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the last debate 1153
And yet we learn from the Rohirrim that there is an army
still unfought upon our northern flank.’
‘That is true,’ said Gandalf. ‘I do not counsel you to leave
the City all unmanned. Indeed the force that we lead east
need not be great enough for any assault in earnest upon
Mordor, so long as it be great enough to challenge battle.
And it must move soon. Therefore I ask the Captains: what
force could we muster and lead out in two days’ time at
the latest? And they must be hardy men that go willingly,
knowing their peril.’
‘All are weary, and very many have wounds light or grievous,’
said Éomer, ‘and we have suffered much loss of our
horses, and that is ill to bear. If we must ride soon, then I
cannot hope to lead even two thousands, and yet leave as
many for the defence of the City.’
‘We have not only to reckon with those who fought on this
field,’ said Aragorn. ‘New strength is on the way from the
southern fiefs, now that the coasts have been rid. Four thousands
I sent marching from Pelargir through Lossarnach two
days ago; and Angbor the fearless rides before them. If we
set out in two days more, they will draw nigh ere we depart.
Moreover many were bidden to follow me up the River in
any craft they could gather; and with this wind they will soon
be at hand, indeed several ships have already come to the
Harlond. I judge that we could lead out seven thousands of
horse and foot, and yet leave the City in better defence than
it was when the assault began.’
‘The Gate is destroyed,’ said Imrahil, ‘and where now is
the skill to rebuild it and set it up anew?’
‘In Erebor in the Kingdom of Dáin there is such skill,’ said
Aragorn; ‘and if all our hopes do not perish, then in time
I will send Gimli Glóin’s son to ask for wrights of the
Mountain. But men are better than gates, and no gate will
endure against our Enemy if men desert it.’
This then was the end of the debate of the lords: that they
should set forth on the second morning from that day with