Disclaimer: All familiar characters, places and events belongs to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien and its licensees. Anything you don't recognize belong to the authors.
Dedicated to Starsearch, my special equine friend, who lets me be a Rohirrim every week at my riding lesson.
A Hidden Hope – Chapter 9
By Dancingkatz and Rhyselle
Late February T.A. 3019 – Edoras
It was still hours till dawn and yet Theodred breathed.
Eowyn knew she should sleep. She hadn't slept for more than minutes at a time since Theodred had been brought in wounded. There was nothing she could do for him as he lay still and pale, his breaths shallow and faint. The door was locked from the inside, no one could come in, and there was no other way into the chamber, but rest eluded her.
She looked over and saw a corner of the silk love token through the open fastenings of Theodred's nightshirt. Reaching over to fasten the ties, she wondered what kind of woman Theodred's wife was.
Was she tall, short, pretty, plain? She obviously was far more talented at needlework than Eowyn ever had any hope of being. It was also obvious from the care with which each stitch on the token was made that whatever she looked like, she loved Theodred dearly.
It made sense in a way for Theodred to love a woman who wasn't a shieldmaiden. His entire life from his youth had been full of war and battles. He wouldn't want to come home to a wife who demanded a report of every blow in a skirmish and then dissect it to determine how he could have lost fewer men or routed more of the enemy. He'd want a wife who would remind him of what it was he fought to protect.
It's too bad that there isn't a man out there somewhere who'd be that for me, she found herself thinking. She gave a low but bitter laugh. In the Riddermark, the men were the protectors and the women the protected. Too bad she hadn't been born a boy.
That thought reminded her of a morning spent with Theodred years past when she'd been once again firmly ejected from the weapons training class that her brother was in.
Eowyn stomped away from the training field, muttering words under her breath of the sort that if her uncle had heard would likely have earned her a soapy mouth. It just wasn't fair that she couldn't learn everything Eomer did, just because she wasn't a boy.
She was so caught up in her anger and frustration she didn't see her older cousin exiting one of the barns and ran right into him.
Theodred raised an eyebrow at the expletive that emerged from Eowyn's mouth as he set her back onto her feet. "You've been hanging about the eóred too much, cousin." He looked at her face for a moment and led her towards the stallion barn. "What's the problem today?"
"The same as always. I wish I was a boy." She kicked at the stones in the pathway with her boot, scowling.
"Well, I'm glad you're not a boy. If you were a boy you'd be in the class with all the others and I'd have no one to ride with this morning," Theodred told her as he opened the stable door.
"I can't go riding, Hilde's lame," she said in a sulky voice. "She put her foot in a rabbit hole the day before yesterday."
"I didn't say you'd be riding Hilde," he told her as he strode down the wide corridor that ran the length of the barn. He stopped at a box at the far end of the barn. "I rode Hilde when I was your age, it's long past time she was retired. You'll be riding this fellow."
"This fellow" was a tall, glossy, deep-chested blood bay with a narrow white blaze and three white socks. Eowyn blinked. It had only been a fortnight ago that she'd argued with her uncle about what was an appropriate horse for a 10-year old girl to ride as she was bored with the staid and complacent Hilde.
"Really?"
"Really," Theodred gave her a shove towards box. "Introduce yourself and tack him up. We haven't all morning."
"What's his name?" Edlyn paused, her hand on the latch of the box door.
"Cepanstyrrd."
Within the half hour, Eowyn and Theodred were galloping across the fields. It had taken some ingenuity on Eowyn's part to tack the stallion as he was so much taller than any horse she'd previously been allowed to ride but she had no trouble guiding the stallion where she wanted him to go.
Theodred pulled up his mount, a burly liver chestnut named Thenglyc, and gestured for Eowyn to do the same. Pulling a canteen from his saddlebag, he tossed it to her and waited until she finished drinking before speaking.
"You know, you're going to have to accept that you can't become a Rider."
She threw the canteen back at him and scowled when he caught it. "It's not fair! I'm better at fighting than half the boys."
"Yes, you are," Theo agreed then continued, "You can't become a Rider, but you could become a Shieldmaiden."
"A Shieldmaiden? You mean like Hereswithe Eorlsdottir?" Eowyn's face lit up. "Like in the story that Uncle told me?"
"Yes." He waited while she thought about the idea.
"But if I can't learn to fight with the boys, how can I become a Shieldmaiden?" she finally asked.
