Chapter Twelve...
To God Be The Glory
For several more days they continued on this way, the only difference from the first few days of travelling, and now, being that the was shining during the day. They walked towards the mountain, that became more towering each day. Three days after the birds flew over them, they finally reached Caradhras. Faramir sat, his back to a rock, watching as the others were sleeping. He could see Mithrandir, and Aragorn standing, their backs to the Fellowship, as they discussed the path to take. Faramir had overheard them earlier, Aragorn, prefered to pass over the looming mountain, while Mithrandir wished to go another path. Faramir did not know which path the wizard wished to travle, but he feared it. As Mithrandir mentioned it, he felt a sliver of fear go down his back.
As the others woke, the two tall figures made their way back to the camp, and Faramir was relived to find that the pass above Caradhas had been chosen. Mithrandir spoke,
"We must leave as soon as we are able, dark will come early tonight, and it is a two day walk to the peek of the Mountain."
Faramir frownd, "Mithrandir, with the pass of Caradhas, I know of only two ways to get around this mountain, and it would not be good for us to use the Gap of Rohan. Yet you say there is another way, the dark and secret way."
Legolas face was set, "Mithrandir speaks of the Mines of Moria." He shuddered slightly, and Faramir met his eyes, as his own skin tingled at the word, and the knowledge of what lay within. He knew almost nothing of the dark path, all he had heard was from the Dwarfs as the Counsel, and books, yet he knew it was dangerous, with a nameless fear that lay in the deep of the mountain.
Gimli glowered, "Why do we not go through Moria? My cousin will give us a grand welcoming, and there will be tables laden with food. We will be greeted with hospitality, and be lead along safely, out."
Pippins eyes brightened, "A feast?"
The Dwarf laughed, "Aye, a feast! You will learn that the hospitality of Dwarfs rivals that of Elvs."
Legolas eyes flashed at the barb, but remained silent, turning he head away. When he meet the gaze of Faramir, the human could see a hint of amusement, which grew as the Dwarf sputtered when the Elf made no reply. Faramir saw the King smile slightly, then grow serious.
"There will be no need to test the hospitality of the Dwarvs, as we will not be going that way." He turned to watch the wizard who had moved away from the group, towards the mountain, "Come now, we will travel now, and reach the mountains base by nightfall, and climb it as it grows dark."
Faramir nodded, "I grew up under the mountains. We should each carry a faggot of wood, so we dont freez."
Aragorn nodded, "Yes, but we must only use it if we must, we can not have the enemy knowing where we are."
By nightfall, they had indeed reached the foot of Caradhas. Mithrandir stopped, turning to the others, and Faramir could see the weariness in his face. "We will rest here till the moon rises. It will not be long." He turned to the Hobbits, "Sam, would you be able to prepare something quick, so we have energy to climb the mountain?"
The cook of the group nodded, slipping the pack of food he was caring, off his shoulder, and began digging though it. Faramir stood guard, standing apart from the group, gazing up at the mountain. Hearing movement behind him. He spun, drawing his sword, before letting out a breath, and sheathing it, as he saw it was Aragorn. The older man had a amused look in his eye,
"You are very quick with the sword."
The stewards son smiled, "Im quicker with a bow."
He saw Aragorns nod, "Ah, yes. You are one of Gondors Rangers."
"Captain of the Rangers." Faramir glanced over at the other man, "You are the leader of the Rangers here, are you not?" He saw Aragorn nod again, but with a worried face, and he smiled, "You are worried that you are not ready to be king." It was phrased as a statement, but the older Ranger answered anyway.
"Being the leader of a group of men, who are fighting is vastly different to being the leader of everyone. I am learning this with the Fellowship. Gandalf, or as you call him, Mithrandir, is the leader, yet I feel as much a leader as he his." He fell silent, standing next to Faramir, watching the land.
After a moment Faramir spoke quietly, "You are as much a leader as Mithrandir is. This is a...challenge. A practise run, if you will. This is teaching you a small bit about how be a leader to diverse people. Fighters, and commoners." Faramir shot a glance at Aragorn, a smile tugging at his lips. "If you can keep Legolas and Gimli in line, then you are ready for anything."
Aragorn let out a small laugh, then nodded to Faramir, "My thanks." As Sam came up to them, holding out a hunk of dried bread, and meat, the Hobbit looked at Aragorn,
"Sir, I couldnt help overhearing. I think youd be a very good king." He waved his hand over at the others in the Fellowship, You take care of us all" He hurried away, and Aragorn smiled at his retreating back.