Chapter Sixteen
Maeg's heart hammered relentlessly as she sat upon an open wagon. Men of the King's hall had constructed a small, makeshift wagon, pulled by a tall, brown horse for Maeg to sit in as they emptied the city.
Feeling slightly embarrassed, Maeg kept her head buried in the furs which Eowyn had lent her. She could feel the warm sun through the thick blanket, but she could not take her reddened face from the comfort of the downy softness.
I must look pathetic… Maeg thought as she poked her eyes out to watch elderly citizens limp with pain beside her. Maeg almost jumped from the wagon to let the older people on, but Eowyn's presence beside her kept her still.
I barely know her…and yet she is the closest friend I have… Maeg choked on her tears, the salty wetness dripping into the fur, clotting it together. Her chest was tight and her throat was sore with grief. A slight squirm next to her brought her from her dark thoughts. Sighing, Maeg took the blanket from Gwythilian's small body, letting the golden sun bathe its light upon her.
"It feels magnificent, doesn't it, little one?" Maeg whispered, nestling her nose against Gwythilian's soft cheek. Gwythilian's wet giggle sent joy shooting through Maeg's weary body, her heart soaring with love as Gwythilian grabbed the fur upon the blanket and clutched it with her small fist.
The wagon bounced slightly as it went over small ruts. The jostling of the wagon pained Maeg, her side feeling as though it was ripping open. Maeg bit her lip to keep from crying out and she kept her face in the blankets, not wanting to worry Eowyn. Gwythilian began to fuss with the movement as well, and without thought Eowyn picked her up and held her tenderly in her arms as she walked beside the wagon.
Why did I agree to doing this? I could have just stayed in Edoras and died without this pain! Maeg thought with anguish as the wagon drove over a large rock, sending shooting pains throughout Maeg's body.
Just when Maeg didn't think she could take the pain any longer, the wagon stopped. Maeg used every bit of strength she had to lift her head.
"What's going on?" an elderly woman questioned, her gnarled hand clutching the edge of the wagon. Eowyn looked into the distance before meeting the old woman's grey eyes.
"I believe we are stopping for a rest," Eowyn muttered, still holding Gwythilian. "I will go fetch information," and with that Eowyn cradled the baby and strut her way to the front of the line, where the King rode on his fine horse.
***
Men's eyes followed her as she walked briskly towards the front. Keeping her chin up, Eowyn ignored the Men's burning stares. Finally she reached the King's side.
"I shall send a scout before we cross the hill," Théoden was saying when Eowyn approached silently. Aragorn stood beside the King's horse, his hand clutching his horses' bridle. He was the first to notice her presence.
"My lady," he muttered, slightly bowing his head, his brown hair sweeping across his cheeks.
Clearing her throat, Eowyn said nothing but sent a nod towards him as she lifted her eyes to her Uncle.
"Uncle," Eowyn said softly. Théoden jumped slightly before he caught Eowyn's eyes.
"Eowyn! My dear niece," Théoden said enthusiastically. "What is it that troubles you?"
Eowyn's bright eyes suddenly darkened when Théoden said this, and she looked down into Gwythilian's chubby face before she spoke.
"First, I have come to see why we have stopped,"
"To give our people rest before we head over yonder hill," Théoden answered as he pointed into the distance. The hill was kissed with green and small yellow flowers bloomed in little patches. It was steep, and one could not see what was beyond it.
"Is that all?" Eowyn asked doubtfully, her brow lifting in question. Théoden squirmed slightly before he sighed.
"No, I sent scouts to go beyond the hill to assure us there are no enemies afoot,"
"Is there a threat?" Eowyn asked shakily, holding the baby closer to her chest.
"There has been ever since Rohan was taken over by Saruman," Aragorn interjected. He stood rigid, his eyes following the two scouts as they made their way up the hill.
Eowyn's heart constricted with the thought of Orcs or worse slaying every last Edorasian.
"And the second, my dear?" Théoden asked, resting his gloved hands upon the saddle's horn. Eowyn reluctantly looked up, tears brimming in her eyes.
"I fear Maeg is suffering greatly with the move,"
Aragorn's eyes shot towards Eowyn, his back straightening with the words.
"Does she request to be taken back?" Aragorn asked roughly. Eowyn shook her head vigorously, her blonde curls bouncing about her face.
"No, she doesn't even mention that she's in pain, but I can tell."
Aragorn looked to the King, noticing the King's guilty expression.
"What can we do to help her?" Eowyn asked urgently.
"There is nothing we can do," Théoden answered quietly, his head lowered in defeat. With those words Eowyn bowed her head and whisked away with tears dripping down her cheeks.
Théoden closed his eyes from the hurt he saw in his niece, and he clenched the horn of the saddle with guilt and anger at himself.
"It is my fault that she is dying a painful death…" Théoden muttered turning his face toward the sun, letting it wash over his aging face.
"Did you say something, my lord?" Aragorn asked, climbing onto his horse. Théoden turned to the ranger, and put on a sympathetic smile.
"No, nothing at all,"
***
Eowyn took a long way back to Maeg's wagon, not wanting her sorrow to show. She cradled Gwythilian in her arms as she weaved her way through the children who sat quietly, or ran about playing tag, laughing with innocence. She wished she could have the same care-free spirit as the children did who smiled in every situation.
The children's active play brought gurgles and giggles from Gwythilian. Smiling, Eowyn slipped her pinky into Gwythilian's palm, allowing her to grasp it. Warmth flooded her being with the simple touch of the babe. An authentic laugh escaped Eowyn's melancholy being, and she pressed a kiss on the forehead of the babe with love.
"Let us go see your mama," Eowyn whispered affectionately. Her smile was ripped from her face when a horrified scream rent through the air.
"Orcs! Orcs are coming!"
***A/N: Uh-oh! What's gonna happen now? Please review!!!!