In accordance with the law of Minas Tirith, Beregond was brought before the King in Mithlond by the Captain of the Guard.
"Beregond," the King addressed him directly, looking into his eyes from his seat atop the dais, "by your sword blood has been spilled in the Hallows, where that is forbidden. Also, you left your post without leave of Lord or of Captain. For these things, of old, death was the penalty. Now therefore I must pronounce your doom."
He felt a pain in his stomach, a stab of fear. Bergil would have none of this, he thought, schooling his expression as best he could. Beregond let his mind wander to his sons, who would no doubt wonder why he hadn't returned to the Houses of Healing nor stood at his post. He hoped Faramir would tell them the truth: he forsook his oath as a Tower Guard to save a friend. The King rose from his seat and began to descend the steps, before he continued to speak.
"All penalty is remitted for your valour in battle, and because all that you did was for the love of the Lord Faramir. Nonetheless, you must leave the Guard of the Citadel, and you must go forth from the city of Minas Tirith."
Beregond strived to control his breathing but the air was quick to leave his lungs. What did fate have in store for him now? The King smiled as he stood before him, a glint in his eye.
"So it must be, for you are appointed to the White Company, the Guard of Faramir, Prince of Ithilien, and you shall be its captain and dwell in Emyn Arnen in honour and peace, and the servitude of him for whom you risked all, to save him from death."
Faramir stood behind the king at the bottom of the dais with a smile. It was more than he ever hoped for. So it must be, the Beregond thought, letting out a breath and perceiving the mercy and justice of the King. More than glad with this wondrous turn of fate, Beregond kneeled, kissing the hand of the King before departing in joy and content to find his sons and relay the news.
---~---~---
Bergil Beregond's son took up his father's mantle in time as Captain of the Guard to the Prince of Ithilien, as was the wont of every loyal servant borne of Beregond's line while the descendants of Faramir prospered in the seat of Emyn Arnen.
YOU ARE READING
The Guard's Choice
FantasyThe choice of Beregond, Captain of the Third Company of the White Tower, is much overlooked. His judgment is the King Elessar's first ruling of many. In the dark days of the Siege of Gondor, Beregond must endure a war of his own, between head and he...
