"Down A Different Road"
Part 5
by Beryll

 

Considering the turmoil that had been Minas Tirith the ride to Rohan was surprisingly uneventful. The plains of Rohan lay strangely quiet. Only a couple of years ago these borders had been patrolled by riders but now the windswept land lay empty.

It worried me to know that our borders lay open as well, for we were relying on our neighbors to guard our back. Now I knew why Aragorn thought it so vital that the two of us got through to Theoden. If Rohan did not awaken to the dangers amassing in Mordor and Isengard, Gondor lay open and unprotected to Saruman's forces. And we had no way of winning a two-sided war. Even our chances to hold out against Mordor alone were growing slimmer every day.

There was deep worry in Faramir's eyes as well, as they swept the plains as if searching for something or someone.

"Eomer's riders were guarding these lands till only a month ago. I have not heard news from him since and all the forces of Rohan were withdrawn closer to Edoras." he told me on one of our first nights at the campfire. "I wonder what happened. I just hope Theoden didn't do anything foolish."

I could hardly believe what he was insinuating. "He wouldn't hurt his own kin, would he?" I asked, cold dread creeping into my heart. "His mind can't be that clouded. Even the steward wouldn't have..." But then I fell silent as I recalled Boromir's letter. Denethor might not have hurt his sons but he had tried to dispose of the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor. That was at least as bad.

Faramir's sad smile confirmed my thoughts. "Eomer thought he would." He said. "If you want my advise: we should carefully guard our back while we are in Edoras. Or we may find a dagger embedded in it. Things are not like they used to be between Rohan and Gondor. This is not a visit among friends, this is a quite dangerous mission into enemy territory and we will have to move very carefully, if we want to accomplish anything at all."

There was a strange fire burning in his eyes and suddenly I was not that sure anymore if he didn't have some kind of hidden agenda in this as well. His words had been carefully picked and could relate to the mission that the future king had given just as well as to some personal task he had set himself.

"So tell me what you know of Edoras and it's politics so I will be prepared." I said, trying to sound casual.

"There is not much politics in Edoras right now, I fear." Faramir answered with a look of disgust on his face and spat into the fire. "As far as I have learned, Theoden King sits on his throne and watches while Grima, his counselor, runs the show. He has managed to snatch control about almost everything from the individual commanders. And Eomer strongly suspects that he is Saruman's creature. He will not outright refuse to see us, but I very much doubt that we will get anything out of him that will help us."

He bit off another piece of bread from the junk he had been fiddling with all evening and stared off into the darkness.

"That doesn't sound like there is any sense in even going there." I stated, hoping to draw him out.

He shrugged. "There are people who might be on our side. Hama is the captain of the king's guard. He might listen, but I doubt there is anything he will be able to do. And of course Eowyn would help us, if there was anything she could do..."

"And what about Eomer?"

Again my friends gaze turned towards the night. "I doubt he still lives." he whispered, his voice flat and hard, not betraying any emotion but telling me what I had wanted to know.

So his friend was the reason he was going to Rohan. To find him or to avenge a death that weighed down his soul. A worthy effort but certainly not one that would help our mission in any way. I would have to watch him closely to make sure he didn't prove more of a liability than of a boon.

"We will find out soon enough." I said non-commitedly. "Now we should get some sleep so we won't lose our wits which seem to be our only assets right now."

*****

Several years had passed since my last visit to Edoras, but from the outside it looked unchanged, still proud, still strong. Only when we entered through the gates did I notice the changes. The guards standing at the gates didn't even greet us, much less ask what our business was entering the town of their king with a dozen soldiers accompanying us and I could not help but wonder if they would have treated an invading army of orcs the same way. They were leaning on their spears tiredly and simply watched us pass.

Faramir ignored them in turn. His gaze was on the king's hall. He had been uncharacteristically silent during our travels. He was not one to sit and brood like his father was prone to do. He would normally have taken great care to examine every side of the mission presented to him, discussing the possibilities that might present themselves to us. But his mind seemed fixed on his own problem.

I had tried to gain further information on his friendship with the nephew of Theoden, but he had stayed close mouthed which only fueled my suspicions. If his brother had fallen for our future king, who could say were his heart led him. He had never been one to fall in love easily. I could recall only one time, were a maiden had captured his eye and it had been a sad affair indeed as she was happily married to another man.

