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Fairborn (PG) Print

Written by Paul Price

26 August 2011 | 24652 words

Title: Fairborn
Author: Paul Price
Rating: PG
Pairing(s): Faramir

This is a sixteen chapter short novel detailing curious events and various adventures in the twentieth year of Faramir and Eowyn’s marriage. The adventures and events concern them, their children, their friends, the countries of Gondor, Rohan, Dunland, and Harad, and enemies they did not know they had.


[ all pages ]

Chapter 11: Faramir and Imrahil

Prince Faramir decided that the problems in Gondor were subsiding, and resolved to visit Dol Amroth to determine the extent of the repairs. Therefore, when Prince Imrahil returned to Minas Tirith after defeating the corsairs, Prince Faramir accompanied him to Dol Amroth.

“I’m still not pleased that you sent me to Umbar at this time.” Imrahil said to Faramir as the two of them rode to Dol Amroth. “You could have sent someone else.”

“Who else has your military prowess, reputation, and skills?”

“Your daughter is building a reputation quickly, I hear.”

“She does not have your experience at sea warfare, and is still young and learning.”

“I’m told she is as beautiful as her mother. Is that possible?”

“Yes. She is the image of her mother when younger. Suitors do not cease in their written proposals to her.”

“And what of your younger daughter? I hear no rumor of suitors for her.”

“Ganwyn is not perceived as attractive, save by her mother and me. No men have sent me offers for her hand, but that may change when she is older.”

“My late wife and I worried to no end that our young daughter would never receive a proposal. Then, when she turned sixteen, she blossomed beyond all expectation, and the proposals flowed like the Anduin.”

“Lothiriel is a beautiful woman. You give me hope for the future.”

“Sometimes I forget that she is your sister-in-law.”

“Yes, and if you married Theowyn, then my daughter would be my brother-in-laws’ step mother.”

“I never thought of that. It makes my head hurt to think of. However, I think marrying your daughter would be worth the pain.”

“I’ll tell Ganwyn of your interest.” Laughed Faramir.

“You know of which daughter I spoke.” Imrahil said with a mock sternness.

As they rode through a path in the woods, the road was blocked by five men. Three held swords while two held bows.

“Halt!” Shouted one of the men, who was their leader, “you will not pass here without fair payment for passage.” The leader was holding a sword in his right hand, while his left arm was in a sling.

“And what is fair payment?” Said Faramir.

“Whatever I say it is.” Said the outlaw leader.

“Do you think the five of you can defeat an armored rider?” Said Imrahil.

“Easily. I have ten hidden archers who will loose on you at my command.”

“If I draw my sword, then you shall die.” Said Imrahil. While Imrahil was the focus of attention, Faramir quietly took his bow from its saddle case and fitted an arrow to it. “There are no ten hidden archers.” Faramir said quietly to Imrahil. Then he spoke to the outlaws, “You may have my horse, if you will let us pass.”

“Who are you?” Said the outlaw leader.

“I am Prince Faramir of Ithilien, and this mighty warrior is Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth. I suggest you take my offer, if you have heard of him.”

“Your wife tricked us in just that way, and you shall pay for it with your lives.”

The arrows of both archers imbedded in Imrahil’s shield as he charged them. After that, one archer fell with Faramir’s green-feathered arrow in his shoulder, and the other was knocked down by Imrahil’s charging horse. The outlaw leader thrust his sword at Imrahil, but Imrahil was already past him. The outlaw’s two sword-bearing companions fled into the woods, as did the two archers. Meanwhile, the outlaw leader charged Imrahil. It was a foolish, angry charge and lead to an absurd finish, as Imrahil smashed him in the head with a cooking pot, knocking him cold.

“What caused that?” Said Imrahil “They should have taken a magnificent horse such as yours.”

“I’ll have to ask Éowyn.” Said Faramir. “I would have missed Donder, so I am somewhat pleased they did not take my offer. However, if that outlaw was that irrational, then this road may be much safer without him astride it. I suspect that you would perform a service to the kingdom, Prince Imrahil, if you finished him off.”

“I have no desire to become an executioner, even for a deserving client.”

“Where did you get such a sturdy cooking pot?”

“I always carry it when I go on campaign. It was a gift from Gimli’s people.”
Faramir checked the outlaw for life signs, and concluded the miscreant was still alive.

“What do you suggest we do?” He asked Imrahil.

“I’m sure his comrades will return soon. I suggest we leave him here.”

“I agree, but we may regret this charity some day.”

The two men mounted and rode down the road toward Dol Amroth. Twenty minutes later, the outlaws warily returned and carried their leader into the woods.

Further down the road, Faramir and Imrahil continued their interrupted conversation.

“Ithilien was attacked by orcs, then corsairs, then Haradrim, and someone attempted to kill your wife. Why do you think this is suddenly occurring?” Asked Imrahil.

“I think someone arranged it all, but I do not know who.” Answered Faramir, “Did you learn anything in Umbar about this?”

“Word in Umbar was that Prince Ramah of Harad influenced them to raid us. I am sure he also was behind the Haradrim attack.”

“I agree; however, he has no influence with orcs nor would he want Éowyn dead. Some undiscovered person who was influence with the orcs and wants Éowyn dead must also be involved here.” Said Faramir.

“I hope you find them and stop them before they cause more mischief. I have no head for such puzzles. Give me a straightforward sword fight, instead of a puzzle.”

“I think whoever is responsible picked this time to strike because the King is busy with the war, and I am busy stewarding the kingdom for the King. They are counting on me being distracted, and on the forces of Gondor being spread thin.”

“That makes sense. But, who could it be? Who has the ability to influence the orcs to war with us? Who would want Éowyn dead?”

“Perhaps it is some remaining followers of Sauron or Saruman, some residue of our past enemies’ forces. Éowyn did kill the Witch-King, and someone may resent that or some other act from her past. Now that I have breathing space, I can concentrate my attention on this matter.”

“If any man, other than the King, is capable of solving this puzzle, then it is you.”

“Thank you, my old friend. And thank you for your service in Umbar.”

“You need not thank me for doing my duty, or performing a friend’s request.” Said Imrahil courteously. He was over his anger at being called away from Dol Amroth during its time of rehabilitation.

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