To "Fool of A Took" if you decide to read this: Read the summary again…you'll find that it hasn't changed since when I first posted it and that, no, it does not say that Théoden is the son of Théodred, it says that Théodred is the son of Théoden which is true. And Théoden's father is Thengel.
Author's Note: Probably only one or maybe two more chapters.
Two days passed before Théodred and Éomer were summoned to stand before the King Théoden. Gríma was, as always, close to the king's side, pale eyes glaring balefully at the two soldiers before the throne. Behind Théodred and Éomer, half-hidden by one of the pillars that supported the high ceiling of the room, Éomer's sister Éowyn stood, listening to all that was said.
"Théoden King wishes for you to ride out to the Fords of Isen to repel whatever force may attack from there," Gríma announced, his thin lips curving into a false smile.
"But you yourself said that Saruman was our ally, Gríma," Théodred replied.
"Fool! Not only Saruman can attack from the river Isen," Gríma snapped. "It is a river. Others can freely use its waters for ships."
Théodred started to object again and Éomer had stepped forward in protest when the aged king's voice stopped them. "Go to the Fords, my son and sister-son. Halt whatever attack may come from there."
"Father," Théodred began. "Gríma does not advise you truly."
"Go!" Théoden shouted. "He speaks truer than you know."
Respectfully, Théodred bowed before the king before standing and walking angrily from the room, followed swiftly by Éomer and Éowyn.
"You cannot go," Éowyn urged. She had been raised with her brother and cousin to fight as one of them and even now wore a vest of mail over her plain white dress.
"I know," Théodred replied. "And yet, I will not yet defy an order of my father's."
"But Théodred," Éomer protested. "Gríma seeks to send us to our deaths. You must see this."
"I do," the Prince replied, even as he made his way to his own room. "But I owe my father much."
"As do I, but I will not throw my life away in a petty battle. I would rather fall defending the city of Edoras," Éomer said. "Théodred, you cannot go."
Théodred halted. Conflicting emotions flashed in his eyes, for though he knew that what Éomer said was true, he felt a fierce loyalty to his father, a loyalty not easily discarded. "He has been the only parent I have had," he tried. "My mother did not survive long after my birth and he alone raised me. Even you two had the blessing of two parents for a while."
"Yes," Éowyn returned. "And we also had the curse of losing them. Théodred, your father is not himself. When his mind is freed, he will know and understand why you did not go to the Fords."
"And who will free him?" Théodred asked, his voice rising. "The wizardry of Saruman is powerful."
"There is still Gandalf," Éomer replied quietly.
Théodred sighed. "I must go, Éomer."
As he started once again to move, Éowyn cut in front of him, her blue eyes alight with anger and frustration. "Is not the life of a Prince worth more than the misguided command of a corrupted King? He will forgive you if you do not go, Théodred, but if you should fall in this battle, he will never forgive himself."
"Éowyn," Théodred said slowly, "He will still have you and Éomer, two to continue the line of the Lords of Rohan."
"But we are not of his bloodline," Éowyn protested desperately.
Théodred smiled thinly, gently pushing past her. "You are close to him. Sister-son, and sister-daughter he calls you. His sister was always his closest and most beloved kin."
"If your mind is set," Éomer started.
"It is," came the final reply.
"Then I will ride with you, my Prince."
"Éomer!" Éowyn cried, but she relented when she saw the determination in her brother's face. "Do not let him fall."
"If I fall, Éowyn, it will be no one's fault but my own," Théodred replied for Éomer. "Your brother should not bear the burden of two lives. Now, if we are to ride to battle," he turned to Éomer, "We will need to be armed and attired properly. Tell the Riders that tomorrow morning, we will ride to the Fords!"