Chapter Fifteen
Théoden stormed down the hall, guilt gnawing at him as he thought about the biting words he threw at Eowyn in anger.
Despair drowned him and he threw open the doors to the outside and stepped out into the warming sun and the roaring wind.
He stared out upon the plains which seemed to wink at him when the sun kissed the swaying grass. Sighing heavily, he observed the villagers going to and fro, pulling carts or shopping. A stinging pain bit at his heart as he watched his people live their lives in long delayed happiness.
He began wondering if he should move his people from their homes and their shops.
Perhaps it is better if we stay…no! We are helpless here in this empty wasteland! We must retreat to the impregnable fortress… Setting his jaw, Théoden lifted his chin in pride and turned his back upon the village.
***
Eowyn stood, rooted to the ground as she listened to her Uncles pounding steps. Her heart hammered within her, shocked that he had raised his voice to her. Her face paled as she met the eyes of Aragorn who sat quietly, watching her.
"I am going to check on Maegraukowen," Eowyn stuttered as she retreated from the room. She could feel Aragorn's burning gaze upon her back.
"Foolish!" Gandalf announced, stepping from the throne platform. He slumped on a bench facing Aragorn. "He is going to be trapping himself,"
"What else can we do?" Aragorn inquired, looking into Gandalf's wizened face.
Gandalf's shoulders slumped as he shook his head slowly.
"Await destruction,"
***
Maeg knew something was amiss when Eowyn stormed into her bed chamber, her eyes refusing to meet the awaiting mother. Lifting a brow, Maeg gently laid Gwythilian upon the bed.
"What is it, Eowyn?" Maeg asked quietly, a lump forming in her throat when Eowyn's mournful eyes met hers.
"King Théoden… has decreed that the city of Edoras must empty and head to Helm's Deep, our fortress…" Eowyn stammered as she lowered her head. Her hair was wrapped at the back of her head, a dark blue sash twisted in her hair.
Maeg said nothing; she just stared out the balcony to the misty blue sky, the white clouds floating peacefully. How she longed to be as carefree as those fluffy clouds at that moment. The crisp wind blew into the room, lifting the light blanket from Maeg's thin form. Eowyn grasped it and tugged it about Maeg's body, but Maeg stopped her by grabbing her hand.
"There is no use getting me comfortable…we must be ready when the time comes," Maeg said calmly, though her mind whirled with panic and anxiousness.
***
Aragorn lengthened his strides to stay in step with Gandalf. Gandalf was leading him into the musty stables and he was speaking a mile a minute. As hard as he tried, Aragorn could not keep his mind focused on Gandalf's words. It kept roaming to the bedchamber in which the young mother lay dying, helpless. He could imagine her reaction to Eowyn's words of emptying the city.
She must be frightened…knowing that she's dying…and then having to go on another journey…just when she thought she was safe. Aragorn shook his head from the thought as Gandalf leapt onto ShadowFax with ease.
Gandalf took his staff which Aragorn was holding and he looked down into his eyes.
"I must find them…we will need the help of the Rohirrim if we are to survive at all!" Gandalf said passionately. Aragorn remembered the riders…and he knew what Gandalf said was true.
"I hope you find them before it is too late," Aragorn said hoarsely. Gandalf smiled warmly as he took Aragorn's shoulder.
"Look for me at the first light of the fifth day; look to the East," and with those grave words, Gandalf whispered to ShadowFax and he sprung from his stable and out the barn door. His white figure was still seen as he flew down the mountain of Edoras and into the plains toward Isengard.
Left alone in the stall, Aragorn looked up to the King's house. Setting his jaw, Aragorn left the stables and headed for the King's Hall.
***
Maeg, with the help of Eowyn, was sitting up against the headboard of the bed, sipping hot soup from a bowl which Eowyn had brought. Renewed strength flooded through her body when Maeg tasted the brown liquid.
Concentrating to balance the bowl in her hand, Maeg didn't hear the door slowly open.
His heart quickened as hope tapped his heart when he saw Maeg sitting up with color in her thin cheeks.
Perhaps I was mistaken…maybe Gandalf read the signs wrong…He slowly closed the door as the thoughts swam around in his weary head. He saw Eowyn sitting loyally next to Maeg, her hand every now and then aiding Maeg with the baby.
He traipsed to the foot of the large bed, his eyes never leaving Maeg's weak form.
Will she be able to endure this journey? Just as the thought struck his mind, Maeg looked up, a smile creeping across her face.
"You look better," Aragorn managed, trying to keep the hopelessness from his voice. Maeg only smiled in return, knowing that his words were feeble. Eowyn listened quietly, knowing Aragorn was trying to give hope, though he had none to give.
"Yes, I think the journey may not be too hard for her," Eowyn threw in, pasting a smile on her face, trying to keep the tears from blooming.
"I am feeling stronger today," Maeg muttered her voice hoarse from lack of use.
After her quiet words, a strong knock was heard and a large man with a brightly colored tunic entered, a piece of parchment held between his leathery hands.
"By order of the King, the city must empty," he said with a strong voice, keeping his eyes straight ahead, avoiding eye contact. "Make ready, for tomorrow at dawn we evacuate!"
***A/N: Allo! Sorry this took a couple days, but I had to proof-read it to make sure there weren't any mistakes, but if you guys ever see any mistakes, let me know so I can correct it, thanks! Review!!!!