The Power of Love -- A Dynasty Broken Book III

This is the first chapter in The Power of Love, the final book of A Dynasty Broken. I read in The Treason of Isengard, History of Middle-Earth Part 2, that Tolkien had included a daughter for Theoden King in an early draft of LOTR. He named her Idis. He also had plans to include a marital alliance between Gondor and Rohan. Tolkien discarded both the daughter and the marriage. However, it gave me an idea for this story, in which Denethor and Theoden arrange a political marriage for their children. In the first book, Love and Lust, Boromir became betrothed to the Princess of Rohan, who is named Eledwhen. She was raped shortly before the marriage was to take place and fled Minas Tirith. Boromir tracked Eledwhen, learned of the rape, and decided to take her with him to Imladris. Unfortunately, Boromir was seriously injured during an attack by brigands and almost died. The Elf Haldir, who stumbled upon them during the attack, took the heir to the Stewardship of Gondor and the Princess of Rohan to Lothlorien. The second book, Paths of Peril, told of the relationship between Boromir and Aragorn before and after the Man of Gondor learned about Aragorn's heritage. I left the Fellowship outside the gates of Moria after Gandalf fell to the Balrog. Both these stories are available on FanFiction.net and Edhellond the South Haven, a great new website.

This book, The Power of Love, reunites Boromir and Eledwhen. The Princess leaves Lorien with the Fellowship. The question is, can she save the man she loves from the One Ring? This is the way I wish Tolkien's Lord of the Rings had been written, since I am fond of Boromir. I hope you take the time to read Love and Lust and Paths of Peril, if you haven't already. I must add that all three books in my trilogy are A/U.

Once again, to maintain the flavor of Tolkien's original writings, I have used some of the Master's wording verbatim. Some of the words are paraphrased, but most are mine. I am not making any money off of this, so I hope the professor's heirs don't mind. Thanks to Tolkien for his wonderful imagination.

The night wind was chilly as the Fellowship approached Lothlorien, the realm of the Galadrim. The remaining eight members could hear an endless rustle of leaves like poplars in the breeze. Although it was evening, they could see tall trees before them, arched over the road and stream that ran beneath their spreading boughs. A hint of fallow gold still clung to the quivering leaves, despite the winter chill. Aragorn stood listening, the hint of a smile on his face.

"Lothlorien!" he breathed softly. "Glad am I to hear again the wind in the trees. We are little more than five leagues from the gates, but we can go no farther tonight."

Boromir stood restlessly beside the stream. He was anxious to finish this leg of the journey and reach Caras Galadon. "I see no reason why we cannot push on. There is no shelter here from the orcs of Moria that surely hunt us."

Aragorn shook his head resolutely. "Long has it been since I visited these woods; I do not wish to travel within while dark remains. Nor can the hobbits continue much farther. We must find a place to camp for the night." Boromir started to protest, but the Ranger's dark look silenced him.

The members of the Company had walked little more than a mile into the forest when they came upon another stream. "Here is Nimrodel!" said Legolas. "Of this stream the Silvan Elves made many songs long ago, and still we sing them in the North."

Gimli grimaced and growled, "Surely you are not going to sing! All the orcs of Moria on our trail and you look as though you are about to burst into song!"

Legolas glared at the dwarf, but it was Boromir who spoke. "Would you two be quiet? I am sick to death of listening to the two of you quarrel! You are worse than a couple of children." Angrily he stomped to the water's edge, climbed down the steep bank and stepped into the stream. "It is not deep. The little ones should have no trouble crossing." The rest of the Fellowship followed his lead and tiredly crossed the Nimrodel.

Once on the other side, they sat and rested. Sam rummaged through the packs and found food for them to eat. Legolas gave Gimli a hard stare, then launched into tales of Lothlorien that had been held for years uncounted by the Elves of Mirkwood. "Do you hear the voice of Nimrodel?" Legolas asked. He then proceeded to sing the maiden's tale in the Westron Speech. Gimli started to speak, but remained silent when Aragorn drew his dagger and began cleaning his nails. The dwarf had not missed the Ranger's warning look.

After Legolas finished the song they all remained silent, each caught up in the beauty of the tale. At length Gimli brought up the subject of where they would sleep for the night. "The Galadrim may be able to dwell in trees, but most of us are not Elves." He cast a worried glance across the stream to the road that led back to Dimrill Dale.

Aragorn stirred and stared at the dark boughs above them. "I believe we shall be safer in the trees than on the ground. We have sat beside the road longer than is wise."

The four hobbits looked skeptically at the towering trees about them. Sam spoke for them all: "You won't get me up into one of those trees. Hobbits do not sleep in trees!"