"I'll teach you when I have free time. But in the meantime you'll need to learn a lot of other things that I can't teach you. Hereswithe was known for her graciousness and beauty as well as her prowess with a sword. She even wrote poetry!" Theodred laughed at the expression on Eowyn's face at the idea of writing poetry. "All right, cousin, I won't require you to learn to write poetry or even to sing, but you'll need to start paying attention to what Saethled is trying to teach you."
Eowyn scoffed. "But it's boring. And she's always telling me that I have to be quiet and sit still and wear dresses. I can't fight in a dress!"
Theodred shook his head and smiled at the scorn she placed on the final word. "You can learn. And think of how surprised your enemies will be when you attack them, if they look at you and see a 'proper Rohirrim maiden.' Don't tell me you've forgotten what I've taught you about the value of surprise."
"No." She sat quietly on Cepanstyrrd's back her fingers busily plaiting strands of his black mane as she considered Theodred's suggestion for a few minutes. She suddenly looked up and grinned "All right, if I have to wear dresses and learn all that boring stuff to be a Shieldmaiden, I will. But I'm not going to learn how to cook."
Eowyn blinked as she emerged from the memory and groped for Theodred's hand. The roughness of the callous on his palm caused by the years of riding and sword work was comfortingly familiar but the growing coldness of his skin brought home to her the harsh reality of the present. If only she'd been born a boy, she might have been at his side and kept him from receiving the grave wound that was killing him.
June, T.A. 3018 – The Gather-Meet
Theodred's head ached and he grumbled as he began to sit up, pushing himself upright on the camp bed--and then came fully awake as the pressure sent a jolt of pain up his arm from his right palm, and he cursed, and then he remembered that he was in his father's pavilion... and why.
Gamling grinned as he held out a goblet to Theodred. "Here. I can tell you from experience that this will help."
Taking it with his left hand, Theo held his breath and tossed it down, trying not to smell the remedy. "Gah!" he gasped once he was finally sure it would stay down. "I do not want to know what was in that."
The red haired Rider laughed and took the goblet back. "I very specifically did not ask. I swear that the healers make it taste horrible on purpose."
"What hour is it? The melee..." Theo realized that the light filtering through the walls of the tent was far brighter than he'd expected it to be.
"Your father said to make sure you slept out the morning. You're not riding in the melee with that hand. The King is already out and about the Meet, and said that I could let you loose only after you eat break of fast."
Theodred eyed Gamling sourly. "Since when did you become a nurse-maid, Gamling?"
"When your father, the King, said I was to be one. It isn't my preferred occupation as you well know." Gamling tossed a bundle of clothing at Theodred. "Here. Oh, I have news concerning Grima that you might want to hear." He went back to the other side of the pavilion leaving Theodred to dress.
"Really? Why would I want to hear anything about the Worm?" Theo responded as he wriggled out of the nightshirt that he assumed must be one of his father's as it was not his own and was embroidered with the White Horse emblem around the standing collar.
It was awkward dressing one handed, and he had more sympathy for Edlyn's plight the night before.
"The Worm is stuck in his tent with his foot elevated and splinted, unable to walk because your lady-Rider's so-discerning mare managed to break bones last night."
Theodred chortled. "Ah, that then is good news." He then grimaced, having managed to get into his leggings, but the bulky bandage the healer had left on his right hand made lacing them impossible. "Gamling, I'm afraid that I need your assistance."
"I thought you'd appreciate hearing about it." Gamling told him as he returned to the sleeping area and, seeing the problem, dealt with it without comment. "In any case, you won't have to worry about the Worm seeing anything you don't want him to."
Theo gave Gamling a sidewise glance as he put his arms through the sleeves of his shirt. "Too bad we can't make that permanent."
"Believe me, if I could figure a away to make it a believable accident, I would have done it long ago. There's something--not right--about that man." Gamling picked up Theo's boots and gestured for the Second Marshal to sit on the bed. He continued speaking as he knelt and put them on Theo's feet. "I had a word with Ceorl last night. Should I wish you happy, my prince?"
Theo hesitated a moment and then nodded. "I had hoped to speak with my father after the healer was done, but the blasted man knocked me all the way out. Last night he said something that gives me hope he will approve."
"With the Worm otherwise occupied you ought to be able to speak to the King about it today. Ceorl also asked me to tell you that Rider Thaeran was found this morning, dead of a stab wound. It appears that he got into a drunken brawl with the wrong people."
Theodred did not look surprised, but simply said, "I will give my condolences to his parents upon our return to the Hornburg. Unfortunately, some young people make ill-advised choices."
"Especially in regards to picking their 'friends,'" Gamling gave Theo a measuring look. "Luckily, both of us were able to grow out of that phase without having something as unfortunate happening to us."
