[Eorl of Rohan]

"What is this?" Ferethor cried, as the surrounding guards pointed their spears at the signal of the captain. "Are the guards of Minas Tirith turned against itself?" The flickering light of the torches glanced off their pale blades as the captain Meren stepped forward.


"You are taken into custody. If you resist, you will be hewn down. Throw down your weapon!" Meren commanded. "For what crime, captain?" Ferethor asked, his hands straying toward his belt. "Betrayal." Meren said dryly. "You are charged for the treson to the state. Persuading guards to desert their posts and infiltrating the government building alone decrees your death, but I am allowing you a chance to defend yourself. Speak and be not silent!"


"I greatly rue the harm we have done, but it was vital. My errand was given by the Lord Elessar himself, who commanded me to reveal it to none. I would accompany you freely, if it had not been that I am in great haste and have need of secrecy of my status." Ferethor slowly drew out his slender elven knife against the array of spears. "If you seek to carry out your law, then do so! Yet I will not tread the path to Mandos alone."


Even as he spoke, Ferethor noted that the citadel guards here were mostly youths without experience in battle. They were also armed only with spears, which was almost of no use in close combat like this. Moreover, they were reluctant to shed blood of a fellow Gondorian. Ferethor the Captain of Guards was also known and admired by many young sentiniels and all have heard of the fame of his valour and skill of arms. He may yet break out of this ring...