Title: Eyes of the Goddess
Author: Sairalinde
Type: FPS & FPH
Pairing: Main pairing: Aragorn/Boromir later: Aragorn/Boromir/Arwen/Éowyn
Rating: Explicit Sex
WARNING: A.U. and LONG!
Beta: Glorfindel
Disclaimer: Obviously these characters are not mine...never were...the only characters that are mine are the gods and goddesses I made up to make my version "work". This was written in fun that's all. No profit, not associated with Tolkien.
Feedback: Yes please send to sairalinde@hornofgondor.com
Archiving: Yes but ask first please.
Summary: A.U. where a Goddess intercedes and saves Boromir.
Notes: Giving credit where credit is due. I needed to give credit to Batter My Heart by Raederle a truly wonderful A.U. that inspired me. Anyway Raederle's story is archived at www.squidge.org/fellowship/fic/raederle_battermyheart.htm while I did not copy them I still wanted to offer credit since there are similarities and it was my inspiration for this story. Also P.R. Zed's song vid "Gods Better People" inspired my re-writing on this. It's been a horribly long haul on this story…longest I ever wrote. Hope you enjoy if you do read it all. ;-)
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Chapter 6

Boromir strode down the hall and met the Lady Éowyn. "Good morning Lord Boromir I was coming to inquire if you and Lord Aragorn had broken your fast?" She asked.

"No...I am seeking Gandalf...have you seen him?" Boromir asked.

"No I have not...perhaps he is in the hall with the King? Will you join me?" She asked offering her arm. She had been so wrapped up in Lord Aragorn when they first arrived she had not realized how handsome and tender the man from Gondor was until she thought them both dead.

Aragorn stepped into the hall then and when Boromir saw him he turned back to Éowyn. "I would be honored my lady." He said bowing and kissing her hand. Éowyn blushed and they walked together arm in arm to the hall.

Boromir knew he had done that just to anger Aragorn and he felt childish for doing it, but he still felt a great pain in his heart at the way Aragorn had spoke of pleasant dreams while touching the charm from the elf princess.

Aragorn stared after the two walking down the hall and cursed himself for not explaining his dream to Boromir. Just then Gandalf walked up and placed his hand on Aragorn's shoulder.

"Do not despair, Aragorn. Boromir harbors no feelings of love for the lady. Her destiny is yet uncertain." Gandalf said softly.

Aragorn spun had he been that obvious? "I care not." Aragorn began but Gandalf raised a bushy eyebrow at him.

"Oh alright I do care...Gandalf what can I do? This kind of thing is frowned upon in the world of men." Aragorn asked.

"Frowned upon but not unheard of." Gandalf said stroking his beard. "He feels the same you know. He would die to keep you safe you know that don't you? Such is the extent of his love for you. He has risked himself more than once to make sure you survived...this is why the gods have blessed him. You both have a destiny you must fulfill and Éowyn oddly enough is a part of that if you must know as is Arwen and even Boromir's brother. The future is forever unfolding, it changes with each individual choice but I can see the threads coming together like a great tapestry." Gandalf said as he stroked his long beard.

"Arwen came to me last night, she did not travel to the undying lands...you spoke as if you knew of this." Aragorn said noting that Gandalf had included Arwen in his speech.

"Yes I knew of this. I also suspect I know what she said to you...you have her blessing so to speak." Gandalf said smiling at the future King who looked more like a wayward child than a King at the moment. "We will speak no more of this now...we must prepare to leave after breakfast...Sauron will be fixing his forces on Gondor now...we must make haste, or you my boy will have no kingdom to reign over." Gandalf said indicating for Aragorn to walk with him.

After breakfast Éomer's men and Théoden joined the fellowship plus Haldir and what was left of the elf archers as they made their way for Gondor. Éowyn protested that she could fight as well as any man but the King told her she was needed to lead the people back to Edoras. Boromir felt sympathy for her...she was such a brave young woman she wanted to fight. Boromir would feel the same as her if he were in her place. He would want to fight for what he loved.

