Hey, everybody. Back with another chapter. Hope you like this one.

Let's get to it.

Chapter 21- Minas Tirith

Jakan re-situates himself a bit in the saddle as Lodreng continues to gallop across the plains of Gondor. They had passed into Gondor early that morning. The journey had taken a day longer than Gandalf predicted, as they needed to stop periodically to let the other horses rest. Had it just been Gandalf and Pippin riding on Shadowfax, then they could've made it in three days. However, not every horse had Shadowfax' endurance.

It's been a tiring journey. It's been tiring to be riding horses nonstop for so long. Even though he loves the feeling of riding horses, he's eager to finally get to Minas Tirith.

Finally, Shadowfax reaches the top of a ridge up ahead, and Gandalf reigns him in. Boromir, Jakan, and Mirta ride up beside him, reigning in their horses beside him as a city comes into view up ahead.

"Minas Tirith. City of kings," Gandalf introduces the city.

Jakan stares at the city, taking in the sight before him. Minas Tirith was built against the mountains. It was circular in shape, with seven levels reaching into the mountain behind the city. The lowest level, looking to be almost a mile in diameter, was surrounded by a massive stone wall. Not only that, but a massive spur of rock jutted out through the middle of the city, with the top of it being level with the city's highest level. On that highest level was The Citadel, including a large tower that Boromir had described as the Tower of Ecthelion. And Boromir's description of Minas Tirith as "the White City" was no exaggeration. All of the stone that made up the city was white.

"Wow. You weren't exaggerating, Boromir. Minas Tirith is sure an impressive sight," Jakan says.

Boromir smiles proudly. "I am glad to hear that you think so," he says as he looks at his friend. He then faces Minas Tirith again and says, "Come my friends. I have waited long to come home. I do not intend to wait much longer."

Everyone spurs their horses, and they gallop across the Fields of Pelennor towards Minas Tirith. As they approach the city, Jakan begins to appreciate just how big Minas Tirith truly is. He also begins to realize just how fortified the city is. The wall is so tall and thick it would be very difficult to breach, and the Great Gate looks nearly impenetrable. Not only that, but multiple defensive weapons such as trebuchets dotting the city.

As they approach the gate, sentries in the Gatehouse are watching them. As they get close enough for the sentries to make out faces, shock begins to ripple through their ranks. Their Captain General and Son of the Steward, Lord Boromir, has returned! They immediately order that the Great Gate be opened.

As they enter the Great Gate, they are immediately met by a man in armor and a cloak signifying him as someone of higher rank.

"Hirgon!" Boromir says in greeting.

"Welcome home, Lord Boromir!" Hirgon says in greeting.

"I must see my father immediately," Boromir says.

"Of course, Lord Boromir. He is in the Tower. He will be most anxious to see you. It has been so long since we received word of you," Hirgon says.

"Thank you, Hirgon. I am sure we will speak again soon," Boromir says. He then spurs his horse on, and the others follow him, riding their horses up the streets of Minas Tirith towards the Tower of Ecthelion.

A few minutes later, they ride up into the courtyard outside the tower. Once they're all in the courtyard, they reign in their horses and dismount.

Boromir leads them towards the tower. As they go, they see a tree up ahead. The tree is white, and completely bare of leaves. Surrounding it are four guards, wearing cloaks and elaborate helms, and wielding long spears.

Pippin looks at the tree and says, "It's the tree. Gandalf! Gandalf!"

"Yes, the White Tree of Gondor. The Tree of the King. Lord Denethor however is not king. He is a steward only. A caretaker of the throne," Gandalf says.

"I swear, this world's politics are too d*** complicated," Jakan says.

Boromir glances back at his friend, smiling slightly. He then asks, "I would advise that you remove your helmets once we enter the throne room. It will make a better impression on my father."

Jakan nods. Although Mirta doesn't entirely approve, she decides she'll follow Jakan's lead.

As they approach the doors leading into the throne room, Boromir stops and turns to his friends. "Now, my friends. There are several things you should know. We must not make any mention of Frodo or the Ring before my father. Nor should we explain the truth about the Mandalorians."

"Why?" Pippin asks.

"Because, Pippin. It will soon be clear to Denethor that Theoden has already made friends with Mandalorians. I think it's clear now that Theoden and Denethor mistrust each other. Denethor could see our friendship with Theoden as Theoden having the ability to call on armies of warriors from the sky, and could use that as a bargaining chip against Denethor. Maybe we can tell him eventually, but we have to break it to him slowly," Jakan says, recognizing Boromir's concern.

