My deepest apologies for the late update. I had planned to do so last week but life got in between. Still, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Italic is a flashback

Dúnedain camp, Pelennor field

Walking through the Dúnedain camp, Denethor keeps his head high and proud. Inside, his nerves rage wild for he is worried about meeting Gil. The Dúnedain stare at him but he will not let it influence him. He will show them a powerful lord even if he does not always feel like one.

Behind him, boots hit the sand in quick succession. His guards follow him closely and dutifully. He remembers clearly the discussion he had with the captain before he came to the camp.

"No, my lord, you will not be leaving the city with two guards. At least six will accompany you and no less. I refuse to risk your safety for your desire to talk to them without knowing their intentions."

"I will be more than safe there. I wish to talk to a friend of mine who is with them. No harm will come to me."

"I do not care if your friend were one of the Valar; you are not going there with two guards. I took an oath to protect you and I will do so. If I have to protect you from yourself then I will do so."

He narrows his eyes. The captain was already on slippery ground but now? He knows what he is doing. The captain does not need to protect him. Definitely not against himself. Gil and the Dúnedain will not harm him, he is certain of it. It is not as if he were walking into a camp of orcs.

"You are out of line, Captain. I am still the steward. My word is absolute until the king returns."

"If the king returns, you mean. I have heard the stories coming from the city. They are promising, yes, but the king has not returned as of yet. And if it comes to your safety, my word is absolute, not yours."

He growls and clenches his fists. Fire rages through his veins. The captain does not know when to stop, does he? It is as if the captain has to win no matter what. He smiles grimly.

"If you are this stubborn about it then I will go alone. I know my way around the city. Better than you do so remember your place."

The captain sighs and pouts. He would have expected to be fought again but not this surrender. It is as if he has finally made progress. Or as if the captain has given up. Whichever it is, he does not mind for both suit his needs.

"If six is too many then four should be enough. I refuse to allow you to go alone. And I will not approve of only two guards following you."

"Three and no more."

"Four, my lord, or I will close all exits out of the city and place guards around the walls."

"Do that and we might have a war upon us."

The captain looks away. At the same time, he gets the impression the captain is not giving up. Just as he is not giving up. He wants to prevent a war and thus the captain has to give up. A sight turns his attention back to the captain.

"Three it is, but only in the camp. Until you reach it four will accompany you."

"That is acceptable. Thank you for your compliance."

A young man, dressed like all the others he has seen, hurries towards him. Just what he needs. So far, he has not found Gil yet. Maybe this young man can give him the information he seeks.

"Wait, young man. I am seeking your lord. Where might I find him?"

"I do not know where our chieftain is. But if you excuse me, I need to be elsewhere."

He narrows his eyes on the young man. The young man is clearly in a hurry but why he does not know. He has not seen anything which might need urgent attention. He smiles slightly. The young man might be in a hurry to meet up with his friends. But if that is the case then he should not be in a hurry. A voice breaks him from his thoughts.

"I know where he is."

"Thank you for showing up, Halon. You are a lifesaver."

The young man looks at Halon with such gratitude his chest starts to ache. He has to look away. Denethor would have reassured the young man. Halon does no such thing. Halon laughs at the young man who flusters.

"Always happy to help a friend. If you could follow me?"

The last part is clearly directed towards him. The young man hurries off while Halon waits for his answer. He nods.

"Of course, guide the way."

Halon walks away without looking back. He follows closely behind together with his guards. As he walks, he notices they are guided back towards the edge of the camp. He frowns wondering why he did not see Gil if he was near the edge of the camp. As well as wondering why their lord would reside there and not in the center.

"So why do you wish to talk to our chieftain?"

"That is between me and your chieftain."

Halon shrugs but his narrowed eyes are turned on his face. He wonders where Halon's interest comes from. Also, he gets the feeling Halon is hiding something from him. What it is, he cannot determine. Soon they are approaching the edge when Halon makes a tight turn.

