Thanks to everyone for the awesome reviews. Winters Roar you are awesome!!! Check out the authors note.
Disclaimer- this is a disclaimer for this and every other chapter (I forgot to write it). I don't own ANYTHING. It all belongs to the brilliant mind of J.R.R. Tolkien.
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A/N I have added a small detail to chapter 13 that I forgot to put in the first place. It is the part where Pippin takes the leaf from his cloak and throws it to the ground for Aragorn and the others to find. I completely forgot and I am sorry, so you might want to go and check that out, its really short and it won't take a long time to read.
I am tremendously sorry and I hope I don't lose any of my awesome reviewers for having taken so long to update, but you must believe me that it wasn't my fault, well it was but at the same time it wasn't, I was sick!! It was really horrible, but I'm all better now and hopefully will be updating a lot more frequently. Let's just hope I don't procrastinate as much as, I won't lie, I did a little with this chapter. By the way, most of this chapter, if not all, goes by the book. Sorry, but I couldn't remember exactly how the movie went, as I've only seen it once. I'm not very fond of it *please don't hurt me!!!* Well, I think that's enough of my blabbering and here is chapter 14!
Very fair was her face, and her long hair was like a river of gold. Slender and tall she was in her white robe girt with silver; but strong she seemed and stern as steel, a daughter of kings. Thus Aragorn for the first time in the full light of day beheld Eowyn, Lady of Rohan, and thought her fair, fair and cold.……… 'The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers'
~*Chapter 14*~
They traveled in the direction Eomer had told them. Eomer had said that they burned all the bodies and had not seen any 'hobbits'. The travelers hoped for the best as the space between them and the Riders of Rohan became greater.
They could see the black smoke faintly rising in the distance. They finally came to the borders of the Entwash and they all slowed down. Aragorn dismounted Hasufel and bent low to the ground, "The main trail is all confused with the passage of the horsemen as they came back. Their outward course must have lain nearer the river. But this eastward trail is fresh and clear. There is no sign there of any feet going the other way, back towards Anduin. Now we must ride slower, and make sure that no trace or footstep branches off on either side. The Orcs must have been aware from this point that they were pursued, they may have made some attempt to get their captives before they were overtaken."
He then mounted Hasufel once more and continued on. The others followed him until they came to a spot where the grass was very damaged, as if a battle had taken place there, and they all dismounted quickly. They looked around for any signs of the hobbits. They crawled about the floor for some time.
Finally after much searching Aragorn suddenly spoke, "Here at last we find news!" he said sounding relieved, "Their binds were cut" he said as he picked up a piece of rope, "one hobbit lay here." He pointed to the spot as he spoke, "another here, they crawled, their binds were then cut, and they ran." He then began to walk into the dense forest, following signs on the grass that seemed invisible to all but a ranger.
They then searched the forest, all were apprehensive of the strong daunting feeling the trees gave. "I do not like the look of this Fangorn, and we were warned against it. I wish the chase had led anywhere else!" Gimli said loudly.
Leuthil was standing by Legolas and was listening intently to the sounds the trees gave. " I do not think the wood feels evil, whatever tales may say." Leuthil said as she squinted her eyes, trying to look deeper into the forest, where only shadows were seen.
"No, it is not evil, or what evil is in it is far away. I catch only the faintest echoes of dark places where the hearts of the trees are black. There is no malice near us, but there is watchfulness and anger." Legolas now spoke to them.
"Well it has no cause to be angry with me!" Gimli said somewhat scornfully, "I have done it no harm."
"That is just as well" Leuthil said to the dwarf, "But nonetheless it has suffered harm. There is something happening inside or going to happen. Do you not feel the tenseness? It takes my breath."
"I feel the air is stuffy" the dwarf said looking about, "this wood is lighter than Mirkwood, but it is musty and shabby."
"It is old, very old." Legolas now said, he seemed the most intrigued by the forest, " so old that almost I feel young again, as I have not felt since I journeyed with you children, except Leuthil of course. It is old and full of memory."
With that the four companions journeyed deeper into the forest. Then it was that Legolas's keen eyes saw something and he alarmed the rest of them when he told them so, "Look!"
"Look at what?" Gimli said.
"There, a little way off." He pointed.
