Chapter 14 There's a Sun
Time passed in Lothlorien, unsuspecting minutes passed like hours, and easy hours seemed like days, while moments seemed to pass in a blink of an eye. Winifred was not sure how much time had been spent since the fellowship departed but she knew her time within the safe borders had expired. She had not seen Gandalf, and had no expectations of seeing him either. After being reborn his memory was hazy, and she wanted him to be in his right mind for the anger headed his way. Lady Galadriel sensed the resolution of Winifred and extended an invitation for Winifred and Almund to dine with Lord Celeborn and herself the night before their departure.
It was a demure occasion, while having a private meal with the Lord and Lady of the Wood was an honor, Winifred had other things occupying her mind. Towards the end of the evening Lady Galadriel's maids came into the room carrying gifts. Almund was given bracers with the running horse of Rohan etched in gold, made of a thick leather like material.
Lady Galadriel took Winifred aside to present her with her gift. Winifred was given a buddle of golden material.
"This dress has waited many years for you, Lady Winifred." Lady Galadriel said. The dress was reminiscent of Lady Galadriel's style. While it was a dress of gold, it seemed to glow from within. " This is made in the fashion of my people, it will changed its depth and purity based on the light. It will be a white gold by star light, but the sun will reveal its bright radiance." Lady Galadriel said to Winifred. Winifred held the dress with wonder.
"Strange, it reminds me of a dress I have…" Winifred looked at Lady Galadriel to see a mischievous smile dance across the Lady's face. Winifred thought hard for a moment.
"Why? Why did you have Gandalf give me that dress. Better yet why start the legend of the Blessed Queen? I can't figure it out, it's made things more complicated then things needed to be." Winifred asked.
"This dress." She made a graceful motion to the gold dress. "Is a gift to the future queen of Rohan. The other dress was a gift to the Lady Winifred, from the North. To be accepted as a noblemen's daughter you needed to enter Edoras looking the part." Lady Galadriel said. "You have much to accomplish, Lady Winifred. To be able to play your part you need to be able to lead hoists of men. As a noble Woman from a distance land, that can not be done, as the future hope of Rohan you can command the horse lords as no other woman could." Lady Galadriel explained. "And while hope is dim and fleeting, we must do all we can to change the course of middle earth."
The next morning Glorfindel appeared to lead Almund and Winifred to the boards of Lothlorien.
"Glorfindel!" Winifred said in joy as she saw her elf friend. "You are to be our guide?" she asked her travel companion. He smiled at her enthusiasm.
"Yes. It seemed appropriate that I would be the one to guide you. As I did promise to stay with your company until we reach the south borders of Lothlorien. It is now time for that promise to be fulfill." The great elven Lord said. Almund seemed comfortable with Glorfindel being their guide, as apposed to another stranger. Winifred tried to take in the last of the Mallorn trees in all their glory, the silver trunks, and the gold leafs. She had actually taken a few gold leaves from the forest floor as a memento. She hoped she would get in trouble for it.
Once they left the city, Winifred was reunited with Barefoot. Together the company of three went west to cross the stream, silverode. Then the party turned south. Hours after this Glorfindel left the Rohan Company on the edge of the mystical forest.
"I leave you here." Glorfindel said. "May you reach Rohan with ease, and the stars shine upon our next meeting." The great elven lord bowed to each of them before turning back into the woods.
Almund and Winifred flew to Rohan, both silently agreed to get within the borders as soon as physically possible. Outside the forest of Lothlorien, Winifred started running through all the possible encounters that could take place on the fields of Rohan. The main fear would be to run into the Uruk-Hai on their way to or from the fellowship. But also the group of Orcs from Moria that would come down and join them, still sour with their run in with the fellowship in the mines of Moria. Winifred did not want to run into Eomer, and distract him, she also did not want to delay Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli on their Orc hunter. It was important for Eomer and Aragorn to met on the fields of Rohan. Aragorn would give his word to Eomer to come to Edoras once he found Merry and Pippen. So while the idea of entering the land of Rohan again was the sweetest sensation, it also meant Winifred needed to be on high alert for both friends and enemies. Until she was back in Edoras and had a better idea of what events had happened, she was going to move swiftly and stealthy through the grassy knolls of Rohan.
