Faramir Fiction Archive

Fairborn (PG)

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.

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Chapter 6: Planning and Reality

When Beregond arrived late that night, Faramir and his group had been talking about the situation in Ithilien for several hours. Captain Eothain, Boromir, Elboron, Éowyn, Theowyn, and Ganwyn were all there. Also, Bergrond and Anbor were there. Accompanying Beregond, were two rangers, Mablung and Bergil. The assembled group quickly told Beregond and his companions of those day’s events. Once all attendees had roughly equal knowledge of the day’s events, Faramir explained his plans. He intended to have the rangers scout the borders of Ithilien during his absence with Beregond coordinating this information gathering. Elboron would act in his stead as Prince of Ithilien and Lord of Emyn Arnen, with Éowyn and Beregond as advisors. Faramir would create three new governing positions, one for each of the three provinces of Ithilien. Each position would be titled “Thane”. Eothain would be the Thane of North Ithilien. Boromir would be the Thane of South Ithilien. Theowyn would be Thane of Emyn Arnen. Beregond would command the Gondorean spearmen and the White Company. Eothain would command the Ithilien Eored. Boromir would command the militia troops. Theowyn would command the second eored. All three Thanes were to cooperate, and were to follow the orders of Elboron. Faramir’s plan caused debate among the assembled group. Beregond, Bergil, Anbor and Mablung argued that Elboron, Boromir and Theowyn were too young for such offices. Faramir agreed, but said Boromir had showed his competence, despite his age, by his training and command of the militia, and Elboron needed to start training to be the Prince of Ithilien. Additionally, Mablung argued that a woman was incapable of commanding men in battle. Faramir had managed to step between Theowyn and Mablung and restrain his daughter before she could act upon her anger, and so avoided a confrontation. He explained that these were temporary governing positions during his absence. He wanted it understood who had responsibility for the various military units, if it became necessary. When he returned, he would assess the continuance of the Thanes, based upon how they had performed. He also noted that Emyn Arnen, was the least difficult province to defend and govern, as it did not border any foreign lands and had few current problems. Thus, it could be governed by a less experienced person. Additionally, he noted that his most experienced captains, save Beregond, were in Dunland. Thus, he had to use younger leaders than he would generally prefer. Further, he explained that Eothain was highly regarded among the Rohirrim who constituted much of the population of Northern Ithilien, Boromir was highly regarded among the native Ithiliens who constituted most of the population of South Ithilien, and Theowyn was highly regarded for her military prowess by both Rohirrim and Ithiliens. The meeting lasted about two hours after Beregond and his companions arrived.

Faramir awoke to Éowyn’s touch. “Fairborn, you should get ready to leave, if you’re to get to Minas Tirith by King’s hour.” she said. He groaned, and said, “It’s too early, and I’d rather stay in bed with you. I may be gone a long time.”

“Or you may be back tonight. Minas Tirith is not that far away, and you do not know why they summoned you.”

“True.” They kissed, and he began to prepare for his trip.

About an hour later, Faramir and his escort of two rangers (Bergil and Mablung) left for Minas Tirith.

About two hours after that, the household began to awake. The retainers were performing their assigned tasks, including preparing breakfast, and Faramir’s family, their guests, and the household troops were waking.

“Good mourning, Thane Theowyn.” Said Boromir, as he met Theowyn in the great hall.

“Good mourning, Thane Boromir.” Said Theowyn, “Wasn’t that a surprise?”

“A large one. I can’t wait to tell Halea.”

“I want to be a Thane, too.” Said Ganwyn, as she joined the group.

“You’re too young, lastborn,” Said Éowyn, also joining the group, “but, your time will come.”

“I like the idea of being a Thane, but I like acting as Prince of Ithilien better.” Said Elboron. It was his first time acting for his father. Usually, Éowyn acted for her husband when he was away, and Beregond advised her. This time, Elboron would have a hand in making decisions.

“I’m surprised at being a Thane,” Eothain said, as he arrived for breakfast, “I didn’t know Prince Faramir regarded me so highly.”

They had breakfast at what the retainers called “Faramir’s Table”. It was an ornate wooden table with six matching wooden chairs. It had been in Faramir’s family for several generations. The kitchen staff soon brought a breakfast of eggs, ham, bread, butter and blackberry jam. The family ate slowly, as they were still tired from the late night. As they finished breakfast, a servant approached and whispered in Éowyn’s ear.

“Send him in.” Said Éowyn.

Éowyn announced “A ranger has arrived. Apparently, Beregond has already started the scouting missions.”

The ranger entered the great room. It was Bergrond. He was tall, with black hair and grey eyes. He looked like most of the rangers, except Anbor. He wore the green cloak and brown livery of the White Company. “I’m here as your body guard, Lady Éowyn.”

Theowyn was the first to speak, “You did so well last time.” She said sarcastically. This caused laughter among the family, except for Ganwyn. Theowyn had disliked Bergrond for many years. They had attended school together as small children, and she thought him weak and sluggish, which he was as a child.

