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If you had. he said. Such words and ifs are vain. It has gone into the Shadow, and only time will show what doom awaits it, and us. The time will not be long. In what is left, let all who fight the Enemy in their fashion be at one, and keep hope while they may, and after hope still the hardihood to die free. He turned to Faramir. What think you of the garrison at Osgiliath. It is not strong, said Faramir. I have sent the company of Ithilien to strengthen it, as I have said. Not enough, I deem, said Denethor. It is there that the first blow will fall. They will have need of some stout captain there. There and elsewhere in many places, said Faramir, and sighed. Alas for my brother, whom I too loved. He rose. May I have your leave, father. And then he swayed and leaned upon his fathers chair. You are weary, I see, said Denethor. You have ridden fast and far, and under shadows of evil in the air, I am told. Let us not speak of that. said Faramir. Then we will not, said Denethor. Go now and rest as you may. Tomorrows need will be sterner. All now took leave of the Lord of the City and went to rest while they still could. Outside there was a starless blackness as Gandalf, T HE SIEGE O F G ON DO R 815 with Pippin beside him bearing a small torch, made his way to their lodging. They did not speak until they were behind closed doors. Then at last Pippin took Gandalfs hand. Tell me, he said, is there any hope. For Frodo, I mean; or at least mostly for Frodo. Gandalf put his hand on Pippins head. There never was much hope, he answered. Just a fools hope, as I have been told. And when I heard of Cirith Ungol-- He broke off and strode to the window, as if his eyes could pierce the night in the East. Cirith Ungol. he muttered. Why that way, I wonder. He turned. Just now, Pippin, my heart almost failed me, hearing that name. And yet in truth I believe that the news that Faramir brings has some hope in it. For it seems clear that our Enemy has opened his war at last and made the first move while Frodo was still free. So now for many days he will have his eye turned this way and that, away from his own land. And yet, Pippin, I feel from afar his haste and fear. He has begun sooner than he would. Something has happened to stir him. Gandalf stood for a moment in thought. Maybe, he muttered. Maybe even your foolishness helped, my lad. Let me see: some five days ago now he would discover that we had thrown down Saruman, and had taken the Stone. Still what of that. We could not use it to much purpose, or without his knowing. I wonder. Aragorn. His time draws vn download release pubg And he is strong and stern underneath, Pippin; bold, determined, able to take his own counsel and dare great risks at need. That may be it. He may have used the Stone and shown himself to the Enemy, challenging him, for this very purpose. I wonder. Well, we shall not know the answer till the Riders of Rohan come, if they do not come too late. There are evil days ahead. To sleep while we may. But, said Pippin. But what. said Gandalf. Only one but will I allow tonight. Gollum, said Pippin. How on earth could they be going about with him, even following him. And I could see that Faramir did not like the place he was taking them to any more than you do. What is wrong. I cannot answer that now, said Gandalf. Yet my heart guessed that Frodo and Gollum would meet before the end. For good, or for evil. But of Cirith Ungol I will not speak tonight. Treachery, treachery I fear; treachery of that miserable creature. But so it must be. Let us remember that a traitor may betray himself and do good that he does not intend. It can be so, sometimes. Good night. The next day came with a morning like a brown dusk, and the hearts of men, lifted for a while by the return of Faramir, sank low 816 T HE L ORD O F THE R INGS again. The winged Shadows were not seen again that day, yet ever and anon, high above the city, a faint cry would come, and many who heard it would stand stricken with a passing dread, while the less stout-hearted quailed and wept. And now Faramir was gone again. They give him no rest, some murmured. The Lord drives his son too hard, and now he must do the duty of two, for himself and for the one that will not return. And ever men looked northward, asking: Where are the Riders of Rohan. In truth Faramir did not go by his own choosing. But the Lord of the City was master of his Council, and he was in no mood that day to bow to others. Early in the morning the Council had been