Alright here it is! The last chapter before I leave. I probably should be packing right now but I wanted to get this chapter out for y'all, so here we go!
Disclaimer: I only own Dûrhilwen
Dûrhilwen stood up and walked away from the camp. What was wrong with her? She was a ruthless killer, not some confused elf. She needed to stop opening up to that elf. She needed to get rid that elf, and the others too. Her father would be so disappointed if he saw her like this. She looked down at the piece of leather around her wrists. If she could escape the rope, she could escape this. She looked back towards Legolas and smirked. She would get her revenge.
The next morning, everyone mounted their horses and continued to Edoras. Gandalf halted Shadowfax and everyone did the same with their horses. "Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. There dwells Théoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown. Saruman's hold over the King Théoden is now very strong. Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here," Gandalf warns. They slowly rode up to the big wooden gates. Aragorn looked over to his right, and Dûrhilwen followed his gaze to see a green flag with a white horse on it: the flag of Rohan. It quickly floated away in the wind, and they rode into Edoras. Dûrhilwen looked around and saw the people glancing at her. They recognized who she was and fear grew in their eyes. She glared back at all of them.
"You'll find more cheer in a graveyard," Gimli muttered. They all dismounted and Dûrhilwen looked down and smiled. During the ride, she found Aragorn's sword sharpener. Even though it was a small stone, it had sharp edges and she rubbed it against the leather till it would be thin enough for her to easily rip if she pulled her wrists apart. Now she had to wait for the perfect moment. When they reached to the top of the stairs, guards were waiting. Gandalf looked up and smiled at them.
"I cannot allow you before Théoden king so armed, Gandalf Grayhame. By order of Gríma Wormtongue," the captain said sternly. Gandalf nodded and Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli started giving up their weapons. Dûrhilwen held her breath as she saw Legolas hand the guards her bow and swords. The captain looked at Gandalf and nodded to his staff. "Your staff." Gandalf looked from his staff to the guard and smiled.
"Oh. No, you would not part an old man from his walking stick?" The guard gave in and Gandalf winked as Legolas gave him his arm to "help" Gandalf walk. As they entered the room, Dûrhilwen noticed it was very dark inside, much like Barad-dûr and Orthanc. She could tell Saruman was in control here. She saw the very old, pale king ahead with a dark, sulking man standing next to him. She knew he was whispering into the king's ear, but she could not make out everything. "The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden King. Dûrhilwen noticed guards walking behind them. They caught her glance and nodded. She smirked and turned to face the front again.
"Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?" Théoden said weakly. Dûrhilwen heard the man whisper again into the king's ears, and stood up.
"Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell I name him. Ill news is in ill guest," he boomed.
"Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked with a witless worm!" Gandalf said while raising his staff. The man stepped back with fear and anger.
"His staff! I told you to take the wizard's staff!" he shouted. Dûrhilwen watched Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli fight the guards, and one of them nodded towards her. She backed into a shadowy corner, curious of what would happen next. She ripped the leather and watched.
"Théoden, son of Théngel. Too long have you sat in the shadows," Gandalf shouted. Dûrhilwen noticed Gimli sitting on the dark man and threatening him to stay put on the side. She smirked, knowing that she would miss that strange sense of humor. Gandalf's booming voice brought her attention back to them. "Harken to me! I release you from the spell," he said as he raised his hand and closed his eyes. The old king laughed at the wizard in front of him.
"You have no power here Gandalf the Grey," he taunted and laughed. Gandalf took off his grey robe, and a bright light shined when his white clothes were revealed. Théoden jumps back, startled at the light.
"I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound," Gandalf said as he pointed his staff at the king. Dûrhilwen noticed a woman dressed in white try to run to the king, but Aragorn held her back. The next thing she heard was Saruman's voice, and she quickly turned.
"If I go- Théoden dies," he threatened. Gandalf kept pointing his staff and stepped closer.
"You did not kill me, you will not kill him," Gandalf said sternly.
"Rohan is mine!" Saruman's voice yelled.
"Be gone!" Gandalf shouted. Théoden jumped at Gandalf, but flies back to his throne. The woman ran up to him and helped him stand. Dûrhilwen was shocked when she saw the old king change quickly to a younger, healthier man. She looked around and quietly opened the door. She grabbed her weapons and mounted Hasufel. Without looking back, she galloped off, towards Isengard, to her surprise.
Legolas smiled as Théoden looked to the woman who held him. "I know your face. Èowyn," he said, smiling. Èowyn smiled and laughed; she was so glad to see him well and back to the way he was. Théoden looked up and saw the wizard. "Gandalf?"
"Breathe the free air again, my friend," Gandalf said. Legolas could tell he was tired from getting rid of Saruman. Théoden looked down to his weak hands.
"Dark have been my dreams of late," he said with confusion. Gandalf motioned the captain to come with the king's sword.
"Your fingers would remember their old strength better if they grasped your sword." Théoden looked at Gandalf and then to his sword. He slowly drew it and examined it, and then he looked towards the dark man, Gríma. Legolas knew what was to come, the king's eyes showed the hatred and anger. Théoden ordered the guards to take him outside, and everyone followed. The guards threw Gríma down the stone steps and Théoden walked down slowly with his sword in his hand.
"I have only ever served you my lord," Gríma said nervously. Legolas saw the pleading for mercy in his eyes. Théoden, however, did not seem to care.
"Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!" Théoden shouted.
"Send me not from your side!" Gríma pleaded. Théoden ignored his plea and raised his sword. Aragorn ran up and stopped the king from killing him.
"No my lord! No my lord. Let him go," Aragorn begged. Théoden looked at Aragorn with confusion. "Enough blood has been spilt on his account," he said quietly. Aragorn bent down and offered his hand to Gríma, but instead of taking it he spat on it and ran off. "Hail, Théoden, King!" Aragorn shouted. Legolas kneeled with the rest and looked up to the king.
"Where is Théodred? Where is my son?" he asked. Everyone grew sad and looked down, not wanting to break the news. Legolas looked around and realized something important. Dûrhilwen was nowhere around.
Well that's all for about a week! Thanks for reading! I'll update as soon as I get home