Chapter 7 The Fourth Siege of Gondor
Pippin was called by Gandalf, and the room was lighted with candles, and only a very faint light came in through the windows; the air was heavy, as if a storm was coming.
"What time is it?" said Pippin, yawning.
"It is two hours before sunrise," said Gandalf, "you must get up; the Lord of the Castellan has summoned you, and is ready to assign you a new task.
""Will he provide breakfast?""No! I will give it to you. You can only eat so much until Zhongshi, and the food is already rationed." Pippin looked at the little boy pitifully. A loaf of bread, and very thin (he thought) cream, with a glass of bland milk on the side. "Why did you bring me here?" he said.
"You should know very well," said Gandalf, "that I will keep you out of trouble, and if you don't like it here, you had better remember that you asked for it." Pippin dared not say any more.
It was not long before he and Gandalf went down the cold corridor again, to the Great Hall of the Tower.Denethor sat in the gray room; it seemed to Pippin that he sat there like a patient spider waiting for its prey, who seemed not to have moved since the day before.He motioned to Gandalf to sit down beside him, but Pippin stood there for some time and was ignored; then the old man made a sign to Pippin.
"Well, Mr. Pireglin, I hope you have enjoyed the whole day yesterday. However, I am quite worried that the city is not as bustling as you expected." Pippin had a feeling of uneasiness, as if he Everything he does is under the observation of the city lord, and the thoughts in his mind seem to be guessed by him.Therefore, he did not answer.
"How will you serve me?" "My lord, I thought you would tell me." "I will, but first I must know what you are suitable for," Denethor said, "if I keep you , perhaps I will know soon. My personal bodyguard asked to join the defenders in the city, and you can take his place temporarily. You can serve me and pass orders for me. At any leisure, you may chat with me. Can you sing?" "Yes," said Pippin, "well, yes, at least my countrymen can bear my singing. But, my lord, our nation does not Epic for such dark times. The worst conditions we sing about are storms and rain.
Most of the songs I know are laugh-out-loud or about food and wine. "Why don't these songs fit this moment, or my palace? We've lived in the shadow long enough to want to hear stories of not being threatened by a demon king. That way, even if people Without knowing what we are doing behind the scenes, we still don’t feel that our sacrifices and efforts are in vain.” Pippin felt his heart sink, he really couldn’t imagine singing to the lord of Minas Tirith. What would it be like to see the ballads, especially the hilarious ones he was most familiar with, which were equally inappropriate for the situation at hand.However, now he doesn't need to think about the dilemma, the regent didn't order him to sing on the spot.Denethor, in fact, turned his attention to Gandalf, asking for news of Rohan and their condition, and the condition of Eomer.The lord of the city knew so much about this people living far away that Pippin admired him very much.Besides, he thought, Denethor must have not left the city for a long time.
At this moment, Denethor waved his hand to signal Pippin to leave temporarily. "Go to the armory of the fortress," he said, "put on the uniform and equipment of the White Tower. I ordered it yesterday, and it should be ready today. Come back as soon as you are dressed!" Sure enough, it was like the Regent As said, Pippin soon put on a very distinctive uniform, only black and silver.He put on a form-fitting chainmail, perhaps made of iron, but black as ink.He also received a rather tall helmet decorated with tiny raven wings on the sides and a silver star in the center.Over the mail was a black cloak with the emblem of the Tree embroidered on the breast in silver thread.His old clothes were neatly folded and put away, but he could keep Loriane's gray cloak, though he could not wear it on duty.If he had had a mirror, he would have found himself looking very much like Ernil I Pheiannath, very much like the Halfling Prince, as the people of Gondor called him.But he felt uncomfortable all over, and the never-ending darkness also made him feel heavy.
At the eleventh hour after sunrise, Pippin could finally rest for a while.So he left the tower, looking for something to eat and drink, on the one hand to boost his low morale, and on the other hand to make himself more energetic to work.In the public canteen, he met Beregon again, who had just finished his mission on the Palenno Plains.They walked out of the inner city together, for Pippin found it difficult to breathe indoors, especially in the heavily guarded fortress.The two sat side by side in the same open space again, looking at the east.
It was supposed to be sunset now, but the overwhelming dark clouds had completely covered the sky, and only when the sun fell close to the sea did it cast a brief ray of light.At this time, Frodo happened to see the Lord of the Ringwraiths at the crossroads.However, the Palannopin Principle under the shadow of Mingdu Lu'an Mountain is dead silent, without any light.
It seemed to Pippin years since he had last sat here; then he had been a happy hobbit, untroubled and unaffected by the trials and tribulations along the way.Now, he's a tiny soldier in a big city preparing to face terror, wearing the historic but heavy uniform of the Tower Garrison.
In another time and place Pippin might have been pleased with his new clothes, but he knew now that it was no joke.He is a servant who swears allegiance to the death under the command of the monarch who is facing an incomparable crisis.The chain mail was heavy, and the helmet made him feel like he couldn't move freely.He draped his cloak over the chair, looked wearily away from the dark plain, yawned, then sighed.
"Are you tired?" Beregon asked.
"Yes," said Pippin, "very tired, and I am tired of waiting for nothing. I have passed many hours in pacing at my master's door, during which time he and Gandalf, King Imrahil, and other important men argued. Mr. Beregon, and, as yet, I am not used to serving people on an empty stomach, and watching them eat is a harsh experience for a hobbit. I think you must think that I should feel honorable, but what about honor? In fact, under the shadow of this horror, what is it like to eat and drink? What is going on here? The whole world seems to be All in darkness! Is this what you see when the east wind blows?" "No," said Beregon, "this is not the weather of man, it is his conspiracy, it is The poisonous smoke he inspired from the volcano, trying to destroy our morale, has indeed had an impact. I hope Prince Faramir can come back soon, he will never bow his head. But now who knows if he can wear Through the darkness, and back across the river?" "You are right," answered Pippin; "Gandalf was worried too, I think he was disappointed not to have found Faramir, and where is he now? He left the Prince Regent's meeting room before, and I think he is also in a bad mood, maybe he already knows some bad news." Suddenly, both of them stopped, and even their voices seemed to be frozen.Pippin squatted down covering his ears, and Beregon, who was looking outside the city looking for Faramir while talking, was unable to move and looked out of the city with dull eyes.Pippin knew its source from the piercing scream; it was the same sound he had heard long ago in the woods of the Shire.It's just that its power has become stronger, and its hatred has become deeper, allowing the poisonous despair to pierce people's hearts mercilessly.
At last Beregon managed to squeeze out a few words. "They are coming!" he said. "Look down! Those fallen creatures appear." Reluctantly, Pippin left his seat and looked out of the city.The plain of Palennor was shrouded in darkness, and he could only make out the vague figure of the Anduin River.At this moment, when he looked carefully, he could find five figures flying in the air below him; the figures were as dark as the night, as cold as a vulture, but larger than a giant eagle, and exuded all over their bodies. breath of death.They flew closer and closer, almost entering the range of the bows and arrows in the city, but then circled away.