"Do you know our chieftain?"

"We have met before."

"Really? I wonder when. Surely not when our chieftain was traveling the world."

Denethor looks ahead without answering the veiled question. At the same time, his wondering increases and he is sure Halon is after something. But whatever it is, it does not concern Halon. It is between him and Gil. As for himself, he wants to know what Gil has planned for the future.

Arriving at a tent, he looks around and has to fight back a growl. He is in the middle of the camp. Nearly back where they started. Halon mentions for him to wait and simply walks in. No knocking or announcing himself.

"Aragorn? There is someone here to meet with you."

"Who, Halon? Anyone, I know?"

"If his words are true, yes. … The steward of Gondor is here to meet with you. Shall I send him in or do you wish to meet with him somewhere else? Or even send him away?"

"Just send him in, Halon. Just send him in."

Once the conversation stops, he looks to the side while awaiting Halon's return. At this time, he wonders at the things he has heard. Among them being Halon addressing Gil by his name. How dare he talk to his lord like that. His blood starts to steam only thinking about it. None should address a lord like that. Not even him when they can be overheard.

Also, he wonders at Halon's nerve for suggesting to send him away. Who is he to make the call? He is but a soldier and not anyone of importance. Luckily, Gil did not follow his suggestion. There is one thing which confuses him; there seems to be some sort of relationship between Gil and Halon which exceeds that of a lord and a soldier. Maybe he will learn about it sooner or later.

Footsteps head towards the opening. The short time he has left to wait allows him to look at the people around him. They do not seek as concerned with what was said as he is. He frowns wondering where it comes from. It is almost as if they know something he does not. A rustling of fabric has him looking back at the tent. Halon stands in the opening.

"Please, come in. Our chieftain can see you now"

He lifts an eyebrow. Did Halon seriously think he would not be able to hear what was said? Halon looks at him with raised eyebrows while mentioning with his arms. He shrugs and enters the tent. The boots of his guards follow until the entrance of the tent where they stop. Out of the corner of his eyes, he sees Halon hovering.

"Halon, leave us."

"But, Aragorn! I promised my father …"

"Halon! Leave."

Halon sighs and walks away with a bowed head. He smiles amused at their antics. They sure seem comfortable around each other. It does not condone Halon's insolence in addressing Gil. Something he should pay attention to if Gil becomes king which he hopes to see soon. His thoughts also turn towards Halon's father. Who is he and how is he connected to Gil? Gil's voice pulls him out of his thoughts.

"My Lord Denethor, may I ask why you have come?"

"Is our relationship so bad you would not be glad to see an old friend again, Gil?"

"Our friendship was destroyed, I believe, during our last fight. I..."

Gil shakes his head. Considering his words, he can imagine what Gil wanted to say. Heartache grows in his chest. He ignores it hoping to chase it away.

"Not in my opinion. We had a severe difference but not so much that it was destroyed. Besides, we have had them in the past and they never bothered any of us for a long time. Just so you know, I am glad you are here. Faramir will benefit from it. Could you tell me if you were with Boromir when he died?"

"I was indeed there."

He smiles calmly wanting to take Gil's unease away. The heavy pressure in the air remains. The unease in Gil's eyes remains. In fact, it increases slightly when Gil bites his lips. He frowns but pushes past his confusion.

"I am glad to hear that. I know my son did not suffer with you near him. Your skills in healing have always been extraordinary. Tell me, how has your life been since you left."

"Not really interesting, I am afraid. I have been with my people whenever I was not traveling around."

"How much did you travel around?"

"Plenty."

He bites his cheeks wondering why he gets the short answers. Just as he thinks this, he slaps himself. He knows why; Gil is still believing he is unwelcome. He sighs realizing only time will change it. Until then he has to show he welcomes his friend to Gondor.

"I cannot say I am surprised. But let me answer your question now and ask one of my own. I came here to learn what your plans are for the future. So, could you tell me?"

