Mission Secured
by gustaf
Chapter 3: Difficult Decisions
A/N: Okay...before you think I've gone crazy...I just wanted to add a little bit of a twist here. Make it a bit harder...
That day after the talk between the three, Boromir and Faramir talked
for a long time together about the same matter trying to come to a
decision how to convince father to let one of them go. Both of them
wanted equally to go, but they knew only one of them could go. Trying
to come to a decision which would be easier to convince father about,
they could only think how much they themselves wanted to go and could
not come to a decision. That evening, it was restless for Denethor,
Boromir, and Faramir. They lay awake thinking, but eventually came to
an uneasy sleep. If there couldn’t be more of a coincidence, Faramir
dreamt the same dream yet again.
As morning came, Faramir again took care of something that needed
to be done then he and his brother and father all found their way to
meet up together and ended up in the same place as the previous day. As
they broke their fast together, they tried to pass the time by talking
about light things, but the tension in the air was thick like an old
tree and the unease great, so they got into what was on their minds.
Faramir started by saying, “Well, father, you must let one of us
go as I believe we all deem this matter important. I don’t know why,
save that this be a matter of importance, I had the same dream again
last night. As to whom you should let go, I think you should let me go
because Gondor does need her soldiers, and Boromir is much better than
I at combat, so if I go it will be a lesser loss than if Boromir went.
Also, I might be able to understand better what Elrond has to say
because I have read many books and Mithrandir has instructed me some in
lore. Another reason is that I had the dream first and thrice. What say
you?”
“I completely object”, said Boromir, “I think that you should let
me go father because I am older and hardier than Faramir, and if I go
he will have plenty of time to prove himself a wonderful warrior.
Between us two, I am stronger and it would be much better if I go
because the journey is long and perilous.” Silence began to fill the
time as Faramir and Boromir both held their breaths looking around
uneasily as they attempted in vain to release the anxiety that held
their minds captive. After exactly eight seconds of unease, Denethor
sighed.
His sons really did think he would let them go and if he did, they
might fight over who would get to go. Well, his sons should listen to
him and he had reasons. Denethor began after another grueling thirteen
seconds in a constrained and rigid voice that showed a mask of
emotions, “I was hoping to talk you two out of this, but it seems to
me, an impossibility so I must then decide which of you should go.”
Denethor sighed audibly yet again; this was going to be hard. He
thought for a while then said, “I must say that Faramir’s reasons are
true. I need you here Boromir, and I cannot let you go.” Faramir tried
hard to extinguish the look of hope he held in his eyes but no sooner
than Denethor stopped that he was going on in a intense voice, “But I
cannot afford to lose either one of my sons and this journey if Faramir
goes, might end in his coming to harm. Yet I honestly wish with all my
heart that you both would just take no heed to these silly dreams of
yours and remain loyal to Gondor by staying here!” he roared. The look
of disappointment arose in the boy’s eyes, but Denethor chuckled and
said in a milder tone, “But I suppose the two of you would skin me
alive if I prohibited one of you from going, so give me time to think
on this and if you attempt to disturb me in any way, you know what I
would do.” He stood up abruptly and left.
“Father”, shouted Boromir quickly, “remember that I want to go on this
mission please. Just know that.” Soon after, Faramir and Boromir stood
up not knowing quite what to do as the fate of decision was now in
their father’s hands. So awkwardly parting, they went their own ways.
After the meeting with the boys was over, Denethor strode to his private chambers and sat down thinking. What
was he thinking, allowing the thought of letting his sons pursue some
childish dream? And Boromir, oh, by all the Valar, why was he allowing
himself to believe in strange signs and elvish tales he most highly
disregarded in the past? Denethor stood again and began pacing. Am
I going mad, thinking that perhaps it might be a, oh confound it, good
idea to let one of his sons go on this mission? Concentrate Denethor,
concentrate. You made a promise to your sons and you must not allow
yourself to break a promise...ever. So there he was till it was
well past the midday meal, pacing back and forth in his small chambers,
weighing out the pros and cons of letting Faramir go, then Boromir. He
simulated in his mind how the circumstances would be when one of his
two sons left and how Gondor would react.
How hard this decision was. Being steward, he needed to
concentrate on Gondor’s welfare, but he could not deny his sons this
journey. Gondor waged war with those who opposed her, and the men who
did the toilsome task of fighting for her would need to have a Captain
they could trust and admire. Gondor did not need any more trouble added
to its shoulders with troubles within the family of the steward. Gondor
would need its steward to be strong and with a son he could be proud
of. Gondor needed him to make the right decision. Once he made his
decision, there was no turning back. Who ever heard of Denethor turning
on his word? Not one man. For he was a stubborn man and reliable if he
promised something.
