Chapter 18 Section 5 The Prime Minister and the Emperor

The whole city of Gondor is in fear and doubt, and the clear sky seems to be a mockery to the desperate people, who wait helplessly for the bad news every morning.Their king was charred, and the body of the Hussar King of Rohan was in the fortress.The Human Sovereign who had visited this city at night went out to fight again, to face the darkness that had no power or bravery to contend with, and there was no news.After the army left the Morgul Valley and went north into the mountains, there were no rumors or messengers to bring news out of the gloomy east. Two days after the generals left, Princess Eowyn ordered the woman who took care of her to bring her clothes, but she refused to listen to dissuasion and insisted on leaving the hospital bed.When she was dressed and her arms were secured with linen, she went straight to the director of the hospital.

"My lord," she said, "I feel very disturbed, and I can't continue to lie down on the hospital bed." "Prince," he replied, "you have not recovered yet, and my superiors told me that I must take special care of you. He told me , you have at least seven more days to get out of bed. I ask you to go back and rest." "I'm fine," she said, "at least my body is fine, only the left arm is not so bright, but it's not too bad If there is nothing for me to do, I may fall ill instead. Any news from the battlefield? Those women don't know anything." "No news," said the dean, "we only know that the troops have After leaving the valley of the Morgul, people say that the man from the north is their commander in chief. He is indeed a very noble king, and he is also a healer; it is really difficult for me to understand why the healer also has a sword in his hand? Gondor There are no such people now, but if the old legends are true, there may have been such characters in the past. For many, many years, we healers have only thought about how to mend the wounds made by the sword, even if there was no war, We don't have any rest; even if the world is peaceful, there are still many diseases in this world that need us." "As long as the other party has hostility, the flames of war will be ignited immediately, my lord," Eowyn replied: "He who has no sword It is still possible to die by the sword. Do you think the people of Gondor should go out and collect herbs when the Dark Lord gathers his army? Even if the body is cured, it does not necessarily bring happiness; It may not always be unlucky. In this dark hour, if I can, I would rather choose the latter." The dean looked at her, she stood tall, her pale face had a pair of bright eyes.Her fists clenched as she looked east through the window.The dean sighed, shook her head, and after a while, she turned around again.

"Is there nothing else to do?" she said. "Who is in charge of the city now?" "I don't know," he replied, "I don't care about these things. A general of the hussars stayed behind. , and Lord Hurin is in charge of the people of Gondor. However, it is reasonable to say that Lord Faramir is the prime minister of Gondor." "Where can I find him?" "Here, princess. He is seriously wounded , but is gradually recovering. But I don't know—" "Will you take me to him? Then you can find out." Faramir was walking alone in the garden of the hospital, the sun warming his body , he felt that his veins were full of vitality again.However, when he looked towards the east outside the city wall, he still felt a heavy heart.When the Master came, he turned and saw Eowyn, Princess of Rohan.His heart was immediately filled with sympathy, because he saw the injuries on her body, and from her expression, he could clearly see her uneasiness and sorrow.

"My lord," said the dean, "this is Iowyn, the princess of Rohan. She fought alongside the Hussar King and was seriously injured. speak to your chancellor." "My lord, don't misunderstand him," Eowyn said. "My complaint is not about poor care. For those who want to recuperate, there is nowhere else like this place. But, I cannot Lying on a hospital bed, I was imprisoned here doing nothing all day long. I wanted to die on the battlefield, but I didn’t get what I wanted, and the flames of war in the world have not been extinguished.” Faramir made a gesture, and the dean saluted and left . "Princess, what do you think I can do?" Faramir said:

"I'm also the doctor's prisoner." Faramir looked at her, and under the strong warmth of sympathy, he felt that the beauty and sadness of the other party made his heart ache.She looked at him, and saw heavy tenderness in his eyes; but, as she had been brought up among the hussars, Éowyn also knew that no hussar could stand against the man before her in battle. "What do you want?" He added, "If it is within my authority, I will assist you as much as possible." "I want you to give this dean an order to let me go," she said .However, although her words were still full of confidence, her heart was shaken. For the first time in history, she had doubts about her beliefs.She was worried that the strong but gentle man in front of her might think that she was making trouble out of no reason, but that she was not strong enough to take on the task until the end.