"I do not think there is much of a future if Frodo does not succeed."

"Then how do you plan to aid him from here."

"I do not. I plan to aid him by drawing out the forces of Mordor."

"Then I will call everyone towards the council room. You collect whoever you want to have with you in the meantime. Meet me there in two hours and we will discuss this plan of yours."

Walking out of the tent, he sees Halon leaning against another tent's pole. Halon fidgets with his hands on his crossed arms and shuffles around. As he passes his guards, they move forward. At this, Halon looks up with worry clear in his eyes. Eyes follow his every move.

Halon almost immediately bolts once he passes him. Turning his head, he sees how Halon bolts into Gil's tent. He smiles amused and shakes his head. The loyalty and concern are good to see but not appropriate at this time. Regardless, he walks on towards his horse knowing there is little he can do about it.

Within a short time, he has mounted his horse and rides back to the city with his guards surrounding him. The time he uses to consider the meeting. A meeting which pleases him in the sense of the outcome. Gil's plan is highly dangerous if not reckless. His mind is not happy with it. His heart though is pleased. He knows what Gil plans for the future. And risks need to be taken all the time. So, now would be an absolute good time to do so. As he promised Gil, he will ensure all lords and captains are gathered for the meeting. One way or the other.

So how can he ensure everyone is gathered? He could seek them out personally but that would take a lot of his time. Runners would not cost him as much time. Just as having everyone assist in gathering the others. This comes with the risk of misinformation being spread by accident. As such, his mind is made up.

His guards stop suddenly. He has to pull tightly on his reins to prevent the horses from bumping into each other. His horse bucks for a moment before he gets him back under control. Shouting reaches his ears and he looks around. Stable hands rush towards them. His guards are either dismounting or have done so already. He frowns but follows their lead regardless. A stable hand takes the reins from him once he has dismounted. The stable hand guides his horse away. Others are doing the same with the other horses.

Silence reaches his ears while people move around him while talking. He looks around. His guards stand around him motionless. No one pays any attention to him. His mind made up, he walks towards the houses of healing. Boots cling on the stones behind him.

As he walks his mind moves back to Gil. He wonders at the barrier between them. A barrier, he has an idea where it came from. At the same time, he does not understand how it could have remained with Gil for so long. It has been nearly forty years. He was not that harsh during their fight, was he?

Regardless, he has to take it away but has no idea how to do so. He hopes his meeting with Gil will have a good effect. He just hopes cracks will be appearing in the barrier. Something he is sure is only a matter of time. So until then, he has to do all he can to ensure Gil starts to trust him again. And that any cracks will be widening.

Arriving in his office, he looks around. It is the same mess it has been before the siege. The table is strewn with papers. Papers litter the floor and some chairs. He sighs knowing he has to clean it up. At the same time, it is time to execute his plan. The last takes priority.

Citadel, Minas Tirith, Aragorn POV

He stands in the room looking at those gathered. A few familiar faces are among the lords and captains. He hopes none recognize him yet. Only once he has made his claim if it does not cause any problems. If it does then he wants to leave without anyone noticing.

"Thorongil, it is good to see you back in Gondor. You have been sorely missed. I had hoped my sons would be able to receive your guidance when they were learning to become captains. Unfortunately, you had left by that time."

"Prince Imrahil, it is good to see you too. I see time has treated you kindly."

"It has indeed. Do you have any idea why we were called here?"

He smiles slightly. Prince Imrahil looks at him with a raised eyebrow and specter look. Oh, he does know why they are here. He imagines Imrahil knows it too. Only he refuses to give a clear answer. It is for Thor to explain to all those gathered.

"I might have an idea but we should wait for Lord Denethor to explain everything."

"Why so formal, you were close friends from what I remember. Do not tell me it is because of your legendary fight. People are still mad about our lord's actions then. My father and steward Ecthelion were particularly angry."

"Your father and steward Ecthelion were to be expected. But not so much the people."