Yet the broken sword kept at an elvish place ringed a tone of
warning in his head. Could it be that the sword of Elendil had come
back? Could it be that someone who would claim being the heir or
Isildur take that sword and summon all to his side? Alas, Gondor could
use some token of power. Faramir would never do such a thing as claim
or take something that was not his rightfully. But Boromir, he could do
such a thing if he knew it was for a good purpose, for Gondor. And
Boromir would not be swayed by sayings of elvish men or smoking wizards
whereas Faramir would immediately fall into the trap of their luring
words. Boromir would be able to survive a travel; many had he done in
his entire lifetime and many battles had he fought. He was invincible;
he could be wounded sorely as had happened before but he survived
through it. Boromir was a loyal son that could be relied on. If asked
to do something by his father, surely he would see to it that it would
be accomplished.
So what would be of better good to Gondor? Having the sword of
Elendil or some other token of power with Boromir absent for a short
time, or having Boromir stay put here while Faramir only sought out the
riddle? How hard this decision was! Could not any signs be clearer?
What of the rest of the riddle? What could they mean? Mayhap they would
shed more light onto this matter...
Meanwhile, Boromir and Faramir sought to rid the thought of this
mission out of their minds but to no avail. However, there were things
that needed to be done, so they went about doing the trivial chores in
hopes of distracting their hearts. Faramir went to the stables to find
his horse, Delta, and was greeted by a rather impatient snort as
Faramir today was slow in pulling out the treat for her. He continued
to groom his horse rather slowly since he was thinking until his horse
sensed his unease and nuzzled Faramir causing him to laugh out loud. As
Faramir tried to make a decision whether or not to ride her for a
while, his aide came running to the stables with greetings to him.
“Faramir! How fare you this morning? I was looking around trying to
find you for ages, but I’m glad that I have finally accomplished this
rather difficult task”, his squire said with obvious gusto.
“Disobedient nuisance!” Faramir replied grinning, “Didn’t I tell you to get lost yesterday morning and this morning?”
His aide broke out laughing, “I did get lost both days already and
since you didn’t specify how long to get lost for in a day, I went
looking for you. But anyhow, it looks like you need some company ‘cause
you don’t look quite in the, highest of highly good moods today. You
know how well I know you, Far!”
Faramir scowled deeply saying, “Don’t ask, don’t tell. I just have
some...problems that I don’t particularly wish to share with anyone
save my father and brother.”
“Oh alrighty then. Sorry”, said his aide emphasizing the word ‘sorry’.
“Stop saying sorry.”
“I am so extremely sorry. Well, I mean...sorry...or rather I
profusely apologize for saying the word that utterly ticks you off.”
They both laughed out loud at this ‘tradition’ of theirs.
“Well”, said Faramir, “since you’re here, would you please grab a shovel for...”
“There is absolutely no need to say the rest of the sentence
since...you know why. But, if you want me to finish doing this, I can.
And I’ll love to take Delta for a run too! Seems like you have
some...business?” offered his squire.
“Indeed I do. Thank you. I must go find my father and brother.” His squire nodded to him.
This squire he chose for himself utterly annoyed Denethor. He
didn’t address Faramir as ‘my lord’ and sometimes even didn’t call him
by his entire name. This boy, Javan, who was now 14, became Faramir’s
squire when he was12. They had developed a friendship and Javan was
extremely loyal to Faramir. Faramir treated him like a comrade rather
than his underling and had been there for him when his father died in
battle. Eventually, Javan had grown smart and knew how to please the
steward showing him much respect while impressing Denethor with his
loyalty to Faramir. He was a good squire.
As Faramir walked towards the Citadel, he was now becoming
increasingly uptight about the decision his father would make. His
father loved Boromir more and would probably concede with Boromir’s
wished, though however Denethor might want to keep Boromir in his
company. Faramir sighed; the fate of decision was not in his hands. By
now Boromir and his father were already gathered together. Faramir’s
breath hitched as he entered but was relieved soon enough to find that
his brother knew nothing either.
Denethor began and said, “Well Faramir, what brings you here late?”
Faramir answered, “As I know, you did not tell us when to come back so
therefore I cannot be said to be late. But if you want to know where I
went, it was to the stables.”
Denethor nodded then put a letter on the table between the boys
then got up and walked to the door slowly. Faramir opened it and all
that was said in the letter was this:
Boromir alone is capable of this journey.
“What?! NO! Absolutely not father. You must let me go! You can NOT let Boromir go. Please!” shouted Faramir
“Thank you father!! I knew you would pick me! It is only right like this!” said Boromir exuberantly.
Faramir sighed and said, “Father, on what do you base your
decision? May I try to persuade you to let me go instead? There are so
many reasons why you...”
“I have made my decision”, said Denethor in a cold voice while cutting Faramir off.
“But...”
“No ‘buts’! As I already said, I have made my decision.” Denethor
said angrily. “And you’re welcome Boromir. Now I want to talk to you
alone. Faramir, leave us.”
“No, father. You must let me go instead. Please! You need Boromir here to...”
“That was an order, Faramir. Now GO! Leave us!”