"I am also under the management of the dean," Faramir replied, "I have not yet inherited the management rights of the royal city. However, even if I succeed the prime minister, I will still follow his advice, within his professional scope Will not disobey him unless absolutely necessary. "But I need no recuperation," she said, "I want to ride into battle like my brother Eomer, and more like Theoden King of the Hussars, Glorious Shroud of Leather." "Too late, Princess, Even if you still have strength, you can't catch up with them now!" Faramir said: "However, whether we want to or not, the fate of fighting may eventually come. If you seize the time now and follow the instructions of the healer Take care of yourself, then you will have a better body to face it, and you and I will have to endure this long wait." She didn't answer, but Faramir could see that something softened in her heart, It seemed that the frost had melted in the early spring sun.A tear fell from the corner of her eye, hanging on her cheek like a raindrop.Her confident face lowered slightly, and then, she whispered, as if talking to herself: "But the doctor will make me lie down for another seven days," she said, "My window is not facing the east." Her voice Sounds like a sad girl.

Faramir smiled, but his heart was filled with sympathy. "Aren't your windows facing east?" he said. "I can remedy this. I will give an order to the dean. Princess, as long as you promise to stay here to receive care and rest well, you can freely walk in the garden, and you can look east as much as you want until our Until all the flames of hope are extinguished. I will also take a walk here, and also look at the east. If you are willing to talk to me or take a walk together when you see me, I will be more at ease." She raised her head and looked straight at Looking into his eyes, his pale cheeks were stained red. "My lord, how can I ease your worries?" she said. "I don't want to talk to a living person." "Would you like to hear the truth?" he said.

"Speak." "Then, O Eowyn of Rohan, thou art fair, I say. In our valleys and hills there are many fair flowers, and sweeter maidens, but, as I see Among all the flowers and girls I have ever lived, nothing can compare to your beauty and sadness. Perhaps, we only have a few days left to live, and I hope to be able to face the end of all that firmly. If I can still see you in the sun It will give me much peace of mind. You and I fought under the shadow, and the same hands brought us back." "Oh, don't count me out, my lord!" she said: "I still have traces of ghosts on my body, please don't expect me to soothe your wounds! I am a female warrior, and my hands are not gentle. However, I still thank you for your kindness, so that I don't have to sit still In the room, I will move around with the chancellor's permission." She saluted him and walked back into the house.For a long time after that, Faramir was still pacing alone in the garden, but his eyes stayed inside the house much longer than looking east.

When Faramir returned to the room, he summoned the Abbot, and from him he heard all that had happened to the Queen of Rohan. "However, my lord," said the abbot, "you can hear more from the halfling who was with us, because he fought with the king of hussars at that time, and it is said that the queen is behind." And so, Merry came When they came to Faramir, they chatted together, and Faramir knew a lot, and even let him guess what Merry didn't say, and he understood why Éowyn of Rohan was so disturbed and sad.Faramir and Merry walked in the garden that beautiful evening, but she did not appear.

But next morning, when Faramir left the room, he saw her standing on the wall.She was all in white, making it hard to see in the sunlight.He called out, and she came down, and the two walked side by side on the grass, or sat and chatted under a tree.The abbot was peeping through the window, feeling very happy in his heart.After all, he is a healer, and he understands that some things are more suitable for healing people's hearts than medicine and stones; and, even in this dark age of turmoil, he can see that there are good things that keep growing with the passage of time, It also makes people feel very happy.