"I see, I see now. Look Aragorn! Leuthil!" he called to them as the were a few paces away from he and Legolas, " There is an old man. All in dirty gray rags, that is why I could not see him at first."
Aragorn looked and sure enough, it was an old bent man. He did not show his face, for a hood and a long beard covered it. He leaned on a long staff, and he moved slowly towards them. The companions did not move and watched the old man intently. Gimli seemed the most afraid of the old man.
He drew ever closer and finally it seemed Gimli could no longer contain himself. "Your bow, Legolas! Bend it! Get ready! It is Saruman. Do not let him speak, or put a spell on us! Shoot first!"
Legolas quicker than any could see his hand movements took his bow and placed an arrow to the string. Then for some reason he did not shoot. He lowered the arrow from its position on the string and held it in his hand at his side. His face became full of wonder as he looked at the old man before them.
"Why are you waiting? What is the matter with you?" Gimli said in an anxious whisper.
"Legolas is right, we may not shoot an old man so, at unawares and unchallenged, whatever fear or doubt be on us. Watch and wait!" Aragorn told the dwarf almost scornfully.
It was then that the old man came towards them at an extremely quick place and leapt atop a large rock directly in front of the four companions. The old man still stood there, cloaked and mysterious. They could not see his face. Only Aragorn noticed a gleam coming from the eyes hidden by the shadow of the gray and torn cloak. "Now!" Gimli shouted once more, "Stop him!"
Legolas once more pointed his bow at the old man but yet again he did not shoot. The bow and arrow rather fell to the ground and his arms stayed limp at his sides. "Well met I say," the old man spoke, still hidden beneath the cloak. "and what may you be doing in these parts? Two Elves, one a female no doubt, a Man, and a Dwarf, all clad in elvish fashion. No doubt there is a tale worth hearing behind it all. Such things are not often seen here."
"You speak as one that knows Fangorn well. Is that so?" Aragorn spoke assertively.
"Not well, that would be the study of many lives. But I come here now and again." he answered them, casually.
Aragorn spoke once more, "Might we know your name and then hear what it is that you have to say to us? The morning passes, and we have an errand that will not wait."
"As for what I wished to say I have said it, what may you be doing, and what tale can you tell of yourselves. As for my name!" he laughed as he spoke, a chill went through not only Leuthil's body but also Aragorn's. They recognized that laughter, and rather than fear it brought to them joy and reassurance. "My name! Have you not guessed it already? You have heard it before, I think. Yes, you have heard it before. But come now what of your tale?"
None of them spoke, and the same thought passed through all of their minds, 'are we to tell our tale to an unnamed stranger, who speaks to us in an almost mocking tone?'
"There are some who would begin to doubt whether your errand is fit to tell", the old man continued, "Happily I know something of it. You are tracking the footsteps of two young hobbits, I believe. Yes, hobbits. Don't stare as if you had never heard the strange name before. You have and so have I. Well, they climbed up here the day before yesterday, and they met someone that they did not expect. Does that comfort you? And now you would like to know where they were taken? Well, well, maybe I can give you some news about that. But why are we standing? Your errand, you see, is no longer as urgent as you thought. Let us sit down and be more at ease."
The old man turned away from them and it seemed as if a spell had been lifted from the four companions. They immediately drew their weapons. Gimli was the first, once more, to speak, "Saruman!" he screamed as he leapt towards the old man. Though old he seemed he was much quicker than Gimli. He turned to them and cast away his gray cloak. Revealing a pure white light, blinding them momentarily. He now seemed taller, atop the stone. Gimli's axe flew from his grasp, landing on the ground several paces away, the swords of Leuthil and Aragorn glowed with a sudden fire and they were forced to let go, and the arrow which Legolas had been pointing at him was shot, not towards the wizard but into the sky, though it burst into flames before it got very far.
"Mithrandir! Mithrandir!" Leuthil shouted with so much emotion in her voice.
"Well met….Leuthil." he said to her as a smile spread across his face. All they could do was stare at their old friend whom they thought was gone forever. It seemed as if a great weight was lifted from their hearts. He was so different, his hair was a gleaming white, and his clothes shown with such a light it was almost blinding, but blinding more still was the everlasting gleam which came from his oh so familiar eyes, beneath his great eyebrows.
