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the window on the west 867
cerns me. An orc-arrow slew Isildur, so far as old tales tell.
But orc-arrows are plenty, and the sight of one would not be
taken as a sign of Doom by Boromir of Gondor. Had you
this thing in keeping? It is hidden, you say; but is not that
because you choose to hide it?’
‘No, not because I choose,’ answered Frodo. ‘It does not
belong to me. It does not belong to any mortal, great or small;
though if any could claim it, it would be Aragorn son of
Arathorn, whom I named, the leader of our Company from
Moria to Rauros.’
‘Why so, and not Boromir, prince of the City that the sons
of Elendil founded?’
‘Because Aragorn is descended in direct lineage, father to
father, from Isildur Elendil’s son himself. And the sword that
he bears was Elendil’s sword.’
A murmur of astonishment ran through all the ring
of men. Some cried aloud: ‘The sword of Elendil! The
sword of Elendil comes to Minas Tirith! Great tidings!’ But
Faramir’s face was unmoved.
‘Maybe,’ he said. ‘But so great a claim will need to be
established, and clear proofs will be required, should this
Aragorn ever come to Minas Tirith. He had not come, nor
any of your Company, when I set out six days ago.’
‘Boromir was satisfied of that claim,’ said Frodo. ‘Indeed,
if Boromir were here, he would answer all your questions.
And since he was already at Rauros many days back, and
intended then to go straight to your city, if you return, you
may soon learn the answers there. My part in the Company
was known to him, as to all the others, for it was appointed
to me by Elrond of Imladris himself before the whole Council.
On that errand I came into this country, but it is not mine to
reveal to any outside the Company. Yet those who claim to
oppose the Enemy would do well not to hinder it.’
Frodo’s tone was proud, whatever he felt, and Sam
approved of it; but it did not appease Faramir.
‘So!’ he said. ‘You bid me mind my own affairs, and get
me back home, and let you be. Boromir will tell all, when