And so it was the fifth day since Princess Éowyn had seen Faramir for the first time.The two stood on the city wall again, looking into the distance.There is still no news from the troops, and everyone feels depressed.The sky is no longer clear, the weather is very cold, and the north wind that gradually strengthens at night caresses the earth, and the earth looks vast. They wore warm clothing and heavy cloaks, and Éowyn wore a dark blue cloak all day, with stars on the neck and hem.It was a dress that Faramir had given her, and he thought it made her look very beautiful and noble, especially when she stood beside him.This cloak was woven for his mother, Findoras of Amroth.The mother who died young was only a vague shadow to Faramir, but it was also the first time in his life that he felt sad.To him the mother's robes were well suited to beautiful and mournful Éowyn. Under the cloak, Éowyn shivered, and looked to the gray earth to the north, to the clear, icy sky where the wind came from. "What are you looking at, Éowyn?" Faramir asked. "Isn't the Black Gate over there?" she said, "he will know they are coming! It has been seven days since the troops left." "Seven days," said Faramir, "forgive me for my abruptness: these seven days Let me feel the joy and pain that I have never experienced before. Your presence makes me happy, but it pains me because the world is getting darker and more evil. Eowyn, I don't want this world to end like this, and give up the happiness I just found. "My lord, the happiness you found?" She replied, her expression was solemn, but her eyes were extremely gentle. "I don't know what you've found to lose in these days. Come on, friend, stop talking! Let's stop talking about this! I am standing on the edge of life and death, and there is a dark abyss in front of my feet, but I don't know if there is light behind me, because I can't turn back yet, and I am waiting for the omen of the end. "Yes, we are all waiting for the signs of the end," said Faramir.The two stopped talking, and at this moment, the wind seemed to stop, the sun dimmed, and the sun became weak, and all the sounds in the city and the world fell silent.There was not even the slightest sign of trouble, not even the sound of their own breathing, and their heartbeats seemed to have stopped. The hands of the two couldn't help holding each other tightly, and they waited for the unknown fate like this.Behind the mountains in the distance, it seems that a huge group of dark air rises up, like a wave, ready to engulf the world, and there are dazzling lightnings on it.Then, there was a tremor from the ground, and the entire city wall began to shake.A faint sigh spread around, and the hearts of the two began to beat again. "This reminds me of Numenor," Faramir said, surprised to hear his own voice. "Númenor?" asked Éowyn. "Yes," said Faramir, "where the royal family of the West was laid, and the dark tide covered the green lands and hills, and brought the inescapable darkness, as I have often dreamed." "Then , do you think darkness is coming?" EOWIN said, "The inevitable darkness?" She moved closer to him. "No," Faramir looked into her face, "this is just an image in my head, I don't know what will happen. My reason tells me that darkness is coming and the end is coming. But my heart denies this thought, and I My limbs were light, and undeniable joy and hope filled me. Eowyn, Eowyn, White Princess of Rohan, at this moment, I do not believe that any darkness will linger!" He bowed his head, Kiss her forehead. When the two stood on the high wall of the city of Gondor, a strong wind blew, and their long black and golden hair was blown by the wind and tangled together.The shadows left, and the sun came back, and the light flooded the land, and the river of Anduin reflected silver light, and all the inhabitants of the city sang loudly at the same time, but they did not know where the joy came from. Before the sun went down to the west, a giant eagle came and brought unexpected good news for the King of the West: Sing, people of the Tower of