"Gandalf!" Aragorn finally said coming out of his daze, "Beyond all hope you return to us in our need! What veil was over my sight? Gandalf!"
Legolas could only say to him, "Mithrandir! It is a blessing that you come to us once more."
Gimli said nothing, but fell to his knees and shielded his eyes.
"We meet again. At the turn of the tide. The great storm is coming, but the tide has turned." He walked to where Gimli knelt, "Get up my good Gimli. No blame to you, and no harm to me. Indeed my friends none of you have any weapon that could hurt me. Be merry!" he then turned to Leuthil and once more there was a great smile upon his face. "My dear Leuthil, I knew you would accompany these fine men. A woman's grace and guidance is needed from time to time."
"Gandalf, you are all in white now." She said to him.
"Yes, I am white now, indeed I am Saruman one might almost say, Saruman as he should have been. But come now tell me of yourselves" Gandalf told them all answering Leuthil's question.
They told him of all that had happened since they had left Kazad-Dum, where he had fallen with the balrog. They told Gandalf of Boromir's death and of the separation of the fellowship. When they had finished telling him their story he also had much to tell them. He gave them tidings of Frodo and was glad to hear that Sam had accompanied him, he also told them of the disturbance in Fangorn forest. The two small hobbits arrival had awakened something, and it was only to turn out dire for Saruman. Gandalf had not changed in one thing though, and all who sat before him, listening as he spoke agreed to it, he still spoke in riddles, and it could become quite unnerving. He told them of Treebeard, and explained who he was and just what he would do to Isengard.
"What then shall we do next? You say the young hobbits are in good hands. Will we go to the aid of Rohan and King Theoden?" Leuthil told Gandalf once they all had finished telling of their journeys.
"Yes, my dear Leuthil, always a quick thinker. You have guessed correctly, come Aragorn, son of Arathorn. Do not regret your choice in the valley of the Emyn Muil, nor call it in vain pursuit. You chose amid doubts the path that seemed right, the choice was just, and it has been rewarded. For so we have met in time, who otherwise might have met too late. But the quest of your companions is over. Your next journey is marked by your given word. You must go to Edoras and seek out Theoden in his hall. For you are needed. The light of Anduril must now be uncovered in the battle for which it has so long awaited. There is war in Rohan, and worse evil, it goes ill with Theoden." Gandalf then stood and led them to the edge of the forest where their horses awaited.
"What shall you ride Gandalf? Will you ride with one of us?" Gimli asked him. Then, before he spoke a word he simply whistled and was answered by a horses neighing. In the distance they saw a horse, except it was…. Many probably wouldn't be able to describe the beauty of that horse. It seemed as a stream of silver going at great speed.
The three horses upon which Legolas, Gimli, Leuthil, and Aragorn rode neighed with joy. "Why are the horses of Rohan so joyful to see this horse?" Legolas asked Gandalf.
"He comes from that land also. This is Shadowfax." Gandalf told them as the great steed nuzzled his neck, "He is the chief of the Mearas, lords of horses, and not even Theoden, King of Rohan, has ever looked on a better. Does he not shine like silver, and run as smoothly as a swift stream? He has come for me: the horse of the White Rider. We are going to battle together. Let us go now to Meduseld," he now looked into the horse's eyes, "the hall of your master, Theoden."
Legolas leapt lightly atop Arod, as did Leuthil atop Andlad, Gimli had much trouble mounting Arod behind Legolas though. Gandalf then led them to Edoras, where Theoden was in much need of assistance.
They rode on for a very long time without stopping for rest. At last Gandalf halted before them and dismounted, they all did so also. Gandalf seemed the least weary of the long travel, all the others were stiff from riding their horses for so long. Gimli, Legolas, and Leuthil slept on the ground while Aragorn simply lay down. Gandalf though stood, leaning on his long staff. He looked extremely pensive. In only a few hours time they were back on their horses and traveling.
Finally in the distance they could see a great hill rising. It was still very far off and very little could be seen. They swiftly rode to the large doors, which stood at the foot of the great hill. they rode into what seemed a small town, though all who were there were dressed in black and looked extremely weary and saddened. Leuthil looked around and missed her homeland of Lothlorien where all were always joyful. Her heart sank at the sight of all these human's sad faces. They all stared at Gandalf, for they knew what horse that was, and they knew he would not be welcome in their king's hall.