Once they came upon Fangorn forest Winifred knew they had entered Rohan, the tall green grass, and rolling hills. Winifred was in ecstasy. She laughed over to Almund and raced across the nearest hill. They were brought to a fast stop by tracks in the grass, a large trail had crushed the grass. Winifred and Almund exchanged a perplexing look.
"These tracks…" He started to say, before he sprang out of his horse for closer inspection. After a moment he came to a conclusion. "Orcs, a large pack, traveling fast and light towards the east." He looked in that direction seeing if a reason could be contrived. Winifred knew what this meant, these where the tracks of the Uri-kai from Isenguard headed to intercept the fellowship with orders from Saurman to bring a Halfling back to him.
"How long ago did they pass through?" Winifred asked. Almund inspected the grass, and then the dirt.
"It is hard to say. But I would say a few days." He got back on his horse.
"Do you think anyone has seen these tracks?" Winifred asked Almund as they took off again towards Edoras.
"No, not when they lie this close to the northern border. All the herds have been brought closer to the east fold, and on this side of the entwash it is Theodred's charge. He would have no reason to venture this far out, with the wildmen stirring trouble to the west. I know Eomer has scouts and small parties of men keeping an eye for this area." Almund said.
"Almund this won't make sense, but we need to get back to Edoras without anyone seeing us. Especially Eomer, I can't risk him being distracted by my arrival, he needs to focus right now." She looked over to see Almund looking stern. He did not question her though. Almund nodded looking around the vast rolling hills of Rohan. Not a sole was in sight.
"It should be no trouble to avoid detection." Almund explained. Winifred expected to be arriving to Edoras the day after next, barring no problems.
The next day they rode through the quiet, empty hills. At one point in the far east Winifred and Almund saw a large group of men on horses thundering off to the north.
"Eomer?" Winifred questioned Almund. He nodded in response. To be within sight distance of Eomer gave Winifred a small thriller, but it did not dissuade her intent on avoiding him. She turned her head from his eored, and continued onwards.
In the late afternoon the next day they arrived in the valley of Edoras. Winifred could see Meduseld in the afternoon light. It glowed golden and twinkled at her and Almund in welcome.
"Have you ever been this happy returning to Edoras, Almund?" Winifred asked her faithful guard. Almund just gave a smile in answer.
"Come then, we must hurry or we'll miss dinner." She laughed at Almund then sped along to the gates of Edoras. With each pace they got closer to Edoras the more Winifred could see the difference that had taken place. It was silent, the normal busy pace of the city seemed gone. When they approached the closed gates change was clear.
"Halt, none shall enter Edoras, unless they speak our language or are given leave by Theoden King to enter." A faceless guard called down to Winifred and Almund. Almund, taking offenses to being seen as an outside brought his horse closer to the gates.
"Do you no longer recognize your kin? I am Almund, Kings guard, and I escort Lady Winifred, the Blessed Queen, favored guest of Theoden King and his household. We have returned." He commanded of his fellow soldier. This seemed to have the wanted outcome. There was rushed conversation on the other side of the gate as it slowly opened to admit them. Winifred and Almund cantered forward and just past the gate Winifred saw her friend Gerard coming to greet them. He bowed to Lady Winifred.
"Lady Winifred! You have returned." Gerard said, he seemed overjoyed at her return. Winifred looked around at the empty entryway. Normally full of people going about their day, peddlers coming and going, farmers bringing in crops, children playing. No one was seen.
"What has happened?" Winifred asked still looking around as she dismounted from her horse, Almund following her lead.
"Grima. He has become the unofficial ruler of Rohan. Anything he says is to be followed as a directive from the King himself. The King will take counsel from no one else but Grima. The King has become weak and ill. He has aged much in the time you have been gone." Gerard said in despair.
"What have Theodred and Eomer been doing about it?" Winifred asked. "How are the borders? How's Eowyn?" Winifred asked. Gerard looked around as he pull both Winifred and Almund over to the side.