"Black Knights!" whispered Pippin. "Flying Black Knights! Beregon, look!" he yelled. Look at that! Can you see something moving over there? Little black thing. Yes, men on horses, four or five! Ah! I can't bear it! Gandalf! Gandalf, hurry up! Come save us..." Another shrill scream sounded, and he leaned against the wall, panting like a hunted animal.Distant and feeble in contrast to this scream was the staccato sound of a horn, the final sound of which rose sharply at last.
"Faramir! Lord Faramir! This is his signal!" cried Beregon. "How brave! But if these vicious falcons have weapons other than fear, how can they escape to the door? You Look! They're still running, they'll get to the gate. No! The horses are out of control...Jesus! The knights are all thrown off, and they're on foot—no, there's one more man on horseback. That must be General Faramir, he can control men and horses. Ah! There is another terrible monster rushing at him. Come on! Come on! Does no one want to go out and help? Faramir!" Beregon immediately ran into the darkness in front of him.Beregon's behavior of thinking of the officer first regardless of his own safety made Pippin feel very ashamed.He immediately stood up and began to look around.At that moment, he saw a white light rushing from the north, like a shooting star on the plain; it was advancing at the speed of a flying arrow, joined the four of them, and rushed towards the main gate together.In Pippin's eyes, the pale light seemed to be constantly spreading, dispelling the shadows.When the figure got closer and closer, he felt as if he heard a loud roar.
"Gandalf!" he cried, "that's Gandalf! He always appears in the most desperate moments. Go! White Knight, go! Gandalf, Gandalf!" It seems to be cheering for the players in the field.
However, at this time, the shadow in the sky had spotted the unexpected guest, and a black shadow rushed towards him; but Gandalf raised his hand, and a beam of white light shot into the sky, and the Ringwraith uttered a piercing cry, shaking and flying away. open.Seeing this scene, the other four Nazgul immediately climbed into the air, flew to the east, and disappeared into the dark clouds. The Paliano Plain seemed to be brighter.
Pippin continued to watch, and he saw the white knight joining the fleeing warriors, waiting for those on foot to catch up.People swarmed out of the city, and soon the group of people entered an invisible corner of the city wall, and he knew that they had already entered the main entrance.As Pippin guessed that these people would come to the White Tower immediately to meet the Regent, he hurried to the entrance of the fortress, where he met many people who had also witnessed the pursuit and rescue.
A short time later there was an extremely deafening noise in the streets leading to the outer city, and people cheered and shouted the names of Faramir and Mithranda.Pippin saw the torches lined up, and the two knights walking slowly, surrounded by a jubilant crowd:
The white knight no longer emitted dazzling light, as if all the flames had just been burned out; the other knight was shrouded in darkness, with his head drooping powerlessly.They dismounted together, and the attendant took the reins of Shadowfax and the other horse, and together they walked to the guards at the door: Gandalf walked steadily, his gray cloak billowing with the wind, and still had the embers of the burning fire in his eyes; Dressed in green, his gait was a little unsteady, as if he was injured or exhausted from the chase just now.
Pippin followed, watching them through the main gate of the keep, and drew a sharp breath when he caught sight of Faramir's pale face.In that face he could see the traces of great fear or pain, but it was Faramir's grasp now.When Faramir spoke to the guards, he puffed out his chest, so that others could clearly feel his dignity.Pippin looked at him carefully, and then he realized how close he was to his brother in appearance; when Pippin first saw Boromir, he had taken a liking to him because of his dignified appearance and his observance of etiquette.However, when he saw Faramir, Pippin felt a wave of emotion that he hadn't seen before—he was a human being with noble blood and temperament; The same, maybe not so noble in comparison, but also more approachable.This is the current successor who has the blood of the ancient emperor, and is also infected by the wisdom and sorrow of the ancient race.Only now did he understand why Beregon treated him with so much respect when he mentioned him.He was a general whom men obeyed and followed, and even in the shadow of those black wings Pippin would have died with him.
"Faramer!" he yelled with the others, "Faramer!" Faramir heard a slight difference in the noise of humans in the city, so he turned around and looked down, showing surprise look.
"When did you come?" he said. "A halfling, right here in the Tower! You are..." Before he could finish, Gandalf came up and interjected, "He was with me. from the home of the halflings," he said, "he's with me, don't spend time here yet. There's a lot to say, a lot to do, and you're tired, he'll go with We came together. In fact, if he had not forgotten his new job, he would serve the Lord Regent at this time. Come, Pippin, come with us!" Soon after they were in the castellan's room, Many high-backed chairs were arranged around a basin of coals, and servants followed with wine.Pippin stood unnoticed by Denethor's seat, so anxious to hear the latest news that he forgot even his own weariness.
After Faramir had eaten a few slices of bread and drank a large glass of wine, he sat down on his father's left, and Gandalf sat on the wooden chair on the other side.At the beginning, Faramir only mentioned the secret mission he had carried out ten days ago. He described the current situation of Ithilien and the deployment of troops by the Demon King and his allies.Then he mentioned the process of ambushing the Haradrin on the road and destroying them along with the giant beast.This is the tone of the general's routine report to the Lord. Even though the results of the battle seem to be very brilliant, compared with the current crisis, it has been reduced to an ordinary border conflict.
Then Faramir's eyes suddenly rested on Pippin. "But what we have encountered is unusual," said he. "This is not the first halfling I have ever seen who came to the South from the tales of the North." When Gandalf heard this, he seized the Clinging to the armrest, he sat up abruptly; with a wink, Pippin stopped Pippin's opening mouth.Everyone listened silently and attentively to Faramir's narration; most of the time, his eyes stayed on Gandalf, and occasionally he glanced at Pippin, as if to remind himself of what he had said before. The sight to see.
As his story gradually unraveled, and at the moment when he met Frodo and his servants at Hannes Annan, Pippin noticed that Gandalf's hands were gripping the chair handles, trembling slightly at the same time. pale and become older than before.When he looked at the other party, he was horrified to find that the omniscient Gandalf was worried, even afraid; the air in the room became very stagnant and heavy.Finally, Faramir stated the process of parting from the other party, and their plan to go to Cirith Ungol; his voice became lower and lower, and at last he couldn't help but hugged his head and sighed helplessly.Gandalf stood up at once.
"Cirith Ungol? Morgul Vale?" he said. "What time, Faramir? When did you part from them?"
When would they arrive in that cursed valley? "I parted from them in the early morning two days ago," said Faramir. "It is about forty-five miles from that to the Vale of Duin, the Morgul, and from there it is still fifteen miles to the west. To the accursed tower. Even with the fastest footsteps, they won't get there before today, and maybe not yet. I understand what you're worried about, but the darkness that hangs over the sky and their There is no connection between the adventures. It started last night, and Ithilien has been shrouded in shadow all night. According to my judgment, the devil has long been ready to launch a general attack on us, and the time of that attack It was decided before the two halflings left my side." Gandalf paced up and down. "Two mornings ago, that is, they have been walking for three days! How far is this from where you parted from them?" "About seventy-five miles in a straight line," replied Faramir; Come, I camped last night at Cair Andros, which is a delta north of the Great River where we stationed our troops, and the horses were left on the nearer shore. When darkness came, I judged I could not delay any longer. , so I rode here immediately with three other volunteers. I sent the rest of the troops to the south to strengthen the Osgilias Ferry. My decision must be right?" He looked at his father.
