Chapter 20

We were riding much too fast for my liking, but it's not like anyone listens to me. So we went on through to Edoras, sweeping through the green plains like punks to the exit of an Ashlee Simpson concert (heh, no offense. Couldn't resist…)

I could almost feel the mighty canon moment before it came.

"Edoras, and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. There dwells Théoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown-- for Saruman's hold over King Théoden is now very strong."

Great. All around us are enemies and idiots. What is the people's motivation around here?

As we rode closer, the wind cut through the air (resisting the temptation to make another joke) and I looked up at all the drab, depressed people of Edoras. Nearing the gates, I saw the flag drift over the town and land at Aragorn's feet (or his horse's feet.) I looked up, seeing a fleeing white-robed person that I assumed was Eowyn.

We rode up the steep steps, greeted by either utter melancholy or disregard. Man, I was really beginning to love this place already. At least I would have some peace and quiet.

We stepped up to the opening doors, faced with two rough looking guards.

"We cannot allow you before Théoden King so armed. You must surrender your weapons to us."

Surrender your weapons! As if we were there to attack them or something!

Gandalf nodded to Aragorn. He took out Anduril from its sheath and glared at the guard who was reaching for it. Aragorn shook his head.

"This is Anduril, the Sword Reforged from the Shards of Narsil." He said boldly. I could see a glitter of pride in his eyes, and he refused to hand it to the man. "None but I may wield it. But I will lay it down myself, if I must."

The guard nodded.

The other one reached for my long dagger that was a gift from the Lady.

"This is uhhh…. Vánmata… Yeah, I guess you can take her."

Gimme a break, I had to think up a cool name really fast.

The others gave up their weapons, and as we stepped in to the hall I heard Legolas whisper in my ear, "Your knife's name is 'goose eater'?"

I barely held in my burst of laughter. I guess I needed to brush up on my Quenya.

I looked around the hall, a wide chamber with dark wooden beams carved with gold. The roof was gold colored thatch, also supported by dark beams. At the far end of the room sat the King on his throne.

Théoden was most obviously under some kind of spell, and I was surprised the people of Rohan didn't just kill this Grima guy. I would be pissed if my king looked like that.

He was an old man. Well, that's a bit of an understatement. This guy looked like he had died about three or four days ago. His skin was pallid and lined with millions of tiny wrinkles. His eyes were sunken and unfocused, and his lank and thin beard and hair were shock white. Yeah, like I said, he looked dead.

But he was Vanna White compared to the hunchback of a man next to him.

Grima. Eeeew. That guy was so gross.

He was hunched over, robed in a shaggy black cloak that once must have been very fine. His face was the color of sour milk, and black hair was greasy and unkempt. And—he had no eyebrows. See? Creepy.

"You are not welcome here, Gandalf Greyhame," came a bitter and hissing voice from Grima. He reminded me of a greasy snake. "You are a herald of woe and ill news."

I gave my prissiest glare, fighting the urge to put my hand on my hip.

"Silence, serpent, and keep your forked tongue behind your pointed teeth! I did not pass through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm!"

Alright, Grandpa! You show him!

Suddenly, Gandalf pulled his white staff from his grey cloak and pointed it at the king.

"His staff!" hissed Grima, inching away. "I told you to take his staff!"

Guards and men surrounded us, trying to get to Gandalf. The fight began, Boromir, Gimli, Aragorn, Legolas and I all clearing a path for the wizard.

The first guard that had taken "Goose eater" from me charged at me, but hesitated to harm me. He stared at me, obviously thinking I would start crying or running away or something. Good, let him think that.

This was my first fist fight, and I wanted it to be good, so I took advantage of the moment of his hesitation, grabbing him by the shoulders and ramming my knee between his legs. He slumped over, and I caught a sideways glance from Boromir. He looked at me, half shocked, half disapproving. He shook his head, but a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. No other man came to fight me. Can't for the life of me figure out why.

When all the men had backed away or lay on the ground, we all looked to the Wizard, who was whispering words in another language. He never stopped pointing his staff at Théoden. Wicked cackling came from the king's mouth, and he wheezed and coughed and laughed thunderous laughter. Freaky, I know.

"You have no power here, Gandalf the Gre—," but he was cut off by the blinding white light that had filled the hall.

Woohoo! Gandalf power!

Théoden lay backed against his throne and in a smooth and harsh voice said,

"If I go, Théoden dies!"

"You could not kill me, you will not kill him," said the wizard calmly, still holding the staff.

A slender lady in a white gown came in, running toward him. Aragorn grabbed her and held her back, hissing "Wait!"

"I release you from the spell," said Gandalf, closing his eyes and gently shaking his hand at the cowering figure. "Be gone, Curunir! Rohan shall be free of you!"

And, like that, the old man whimpered and nearly fell from his seat, if Eowyn had not caught him.

His white hair shortened and turned to a faded gold, and his skin smoothed. The glassy eyes became grey and focused again. This was Théoden.

He breathed deeply, looking at his niece.

"I know your face," he whispered, looking at her. He stared all around him, and at the Wizard.

"Breathe the free air again, my friend," said Gandalf in a weary voice.

The king rose, looking around. Everyone bowed.

What a show.

Author's note: Hope you liked it. Next chapter will be up soon; I have gotten all my writing juices going. Also a small message to you lurkers-and-not-reviewers:

ONLY the people who leave reviews get PM's on updates. So review, please.

Love always, Andie.

(P.S. Had a lot of fun writing this one! ;) Kind of mixed movie/book/my own version!)