Faramir had suffered in silence, expressing his pain through long sad ballads, refusing to be cheered by the offerings of sweet serving wenches me and his brother had tried to stuff into his bed. The expression on his face then had been similar to the one he wore now. So maybe he had lost his heart again.

Strangely enough the fear in his eyes slightly receded when we passed the gates. We made our way through town, watched by the silent inhabitants of Edoras. I recalled them to be lively folk and it was dragging my heart down to see them so sullen, so hopeless. As if the inactivity of their king had gripped them as well, they were moving slow as if in a dream and without real vigor.

Only when we reached the hall of Meduseld itself did somebody finally deign to notice us and something close to a smile appeared on Faramir's face, when he saw the tall, battle-hardened man that waited for us.

"Greetings, prince Faramir of Gondor." he called down from the stairway, while we dismounted. "Your face is a welcome sight on this dreary morning."

He came down the stairs and tried to bow but Faramir just grabbed his arm in a warrior's greeting. "And a good morning to you too, Hama." he said. "It has been a long time."

A shadow passed over the face of king's door warden. "A long time indeed. Much has changes since we fought side by side on the borders of Ithilien." He turned to me, forcing another smile. "And greetings to you too, prince Imrahil. How fares Dol Amroth?"

I now remembered meeting him before, when he had accompanied king Theoden to Minas Tirith many, many summers ago. He had changed since that time. Worry had creased deep lines into his face. But at least the vigor of a seasoned warrior had not fled him and his hand rested casually on the hilt of his sword, even though he obviously did not consider us a threat. He was just ready.

"Well enough, considering the times we live in." I answered.

"So how is the king?" Faramir asked, the fake innocence in the voice ringing untrue even to me.

But Hama seemed to understand perfectly well what Faramir really wanted to know and his smile was just as unconvincing. "His health is improving. The care of Grima serves him well. He has been ill for a long time now but I am sure that his chancellor has finally found the reason and will find a cure."

The meaning of his words were quite clear and not very cheering. We followed him into the hall in silence. "My father sends us to talk to the king." Faramir explained, completely omitting the fact that there now was a future king in Gondor. At least his worry about his friends had not made him loose all of his wits. "But if he is so ill we might better talk to his chancellor instead...?"

A grim smile was Hama's first answer. "I am sure the king will be well enough to see you." he said. "I will make sure he hears of your arrival."

Frowning thoughtfully I followed both of them as Hama led the way to rooms where we would stay while we were here. They were trading gossip now but every word held hidden meaning and they were carefully conveying the news they needed to learn. Although I noticed that Hama did not mention Eomer with one word and that Faramir didn't ask. Whatever ill fate had befallen the nephew of the king, it was obviously not wise to discuss him in public. And the impeccably polite way Hama spoke of Grima proved that the walls had earns in Meduseld.

Normally rank would have demanded that he showed each of us to single chambers, but neither did he explain nor we complain when he opened a door to a richly decorated room with sleeping places curtained off to the left and right.

"I will make sure the king will find the time to meet you this afternoon." he promised before he left us. "If you need anything, just call for one of the wenches. I'll get your soldiers settled as well and let you know where you can find them."

Faramir nodded and closed the door behind him. I sat down at the carved wooden table with a deep sigh, pouring a goblet of wine waiting there, carefully sniffing it before actually tasting. "Well, what do you think?" I asked my friend when he sat down in the second chair, looking equally tired and beat.

"I think it is even worse than I thought." he whispered, while I poured a goblet for him as well. He stared into the goblet for a moment when I handed it to him, then set it down on the table without drinking. "I'd rather wait, if you will drop and turn blue." he whispered at my raised eyebrow and I had to grin.

"Ever the careful one." I said just as low as he. "I'd say this Grima has the king and Rohan well under control. Hama is very scared."

Faramir nodded. "Yes. He must fear for the life of Theoden to keep as inactive as he is. It pains him greatly. I do not see that we can accomplish anything here as long as the wizard's creature holds the reigns."

"Do we know anything about him? Where he came from? How did he win the kings favor in the first place?"

"All I know is, that he came here as a physician, when the king complained of aching joints. He somehow managed to worm into Theoden's confidence without anybody noticing what was going on." He sighed deeply.

"So we will have to get rid of him." I summed up both our thoughts.