"Wrong?" Denethor roared, a strange light flashed in his eyes. "Why do you ask me? You command these people. Or, you ask me to judge all your actions? You pretend to be very humble in front of me, but you secretly ignore my words and go your own way. You see, and As before, you are still very skillful with your words; but you have been watching Mithranda all the time, hoping that he will tell you if you are right and if you have leaked too much! He has earned your trust from a long time ago "My son, although your father is old, he is not so useless. I can still hear and see as before. I can guess what you think and what you don't want to say. I Knowing the answers to many mysteries is not worth it, and Boromir's death is not worth it!" "Father, I have no choice," Faramir whispered, "I also wish to know your thoughts in advance, and then make such a critical decision." judgment." "Would that change your decision?" Denethor said, "You will still send that thing away, I know that, I know you well. You have always wanted to imitate the kings of old. , as noble, generous, humble and courteous as they are. This may be a worthwhile goal for a royal family in peacetime, but generosity in troubled times often must be paid for by death." "I don't regret it," said Faramir .
"You don't regret it!" Denethor yelled, "Lord Faramir, you sacrificed not only you, but also your father and all your people. After Boromir passed away, you should go to I have done my best to protect them!" "Then, my lord wishes—" said Faramir, "that my brother and I will exchange fate?" "Yes, I do hope so!" said Denethor, "Borromir His allegiance is to me, he is not a wizard's doll. He will remember the needs of his father, don't let go of the opportunity that fate bestows on him, and he will send that gift to me." Faramir lost control: "Father, Please think about it carefully, why is it me and not him who is in Ithilien? At least, I have listened to your teachings once, and the one who assigned him to perform that task is you, the Regent!" "This I don't need you to remind me!" Denethor said, "I taste this bitter fruit every day and night, worrying about what misfortune will happen. As expected, my worry became Really. Isn't that what I'm afraid of! Why is this ring not in my hand!" "Calm down!" said Gandalf, "It is absolutely impossible for Boromir to bring it to you. His death is meaningful, may he rest in peace! You are just deceiving yourself and others. If he takes that thing, then he will fall into the devil way, he will take it for himself, and when he comes back, you Even his own son can't recognize him!" Dinetha straightened his face and said coldly: "You found Boromir not so easy to manipulate, did you?" He said softly: "As his father, I I can tell you for sure that he will bring that thing to me. Misranda, you may be very wise, but no matter how you conspire, you are not omniscient. Some people's advice is not a wizard's snare and a fool I know more about it than you surmise." "And what do you know?" said Gandalf.
"All I know is enough to judge that we must try our best to avoid two stupid things. It is very dangerous to use that thing, and at this time, like you and my son did, send two headless halflings. It is sent to the kingdom of the devil, and this behavior is downright crazy." "Wise King Denethor, how would you choose?" "I will do neither. The only thing I can be sure of is that I We will never risk losing everything just for a sliver of hope, so that the demon king may find that thing again. No, we should hide it and keep it in the dark and deep, where no one can find it It must not be used unless we are facing a great crisis; moreover, we must do everything possible to prevent the devil from getting it back. Only when we are completely defeated and no one survives, can the devil get it back "My lord, your mode of thinking is the same as before, limited to the perspective of the ruler of Gondor," said Gandalf, "but besides you, there are other humans, other creatures, and other kingdoms. As far as I am concerned, even his servants have great sympathy." "If Gondor falls, where can the rest of humanity get help?" replied Denethor, "if I have now put that thing safely away In the well-guarded treasury, this meeting will not be disputed, and we don't need to tremble in this confusion, worrying about the uncontrollable ending. If you don't believe that I can pass that trial, you will not believe me Knowing is not enough!" "I do not believe that you can," said Gandalf, "if I could have trusted you, I would have delivered it to you long ago, without putting me and others through so much trouble. After hearing what you say, I trust you less than I trust Boromir. Wait, control your anger! I don't even trust myself in this matter; even if This is a gift from others, and I would refuse it. Denethor, you are strong, and you can still control yourself in some things; but, if you get that thing, it will completely break you Yes. Even if it is buried under Mount Luan, the Ming capital, you will still think about it day and night. The darkness is approaching, and worse is about to happen." When Denethor turned to face Gandalf, His eyes glowed again, and Pippin once again felt the tension and struggle between their willpower.But this time, the eyes of the two kept clashing like sharp swords, flashing a cold light on the battlefield.Pippin trembled, fearful that any one of them would receive the fatal blow.However, Denethor suddenly relaxed and regained his composure. He shrugged and said:
"If I get it! If you get it!" he said. "This assumption is empty talk. It has entered the sphere of influence of the phantom. We can only wait for time to tell us all the answers. The answer will be soon. It will be revealed. Until then, all the people in the world who are fighting against the Demon King can only hold on to their last hope; at that time, even if this hope is wiped out, at least everyone will be free to fight and die." He turned to face Farah Mo Dao: "What do you think of Osgiliath's defenses?" "Not strong enough," said Faramir, "That's why I sent Ithilien's troops to strengthen the defenses there."" I don't think that's enough," said Denethor, "the enemy's first blow will fall there, and they'll need some tough generals to command them." "A lot of places," sighed Faramir. "If only my beloved brother was still alive!" He stood up. "Father, can I resign?" Before he finished speaking, his legs gave way, but fortunately he supported his father's chair so he didn't fall down.
"I can see that you are tired," said Denethor. "You have driven a long way, and I hear there are evil shadows pursuing you along the way." "Don't talk about that yet!" said Faramir.
"Then let's not talk about it," Denethor said, "Go and rest first, we will face a more severe test tomorrow." All the people resigned to the city lord and seized the opportunity to have a good rest.Gandalf and Pippin, carrying little torches, were about to go back to their sojourn, when it was starless and moonless darkness.Both were silent till they went back into the house, and at last Pippin took Gandalf's hand and said.
"Tell me," said he, "is there hope? Is there hope for Frodo? I mean, at least is there any chance of Frodo succeeding?" Gandalf patted Pippin on the head. "There wasn't much hope from the start," he replied. "As you've just heard, it's just a tiny glimmer of hope. When I heard the name of Cirise Ongol—" He went to the window and looked Outside, it seemed that the eyes could penetrate the darkness. "Cirise Ungol!" he murmured. "Why did you choose that road?" He turned and said, "Pippin, when I heard the name of that place, my heart almost stopped beating. But in fact , I don't think the news from Faramir is too bad, because we know very well that the Demon Lord has finally started the war before he can capture Frodo. Therefore, many days from today, his eyes will be on the world. The world patrols, but misses his own country. And, Pippin, I can feel his panic and fear from here. He is forced to attack before everything is ready. There must be something that compels him to do so. ’” Gandalf thought for a moment. "Perhaps," he murmured, "maybe even your foolishness helps, boy. Let me figure it out: five days ago, he may have found out that we've beaten Saruman and taken the hedron But so what? We can't make good use of the hedron without him finding out. Ah! I don't know how! And Aragorn? His time is coming, Pippin, he's strong , Perseverance far exceeds that of ordinary people. He is brave and determined, able to make the right choice by himself, and dares to take risks when necessary. Maybe this is the case! He may use the spar to deliberately appear in front of the devil and challenge him, for this purpose This is my speculation. Forget it, if the hussars of Rohan arrive immediately, we may know further news. This is really a chaotic world! Close your eyes and rest while you can still rest!" "But," said Pippin.
