Sorry again that this took so long. Lots on at the moment and very little time to write but I hope you enjoy this installment.
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Riders of Rohan
Days had passed since they had left Frodo and Sam to journey to Mordor on their own in search of Merry and Pippin. They had since been reunited with Gandalf who was now Gandalf the white and he had informed them that the halflings were now safe with the Ent Treebeard. So they were now traveling to Rohan at speed upon the horses that Éomer had given them upon their encounter with him earlier that day. Gandalf was astride a horse that he had called Shadowbox, the Lord of all Horses and only Legolas was aware of this horse and his origins. Through the night and into the morning the galloped until Edoras came into view on the Horizon.
'Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. There dwells Theoden, King of Rohan... whose mind is overthrown. Saruman's hold over King Theoden is now very strong.' Said Gandalf as he looked to Aragorn and then to Legolas.
The elf returned the Wizards glance before his eyes then returned to Edoras, he knew that it was among the people of Rohan that he would fight his last, however, it was not here. This was not the place he had seen in Frodo's mind. Gandalf kicked his horseback into a gallop, followed by Aragorn and Legolas. The city began to get closer and closer until soon they approached the large wooden gate that lay at the base of the steep hill upon which Edoras sat. A torn flag floated to the ground beside them as they rode into the city. It was quiet as they walked through the straw-covered streets, the people stood and stared at the strangers.
'You'll find more cheer in a graveyard.' Stated Gimli as he looked around at their audience.
Out of the corner of his eye, Aragorn saw a woman stood watching their accent towards the golden hall, but when he looked again though she was gone. The continued on, handing their horses to some guards as they reached the steps that lead to the Meduseld. Swiftly they ascended them and were greeted by more guards. One man, red haired and beard stopped them in their tracks.
'Ah' sounded Gandalf as he smiled at the guard.
'I cannot allow you before Theoden King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame. By order of Grima Wormtongue.' he stated as he looked at each one of them.
With that, they reluctantly handed over their weapons, Gimli grunting in displeasure as he handed over his ax.
'Your staff' said the guard as he stopped Gandalf as the wizard attempted to step past him.
'Hmmm…You would not part an old man from his walking stick.' he replied as he looked at the guard with a sober expression.
The guard pulled a disbelieving expression before brushing the wizard's comment aside and allowed them to enter the hall. Gandalf linked arms with Legolas as they entered the dull grey room, not golden like the stories they had been told. The elf's eyes scouted around the room only to spot some scruffy men that walked along the edge at the same pace as them.
'The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late...Theoden King.' said Gandalf.
A greasy man with pale blue eyes sat at the king's side, whispering in his ear.
'Why should I welcome you...Gandalf Stormcrow?' Mumbled the King as he turned his head to the man, seeking reassurance that what he had said was right.
'A just question, my liege.' piped up the man as he got up and stepped towards the wizard 'Late is the hour...in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell I name news is an ill guest.'
'Be silent. Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death...to bandy crooked words with a witless worm.' spat Gandalf as he looked the man in the eye., bringing his staff up to his face as his expression turned to anger.
'His staff. I told you to take the wizard's staff.' said the man as he backed off and shouted at the men who had followed them.
Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli sprung into action, fighting with their bare hands as the men leaped at them with weapons drawn. They made light work of them, the last one being taken down with a swift fist to the face as he attempted to take the elf from behind. All the while Gandalf spoke to the decrepit King.
'I would stay still if I were you.' spat Gimli as he pinned who he assumed to be Grima down with his heavy boot.
'Hearken to me! I release you...from the spell.' said the Wizard, drawing everyone's attention to him and the King who was now laughing in a mocking tone.
'You have no power here ...Gandalf the Grey.' was his response, this time he did not mumble.
Gandalf drew back his grey cloak to reveal the white one that lay beneath, filling the hall with a bright light. Legolas looked on at the wizard, watching as he began to extract the evil from this king.
'I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound.' he said as he stepped closer towards the man.
A young woman ran into the room, pushing past the elf only to be grabbed by Aragorn before she could reach Gandalf.
'Wait.' said the Ranger quietly to her before looking back at Gandalf.
'If I go, Theoden dies.' spat the man as he fought against the force that pinned him to the throne he sat upon.
'You did not kill me...you will not kill him.' replied the wizard, his staff in front of him.
'Rohan is mine.' The King growled, still pushing against the invisible force.
'Be Gone.' finished the wizard as he focused his power, gritting his teeth.
