We crouched down behind the boulders and watched intently as the riders galloped by. We recognized the dress of Rohan so moved out of hiding to approach them. Aragorn stepped forward and shouted out "Riders of Rohan! What news from the mark?" The leader of the riders gave a signal to the others, they all turned together and raced back to where we were standing. They charged around us forcing us close together in a huddle. They all had their faces hidden by helmets, which made them, seem even more of a threat. The fact that they all had spears pointed directly at us did not help much either! When it was completely clear that we were vulnerable and not a threat the leader (who Aragorn later told me was Eomer) came forward.

"What business does an elf, a man, a dwarf and a woman have in the Riddermark?" he asked sounding bewildered. He was staring at Idril, which I did not like. Gimli defiantly stepped up to Eomer "What I would like to know is how our business concerns you!" he snapped. Aragorn nudged him and gave him a warning look. Gimli stood back scowling. "And you," he said softly to Idril, "why are you with them surely you have a family or perhaps a husband that will be missing you?" Idril shook her head.

"No husband. I am travelling with this group to ask for help from King Theoden of Rohan to aid my family."

"I am sorry to tell you my lady that King Theoden will not regconize the difference between friends or enemies not even his own family. His mind has been poisoned by the evil wizard Saruman." He stared intently at her not taking his eyes of her face for a second. I felt my blood start to boil. How dare he look at her? Did he not realize that he wasn't good enough to even look at her?

"We will take our chances," Aragorn said " maybe you can help us with another matter. We have also been tracking a band of Urak-hai who have captured two of our friends, have you crossed their paths?"

Eomer seemed to tear his gaze away from her to answer Aragorn as he did Idril slipped her hand in to mine, instantly I calmed.

"We did and then we ended their paths where we found them! Evil, disgusting beasts! We slaughtered them and left none alive!" he said proudly.

"But did you not see two hobbits? They would have looked like children to you." Aragorn asked frantically. Eomer shook his head.

"No only Urak-hai. You may look but I do not hold much hope for them. Two of our men were killed in the battle. You may have their horses to aid you. May they help you on your quest." He took one last look at Idril who stared straight back defiantly. With one signal of his hand the riders galloped in to the distance.

When we had watched them disappear in to the horizon Idril sighed in relief. "I didn't like the way that man was looking at me." she said.

"Neither did I." I replied softly. She smiled.