They climbed up the steep hill and saw many steps leading to a large hall. The steps were small, but there were many. On either side of the long stone steps was a great statue of a horse. The hall was all a dark brown with one large entrance, many large posts stood before the doors. Two doors there were and many guards. All wore the same well-made armor, and looked proud.
Gandalf looked back at his four companions, "Draw no weapon, speak no haughty word, I counsel you all, until we are come before Theoden's seat." At the foot of the stairs he dismounted and signaled for the others to do so as well. He then walked up the steps to be met by guards.
"Hail, comers from afar! Your names please, I must report them to the king before you enter." One said to them.
"I am Gandalf. I have returned. And here beside me is Aragorn son of Arathorn, the heir of kings, and it is to Mundburg that he goes. Here also are Legolas and Leuthil the elves and Gimli the Dwarf, our comrades." As Gandalf finished speaking one of the guards that stood there entered the hall.
"Strange names you give indeed. But I will report them as you bid and learn my masters will." Just then the same guard which had entered the hall returned and whispered to the man. "Very well, I am the Doorward of Theoden. Hama is my name. Here I must bid you lay aside your weapons before you enter."
Legolas was the first to step up, Leuthil looked at him with an expression of surprise on her face. How was he going to trust his weapons in the care of a stranger? He paid no attention though and handed to Hama his quiver of arrows, bow, and his two silver swords that shined white in the sunlight. "Keep these well, for they come from the Golden Wood and the Lady of Lothlorien gave them to me."
The Doorward's mouth parted in shock, and he was extremely gentle with the elves weapons, "No man will touch them, I promise you", he said in an almost frightened manner.
Leuthil saw Aragorn and Gimli looking hesitant and thought she might as well. Legolas looked to her as if telling her to go next. She did so, and walked to where the guard stood by the wall. "Here then is my sword" she said as she handed it to him, "though I do not agree with this arrangement. Take good care of it, for it was made in the Golden Wood, by the best metal workers." She finally let go of the long white sword.
"Yes, I will not let anyone touch them." he said once more.
Aragorn stood looking at the guard, he was extremely hesitant, "It is not my will to put aside my sword or to deliver Anduril to the hand of any other man." he told the guard.
"It is the will of Theoden." He told Aragorn in response.
"It is not clear to me that the will of Theoden son of Thengel, even though he be lord of the Mark, should prevail over the will of Aragorn son of Arathorn, Elendil's heir of Gondor." Aragorn said now more defiantly.
"This is the house of Theoden, not of Aragorn, even were he King of Gondor in the seat of Denethor." Hama also became irritated and pointed his sword at the five strangers who stood before him.
Gandalf stepped before Hama and his face grew full of annoyance as one does with a disobedient child, "This is idle talk", he said, "Needless is Theoden's demand, but it is useless to refuse. A king will have his way in his own hall, be it folly or wisdom."
"Truly", Aragorn now spoke to Gandalf, "And I would do as the master of the house bade me, were this only a woodman's cot, if I bore now any sword but Anduril."
Hama now cut in, "Whatever its name may be, here you shall lay it, if you would not fight alone against all the men in Edoras!"
"Come come!" Gandalf spoke once more, "We are all friends here. Or should be, for the laughter of Mordor will be out only reward if we quarrel. My errand is pressing. Here at least is my sword, goodman Hama. Keep it well. Glamdring it is called, for the Elves made it long ago. Now let me pass. Come Aragorn!"
Aragorn looking extremely hesitant as he unbuckled his belt and rather than handing the sword to Hama he himself set it against the wall. "Here I set it, but I command you not to touch it, nor to permit any other to lay hand on it. In this elvish sheath dwells the Blade that was Broken and has been made again. Telchar first wrought it in the depths of time. Death shall come to any man that draws Elendil's sword, save Elendil's heir."
The guard's eyes then became full of something that looked like shame, yet he still stood prouder than ever, looking at Aragorn, "it seems that you are come on the wings of song out of the forgotten days. It shall be, lord, as you command."
Gimli then stepped up, also looking somewhat hesitant. "Well if it has Anduril to keep it company, my axe may stay here, too, without shame" he then also set his axe against the wall.
"Now then, if all is as you wish, let us go and speak with your master." Leuthil told Hama.