As they topped the first hill and looked toward Mordor Gandalf proclaimed, "Sauron's wrath will be terrible, his retribution swift. The battle for Helm's Deep is over. The battle for Middle-Earth is about to begin. All our hopes now lie with two little hobbits. Somewhere in the wilderness."

Boromir's heart caught when he spoke of Sam and Frodo...it all rested with them...and he had almost ruined it all.

"We should make for Isengard...there are old friends who await us there." Gandalf said to Boromir and winked.

Boromir looked at the old wizard quizzically and then looked to Aragorn who simply shrugged. The old wizard was getting more and more difficult to understand every day it seemed.

The company made way for Isengard and when they topped the hill before it everyone stopped in awe. The Ents had gone to war against Saruman and apparently had been victorious. The fires of Isengard were no longer and the tower stood like a black spike in the center of a sea of dead orcs and Ents lumbered around. Boromir blinked a few times and then looked at Aragorn.

"I would not have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes." Boromir whispered in wonder.

Aragorn simply nodded his head. They rode down to Isengard and stopped at the gates, which were guarded by two very small people. The larger of the two stood up and bowed. "Greetings! Isengard has a new master, Master Treebeard!" Merry said to King Théoden and smiled broadly at Gandalf. Pippin stood beside his cousin and the Rohirrim stared at the strange pair of children with very large furry feet before them.

Boromir gasped and flew off his horse. He ran to the hobbits. "Merry! Pippin!" The man exclaimed as the two hobbits cheered and threw themselves at the man toppling him over onto the wet ground. Boromir didn't mind the mud at all. The hobbits were laughing and crying, as was Boromir. He didn't care what the Rohirrim thought of the scene before them. These were his brothers and he loved them dearly.

"Oh, Boromir, we thought you were dead! We were so sorry...Gandalf told us you were yet alive but we wouldn't believe him until we saw you again! It is so good to see you! Please forgive us!" They both said in unison as if they had been practicing. Boromir simply laughed. Pippin was actually petting Boromir's hair like a favored pet, and Merry was hugging him so tight he could hardly breathe.

"Do not apologize little ones...you did nothing to be sorry for. I am here, as are the others." Boromir said sitting up from his prone position on the ground with the two hobbits still firmly wrapped around him.

Aragorn smiled brightly at Gandalf and dismounted going to the three on the ground. "Strider!" Pippin cheered throwing his arms around the dark man a moment before Merry could do the same. Aragorn almost lost his footing under the onslaught much like Boromir and found himself laughing happily. Gimli and Legolas approached then and the scene was repeated where the hobbits practically tackled the dwarf and elf.

"There is so much to tell you all!" Pippin cried cheerfully.

Gandalf smiled at the group before him, a fellowship indeed. The wizard thought.

"I will take the King to consult with Isengard's new master, while you friends get reacquainted." Gandalf announced. The Rohirrim followed and left the remaining fellowship and Haldir with his company of archers behind.

"Haldir!?" Merry exclaimed, "How'd you end up here?"

"And where did all the elves come from?" Pippin added looking at the host of Elven archers.

Haldir smiled and looked to Legolas who simply shrugged his shoulders at the other elf. "It is a long story Master Took." Legolas said patting the hobbit on the shoulder.

"Then tell us over dinner!" Pippin said cheerfully and gathered up his scarf that had fallen to the ground.

"So tell me Pip what happened here?" Boromir asked still stunned by the overthrow of Isengard.

"We... well that is Merry and I, and Treebeard, and his friends- the other Ents- attacked last night...as you can see we were victorious!" Pippin chanted happily.

Boromir laughed. Two hobbits and a host of trees had wiped out all of Isengard. He shook his head and smiled at Aragorn who was smiling back at him.

For several hours the friends relayed stories around the fire and when Aragorn told of Boromir's injuries at Amon Hen both Merry and Pippin slid into Boromir's lap and hugged him tightly.

