The Tale
‘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 again.’ The Nazgul are not seen, but their cries
are heard from far above, making many quail with dread. And Faramir has had to
leave again. Men mutter that Denethor drives him too hard, doing the job of two
now that Boromir is dead. They wonder when Rohan will come to their aid.
Denethor sent Faramir forth
despite his council. They wanted to stay in the city and protect the walls. But
Denethor deemed that they should not abandon the Rammas Echor, the outer fence,
that they have worked so hard on. He thinks the enemy will have to strike by
crossing through Osgiliath, where Boromir stopped them before.
Faramir points out that was
only a trial of Sauron’s strength, and this assault will be worse and with more
troops. ‘He can afford to lose a host better than we to lose a company.’ To
send men out so far afield would be perilous. The Prince of Dol Amroth points
out that Cair Andros must be defended as well, and that more than one host may
be sent out to assail both places.
Denethor retorts that Cair
Andros is already manned, and more forces can not be sent so far. As long as he
has a Captain who will obey him, he will not yield the river and the Pelennor Fields
without fighting. There is a silence, then Faramir says that since his father
doesn’t have Boromir any more, he will go if Denethor commands him, against
everyone else’s counsel. Denethor shortly says he does. Faramir bids him
farewell. ‘But if I should return, think better of me.’
‘That depends on the manner
of your return,’ said Denethor,’ In short, you’d better come back victorious.
Gandalf is the last one to
talk to Faramir before he rides out, counseling him not to throw his life away
rashly or in bitterness. Gondor will need him, and despite his actions Denethor
really does love him. The old man will remember that before the end.
So Faramir has left with
some men, into the gloom where the ruined city of Osgiliath cannot be seen. Men
look towards the east, and to the north, wondering if Theoden and Rohan will come. Gandalf
assures people he will come; right now it’s too soon; the summons could only
have reached him two days ago. He will come, even if he comes too late.
At night news comes of
Osgiliath. A host has come out of Minas Morgul and been joined by a regimen of
Haradrim from the South. The Lord of the Nazgul is leading them again, and the
terror of his coming is passing even across the river.
‘With these 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 now.’
Notes
The Rammas Echor, one may
remember, was the great wall (30 miles or more) that surrounded the city
of Minas Tirith and the Pelennor Fields, its farmlands and
pastures. They were still repairing it when Gandalf and Pippen were heading for
the City. Denethor’s stubbornness in defending this straggling line might
emphasize his pride that will amount to despair in time.
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