"Aye." Theodred scowled at the lacings on his leather tunic. "I was less helpless when I broke my wrist; at least then I could use my fingers."
Gamling stood and quickly dealt with the tunic lacings. "Has that foul draught worked enough to give you an appetite?"
"Food?" Theodred considered it and then nodded. "Sounds good, although I would like to get out to see how my eóreds are doing in the melees."
Gamling grinned. "Take your breakfast with you and collect your lady. My stint as a nursemaid is now officially over. Your highness." The Rider bowed and left the pavilion with a greeting to the guards that stood on either side of the entrance.
Theo found that break of fast consisted of sausage links baked inside twists of bread and a flask of light ale. He liberated a store apple from the bowl of fruit on the table as well, adjusted the hang of his sword belt, and left the pavilion, carrying his food wrapped in a napkin in accordance with Gamling's suggestion.
The guards saluted and the elder of the two gave the prince a grin as he did so. Theo recognized him as one of the men who'd been acclaimed a Rider the same summer he'd been.
"Gael! Well met! Although I'd have expected that you'd have wangled off duty to participate in the melees." Theo was pleased to see his old companion from his squiring days.
"Alas, I had an altercation with a stubborn colt a few weeks back and am still on light duty. However, I must thank you for having so many excellent competitors here. I'm a much richer man now than when I arrived." Gael patted his belt pouch, smugly.
Theodred chuckled. "When you are off duty, come find me and we'll raise a tankard together."
"Gladly will I do so, 'Teddy,'" he said smirking as he gave Theo his nickname of old then returned to "attention".
Theo shook his head, grinning, but forbore to call Gael his old nickname in front of the relative youngster who stood at guard with him.
He gave a wave with his bandaged hand, grateful that the healer hadn't insisted on a sling, and headed towards the Helm's Deep encampment to see where he might find Edlyn.
Edlyn grimaced as she handed the cup back to Frea. "Couldn't you have at least put honey in it this time?"
"It wasn't that bad. You just have too much of a sweet tooth!" Frea replied, handing Edlyn a cup of water to wash down the aftertaste of the dose.
Edlyn wrinkled her nose at the older woman and grinned. "I suppose you're right. Now that I took that horrible stuff like the healer wanted, can I go and watch the melees?"
"Breakfast first." Frea produced a plate with sausage rolls on it. She'd made sure that the healer had put a generous amount of the pain numbing salve on Edlyn's hands the night before and had replenished it while the girl was still under the effects of the sleeping draught this morning.
Edlyn took the plate and sat down on one of the nearby benches. "All right. Thank you, Frea."
"I'll be supervising the midday meal preparation, if you need me." Frea smiled and left Edlyn eating and hurried away towards the cooking pits.
Edlyn had to admit that Frea was right in insisting she drink the draught the healer had left before she ate her breakfast. The spiciness of the sausage most effectively got rid of the bitter aftertaste of the medicine.
"Good morning!" Theodred, came around a corner, still carrying his own breakfast, and smiling as he saw her.
"Good morning, Theodred." The sight of her handsome fiancé made her forget about her aches and the scolding she'd gotten from the healer the night before.
"That healer dosed me, and I only just woke up," the prince complained as he sat down on the bench next to her.
"I can sympathise completely. He did it to me, too." Edlyn made a face before taking another bite of sausage. "How is your hand?"
Theodred swallowed a large bite of his sausage roll before putting it down and turning towards her, lifting up the bandaged hand. "Apparently I needed some stitches. I don't know how many. I should have let go of the lead—even a child knows better than I did last night." He frowned at his hand, then sighed. "The only good thing about it is that I actually got to talk with my father last night, before the healer got hold of me."
"You did? That's wonderful." Edlyn smiled up at Theo, knowing how much that must have meant to him.
"Edlyn, I wish to speak to him about us. Last night he said something that makes me feel that he would approve of our betrothal and not forbid it."
"Really?" Edlyn set aside her plate and turned to face him fully. "Will you speak to him while he's here? It would be lovely not to have to keep it a secret any longer. I've wanted to shout it out from the roof of the Hornburg since the night we said the vows."
He smiled. "If I can find him! I did tell him last night that I wished to speak with him privately, but he had gone out and about the Gather-Meet by the time I woke up. Shall we look for him together? With our injuries, no one will look askance at us commiserating at not being able to participate further in the competitions."
"Why not?" Edlyn glanced around to be sure no one could see them. "I've missed this," she whispered and leaned up to kiss Theodred for the first time since arriving at the meet four days previously.
