While Eadhild rested in her hidden sanctuary, Gamling continued to follow Grima's orders. He, and the knights with him rounded up all of the local maidens fitting Eadhild's description. Gamling inwardly sighed, as did the other knights with him. They did not enjoy seperating the maidens from their parents.
Gamling and the knights could easily see how frightened the young girls were. They could see how wide their eyes were. Some of the girls were clinging to each other for comfort, and support. Gamling sighed as he led the young maidens to the Great Hall. There was nothing that he could do for them. He and the knights were honor bound to obey the king. He prayed that he wasn't like a shepard, and leading his flock to slaughter.
Gamling led the young maidens into the great hall. One, by one they were taken before the king. The king scrutinized all the girls, as one by one they were led to him. Gamling barely hid his disgust as Grima Wormtongue openly salvated over them.
Finally all of the teenaged girls had been seen. Grima leaned in towards the king. "Do you see her?", he asked.
"She is not here. Are there no more?", the king asked in a raspy, insistent voice.
"Are there any more Horse master?", Grima asked.
"None that I, or my men could find.", Gamling answered. "Is it possible, the maiden did not come this way?"
"She must have come this way.", the king said angrily. "Do another search Horse master."
"As you command my Liege.", Gamling answered. "May we escort the maidens back to their homes first?"
"No.", Grima answered.
"Yes.", King Theoden answered. "Return them."
"But.", Grima stopped, as he was interrupted by the king.
"I thought there was 'another' who held your.", King Theoden stopped. "Interest."
Grima nodded as he saw Rowen come into the great hall.
"Yes Sire. There is.", Grima said, as he licked his lips.
"Horse master, return them to their homes.", the ageing king said. "Continue your search."
Gamling quickly escorted the young girls back to their homes. He walked the girls over to the market place, where their parents had gathered. There was a great cry, as the girls ran to the waiting arms of their loved ones. Gamling was greatly relieved that no one had been harmed. He watched the joyful scene unfolding before him for a few seconds more. Then he walked back to his own home.
"How is she?", Gamling asked.
"She is fine. I left more healing tea for her.", Argod said, as she hugged Gamling close.
"How is the king?", Argod asked.
"He is not himself.", Gamling answered. "He hangs on every word that Grima feeds him."
"Do you think Saruman might be controlling him?", Argod asked fearfully.
"I thought so as soon as I was ordered to bring those poor children before him.", Gamling answered. "Have you checked on her since I left?"
"With all the guards about, I did not dare."
"Go check on her now. I will watch the door."
Argod quickly got some more food, and herbs. She then moved the wine rack, and entered the room.
"I bought you some more food. Let me check your wounds.", Argod said, as she quickly removed the bandages. "Your wounds, do you realize they have already healed?"
"That is only due to your healing skills.", Eadhild answered. "Thank you for hiding me."
"Argod! Come! The guards are heading towards us.", Gamling called out, just loud enough for her and Eadhild to hear.
Argod quickly left the herbs and the food on the little table by her bed.
"I'm here.", Argod answered, as she secured the door and stood beside Gamling as the guards knocked on the door.
"May I help you?", Gamling asked, as he allowed the guards into his home.
"Sir. We have news, that Hama wished us to relay to you.", a guard answerd.
Gamling leaned forward to listen. He cast a knowing look to Argod, as he realized she had heard every word.
"I have to go my wife.", Gamlind said. "The king wishes us to continue the search."
Gamling gently stroked Argod's cheek, and kissed her gently on the lips.
"I will return as soon as I can.", Gamling said, as he walked out the door.
Argod put the bolt back on the door. She drew the curtains to her home, so that no one could see inside. She waited for an hour. Then she walked over to the storage room, and went inside.
"Argod?", Eadhild asked. "Is everything alright?"
"It is indeed.", Argod said, as she sat on the bed beside Eadhild. "Hama sent word. Your father is alive. He was seen in Rivendell. He left awhile later with eight companions. According to those who saw him, he looked well."
"So she was right. She said he would be alright, and he is.", Eadhild said softly. Her voice was filled with appreciation, and wonder. "Argod. Thank you. I was so worried about him."
Argod smiled warmly at Eadhild.
"I must go now. Drink all of the tea, and do try to eat more. After all youneed to keep your strength up.", Argod said, as she walked from the room.
She secured the store room, and opened the curtains. She looked out the window. She noticed that there were more guards out then usual. Given the fact that King Theoden was still looking for Eadhild, she was not surprised.
"Ah, the times we live in.", Argod thought, as she glanced back to the wine rack. "That we must keep Eadhild hidden."