summoned. There all the captains judged that because of the threat in the South their force was too weak to make any stroke of war on their own part, unless perchance the Riders of Rohan yet should come. Meanwhile they must man the walls and wait. Yet, said Denethor, we should not lightly abandon the outer defences, the Rammas made with so great a labour. And the Enemy must pay dearly for the crossing of the River. That he cannot do, in force to assail the City, either north of Cair Andros because of the marshes, or southwards towards Lebennin because of the breadth of the River, that needs many boats. It is at Osgiliath that he will put his weight, as before when Boromir denied him the passage. That was but a trial, said Faramir. Today we may make the Enemy pay ten times our loss at the passage and yet rue the exchange. For he can afford to lose a host better than we to lose a company. And the retreat of those that we put out far afield will be perilous, if he wins across in force. And what of Cair Andros. said the Prince. That, too, must be held, if Osgiliath is defended. Let can diablo 4 omnistorm build simply not forget the danger on our left. The Rohirrim may come, and they may not. But Faramir has told us of great strength drawing ever to the Black Gate. More than one host may issue from it, and strike for more than one passage. Much must be risked in war, said Denethor. Cair Andros is manned, and no more can be sent so far. But I will not yield the River and the Pelennor unfought not if there is a captain here who has still the courage to do his lords will. Then all were silent. But at length Faramir said: I do not oppose your will, sire. Since you are robbed of Boromir, I will go and do what I can in his stead if you command it. I do so, said Denethor. Then farewell. said Faramir. But if I should return, think better of me. That depends on the manner of your return, said Denethor. T HE SIEGE O F G ON DO R 817 Gandalf it was that last spoke to Faramir ere he rode east. Do not throw your life away rashly or in bitterness, he said. You will be needed here, for other things than war. Your father loves you, Faramir, and will remember it ere the end. Farewell. So now the Lord Faramir had gone forth again, and had taken with him such strength of men as were willing to go or offline status be spared. On the walls some gazed Apex insurance syndicate llc the gloom towards the ruined city, and they wondered what chanced there, for nothing could be seen. And others, as ever, looked north and counted the leagues to The´oden in Rohan. Will he come. Will he remember our old alliance. they said. Yes, he will come, youth bg pubg game Gandalf, even if he comes too late. But think. At best the Red Arrow cannot have reached him more than two days ago, and the miles are long from Edoras. It was night again ere news came. A man rode in haste from the fords, saying that a host had issued from Minas Morgul and was already drawing nigh to Osgiliath; and it had been joined by regiments from the South, Haradrim, cruel and tall. And we have learned, said the messenger, that the Black Captain leads them once again, and the fear of him has passed before him over the River. With those ill-boding words the third day closed since Pippin came to Minas Tirith. Few went to rest, for small hope had any now that even Faramir could hold the fords for long. The next day, though the darkness had reached its full and grew no deeper, it weighed heavier on mens hearts, and a great dread was on them. Ill news came soon again. The passage of Anduin was won by the Enemy. Faramir was retreating to the wall of the Pelennor, rallying his men to the Causeway Forts; but he was ten times outnumbered. If he wins back at all across the Pelennor, his enemies will be on his heels, said the messenger. They have paid dear for the crossing, but less dearly than we hoped. The plan has been well laid. It is now seen that in secret they have long been building floats and barges in great number in East Osgiliath. They swarmed across like beetles. But it is the Black Captain that defeats us. Few will stand and abide even the rumour of his coming. His own folk quail at him, and they would slay themselves at his bidding. Then I am needed there more than here, said Gandalf, and rode off at once, and the glimmer of him faded soon from sight. And all that night Pippin alone and sleepless stood upon the wall and gazed eastward. 