Another chapter. Thanks to everyone that has reviewed, favourited and followed. Big love to you.

Chapter 14

Two wizards and two men sat in the room of the inn. Gandalf and Harry sitting on one bed facing the two men sitting on the other. Harry had hastily chosen to sit next to Gandalf, still trying to wipe the thoughts from what happened earlier from his mind.

Gandalf raised a grey brow as he saw his friend avoid his gaze but hearing his thoughts only made Gandalf chuckle around his pipe as Harry shot him a withering look.

"Boromir, Faramir, Sons of Denethor, welcome to our small although cosy room," Gandalf said in greeting to the men. "I know it is unsavoury to be within here, but I cannot have anyone overhearing our conversation and get word back to your father about our presence within the city."

Harry stayed silent as Gandalf spoke, picking at a loose thread on the bed cover he sat on. Tucking his legs beneath him, he listened as Gandalf began to explain their reason for being here.

"I am sure you have heard of the presence of more monsters, as all those years ago along the river bordering Osgiliath." Gandalf started, receiving nods. The brothers still were patrolling those areas.

"The fires have been lit within Mordor. They are already gathering and forging blades. I believe that the time is coming." Gandalf said with a puff on his pipe. "Your father, no matter how many times I have spoken with him, still refuses to acknowledge any danger, even when it is visible across the plains itself. You have seen the brightness growing there, so I know you can believe me."

Gandalf patted Harry's knee, stating, "Harry has been having visions of the movement within the bowels of Mordor. The creatures whisper of their master. It is crucial that we begin to be ready."

Boromir frowned deeply and Faramir looked shocked.

"You don't mean to say that… that Sauron will return?" Faramir asked.

"I cannot say. But something is coming," Gandalf replied, "I know you both cannot do much under your father's rule, but you can instruct your soldiers. As head and strategist of the Gondorian soldiers and cavalry you will be able to train them harder and to organise more watches. The outer villages will need your protection, they will look to Gondor for help."

Boromir nodded. He could do that. His eyes flicked to Harry who was watching him. Once their eyes connected, they held for a few moments before Harry smiled softly.

"I will be moving back to the farmhouse, to keep an eye on things around here," Harry said.

"For how long?" Faramir asked.

"For as long as it takes to make sure you and the soldiers are ready. I have been practicing my magic enough to set up wards and sensors along the borders closer to Mordor that will alert me if beings cross it or come too close." Harry explained as he looked between the two men. "I have been training for this with Gandalf. I want to make sure that you two are protected, along with your people."

Harry dropped his gaze as he felt all eyes on him.

"Thank you Harry, truly," Faramir said, emotions swirling behind his eyes. A long lost friend who was willing to help and possibly risk his life for them was something that Faramir did not have.

The only person who would do such a thing was already sitting besides him. Being the son of the stewards, the brothers never had friends that would treat them as equals. They all knew them by name and face and even their soldiers treated them with respect as their superiors.

Boromir merely nodded, although his eyes betrayed his emotions. Not that Harry noticed, he was avoiding the steely gaze but Gandalf didn't miss the look that was sent to his younger companion.

"I will help Harry gather supplies over the next few days and we will travel to the farmhouse. We wished to let you know now as it will be easier for you to disguise a trip from the city as a patrol rather than having Harry travel consistently here." Gandalf explained.

"Thank you for letting us know of your plans Gandalf," Faramir said, "my brother and I will leave you to rest now. I am sure you both are weary from your travels."

Boromir stood when Faramir did, following his younger brother out the room. He didn't miss the way Harry didn't watch them leave.

Pausing by the door, Boromir looked back at Harry who was still looking at his hands.

"Harry?" He asked, making said man raise his gaze to look at him. "I am glad you have returned."

Harry smiled softly. "Me too. Safe trip back."

Boromir nodded before closing the door behind him.

Gandalf chuckled.

"I must say I did not expect such a turn of events," Gandalf said as Harry swatted his arm.

"Don't know what you're speaking of," Harry muttered as he got back up to his own bed, laying down as he felt the warmth of the bodies previously sitting on it.

"He is a good man, but he has his faults as well," Gandalf said with a smile, "faults that have given him trouble before. If one were to accept those and see past them to the man…"

Harry huffed as he dropped his back on his pillow. "Stop trying to play matchmaker, old man, you'll find that my stubbornness to do as told will push me in the opposite direction."

Gandalf laughed. "Now that I know is a lie. I do not need eyes to see what was occurring. Could you not feel the magic in the air?"

"Merlin, you're such a nosy old codger," Harry rolled over and buried his pink face into his sheets. "Can we just drop this? Especially if we are going to be around them for the foreseeable future."

Gandalf shook his head with fondness but left it alone. For now.

/ / /

Faramir followed his brother back to their chambers. The walk through the streets had been quiet, as Boromir seemed deep in thought.

"What is wrong?" Faramir asked as they came to stop outside Boromir's chambers.

"What Gandalf and Harry have told us… our people are at risk." Boromir said. "If we are to protect them, we must be acting now. I know they said they will put up protections for us between Mordor and our lands but we must do more."

"I know. I was thinking of seeing if any of the soldiers would want to learn more about healing or at least how to do wound dressings and making the salves. It may go a long way should we ever have a need for battle." Faramir said softly, leaning against the wall.

"We will protect Gondor and it's people," Boromir said firmly.

"That we will," Faramir echoed back his sentiment, clapping Boromir on the shoulder before he left for this own rooms.

Boromir went into his own chambers, sitting on the edge of his bed as he ran his hands through his beard. It had been an unexpected day, and an even more unexpected future looked ahead.

Boromir fell asleep that night to thoughts of Monsters and Blood and a green eyed wizard standing beside him on a battlefield.