“He did the best he could.” Ganwyn said, almost inaudibly.

Bergrond said sheepishly, “I wrongly measured the danger, but I know better now. I asked my father for a second chance. Shouldn’t I have one?”

“No!” Shouted Theowyn.

Boromir, who considered Bergrond his best friend, attempted to shield him from Theowyn’s anger. “When did you become a ranger?” He asked.

“I passed the trials two mornings ago, and was sworn in this morning.” Said Bergrond.

“I was so busy with the militia that I forgot about the trials. Congratulations!” Said Boromir, “Those trials are a stern test for anyone.”

“Thank you.”

“If I pass the trials, could I be a ranger?” Thought Gandwyn, but she remained silent.

“Yes,” said Éowyn, startling Ganwyn who was not expecting an answer to her unasked question, “You should have a second chance, Bergrond. We all did not understand the danger. Besides, we owe it to your father to give you a second chance. He has served Faramir very well over the years. I’m sure you will do the same.”

“It’s your life at risk, mother. You better carry Herugrim with you at all times.” Theowyn said, sharply.

“Firstborn, I understand your concern. I’m concerned too.” Éowyn approached and hugged Theowyn.

“Why do you call Theowyn your “firstborn” and Ganwyn your “lastborn”, but you don’t ever call me your “middleborn”?” Laughed Elboron in an attempt to lighted Éowyn’s and Theowyn’s mood.

“Or me your “unborn”?” Joined Boromir.

Another ranger entered, and was surprised at the laughter. He said grimly, “I have a message from Beregond. He said that scouts have reported a raid by corsairs on the South Ithilien coast. He suggests that the Thanes call out their troops.”

The news silenced the laughter.

“There hasn’t been a corsair raid since the Great War, twenty years ago.” Éowyn stated. “First, orc raids, then an assassination attempt, and now corsair raids. Little wonder that Faramir was called to Minas Tirith. Who knows what is happening in other parts of the kingdom?”

At that moment, Faramir was hearing what was happening in the kingdom, and he was not prepared for the extent of the problems. Spies had confirmed that a Haradrim army of about 1,000 men was marching toward South Ithilien. An earthquake had damaged several towns in Dol Amroth. Residents had reported corsair raids in six coastal provinces. Rohirrim sources had reported orc raids near Isenguard. And the King’s army had been unable to locate the Dunlending army, so the war continued.

In the last twenty years, Faramir had become adept at solving problems with minimal resources; however, this seemed a challenge even for him. He quickly sent messengers to inform key lords and captains of the problems, and to obtain more information. He resolved to tackle the corsair problem first, and so summoned Prince Imrahil to Minas Tirith. Additionally, he sent word of the Haradrim army to Beregond. Also, he ordered the militia mobilized in the provinces near Dol Amroth to help the injured and to start re-building damaged buildings. Finally, he asked for more details about the orc raids in Rohan. Lord Erkenbrand was acting as Underking of Rohan in King Éomer’s absence. Like Gondor, much of Rohan’s military might was in Dunland.

When Prince Imrahil received Faramir’s summons, he was angry. His people in Dol Amroth were suffering, and he did not want to be called away before he could organize help for them. However, it was his duty to answer the summons, so he did.

He arrived in Minas Tirith a week later, and met with Faramir. Faramir asked him to organize a force to defeat the corsairs, and promised that people from other provinces would help Dol Amroth. Faramir asked that Prince Imrahil act quickly to defeat the corsairs. Imrahil put together a small army and fleet to sail to Umbar, the home of the corsairs. Within two weeks, he had destroyed one-quarter of the corsairs’ fleet, and defeated their army. This ended their raids, temporarily.

In Ithilien, the Thanes had mustered their troops as Beregond had advised, and so were somewhat prepared when they received news of the Haradrim invasion. They quickly put together an army consisting of about 100 Gondorian spearmen, 400 Ithilien militia, 120 Rohirrim militia, 200 Rohirrim cavalry, 50 Ithilien militia cavalry, 30 household troops and 50 rangers.

As soon as she heard about the earthquake in Dol Amroth, Éowyn started to make ready to travel there, as they would need her healing abilities. She wanted to travel alone, but her children would not hear of it. Finally, she agreed that Ganwyn and she would go, accompanied by Bergrond and Anbor. They left before the day was over.

The Haradrim army arrived in South Ithilien about noon.

The Haradrim army consisted of about 700 infantry and 300 cavalry. About one-fifth of the infantry in the army were bowmen. The Haradrim general set up his troops in a traditional formation with infantry in the center and his cavalry equally divided on each flank. He counted on his cavalry to win the battle. He had many untrained spearmen in his army. His bowmen supported the spearmen in the center of his line.