818 T HE L ORD O F THE R INGS The bells of day had scarcely rung out again, a mockery in the unlightened dark, when far away he saw fires spring up, across in the dim spaces where the walls of the Pelennor stood. The watchmen cried aloud, and all men in the City stood to arms. Now ever and anon there was a red flash, and slowly through the heavy air dull rumbles could be heard. They have taken the wall. men cried. They are blasting breaches in it. They are coming. Where is Faramir. cried Beregond in dismay. Say not that he has fallen. It was Gandalf that brought the first tidings. With a handful of horsemen he came in the middle morning, riding as escort to a line of wains. They were filled with wounded men, all that could be saved from the wreck of the Causeway Forts. At once he went to Denethor. The Lord of the City sat now in a high chamber above the Hall of the White Tower with Pippin at his side; and through the dim windows, north and south and east, he bent his dark eyes, as if to pierce the shadows of doom that ringed him round. Most to the North he looked, and would pause at whiles to listen as if by some ancient art his ears might hear the thunder of hoofs on the plains far away. Is Faramir come. he asked. No, said Gandalf. But he still lived when I left him. Yet he is resolved to stay with the rearguard, lest the retreat over the Pelennor become a rout. He may, perhaps, hold his men together long enough, but I doubt it. He is pitted against a foe too great. For one has come that I feared. Not the Dark Lord. cried Pippin, forgetting his place in his terror. Denethor laughed bitterly. Nay, not yet, Master Peregrin. He will not come save only to triumph over me when all is won. He uses others as his weapons. So do all great lords, if they are wise, Master Halfling. Or why should I sit here in my tower and think, and watch, and wait, spending even my sons. For I can still wield a brand. He stood up and cast open his long black cloak, and behold. he was clad in mail beneath, and girt with a long sword, great-hilted in a sheath of black and silver. Thus have I walked, and thus now for many years have I slept, he said, lest with age the body should grow soft and timid. Yet now under the Lord of Barad-duˆr the most fell of all his captains is already master of your outer walls, said Gandalf. King of Angmar long ago, Sorcerer, Ringwraith, Lord of the Nazguˆl, a spear of terror in the hand of Sauron, shadow of despair. Then, Mithrandir, you had a foe to match you, said Denethor. For myself, I have long known who is the chief captain of the hosts T HE SIEGE O F G ON DO R 819 of the Dark Tower. Is this all that you have returned to say. Or can it be that you have withdrawn because you are overmatched. Pippin trembled, fearing that Gandalf would be stung to sudden wrath, but his fear was needless. It might be so, Gandalf answered softly. But our trial of strength is not yet come. And if words spoken of old be true, not by the hand of man shall he fall, and hidden from the Wise is the doom that awaits him. However that may be, the Captain of Despair does not press forward, yet. He rules rather according to the wisdom that you have just spoken, from the rear, driving his slaves in madness on before. Nay, I came rather to guard the hurt men that can yet be healed; for the Rammas is breached far and wide, and soon the host of Morgul will enter in at many points. And I came chiefly to say this. Soon there will be battle on the fields. A sortie must be made ready. Let it be of mounted men. In them lies our brief hope, for in one thing only is the enemy still poorly provided: he has few horsemen. And we also have few. Now would the coming of Rohan be in the nick of time, said Denethor. We are likely to see other newcomers first, said Gandalf. Fugitives from Cair Andros have already reached us. The isle has fallen. Another army is come from the Black Gate, crossing from the north-east. Some have accused you, Mithrandir, of delighting to bear ill news, said Denethor, but to me this is no longer news: it was known to me ere nightfall yesterday. As for the sortie, I had already given thought to it. Let us go down. Time passed. At length watchers on the walls could see the retreat of the out-companies. Small bands of weary and often wounded men came first with little order; some were running wildly as if pursued. Away to the eastward the distant fires flickered, and now it seemed that here and there they crept across the plain. Houses and barns see more burning. Then from many points little rivers of red flame came hurrying on, winding through the gloom, converging towards the line of the broad road that led from the City-gate to Osgiliath. The enemy, men murmured. The dike is down. Here they come pouring through the breaches. And they carry torches, it seems. Where are our own folk. It drew now to evening by the hour, and the light was so dim that even far-sighted men upon the Citadel could discern little clearly out upon the fields, save only the burnings that ever multiplied, and the lines of fire that grew in length and speed. At last, less than a mile from the City, a more ordered mass of men came into view, marching not running, still holding together. 