Faramir looked at me in surprise. "You think that is what... my father wanted us to do when he send us?" he asked, even in our whispered conversation making sure not to mention Aragorn.

"I think that... your father did not consider what we would have to do to gain him the help he needs. He send the two of us because he was sure that we would be able to act on our own. He has more than enough other things on his mind right now, hasn't he?"

For a while we sat, each following his own musings, considering possible plans. I was just about to suggest a nap to be ready for our meeting with the king, when there was a knock on the door, shortly followed by Hama, who announced that the king would see us now, rather than in the afternoon, when he was usually growing tired.

*****

The king's hall was hidden in shadows, only a couple of braziers burning alongside one wall and shedding some light on the throne where Theoden sat. The air was stale and suffocating, like something had died and not been cleaned out. Looking at the tired king, slumped in his seat, eyes overcast with shadows that seemed to haunt his mind, his hands curled around each other like aching claws I wasn't wondering anymore, why he was ill. Anybody would have grown ill locked up in a room like this.

And the creature next to him didn't look much better. Sickly pale, his oily hair falling into his face, partially hiding it, his black eyes glistening with cunning he looked more like a goblin than a human. So this was 'Wormtongue'. An adapt name.

Feeling Faramir tense next to me, I took the chance from him to say something rash by stepping forward, bowing to the king. "Your highness, it is a great honor to be your guest." I said, speaking to Theoden king rather than to the snake standing next to him, although I knew well that the king wasn't in any condition to even make out who I was.

As I had expected he waved to his 'advisor' who leaned down and whispered something in his ear. Promptly the king said: "We welcome our friends from Gondor. We hope you will enjoy our hospitality." He actually stumbled over the last word, trying a second time and than giving up, falling silent, tired by even this small effort.

"I am very sure we will." I said smoothly, smiling pleasantly. This wasn't worse than dealing with an envoy from Umbar who was lying straight to my face. And I had hosted those often enough. Politics and intrigue had become second nature to me a long time ago. How I would relish taking up my sword and fighting the powers of Mordor hand to hand. And with the strong king Gondor had gained so suddenly there was a good chance that I would finally have opportunity to do so.

Still speaking to the king but really addressing Grima I added: " We come to discuss politics mainly. Some things about treaties and defense. But I can see that your majesty is not feeling too well..."

Theoden mumbled something intelligible. "His highness expresses his gratitude for your concern." Grima translated glibly. "He wishes me to conduct the talks with you and give him a report on it. His health does not allow him to do it himself, I'm afraid." He smiled at me, showing yellowing teeth.

It was exactly what I had expected so I smiled politely. "It will be our pleasure." I replied. "There will be no need to burden the king further."

Immediately Wormtongue's brows drew together and the suspicion in his eyes deepened. He did not trust me at all. Good. That would keep him occupied. Just like Faramir and I had hoped it would. If I could get him to concentrate solely on me that would free Faramir to find a way to get rid of him.

"If it pleases you, we could meet later today and discuss the steward's requests." I continued, choosing the word 'request' deliberately and getting the reaction I had hoped for, a barely hidden sneer. I had to suppress a smirk. He might be skilled enough a politician to deal with the rather uncivilized warriors of Rohan. But he had a long way to go to be able to outwit me.

"It will be my pleasure." he answered, bowing just an inch less than he should have to seem polite.

"Well then, I will see you later." I nodded to him with all the haughtiness of a prince dealing with a servant, watching him seethe in fury. Then I bowed to the king. "May your highness feel better soon."

The king waved his hand in a vague gesture of dismissal and I swept out of the hall, Faramir following on my heel. Only when we were back in our rooms did he speak, his brow creased with worry. "That is a dangerous game you play there." he commented. "If you are not careful you will find a poisoned dagger in your back."

"Yeah..." I grinned at him. "He hates me, doesn't he?"

Faramir didn't look amused at all. "Do not joke about this. The danger is all too real."

"But this is what we want." I interrupted him. "Do not worry about my health. I have guarded my back in situations worse than this. You just make sure you find a way to do what needs to be done."

Faramir nodded silently, not appeased at all. "I will. When you have your 'talks' with that creature."

