Chapter Eight: Leaving Edoras

A gentle shake slowly woke her. Kendra moaned as she rolled over. Standing there, hand on her shoulder, was Legolas. His eyes betrayed his worry that he felt for her.

"Is something wrong, Legolas?" she asked.

"We have to get going. The city is being abandoned. Everyone is going to Helm's Deep."

"Where? Why?" Kendra asked, sitting up.

"We can explain on the way," Legolas said, grabbing her coat for her. "Do you think you can walk to the stables?"

Kendra pushed the covers off and slowly placed her feet on the floor. She stood, a little shakily, but still stood. She looked at Legolas before nodding. He smiled and started out the door. Kendra followed, trying to stay close.

They were soon in the stables. Legolas had led her over to where Gimli was waiting. Kendra noted that Shadowfax was gone, which meant that Gandalf was no longer with them. Another thing she noted was that there was horse that had seemed to have gone insane at the other end of the stables. Several people had a hold of the reins but it didn't seem to be helping.

Before anyone knew what was happening, Aragorn had somehow calmed the horse. Kendra heard Legolas laugh lightly as he watched his friend.

"He always did have a way with animals," Legolas said, before turning back to his horse.

Kendra watched as Aragorn slowly stroked the animal's nose before he told Eowyn, who had gone to talk to him, to release the horse. After that, he made his way to where Kendra was standing.

"How are you feeling, Kendra?" he asked, looking at her with an intense gaze.

"I'll be fine. I can make it," she replied, trying to reassure him.

"Well, when you begin to feel bad, let me know."

"Of course, Aragorn."

Aragorn turned to his horse and led him out. He quickly climbed into the saddle before reaching down to help Kendra climb on. Once she was on, he followed Legolas out of the stable. They were on the move once again.

They had been traveling for several hours. Kendra had leaned her head against Aragorn's back while her hands were clasped around his waist. In this way, he could make sure that she stayed on the horse. Several of the Rohirrim had laughed at the two of them for riding that way but Aragorn paid them no heed.

"Do you think it would be easier for you to ride with her in front of you, Aragorn?" a voice asked.

Aragorn turned to face Theoden, who had ridden up beside him.

"No. It is better if we don't move her. At least I know she won't fall off. And she's probably comfortable that way."

"We will be stopping in a couple of hours. We have to set up camp for the night."

"Thank you, your majesty."

Theoden rode ahead, his horse moving carefully through his people. Aragorn watched him go before turning his attention back to Kendra, whose body had just started to slip.