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It is said the adversity creates strange bedfellows and it certainly does in Lord of the Rings. The need to fight a single powerful enemy unites the Rohirrim and the Wildmen who have long been adversaries. Now under the cover of the false night, the Pukelmen lead the Rohirrim along a road was built in the early days of Gondor. Initially the way to the road is through the tangled thickets but once they are on it, the riders are able to ride 4 abreast. Here Dernhelm leaves his wing and moves up to ride just behind the king's guard never leaving him out his sight. The Wildmen guide the Riders well and insure that any orcs who note their passing do not live to tell the tale.



Denethor has spent the night previous closeted with the Palantir and during this day he grows increasingly hopeless. He despairs that the Rohirrim will come. Abdicating both his authority and his responsibility, he sits at Faramir's side bemoaning the collapse of his house. Meanwhile, his people watch helplessly as the forces from Mordor build trenches and fortifications just out of arrow range. To further the despair the orcs lob both fireballs and the heads of any that they passed as the marched to Gondor. The despair of Gondor is palpable. Gandalf steps into the gap but not all of the men will follow him. Even the pleas of his men do not budge Denethor. He tells them all to prepare for their deaths as he sets about to create his.



For a time, Sam is Ringbearer. It is because of what Sam does her that I have always had a soft spot for him. I love Sam's down to earth pragmatism even though it was that very quality, his inability to see past the surface of Gollum to find any hope of good in him, that very likely landed him in this situation. He knows that Frodo is alive and that it is up to him to find him. As ringbearer, he has cause to use the Ring and he feels its call to him. In the end, it is Sam, the humble Gardener, who goes to look for Frodo. Mustering all his courage and his wits seemingly aided by the thoughts of others more powerful, Sam makes it past the watchers goes looking for Frodo. He has exhausted all options without finding him. In a moment of despair he sits down in the tower and finds Frodo with a song.


In western lands beneath the Sun
the flowers may rise in Spring,
the trees may bud, the waters run,
the merry finches sing.
Or there maybe 'tis cloudless night
and swaying beeches bear
the Elven-stars as jewels white
amid their branching hair.

Though here at journey's end I lie
in darkness buried deep,
beyond all towers strong and high,
beyond all mountains steep,
above all shadows rides the Sun
and Stars for ever dwell:
I will not say the Day is done,
nor bid the Stars farewell.