Then when Boromir began the story of the warg battle and came to the part about going over the cliff after Aragorn the few elves that were sitting near the fire gasped. How could a mortal be so careless with his life to save another? They had not heard of such devotion among men before but did not bring voice to it.

Legolas noticed his brethren's reactions and said, "I would not believe it had I not seen it with my own eyes. He simply tore off across the plain and leapt over the precipice as if it was something he did everyday!"

Gimli laughed. "I couldn't believe it when they both came back alive, and unharmed!"

"The gods were smiling on us both that day I think." Aragorn added smiling at Boromir.

"Is there no end to your bravery, Boromir?" Pippin asked hugging the man again. "You were injured not once but three times defending us, but you just kept fighting I bet you killed a hundred orcs that day, then you leap off cliffs to save Aragorn, and you scoff at cave trolls...is there anything you are afraid of?"

Boromir sobered at that question and said, "Yes, yes there is one thing."

"What is that one thing?" Aragorn asked leaning forward, suddenly curious for the answer himself.

"To die alone, and without honor." Boromir said then hanging his head and picking at some weeds on the ground.

Aragorn frowned. "That will not be your fate my dear, Boromir. I daresay there is no way you could die without honor, it is a part of you as much as Isildur's blood is a part of me." He said softly.

The elves collectively gasped at the emotion in Aragorn's voice and Legolas shot a look to Haldir who was smiling strangely at the two men. Boromir simply looked up into the blue gaze of Aragorn and nodded his thanks.

Gimli noticed the change in mood and then began to tell of Helms Deep that soon led to a few of the elves joining in with Haldir on the story.

The hobbits told their own story and Boromir hugged them both when they spoke of the night the Rohirrim came and they got away only to be tracked in Fangorn by an orc. Boromir thought suddenly that he needed to give his thanks to this Treebeard for taking such good care of his little ones.

The friends rested and then Éomer came to Aragorn. "Gandalf means to confront Saruman."

Aragorn looked to Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir who all nodded and then the group followed Aragorn toward the Tower of Orthanc.

"So much waste." Gimli said looking around them at the twisted scene.

"The trees will grow back." Pippin said then and Boromir squeezed the young hobbits shoulder.

"Yes they will, Pip. It will take time, but Isengard will heal." Boromir said nodding. He wasn't sure where the hope for the future had come from but he knew somehow that Isengard would one day be a lush and beautiful place again.

Aragorn heard Boromir speak and he smiled. Boromir has found hope, the hope he had feared he would never see in Lorien. Each day since Amon Hen, Boromir had grown more hopeful and more optimistic about the future. How he could look across this twisted landscape and see the hope of a green forest again Aragorn did not know but he was proud that he could.

When the party came to the doors of the tower Gandalf met them.

The group except the hobbits stood in awe as they stared at the new master of Isengard. The Elves were delighted to meet a talking tree! The great Ent, Treebeard loomed before them, then Boromir strode right up to the tree as if it were something he did on a daily basis.

"Master Treebeard. I am Boromir, and the two hobbits you cared for are two of my dearest friends, like my own brothers. I wish to thank you for what you did for them, I am not sure what I could offer in tribute but should you ever need anything of a mere man I shall do whatever it is you wish. I am forever in your debt." Boromir said and then bowed to the great tree.

Treebeard smiled at the blond man and said, "It was my pleasure Master Boromir...if ever you are in the northern forests you shall ever be welcome. Hold out your hand young master."

Boromir stepped back from the great tree lord and smiled as he held out his hand. The great tree gently placed an acorn in his hand. "If this war should end and you have naught else to do, plant this and tend it. That is what you can do for me."

Boromir nodded. "I swear to you I will." He placed the acorn in a piece of cloth and rolled it up inside his pack.

Aragorn smiled at Boromir, yes so much had he changed. So much had changed him, had changed them all. Pippin and Merry were still jovial but they had a new confidence about them that wasn't there before. Gimli and Legolas were friends now which he never thought would happen. Gandalf was now a powerful white wizard and even Aragorn himself had decided to follow his path to Gondor. They had all changed so much since setting out from Rivendell.

