The Unknown

Chapter 18

We ride and run through the night. Pippin fell asleep ages ago. I can feel the closeness of the wolves, I don't know how exactly but I can I'm not the last one. But that's probably because they weren't in the battle.

By morning again we reach the realm of Gondor. Gandalf says something but the wind is too much in my ears for me to hear. The city of Minas Tirith closer than ever but also Mordor. The eery feeling of being so close.
"Minas Tirith, city of kings," Gandalf says.
We get through the gates and continue to move swiftly through the streets. The Gonderians stare frightened, probably mainly at me. 7 levels is hard to climb up but not when you can jump many at a time. I make it up before Shadowfax as he as to carry Gandalf and Pippin up.

We arrive at the top before the Great Citadel. Gandalf leaves Shadowfax with the guards of the citadel. They look at me with caution and then utter shock when I turn into an elf.
"It's the tree," I hear Pippin whisper. "Gandalf! Gandalf!" Pippin runs after Gandalf I follow him my steps much longer and takes less time so it doesn't even look like I'm running.
"Yes, the white tree of Gondor. The tree of the King," Gandalf says. Gandalf leads us across a flat court of white stones surrounded by green lawns.
"Lord Denethor, however, is not the King. He is a steward only. A caretaker of the throne," Gandalf continues. He lowers his voice as we approach the tower. I prepare for the many insults.
"Now, listen carefully. Lord Denethor is Boromir's father. To give him news of his beloved son's death would be most unwise. And do not mention Frodo or the Ring. And say nothing of Aragorn either," Gandalf hesitates then rethinks. "In fact, it's better if you don't speak at all, Pippin Took. And Alea don't insult him back alright."
"Wasn't planning on it," I say. Pippin nods, I have a feeling he won't stick to staying quite.
We walk in to many pillars of black marble and between them tall kings carved of stone. At the end sits an empty throne. I half expected Denethor to be sitting in it. Gandalf strides down the hall be beside him and Pippin following behind silently. At the foot sits Denethor on a small stone chair. A small smile crosses my lips, at least he had to sit on the little stone chair because he isn't the King and he knew it.
"Hail, Denethor, Son of Ecthelion, Lord and Steward of Gondor," Gandalf says. Denethor doesn't look up as we approach. "I come with tidings in this dark hour and with counsel," Gandalf continues.
"Perhaps you come to explain this?" Denethor says bitter as he holds up Boromir's broken horn. "Perhaps you come to tell me why my son is dead?" And here is where Pippin breaks what he agreed to. Pippin stumbles forward.
"Boromir died to save us my kinsman and me he fell, defending us from many foes."
"Pippin!" Gandalf says in a hurried whisper. Pippin drops to his knees. I sigh heavily, why must he do this.
"I offer you my service, such as it is, in payment of this debt," Pippin says.
"Get up!" Gandalf says impatient. He then addresses Denethor. "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 are charged with the defence of this city. Where are Gondor's armies?" Denethor slowly turns to Gandalf and narrows his eyes as he notices me for the first time. "You still have friends you are not alone in this fight. Send word to Theoden of Rohan. Light the beacons," Gandalf continues.
"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 me as a shield against Mordor and with your right you would seek to supplant me." His eyes now narrow at Gandalf as he speaks. "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, I will not bow to this Ranger from the North last of a ragged house, long bereft of Lordship." I want to bite back but I decide to not as Gandalf already does.
"Authority is not given to you to deny the return of the King - Steward!"
"The rule of Gondor is mine, and no others!" Denethor bites.
"The throne doesn't belong to you," I whisper and his eyes shoot to me instantly.
"You bring the dog with you how charming," Denethor smiles as if he has hurt me.
"Bite me. Oh wait I'm the dog aren't I." I bite down on my teeth. "Woof." I say sarcastically. He leans back in his chair looking a little scared. Gandalf the turns on his heels and leaves. I guess he just wanted me to bite back at Denethor before he left because of what he said.
"Come," he says to Pippin and I.
"Oh wolf your staying outside I will not allow you to stay indoors with the humans," Denethor again thinks he is hurting me. I just turn into a wolf.
"Fine by me." He is a little shocked that I can talk in my wolf form.

I wander back down the 7 levels and to the outside of the gates. Just to scare everyone especially Denethor knowing he can hear me, I howl. I howl loud and eerily. I'm calling the others that I heard, if there is going to be a war they can help, I am their leader. If there is no war then I still get to find out who they are. I may have to wait a while through. I do hear a howl back letting me know that they are coming. Denethor won't allow me back in so I find a larger tuft of grass and make myself comfortable and go to sleep. I wonder what the others are doing.