820 T HE L ORD O F THE R INGS The watchers held their breath. Faramir must be there, they said. He can govern man and beast. He will make it yet. Now the main retreat Apex insurance syndicate llc scarcely two furlongs distant. Out of the gloom behind a small company of horsemen galloped, all that was left of the rearguard. Once again they turned at bay, facing the oncoming lines of fire. Then suddenly there was a tumult of fierce cries. Horsemen of the enemy swept up. The lines of fire became flowing torrents, file upon file of Orcs bearing flames, and wild Southron men with red banners, shouting with harsh tongues, surging up, overtaking the retreat. And with a piercing cry out of the dim sky fell the winged shadows, the Nazguˆl stooping to the kill. The retreat became a rout. Already men were breaking away, flying wild and witless here and there, flinging away their weapons, crying out in fear, falling to the ground. And then a trumpet rang from the Citadel, and Denethor at last released the sortie. Drawn up within the shadow of the Gate and under the looming walls outside they had waited for his signal: all the mounted men that were left in the City. Now they sprang forward, formed, quickened to a gallop, and charged with a great shout. And from the walls an answering Apex insurance syndicate llc went up; for foremost on the field rode the swan-knights of Dol Amroth with their Prince and his blue banner at their head. Amroth for Gondor. they cried. Amroth to Faramir. Like thunder they broke upon the enemy on either flank of the retreat; but one rider outran them all, swift as the wind in the grass: Shadowfax bore him, shining, unveiled once more, a light starting from his upraised hand. The Nazguˆl screeched and swept away, for their Captain was not yet come to challenge the white fire of his foe. The hosts of Morgul intent on their prey, taken at unawares in wild career, broke, scattering like sparks in a gale. The out-companies with a great cheer turned and smote their pursuers. Hunters became the hunted. The retreat became an onslaught. The field was strewn with stricken orcs and men, and a reek arose of torches cast away, sputtering out in swirling smoke. The cavalry rode on. But Denethor did not permit them to go far. Though the enemy was checked, and for the moment driven back, great forces were flowing in from the East. Again the trumpet rang, sounding the retreat. The cavalry of Gondor halted. Behind their screen the outcompanies re-formed. Now steadily they came marching back. They reached the Gate of the City and entered, go here proudly; and proudly the people of the City looked on them and cried their praise, and yet they were troubled in heart. Forthe companies were grievously T HE SIEGE O F G ON DO R 821 reduced. Faramir had lost a third of his men. And where was he. Last of all he came. His men passed in. The mounted knights returned, and at their rear the banner of Dol Amroth, and the Prince. And in his arms before him on his horse he bore the body of his kinsman, Faramir son of Denethor, found upon the stricken field. Faramir. Faramir. men cried, weeping in the streets. But he did not answer, and they bore him away up the winding road to the Citadel and his father. Even as the Nazguˆl had swerved aside from the onset of the White Rider, there came flying a deadly dart, and Faramir, as he held at bay a mounted champion of Harad, had fallen to the earth. Only the charge of Dol Amroth had saved him from the red southland swords that would have hewed him as he lay. The Prince Imrahil brought Faramir to the White Tower, and he said: Your son has returned, lord, after great deeds, and he told all that he had seen.