Gandalf looked at Boromir proudly as well. The gods were right in sparing his life; he would have to remember to thank them properly for this boon.

"Gandalf I am glad you have come. Wood and water, stock and stone, I can master; but there is a Wizard to manage here." Treebeard told them. Gandalf frowned. Now was the time to confront Saruman.

He issued instructions to the others. "His power remains, so do not let him in. He will attempt to enchant you all."

Gandalf approached the doors, followed by the remaining fellowship, as well as, Haldir, Éomer, and Théoden. The hobbits stayed close to Boromir who in turn stood shoulder to shoulder with Aragorn.

As they entered the tower they heard Saruman's voice. The group had to work hard to resist the slithery voice attempting to enchant them. When they reached a door Wormtongue answered but would not open it.

Théoden, Gandalf, and Saruman exchanged words. Théoden managed to shake off the evil wizards words, the wizard would not be able to control him so easily this time.

Then Boromir heard his father's voice. "You are weak, you failed me and you failed all of Gondor...I asked you to bring back the ring and instead you pledged your life to a usurper who will never become King...just like your brother you are...so weak! You have shown your qualities and they are few!" The voice barked and Boromir suddenly fought down the urge to leap forward and burst through that barred door to choke the old wizard.

Then the voice changed and it was Saruman again, "Aragorn doesn't love you, you know that...he is only using you, Boromir. You are but a stepping-stone to him, and you have willingly bent your knees and allowed him to step on you like so much dirt on the ground. You are going to let him take Gondor from you for false love?"

All could plainly see that Boromir was struggling with the words being spoken. Then suddenly Boromir's eyes flashed and he stood up a bit straighter as Aragorn clasped Boromir's hand in a silent offer of solidarity.

"No it is you Saruman who is weak...you who have failed, you who are being used. Sauron used you and now that you have failed he doesn't need you any more. He never needed you truly he would not share his power you know this in your black heart. The ring serves him, never you...you are the weakling! My King is just and noble, with a purity of soul that you could never understand in your dark twisted heart. He WILL assume the throne of Gondor with honor and acceptance of his people, you cannot touch us, and you will not touch us!"

Boromir had won but Saruman would not give up that easily. Next the voice turned to Aragorn. "So you have come, weakling King...your forefather's failure you will feel acutely before the end...you will fail as did Isildur. You stand with Boromir but do you know what is in his heart? He loathes you, Ranger! He is serving you falsely he wishes to be King can you not see it?"

Aragorn did not waver before he said, "No, you are the one who has lost the gift of sight for I know what is in good Boromir's heart. I know what strength yet lies in him...you are attacking me now because he turned you away. You have no power over me, you have no power over us!"

Saruman shrieked and the door swung open. The wizard pointed his dark staff at Aragorn but Boromir stepped in front of him. Gandalf took up his own staff and caught the evil wizard's attention before he could hurt the men.

"Sauruman! I cast you from the order of the Council! Your staff is broken!" Saruman's staff shattered and the pieces turned to dust. "Be gone!" Gandalf gestured with his staff again and Saruman was jerked backwards across the room landing in a lump on the floor.

His hold finally broke on all of his minions and Wormtongue flew from the corner of the room where he had been hiding. Boromir and Aragorn both gasped as they saw a dagger flash in his hand as he attacked Saruman. Before any of them could react Wormtongue had killed Saruman and then turned the knife on himself. Théoden had to look away.

"At one time both of them had been my friends." Théoden said sadly. "Sauron will pay for destroying what good was in them." Gandalf put his hand on the King's arm.

As they left the tower a small globe bounced down the steps. It rolled to a stop and Pippin picked it up. The young hobbit stared at the strange glow inside the orb. Gandalf shook his head.

"Pippin…Here I'll take that my lad." He said taking the orb.

