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the houses of healing 1127
Then Gandalf went out in haste, and already the fire in
the sky was burning out, and the smouldering hills were
fading, while ash-grey evening crept over the fields.
Now as the sun went down Aragorn and Éomer and
Imrahil drew near the City with their captains and knights;
and when they came before the Gate Aragorn said:
‘Behold the Sun setting in a great fire! It is a sign of the
end and fall of many things, and a change in the tides of the
world. But this City and realm has rested in the charge of
the Stewards for many long years, and I fear that if I enter it
unbidden, then doubt and debate may arise, which should
not be while this war is fought. I will not enter in, nor make
any claim, until it be seen whether we or Mordor shall prevail.
Men shall pitch my tents upon the field, and here I will await
the welcome of the Lord of the City.’
But Éomer said: ‘Already you have raised the banner of
the Kings and displayed the tokens of Elendil’s House. Will
you suffer these to be challenged?’
‘No,’ said Aragorn. ‘But I deem the time unripe; and I have
no mind for strife except with our Enemy and his servants.’
And the Prince Imrahil said: ‘Your words, lord, are wise,
if one who is a kinsman of the Lord Denethor may counsel
you in this matter. He is strong-willed and proud, but old;
and his mood has been strange since his son was stricken
down. Yet I would not have you remain like a beggar at the
door.’
‘Not a beggar,’ said Aragorn. ‘Say a captain of the Rangers,
who are unused to cities and houses of stone.’ And he commanded
that his banner should be furled; and he did off the
Star of the North Kingdom and gave it to the keeping of the
sons of Elrond.
Then the Prince Imrahil and Éomer of Rohan left him and
passed through the City and the tumult of the people, and
mounted to the Citadel; and they came to the Hall of the
Tower, seeking the Steward. But they found his chair empty,