Theoden leaped at him, screaming as he did but Gandalf swiped his staff and the man. flew back into his throne. The man slumped forward exhausted and the young woman ran to his side, catching him before he fell. Theoden's chest heaved as his eyes began to clear, his hair began to change from the matted grey mess to a golden blonde. The troop stood in amazement as the King got younger right before their eyes.
'I know your face. Eowyn. Eowyn.' he said as she clasped his head in her hands.
He stood from his thrown, wincing at his aching joints before looking up at the Wizard with wide eyes.
'Gandalf?'
'Breathe the free air my friend.' Said the wizard as he panted in exhaustion.
'Dark have been my dreams of late.' said the man as he looked around the room, his fingers tracing their opposing hands.
'Your fingers would remember their old strength better...if they grasped your sword.' Stated the wizard.
The guard that had greeted them, handed the king his sword bowing his head as he stepped back.
Legolas stood and watched this all unfold yet he could not be happy for the King, the image of his lifeless body still plagued his mind. He looked around him and recognized some of the men from the vision he had seen and shivers ran down his spine. Aragorn saw the look of distress in his companion's face and stepped closer towards him.
'What troubles you Mellon-in?' he asked, looking at the vacant elf.
Legolas turned his head to return the man's gaze. Part of him wanted to tell the man what he had seen, what he knew was to come but he still felt obligated to Frodo.
'It is nothing.' he replied, smiling weekly at his friend.'
'I have known you a long time Legolas, I know when you are lying to me.' said the Ranger as a small smirk crossed his lips.
'I worry for Frodo and Sam.' said the elf, unsure if Aragorn would believe this new lie.
'They will be fine,' replied the man, and Legolas breathed a small sigh of relief that the ranger had believed him 'They are smart, they will find a way.'
Their attention was once again drawn to Grima who was now being dragged from the hall, pleading for mercy as he was thrown down the stone steps.
'I've only...ever served you, my lord.' he shouted as he crawled away from Theoden who was stalking down the stairs, sword in hand.
'Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!' he spat with a face like thunder.
'Send me not from your sight.' he begged.
Theoden raised his sword ready to smite the man who had sucked the life from him.
'No, my lord! No, my lord. Let him go. Enough blood has been spilled on his account.' Shouted Aragorn as grabbed the King's hands.
The ranger put out his hand to help Grima to his feet but the man spat on it before scrambling to his feet and forcing his way through the gawping crowd.
'Hail Theoden King.' a voice cried and everyone began to bow, including the ranger.
Theoden looked around at his people, part of him could not believe that after all this time they were still loyal to him.
'Where is Theodred? Where is my son?'
Later that day there was a funeral held for the King's son. People had wept as the carried the prince through the streets, but nothing had prepared them for the news they had received from two children as they arrived at Theodred's grave. So now they sat in the Golden hall deliberating what was to be done about the information they had received.
'They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the Wild Men are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go. Rick, cot and tree.' said Eowyn as she looked to her Uncle, then to Aragorn.
'Where is Mama?' asked the young girl, but Eowyn shushed her.
The Ranger glanced at Legolas who was stood next to where he sat as he puffed away at his pipe. Theoden rested his head in his hand.
'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 children. You must fight.'
Legolas' stomach sank, were they discussing the battle that he had seen in Frodo's mind. Aragorn's voice tore him from his thoughts.
'You have 2000 good men riding north as we speak. Eomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king.' said the Ranger as he pulled his pipe away from his lips.
'They will be 300 leagues from here by now. Eomer cannot help us. I know what it is you want of me...but I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war.' Replied the King as he turned to face Gandalf.
'Open war is upon you, whether you would risk it or not.'
Theoden turned to look at the Ranger, his expression one of anger 'When last I looked...Theoden, not Aragorn, was King of Rohan.' he spat in reply as he glared at the man.
'Then what is the king's decision?' Quizzed the Wizard.
'We will head to Helms Deep, there my people will be safe.' said the King after some thought.
'My Lord…' started Gandalf, but he was interrupted by the Theoden before he had a chance to continue.
'I have spoken Gandalf.'
The following day they prepared to leave the city, people scurried about grabbing all that they could carry before they joined the line of people already leaving. Legolas knew that he was riding to his doom, yet he still followed Aragorn despite that. He looked at the Ranger who rode a little bit behind them, he wondered how the Ranger would take the new if he was to tell him that this battle would be his last.
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Well, I hope this was worth the wait and I will get the next chapter up as soon as I can. I have a few other stories that require an update too. Let me know what you thought.