Rangers of the North

Through the night hours Frodo, Sam, and Gollum cautiously left the Black Gate of Mordor. As they the guard towers left their view their hearts grew lighter. Gollum reckoned they were some 30 leagues till their destination and he wanted to cover that ground quickly. In fact, as dawn approached they had covered 8 leagues and found the land around them no longer as barren and desolate.

Meanwhile King Theoden's company set out in haste after Gandalf and Pippin had left and were riding through the night. Theoden was making for Edoras and the mustering of his Riders. Aragorn suspected Rohan would then ride to Minis Tirith and war but he was unsure of what road he would take. Legolas and Gimli pledged to follow him wherever he went. As they rode it became evident they were being pursued. The King's company stopped shortly after crossing the Fords of Isen and gripped their weapons. Merry was set off to the side feeling useless again; unsure of what good he could do as he also unsheathed his sword. As the pursuers drew close Eomer called for them to stop and identify themselves. "'Halbarad Dunadan, Ranger of the North I am,' cried the man. 'We seek one Aragorn son of Arathorn, and we heard news that he was in Rohan'" (p. 47, The Return of the King).

This brought Aragorn much joy to reunite with his kin. There were some thirty Rangers travelling with Halbarad. Theoden to was overjoyed allowing them to ride on with his company. Aragorn couldn't believe they had come. He thought of them often but had sent no messengers. Halbarad told Aragorn that Elladan and Elrohir also rode with the Rangers. As they set out again Elrohir had a message for Aragorn: "'I bring word to you from my father: The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the Paths of the Dead'" (p. 48, The Return of the King). This did not exactly comfort Aragorn. Halbarad also had a message, bearing a closed banner. "'It is a gift that I bring you from the Lady of Rivendell...she also sends word to you: The days are now short. Either our hope cometh, or all hope ends. Therefore I send thee what I have made for thee, Fare well, Elfstone!'" (p. 48, The Return of the King). Not sure why the folk from Rivendell are breaking out King James English here but I noted that both had a similar theme: the days are short. Reminds me of a Psalm; and it's good perspective to keep.

Meanwhile, Frodo, Sam, and Gollum had rested through the daylight hours. Frodo sleeping peacefully, Gollum not enjoying the changing fresh air, and Sam wishing for a hot homely meal. As dusk set in they set out an ancient road with great care but a sure guide. No sounds of pursuit could be heard.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3019, March 6th
Today's reading comes from: The Two Towers, pages 194-206; 256-258; and The Return of the King, pages 46-48