"But what?" said Gandalf, "I have but one but to-night." "Gollum," said Pippin, "how could they possibly go with him, or even follow his lead? I can see that, too. Faramir did not like where they were going, so what is the matter?" "I cannot answer now," said Gandalf, "but I think Frodo and Gollum will meet before it is all over, whether Good or bad. But tonight I don't want to dwell on the history of Cirise Ungol. My concern is conspiracy, and that poor little fellow may be planning some kind of conspiracy. How can we ?A traitor will often be trapped in his own cocoon, and even create good things he did not intend to create. The world is unpredictable. Good night!" The next morning was as gray as dusk, and the morale of the people, which had been boosted by Faramir's return, was now low again .The winged shadow did not reappear that day, but from morning to night a faint cry could be heard from high above; Weeping loudly, legs go weak.
Faramir departed again. "They just won't let him rest," some whispered. "The king has been so hard on his son that he must now carry the burdens of two men, one of his own and one of the one who will never come back." brother of my brother." The people kept looking north, "Where are the hussars of Rohan?" In fact, Faramir did not leave voluntarily.However, the city lord was still the ruler of Gondor after all, and he was not going to bow to anyone in the strategy meeting that day.Early that morning, the city lord held a strategy meeting. During the meeting, all the generals agreed that due to the sudden attack on the south, their strength was greatly reduced, so they could not take the initiative to attack unless the hussars of Rohan arrived. It is possible to reverse this situation.Before that, they had to passively deploy additional men to defend the city gates.
"However," Denethor said, "we can't easily give up the outer defenses. The city wall of Lamas Anche was built by us with countless manpower. The army of the devil king must also pay a heavy price for crossing the river mouth. , so that he would not be able to attack our city with all his strength. The road from Cairandros in the north would be blocked by swamps, and the road from Lambanin in the south would be impassable because of the width of the river; he would Concentrate on Osgiliath with all your strength, as Boromir did when he blocked his advance." "That was nothing more than spying," said Faramir, "today, if we make the enemy pay tenfold It is not worth it for the number of casualties on our side. He can bear the casualties of an entire army, but the sacrifice of a company is a great loss to us. If he storms across the river, our garrison in the field will withdraw to the center of the main city. The process will be extremely dangerous." "What about Caer Andros?" King Imlahir said, "If Osgiliath has a heavy army, it must be treated the same there, and we don't want to Forget the possible threat from the left wing. Rohan's reinforcements may come, but they may also miss