The Ithilien army was deployed with the Ithilien Eored on the right flank lead by Thane Eothain, the militia and veteran spearmen in the center supported by bowmen and lead by Thane Boromir, Lord Elboron, and Captain Beregond, and the second eored, the rangers of the White Company, the household troops and the militia cavalry on the left flank lead by Thane Theowyn. This meant 120 Rohirrim cavalry faced 150 Haradrim cavalry on the Haradrim left flank, 620 Ithilien infantry faced 700 Haradrim infantry in the center, and 210 mounted troops faced 150 Haradrim cavalry on the Haradrim right flank.

The battle was an Ithilien victory. Elboron and Beregond had prepared a conservative battle plan and were relying on the Rohirrim cavalry to sweep the flanks and win the battle. However, Theowyn fought a more aggressive battle. She used her rangers, mounted on ponies, to circle around the Haradrim flank and deploy in the rear of the cavalry she faced. Just after the Haradrim army started forward to attack, the rangers fired their bows into the rear of the Haradrim right flank cavalry causing disorder and confusion to those troops. Theowyn led her Rohirrim and militia cavalry in a spirited charge that swept the disordered Haradrim cavalry from the battlefield. Then, she returned from the pursuit and led her remaining troops, the household cavalry, in a charge into the flank of the Haradrim infantry, while the rangers attacked the rear of the infantry, and Boromir’s, Elboron’s, and Beregond’s troops attacked the front. This led to the collapse and rout of the Haradrim infantry. On the Haradrim left flank, the Rohirrim cavalry and Haradrim cavalry fought an unexpectedly even fight in which the Haradrim were being slowly pushed back. When the Haradrim center collapsed, their left flank cavalry retired. If not for a skillful rear guard action by one of the Haradrim captains, their army would likely have suffered very heavy casualties. The Haradrim army retreated home. The Haradrim casualties were about 150 men, while the Ithilien casualties were about 50 men. While the Ithilien casualties were relatively light, they did not seem so to the troops. Ithilien seemed to be facing a never ending series of attacks lately.

The young Ithilien leaders were jubilant, as they met after the battle; however, Beregond gave words of caution. “Something we do not yet understand is happening.” He said, “It is too early to conclude that we have eliminated all threats and won a war.”

“We may not have won a war,” Said Theowyn, proudly, “but we have won the day. That is enough for now.”

“Sister, I did not know you could handle troops so smartly.” Elboron said to Theowyn as he hugged her, “We shall have to make plans which better use your talents.”

“Too bad Mablung was not here.” Theowyn said, “I’d make him eat his ignorant words.”

“I certainly underestimated you all.” Said Beregond. “You may be young, but you are all gifted. Boromir, I would never have thought your militia troops could have been so steady in battle. Elboron, you led troops like someone thrice your age. Theowyn, you won the battle with your head and heart. And, Eothain, you did better than we had any right to expect.”

“I’m embarrassed.” Said Eothain, “The Rohirrim are used to winning against such numbers. We were only outnumbered about 5 to 4.”

“I have seen these troops before, and you have not.” Said Beregond, “That cavalry was a unit of the Sultan’s Guard, the best troops in the Haradrim army. It is rare that those troops are sent to such a small battle, and even more rare that they are beaten by less than their number. You did better than you knew. If I had known who you were fighting, I’d have given you the rangers, as well as your troops.”

“Was I fighting the Sultan’s guard, too?” Said Theowyn.

“No.”

“Drat, I was hoping we had routed the Sultan’s guard.”

“Now that you’ve proven your worth as a warrior and a captain, you can retire and marry one of your suitors.” Laughed Elboron.

“That’s not funny, brother. I plan to serve Ithilien as long as I can lift my sword.”

“It wasn’t your sword that won the day, it was your head.” Said Beregond.

“Okay, I plan to serve Ithilien as long as I can lift my head.” She laughed.

“Well said.” Said Beregond.

“Now that the battle is over, I have something to discuss.” Said Theowyn, “I suggest that we send the household troops to escort mother to Dol Amroth. I do not think two guards are sufficient.”

“Is that so, or is it that you think those two guards are not sufficient?” Said Boromir, “I know you dislike Bergrond, and I have heard you say that Anbor looks like a half-orc.”

“Anbor is a half-orc,” Said Beregond, “but he has proven himself a hundred times in the past.”

Beregond’s statement shocked the listeners. The idea of a half-orc serving as a ranger was so foreign as to be unthinkable. After a brief discussion, Elboron decided that a small traveling party was less conspicuous than a large one. Additionally, the household troops may be needed in Ithilien.

After Beregond left, Theowyn said to herself, “Oh great! Mother and Ganwyn are being guarded by a half-orc and a slug.” She was barely able to overcome the urge to ride after Éowyn’s foursome. For all her reputation as a strong-willed woman, Theowyn was also intelligent and wise; however, she frequently let her confidence, aggressiveness, and impatience overrule her intelligence and wisdom. This led many people to conclude that the intelligence and wisdom were not there. For her opponents and enemies, this was often a fatal mis-read of her character. For her, her under-use of her intelligence and wisdom, sometimes needlessly increased the danger in the situations she encountered. However, her aggressiveness and confidence made her an ideal commander of battle cavalry, such as the Rohirrim eoreds.

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