He tilts his head in confusion. The people's anger makes a bit sense to him as he remembers the love the army had for him. At least, around the time their fight occurred. It makes no sense for people to still be upset.

His mind moves back to his plan. He is slightly hopeful Thor will aid him. His plan is sound but dangerous so it will depend on how Thor thinks about him if he will receive aid. It might mean he will have to change his plan. All he knows is that he needs to aid Frodo. And afterward, he can make appropriate plans for the future. Plans which will be affected by the current and future meetings.

"It is good to see everyone has gathered as I ordered. You are all certainly wondering why I called this meeting."

All eyes turn to Denethor who stands in front of the Steward's chair with crossed arms. He is leaning a bit back but not so much that he will actually fall backward. No one speaks. An eerie silence falls over the room.

"No one will ask?"

No one responds. The silence continues. A stone could be heard falling; this quiet it is. Aragorn can hear the breathing of everyone in the room. Coughs echo around the room. Birds can be heard chirping outside.

"Well if no one speaks up, I will go straight to the matter on hand. I was informed that Mordor's forces need to be drawn out to ensure our victory will be maintained."

He breathes out deeply. A knot in his chest, he did not know existed, eases. Now, he is certain Thor will be aiding him. Just as this comes to his mind, deafening shouting reaches his ears. Nearly all lords and captains complain loudly. He can barely understand what is being shouted. What he does understand is none of them agree with what Thor said. They deem it reckless and suicidal. They do not want to leave Gondor defenseless.

He grits his teeth. Their reaction is understandable but not suitable right now. He needs enough men with him. Else their victory will be futile. Only then can he draw the forces of Mordor out and give Frodo the chance he needs. If he cannot do this then Mordor will send new forces out after some time. It needs to be dealt with once and for all.

"Quiet! My lord Aragorn, would you like to explain your plan to us? You are after all the person who brought this plan to my attention."

"Thank you, my lord. I plan to form an army consisting of as many men as is possible. With this army, I want to make a stand on the Morannen. I have heard how none of you are willing to leave Gondor defenseless. A motion, I fully support but I still need as many men as I can get. Our current victory will be futile otherwise."

"Lord Aragorn? Might I ask why our victory could be futile?"

Aragorn sees how some lords close their mouths. They were about to speak but prince Imrahil was quicker. The lords all shoot daggers at him with their eyes. Prince Imrahil, on the contrary, is looking at him with a raised eyebrow. He smiles knowing he has escaped the worst and needs to keep it away.

"You may ask. A brave hobbit, Frodo of the Shire, is currently in Mordor on his way to throw the One Ring into Mount Doom. With all of Mordor's forces present, it will be difficult for him to reach his destination unseen. If he were to be discovered then Sauron will regain his full strength. We need to ensure that does not happen and give Frodo the chance he needs to finish his mission."

"A distraction."

Everyone else nods in agreement to the assessment. And even though they agree, many a lord has their lips pressed together tight. Some have even balled their fists. Their true opinion clear as day. One of the captains looks at him with narrowed eyes.

"How will we ensure enough men go with you while at the same time enough men are left behind to defend the city?"

"Many of the men in the houses are ready to be released. They are not yet ready for battle but strong enough to defend the city if need be."

"One group of Rohirrim will stay behind to guard our prisoners. I refuse to allow wounded to guard them."

"An understandable sentiment which I assume no one will protest against, King Éomer. Now we just need to decide on the number of men who will go to Morannen and who will stay behind. Captain Mendear, I heard you were wounded during the siege."

"Yes, my lord. You want me to stay in the city?"

"I do. Know Faramir will be in command of the city. You need to discuss with him what you will be doing. You are only to seek him out after the host has left."

"Yes, my lord."

Immediately after Mendear stops talking, everyone talks over each other. The sound is deafening. Aragorn smiles grimly. He imagines people can hear this on the sixth level. He looks carefully at Thor who is clenching his fists. Thor clearly feels the same about this as he does.

