I do not own LotR or anything else in Arda.
In Edoras, Aragorn stood and stretched from where he had been eating his breakfast. He caught a glimpse of a light from the mountains. He turned and squinted, looking at it more closely. His eyes widened and he began to run for Meduseld. He burst into the hall.
"The beacons of Minas Tirith!" he yelled. Everyone in the room turned to stare at him. "The beacons are lit!" he yelled. Théoden stood slowly. "Gondor calls for aid," he said, running up to the King. He was silent a moment as the people in the hall stared at him. "And Rohan will answer," he announced. Aragorn smiled slightly. "Muster the Rohirrim!" Théoden ordered. Éomer bowed his head and left the room, patting his sister on the shoulder as she left.
Only a short time later, the war-bell was ringing continuously. Everywhere, warriors were preparing for battle. Aragorn and Éomer followed Théoden out of the hall. "Assemble the army at Dunharrow," the King ordered his nephew. "As many men as can be found. You have two days." Éomer nodded and began to walk away. Théoden caught his shoulder, and he turned around. "On the third," Théoden said, "we ride for Gondor…and war."
Éomer nodded and walked away. "Gamling," Théoden ordered. "My lord," the warrior replied. "Make haste across the Riddermark. Summon every able-bodied man to Dunharrow." "Yes, my lord," the rider bowed.
"Excuse me," Merry said, walking up to the King, his short blade in hand. "I have a sword. Please accept it!" He got down on one knee, the tip of the blade on the ground. "I offer you my service, Théoden-King," he said. Théoden reached down and raised him up. "I gladly may accept it," Théoden said. "You shall be Meriadoc, Esquire of Rohan!" Merry grinned broadly and darted off.
Aragorn quickly moved to the stable to tend to Brego, who would bear him to Gondor. He was surprised to see Éowyn leading Windfola out. "You ride with us?" he asked. "Just to the encampment," she replied. "It's tradition for the women of the court to farewell the men." Aragorn reached out and lifted the blanket on her horse, revealing her sword. She quickly pulled it down and gave him a look. "The men have found their Captain," she said. "They will follow you to battle, even to death. You have given us hope," she informed him. She quickly disappeared.
Aragorn mounted Brego just in time to hear Éomer's speech. "Now is the hour!" he called. "Riders of Rohan, oaths you have taken! Now, fulfil them all! For Lord and land!" He spurred his horse and they galloped out of Edoras. Théoden led, with Aragorn, Éomer, Éowyn, and Legolas and Gimli flanking him. They were followed by a long column of warriors.