"Both Theodred and Eomer have tried to reason with the King, but they do not get through. Both are pulled away from Edoras to defend the borders. Theodred I fear has the worst. A messenger passed through shortly before you from the west to deliver news to the King. Rumors have been heard that Saurman is no longer a friend and sends Orcs and wild men across the fords to attack us in the west. Many villages have been burned to the ground, refuges have come to both this city and Helms deep. On the east, Orcs have been running through our lands as if this were their territory. Eomer has called everyone in from the open fields. All must be within a swift ride from Aldburg. As for Eowyn, she alone is left to deal with Grima, I would never presume to know the thoughts of Eowyn, but she has lost hope for her future, your coming brings hope to all here." Gerard said in rushed tones, constantly looking around as if expecting Grima to appear over is shoulder.
"Well I don't know what I can do, but I can tell you that his reign will come to an end soon enough. Help is coming. Keep hope, and prepare your self. War is upon us. Send words through out the people to ready themselves." Winfred warned her dear friend. With that Winifred started the walk to Meduseld.
Edoras seemed drained of life, few people were outside as she walked by, and they had no reaction to her, they looked through her. A few heads poked through windows to see who was marching through but otherwise nothing seemed alive.
"What has Grima done to the people?" Almund asked Winifred.
"He has abandoned them. He has allowed the evil of the world to surround us, I am almost afraid to think of how many have died." Winifred said. By the time they reached the golden hall, both were heavy of heart with the changes of Edoras.
"Lady Winifred!" Eldwyn called from the royal stables coming to meet Winifred and Almund in front of the Golden hall. Eldwyn had grown much, when Winifred had left he was growing into a young man, now the sported a trim patchy beard. He had grown another inch or so, and looked like a man. "You have returned, just as you said." He exclaimed coming up to Barefoot. Another stable boy came out to take care of Almund horse.
"Yes, I have returned Eldwyn. I must see to the King, first, I will catch up with you later, yes?" Winifred said to her dear young friend, who nodded eagerly. Winifred did not have time for a reunion and turned to Almund.
"Can you see to my things being placed in my room? I don't trust anyone else with the gitfs of Lady Galadriel. And when that task is done, I relinquish any oath of fealty you have giving me, and wish for you to return to the service of the King." Almund hesitated but bowed then followed Eldwyn, leading Barefoot away. Winifred turned to the Golden hall, taking a deep breath. Hama the door warden was guarding its entrance. She approached him.
"Hello, Hama." She said in a small voice, anxious for what waited on the other side of the door. Hama Bowed to Winifred and opened the door for her, announcing her presence.
"Lady Winifred." He boomed down the length of the dark empty hall. The air was thick and hot in the hall, and not many lights where lit, but Winifred could spy the King sitting on his thrown, hunched over like an ancient forgotten Sovereign. Standing behind his throne was Eowyn, stiff back and cool expression. Sitting at the feet of the King was the King's most trusted and loyal subject, Grima. Winifred strode Through the hall, marching with purpose to stand before her adopted King. Once she got before the King she bowed deeply.
"Theoden King, I have returned just as I promised." Winifred said to the King. Winifred could not smile to the poisoned King, with the whisperings of Grima having warn him down for half a year, and whatever power Saurman had commanded over Theoden, this was not the same man who had hoped from her swift return. What tales had Grima been spinning? Better yet, what rumors of Winifred possible movements had reached the Golden Hall?
"Hm, so you have." Theoden crooked out. Grima gave a twisted, cruel smile.
"A dark omen, Lady Winifred, friend of Gandalf. You come on the heels of bad news. For one destined to unite with the house of Horse Lords, evil tidings surround your every footstep." Grima said as he rose from his childish seat.
"I am presenting myself to the King, your presences is not needed, Grima." Winifred said, calculating her words. Not wanting to push too hard.
"I am the councilor of the King." Grima said, self importance oozing from him tone.
"When I left, you were but one of many. Have you poisoned the others?" Winifred hissed back.
