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Chapter 10
THE BLACK GATE OPENS
Two days later the army of the West was all assembled
on the Pelennor. The host of Orcs and Easterlings had
turned back out of Anórien, but harried and scattered by
the Rohirrim they had broken and fled with little fighting
towards Cair Andros; and with that threat destroyed and
new strength arriving out of the South the City was as well
manned as might be. Scouts reported that no enemies remained
upon the roads east as far as the Cross-roads of the
Fallen King. All now was ready for the last throw.
Legolas and Gimli were to ride again together in the company
of Aragorn and Gandalf, who went in the van with the
Dúnedain and the sons of Elrond. But Merry to his shame
was not to go with them.
‘You are not fit for such a journey,’ said Aragorn. ‘But do
not be ashamed. If you do no more in this war, you have
already earned great honour. Peregrin shall go and represent
the Shire-folk; and do not grudge him his chance of peril, for
though he has done as well as his fortune allowed him, he
has yet to match your deed. But in truth all now are in like
danger. Though it may be our part to find a bitter end before
the Gate of Mordor, if we do so, then you will come also to
a last stand, either here or wherever the black tide overtakes
you. Farewell!’
And so despondently Merry now stood and watched the
mustering of the army. Bergil was with him, and he also was
downcast; for his father was to march leading a company of
the Men of the City: he could not rejoin the Guard until his
case was judged. In that same company Pippin was also
to go, as a soldier of Gondor. Merry could see him not far