return

1066 the return of the king
All now took leave of the Lord of the City and went to rest
while they still could. Outside there was a starless blackness
as Gandalf, with Pippin beside him bearing a small torch,
made his way to their lodging. They did not speak until they
were behind closed doors. Then at last Pippin took Gandalf ’s
hand.
‘Tell me,’ he said, ‘is there any hope? For Frodo, I mean;
or at least mostly for Frodo.’
Gandalf put his hand on Pippin’s head. ‘There never was
much hope,’ he answered. ‘Just a fool’s hope, as I have been
told. And when I heard of Cirith Ungol——’ He broke off
and strode to the window, as if his eyes could pierce the night
in the East. ‘Cirith Ungol!’ he muttered. ‘Why that way, I
wonder?’ He turned. ‘Just now, Pippin, my heart almost failed
me, hearing that name. And yet in truth I believe that the
news that Faramir brings has some hope in it. For it seems
clear that our Enemy has opened his war at last and made
the first move while Frodo was still free. So now for many
days he will have his eye turned this way and that, away from
his own land. And yet, Pippin, I feel from afar his haste and
fear. He has begun sooner than he would. Something has
happened to stir him.’
Gandalf stood for a moment in thought. ‘Maybe,’ he muttered.
‘Maybe even your foolishness helped, my lad. Let me
see: some five days ago now he would discover that we had
thrown down Saruman, and had taken the Stone. Still what
of that? We could not use it to much purpose, or without his
knowing. Ah! I wonder. Aragorn? His time draws near. And
he is strong and stern underneath, Pippin; bold, determined,
able to take his own counsel and dare great risks at need.
That may be it. He may have used the Stone and shown
himself to the Enemy, challenging him, for this very purpose.
I wonder. Well, we shall not know the answer till the Riders
of Rohan come, if they do not come too late. There are evil
days ahead. To sleep while we may!’
‘But,’ said Pippin.
‘But what?’ said Gandalf. ‘Only one but will I allow tonight.’