The dwarf stood up and hefted his axe in his hands. "Well said, Master Gamgee. We are of the same mind. I will remain on the ground with the hobbits. The rest of you climb to your hearts' content. I shall keep my feet planted firmly upon the ground."

Aragorn gave the son of Gloin a withering stare, then proceeded deeper into the wood. Not far from the falls of Nimrodel they found a cluster of trees, some of which overhung the stream. Legolas walked up to one very large tree and touched it reverently. "I will climb up for I, at least, am at home among trees. However, I have never climbed in one of these mellyrn trees."

The Elf sprang lightly upward and grasped a branch that grew high above his head; however, he let go and dropped quickly back onto the ground when a voice spoke suddenly in a commanding tone: "Daro!"

Only Boromir did not look disconcerted by the disembodied voice coming from the shadow of the trees about them, for he recognized the Elven voice. "Stand still," said Legolas in a hushed tone. "Do not move or speak!"

There was the sound of silvery laughter from high above their heads. Legolas looked over at Boromir, who was shaking his head and laughing quietly. The Elf frowned but remained silent. He jumped backward as a silver-gray rope ladder curled downward from the shadows above. It glimmered slightly in the moonlight. The Elven voice broke the silence again and Legolas translated. "They are Elves of Lothlorien and they say that we are so noisy they could shoot us in the dark. But they seem to know something about us and have asked that I climb up and speak with them."

Legolas started to climb the Elven ladder, but Boromir's sharp words stilled him. "If Haldir of Lorien wants to speak with us, let him come down. I am not in the mood for his games." Another silvery laugh erupted from the boughs above them and a tall Elf moved gracefully down the ladder.

"I was wondering when you would finally find your way back," the Elf said to Boromir, who looked at him anxiously.

"I hope all is well within the Golden Wood, Haldir of Lorien," Boromir said formally.

Haldir frowned and glanced about at the rest of the Fellowship. "You come none too soon, but we shall not speak of that now. The Lady told us you would be arriving; we have looked for your coming for several days. I worried that some evil had befallen you on your journey." Haldir looked about him, then froze, seemingly startled. He looked questioningly at Aragorn, who gave his head a minute shake. Haldir turned to the tree behind him and looked upward to the shadows. He spoke a few words in the Silvan dialect and was answered in kind.

Aragorn turned to his companions. "Frodo, Sam and Legolas will climb up and I will follow. Do not be afraid, for the Elves will not harm you." The last he added because both hobbits looked decidedly fearful. Legolas scampered up the rope easily and was followed reluctantly by Sam and Frodo. Aragorn gripped the rope ladder firmly and began climbing.

"Surely they do not intend to leave us alone down here!" Pippin cried. "What about the orcs?"

In answer to his question, Elven ladders descended from two other trees. "I believe those are for us," said Boromir, walking to the tree nearest the one Haldir and the others were in. "Pippin, Merry, if you would come here." The two hobbits exchanged worried looks but obediently walked to where the man stood. Boromir steadied the ladder as the two laboriously climbed upward. Once the ladder became still in his hand, he looked at Gimli and nodded his head to the tree where the other ladder dangled. "That one, I believe, is meant for us. After you, Master Dwarf."

Gimli looked dubiously at the slender ladder and shook his head. "I am not a Tree Elf and do not belong up there. I will take my rest down here."

"Dig a hole if that is more to your liking, Master Dwarf. But it will not hide you from the orcs which, even now, draw near our border." Haldir had come up silently behind the dwarf and was now looking down at him with an amused expression that belied the seriousness of his demeanor. Gimli snorted and looked up at Boromir.

"Are YOU going up, man of Gondor?"

Boromir smiled innocently. "Of course. I have become rather fond of sleeping in trees." He and Haldir shared a wicked grin before the man began climbing the ladder. Still grumbling, Gimli awkwardly followed.

* * * * * * * *

Boromir and Haldir sat side by side on the wide flet high in one of the ancient mallorn trees. Gimli was snoring loudly, despite his protests that he would never be able to sleep in a tree. "How is Eledwhen?" the man asked.

"She is well enough," Haldir replied noncommittally.

Boromir tried to glean the meaning behind the rather laconic answer, but gave up since he could see almost nothing of the Elf's face in the gloom. "And the child?"

Haldir sighed. "I think it is best that you speak with the Princess. I do not like to speak for others."

The man gripped the Elf's arm roughly. Haldir winced painfully at the contact but did not attempt to remove the other's hand. "If my son is dead you must tell me. It will give me time to prepare myself before reaching your city."

Haldir drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I am sorry, but your wife miscarried two nights ago. The Lord and Lady could do nothing to prevent it. They believe the babe was harmed when the Uruk beat Eledwhen. I am sorry, truly." The Elf heard what sounded like a strangled sob. He turned to look back toward Caras Galadon, allowing the man some privacy.