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The company mounted again, and Haldir's archers followed on foot. Pippin joined Boromir on his horse and Merry rode with Aragorn. Théoden and a small group of his men decided to return to Edoras in the morning and muster an army of horsemen to aid Minas Tirith.

The company decided to take rest at the fords of Isen. They had just started setting up camp, when a group of riders approached from the north. Éomer called out to the riders and their leader answered.

"We seek Aragorn, son of Arathorn," one of them said. "I am Halbarad of the Dunedain."

Aragorn ran forward to greet his kinsman and then he noticed the elves who dismounted their horses. He swept both into his arms smiling widely. Boromir stared at him for a moment.

"These are my foster brothers! Elladan and Elrohir, the sons of Elrond." Aragorn exclaimed happily to Boromir.

Boromir smiled. "Well met, Elladan and Elrohir, I am Boromir, son of Denethor." Boromir said bowing in greeting.

The two elves bowed in return.

"Our father has sent the Dunedain to your side, Estel. Word came that Isildur's Heir had need of his kinsman in Rohan," Elladan explained. "Also we have brought something else." The two brothers brought forth two cloth-wrapped bundles. Halbarad stood back smiling at his kinsman.

"Father sends this to you and says, 'The days are short. If thou are in haste, remember the Paths of the Dead.' " Elrohir opened the cloth to reveal the sword of the King, the re-forged Narsil.

Elrohir bowed his head. "It is time." The elf said respectfully.

Aragorn stared at the sword Anduril. Boromir just stood in awe staring at the sword that had once been nothing but shards in the shrine at Rivendell. Aragorn laid his hand over the hilt his hand still hovering over the sword then he grasped it and swung it into the air. As he did so Boromir went to his knees, as did the rest of their party. On the banks of Isen stood the one true King of Gondor in all his glory. Aragorn stood staring at the beautiful sword in his hands, the sword that was now whole. Would he be able to do what it is he must? Could he command the armies of Gondor or would he fail just as Isildur failed?

He looked around him then and realized his friends were bowing to him. "Do not do this...I am no king yet."

The group rose to their feet and Halbarad offered another gift. "The Lady of Rivendell sends this gift."

Aragorn nodded, "I know what it is. I ask you to bear it for me a while longer."

The group resumed the task of setting up camp for the night. Aragorn entered the tent that he and Boromir were to share. Boromir was sitting on his bedroll.

"Quite a day." Boromir mused.

"Indeed." Aragorn answered.

"You looked right earlier, that sword looks right in your hands." Boromir said removing his boots.

Aragorn shook his head. "Wish it felt right...I know you see me differently than I see myself. What do you see in me truly, Boromir?" Aragorn asked.

"It is true that at first I did not see, I was blinded by my own pride and my father's beliefs. I truly believed that Gondor did not need a King. We had gone so many years without one, why now? Why you? I believed that with my whole heart at first. When I did not know you that is. When I was too wrapped up inside my own head and my father's teachings to see you. To see who you are, how you are, Aragorn when I see you I see a proud warrior, and noble man, a man full of passion, and humility. A fair man, and a just man what better traits to be a king? I see a man who is so full of honor that you are terrified to follow your destiny. You do not wish to fail, you are frightened by what you know is expected of you. For you being a normal man is not an option because you are so much more than that. The blood of Númenor runs through your veins and yes the taint of Isildur as well. You are his heir, but you are not Isildur, and I do not see you failing. If you would but just believe in yourself half as much as I do, as all of us do, your friends, then you will prevail over all." Boromir ended his speech standing to face Aragorn.

Aragorn looked into his friend's green eyes and said. "Arwen told me once 'Why do you fear the past? You are Isildur's heir, not Isildur himself. You are not bound to his fate.' I wanted to believe her. Tonight you have said much the same thing and I want to believe you, I know in my head that you both are right, but in my heart I fear that I am not strong enough."

"Perhaps if you were alone you would not be, but you have the fellowship, you have me." Boromir said stepping closer. "Allow us... allow me to be your strength when you feel you may falter." Boromir took Aragorn's hand and placed it over his heart.

