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BOOK THREE

Chapter 1

THE DEPARTURE OF BOROMIR

Aragorn sped on up the hill Every now and again he bent to the ground Hobbits go light, and their footprints are not easy even for a Ranger to read, but not far fro crossed the path, and in the wet earth he sahat he was seeking

‘I read the signs aright,’ he said to himself ‘Frodo ran to the hill-top I wonder what he saw there? But he returned by the saain’

Aragorn hesitated He desired to go to the high seat hiuide hi Suddenly he leaped forward, and ran to the su-stones, and up the steps Then sitting in the high seat he looked out But the sun seemed darkened, and the world diain to North, and saw nothing save the distant hills, unless it were that far away he could see again a great bird like an eagle high in the air, descending slowly in wide circles doards the earth

Even as he gazed his quick ears caught sounds in the woodlands below, on the west side of the River He stiffened There were cries, and auish the harsh voices of Orcs Then suddenly with a deep-throated call a great horn blew, and the blasts of it shty shout above the roaring of the falls

‘The horn of Boro down the steps and away, leaping down the path ‘Alas! An ill fate is on oes amiss Where is Sam?’

As he ran the cries came louder, but fainter now and desperately the horn was blowing Fierce and shrill rose the yells of the Orcs, and suddenly the horn-calls ceased Aragorn raced down the last slope, but before he could reach the hill’s foot, the sounds died away; and as he turned to the left and ran towards them they retreated, until at last he could hear the Elendil! Elendil! he crashed through the trees

A lade not far fro with his back to a great tree, as if he was resting But Aragorn saw that he was pierced with many black-feathered arrows; his sas still in his hand, but it was broken near the hilt; his horn cloven in tas at his side Many Orcs lay slain, piled all about him and at his feet

Aragorn knelt beside him Boromir opened his eyes and strove to speak At last sloords ca frolance strayed to his fallen enes: the Orcs have taken them I think they are not dead Orcs bound them’ He paused and his eyes closed wearily After a ain

‘Farewell, Aragorn! Go to Minas Tirith and save my people! I have failed’

‘No!’ said Aragorn, taking his hand and kissing his brow ‘You have conquered Few have gained such a victory Be at peace! Minas Tirith shall not fall!’

Boromir smiled

‘Which way did they go? Was Frodo there?’ said Aragorn But Boroain