The people of Rohan are at the edge of peril and King Théoden has fallen under the spell of Saruman and his ally Grima Wormtongue. The King's heir, Théodred is the only one who sees the truth, and for that he pays the price. And when the King finally realizes Grima's betrayal, it may be too late…
Disclaimer: I guess it's kind of obvious, but I do not own the characters of Middle-Earth. They belong to J.R.R. Tolkien. However, any characters you do not recognize, do belong to me!
BROKEN – Prologue
By Ranayana
Edoras, December 3017 T.A.
As twilight slowly fell upon the city, the courtyards emptied and the great wooden gates closed behind the last riders returning to the city. The stables that rustled with activity during the day, quieted down. Husbands returned to their wives and families after a long day's work. Children gathered by the stove, eagerly waiting for dinner. And when dusk finally came, not a single soul was out on the hilltop, save for the two dark shapes standing on the front porch of the Great Hall of Meduseld.
Èowyn, daughter of Eomund, looked up at her older cousin with a deep frown creasing her features. Even for one of the Rohirrim, the Prince was a fair sight, with dark golden hair and crystal blue-green eyes, but that beauty and pride was overshadowed by something else – something that pained him deeply.
As he stood gazing into the distance, Èowyn looked into his radiant eyes and saw the sadness in them. That sadness had been in his gaze ever since his father, the King, had fallen under the spell of Grima Wormtongue.
Now as she stood there beside him, looking into those eyes, the memories of the past few days resurfaced in her mind. Théodred, ever loyal to King and land, had tried to warn his father about roaming Orcs at the borders of Westfold… but in the end, the King had barely even listened.
"That is not possible. Orcs in the Westfold? Saruman would never allow that."
The dark robed court advisor had slowly bent down beside his King, closer even than the Prince himself was allowed when the King held audience.
"Bold words… to accuse Saruman, our friend and ally, of such betrayal. Such false words to voice before the King."
Théodred hadn't even flinched at the words. He had simply looked at his father, refusing to meet the Worm's eyes.
And then, with rising distaste and anger towards the King's advisor, he had said, "What about you, Grima Wormtongue? How long is it since Saruman bought you to poison the King's mind?"
"Enough." Théoden had quietly interrupted. "Grima is loyal to Rohan. How dare you accuse him of betrayal? Maybe he is right. Maybe you are the one I should fear..."
The worm had sneered secretly at the Prince, but when he had spoken to the King, his voice had been soft and sweet like honey.
"My liege, your son has been disobeying your orders and rambled on about Orcs from Isengard for quite a long time. I hate to say it, but this kind of madness is not suitable for the heir of Rohan…"
That had been the last straw for Théodred. Grabbing the snake by the collar he had pulled him up against one of the high pillars that lined the throne room. Shocked, the advisor had desperately gasped for air until two of the King's guards had pulled Théodred gently, but firmly away.
"Do you see what I mean, Sire? Your son is out of control." Grima's eyes had been ablaze with anger as he had hastily returned to the King's side. "But, I will change that..."
Èowyn shook the memory off her mind. She should never have witnessed the confrontation between father and son. It was only by chance that she had, but she couldn't bring herself to feel guilty about it either.
"Théodred..." She began, but failed to find the right words. He hadn't spoken to her since that day in the throne room.
At first Théodred had fought back, but now the fire in his eyes was fading and he no longer cared to resist. Èowyn embraced her cousin and whispered into his ear, "Everything will be all right, dearest cousin. "
And for the first time in many days, Théodred responded ever so quietly. "No, Èowyn. Nothing will be the same again. Ever…"