He was about to say more when we both heard a small sound from one of the curtained sleeping areas. Stone scratching on stone. Immediately our hands went to our weapons, as we saw light shine form behind the curtain. But the figure emerging was not what we had excepted. Even wrapped in a hooded cloak the small and slender frame could only belong to a woman.

Seeing both of us ready to draw our swords she quickly shook her hood from her head, revealing long flowing blonde hair and a pale, worried face of beauty. There was much tiredness but also a determination that clearly showed her to be a lady of high blood.

Faramir beside me gave a small gasp and stepped forward. "My Lady Eowyn." he whispered, his eyes scanning the room as if he expected to find spies everywhere suddenly. So this was Rohan's fabled shield maiden. Known for her beauty as much as for her strong will. Her sad and haunted look made my heart hurt in sympathy.

Still she managed a graceful smile. "Prince Faramir," she greeted my young friend, her attention fixed solely on him, "my brother told me you would come. He told me of...," suddenly she seemed to notice me as well an quickly changed whatever she had been about to say, "...of your friendship." If I had needed any further confirmation that there was more than friendship between Faramir and the Roherrim, this was it. And even more the anxious expression on Faramir's face.

"Where is he, what ill fate has befallen him?" he asked softly, fear of the answer evident in his voice.

The Lady Eowyn sat the lantern she had been carrying down on our table, visibly collecting herself, before she answered. "He confronted the king two weeks ago. He's highness was outraged at his audacity and had him imprisoned."

Faramir's answer was a sigh of relief. "So he lives?" he asked, begging for confirmation.

At this Eowyn actually smiled, impulsively taking Faramir's hand. "Yes, he still lives. So I can not so how much longer this will remain so. The snake tries hard to convince the king of Eomer's treason. Only my pleading has kept him alive so far." The Lady shuddered violently. "And I haven been pleading even with Wormtongue..." She looked at Faramir imploringly. "I beg you, my prince, help me save my brother."

Faramir was quick to nod. "I will. Whatever the cost, I will."

He was ready to say more, but I interrupted him with a soft cough and they both seemed to remember very suddenly that I was there as well. "It would not be wise to rush off in a foolish rescue mission now." I told them firmly.

Faramir whirled around to face me with the anger I had expected but I faced him calmly. "What is the good in saving one man's life, when we will all suffer the consequences?" I reminded him and saw bleak despair descent on his mind when he realized that freeing Eomer now would inevitably destroy any chance we might have to get rid of the kings traitorous adviser and winning back Rohan's help in the war against Mordor.

Lady Eowyn looked from Faramir to me and back. "But you must help," she whispered desperately, "it was my last hope."

With a quick step I was beside her. "We will try our best, my lady," I assured her, "but we must move carefully. Wormtongue must never learn what hit him. We must first know, how he has managed to poison the king. Only then can we be rid of him." What I did not say was that we risked the king's life and the stability of Rohan if we simply murdered the snake.

For a long, terrible moment the lady looked like she was going to break under the pressure but suddenly her back straightened and she pushed her long tresses from her face in an impatient gesture. "Be assured of my assistance." she announced proudly.

Faramir visibly fought to regain his calm. "My lady, we must find a way to search Wormtongue's chamber. Maybe there we will find a means of defeating him. Some evidence on what he is doing..."

The Lady nodded, immediately understanding what he was hinting at. There is access to his rooms that he doesn't know of." she said, now for the first time smiling genuinely. She drew the curtain to the sleeping area aside and we both looked at the entrance to a hidden passage. "These tunnels riddle the place." she explained. "Me, Eomer and our cousin Theodred used to play in them when we were young. Wormtongue doesn't know of them. He hasn't been here long enough to learn of them. The only advantage I've had over him lately..."

"Can we reach the dungeons this way as well?" Faramir asked.

The lady nodded. "Yes, that's why I came..."

"It would not be wise to sneak around the dungeon now." I warned Faramir immediately. His nod was reluctant but I knew he would keep sensible. At least for a while. Silently I wondered how long this 'friendship' between the younger son of Denethor and the warrior of Rohan was lasting already. I realized that I did not begrudge him his love at all. If only it could have been in better times. But maybe there was yet hope.

"Come back this evening." I told Lady Eowyn. "Wormtongue and I will be in council then. You and Faramir can then search his rooms. No danger of him sneaking up on you."

 

If you enjoyed this story, please send feedback to: Beryll

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