Jarno, the kingdom of Sauron is broken, the Dark Tower is broken. Sing and celebrate!People of the Garrison Tower, your persistence is not in vain, the black gate is finally broken, the emperor passes through victoriously, and he will return triumphantly. Let's sing, let's celebrate, children of the West, the Emperor of Man will come again, and he will return to you, and he will never change for the rest of his life. The withered holy tree will rise again, and he will plant it on high, and the royal city must be blessed. All people, sing! All the people in Wangcheng sang and sang happily. The following days were incomparably sunny, with spring and summer coming together, and the land of Gondor was full of life. The messenger sent by Kael Andros informed that everything was going well, and the royal city was ready to welcome the return of the emperor.Merry was summoned to Osgiliath, and went upriver with many goods to Cairandras.But Faramir did not go. After he recovered, he took over the responsibility of Prime Minister. Although this was only a short time, he still had to take care of everything and pave the way for the one who would replace him. Éowyn did not go to the Plains of Cameron, though her brother begged her to go with him.Faramir felt a little puzzled, but he had not seen her since he was busy with business.She still stayed in the hospital, walking alone in the garden, her face became even paler, and it seemed that she was the only one in the whole city still lamenting.The Abbot was very troubled, and he told Faramir about it. Faramir came to her at once, and they stood side by side again on the wall, and he said to her, "Why do you linger here, Eowyn, where your brother is waiting to celebrate his victory with you on the plains of Cameron?" She said, "Don't you understand?" He replied, "There could be two reasons, but I'm not sure which." She replied immediately, "I don't want to play a guessing game, make it clear!" "If you insist Well, well," said he, "the reason why you will not go is that you are only sought by your brother, and it does not please you to watch Lord Aragorn's glory; or, because I will not go, and you want to stay By my side. Maybe it's both, and you can't make up your mind. Eowyn, do you not love me, or don't you want to?" "I wish someone else could love me!" she replied, "but I don't need sympathy." "I know," he said, "that you want the love of Lord Aragorn, because of his high position and good birth, and you want to share in the great glory that will free you from this The life of ordinary people. You love him like a soldier looking up to a general, because he is indeed a born king and the most qualified person to rule the world. When he can only give you sympathy and understanding, what would you rather No, I just want to die with honor on the battlefield. Eowyn, look at me!" Eowyn looked at Faramir firmly, and Faramir said, "Don't underestimate the sympathy generated by a gentle heart, Iowyn! But what I give you is not sympathy. You are a noble and brave woman, and you have already been qualified to be famous in history. I think you are a woman whose beauty exceeds the limits of what the elves can describe. , I love you! I have sympathized with your sorrows, but even if you were no more sad, no more fear, no more want, even if you were Queen of Gondor, I would still love you. Don't you love, Eowyn? Me?" Eowyn's mind changed, or it could be said that she finally understood her true thoughts.Her winter was over, and the sun was shining brightly in her heart. "I stand on Minas Anor, the Tower of the Sun," she said; "behold! the shadow has departed! I will no longer play the part of a warrior woman, nor ride with hussars, nor Delight in killing. I will be a healer, loving all living things." Again, she looked at Faramir. "I don't want to be queen anymore!" she said. Faramir smiled happily. "Very well!" he said, "for I am not the Emperor either, but I will marry the White Princess of Rohan if she wills. If she wills, we may cross the river, and here In the age of peace, live in the beautiful