The next day, Gandalf held a council. In it were the Fellowship, Théoden, Eomer, Eowyn, Gamling and some high ranking Rohirrim.
"There was no lie in Pippin's eye. A fool, but an honest fool he remains," Gandalf said, looking at Pippin, who looked away in shame. "He told Sauron nothing of Frodo and the ring."
"While this whole mess has been a catastrophe, for lack of a better word, there is one upside to it," The Doctor added, glancing at Pippin as well.
"We've been strangely fortunate. Pippin saw in the Palantir a glimpse of the enemy's plan. Sauron moves to strike the city of Minas Tirith," Gandalf revealed. "His defeat at Helm's Deep showed our enemy two things. 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."
"That is not all he knows," The Doctor said and they all looked towards him. "When I held the Palantir, Sauron spoke to me. He knows things about me, things he could not possibly know."
"The same way Sauron knew things about me and Rory," River remembered and The Doctor nodded.
"How is that possible?" Rory wondered.
"I do not know, Rory. But regardless, Sauron fears us all. He will not risk the people of Middle-Earth uniting under one banner. And now, he knows what we are capable of when we work together," Gandalf said as he looked around at all of them. "He will raze Minas Tirith to the ground...before he sees a King return to the throne of Men."
Aragorn put a hand to his chin, looking thoughtful as Gandalf continued.
"If the beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war," Gandalf said as he turned to Théoden.
"Tell me, why should we should we ride to aid those who did not come to ours?" Théoden asked, turning to Boromir apologetically. "I mean you no offence, Lord Boromir, but I must think of my people. We suffered many losses at Helm's Deep. Why should I ask them to risk more for those who would have seen them dead? What do we owe Gondor?"
Boromir fought down his anger, understanding Théoden's point of view. He had to think of his people. But still-
"It will not matter who is from Gondor and who is from Rohan when Sauron moves to wipe us all from Middle-Earth," Boromir argued.
"Boromir is right. There's a saying where we come from: an injury to one is an injury to all. And when men adhere to that, they are the finest species in the universe," The Doctor said and Théoden frowned, considering his words.
"Regardless, Gondor must be warned. I will go," Aragorn volunteered.
"No!" Gandalf immediately disagreed.
"I must agree with Gandalf. I do not know how my father will react to your presence Aragorn, especially if he knows your true identity," Boromir pointed out. "I will go. My father will listen to me."
"You won't be going alone," The Doctor said and they all turned to him. "I think I can do more good there than here. I'll accompany you."
Gandalf then walked over to Aragorn.
"You must come to Minas Tirith by another road. Follow the river. Look to the black ships," Gandalf told him before he turned to address everyone. "Understand this: Things are now in motion that cannot be undone. I ride for Minas Tirith with Boromir and The Doctor...and we won't be going alone."
Pippin gulped as Gandalf glanced over to him, no doubt about who he meant.
"At least let us go with you," Amy pleaded as she, Rory and River followed The Doctor, behind the other members of the Fellowship.
"No Pond, I'm afraid this is a journey too dangerous for you. Besides, I feel Rory and River will need your company," The Doctor said easily as they heard Gandalf grumble about Pippin.
"Why are you so determined to leave the battle?" Rory asked and they all stopped. "Don't think I haven't noticed. Gandalf said Aragorn would find another way to Minas Tirith. You seemed almost pleased by this. Why?"
"Rory-" River started but The Doctor shook his head.
"It's okay River. It's a fair question," The Doctor said as he turned to face his Companions. "Do you ever wonder why I never use my real name? Why I always call myself 'The Doctor'?"
Amy and Rory exchanged a look, having wondered about that but never having had the courage to broach the subject. Seeing the answer on their faces, The Doctor smiled slightly before he continued.
"The Doctor is the name I chose. To Time Lords, the name you chose is like a promise. I don't call myself The Warrior or The Knight. I'm The Doctor. You've seen me fight, but I don't relish it. You are a warrior Rory. You don't seek out conflict but you always prepared for it. Me? I've seen enough death. And if I have my way, this conflict will end without me being forced to pick up a weapon again, while the fighting is left to people who are suited for it. People like you and Aragorn, Rory."
"Doctor!"
They all looked up, seeing Boromir standing by the stables, gesturing them forward.
"Looks like we're out of time," River noted softly.
The four of them walked forward, following Boromir inside. Gandalf had already placed Pippin on Shadowfax when they entered.
"How far is Minas Tirith?" Pippin asked Gandalf.
"Three days' ride, as the Nazgl flies. And you better hope we don't have one of those on our tail," Gandalf warned him.
"Hello, old friend," The Doctor said gently as he reached Brego. "It appears we will ride together one more time."
Brego neighed at him before The Doctor turned to River, who had followed behind him. The Doctor stared at her for a moment before taking a few uncertain steps towards her and, to the surprise of Amy and Rory, pulled her into a kiss. River eagerly returned the kiss, grabbing his face as they kissed for a moments as Boromir watched, surprised before they pulled back. River frowned as she saw the breathless, slightly stunned look on his face.
"What's wrong? You're acting like we've never done that before," River noted as The Doctor dropped his hands.
"We haven't," The Doctor and River's face fell.
"We haven't?"
"No. But it was…very nice," The Doctor said awkwardly before he hoisted himself onto Brego. "It was good. It was…nice."
The Doctor was preoccupied with getting on Brego, so only Rory, Amy and Boromir noticed the look of despair that crossed River's face.
"Here," Merry said, handing something to Pippin. "Something for the road."
"The last of the Longbottom Leaf," Pippin said in shock.
"I know you've run smoke too much, Pippin," Merry joked
"But... But we'll see each other soon. Won't we?" Pippin asked
"I don't know." Merry said as he stepped back while Gandalf climbed Shadowfax, lowering his voice almost to a whisper. "I don't know what's going to happen."
"You know what they say, Dr. Song, there's a first time for everything," The Doctor told River.
With that said, he, Gandalf, Pippin and Boromir rode out the stables leaving the others staring after them.
"Or a last time," River whispered, that look of despair still on her face as she watched The Doctor leave.
Not a very long chapter I know, but I do hope you all enjoyed it.