"And while you're at it, do not speak anything about Aragorn. Or anything from…" Gandalf begins.

"Gandalf, how about I simplify this?" Jakan says. He then looks at Pippin and says, "Pippin, let's you, me, and Mirta all just stay quiet and leave the talking to Boromir and Gandalf."

Gandalf rolls his eyes a bit at Jakan's interruption, but Boromir grins in amusement. He then turns around and opens the door, striding into the throne room. Gandalf, Pippin, Jakan, and Mirta follow him into the throne room.

Jakan has to admit that the throne room is well designed. It's definitely grander than the throne room in the Meduseld. A series of statues of past kings are positioned along the walls in alcoves.

Jakan then turns his attention to the end of the hall, where the throne sits on an elevated white dias. It's an intricate white throne, and Jakan, for a split moment, imagines Aragorn, wearing a crown and sitting on the throne.

At the base of the dias that the throne rests on is a less ornate chair. The Steward's Chair. And in it sits Denethor.

Jakan examines the Steward as they approach. In his younger days, he imagines that Denethor would have been a handsome, imposing figure. However, years of stress that must have come with the job of being Steward of a country constantly at war and the threat of Mordor have taken their toll. He looks rather downtrodden. There are a few wrinkles on his face. He looks older than he is. And he seems to sag a bit in his seat.

However, when he looks up and sees Boromir approaching, his face lights up, and he seems to regain some of his energy.

"Boromir!" he cries. He stands up from the Steward's Chair and hurries to embrace his eldest son.

"Father, it is good to see you again," Boromir says happily.

The two embrace for a moment before Denethor pulls back and looks his son up and down, still smiling. "You look thinner than I remember. I shall declare a feast to celebrate your return!"

"It is not only me that has come, Father," Boromir says, trying to turn Denethor's attention to the fact he's not alone.

Denethor turns to the rest of the group, and his joy fades from his face, replaced with a calm, iron expression. Gandalf takes a step forward and says respectfully, "Hail, Denethor, son of Ecthelion, Lord and Steward of Gondor! I come with tidings in this dark hour and with counsel!"

Denethor sneers a bit. "Mithrandir. Forgive me, but it has been so long since I last I heard your counsel that I have forgotten its merit," he says. Boromir sighs, but without making a sound, embarrassed by his father's attitude.

Denethor looks at Gandalf for a moment longer before he says, "My further apologies Mithrandir, but I hope you will understand if, after so long, I wish to speak to my son." He then turns to Boromir and says, "Boromir, you must tell what has happened since I last saw you. What has taken you so long to return home?"

"I did not intend to take so long, father. The company I journeyed with encountered many perils that slowed us down. I also stopped in Rohan to assist in their defense against attacks by Saruman," Boromir says.

Denethor's expression changes to one of irritation and disappointment, which makes Boromir uncomfortable. He's always hated when his father wore that look.

"As Captain General, your priority is the defense of Gondor and her people. Why would you shirk your duties to aid Rohan?" Denethor demands.

Jakan feels a little irritation. Although at face value, that could have just been Denethor asking why Boromir was neglecting his duties to Gondor, to him, it could also be Denethor suggesting that Rohan was not worthy of such aid.

"Father, I assure you that the defense of Gondor was a motivation for me to remain in Rohan. If Rohan fell, Gondor would be caught in a pincer between Mordor and Isengard. Not only that, but the Oath of Eorl promises mutual aid between Rohan and Gondor. I felt by aiding Rohan, I was protecting us from the west, and fulfilling my obligation of the Oath of Eorl," Boromir defends himself.

"Boromir greatly wished to be here to aid in the defense of his home. As soon as Saruamn was defeated, we made ready and departed for Gondor. And a good thing. For an attack is coming that will cause all others you have ever seen pale in comparison," Gandalf says.

Denethor sneers again. "Do you think the eyes of the White Tower are blind, Mithrandir? I have seen more than you know," he says.

"Then you would know that the Enemy is on your doorstep? While your son is commander of Gondor's armies, defense of the city ultimately falls on you. Where are Gondor's armies to defend this city?" Gandalf demands. He then pauses before he says, "You are not alone in this fight, my Lord. Send word to Theoden of Rohan. Light the beacons."