Ithilien and build a small garden. If the White Lady appears, everything there will flourish and thrive.” “Men of Gondor, must I leave my fellow countrymen? She said, "Would you have your proud people say behind your back: 'Our nobles take northern warriors for wives! Has Númenor had no woman worthy of him?'" "I don't care!" Faramir said.He took her hand and kissed her in the bright sunshine, not caring at all that he was standing on the high wall and under the eyes of everyone.Indeed, many people saw them standing on the high wall holding hands and walking into the hospital with radiant faces. Faramir said to the superintendent of the hospital, "This is Iowyn, princess of Rohan, and she has recovered!" The superintendent said, "Then I must ask her to leave the hospital and bid her farewell. I hope she will never suffer from pain again." I handed over the responsibility of taking care of her to the Prime Minister until her brother returns.” But Eowyn said: “Although I can leave now, I would rather stay. For me, this is an unforgettable place." She remained there until King Eomer returned. Everything in the royal city was ready, and many people flocked to the royal city, because the news had spread throughout Gondor, from Mingruimon, Pinasjerin and the distant seaside, all those who could come to the royal city Everyone came as soon as possible.Beautiful women and children also came back to the king's city with many flowers; and from Dol Amroth came the best harpist in all the land, and from Lambanin the violins, fifes, and trombones. hands, and a singer with a clear voice. On the evening of the last day, tents outside the city could be seen from the city, and the city was brightly lit all night, and people waited for the dawn.When the sun rises from the mountains in the east, the shadows there are no longer there; all the bells in the city are tolling together, and all the flags are fluttering in the wind. played one last time. The western generals led their troops towards the city, and people saw them marching in an orderly manner, their armor shining silver in the sun. They came to the city gate and stopped not far from the city wall.Although all the doors were open, a barrier was set up at the entrance of the city, and guards in silver and black uniforms stood there with drawn long swords.Before that stood Faramir the Regent, and Hurin the Keeper of the Keys, and the other lords of Gondor; It is full of people wearing all kinds of clothes and holding fresh flowers. The passage before the walls of Minas Tirith was crowded with knights of Gondor and Rohan, with crowds of onlookers beside them.The Dunedain in silver-gray came out from the ranks, and all fell silent, with Aragorn following closely behind.He wore black armor inlaid with silver, and a pure white cloak fastened at the collar with a shining green gemstone, but there was no helmet on his head, only a gemstone fastened to his forehead with a silver chain.By his side were Eomer of Rohan, King Imrahir, Gandalf in white, and four small figures who astonished many. "No, cousin! They are not children," said Uris to her relatives who came from the countryside, "they are Paliana, from a distant country of halflings, where they are said to be princes with great reputation. I should have known, I've taken care of one in the hospital, they were small but brave. Well, I'm telling you, there was a halfling among them who just drove straight in there The Kingdom of Darkness defeated the Lord of Darkness by its own strength and burned down his tower. This is really unbelievable! That's what people say in the city. I guess it should be the one who walked with our elf gem The people together, I heard that they are very good friends. Master Elven Gem is really a strange person, but he is not very merciless when he speaks, but he has a kind heart, and he also has a pair of hands that can heal people.』 