"Your staff," he said to Gandalf, dismissing Leuthil's comment as if she were a mere child, "Forgive me, but that too must be left at the doors."
"Foolishness! Prudence is one thing, but discourtesy is another. I am old. If I may not lean on my stick as I go, then I will sit out here, until it pleases Theoden to hobble out himself to speak with me. Would you part an old man from his walking stick?" Gandalf said sounding insulted.
"The staff in the hand of a wizard may be more than a prop for age." Hama said as he stared at Gandalf's staff. "Yet in doubt a man of worth will trust to his own wisdom. I believe you are friends and folk worthy of honor, who have no evil purpose. You may go in."
He opened the two large doors and let them enter. The room was dark, with many pillars. There were few windows, located very high on the walls. All the floor and walls were made of tough multi colored stones. At the far ends of the room were steps. At the top of the steps was a large throne, outlined in gold. In the throne sat a man, old and extremely bent. He had long, white, thick hair. His beard was the same and it reached below his chest. He wore a golden crown upon his head. He stared at them as his eyes glowed brightly. Below him, seated on the steps sat a man with dark black hair and extremely pale skin. His eyes were large and observant. Behind the old man stood a woman. She was tall and thin, with long, wavy blonde hair. She also watched the visitors intently.
None moved, then Gandalf spoke, "Hail, Theoden, son of Thengel! I have returned. For behold! The storm comes and all friends should gather together, lest each singly be destroyed."
The old man did not move at all. Only his eyes looked up at Gandalf, and even that appeared as a great effort for him, I greet you," he said slowly, "and maybe you look for welcome. But truth to tell you welcome is doubtful here, Master Gandalf. You have ever been a herald of woe. Troubles follow you like crows, and ever oftener the worse. I will not deceive you, when I heard that Shadowfax had come back riderless, I rejoiced at the return of the horse, but still more at the lack of the rider." Leuthil and Legolas glanced at each other at the mans rude comment and Leuthil raised her eyebrows in surprise, "and when Eomer brought the tidings that you had gone at last to your long home, I did not mourn. But news from afar is seldom sooth. Here you come again! And with you come evils worse than before, as might be expected. Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow? Tell me that."
The pale faced man still sat, staring at Theoden. He then turned his glance to Gandalf and spoke. "You speak justly, lord. Why indeed should we welcome you Master Stormcrow? Lathspell I name you, ill-news, ands ill news is an ill guest they say." He looked at them darkly, and his dark eyes gleamed with something like malice.
Gandalf stared back at him as he spoke, slowly, "You are held wise, my friend Wormtongue, and are doubtless a great support to your master. Yet in two ways may a man come with evil tidings. He may be a worker of evil, or he may be such as leaves well alone, and comes only to bring aid in time of need."
Wormtongue spoke again, "That is so, but there is a third kind: pickers of bones, meddlers in other men's sorrows, carrion-fowl that grow fat on war. What aid have you ever brought? And what aid do you bring now? It was aid from us that you sought last time that you were here. Then my lord bade you choose any horse that you would and be gone: and to the wonder of all you took Shadowfax in your insolence. My lord was sorely grieved; yet to some it seemed that to speed you from the land the price was not too great. I guess that it is likely to turn out the same once more: you will seek aid rather than render it. Do you bring men? Do you bring horses, swords, spears? That I would call aid; that is our present need. But who are these that follow at your tail? Four ragged wanderers in gray, and you yourself the most beggar-like of the five."
"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Theoden son of Thengel." Gandalf said sounding somewhat disappointed.
It seemed to Leuthil that her blood boiled and she was surprised at the outburst that came from her mouth, " Has not the messenger from your gate reported the names of the 'ragged wanderers' as you call us. Seldom has any lord of Rohan received four such guests. Weapons we have laid at your doors that are worth many a mortal man, even the mightiest. Gray is our rainment, for the elves clad us, and thus have passed through the shadow of great perils to your hall." Legolas looked at her in a disappointed manner.
"Then it is true, as Eomer reported, that you are in league with the Sorceress of the Golden Wood? It is not to be wondered at: webs of deceit were ever woven in Dwimordene." Wormtongue said.
Gimli began to walk towards the thin man, but felt Gandalf's hands on his shoulder as he leaned down to speak in his ear, "An outburst from one of you is more than enough, Gimli. Even if I agree with whatever you have to say." He whispered.