"I have pledged my life to you, I will follow you to whatever end, you know I mean this pledge. Aragorn, I know that Arwen pledged the same thing to you and she did not go to the undying lands. She is in Rivendell awaiting your coronation in Gondor. She will be your Queen and I will be your loyal subject and Captain of the White Tower, and perhaps Steward when my time comes. You inspire such devotion in those who love you, my liege. If you would but see what we see in you."

Aragorn gazed into Boromir's green eyes that were sparkling now. He had never discussed these things with Boromir before...they had never really discussed Arwen but somehow he knew.

"How did you know of Arwen's pledge?" Aragorn asked.

"I spoke to Gandalf before we left Helms Deep." Boromir answered.

Aragorn wondered how much the old wizard had told him. Gandalf knew Aragorn loved Boromir, but he did not know if Boromir loved him...he suspected, but he didn't know for sure. He had told Aragorn he cared for him, but not that he loved him.

"Do you Boromir?" Aragorn asked then.

Boromir looked confused for a moment. "Do I what?"

"Do you...love me?" Aragorn asked.

Boromir smiled. "I cannot fathom how you did not already know. Yes, I do love you."

Aragorn pulled Boromir into his arms. "And I love you dear one." Aragorn said pressing a light kiss to the blond man's forehead.

The two men heard someone clear their throat and they both turned in each other's arms to see Gandalf standing in the doorway to the tent, blocking any view from anyone outside. "Um excuse me, but your little ones are restless, Boromir."

Aragorn laughed and Boromir shook his head. "What is it Pippin, Merry?" Boromir asked going to the tent flap.

"Umm we um were wondering...can we sleep with you in your tent...otherwise we have to sleep out here by the fire and I would love to have a roof even a cloth one over my head again, and we, well we missed you." Pippin asked looking down at the ground.

Boromir smiled at his dear friend. "Of course, bring your things."

He turned to Aragorn who looked mildly displeased. "What?" Boromir asked.

"Nothing." Aragorn said striding back to his bedroll to grab his pack. He had hoped for a night alone in the tent with Boromir. They had just declared their love for each other and they can't even have a single night alone? Aragorn was becoming increasingly frustrated to the point his body positively ached. Why didn't they just invite the entire fellowship to sleep in their tent!? He thought angrily as he left.

"I will be back in a few minutes...I need to talk to my brothers." Aragorn said walking past Boromir who was pulling his boots back on to help the hobbits.

Gandalf followed Aragorn outside. "The two of you are ummm becoming closer." Gandalf said reaching for the right words.

"If you mean have I bedded him no I have not, and at this rate I never will." Aragorn snapped and then stopped walking. Gods, had he just said that out loud to Gandalf?

Gandalf roared with laughter. "Well." The old wizard said shaking his head. He stopped and watched the Ranger walk away.

Aragorn left Gandalf and continued to walk around the camp. He needed to think on a great many things. Elrond had sent word that he needed to follow the Paths of the Dead...that would be a road he could not ask his friends to follow him on. When he returned to the tent an hour later he found Boromir asleep with two hobbits curled around him like kittens. Aragorn stood watching them for a few minutes and Boromir said, "Close the flap the air is cold."

His voice startled Aragorn and he said, "Oh...sorry about that. I thought you were asleep."

"Was waiting on you." Boromir said sleepily.

Aragorn smiled at that. "Well I am here now; go to sleep dear one."

Boromir fell asleep and Aragorn lay down next to Pippin who was sandwiched between the two men. Sometime in the night Pippin awoke and could not fall back to sleep. He was laying between Aragorn and Boromir and the two men were making him hot. He decided to get up and walk around a bit to cool off.

He left the tent and began wandering around the camp. He came to the tent that Gandalf, Legolas, and Gimli were sharing and spotted Gandalf's pack that held the strange ball he had found at the tower. Pippin wondered about the orb. He wanted to see what had caused Gandalf to snatch it away from him so quickly. He dug through the pack and found the orb.

