Dragon Rider in Middle Earth

XXXVIII

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Gandalf and Pippin ride Shadowfax out of a forest and across a plain.

-We have just passed into the realm of Gondor!- Gandalf calls out. Shadowfax crests a hill and a large city appears, built into a mountain of white rock -Minas Tirith, City of Kings.

They ride through the city, up to the top.

-Make way!- the people make a hasty path for the horse as it charges through the populated streets.

They dismount on the top level and walk across a courtyard where Pippin sees a white tree.

-It's the tree, Gandalf. Gandalf!- he pulls on the white ring of the wizard winning his attention.

-Yes, the White Tree of Gondor, the tree of the King. Lord Denethor however is not the king. He is a steward only. A caretaker of the throne- Gandalf prepares to enter the throne room of Gondor, but hesitates.

-Listen carefully: Lord Denethor is Boromir's father. To give him news of his beloved son's death would be most unwise- he goes to knock once more but then turns back to Pippin -And do not mention about Frodo or the Ring- he pauses - And say nothing of Aragorn either.

Gandalf again turns to enter, but stops and glances down at Pippin.

-In fact, it's better if you don't speak at all, Peregrin Took.

The wizard slowly approaches Denethor, who sits on the Stewards' Throne, his face lowered.

Denethor holds the broken Horn of Gondor in his hands. Boromir's broken horn. Pippin would recognize it anywhere.

-Hail, Denethor, son of Ecthelion, Lord and Steward of Gondor. I come with tidings in this dark hour... and with counsel.

-Perhaps you've come to explain this. Perhaps you've come to tell me where you have left my son- he said with the worst of thoughts.

Pippin walks in front of Gandalf to face Denethor ignoring the wizard's look.

-Boromir died to save us, my kinsmen and me. He fell defending us from many foes.

-Pippin!- Gandalf hisses trying to shut the hobbit up.

Pippin kneels in front of the lord of the city.

-I offer you my service, such as it is, in payment of this debt.

-This is my first command to you: how did you escape and my son did not? So mighty a man as he was.

-The mightiest man may be slain by one arrow, and Boromir was pierced by many.

-Get up!- Gandalf knocks the hobbit aside with his staff -My lord, there will be a time to grieve for Boromir, but it is not now. War is coming. The enemy is on your doorstep! As Steward, you're charged with the defense of this city. Where are Gondor's armies? You still have friends. You're not alone in this fight. Send word to Théoden of Rohan. Light the beacons.

-You think you are wise, Mithrandir, yet for all your subtleties you have not wisdom. Do you think the eyes of the White Towers are blind? I have seen more than you know- the stubborn man answers -With your left hand you would use me as a shield against Mordor. And, with your right, you seek to supplant me!- Denethor thinks to see a glimpse of fear in the old man's eyes, but it was naught but a truck of his own twisted mind- I know who rides with Théoden of Rohan. Oh, yes. Words have reached my ears of this Aragorn, son of Arathorn, and I tell you now: I will not bow to this Ranger from the north. Last of a ragged house long bereft of Lordship!