Instantly Eowyn was at his side. She hugged her uncle tightly and led him from the room so that the women could prepare Theodred's body. Theoden walked out into the main hall, where Gandalf and the others were waiting for him. He cleared his throat, and everyone offered their condolences. His eyes fell on Haraldur.
"Master Dwarf, I have heard that you are a powerful wizard. Is there anything you can do for my son?"
Haraldur sighed, "I wish I could, my lord. Magic is a wondrous thing and can do many things, but I cannot bring back the dead. He would come back as something dark and unnatural," Haraldur explained, "I am sorry."
Theoden nodded.
While they waited for Theodred's body to be prepared, Eowyn advised the king to freshen up. Theoden took her advice and returned to his chambers to bathe and change. In the meantime, Eowyn had the servants show Gandalf and the others to the guest chambers, "Would it be possible to house us all together," Gandalf asked the princess.
"Yes, of course, Gandalf."
A few hours later, when the women had finished with Theodred body, a funeral procession left Edoras to the hills outside the city where the kings' tombs were. The women gathered outside the grave while the soldiers carried Theodred's body. He was dressed in his armor with his sword placed in his hands. When they arrived at the tomb, Eowyn began to sing a mourning song that the women echoed. They continued to sing until the soldiers had placed Theodred's body into the grave, and the soldiers sealed it.
Once the funeral was over, everyone left to leave the king to grieve in peace except for Gandalf, "Simbelmyne. Ever has it grown on the tombs of my forebearers. Now it shall cover the grave of my son. Alas that these evil days should be mine. The young perish, and the old linger. , That I should live to see the last days of my house."
"Theodred's death was not of your making," Gandalf said, trying to comfort the king.
"No parent should have to bury their child," Theoden said, then fell to his knees, weeping.
"He was strong in life. His spirit will find its way to the halls of your fathers."
Gandalf left Theoden to mourn in peace. As he walked back up the hill, he turned to see two children riding on a horse. The boy fell off the horse in exhaustion.
Gandalf rushed out towards the children with Theoden not far behind. Theoden picked up the boy while Gandalf led the little girl and the horse into the city. When they get into the city, Hama took the boy from Theoden, "Take them inside and give them food and shelter. Make sure the horse is taken care of," Theoden ordered.
Hama bowed and left with the boy in his arms while another soldier takes the girl off the horse, and the horse is led to the stables. When Hama entered the Golden Hall, Eowyn rushed towards him and helped him with the boy. She sat the boy down and ordered food and drink for him and his sister. They brought blankets for them to stave off the cold. When the children are served, they greedily begin to eat. After a while, they can explain what happened.
"They had no warning. The people were unarmed. Now the Wild Men are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go." Eowyn explained to Theoden, Gandalf, and the others.
Freda looked at Eowyn, panicked, "Where's Mama?"
Eowyn does her best to comfort the little girl.
Gandalf, who is sitting to the right of the king's throne, put a hand on Theoden's arm, "This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash. All the more potent, for he is driven now by fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head-on. Draw him away from your women and head-on. You must fight."
"You have 2000 good men riding north as we speak. Eomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king."
Theoden stood up, "They will be 300 leagues from here by now. Eomer cannot help us. I know what you want of me, but I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war."
"Open war is upon you, whether you would risk it or not," Haraldur told the king.
Theoden walked towards Haraldur, "When last I looked, Theoden, not Haraldur, was king."
"Then what is the king's decision?" Gandalf asked.
Theoden turned to face Gandalf, "We make for Helm's Deep."
Outside in the village, Hama announced that the city must be emptied and that the villagers must make their way to Helm's Deep. The villagers instantly begin packing provisions and start helping the elderly into wagons.
"Helm's Deep," Gandalf grumbled.
"They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight. Who will defend them if not their king?" Gimli said.
"He's only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helm's Deep has saved them in the past," Boromir pointed out.
The group followed Gandalf into the stables, "There is no way out of that ravine. Theoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he's leading them to safety. What they will get is a massacre. Theoden has a strong will, but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan. He will need you before the end, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you. Their defenses must hold."
Gandalf turned to Haraldur, "Do you think you can set wards up around the keep to ward off the invasion?"
"I do not know. If there was enough time, I could make ward stones and keep them out forever, but I do not think there is enough time. I will have to depend on temporary warding. And I do not know how long my magic will last against Saruman's."
Gandalf laid a hand on Haraldur's shoulder, "Give Rohan as much time as you can, My Boy."
"I will do my best, Gandalf," Haraldur pulled Gandalf aside, "Shall I summon my father?"
"No, I fear we will need Thorin and the Dwarves of Erebor for a much larger battle. For now, it is up to us."
Haraldur nodded.
Gandalf and Haraldur walked towards the stables where Shadowfax was. Gandalf pets his friend, "The Grey Pilgrim. That's what they used to call me. Three hundred lives of Men I've walked this earth, and now I have no time. With luck, my search will not be in vain. Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the east."
"Go."
With that, Gandalf galloped out of the stables.
