towers

862 the two towers
other enemies that roamed between the Ephel Dúath and the
River.
‘It is close on ten leagues hence to the east-shore of Anduin,’
said Mablung, ‘and we seldom come so far afield. But
we have a new errand on this journey: we come to ambush
the Men of Harad. Curse them!’
‘Aye, curse the Southrons!’ said Damrod. ‘’Tis said that
there were dealings of old between Gondor and the kingdoms
of the Harad in the Far South; though there was never friendship.
In those days our bounds were away south beyond the
mouths of Anduin, and Umbar, the nearest of their realms,
acknowledged our sway. But that is long since. ’Tis many
lives of Men since any passed to or fro between us. Now of
late we have learned that the Enemy has been among them,
and they are gone over to Him, or back to Him – they were
ever ready to His will – as have so many also in the East. I
doubt not that the days of Gondor are numbered, and the
walls of Minas Tirith are doomed, so great is His strength
and malice.’
‘But still we will not sit idle and let Him do all as He would,’
said Mablung. ‘These cursed Southrons come now marching
up the ancient roads to swell the hosts of the Dark Tower.
Yea, up the very roads that craft of Gondor made. And they
go ever more heedlessly, we learn, thinking that the power of
their new master is great enough, so that the mere shadow of
His hills will protect them. We come to teach them another
lesson. Great strength of them was reported to us some days
ago, marching north. One of their regiments is due by our
reckoning to pass by, some time ere noon – up on the road
above, where it passes through the cloven way. The road may
pass, but they shall not! Not while Faramir is Captain. He
leads now in all perilous ventures. But his life is charmed, or
fate spares him for some other end.’
Their talk died down into a listening silence. All seemed
still and watchful. Sam, crouched by the edge of the fernbrake,
peered out. With his keen hobbit-eyes he saw that