Chapter 9: THE LAST DEBATE

At dawn after the Pelennor, Legolas and Gimli enter Minas Tirith to see Merry and Pippin. Observing the City, they imagine how Aragorn might restore it—Gimli with stonewrights, Legolas with gardens. Meeting Prince Imrahil, they deliver Aragorn’s summons to council before visiting their hobbit friends in the Houses of Healing.

In the garden, Legolas is stirred by gulls and confesses a newfound sea-longing. Prompted by Merry and Pippin, Legolas recounts Aragorn’s passage through the Paths of the Dead, the summoning at the Stone of Erech, and the relentless ride to Pelargir. He and Gimli describe how the Shadow Host terrified the Corsairs, enabling Aragorn to free captives, seize the black fleet, and then release the Dead from their oath.

They recall the urgent ascent of the Anduin with freed oarsmen, the night wind that sped the fleet, and the unfurling of Aragorn’s standard at Minas Tirith. The companions reflect that despite victory, greater danger likely lies ahead, while the Captains confer below.

In council, Gandalf interprets Denethor’s last words and the truth of what the palantír showed: Mordor’s strength is vast and growing; victory by arms alone is impossible. Since the Ring is abroad to be destroyed, Gandalf proposes a desperate stratagem—draw Sauron’s Eye by marching openly on the Black Gate, inviting battle to buy the Ring-bearer time.

Aragorn, Éomer, Imrahil, and Elrohir assent, balancing duty with prudence. They plan to depart in two days with roughly seven thousand: six thousand foot and a thousand horse, while Elfhelm’s three thousand riders guard the West Road. Reinforcements from the southern fiefs approach, and ships arrive at the Harlond. Imrahil jests at their small number; Gandalf replies that their names are worth armies. Aragorn vows Andúril shall not be sheathed until the last battle.