The hand of the king is the hand of the healer!" I said, that's how they found out. And Mithranda, who said to me: "Euris, what you said will not be forgotten," and— ' But Uris had no chance to finish her sentence, for then the trumpets sounded and the people fell silent again.Faramir and Hurin came out through the gates, and behind them were only four men in the uniform of the Garrison, and they carried a chest of great Rabbi Shillon, black and trimmed with silver. Faramir went up to Aragorn, and knelt down. "Last Chancellor of Gondor, please accept his authority!" He handed out a white scepter, Aragorn took it, returned it, and said, "Your task is not over yet. , it will be yours forever, and will be inherited by your descendants, as long as my dynasty exists, it will be like this! Please accept your scepter!" Faramir stood up straight and announced in a clear voice : "People of Gondor, listen to the announcement of the Prime Minister of this country! Pay attention! At last, the Emperor of our country has returned. This is Aragorn, son of Arathorn, leader of the Dundain of Arnor, and leader of the western army. The commander-in-chief, the master of the northern star, the holder of the reforged holy sword, he returned in triumph, and healed the wounds of the people with his hands. He is the gem of the elves, Eliza, a direct descendant of Valandir, the son of Isildur. The blood of Elendil of Manor. Should he become the emperor and live in the royal city?" All the crowd shouted in unison: Good! Uris said to the relatives, "It's just our tradition, because he has been in before, and he said to me—" She was interrupted again, because Faramir spoke again: "People of Gondor, according to tradition, the emperor should take the crown from his father before his death; but if he insists on this, he must enter the tomb of his ancestors alone and take the crown from his tomb. However, since Times have changed, and I, as chancellor, took from Rathdinan the crown of Iano, the last emperor, who was of the royal blood that ruled Gondor many, many years ago." The guards stepped forward, and Faramir opened the Chest, take out an ancient crown.The shape looks similar to the helmet of the fortress guards, except that it is more gorgeous, pure white, and the wings on both sides are inlaid with silver and pearls, imitating the wings of seabirds, because this is the symbol of the royal family who came across the sea, The crown is set with seven diamonds, and in the center is a gemstone that exudes a flame-like light. Aragorn took the crown, held it high, and cried: Et E may rello Endorenna ut ◆ lien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn Ambar-metta! This is what Elendil said when he crossed the sea on the wind and came to this place: "I crossed the sea and came to Middle-earth, where I and my sons will live until the end of the world." It surprised everyone. But Aragorn did not put the crown on, but instead he handed it to Faramir, saying, "It was through the labor and sacrifice of many that I regained this crown, and in thanks to all I wish the Ring to be Someone will hand the crown to Mithranda to wear it for me; may he do it, for he is behind it all, and that is his victory!" Frodo stepped forward, from Faramir Taking the crown in his hands, he gave it to Gandalf; and Aragorn knelt down, and Gandalf put it on Aragorn's place, and cried: "The days of the emperor's reign have come back again, may the Lord God bless you!" When Aragorn stood up again, people stared dumbfounded, because this seemed to be the first time he showed his true colors. He was as tall as the ancient emperors, towering over all the people around him. He looked weather-beaten, but he was in the prime of life, with wisdom in his face, strength in his hands and the ability to heal people, and he radiated light all over him.Faramir cried out: "The Emperor is here!" At that moment, all the horns blared, King Eliza walked to the door, and Hu Lin pushed the barrier away; in the sound of melodious music, the Emperor passed through the streets full of flowers, Came to the fortress, walked in directly.The shoulder towers at the top of the stronghold unfurled the banners of the holy tree and the stars, and the reign of the Emperor Elisar