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1286 the return of the king
at this parting; for Aragorn had never failed them and he had
been their guide through many perils.
‘I wish we could have a Stone that we could see all our
friends in,’ said Pippin, ‘and that we could speak to them
from far away!’
‘Only one now remains that you could use,’ answered
Aragorn; ‘for you would not wish to see what the Stone of
Minas Tirith would show you. But the Palantír of Orthanc
the King will keep, to see what is passing in his realm, and
what his servants are doing. For do not forget, Peregrin Took,
that you are a knight of Gondor, and I do not release you
from your service. You are going now on leave, but I may
recall you. And remember, dear friends of the Shire, that my
realm lies also in the North, and I shall come there one day.’
Then Aragorn took leave of Celeborn and Galadriel; and
the Lady said to him: ‘Elfstone, through darkness you have
come to your hope, and have now all your desire. Use well
the days!’
But Celeborn said: ‘Kinsman, farewell! May your doom be
other than mine, and your treasure remain with you to the
end!’
With that they parted, and it was then the time of sunset;
and when after a while they turned and looked back, they
saw the King of the West sitting upon his horse with his
knights about him; and the falling Sun shone upon them and
made all their harness to gleam like red gold, and the white
mantle of Aragorn was turned to a flame. Then Aragorn took
the green stone and held it up, and there came a green fire
from his hand.
Soon the dwindling company, following the Isen, turned
west and rode through the Gap into the waste lands beyond,
and then they turned northwards, and passed over the
borders of Dunland. The Dunlendings fled and hid themselves,
for they were afraid of Elvish folk, though few indeed
ever came to their country; but the travellers did not heed
them, for they were still a great company and were well