He stared down at the large round ball and watched as clouds seemed to form inside the ball and then a shifting red light seemed to pulse and glow. It held him transfixed, he could not release the orb and the pain became unbearable. He screamed and collapsed unconscious on the ground.

Pippin's scream awoke most of the camp; Boromir awoke with a start and saw that Pippin was not in the tent. He raced out into the night without boots only his breeches and under tunic. He soon found Gandalf leaning over the hobbit.

"Gandalf, what has happened? Why did Pippin cry out?" Boromir asked in a rush.

Boromir scooped the unconscious hobbit into his arms and began to check him for signs of injury as Aragorn arrived by his side.

Boromir noticed the orb on the ground next to where Pippin had lay and asked, "What is that thing, Gandalf?"

"It is a Palantír, one of the lost Seeing Stones of Númenor. They are not all accounted for." Gandalf explained.

Boromir was stunned he had heard of a Palantír before.

The hobbit began to stir and then he called out in a voice not his own, "It is not for you Saruman, I will send for it at once!"

"Pippin...Pip it's Boromir...it's alright I have you little one. Come back." Boromir said soothingly to the writhing hobbit. He sat on the ground and cradled Pippin in his arms.

"Can you hear me little one?" Boromir asked desperately.

"Boromir!" Pippin cried out throwing his arms around the man and sobbing against his chest.

"Shh it's alright, it's alright." Boromir said rocking him like a child and looking up at Gandalf and Aragorn.

"Pippin...what did you see?" Gandalf asked.

Pippin explained what he saw and heard to them. Boromir rocked the frightened hobbit in his arms the entire time.

Gandalf nodded, "Pippin you are a fool, but an honest fool. I don't believe you have caused too much harm to yourself or our quest. We do need to make haste now however." He turned to Théoden, "Ride for your halls, old friend, do not wait for morning. The Nazgûl are stirring; they will come to seek this hobbit for they believe he is the ring bearer. I will take Pippin with me to Minas Tirith tonight." Théoden nodded in agreement.

Boromir suddenly realized what Gandalf planned to do. He was going to use poor little Pippin as bait, make the wraiths believe he was the ring bearer.

"Gandalf no...I cannot allow you to use him as bait!" Boromir begged.

"It is not I who did this but Pippin himself in his unfailing curiosity. I must bear him away to safety...he will be safe with me. You have my word." Gandalf reassured the man.

Gandalf picked up the Palantír and swathed it in cloth, "Aragorn will you take the stone and guard it? It is a dangerous charge."

Aragorn frowned. "Dangerous indeed, but not to all. I am the only one who may claim it by right."

Gandalf smiled and then to the surprise of the others he lifted the covered stone and bowed to Aragorn as he presented it. "Receive it my lord, but if I may counsel you in the use of your own, do not use it, at least not here in Isengard."

"When have I ever been hasty or unwary, who have waited and prepared for so many long years?" Aragorn asked with a smile. "Stay safe, Mithrandir."

Merry and Pippin said a tearful goodbye to each other and then Boromir hugged Pippin close. "Be careful little one."

Merry began to cry as they rode away. "Don't fret Merry." Boromir cooed to the young hobbit.

Aragorn knelt down. "I think you should go with the King, Merry." Aragorn advised.

"I want to stay with you…with Boromir." Merry complained wiping his eyes.

"No, where we have to go you will not be safe…I wish you to go with the King. Please Merry it is for the best." Aragorn said softly hugging the hobbit.

Merry didn't want to but he finally nodded. He went with Théoden's men and helped pack up the camp. The Rohirrim set their men to packing up camp for the journey back to Helms Deep and Edoras to call muster hours earlier than planned.

"Lord Aragorn, what is it you plan to do?" Éomer asked.

"We will return to Helms Deep for now." Aragorn said then.

"Go back?" Gimli asked astounded they just left there!