began, and many songs will be sung of this great moment. During his reign the city became even more beautiful than it was when it was founded; trees and fountains abounded, gates were of mithril and iron, and streets were paved with white marble.The people in the mountains worked hard, the people in the forest came here joyfully, and all wounds were healed.The house was full of the laughter of men, women, and children; there were no more vacant houses and empty buildings, where the memories and glories of the past were preserved in the close years of the Third Age. In the days after the Emperor's coronation, he announced many decrees in the hall.Envoys came from everywhere, from the east, from the south, from Mirkwood and from Dunland in the west.The Emperor of Humanity spared those Easterners who had surrendered and let them leave freely. He signed a peace treaty with the residents of Harad, and the slaves of Mordor were also freed, and the land near Hainonan inland was rewarded to them for reclamation; Came before him to receive praise and rewards for battle, and at last, the captain of the garrison, brought Beregon to stand trial. The Human Emperor said to Beregon: "Beregon, under your sword, blood was spilled on the royal forbidden area, and you also left your post without permission. In the past, these crimes were enough to make You die, and therefore I must declare your fate." "I forgive you all crimes for your valor in battle, and because you did so out of love for Lord Faramir. Still, you must leave the keep garrison, leave Minas Tirith." Beregon's face paled in an instant, he was hit hard, and he couldn't help but bow his head.But the Emperor said again: "Because, you will join the Holy White Army, the Imperial Guard of Ithilien King Faramir, and you will serve as the captain of this army, and live in Emin Yanan, and serve the king you sacrificed your life to save for life!" Bei Rui Gong felt very happy after accepting the emperor's amnesty and judgment, and immediately knelt down and kissed his hand, and left contentedly.Aragorn gave Ithilien to Faramir as his fief, and asked him to live in Eminyanan, within sight of the king's city. "For," said he, "Minath Ithil in the Vale of the Morgul should be utterly destroyed, and though it shall be restored to its former state, the people shall not dwell there for many years." At last the people of Aragorn and Rohan Eomer embraced each other, and Aragorn said, "We cannot be judged by vulgar rewards and giving, for we are good brothers. Young Eomer came from the north at the right time, and there was never any The alliance is so blessed, and neither side has ever let the other down, not now, nor ever will. We have put Theoden, who will be remembered forever, in the tomb of our dynasty, if you will , he will forever rest in peace with our ruler; or, if you do not feel right, we may send him back to Rohan to be reunited with his subjects." Éomer replied: "From the day we met on the grasslands Since that day, I have always respected you very much, and this respect will never fade. But, I must return to my own country first, and there are many things that I must rebuild and plan. As for the old king, when we are all ready, We will come back to meet him, and let him rest here for a while." Éowyn said to Faramir, "I must go back to my country, see it, and help my brother rebuild everything. Wait till I I will return to you when the one who loves and loves the father returns to the land." The day of celebration is over, and the hussars of Rohan are ready to go home; Facades of the Palenno Plain.People living far away came back to celebrate together, and there are still many people in the city who are working hard, hoping to clear up all the ugly scars left by the war. The hobbits remained in Minas Tirith, with Legolas and Gimli at their company, and Aragorn did not wish to see the expedition disbanded again. "All things come to an end," he said, "but I ask you to wait a little longer, because what you have worked for with me is not yet complete. The day I have been waiting