"How dare you." Grima turned to look at the king seeing if the words were sinking in before turning back to Winifred, stepping closer to her. "You, friend of Gandalf. Who knows what you have been doing. What secrets you have told him of Rohan." Grima threw these charges at Winifred feet. "You are made from the same fabric as Gandalf the grey, an evil witch. We have just received the news of Lord Theodred's death. You, Blessed Queen, are just as responsible for the death of Theodred, as the Wildmen that slain him in the west fold." He spat with a sadistic smile.
So Theodred had perished on the fords, defending the west. While Winifred had long since known of this outcome, the sharp pain of a lost friend did not sting any less. Winifred saw Theodred as a brother. He and his family had accepted Winifred as one of them. She would miss him. A great man had been lost. Winifred glanced at Eowyn, she looked empty, while her eyes where open and wide, nothing was being processed.
"My King, I am deeply sadden by this news, and you're loss, and the loss of all of Rohan's." Winifred said bowing her head with sympathy
"Had you honored the legend, you would have wed him, and peace and prosperity would have come over the land Rohan. But instead you snuck away like a thief in the night, and Lord Theodred is dead." Grima said, with the Theoden King nodding in favor of his words.
"No," Winifred moved down to kneel at the feet of Theoden King, clasping his hands. "Theoden King, there is no power I possess that could have stayed the blade that fell Theodred. I loved Theodred like a brother. Please, do not lay his death at my feet." Winifred pleaded to the King, search his eyes for any warmth, none appeared. A cloudy haze had set in.
"Had you fulfilled the legend, my only son would be alive." Theoden said in his broken voice. The words fell on to Winifred like a death sentence.
"No, please, my King. See reason." Winifred whispered to him with the last of her hope.
"It is well known the fondness you have for Lord Eomer, had that not been, the legend would be fulfilled and Theodred would be alive." Theoden King spoke with cruelty. Winifred sat back on her heels, wanting space from the demented King.
"No. NO. The death of Theodred lies on Saurman, and his spy Grima." Winifred was possessed, she sprang back on her feet confronting Grima, it seemed her judgment had been passed already, but she could at least shed some light on the two faces of Grima.
"Grima, spy of Saurman. You are a faithful servant of the White Wizard, who has turned his back on the people of Rohan, and now aligns himself with the Dark Lord. You have been stealing from the people of Rohan, you have their deaths on your feet. You have been whispering poison to the King, even now Saurman is controlling the mind of the King." Winifred stepped closer to Grima to whisper to him. "Your doom is close behind me, you will not gain what is promised to you."
"How dare you speak to the King and his most trusted councilor in this manor?" Grima yelled at her, moving back to the Kings side.
"I speak to anyone who stands ideally by while their kinsmen are slaughtered in their beds!" Winifred roared at Grima.
"You are charged with treason and witchcraft, Lady Winifred" Theoden boomed into the empty hall. The order held for a moment in the silent hall before guardsmen stepped forward to arrest Winifred.
"No, no, this is wrong. I'm trying to help you! Saurman is not your friend! Grima is his spy, Theoden King! Please, listen to me!" Winifred called to the king, a desperate plea.
"Contain her to her chambers, until it is decided what is to be done with her." Theoden called out the orders to his men as they hauled her off. Winifred saw Eowyn's petrified face, before she was marched away.
Once Winifred was in the hallway, walking to her old room, she relaxed her body. She was shaken from the encounter. She lost control when she knew the trouble she was walking into. Grima had gotten the better of her. Now she was charged with treason, and witchcraft. Winifred vision slowly blurred as tears gathered in her disheartened eyes.
"Has the state of Rohan become so dire? That Theoden King sits lifeless on his Throne, instead of riding to aid his people?" Winifred said to the Kings guard, she knew each man that now escorted her to her room. Each had aided in her training, or spent time guarding her. Now the Blessed Queen was not guarded for protection, but because she was a prisoner. The men remained silent, delivering her to her room. Just inside the door the guards removed her armor and took her weapons.
"My armor was a gift from Eomer, my blade a gift from Eowyn. If they go missing, you will have to answer to me." Winifred warned in a hollow voice to the guards, as they left, posting a guard at her door. Winifred slammed the door. Letting out an empty sound of anguish.