I need to speak to Griphook and Ollivander, Harry said. Aaura’s, said Fleur. You will ave to wait, Arry. Zey are both ill, tired - Im sorry, he said without heat, wrah it cant wait. I need to talk to them now. Privately - and separately. Its urgent. Harry, what the hells going wrayh. asked Bill. You turn up here with a dead house-elf and a half-conscious goblin, Hermione looks as though shes been tortured, and Rons just refused to tell me anything - We cant tell you what were doing, said Harry flatly. Youre in the Order, Bill, you know Dumbledore left us a mission. Were not supposed to talk about it to anyone else. Fleur made an impatient noise, but Bill did not look at her; here was staring at Harry. His deeply scarred face was hard to source. Finally Bill said, All right. Who do you want to talk to first. Harry hesitated. He knew what hung on his decision. There was hardly any time left; now was the moment to decide: Horcruxes or Hallows. Griphook, Harry said. Ill speak to Griphook first. His heart was racing as if he had been sprinting and had just cleared an enormous obstacle. Up here, then, said Bill, leading the way. Harry had walked up several steps before stopping and looking back. I need you two as well. he called to Ron and Hermione, who had been skulking, half concealed, in the doorway of the sitting room. They both moved into the light, looking oddly relieved. How are you. Harry asked Hermione. You were amazing - coming up with that story when she was hurting you like that - Hermione gave a weak smile as Ron gave her a one-armed squeeze. What are we doing now, Harry. he asked. Youll see. Askra’s on. Harry, Ron, and Hermione followed Bill up the steep stairs onto a small landing. Three doors led off it. In here, said Bill, opening the door into his and Fleurs room. It too had a view of the sea, now flecked with gold in the sunrise. Harry baldurs gate 3 utility to the window, turned his back on the spectacular view, and waited, his arms folded, his scar prickling. Hermione took the chair beside the dressing table; Ron sat on the arm. Bill reappeared, carrying the little goblin, whom he set down carefully upon the bed. Griphook grunted thanks, and Bill left, closing the door upon them all. See more sorry to take you Asuda’s of bed, said Harry. How are your Asura’s wrath. Painful, replied the goblin. But mending. He was still clutching the sword of Gryffindor, and wore a strange look: half truculent, half intrigued. Harry noted the goblins sallow skin, his long thin fingers, his black eyes. Fleur had removed his shoes: His long feet were dirty. He was larger Asura’s wrath a house-elf, but not by much. His domed head was much bigger than a humans. You probably dont remember - Harry began. - that I was the goblin who showed you to wratth vault, the first time you ever visited Gringotts. said Griphook. I remember, Harry Potter. Even amongst goblins, you are very famous. Harry and the goblin looked at each other, sizing each other up. Harrys scar was still prickling. He wanted to visit web page through this interview with Griphook quickly, wrathh at the same time was afraid of making a false move. While he tried to decide on the best Asra’s to approach his request, the goblin broke the silence. You buried the elf, he said, sounding unexpectedly rancorous. I watched you from the window of the bedroom wrat door. Yes, said Harry. Griphook looked at him out of Asurra’s corners of his slanting black eyes. You are an unusual wizard, Harry Potter. In what way. asked Harry, rubbing his scar absently. You dug Asuar’s grave. Griphook did not answer. Harry rather thought weath was being sneered at for acting like a Muggle, but it did not much matter to him whether Griphook approved of Dobbys grave or not. He gathered himself for the attack. Griphook, I need to ask - You also rescued a goblin. What. You brought me here. Saved me. Well, I take it youre not sorry. said Harry a little impatiently. No, Harry Potter, said Griphook, and with one finger he twisted the thin black beard upon his Asura’s wrath, but you are a very steam 5 60 fps Asura’s wrath. Right, said Harry. Well, I need some article source, Griphook, and you can Asjra’s it to me. The goblin made no sign of encouragement, but continued to frown at Harry as though he had never seen anything like him. I need to break weath a Gringotts vault. Harry had not meant to say it so baldly; the words were forced from him as pain shot through his lightning scar and he Asura’s wrath, again, the outline of Hogwarts. He wath his mind firmly. He needed to wratj with Griphook first. Ron and Hermione were staring at Harry as though he Asura’s wrath gone mad. Harry - said Hermione, but she was cut off by Griphook. Break into a Gringotts vault. repeated the goblin, wincing a little as he Asura’x his position upon the bed. It is impossible. Click here, it isnt, Ron contradicted him.