Serafina the Grey (Book 3 of the Daughters of Durin Trilogy)

Chapter 9: One Man's Madness

Back in Minas Tirith, the soldiers were taking their leave of their city, to retake Osgiliath as Denethor had ordered. Faramir led his men, a somber expression on his face. The people were upset to see them go, throwing flowers under the horse's hooves for their loved ones in farewell. The two White Wizards and the Black Witch followed the military in hot pursuit, having had rushed madly after them as soon as they heard of the news.

"Faramir! Faramir!" Gandalf cried, pushing through the crowd towards him. "Your father's will has turned to madness! Do not throw away your life so rashly." Ravonna and Aria also emerged behind them, nodding along with their wise friend's words.

But Faramir gave them a sad look in return, a small amount of anger laced in his tone. "Where does my allegiance lie, if not here? This is the city of the men of Númenor. I will gladly give my life to defend her beauty, her memory, and her wisdom."

"Please, Faramir. Do not do this." Aria spoke up, stepping past the wizards as they looked on in shock. "You do not know what you face. As long as Serafina the Grey and the Witch King are in Osgiliath, it cannot be taken!" She came even closer, lowering her voice to a low whisper. "Your men will die, Faramir."

"And what will your men do?" He hissed back, almost snarling at her. She nearly fell back with surprise as she jumped. "Nothing! They will rue the day that they sat back and watched Middle Earth fall. Men will not. We will fight, and perhaps die, with honor."

"My men are doing something!" Ravonna snapped, defending her daughter with such a harshness to her voice that even Gandalf flinched. "They are moving here as we speak! If you would but wait just another hour, they will be here! You will have hope, and a chance, to win this battle."

Faramir only raised an eyebrow, his gaze returning back to Aria. "I thought the city was defeated. Before, you said to back down, to preserve the life of the people. Now, you tell us to fight, but only with the dwarves at our aid? Do you have no faith in Men?" He turned back to Ravonna. "We are strong people, my Queen, and with all due respect, it will do Middle Earth good to see that. We can do this."

"No! You cannot! Not alone." Aria interjected yet again, sighing. "You know I cannot stop you. If you go, barter for time, at the very least. As I said, the Witch King and Serafina are still at large, and magic can only be countered with magic. I do not yet know where they reside, but once I do, we plan to kill them where they stand. If it is what you wish, we will ride with you." Her mother took her hand beside her, giving a curt nod of agreement.

He silently accepted their help, but still gave them words of caution. "I cannot promise anything."

"I know. But I do trust the word of men, more than you know. They are good at heart, and noble folk. As much time as you can give me, I will gladly accept."

He nodded, his horse stomping the ground below him. "We have an accord." Gandalf nearly spoke again when Faramir cut him off, knowing what his next words would be. "I must do this, Mithrandir."

"Your father loves you, Faramir." The elder wizard added, making Faramir turn around. Nodding politely, he thanked him silently and rode on, leaving the sorcerers to watch him go with sorrow, yet a newfound admiration. Gandalf still grumbled as they looked on, talking to himself. "He will remember it... before the end."

And without another word, the army left through the huge gates of Minas Tirith. They took form in a long line to attack Osgiliath, walking forward steadily. With a cry, the horses broke into a gallop towards the city, with the Orcs also approaching them.

But it was a very different scene inside the halls of the king, showing Pippin in attendance. He was waiting on Lord Denethor, who still ate at the table. It was very serene and calm, almost unnatural compared to the outside of Minas Tirith. Pippin was clearly uneasy, but Denthor was obviously mad, and took no notice to this. Looking at the Hobbit, he decided to pose a simple question, perhaps to pass the time and ebb the silence from the room. "Can you sing, Master Hobbit?"