"It is my fault. I allowed her to risk her life and that of the child. What sort of coward allows such a thing to happen?" Boromir was surprised to hear Haldir laugh.

"I believe you forget that you were quite unconscious when your wife rode off. That was my doing and so I must accept the blame for what followed. I know this is a difficult thing to bear, but you are both still young enough to conceive more children. The Lady Galadriel says that the Princess suffered no permanent injury, so there is no reason why she cannot yet bear you a son."

Boromir clasped the Elf's shoulder as though to say "thank you" and moved to the edge of the flet. He became aware that the dwarf was no longer snoring. If he is not asleep, then he has heard all that was said. No matter, for he will hear it soon enough. I should have ridden straight to Lorien instead of accompanying the Fellowship. But if I had, one of the Halflings might have died in Moria. It seems that I am cursed. Boromir pulled his cloak tightly about him to ward off the chill wind. He spent the rest of the night planning how best to help Eledwhen deal with the tragedy of losing their child. Haldir was right. He could father another son, but the loss would be devastating for Eledwhen.

* * * * * * * * *

Haldir and his brother, Rumil, lead the Company to Caras Galadon. It took a full day, at the end of which Boromir's nerves were strained thin. Haldir finally lead the Company up to a high flet within a circle of white trees and bid them look South. All were able to see a hill of many mighty trees; it appeared to be a city of green towers. "Caras Galadon," said Boromir, letting out a long breath. "Finally."

Haldir smiled gently. "Not yet. It will be nightfall ere we reach my city. Be patient." A look of pity momentarily crossed the Elf's fair face; he turned and began the climb back down the rope ladder. Aragorn clasped Boromir's shoulder gently before following the Elf.

Gimli paused before following the others and turned to face the Gondorian. "Sometimes bad things happen and we cannot see the reason for it. I hope you find your wife well." The dwarf seemed suddenly embarrassed and hastened down the ladder. I knew he wasn't asleep, Boromir thought wryly. Now everybody probably knows my business. Tears sprang to his eyes and he dashed them away with the back of a gloved hand before beginning his descent.

* * * * * * * * *

Night came beneath the trees of Lorien and the Elven guides uncovered their silver lamps. Ahead Boromir could make out the high, green walls of the Elven city. "Welcome to Caras Galadon," Haldir said for the benefit of those who were seeing the city for the first time. Here dwell the Lady Galadriel and the Lord Celeborn. However, we cannot enter here for the gates do not face the North. We must go round."

The Company walked westward and finally came to a halt before a white bridge, beyond which lay the great gates of the city. Boromir placed a hand upon Haldir's shoulder and whispered, "I want to see Eledwhen as soon as possible." Haldir nodded and led them to the gates, which opened as though by magic. At last they reached the lawn of the fountain, and the home of the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood. A very tall Elf appeared by Boromir's side and indicated that the man should follow him.

"Where do you suppose he is going?" Merry asked.

"You ask too many questions," Aragorn replied, giving the hobbit a stern stare. Silently they followed the path that Boromir had taken many times during his stay in Lorien. Merry looked at Boromir's back as the man walked away; there were unshed tears in his eyes.

* * * * * * * * *

The tall Elf led Boromir to Eledwhen's room and left as silently as he had arrived. The man hesitated, then swept the curtain aside and entered. The Princess of Rohan was alone and sleeping. Boromir walked quietly to the bed and stood looking down at her still form. She is so pale and thin. It's as though I can almost see right through her. He pulled a chair to the bedside and sat watching her.

* * * * * * * * *

The Princess of Rohan was dreaming. She was in a slender, gray canoe that was moving swiftly down the wide Anduin River. She stared forward and saw Boromir in a similar boat with a small child-like creature sitting in the prow. Somehow she knew he was a Halfling, perhaps the one in Boromir's dream. Eledwhen looked about and saw two more gray boats, but the occupants were too shadowy to be seen clearly. She caught up to Boromir's boat and studied the man intently. Something was wrong with him; she could tell by the haunted look on his face and the shivers that gripped him from time to time. His eyes kept shifting to the boat directly in front of his, which was being steered by a dark-featured man. Two more Halflings were huddled in its prow.

As Eledwhen watched, Boromir rowed his boat forward until it was almost touching the stern of the boat in front of it. He peered anxiously at one of the small creatures. Eledwhen did not like the feverish look in his eyes. "Boromir!" she cried, reaching toward his boat. Almost immediately the scene changed and she was standing in a grassy place ringed by Rowan trees. In the midst was a wide, flat stone; upon it sat the small Halfling from the boat. As the Princess studied the Halfling, Boromir stepped out of the woods; he stood motionless, staring at the creature on the stone. They began speaking to one another but Eledwhen could not hear the words. As the conversation progressed, Boromir became highly agitated and the Halfling began to back away from him. She watched the man she loved lunge at the other, knocking it to the ground; he seemed to be trying to take something that hung on a slender chain about the small creature's neck. As she watched the struggle, the Halfling suddenly disappeared. She knew Boromir had seen it, too, because he looked incredibly startled and bewildered.