In Dwimordene, in LorienSeldom have walked the feet of Men,
Few mortal eyes have seen the light
That lies there ever, long and bright.
Galadriel! Galadriel!
Clear is the water of your well;
White is the star in your white hand;
Unmarred, unstained is leaf and landIn Dwimordene, in Lorien
More fair than thoughts of Mortal Men.
Gandalf sang. He then cast aside his gray cloak and raised his staff. He seemed much taller as he raised his staff, and the weather outside changed. The sun no longer streamed in through the windows, but dark clouds and lightening could be seen, as thunder could be heard.
Wormtongue's eyes grew wide as a look of hysteria came into them. He almost had to scream over the thunder, "Did I not counsel you, lord, to forbid his staff? That fool, Hama, has betrayed us."
The many guards that stood about advanced on the five guests. But Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, and Leuthil were too quick for the guards of Rohan. Two advanced on Leuthil. She kicked one of them forcefully in the stomach, and as he fell back punched another in the nose. He continued his attack though and as she defended herself she felt a strong arm go around her stomach and felt another arm trying to grab her around the neck. She elbowed him in the stomach, then grabbed his hand and flipped him over her onto the ground, causing him to land on his back. She had forgotten about the other guard, whom she had punched. But before he could advance on her any further Legolas knocked him down with another punch to the head.
All was now quiet, and all the guards were knocked out or down on the ground. "The wise speak only of what they know, Grima son of Galmod. A witless worm have you become. Therefore be silent, and keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a serving-man till the lightning falls." Gandalf said. "Now Theoden son of Thengel, will you hearken to me? Do you ask for help?" Gandalf spoke very loudly now and pointed his staff at Theoden, as a ray of sunshine came through only one of the high windows, "Not all is dark. Take courage, Lord of the Mark; for better help you will not find. No counsel have I to give to those that despair. Yet counsel I could give, and words I could speak to you. Will you hear them? They are not for all ears. I bid you come out before your doors and look abroad. Too long have you sat in the shadows and trusted to twisted tales and crooked promptings." As he spoke these words it seemed as if something was forcefully being taken out of Theoden. Gandalf pointed his staff at him as he twisted and turned in his chair. The young woman who stood behind him looked terribly worried.
Finally the torture was over and it seemed twenty years were taken from Theoden. Wrinkles disappeared from his face and body, his hair became a darker blonde, and he sat up straight. He slowly began to get out of the chair. The young woman rushed to his aid. The old man walked around a bit, then to the two large doors. Gandalf shouted, "The Lord of the Mark comes forth!" as the doors opened. The sky was now clearer, and had only a few roaming cloud. A gust of wind came into the large hall. "Send your guards down to the stairs' foot. And you lady, leave him a while with me. I will care for him." Gandalf said.
"Go, Eowyn sister-daughter! The time for fear is past." He told her calmly and with a gleam in his eyes. As she walked into the large building she looked back, but she only looked to Aragorn, who stood proud and silent, and Aragorn looked to her, without showing any emotion in his eyes, while hers were full of much feeling, what though he could not tell. For though he thought her very fair, he knew not what this feeling was.
The four stayed atop the stairs while Gandalf led the king down the high hill. Legolas looked at Leuthil and whispered to her, "There was no need for your outburst earlier, Leuthil." He said in a demanding whisper.
"Are you my master? Are you to tell me what to say and when?" she told him.
"Gandalf will surely be upset."
"Gandalf will tell me himself if he is still upset."
"Well, please refrain from doing it again." he said once more and they were both silent after.
"Now, lord, look out upon your lands! Breathe the free air again!" Gandalf told the king of Rohan gladly. He then told the king of many of the dealings from afar, of the happenings in Mordor, Isengard, and Gondor. He also counseled him in saying that war was the only option left before him.
He inhaled deeply as he looked upon the vast plains of Rohan, "Dark have been my dreams of late, but I feel as one new-awakened. I would now that you had come before, Gandalf. For I fear that already you come too late, only to see the last days of my house. Not long now shall stand the high hall which Brego son of Eorl built. Fire shall devour the high seat. Alas! That these evil days should be mine, and should come in my old age instead of that peace which I have earned. Alas for Boromir the brave! The young perish and the old linger withering. What is to be done?" he now looked worried.