Winifred turned from the door and glanced around her old oasis, now prison. Little had changed, her things had been deposited from her journey at the foot of her bed. Slowly entering her room she took in the changes, in the only empty corner that once held a Christmas tree in happier times, was now a wooden cross, used for holding armor, currently empty. She glanced across the room, her desk standing out, where a few more wooden figurines resting on it, Eomer must have left them for her. From what she could see a figure on top of a horse, the face of a woman, and a warrior had been added. She moved to her wardrobe and noticed a few tunics, and leggings belonging to a male. She took hold of one of the tunics and brought it up to her face, breathing it in. Eomer. Any control left was lost. Winifred crumpled to the floor, clutching the shirt to her face. Feeling like a failure. Winifred eventually found her way to the bed, and drifted into restless sleep, with Eomers shirt pressed against her face, warding off the evil.
A harsh rap on the door woke Winifred before a maid marched in with a guard trailing her. Leaving a tray for Winifred, and a bucket of water. Both left the room as quickly as they came. The tray housed simple oatmeal, and milk. A bar of soap was also on the tray. Winifred stripped off her travel worn clothes, throwing them against the wall. After she had washed, and eaten her light meal she put on a soft green dress. She placed more logs on the fire in her room and sat on a chair, staring intently at the fire. She passed the day in this manor. Alone with her thoughts for company. Before dark another tray was delivered, this housed soup, a piece of bread, and a goblet of mead.
Winifred had just started eating her plain meal when she could hear distant commotion coming from the hall. She waited for a moment before she sprang from her chair to open her door, the guard charged with watching her room was already running down to the golden hall. With no one else in the hallway to stop her, Winifred followed the guard. The closer she got the louder the noises where getting. She began to hear raised voices.
She turned the corner to see Eomer being restrained by the Kings Guard, while he tried to throw them off, clearly attempting to get to Grima, who crouched with fear at the Kings feet.
"Eomer, son of Eomund, you have disobeyed a direct order from your King. You left your charge of protecting Edoras, gave leave to strangers to pass through Rohan, and aided them with horses. You are charged with treason." The King huffed out. Eomer let out a roar, doubling his efforts to reach Grima. More guard's men came forth to hold him. Winifred ran to him.
"Eomer!" Winifred called to him. Running to his side. Eomer stilled for a moment as he saw Winifred run towards him. Before a wild abandonment came over him and he was able to throw off a few restricting arms.
"Winifred!" Eomer called to her in return as Winifred threw her arms around his neck. Eomer freed one arm to hold her tight to him. This embrace lasted an eternity in Winifred's mind, but was broken the moment Eomer's arm was around her. Guard's men came to her and pulled her from him. While the men around Eomer took advantage of his stillness.
"Winifred! NO." Eomer roared back as they both where pulled further and further away from each other.
"Take Eomer to the guard house. Get Lady Winifred back to her chambers." Grima barked out orders to the guard's men. The loyal subjects followed this order.
"No, please. Give us a moment! Please!" Winifred pleaded with the guard's men as they started pulling her back to her chambers. Eomers face had turned red with the effort he was exerting to reach Winifred again, but he started losing ground to the masses of men dragging him out of the hall.
"Winifred!" Eomer called out, as she lost sight of him in the hallway leading to her room.
"No!" Winifred struggled against the ironclad grip of the King's guard. Winifred's feet barely touched the ground as she was swiftly escorted down the hall and placed into her room, the door shut tightly behind her.
Winifred slammed her fists onto the door. "LET ME SEE HIM! YOU HAVE TO LET ME SEE HIM!" Her pleas went unheard. She continued to scream and pound on the wooden door.
When her voice grew tired and her fist became sore she started pacing the room. Her mind spinning. She had to see him, there were no two ways about it. A rash plan had already started forming in her head as she glanced at the window in her room.
It was a pitch black night, Winifred had waited until the residents of the golden hall were well asleep before she left her room. Winifred was dressed in dark leggings, and a dark tunic of Eomer's that was in her wardrobe. Wrapped tightly around her form was the midnight blue cloak that looked black on this night. This would keep her hidden from view, especially now that Winifred knew the true origins of it. While it would do no good for her in the bright glare of the sun for concealing, nothing better could be had for when the stars were out.
