. "We can't just let the people of this city die because their king didn't want to help, what about all his innocent subjects?"
Kanan claps a hand on Ezra's shoulder in pride, and Gandalf says "You are wise beyond your years Mr. Bridger"
"I will go!" says Aragorn loudly, "No" say Gandalf, "They must be warned!" says Aragorn with some degree of exasperation, "They will be" says Gandalf as he moves closer and whispers something to Aragorn, something about "arriving by another road". Then Gandalf addresses the chamber once more "Understand this, things are now in motion that cannot be undone, I ride for Minas Tirith, and I won't be going alone"
Several minutes later, Edoras Royal Stables… By "not going alone" he meant himself, a very displeased Pippen, Ezra, and Sabine when she insisted she come along.
The crew of the Ghost was crowded around Markth, upon who sat Ezra and Sabine. Hera had given each a hug and the words "Be safe" before they mounted, Kanan said "Trust in the Force" to both, Zeb said "We'll be there soon!" to them as well. As Shadowfax rocketed out of the stables Chopper shocked Markth and she rocketed out in Gandalf's wake, nearly throwing her passengers in the process. Chopper beeped in mirth.
From the Edoras watchtowers the crew and Merry watched the four speed into the distance, "They'll be alright Kanan, right?" asked Hera "Gandalf is right, 'things are now in motion that cannot be undone' and we have to trust him, and the Force to keep them safe."
The horses spent days racing across forested hills and plains, Sabine, Ezra, and Gandalf stayed awake the entire time. Pippen, not so much.
On the fourth day they rode over a stream and Gandalf yelled "We have just passed into the realm of Gondor!"
They crested a hill and into view came a brilliant city of white stone, the view was incredible. But for Markth's two passengers it brought unpleasant feelings. Sabine recognized the city as the one from her vision, while Ezra's gaze was drawn to the east, to the former city of Osgiliath, and beyond to Mordor…
"We cannot tarry" said Gandalf and, breaking the two young ones out of their trance started forward again.
Soon they had reached the walls and were riding uphill on the roads ringing the city, they passed through seven gates until they arrived at the top of the city, ceremonial guards giving them a look, lingering for a few seconds on Sabine and Ezra, but since they were with Gandalf.
They dismounted and a groom took away the horses, they approached the monolithic cathedral-like main hall, and Pippen gasped and said "Gandalf it's the tree!" pointing at an old withered tree, looking dead and rotting, as Gandalf said "Yes the white tree of Gondor, the tree of the king, Lord Denethor however is not the king, he is a steward." Gandalf turned to the three and said "Now, Lord Denethor is Boromir's father, and to inform him of his son's death would be most unwise" he started to reach for the door and a thought struck him "and say nothing of Frodo and the ring…perhaps it is best if you do not speak at all Peregrin Took"
Gandalf threw open the door and they marched inside, the inside seemed very dreary with dark statues of long dead kings and black tapestries hanging everywhere. They approached a man seated and holding an object, that they couldn't immediately identify.
"Hail Denethor, son of Ecthellion, lord and steward of Gondor" said Gandalf as Sabine and Ezra caught up. Gandalf continued "I come with tidings at this dark hour, and with council."
"Perhaps" said the man with barely concealed rage "you come to explain this" he said holding the shattered remains of what was obviously now Boromir's horn. "Perhaps you come to tell me why my son is dead?!"
Pippen immediately sell to one knee and said "He died, saving my kinsman and I, as well as our friend Ezra Bridger," pointing at Ezra "from many foes, I offer my services such as they are, in payment of this debt."
They couldn't tell is Denethor was amused or sincerely touched by Pippen's act, though he flashed a look of disgust at Ezra, presumably for not doing the same, Sabine fumed at the look given to him.
"Get up" Gandalf said while hitting Pippen lightly with his staff "My lord there will be time to grieve for Boromir, but it is not now. War is coming, the enemy is on your doorstep, where are Gondor's defenses? You still have friends, you are not alone in this fight, send word to Theoden of Rohan, light the beacons!"
Denethor gave Gandalf a look of disgust and said "You think you are wise Mithrandir, yet for all your subtleties you have not wisdom, do you think the eyes of the white tower are blind? I have seen more than you know, with your left hand you would use as a shield against Mordor and with your right you would seek to supplant me. I know who rides with Theoden of Rohan. Oh yes, word has reached my ears of this Aragorn, son of Arathorn, and I tell you now that I will not bow to this ranger from the north, last of a ragged house long bereft of Lordship"
"Authority is not given to you to deny the return of the king, steward" said Gandalf loudly, "The rule of Gondor is mine and no others!" shouted Denethor, Gandalf turned away with Pippen, Sabine, and Ezra beliving this conversation to be at an end.
But then Denethor said "Your friends will not save you either, if one of the more gifted ones will not even kneel at the feet of his betters!" That did it, Ezra spun around but Sabine was faster, she whipped up his lightsaber and stunned Denethor where he sat. They all made a hurried exit.
"The nerve!" Sabine yelled as she overlooked the city, Gandalf said "All has turned to vain ambition, he would even use his grief as a cloak!"
After a moments pause Pippen said "Well, Minas Tirith, very impressive, so where are we off to next?"
Gandalf replies "Oh, it is too late for that, help must come to us."
But what kind of help, and will the stars themselves answer?