‘It would indeed be a betrayal, if we all left him,’ said Aragorn.‘But if he goes east, then all need not go with him; nor do I think that all should. That venture is desperate: as much so for eight asfor three or two, or one alone. If you would let me choose, then Ishould appoint three companions:
Sam, who could not bear it otherwise; and
Gimli; and myself. Boromir will return to his own
city,where his father and his people need him; and with him the othersshould go, or at least
Meriadoc and
Peregrin, if
Legolas is not willingto leave us.’