The drop from her window was eight to ten feet from what Winifred could tell. She pulled out the rope from her camping expedition two years ago from the floor boards and fashioned it to her bed, throwing it out the window before she left, to ensure she would be able to climb back in. With the rope, Winifred had also pulled out her old knife, and tucked it into her belt.
Softly dropping onto the rocky top of the hill that housed Meduseld. It was a narrow dangerous path she would have to take. Staying close to the walls of the building or risking a steep fall. Winifred slowly made her way to the guard house. A few sentinel had been out, but Winifred slipped passed them with ease, having knowledge of their posts helped.
Outside the guards house Winifred glanced into a few windows, seeing if anyone was on guard within the house, and the location of Eomer. In the back area of the guard house was a jail of sorts, a few cells made of iron. Justice was normally dealt swiftly in Rohan, so people were not kept here for extended periods of time. Eomer was alone in this part of the building, he looked to be asleep, but Winifred doubted he could find sleep after learning his cousin was slain, on top of being charged with treason. Only a few Guardsmen were close to the entry of the building, one nodding off, and the others fast asleep. Winifred circled the building one more time, checking for a window to gain entry. None could be found. Winifred patiently waited in a dark shade of an adjacent building for the last guardsmen to drop to sleep.
Eventually, the guardsmen succumbed to sleep, Winifred waited a little longer before making for the entrance. As Quiet as a mouse, Winifred entered the building, the snores from the unconscious men hid any noise she did make. Once safely away from this room, she rushed to Eomer, on the wall outside the jail area was a key ring with a number of rings hanging from it.
Quickly Winifred found the correct key and slipped inside. Eomer looked over with a start, wide awake, before jumping up from the cot.
"Winifred!" He spoke low. Winifred rushed to his cell door and fiddled with the keys before it popped open.
"Eomer." Winifred breathed out as Eomer swept her into his arms. They stayed like that for a time, just holding each other. Their breaths soon took on the same rhythm. Eomer smelled just as Winifred remembered, earthy, leather, and horses. Winifred forgot his strength, he held her with such force. Winifred felt like she was being bonded to him permanently.
"Your back." Eomer said in her ear. Winifred gave a squeeze.
"I'm sorry it took me so long. I was supposed to be back sooner. But I got waylaid." Winifred answered him, burrowing deeper into the crook of his neck.
"It does not matter, you are here now. Though I do not know what future we now have." Eomer spoke low and lovingly, he leaned back to given Winifred a searing kiss. The sweet euphoria of kissing Eomer, took her breath away. Her stomach was fluttering, every sense was on fire.
"I have heard that you also have been imprisoned." Eomer said breaking from Winifred's lips, but maintaining her in his arms. Winifred nodded, regaining time and space that had disappeared while in Eomer's arms.
"Yes, I've been charged with treason and witchcraft. Grima has convinced the king that I am responsible for Lord Theodred's death because I did not fulfill the legend." Mention of the death of his cousin cased pain to cross over Eomer's face. "I am sorry for your loss. He was a great man." Winifred added. Eomer bowed his head.
"Yes. He died defending his people. Dark days lie ahead." Eomer spoke with despair.
"War is what lies ahead. Eomer, I must ask, did you come across a man, an elf, and a dwarf on the fields of Rohan?" She asked Eomer. Who now was looking at Winifred with wonder.
"How…" Eomer started before he was cut off.
"It doesn't matter now. Did you? this is important." She rushed out.
"Yes, I came across Lord Aragorn, Lord Legolas, and Master Gimli. I offered them spare horses to look for two Halflings they thought were held captive by the pack of orcs my eored cut down the night before. Lord Aragorn gave his word to come to Edoras and present himself to the king once that task was complete." Eomer told Winifred. Winifred let out a breath and laid her head against Eomer's shoulder.
"Good," Winifred leaned back. "This is good news Eomer. Tomorrow, everything will be right. Gandalf is on his way. We will be freed, and then the battle begins."
Hope you enjoyed! -C xoxo