the appointment. According to Faramir's information, there is a large army gathered before the black gate of the demon king, and he may send more than one legion to attack more than one ford at the same time." "War is a gamble full of risks," Denethor said, "Kel Andros has already stationed troops, we will not send reinforcements, but I will never give up the Ferry and the Paliano Plain; the key is General present, do you have the courage to carry out the will of your superiors?" The meeting room fell into silence, and finally, Faramir said: "Sir, I will not disobey your will. Now that you have lost Boromir, I am willing to You are ordered to perform this task in his stead." "I order you to do so," said Denethor.
"Farewell, father!" said Faramir. "If I survive by chance, please give me a fair chance!" "That depends on how you survive!" said Denethor.
Gandalf was the last to speak to Faramir before he set off eastward. "Don't despise your life for the pain in your heart," he said. "You are needed here for reasons other than war. Your father loved you, Faramir, and he will understand at last. Farewell !" Lord Faramir left again, taking with him many volunteers who could be drawn.Many people on the city wall were looking at the ruins in the distance, guessing what kind of situation the place was facing; others were still looking to the north as before, hoping for Theoden's help. "Will he come? Does he remember the covenant between the two countries?" they said.
"Yes, he will come!" said Gandalf, "but he may be too late. Think of it! The scarlet arrows were in his hands only two days ago at the earliest, Not a short distance." By the time the new information arrived, it was night again.一名男子匆忙地从渡口赶过来，他说从米那斯魔窟出发的大军正逐渐接近奥斯吉力亚斯，南方残酷的哈拉德林人也加入了他们的阵容。 「我们也才刚刚得知，」信差说，「黑影将军是他们的首领，在河对岸都可以感受到他散发出的气息。」皮聘来到米那斯提力斯的第三天，就在这噩耗中结束了。只有几个人敢去休息，因为大家都明白，即使是法拉墨也不可能在渡口固守太久。
第二天一早，虽然黑暗已经完全扩张，无法变得更深沉，但它还是在人们的心中构成了极为沉重的压力，他们也都觉得十分的恐惧。噩耗很快又再度来临了，魔王已经强渡了安都因河口，法拉墨正准备撤退到帕兰诺的城墙后，在大道堡垒中重新集结，但他所面临的敌人拥有十倍于他的兵力。
「即使他能够成功逃离帕兰诺平原，也不可能摆脱紧追不舍的敌人。」信差回报：「他们为了渡河已经付出了惨重的代价，但却没有像我们所希望的一样惨痛。他们的渡河计画十分的周详。我们现在才知道，从很久以前，他们就开始秘密地制造木筏和渡船，藏放在东奥斯吉力亚斯中。他们像是蚂蚁一般的蜂拥而来。但真正击败我们的还是黑影将军，光是听见他即将到来的谣言，就没有多少人能够抵挡。他自己的部下也对他畏惧不已，只要他一声令下，他们会当场自相残杀。」「那么，那里比此地还更需要我！」甘道夫立刻策马出城，他模糊的身影很快就消失在众人的视线中。皮聘彻夜不眠地站在城墙上，不停的看着东方的变化。
天亮的钟声又再度响起，在这浓密的黑暗中显得格外讽刺。皮聘这时却看见远方有了火光，就在帕兰诺平原城墙树立的地方。守卫们大声呼喊，城中的所有男子全都严阵以待。远方不时发出红色的闪光，低沉的闷响传来不祥的消息。
「他们已经攻下了城墙！」人们大喊道：「敌人炸开了缺口。他们来了！」「法拉墨在哪里？」贝瑞贡不安地大呼：「千万别说他已经战死了！」带来最新消息的是甘道夫，过了一段时间，他带着屈指可数的骑士赶了回来，同时还必须负责护卫许多辆马车，车上载满了伤患，这是他们从大道堡垒的废墟中勉强救出来的战友。他立刻赶到迪耐瑟身边，城主坐在净白塔中的大厅内等待，皮聘则是在他身边。透过窗户，他暗色的双眸不停地窥探着北方、南方和东方，试图想要穿透那笼罩一切的邪恶黑暗。他的目光最常停留在北方，有时他会停下来彷佛侧耳倾听着；似乎藉着某种古老的魔法，他的耳朵可以听见远方平原上的马蹄声。
「法拉墨回来了吗？」他问道。
「不，」甘道夫说：「但当我离开的时候，他还活着。不过，他决定要留下来断后。如果帕兰诺平原的撤退行动失败了，有他在现场坐镇，至少可以让部队再坚持一阵子。但我对此实在没把握。和敌人相比起来，他的兵力和敌人相比起来太悬殊了，有个连我也感到害怕的敌人出现在战场上。」「不会是──不会是黑暗魔君吧？」皮聘在恐惧中忘记了分寸。
迪耐瑟苦笑着说：「不，皮聘先生，时候还没到哪！只有在我们一败涂地之后，他才会来这边嘲笑我的失败。他会利用其他人当作他的武器。半身人先生，所有睿智的君王都必须利用别人，否则，为什么我会坐在这座塔中思考、观察和等待，甚至连自己的儿子都不惜牺牲？
