Gondor's capital, Minas Tirith, was a terraced city built into a mountainside, with the White Mountains at its back. Its defenses were formidable, and it had never fallen. →
At that moment, Gondor's Regent Chancellor, Denethor II, who was also Boromir's father, was flying into a rage.
"Faramir really is useless. He actually lost the defensive line at Osgiliath."
"If only Boromir were here," Denethor II cursed. "He would never disappoint me. He never has."
The attendant beside him sighed inwardly. Everyone in Gondor knew that Denethor II favored his eldest son and had always treated his younger son with disdain. Faramir had actually worked hard and performed quite well, but unfortunately, Denethor II never cared.
"My lord, Faramir says Mordor has deployed its entire army this time. He urges us to prepare as soon as possible, and he will return with all haste."
The attendant added, "Also, the repairs to Ramas Echor must be completed as soon as possible. Otherwise, we will be trapped in Minas Tirith."
"Return? You mean flee back here?"
Denethor II sneered. "What about Boromir? Is there any word from him? When can he return? I hear he helped Rohan win the Battle of the Fords. If he can return, Gondor will be saved."
"Lord Boromir sent a carrier pigeon back, saying he is returning at full speed with his companions."
The attendant replied, "He also asked us to light the beacons for aid. Only then will Rohan send its troops."
"Light the beacons?"
Denethor II frowned. As mentioned before, Gondor and Rohan were not on particularly good terms. Lighting the beacons meant asking Rohan for help, which would be humiliating.
"Very well. Light them."
After a moment's hesitation, Denethor II agreed. After all, Boromir had proposed it. Had anyone else asked Denethor II to