Roped Into Helping

Lady Countryrose

Ch. 10

Hermione felt an evil dread in the Kingdom of Rohan. It was not just the citizens that looked like they were in mourning. But something deeper. Clawing its claws into the ground. It was a sad feeling.

Gimli had even voiced it. The people were mourning for the dead. Even believing the possessed king was at death's door. They made their way to the far steps leading up. Only to be stopped by the guards. Taking their weapons away.

Where Gandalf and Hermione hid their staffs. Before they were allowed entry with Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. Making their way to see the King of Rohan.

When the group were faced with the sickly king. Gandalf spoke with authority, "The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden King."

He said, "Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow."

A wimpy man said, "He is not welcome. A just question, my liege." Gríma stands up. "Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell I name him. Ill news is in ill guest."

Gandalf glared at him. "Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm!" Gandalf raises his staff.

Gríma yelled, "His staff! I told you to take the wizard's staff!"

Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli fight the guards, allowing Gandalf to walk to Théoden. One of the king's guards moves to draw his sword, but is stopped by Háma.

Gandalf: "Théoden, Son of Théngel. Too long have you sat in the shadows."

Gimli knocks down Gríma and puts a foot on his chest. Gimli growled, "I would stay still if I were you."

Gandalf: "Harken to me! I release you from the spell."

Théoden laughed, "You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey."

The King continues laughing. Gandalf throws aside his gray robe, revealing his white clothes. Causing Théoden, startled, to lean back on his throne.

Gandalf: "I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound."

It was when Hermione realized that Saruman had Théoden under his spell. Only to see Gandalf try to free him from the spell. He and Théoden virtually had a magic duel. As Saruman believed that he was stronger than Gandalf.

"Gandalf!" Hermione ran to his side. Picking up her own staff.

He nodded his head. "Together my dear." Gandalf points his staff at Théoden, who squirms in his throne. As Hermione had done the same, at Gandalf's side.

Théoden yelled in pain, "Aah!"

A beautiful woman rushes in and tries to go to Théoden, but she is stopped by Aragorn.

Aragorn gave her a pointed look. "Wait."

Théoden in Saruman's voice, "If I go — Théoden dies."

Gandalf again points at Théoden with his staff, and the King flies against his throne.

Gandalf spoke harshly, "You did not kill me. You will not kill him."

Hermione felt the power struggle between the twizards over one soul. She didn't know how long he could last.

Théoden in Saruman's voice, "Rohan is mine!"

Gandalf said with power, "Be gone!"

Théoden jumps up at Gandalf, yelling, but flies back. Only for Hermione to see through the power connection. Saruman flying backwards in his chamber at Orthanc.

'I have a bad feeling that he is going to strike soon.'

The woman in Aragorn' arms rushes to Théoden, whose face begins to change, and soon he looks normal again.

Théoden gasped, "I know your face. Èowyn — Èowyn." He had a smile on his face. Then he looked around. "Gandalf?"

Gandalf smiled softly, "Breathe the free air again, my old friend."

Théoden sighed deeply, "Dark have been my dreams of late."

Gandalf replied, "Your fingers would remember their old strength better — if they grasped your sword."

Háma brings the King his sword. Théoden grabbed onto the hilt, before he drew it. Théoden examined his sword, then turned his gaze towards a cowering Gríma. His eyes are full of hate.

Hermione knew the king had every right to strike vengeance for his processed mind. The quivering man reminded her of another, Peter Pettigrew.

'No matter the world, there will always be quivering men.'

Then she saw Grima run out of the throne room, with Théoden stumbling behind him. Carrying his sword. Aragorn rushed after, trying to prevent a death.

"What's wrong, my dear," asked Gandalf.

"He's coming," she turned to him, for him to see her eyes. "When we had pushed Saruman out. The magic connection was still open. I saw his anger and know that he will be attacking soon."

Gandalf nodded his head. "Understood, but Théoden has gotten his mind back. He will not be easily persuaded. He will fight back on what we saw. Sadly, Saruman will have to strike first."

Gandalf had left her side. "That is what I am afraid of," she whispered.

Legolas came up to her. Seeing his eyes full of worry, for her. "What is it?"

Hermione had taken a deep breath. "War is coming." Before, she walked off to find a seat. All was left for her to do was wait. Wait for the sign that she didn't want to come.