The scene shifted again and the Princess heard the desperate call of a horn. Boromir stood in a little glade and watched grimly as an army of orcs and large Uruks rushed toward him. Behind him stood two very frightened Halflings. Almost too terrified to breathe, Eledwhen watched her husband fight desperately, stopping only to put the Horn of Gondor to his lips and blow deep-throated calls for help. No help came, however, and Boromir once more began meeting the steel of the orcs' weapons with the steel of his great sword.

Eledwhen knew the situation was hopeless unless the companions she had seen in the boats came to Boromir's aid. Her visions either came to pass, or they did not; either way, there was nothing she could do to change the outcome. The first orc arrow struck Boromir's body, throwing him backward against a large tree. The arrow was followed by many more. Eledwhen screamed repeatedly until the vision faded.

The world about the Princess brightened once more as a gray day upon the plains of Rohan unfolded before her. She looked about and saw many Rohirrim warriors fighting desperately against overwhelming odds. Thousands of orcs and Uruks -- many wearing the symbol of the White Hand -- hurled themselves madly against the shieldwall defense. The Rohirrim had tightly closed ranks and were using their shields as protection from the seemingly endless barrage of arrows.

On a knoll not far from the battle, but near the Fords of Isen, stood her brother, Theodred. He was in deep conversation with Grimbold and Elfhelm. Nowhere did she see Eomer. Eledwhen watched as the largest of the Uruks began attacking her brother's position atop the knoll. The creatures seemed to multiply in numbers as the Rohirrim desperately killed them. Silently she prayed that Theodred would sound the retreat, but knew he would not. She began to cry when her brother entered the fray. Even though she marveled at how effortlessly he slew the mighty creatures, she knew his doom was sealed.

The world about her seemed to slow in time as a huge Uruk captain made his way past Theodred's personal guard and attacked him. Another great Uruk managed to fight its way through the line of Rohan's best warriors and slammed into Theodred from the side. The Prince tried to keep his balance and thrust his sword into the Uruk in front of him, but a third creature hit him from the other side and pinned him. The large Uruk captain grinned horribly as he raised his scimitar for the killing stroke. Eledwhen screamed again and again until her throat was too raw to make any more sounds. Slowly, she was enveloped by blackness.

* * * * * * * * *

Eledwhen could hear a man's voice over the sound of her terrified screams. She opened her eyes and thought she must be dreaming for Boromir was bending over her. He was extremely pale and she could plainly see worry lines etched into his brow. The Princess stopped screaming and tentatively touched the man's face. His flesh felt solid beneath her fingertips.

"Boromir. You're alive! Where is my brother?" Overwhelmed with relief, Eledwhen threw herself into his arms. The man held her tightly, wondering what she had seen that had terrified her so. A female Elf hurried in, saw the two wrapped in each other's arms, and raised a questioning eyebrow. Boromir dismissed her with a wave of a hand clasped behind Eledwhen's back. The Elf bowed and withdrew silently.

"It's alright. I am safe. 'Twas only a bad dream." Boromir gently stroked Eledwhen's long, golden hair as she clung desperately to him. Her voice was muffled against his chest when she finally spoke.

"It was so real. The orcs killed you! And Theodred… I saw his death upon the plains of Rohan. I could not live if you both should die. Please, do not leave me again." Boromir tightened his grip about her body and began to gently rock her. When she felt much calmer and in control of her emotions, Eledwhen pulled back until she could see his face.

"You see?" Boromir said with the hint of a smile, "I am no dream vision, but flesh and blood. The orcs did not kill me, and I am sure your brother lives as well. The news of death I bring is of Gandalf the Grey, who fell in the mines of Moria."

Eledwhen looked at him in confusion. There had been no wizard in her dreams. She started to speak, but Boromir silenced her with a deep kiss. Eagerly she returned his kiss until both had to break apart for want of air. The man's smile faded as he remembered that she was recuperating from the loss of their unborn child.

"Eledwhen, are you well? I know about the child." The girl began to cry and he hugged her to his breast. "Shush, dear heart. It is not the end of the world. There is still time for us to have children. This one was just not meant to be."

The Princess shuddered as the image of Boromir riddled with black orc arrows again filled her vision. His words seemed like wisdom, but her heart told her that his time on Middle-earth was limited to only a few short weeks.