for all my life is coming, and when it comes, I want all my friends to be around!" But he would not go into further details about that day. At that time, the companions gathered for the Lord of the Rings lived with Gandalf in the beautiful house, and they wandered around freely.Frodo said to Gandalf: "Do you know what day Aragorn is talking about? We are happy here and don't want to go, but time is passing fast, Bilbo is still waiting for me, and the Shire is after all My homeland." "As for Bilbo," said Gandalf, "he was waiting for the same day, too, and so he knew what was delaying you. As for the passing of time, it is only the middle of May, and summer has not yet come. and though everything seems to have turned upside down, you have only been away a year to those trees and flowers." "Pippin," said Frodo, "do you not mean that Gandalf is not as mysterious as he was? Xixi? I ​​think he was just too tired then, and now he is back to his old self." Gandalf said: "Many people like to know what will be on the table first, but those who work hard to prepare a good meal, it is difficult He prefers secrecy, for surprises are always the more delightful, and Aragorn himself waited for the same omen." One day, Gandalf disappeared, and all wondered what had happened.Gandalf had quietly led Aragorn out of the city the night before, and brought him to the southern foot of Mount Luan, Mindulu; there they found an ancient paved road, many years untrodden, for it led into the A holy place that only the emperor can go to.They went up the extremely steep slope, and finally came to a highland under the snow-covered mountain. From here, they could overlook the cliff behind the king's city. The two stood there looking at the land in front of them, waiting for the morning light to come slowly. They saw the towers beneath them shining like icicles in the sun, and the valleys of Anduin as beautiful as gardens, and the Shadow Mountains shrouded in a golden mist.They glanced at Emin More, and the Lalos Waterfall shone like a star in the distance. On the other side, the river stretched like a ribbon towards Pelag. After that, there was a faintly reflected light, which should be the sea. s position. Gandalf said: "This is your kingdom, and it is also the core of a wider territory in the future. The third era of this world has ended, and a new era has begun. Your work is to plan the beginning of everything, and to preserve as much as possible. and though many things may remain, many must pass away. The power of the three precepts of the elves is gone, and the land you see, and all the land around it, will be inhabited by men. It will是人类称霸的时代，古老的种族将隐于历史之中，或是离开这世界。」「我很清楚，老友，」亚拉冈说：「但我依然愿意聆听您的教诲。」「不会太久了，」甘道夫说：「我是属于第三纪元的，我是索伦的敌人，而我的工作已经完成了，我很快就会离开，接下来的重责大任将会由你和你的子孙来承担。」「但我的寿命有限，」亚拉冈说：「我只是个凡人，虽然我继承了西方皇族纯粹的血统，让我可以拥有比一般人长的寿命，但这只是转眼一瞬，当现在还在母亲子宫内的婴儿也成为老者时，我也将和他们一同衰老。那时，如果我的愿望不能实现，谁能统御刚铎、能够满足万民的期待？圣泉宫内的圣树依旧枯萎，我什么时候可以看到一切已经改变的徵兆？」「转过头去，看着荒凉和冰冷的地方！」甘道夫说。 亚拉冈转过头，眼前是积雪覆盖之下的山坡；当他仔细看去，他才发现在这一片荒芜中，有一样生机蓬勃的事物。当他越走越近时，发现就在积雪的边缘，有株不过三尺高的小树，它已经冒出了长而优雅的树叶，在它的顶冠上有许多白色的花朵，像是在阳光下的积雪一般反射着光芒。 亚拉冈大呼一声：「Y◆! Ut◆vienyes!]我找到了！啊！这是那最古老圣树的幼苗！它怎么会来到这里？它看来才不过生长了七年左右。」甘道夫走到他身边，说道：「这的确是美丽的圣树之子嗣，它是世间仅存的一株，树中之王。谁知道它怎么会在这时候出现在这里？这是个古老的地方，在王者消失、庭园中的圣树枯萎之前，或许有人将果实带到此地。根据传说，圣树极少结果，但它们的果实却都可以休眠许多年，没有人知道它什么时候会再度苏醒。记住，如果它再度结果，请你将它种下，不要再让圣树的传承断绝。它一直隐藏在山中，就像伊兰迪尔的子嗣躲藏在北方的荒原中一样。 但是，人皇伊力萨，圣树宁罗斯的传承可比你的家谱要悠久多了！」亚拉冈轻柔地碰触那小树，看哪！它似乎扎根并不深，一下子就离开了土地。亚拉冈小心翼翼地呵护着它回到要塞中，枯萎的老树被呵护地挖起，他们并不将它烧毁，而是让他和众王们一起安息在拉斯迪南。亚拉冈将新树在喷泉旁种下，它高兴地开始生长，等到六月时，它已经开满了花朵。 「我已经看到预兆了！」亚拉冈说：「那一天不远了。」他派出了望员站在城墙上时时观望。 在夏至之前，信差从阿蒙丁山上赶来王城，通报有一群美丽的骑士从北方而来，他们已经靠近了帕兰诺之墙。人皇说道：「他们终于来了，全城做好准备！」就在那夏至前夕，当天空澄蓝得如同宝石一般，白色的星辰在东方闪烁时，西方依旧金黄一片，清凉的空气中充满了芬芳，骑士们终于来到了米那斯提力斯的门前。伊罗何和伊莱丹拿着银色的旗帜一马当先，然后是葛罗芬戴尔以及伊瑞斯特和瑞文戴尔的所有居民。紧接在后的是凯兰崔尔女皇和罗斯洛立安之王塞勒鹏，他们骑着白马，率领着许多美丽的子民一同前来，这些精灵披着灰色的斗篷，发间镶着美钻；最后，则是精灵和人类之中独一无二的爱隆，他手中拿着阿努米那斯的权杖，在他身边则是一匹灰色骏马，上面载着他的女儿亚玟，同胞眼中的暮星。 佛罗多看着她光彩耀人的到临，她的前额点缀着星辰，浑身散发着香气，无比动人。 他对甘道夫说：「我终于明白我们在等什么了！这就是真正的结局。从此之后，不只白昼会受到祝福，连黑夜也都将变得无比美丽，人们不再害怕！」人皇出来迎接宾客，他们纷纷下马；爱隆交出权杖，将她女儿的手交给人皇，两人一起走进王城，天空中的所有星斗全都绽放出光华。伊力萨王亚拉冈就在夏至那天，在刚铎的王城中娶了亚玟·安多米尔，他们漫长的等待和努力终于到了终曲。