Theodred had greatly worsened as they rode back to Edoras. When they finally arrived, Eomer dismounted and carried his cousin to his room. He then sent for his sister, Eowyn, and the healers of the city. When they arrived, their diagnosis was not positive. Theodred was in a fever and no longer spoke coherently. He had lost much blood during the journey home and had grown very weak. His wounds were deep and many.
The crowd of healers finally left, and Eomer was alone with his sister. They had grown up with Theodred and loved him deeply. Eowyn turned to Eomer. "How . . .did he go?" Eomer paused a moment before answering.
"He fought bravely. The Orcs were smarter than we had thought. He ended up alone in their midst. We could do nothing for him until I had joined the force he led. When we finally were able to get to him, this is what had happened." He gestured at Theodred's wounds. "But he made them pay dearly for his pain. Many fell beneath his sword before all was finished. And we finished what little he did not."
"I only wish I had been able to speak to him before you left. You went so early . . .no one knew what time you were leaving."
"We could not make it known too well what we were doing. Grima most certainly would have had a plan to stop us. You know how he holds Theoden under his power." He paused for a moment as he remembered Theodred's charge to him before they left. "I must go to the king," he said finally. "I must try to get through to him, even if it will not do any good. I promised Theodred this much before we left. He had a forboding that he would not live to see another ride."
"I will go with you. He loved me before Grima came. Perhaps I might make him listen."
"You may be right, sister. Come with me, then, and we will see what happens."
` ` ` `
Eomer,
Your exile has left me alone. I had to write this to you to feel as though I still had some friend in the world. I will stay and fight Grima for you. You were brave, and right, in what you did, even if I am on my own now. I only hope I may be as brave as you were when I must face him. He will come to me again. He always does. Oh, surely you will return! Surely our Uncle will one day become like himself again! Surely right will one day triumph over wrong! But now, without you here, it all seems so hopeless. I am alone, surrounded by enemies. And I am afraid of Grima. He seems so strong. Perhaps the memory of your strength against him will give me some.
Theodred has continued to worsen. His breathing grows fainter and fainter. I can hardly hear him at times. Fight bravely in his memory, brother, and in mine.
Eowyn
` ` ` `
Eowyn stayed with Theodred through the night. She knew the end was near for him. As she looked at his face and stroked his hair, a little smile slowly formed across his face. His eyes opened, and he looked at her. "Eowyn?" he asked slowly. She was overjoyed.
"Then you are better? You will live?" He slowly shook his head.
"No, sweet cousin. I am going on now. Be strong for me, please. Where is Eomer?"
"He . . .he has been exiled by Grima," she replied, her joy changed to tears. "And now you go as well."
"I am sorry to leave you," he whispered, "but the Land of the Dead calls for me. Tell your brother he fought bravely in battle. And you, stand strong until all is righted. Goodbye, Eowyn."
He closed his eyes.
His breathing stopped.
` ` ` `