Denethor sneers again and says, "Once again, Mithrandir, I have seen more than you know. I know who rides with Theoden of Rohan. Oh, yes. Word has reached my ears of this Aragorn, son of Arathorn. And I tell you now, I will not bow to this Ranger from the North. Last of a ragged house long bereft of lordship."

"Father!" Boromir says loudly, trying to both chastise his father and draw his attention away from Gandalf for a moment. Once Denethor has turned to Boromir, Boromir says, "Father. Rohan are our allies. They will come if we call."

Deciding this is the time to introduce his remaining friends, Boromir then smiles, "And not only Rohan, father. Gondor has many friends."

He then turns towards Jakan, and Mirta, stretching out a hand towards them, and says with great pride, "Father, it is my pleasure to introduce to you Lord Jakan Shan and Mirta Vizsla of Mandalore!"

Denethor looks confused. "Mandalore?" he asks.

"Yes, father," Boromir says, already having though up what he intended to say to introduce Jakan and Mirta to his father. He pauses for a split second before he says, "Mandalore is a far away land, unknown to us due to their reclusiveness. The Jakan and Mirta are some of the greatest warriors I have ever known, and the rest of their people's warriors are similarly skilled. As more Mandalorians come to Middle-Earth, they will aid us, father!"

Denethor stands there for a moment before he looks at Gandalf. "Mithrandir. You may have turned Faramir against me, which I will tolerate. But I will not allow you to turn Boromir against me. I do not need you filling his head with foolish ideas. And Gondor needs no help, whether from Rohirrim, Ranger, or "warriors" from a land that apparently believes women are capable of being fierce warriors," Denethor says.

Boromir looks shocked at his father's words. For several reasons. Firstly, that his father would disregard his word like that. And second, that he would insult Mirta like that. Glancing at Mirta, he feels nervous as he sees the look of extreme anger growing on Mirta's face.

Denethor seems unaware of this. He says, "Now, Mithrandir. I wish to speak to my son alone. If you will please leave us alone, the servants will show you to your quarters."

Boromir sighs at his father's rudness. Gandalf narrows his eyes one more time before turning around and walking out with Pippin, Jakan, and Mirta, with Mirta shooting one last hateful glance at Denethor as they walk out.

Once the group is out, Denethor turns to Boromir, looking excited. "Now, we can truly discuss matters. Did you retrieve it, Boromir? The gift that will change our fortunes in this war?"

Gandalf mutters to himself as they storm out of the throne room and across the courtyard. "All has turned to vain ambition!" he mutters. He is quiet for a moment, then says, "A thousand years, this city has stood. And now, at the whim of a madman, it will fall. And the White Tree, the Tree of the King, will never bloom again."

"Why are they still guarding it?" Pippin asks as they walk around the tree.

"They guard it because they have hope. A faint, but fading, hope that one day it will flower. That a king will come, and this city will be as it once was. Before it fell into ruin," Gandalf says.

As they near the edge of the large protrusion of rock, Jakan sees a large, dark mountain range in the distance. Behind it, a wall of clouds and angry yellow-red glow.

"Mordor, isn't it?" Jakan asks matter of factly.

"Yes, there it lies. This city has dwelt ever in the sight of its shadow," Gandalf says.

Pippin looks intently at the gathering clouds coming from Mordor as he says, "A storm is coming."

Gandalf looks at the clouds himself, then says, "This is not the weather of the world. This is a device of Sauron's making. A broil of fume he sends ahead of his host. The Orcs of Mordor have no love of daylight. So, he covers the sun to ease their passage along the road to war. When the shadow of Mordor reaches this city, it will begin."

Everyone is quiet for a moment before Pippin says, "Well. Minas Tirith. Very impressive. So where are we off to next?"

Jakan smiles a bit under his helmet as Gandalf says, "Oh, it's too late for that Peregrin. There's no leaving this city. Help will have to come to us."

There's quiet for a moment before Mirta says, "Well. In that case, we need to be prepared." She turns to Jakan and says, "What do you say we whip these Gondorians into shape, old friend?"

Jakan smiles even more under his helmet. "Once we get the okay from Boromir, we're gonna turn these Gondorians into the best soldiers in Middle Earth," he says.

And, I'll end there. Hope you liked this chapter.

So, obviously, the Gondorians will not be immediately accepting of Mirta. But, once they see what she can do, that will all change.

Next chapter will be up soon. Until then, leave a review, and stay tuned!