我并不是已经不能出阵作战了！」他站起身，掀开黑色的斗篷，斗篷底下他穿着锁子甲，腰带上系着一柄长剑，巨大的剑柄突出于黑银两色的剑鞘中。「我已经这样生活了多年，连睡觉的时候都不会除下。」他说：「这样，我的身体才不会因为年岁而变得老朽僵硬。」「但是，在巴拉多之王的指挥之下，他的麾下大将已经攻占了你的外层防御，」甘道夫说：
「他是古代的安格马巫王、妖术师、戒灵，九名堕落之王的首领，在索伦的手中，他是柄让人充满恐惧的利刃，是让人绝望的幽影。」「那么，米斯兰达，你终于碰上可以和你匹敌的对手了！」迪耐瑟说：「至于我，我从很久以前就知道邪黑塔真正的掌权者是谁。你回来就只为了告诉我这些消息吗？或者，你只是因为打不过对方而逃之夭夭？」皮聘打了个寒颤，担心甘道夫会因此而被触怒，但他的恐惧落空了。「或许吧！」甘道夫柔声回答：「但我们真正的试炼还没到来，如果古代的预言没错，无论多么勇武的英雄好汉都杀不了他，他的克星是连贤者都不得而知的谜团。无论如何，至少，邪恶的首领并不急着挥军向前；他正是照着你之前所提过的睿智规范而行，躲在后方，驱赶着他的奴仆疯狂向前。
」「但你猜错了，我回来的目的是护送那些还可以医治的伤患；拉马斯的城墙已经多处被毁，魔窟的大军很快就会从多个缺口进军。很快的，平原上就会掀起战火，我们必须要有足够的伏兵才行。我希望他们是骑马的战士，那是我们唯一的希望，目前敌人的骑兵依旧是他们最弱的一环。」「我们现在也好不到哪里去，如果骠骑们现在能出现就好了！」迪耐瑟说。
「其他的部队会比他们先抵达，」甘道夫说：，「凯尔安卓斯的守军刚和我们会合，那座三角洲已经沦陷。魔王另外派出了一支部队从黑门前出发，从东北方渡河去攻击他们。」「米斯兰达，有些人指责你乐于带来坏消息，」迪耐瑟说：「但这对我来说并不算是新消息了，昨天天黑以前我就知道了。至于伏兵，我已经考虑过这件事了，我们下去吧。」时间慢慢流逝，经过一段时间之后，城墙上的守军就开始看见了撤退的先头部队。疲惫的战士散乱地往回走，其中大多数人身上都挂彩了，有些人甚至像是被怪兽追杀一般的没命狂奔。人们依旧可以看见东方闪动着火光，这些火焰似乎穿透了城墙，在平原上开始蔓延。房屋和谷仓起火了。然后，一条条长长的火龙从四面八方汇聚，沿着奥斯吉力亚斯的大道，朝向主城的正门而来。
「这些敌人，」男人们说：「外墙已经陷落了，他们从每一个缺口蜂拥而入，还带着火把！我们的部队呢？」时间逐渐接近傍晚，光线越来越微弱，连视力很好的人，都无法从要塞中看清楚战场上的情况。唯一能确定的就是：火焰不停地蔓延，火龙的长度和数量也一直在增加。最后，距离主城不到一哩的地方，一群秩序井然的战士出现了，他们以稳定的步伐前进，依旧保持固定的队形。
城中的人们屏息以待。「法拉墨一定就在那边，」他们说：「他可以指挥人类或是野兽，他会安全回来的！」撤退的主要队伍距离主城越来越近了，从他们身后的黯淡天色中冲出一群骑士，这是断后部队幸存的最后几名战士，他们又再度转过身，准备面对数量惊人的敌人。然后，突然间传来了刺耳的呼声，敌人的骑兵出现了。原先的火焰长龙变成了波涛汹涌的火浪，一列一列的半兽人拿着火把、南方人擎着红旗，用粗鲁的语言不停叫骂着冲上来，眼看就要赶上撤退的队伍。最后，从黑暗的天空中传来一声刺耳的尖叫，长着翅膀的黑影飞出，戒灵俯冲而下，准备大开杀戒。
撤退的队伍立刻慌乱起来，人们已经开始脱队，不假思索地四散奔逃，有些将武器抛下，有些恐惧大喊，有些则是趴在地上不能动弹。
要塞中传来了冲锋的号角声，迪耐瑟最后终于出动了他的伏兵，他们躲在正门内和外墙边，就等待着他的讯号，这是城内所有残存骑兵所拼凑出来的部队。他们队伍整齐地以高速冲向敌人，口中呼喊着杀敌的口号，城墙内传来了回应的欢呼声，在骑兵的最前端，是多尔安罗斯的王和他擎着蓝旗的天鹅骑士。
「安罗斯为刚铎而战！」他们大喊着：「安罗斯和法拉墨要会合了！」他们以如同奔雷一般的气势，击溃了撤退队伍两边侧翼的敌人；但一名骑士摆脱了后面的所有人，他像是草原上的疾风掠过敌阵：影疾载着他，他再度浑身发光，高举的手中闪动着耀眼的光芒。
戒灵猛地拉高冲势，飞向另一个方向；因为，它们的首领还没有准备好迎战敌人手中净化的火焰。魔窟的部队一心一意只想击垮眼前士气低落、四散奔逃的残兵。刚铎撤退的部队欢呼着转过身，开始攻击追兵。原先的猎人成了猎物，撤退反而成了大开杀戒的机会。战场上立刻尸横遍野，满地都是半兽人和人类的尸体，骤然熄灭的火把冒出恶臭，在平原上卷起阵阵的烟雾，骑兵毫不留情地继续向前。
但迪耐瑟并不允许他们继续追击，虽然敌人的攻势受阻，暂时被击退，但东方的部队依旧源源不绝地前来增援。号角再度响起，发出退兵的号令，刚铎的骑兵停了下来，在他们的掩护之下，部队重整队形，他们调转队伍，秩序井然地朝向正门退去。他们抬头挺胸走入了城门，城内的人民也以敬佩的眼光看着他们，大声的欢呼；但是，众人内心都有些担心，因为从战士的数量看来，他们的牺牲非常惨重，法拉墨损失了三分之一的部下，他自己人又在哪里呢？
他是最后进来的人，他的部下都已经进了城内。骑兵们策马进城，最后是多尔安罗斯的旗帜和领袖，他怀抱着和他流着相同血脉的迪耐瑟之子法拉墨，他是在战场上找到他倒下的躯体。
「法拉墨！法拉墨！」人们在街道上哭喊着。但他没有回答，他们将他簇拥着送进要塞，回到他父王的身边。当时戒灵正因白骑士的光芒而后退，法拉墨则是正和哈拉德的一名大将僵持不下，从敌阵中冷不防飞来的一支毒箭射中了他。如果不是多尔安罗斯骑兵的冲锋，他可能早就被南方人的利剑斩杀在战场上。
印拉希尔王将法拉墨送入净白塔，他说：「王上，你的儿子在英勇奋战之后回来了，」他描述了在他眼前所发生的奋战经过。但迪耐瑟只是站起来，一言不发地看着儿子的面孔。然后，他命令仆人们在房中安排一张床铺，让法拉墨躺在上面，接着请众人离开，他自己则是来到了高塔顶端的秘密房间中；那一瞬间，许多抬头观望的民众看见窗内冒出苍白的光芒，在闪动一阵之后，光芒就熄灭了。当迪耐瑟从房中下来时，他还是一言不发地坐在儿子身边；只是，摄政王的脸色灰败，比他卧床的儿子看起来还要虚弱。
就这样，米那斯提力斯攻防战就在敌人严密的包围圈中展开了。拉马斯城墙遭到突破，整个帕兰诺平原也落入魔王的掌握中。从城外最后进来的消息，是由北方逃来的部队在正门关闭前所带进来的。他们是从安诺瑞安和洛汗进入米那斯提力斯必经之道上的守军，这些残兵是由印哥所带领的，五天前就是他让甘道夫和皮聘进入刚铎，那时，太阳依然还会升起，人们心中还抱持着希望。
「骠骑们还是没有消息，」他说：「洛汗国的援兵不会来了。即使他们来了，恐怕也无法突破包围圈。我们之前首先发现的部队，已经从凯尔安卓斯的方向渡河了。他们的兵力非常强大：好几个魔眼直属的半兽人军团，无数个由陌生的人类所组成的连队。他们身材并不高，但十分壮硕，像是矮人一样留着胡子，拿着巨斧，我们猜测，他们可能是从东方的荒野中前来的部族。他们在北方的道路上部署下重兵，许多则是驻扎在安诺瑞安，骠骑们看来是无法赶过来了。」正门关了起来，城墙上的守卫一整夜都可以听见敌人在外面肆虐的声音，他们恣意破坏、四处放火，砍杀任何在城外的人类，不管他们原先是死是活都一样。在这一片黑暗中，人们无法估计越过大河的敌人究竟有多少，但是，当依旧黯淡的清晨到来时，人们才发现昨夜的恐惧并没有让他们夸张敌人的数量。平原上挤满了黑压压的部队，极目所及全部都是包围米那斯提力斯的敌人，如同恶臭的霉菌一样密密麻麻，占据了整个平原。敌人在城周围安置了许多黑色或是鲜红色的营帐，准备进行一场大规模的攻城战。
