Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Story line, characters and script belong to J. R. R. Tolkien and Peter Jackson. I only own Aerilyn
Chapter 10
The next morning I woke to the rocking of a moving horse. I opened my eyes to see that we were moving. "Well, hello sleeping beauty." I hear behind me. I turn to see Aragorn behind me on the horse. "Why didn't you wake me?" I asked him. "You need as much rest as you can get." He says and looks up as we crest a hill. I look as well. "Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. There dwells Théoden, king of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown. Saruman hold over King Théoden is now very strong." Gandalf says. "Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here."
As we pass the entrance to Edoras, a flag floats down to land beside us. Edoras is silent and somber. Everyone was dressed in black and staring at us. I looked up at the hall and see a lady in white standing on the steps, than I look away. "You'll find more cheer in a graveyard." Gimli says. I look back up to the hall again but the lady was gone. We climb up the stairs to the hall and are met by guards.
"I cannot allow you before Théoden-king so armed, Gandalf Greyhame. By order of Grima Wormtongue." Gandalf nods and signals us to surrender our weapons. I hand over my sword and dagger, Aragorn follows after me. Legolas gives a little twirl to his knives before handing them over to a guard. Gimli hands over his axe reluctantly. Hama gestures to Gandalf. "You staff." "Hmm?" he glances at his staff. "Oh. You would not part and old men from his walking stick?" he looks innocently at Hama. Hama hesitates for a second and then gestures that we follow him into the hall. Gandalf give Aragorn a tiny wink and enters the hall, leaning on my arm. "The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late Théoden king." Gandalf says as we approach Théoden. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli pull back and survey the hall and hostile occupants. I pull back from Gandalf to stand just behind him.
"Why should I...Welcome you, Gandalf...Stormcrow?" The king looks to Grima for affirmation. "A just question, my liege." Grima says as he walks towards Gandalf. "Late is the hour in which conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell spell I name him. Ill news is an ill guest." "Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to brandy crooked words with a witless worm!" Raises his staff against Grima. "His staff!" Backing away from Gandalf. "I told you to take his staff!" He says addressing the guards. I hear the others fighting off the guards behind me.
"Théoden, son of Thengel, too long have you sat in the shadows." Gandalf says as he approaches Théoden. Grima tries to crawl away but Gimli stops him. "I would stay still, it I were you." "Hearken to me! I release you from the spell." Gestures with his hands. Menacingly Théoden laughs making Gandalf open his eyes in surprise. "You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey." Gandalf throws back his grey cloak, exuding blinding white light; Théoden is thrown back against his seat. "Argh!" Gandalf points his staff at Théoden. "I will draw you out, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound."
The lady from earlier rushes in seeing the king threatened, but i stop her and hold her back."Wait" I say. "If I go...Théoden dies." He says in Saruman's voice. "You did not kill me, you will not kill him!" "Rohan's mine!" "Be gone!" Gandalf smites Théoden as he lunges at him. Théoden is thrown back into his chair. Théoden then lets out a moan and slumps forward in his chair. The lady run forward as the king falls. Théoden's head rises again and his face begins to change gradually into that of a much younger-looking man. Clarity and recognition returns to his eyes. He turns to look closely to the lady. "I know your face...Eowyn...Eowyn" he says as she weeps in joy.
"Gandalf." Théoden said. "Breathe the free air again, my friend." The hall is shown to be filled with light. As everyone marvels at the rejuvenation of the king. Standing up and looking around him. "Dark have been my dreams of late." He looks down at his trembling hands. "You fingers would remember their old strength better...if they grasped your sword." Hama runs up with his sword. Théoden reaches for it with trembling hands. He wraps his fingers around it slowly and then draws it. Suddenly, Théoden gaze turns to Grima. Grima is then thrown out of the hall and down the stairs.
"Argh! I've only ever served you, my lord!" he says beseechingly to Théoden. Advancing towards him, holding his sword firmly in his hand. "Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!" "Send me not from your side." Théoden raises his sword to kill Grima, but is stopped by Aragorn. "No, my lord! No my lord! Let him go. Enough blood has been spilt on his account." I hold my hand out to help Grima up, but he just spits on it, scrambles to his feet and pushes through the crowd. "Get out of my way!" "Hail, Théoden King!" Hama shouts. The crowd kneels in homage before Théoden. Aragorn and I kneel also. I see Grima ride out of Edoras. As Théoden turns to go back into the hall, he looks up. "Where is Theodred? Where is my son?" He said.