return

1122 the return of the king
to be subdued to the will of the Dark Power, he saw nonetheless
only those things which that Power permitted him to see.
The knowledge which he obtained was, doubtless, often of
service to him; yet the vision of the great might of Mordor
that was shown to him fed the despair of his heart until it
overthrew his mind.’
‘Now I understand what seemed so strange to me!’ said
Pippin, shuddering at his memories as he spoke. ‘The Lord
went away from the room where Faramir lay; and it was only
when he returned that I first thought he was changed, old
and broken.’
‘It was in the very hour that Faramir was brought to the
Tower that many of us saw a strange light in the topmost
chamber,’ said Beregond. ‘But we have seen that light before,
and it has long been rumoured in the City that the Lord
would at times wrestle in thought with his Enemy.’
‘Alas! then I have guessed rightly,’ said Gandalf. ‘Thus the
will of Sauron entered into Minas Tirith; and thus I have
been delayed here. And here I shall still be forced to remain,
for I shall soon have other charges, not Faramir only.
‘Now I must go down to meet those who come. I have
seen a sight upon the field that is very grievous to my heart,
and greater sorrow may yet come to pass. Come with me,
Pippin! But you, Beregond, should return to the Citadel and
tell the chief of the Guard there what has befallen. It will be
his duty, I fear, to withdraw you from the Guard; but say to
him that, if I may give him counsel, you should be sent to
the Houses of Healing, to be the guard and servant of your
captain, and to be at his side when he awakes – if that shall
ever be again. For by you he was saved from the fire. Go
now! I shall return soon.’
With that he turned away and went with Pippin down
towards the lower city. And even as they hastened on their
way the wind brought a grey rain, and all the fires sank, and
there arose a great smoke before them.