半兽人如同蚂蚁一般的忙碌工作，他们在弓箭射程之外挖掘宽大的壕沟，每当一座壕沟完成时，沟内就被注满了火焰。人们看不清楚这火焰究竟是如何被点燃的，是靠着独门的技术还是靠魔法？Nobody knows.这些人忙碌工作了一整天，米那斯提力斯的守军束手无策地看着他们，完全无法阻止他们的动作。只要一段壕沟完成，守军们就可以看见对方推来巨大的车辆，紧接着就是更多的敌军。他们都躲在壕沟的掩护之后，同时也架设起巨大的弩炮和投石器，城中的武器都无法射到那么远的地方，即使可以，也不具有任何的杀伤力。
一开始，人们只是哈哈大笑，并不怎么害怕那些装置，因为环绕这座城的主城墙不只极高，厚度更惊人，这是在努曼诺尔人的势力和知识衰微之前所建造的。它的外层如同欧散克塔一样，黝黑、坚硬、光滑，不管是火焰或是钢铁都无法破坏；除非有某种力量能将它连根拔起，否则它根本不畏惧任何形式的攻击。
「没用的，」他们说：「就算敌人主将亲自动手也是一样的，只要我们还活着，他们就绝对进不来。」但有些人忍不住质疑道：「只要我们还活着？还有多久？他拥有的武器从古到今已经不知击垮了多少强敌，饥饿就是他最可怕的帮手。道路都已经被封闭了，洛汗国的援军是不会来了！」但那些装置并没有把弹药浪费在金刚不坏的城墙上。规划这场剿灭魔多大敌战役的并非是鸡鸣狗盗之辈，那是拥有诡诈智慧的力量和心智。巨型的投石器架好后，在敌人的呼喊和绳索、滑轮的运作之下，难以计数的弹药被投向极高的高空。这些弹药越过了城墙，如同致命的暴雨一般落在第一座城中。许多弹药藉着独特的技术，在半空中就炸成一团火焰洒向地面。
很快的，城内就陷入了一片火海，所有多余的人力全都被抽调去扑灭各处冒出的火苗。在这一团混乱之中，又有第二波没那么危险、却更为恐怖的弹雨落了下来。这些东西落在城门后的街道上；它们小而圆，却意外的不会爆炸。当人们想要弄清楚这是什么东西时，却纷纷克制不住地发出惨嚎或嚎啕大哭。敌人这回射进城内的武器是战死在奥斯吉力亚斯、拉马斯城墙、平原上的那些战士的脑袋。连最坚强的人看到这景象也不禁动容，有些脑袋已经被破坏得难以辨认，但有些即使被划满了恐怖的伤口，人们还是认得出来。从这些人头上的表情看来，每个人死前都承受了极度的痛苦；不只如此，半兽人还在他们的头上毫不留情地烙下了魔眼的印记。虽然这些人头沾满血污，被剥夺了最后一丝的尊严，但城中的守军还是会从中发现他们曾经认识的人，那些曾经昂首阔步、自尊自傲生活的人们。
人们徒劳无功地咒骂着那些聚集在正门前的敌人，对方毫不畏惧诅咒，也听不懂西方人类的语言，彼此之间只用类似野兽和食腐鸟类的嘶哑语言交谈。很快的，米那斯提力斯内的守军士气陷入了新的低潮，没有多少人还敢挺身抵抗魔多的部队，因为邪黑塔的帝王又带来了另一个比饥饿更快速、更强大的武器：恐惧和绝望。
戒灵又再度出击。这一次，他们的帝王发动了几乎全部的力量，而他们传达它意志和力量的声音，也随着变得更具破坏力，充满了威胁的邪气飘汤在空中。他们如同等待啃食尸体的兀鹰一样，在空中不停地盘旋。他们刻意保持在人类的势力和弓箭的射程之外，从不离开，致命的声音充塞在空气中。每一次凄厉的尖叫声都让人越来越难以忍受，到了最后，在这些黑影掠过上空时，连意志最坚定的战士都会卧倒在地上，无法动弹，再不然，他们就是浑身僵硬地站着，让武器从软弱的手中落下，脑中的思绪完全被黑暗所掩盖，再也不想要抵抗，剩下的只有躲藏、逃窜和死亡。
在这黑暗的一天中，法拉墨都躺在净白塔的厅堂中，在致命的高烧中挣扎着。有些人说他快要死了，很快的，这消息就传遍了全城。他的父亲什么都不做的坐在他身边，只是沉默地看着，完全放弃了防御的计画。
即使是被强兽人逮捕的时候，皮聘也不曾感到这么的绝望。他的职责是服侍摄政王，他就这样被人遗忘地站在点着微光的厅堂中，尽可能的压抑自己心中的恐惧。他眼睁睁看着迪耐瑟在他的眼前不停衰老，彷佛他坚强的意志中有什么紧绷的东西断了线，让他沦入万劫不复的境地。或许是伤心或许是悔恨所造成的，他在那张坚毅的脸上看见了泪水，这比怒气更让人难以忍受。
「王上，不要哭，」他结巴的说：「或许他会好起来的，您问过甘道夫了吗？」「不要拿巫师来安慰我！」迪耐瑟说：「那愚蠢的最后一线希望已经幻灭了，魔王找到了它，他的力量开始增强，他可以知道我们的想法，我们所做的一切都是徒劳无功。」「我无情地派出自己的亲生儿子，冒那不必要的危险，现在，他躺在那里，血液中有着剧毒。无奈啊，无奈啊，不管战事如何演变，我的血脉都将从此断绝，刚铎宰相的家族也将从此终结，人类的皇族将落入贱民统治之下，最后我们将被全部灭绝。」许多人来到门口，求见城主。「不，我不出去！」他说：「我必须要留在儿子身边，他在死前或许还会开口，距离那时候也不远了。你们想要跟从谁都可以，即使是那个只知道死抱着一线希望的灰袍傻瓜也无妨，但我只会留在这里。」因此，甘道夫接掌了刚铎最后一个城池的防卫系统。只要他一出现，人们就士气大振，将那魔影的记忆赶出脑海。他日夜不休地在要塞和城墙之间来回，从南到北巡视城墙的每一个段落，多尔安罗斯王穿着闪亮的盔甲随侍在侧，他和他的骑士依旧拥有努曼诺尔人皇者的血液。看见他们的人们会低声说着：「古老的传说或许是真的，那些人的身体里面或许真流着精灵的血液，毕竟宁若戴尔的人民，曾经在那边居住过很长的一段时间。」然后，就会有人在这一片灰暗中唱起有关宁若戴尔的歌曲，或是远古流传下来的安都因的颂歌。
但是，当甘道夫离开之后，人们又再度被阴影所笼罩，热血也跟着冷却下来，刚铎的荣耀化成飞灰。就这样，他们度过了另一个黯淡、恐惧的白天，进入了绝望的夜晚。在第一城中已经有多处被烈火吞没，城墙上的守军已经有多处陷入了无路可退的窘况。但是，也没有多少人还紧守着自己的岗位，大多数的人都已经害怕地逃入了第二座城门。
距离战场很远的地方，大河上搭建了更多桥梁，一整天都有更多的部队和武器越过大河，最后，攻击终于在半夜发起了。先锋部队穿越了火焰壕沟之间刻意留下的通道，冲向城墙。即使在城墙上弓箭手的猛烈攻势之下，他们还是不顾生死的冲锋，不过，事实上城墙内并没有留下足以击溃他们攻势的守军。即使在火焰的照明下，刚铎一向自傲的弓箭手也因为数量上的差距而无法对敌人造成多大的伤害。在确定了城中的士气已经崩溃之后，隐身在幕后的将领指示全军发动攻击，在奥斯吉力亚斯建造的巨大攻城塔开始缓缓的穿越黑暗，被推向城墙。
信差们再度冲进了净白塔，由于事态紧急，皮聘还是让他们进来了。迪耐瑟缓缓将目光从法拉墨的脸上移开，沉默地看着他们。
「王上，第一城已经陷入了烈焰之中，」他们说：「您有什么指示？你依然还是城主兼任宰相。并不是每个人都愿意听从米斯兰达的指挥。人们逃离了城墙，让我们的防卫露出空隙。」「为什么？这些笨蛋为什么要逃？」迪耐瑟说：「晚死不如早死，反正我们迟早都会被烧成焦炭。回去你们的篝火边！我呢？我要留在我的火葬场！火葬！迪耐瑟和法拉墨不需要墓窖。不需要！我们才不会安息在这里的土地上，我们会像是野蛮人的国王一样烧成飞灰。西方的势力失败了，回到你们的火焰中吧！」信差们立刻转身逃了出去。
迪耐瑟站了起来，松开法拉墨发烫的手。「他在发烧，一直发烧，」他哀伤地说：「他灵魂的圣堂已经崩溃了。」然后，他走向皮聘，低头看着他。
