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minas tirith 997
‘That is what we call ourselves,’ said Pippin.
‘I am glad to learn it,’ said Beregond, ‘for now I may say
that strange accents do not mar fair speech, and hobbits are
a fair-spoken folk. But come! You shall make me acquainted
with this good horse. I love beasts, and we see them seldom
in this stony city; for my people came from the mountainvales,
and before that from Ithilien. But fear not! The visit
shall be short, a mere call of courtesy, and we will go thence
to the butteries.’
Pippin found that Shadowfax had been well housed and
tended. For in the sixth circle, outside the walls of the citadel,
there were some fair stables where a few swift horses were
kept, hard by the lodgings of the errand-riders of the Lord:
messengers always ready to go at the urgent command of
Denethor or his chief captains. But now all the horses and
the riders were out and away.
Shadowfax whinnied as Pippin entered the stable and
turned his head. ‘Good morning!’ said Pippin. ‘Gandalf will
come as soon as he may. He is busy, but he sends greetings,
and I am to see that all is well with you; and you resting, I
hope, after your long labours.’
Shadowfax tossed his head and stamped. But he allowed
Beregond to handle his head gently and stroke his great
flanks.
‘He looks as if he were spoiling for a race, and not newly
come from a great journey,’ said Beregond. ‘How strong and
proud he is! Where is his harness? It should be rich and fair.’
‘None is rich and fair enough for him,’ said Pippin. ‘He
will have none. If he will consent to bear you, bear you he
does; and if not, well, no bit, bridle, whip, or thong will tame
him. Farewell, Shadowfax! Have patience. Battle is coming.’
Shadowfax lifted up his head and neighed, so that the
stable shook, and they covered their ears. Then they took
their leave, seeing that the manger was well filled.
‘And now for our manger,’ said Beregond, and he led
Pippin back to the citadel, and so to a door in the north side