Aragorn's company pressed on in the fearful darkness. Gimli was to the point of madness not knowing how many hours had passed. At long last the light changed, water could be heard, and they found themselves under a night sky full of stars. Aragorn urged the company forward, they had many leagues until the Stone of Erech. The journey was great and Aragorn's will kept them moving forward. Legolas, with Gimli in tow, looked back. "'The Dead are following,' said Legolas" (p. 61, The Return of the King). As they moved through the country side they came upon a town. People fled, doors and windows barred shut. Shouts were raised: "'The King of the Dead! The King of the Dead is come upon us!'" (p. 62, The Return of the King).
Around midnight they reached the Stone of Erech. Legend told that it had been placed their by Isildur when he reached Middle-earth after leaving Númenor. Aragorn blew a horn provided by Elrond's sons and unfurled his banner. It seemed horns answered but no other sounds were heard. The company was aware of a great host surrounding them on the hill. Aragorn raised his voice: "'Oathbreakers, why have ye come?' And a voice was heard out of the night that answered him, as if from far away: 'To fulfill our oath and have peace'" (p. 63, The Return of the King). This Aragorn promised them if they would ride out and help clear Gondor's lands from the servants of Sauron. The company rested as best they could that night with the dead around them and departed for Minis Tirith early the next morning. This would be a longer journey yet. "No other mortal Men could have endured it, none but the Dúnedain of the North, and with them Gimli the Dwarf and Legolas of the Elves" (p. 63, The Return of the King).
Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3019, March 8th-9th
Today's reading comes from: The Return of the King, pages 61-63
No comments:
Post a Comment