「永别了！」他说：「帕拉丁之子皮瑞格林，永别了！你的服役时间很短，现在也快结束了，我解除你的职务。去吧，选择你最想要的死法，你想和谁在一起都可以，即使是那个让你面对这死亡的蠢蛋也可以。把我的仆人找来，然后就走吧。永别了！」「王上，我不会说永别的，」皮聘跪着说。突然间，他又恢复了哈比人的精神，他站起身，直视对方的双眼。「我会接受你让我离开的命令，大人，」他说：「因为我真的很想要见到甘道夫。但他并不愚蠢，除非连他都愿意放弃生命，否则我绝不愿意放弃生命。但是，只要您还活着，我就不愿意职务被解除。如果他们最后杀进了要塞，我宁愿站在你身边，好好的挥舞一下身上的这柄宝剑。」「半身人先生，如你所愿吧，」迪耐瑟：「但我的生命就到此结束了，找我的仆人进来！」他转过身继续看着法拉墨。
皮聘离开了他，把仆人找了进来。他们是六名高大英俊的男子，但却因为这召唤而浑身发抖。不过，出人意料之外的，迪耐瑟只是命令他们在法拉墨的床盖上温暖的被褥，把床抬起来。
他们照做了，将法拉墨扛着离开了这厅堂。他们缓缓步行，尽可能不打搅到这发烧的伤患，迪耐瑟倚着拐杖跟在后面，皮聘则是走在众人的最后。
他们走出了净白塔踏入黑暗，气氛凝重得彷佛是参加丧礼一般，低垂的乌云在火光的照耀下反射出病态的红光。他们无声地穿越广大的庭园，在迪耐瑟的命令之下，于那枯萎的圣树旁停了下来。
除了下城的喧闹之外，一切都寂静无声，他们可以清楚的听见水滴从枯枝上哀伤地落入池水中的声音。然后，他们继续走到要塞的门口，卫兵们惊讶但无可奈何地打量着他们。一行人转向西，最后来到了第六城后方墙上的一座门前。人们称这作梵和伦，因为只有举行丧礼的时候它才会打开，除了城主之外没有其他人可以使用这条道路，唯一的例外是负责清洁维护陵寝的工作人员。在门后是一条蜿蜒的小路，在九转十八弯之后，才会来到明都陆安山阴影下众王和宰相安息的陵寝。
一名看门人居住在路旁的小屋中，他拿着一盏油灯满脸恐惧地来到门口。在城主的命令之下，他打开大门，大门无声地往后滑开，他们拿走他手上的油灯，走了进去。在摇晃的油灯光芒映照下，古老的高墙和石柱显得十分阴森。他们缓慢的脚步声不停地回响着，直到他们来到死寂之街，拉斯迪南，这街道位于苍白的圆顶和空旷的厅堂，以及早已亡故的人们的画像之间。他们走进了宰相陵寝，将重担放了下来。
皮聘不安地看着四周，发现自己身在一个宽广的大殿中，彷佛整个地方都被包围在深沉的黑暗中，只有油灯的光芒穿透这厚重的包覆。在这微光之中，他依稀能够辨认出许多由大理石雕刻成的石桌；每张石桌上躺着一具双手交叠的尸体，头枕在冷冰冰的岩石上，但最靠近众人的一张石桌上空无一物。在迪耐瑟的命令之下，他们将法拉墨和父王肩并肩排在一起，用一张裹尸布将他们盖住，仆人们接着低头垂首在两边站好，彷佛是在谒陵一般。然后，迪耐瑟低声开口道：
「我们会在这里等待，」他说：「但别找香料师过来。带乾燥的柴火过来，堆放在我们身边和身下，在上面倒满油。听我的号令，你们可以将火把丢上来。不要多说，只管照做就是了。再见！」「王上，谨遵指示！」皮聘立刻转过身，害怕地逃离这亡者居住的地方。「可怜的法拉墨！
」他想：「我一定得赶快找到甘道夫才行，可怜的法拉墨！他需要的不是泪水而是医药啊。
喔，我到底能在哪里找到甘道夫？我想，一定是在最忙乱的地方，他搞不好没时间分身来对付将死的疯人。」到了门口，他转身对一名留下来看守的仆人说：「你的主人失去理智了，」他说：「动作慢一些！只要法拉墨还活着，请你们不要带火过来！在甘道夫到之前什么事也不要做！」「米那斯提力斯的统治者究竟是谁？」那人回答道：「是迪耐瑟王？还是灰袍圣徒？」「看起来如果不是灰袍圣徒，那就什么统治者都没有了，」皮聘说，在此同时他使尽浑身解数飞奔上那蜿蜒的小径，穿过那惊讶的看门人身边，走出大门，继续不停地奔跑，直到要塞的入口处。当他经过的时候，卫兵向他打招呼，他认出了贝瑞贡的声音。
「皮瑞格林先生，你要去哪里？」他大喊着。
「我要找米斯兰达，」皮聘回答道。
「王上的命令一定很紧急，不能够被我所拖延，」贝瑞贡说：「不过，如果你愿意的话，可以赶快告诉我：到底发生什么事了？王上究竟去哪里了？我才刚上哨，但我听说他走向那封印之门，仆人们还扛着法拉墨走在前面。」「没错，」皮聘说：「他们的目标是死寂之街。」贝瑞贡忍不住低下头，隐藏眼中的泪水。「他们说他已经快死了，」他叹气道：「现在他终于还是走了。」「不！」皮聘说：「时候还没到，即使是现在，我想我们还是有机会阻止他的死亡。可是，贝瑞贡，城主在他的王城陷落之前就崩溃了，他已经发疯了，会做出很危险的事情来。」他很快地转述了迪耐瑟的诡异话语和动作。「我必须立刻找到甘道夫才行！」「那你必须前往战火正炽烈的地方才行。」「我知道，王上准许我离开，贝瑞贡，如果你可以的话，请你想想办法阻止这不幸发生。」「除非是摄政王直接的命令，否则他不准许任何穿着黑银制服的人擅离职守。」「好吧，你必须要在军令和法拉墨的生命之间作出选择，」皮聘说：「对我来说，我认为你要对付的不是什么王者，而是个疯子。我得走了。如果可能的话，我会尽快赶回来！」他死命的跑着，一直朝向外城而去。人们狂奔逃离大火现场，有些注意到他穿着制服的人转过身大吼大叫，但他全不理会。最后，他终于穿过了第二门，门外的城墙几乎全都陷入烈焰之中，但是，这里却处在一种十分诡异的沉寂中，没有人们的呼喊声、没有金铁交鸣的声音，接着，突然间传来一声刺耳的吼叫声，以及一声巨大的爆响。在足以让人两腿发软的恐惧中，皮聘强逼着自己走到正门后的空地上。他停了下来，找到了甘道夫，但是，他却不由自主地倒退回来，躲进阴影中。
自从什夜开始，敌方的攻势就从未停歇过。战鼓雷鸣，成千上万的敌人从北方和南方蜂拥而来，庞大无匹的巨兽也出现在战阵中，在这血红的光芒下，哈拉德林人拖拉着这些猛，它们巨大如同房屋般的身躯，扛着巨大的攻城塔和武器朝向正门靠近。但是，他们的统帅一点也不在乎他们的表现，或是可能遭受的损伤；这些部队的用处只是在测试敌人的防御强度，让刚铎的守军疲于奔命，他把最精锐的部队都投入正门前。正门由钢铁所铸成，在高塔和强大的火力守卫之下的确难以攻破。但是，相比于周围金刚不坏的城墙，这是整体防御中最弱的一点。
鼓声越来越大、火势越来越猛，巨大的攻城塔、投石器不停的靠近，在这阵形之中，有一座庞大惊人的破城锤，它的长度和百年的神木一样高，藉着粗大的铁练晃动。魔多的铁匠们早已为了铸造这恐怖的武器而努力多时，它的尖端铸成咆哮狼头的形状，上面被施以破坏的法术，为了纪念远古的地狱之锤，他们将这破城锤命名为葛龙德。巨兽拖着它，四周环绕着许多的半兽人，来自山区的食人妖则是负责整个装置的使用。
不过，在正门附近，守军依旧十分的强悍，多尔安罗斯的骑士和最老练的战士都集中在该处。箭雨插满了战场的每一寸土地，攻城塔被炸成碎片，或是像火把一样被熊熊烈火包围。正门旁的尸体堆积如山，但在难以想像的疯狂力量驱使下，敌军依旧奋不顾身地冲上前。
葛龙德缓缓前行，没有任何的火焰能够伤害它；不过，拖拉的巨兽经常陷入疯狂、胡乱的冲撞，在四周的半兽人阵形中造成惨重的伤亡。但是，他们立刻将这些尸体丢到一边，由其他人接替它们的位置。
葛龙德继续前进，鼓声狂乱地噪响着。在尸山上出现了一个丑恶的身影：一名高大、浑身都在黑暗遮蔽之下的骑