Halflings

Chapter Twenty Six

~ Chapter Thirty Six: Boromir ~

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            Faramir sits alone, holding Boromir's cloven horn. He sees a flashback to when Osgiliath was retaken. Boromir stands up high and raises his arms, holding the banner of Gondor.

"Boromir!" The soldiers cheer. "Boromir!"

Boromir puts the flag down and unsheathes his sword.

"This city was once the jewel of our kingdom. A place of light and beauty and music. And so it shall be once more!" He raises his sword and the crowds cheer. "Let the armies of Mordor know this; never again will the land of my people fall into enemy hands. This city of Osgiliath has been reclaimed for Gondor!"

"For Gondor!" The crowd cheers.

"For Gondor!"

"For Gondor!"

Faramir appears, then walks joyfully to his brother. They hug, as they laugh.

"Good speech." Faramir says. "Nice and short."

"Leaves more time for drinking!" The two brothers laugh. "Break out the ale! These men are thirsty!"

The crowd cheers, and Boromir brings two goblets of ale, giving one to Faramir.

"Remember today, little brother. Today, life is good."

They toast and take a drink. Suddenly, Faramir glances warily sideways.

"What?"

"He's here."

Boromir turns his head to see Denethor, their father, talking to the soldiers.

"One moment of peace, can he not give us that?"

"Where is he? Where is Gondor's finest? Where's my first-born?"

Boromir looks jaded, but turns to face his father.

"Father!"

"They say you vanquished the enemy almost single-handedly!"

"They exaggerate. The victory belongs to Faramir also."

Denethor looks towards Faramir, who walks towards them.

"But for Faramir, this city would still be standing."

Faramir looks uneasy.

"Were you not entrusted to protect it?"

"I would have done, but our numbers were too few."

"Oh, too few. You let the enemy walk in and take it on a whim. Always you cast a poor reflection on me."

Boromir drops his head, sadly.

"That is not my intent." Faramir says, bluntly.

"You give him no credit, and yet he tries to do your will." Boromir says, walking off, with his father following after him.

"He loves you, Father." Boromir says, sadly.

"Do not trouble me with Faramir. I know his uses, and they are few. We have more urgent things to speak of. Elrond of Rivendell has called a meeting. He will not say why, but I have guessed its purpose. It is rumored that the weapon of the enemy has been found."

"The One Ring." Boromir states, worried. "lsildur's Bane."

"It has fallen into the hands of the Elves. Everyone will try to claim it, Men, Dwarves, Wizards. We cannot let that happen. This thing must come to Gondor."