Return of the King Book 6, Chapter 4

The hosts of Mordor rage and the Captains of Gondor founder in their endless onslaught. Gandalf looks to the sky and sees the Eagles coming. He shouts out and the Nazgul retreat in view of the immense army of giant birds. The armies of Mordor falter and the men of Gondor charge but Gandalf commands them to halt. There are explosions from within the gates and the black gate disintegrates before them. Gandalf announced that the era of Sauron has ended. Most of the creatures of Sauron retreat but the Men stand to fight the host of Gondor. Gandalf asks one of the eagles to carry him. They fly into Mordor.

Frodo and Sam lie together within the cavern but Sam decides that he does not want to die without seeing the open air again. They exit the mountain and see that it is crumbling into itself. The eagle sees them from above and swoops down with two of its brothers. They pick up the hobbits and fly away.

"When Sam awoke, he found that he was lying on some soft bed, but over him gently swayed wide beechen boughs, and through their young leaves sunlight glimmered, green and gold. All the air was full of a sweet mingled scent." Book 6, Chapter 4, pg. 255

Sam thinks it smells like Ithilien and wonders if he is dreaming. He turns to find Frodo lying next to him. Gandalf speaks and tells him that he is in Ithilien. Frodo sits up and tells Gandalf that he feels all right. It is noon and they are supposed to eat and drink with the new king, Aragorn. Sam is worried that they are not properly attired but Gandalf assures them that they will be fine. They enter a clearing and find the entire host assembled before them. They are saluted with cheers and a song. The hobbits blush and are led to a table with three high seats. Aragorn is in the middle chair; the hobbits take either side.

Frodo is happy to see Aragorn but Sam is hesitant. Aragorn bows to the two hobbits and takes them by the hand. A minstrel comes out and begins to sing of Frodo and the ring of doom. Sam laughs and weeps. Soon many are weeping with him. Frodo and Sam are brought to a tent and Gandalf presents them with their weapons to wear at the banquet. They sit at the table of the king and Sam sees Merry and Pippin. The banquet draws on and the army is left to make merry. Frodo and Sam learn much of their friends' travels. Sam is amazed at Merry and Pippin's height. Gandalf rises and says that the hobbits have gone to great lengths but should get some rest. Frodo and Sam go to sleep and in the morning they wander the forest. The host is made ready for its return to Minas Tirith. It is the month of May as they sail up the Anduin to Osgillath.

Topic Tracking: Metamorphoses 9
Topic Tracking: Love and Loyalty 9