But regardless of his feelings, he turns his attention back to the discussion on hand. Some know they will travel with the host and want to take as many men with them as they possibly can. Those who stay in the city want to have as many as possible stay behind. The discussion becomes increasingly heated with time due to the arguments and complaints being thrown around the room. This lasts for thirty minutes before Denethor clearly has had enough.

"Quiet! I have made my decision. Seven thousand will march while two thousand will remain behind to defend the city. You have all seen the banner rise in the harbor. We will march under the king's banner. Am I understood!"

Captains nod with a smile on their faces while some lords nod with tight lips.

Minas Tirith

Denethor looks the lords over with a stern look. Some of them cower but one does not. He grins at the Denethor. Aragorn frowns wondering who this lord is. And what their history is. There is some underlying tension there. Prince Imrahil sighs next to him. More sighing reaches his ears. Signs, he knows how to handle.

"It is good that most of you understand me. Lord Lathron, you had better remember what I ordered. Having said everything, you all can leave. Be prepared to march by tomorrow. Lord Aragorn, if you could stay for a moment; There is something I wish to discuss with you."

Slowly everyone leaves the room while talking to each other. Captains seek out Mendear and are giving him reports on the defense of the city. Are they forgetting Faramir will be in charge of the city's defense? It clearly looks like it. Soon, before he is fully aware of it, everyone has left and he is alone with Thor.

"How do you think the meeting went?"

"I think it went reasonably well. The heat of the discussions was to be expected."

Thor looks at him with kind eyes and smiles calmly. Aragorn keeps his face blank. Still, his confusion returns to the forefront of his mind. Thor's reaction does not make any sense to him. Nor has it in the recent past. It is as if their fight has never happened or been forgotten.

"That it certainly was. Did you not notice anything else?"

"There appears to be some sort of conflict between you and one of the lords."

Denethor's face sours just as he says this. It confirms his belief. He saw how one of the lords had a staring contest with Thor. He saw the disdain Thor had for him. The daggers Thor shot from his eyes were obvious enough to him. The way everyone accepted it was another sign. As if it happens all the time.

"If you will excuse me, Lord Denethor. I have men to prepare."

As Denethor does not react, he silently walks out of the room. He is glad he can leave because he did not want to risk anything. He needs Thor's aid for his plan to succeed. If Thor gets upset with him, he can forget his plans.

Once outside the room, he is met with silence. No one is around. The entire hallway is deserted. A few leaves are blown around by the wind. He frowns wondering where everyone has gone. He has some ideas for the lords and the captains but not for the staff.

He shakes his head. This is not the most important thing right now; Denethor's reaction is. The conflict between him and the lord must be extreme for it to show so in public. He remembers how often Denethor would complain about lords and captains when he was sure no one could overhear him. He never allowed it to be seen in public.

Also, their friendship no longer exists so asking for his opinion makes no sense. He knows Denethor despises him ever since their fight before he assaulted Umbar. Denethor made his opinion obvious then. He cannot imagine it changing. And Denethor never asks someone he despises for their opinion. He wants those people gone from his sight as soon as possible.

But both of these are not what confuses him the most; that is Denethor's statement about the marching. It makes no sense to him. He has been thinking about possible reasons ever since the statement was made. He can come up with none. None of which makes sense to him. Just thinking about it has possibilities running through his mind. And a headache growing.

Just as he reaches the broken gate, he decides to simply accept Denethor's statement. He knows cannot do anything about it. And his presence has given the men hope. He intends to give the men their glimmer of hope even though he is unsure about his own future.

Thinking about his future causes his worry to grow. So far, Thor has acted strangely. Both during this meeting and when he met Thor in his tent. He does not know how long this will last. He wonders what will happen afterward. He also does not know what caused Thor's behavior. It makes his behavior unpredictable which he does not like. He wants to claim the throne later but doubts he can. The meeting has not taken his doubt away from him.