Aragorn stared at him but he knew they would need to go back for provisions and reinforcements. They could not do this from Isengard. Aragorn would rather have stayed at the camp and waited on Théoden to return with his men but he would need to use the Palantír and it could only safely be used from the tower at the keep. He also would need to return to Edoras if he were to follow the advice Lord Elrond had sent about following The Paths of the Dead.

"Will you follow us, Haldir?" Aragorn asked the Marchwarden.

"Yes, we will follow you Aragorn. Go ahead of us, ride fast…we will meet you in Edoras." Haldir answered as his men fell in with the Dúnedain.

The group rode as fast as their horses could carry them back to Helms Deep. Once they arrived Aragorn asked his friends and the twins to follow him to the highest chamber. Inside was a table with a hole cut in the center to hold the Palantír. Aragorn unwrapped it and set it in place as the others gathered around.

"Whatever happens none of you touch me." Aragorn warned.

"Aragorn, do not do this it is folly!" Boromir exclaimed, he was horrified at what had happened to Pippin, it had almost killed the hobbit.

Gimli agreed. "You cannot look in that accursed stone, Aragorn. It is an evil bit of wizardry!"

"It is alright. You heard Gandalf and I speak of this. The Palantír is an heirloom of mine, and I have the right to wield it. It will not harm me." Aragorn explained though it did little to comfort either the dwarf or the man.

They formed a circle around the table. Aragorn took a deep breath and stepped up to the Palantír. He placed his hands on the orb and closed his eyes. Upon his touch a dull red glow began to pulse inside the stone.

Boromir could not look at the stone instead he watched Aragorn's face. His face seemed to contort in pain and all in the chamber could sense a battle of wills take place. Aragorn's face grew grim and sweat dripped from his brow as the Eye burned into his mind. As with Pippin it asked "Who are you?"

The air seemed to thicken and was ripe with electricity as if a thunderstorm was brewing inside the chamber. Boromir reached out and took Legolas' hand in his. The elf looked at him but Boromir did not take his eyes from Aragorn, then he reached for Elladan on his other side. The elves seemed to read what the man was telling him. Legolas reached out and took Gimli's hand and all of the friends and Aragorn's brothers' linked hands around the room. They began to will thoughts of strength and love to their friend. Soon Boromir saw Aragorn's face smooth and he knew it was over. It was still several minutes before Aragorn released the stone and opened his eyes. What Boromir saw there nearly caused his heart to stop in his chest. Aragorn's eyes were pained and haunted, and his skin was wet with sweat and his face ashen in color.

"What did you see, Estel?" Elladan asked.

Aragorn looked at Boromir then. "The White City will fall in ten days if we do not go to her aid."

"How?" Boromir asked in alarm.

"A scourge from the south." Aragorn stated.

"What did he learn from you?" Boromir asked knowing if Aragorn had learned things from Sauron the he certainly had learned things from Aragorn.

"I let him see who I am and that Narsil has been re-forged. That came as a surprise since he was certain the line of kings were dead. He fears me, fears what I may become. Now he is confused, and unsure of himself, of course that makes him more dangerous, but at the same time more foolish."

Boromir swore and shook his head then he noticed Aragorn wavering. Boromir rushed to him before even the friends closest to Aragorn could react.

"Shh, you need to rest, if there is more you wished to say you can say it later." Boromir said leading him to a chair.

"Someone cover that thing but do not touch it directly!" Boromir commanded. Legolas threw the cloth over the stone and the others made their way out of the chamber.

"We must leave now." Aragorn protested trying to rise out of the chair.

"Not just yet...take a moment to regain your strength." Boromir advised.

After a few minutes Aragorn looked at Boromir. "I felt it you know...I felt you...I felt our friends...all of you willing your strength and love to me to keep Sauron from crushing my will."

Boromir simply smiled. "What did I tell you? You can always take strength in us." Aragorn returned his smile weakly but his color was starting to come back.

After a few more minutes Aragorn stood. "We must make haste, we return to Edoras before setting forth for a more treacherous path to Gondor."

Go to Chapter 7