"Much, but first send for Eomer." Gandalf counseled.
"Eomer is too far now, and he has taken most of his men with him. There is no hope Gandalf. And now I have lost my only son."
"Then come now. We must go to the high seat once more and banish Wormtongue from your hall." They walked up the steps and into the hall, there Wormtongue sat, looking frightened and cowardly.
The king dragged him outside to the high stone stairs. The king though looked extremely tired, as if the holds of Saruman were still not fully washed away. "Your fingers would remember their old strength better, if they grasped a swords-hilt." Gandalf told him.
"Where has Grima stowed it?" he asked, but his question was answered as Hama came with a sword in hand.
"Here, lord, is Herugrim, your ancient blade. It was found in his chest. Loth was he to render up the keys. Many other things are there which men have missed." Hama said to Theoden.
"Dear lord!" Wormtongue said as he looked up at Theoden "It is as I feared. This wizard has bewitched you. Are none to be left to defend the Golden Hall of your friends, and all your treasure? None to guard the Lord of the Mark?"
Theoden stared back at the man kneeling before him, "If this is bewitchment, it seems to me more wholesome than your whisperings. Your leechcraft ere long would have had me walking on all fours like a beast. No, not one shall be left, not even Grima. Grima shall ride too. Go! You have yet time to clean the rust from your sword."
"Mercy, lord! Have pity on one worn out in your service. Send me not from your side! I at least will stand by you when all others have gone. Do not send your faithful Grima away!" he pleaded with the king.
"You have my pity, and I do not send you from my side. I will go myself to war with my men. I bid you come with me and prove your faith." Theoden said.
Wormtongue stared at all of those who stood on the steps, after many long moments he spoke, "Such a resolve might be expected from a lords of the House of Eorl, old though he may be. But those who truly love him would spare his failing years. Yet I see that I come too late. Others, whom the death of my lord would perhaps grieve less, have already persuaded him. If I cannot undo their work, hear me at least in this, lord! One who knows your mind and honors your commands should be left in Edoras if you do decide to go to war. Appoint a faithful steward. Let your counselor Grima keep all things till your return – and I pray that we may see it, though no wise man will deem it hopeful."
Theoden laughed at the disgusting excuse for a man, "and if that plea does not excuse you from war, most noble Wormtongue, what office of less honor would you accept? To carry a sack of meal up into the mountains – if any man would trust you with it?"
Gandalf then spoke to both Theoden and Wormtongue in a mighty voice. "He is bold and cunning. Even now he plays a game with peril and wins a throw. Hours of my precious time he has wasted already. Down, snake! Down on your belly! How long is it since Saruman bought you? what was the promised price? When all the men were dead, you were to pick your share of the treasure, and take the woman you desire? Too long have you watched her under your eyelids and haunted her steps." Theoden raised his sword at Gandalf's last words, but Gandalf stopped him, "Eowyn, though, is safe now, but you Wormtongue, you have done what you could for your true master. Some rewards you have earned at least. Yet Saruman is apt to overlook his bargains. I should advise you to go quickly and remind him, lest he forget your faithful service."
"You lie!" Wormtongue yelled at Gandalf.
"That word comes to oft and easy from your lips." Theoden said, " To slay you would be just, but it is not always as it now is. Once you were a man, and did me service in its fashion, but now you are a snake. This is your choice; to ride with me to war, and let us see in battle whether you are true; or to go now, whither you will. But then, if ever we meet again, I shall not be merciful." He then turned to one of the guards, "give him a horse and let him go at once, wherever he chooses. By his choice I shall judge him."
Wormtongue rose from the spot where he sat crouching on the ground, he looked at last into Theoden's eyes with such wickedness then turned quickly and ran down the stairs to the stables. He chose a black horse and all saw him as he fled the gates of Edoras.
Theoden then turned to his guests and said, "Now my guests, come! Come and take such refreshment as haste allows!"
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That was chapter 14, at last!!! I am so truly sorry about taking forever with this chapter. But I hope I don't lose any readers. I know this chapter was kind of boring but in the next chapter comes the big battle of Helm's Deep so it should get interesting! Please review and tell me what you think. P.S. I feel much better, and I'm praying that I won't get sick again.