He kissed her back, touching his fingers to her cheek and stroking them over her hair as he did so. "I, too." He drew back from her, gazing down into her face with a smile. "It's going to be all right, I'm sure of it."
Edlyn smiled back. "Shall we then? The sooner we find your father--"
"Then let's go find the golden lady who gave the Worm his just desserts last night."
Edlyn laughed and brushed crumbs off her skirt as she rose to her feet. But she felt suddenly uneasy at Theodred's reference to Grima Wormtongue.
Theo reassured her, "He's laid up in his tent with a broken foot. So you needn't worry about encountering him."
"Was I that obvious?"
Theodred looked around, saw they were still alone and drew her into the shadow of one of the tents. "Not that obvious, love, but the last time I was in Edoras, I caught him trying to corner my cousin, Eowyn. I'd have slit his throat then, but..." He shuddered in memory.
Edlyn stared at Theo in dismay. "That's...that's..." She couldn't find words to express what she felt.
He put his arms around her and held her close to him, inhaling the scent of her hair, and feeling her heart pound against his chest. "He literally threw Eowyn at me and scuttled away. By the time we were both on our feet, he was gone--and we knew... no one would believe us."
"Was--Eowyn?--all right?" Edlyn kept her face buried against his shoulder. If it hadn't been for Frea insisting she drink the sleeping draught the healer had left for her, she probably would have had nightmares about the advisor's advances.
"Yes, I got there in time. I'm wondering if there might be a way to engineer a more permanent accident while he's here... I'd like to just take him and skin him alive for even looking at you the way he did last night."
"I think father would help you," Edlyn told him. She supposed that Theo hadn't noticed that Grima had touched her the second time—the man had actually caressed her--and she decided that she wasn't going to tell him. She raised her head and was glad of her decision when she saw the expression on his face.
"Last night my Father asked me if I'd take the Worm into one of my eóreds to remind him what being a rider is. I--diplomatically declined."
Edlyn had stiffened at his initial statement but relaxed again and chuckled at the words 'diplomatically declined'. "Thank you for that, Theo. Not just for my sake, but for everyone's."
He gave a low laugh back at her and hugged her once more. "Although if I had agreed, we could have sent him out on the very next raid and let the orcs take care of him for us."
"Well, even the orcs might not want to deal with him. Let's go see Gyldenides and then find your royal father."
Suddenly their little island of privacy was invaded by two of Ceorl's messenger boys, who were chasing one another between the tents, tossing a spare field-ball back and forth.
"Watch out!" he gently warned the youths as their ball came a bit too close to the couple.
Both boys hastily came to a halt, the older of the two taking the ball from the hands of the younger, both of them looking rather embarrassed. "I'm sorry, my lord." He nudged the younger boy and hissed, "Apologize, Wiglaf!"
Wiglaf mumbled, "'m s-s-sorry," and looked at Edlyn, recognition suddenly filling his eyes and a grin spreading across his face. "You're the lady who won the race!"
Theo hid his smile by sheer force of will. "No harm done, but you should probably take your game to a more open area."
Wiglaf's older companion nodded. "Yes, sir, we will." Then he grabbed the smaller boy by the arm and started dragging him off towards the camp's perimeter. "Wiglaf, that was rude!"
"Was not, Beorn, and she is the lady that won the race. Aedleth said so..." The boys' voices faded as they disappeared down one of the side pathways.
Theo sniggered behind his upraised hand, watching them out of sight. "Well, that certainly lightened my mood. Come, we'll head over to the pasture while everyone else is wrapped up in watching the melee."
As they arrived at the herd area, Edlyn whistled to Gyldenides. The golden mare immediately lifted her head from where she grazed and trotted over to her rider. As soon as she halted she nibbled at Edlyn's hair and then sniffed at her bandaged hands.
Theodred leaned on the nearest fence post, smiling at their interaction.
After fussing over Gyldenides for some minutes, Edlyn sent her back to graze, with a promise to return later with sugarloaf. She returned to Theodred's side and watched as her mare found a prime spot and dropped to roll enthusiastically on her back before scrambling to her feet and returning to grazing.
"You'd never know she was in such a grueling race from looking at her this morning," Theo remarked.
"I wish I felt as good as she apparently does," Edlyn remarked. "I think I'm going to ache for the next month."
"Hopefully not that long. If you keep moving it won't be as bad. I wonder if Father is watching the melee?" He turned his head towards the noise that rose and fell from the broad field that had been marked out for the mock battle.
"He probably is. It looks like just about everyone else is there."
Theo offered his elbow for her to rest her bandaged fingers on and started to stroll towards the mass of spectators that blocked their view of the actual fighting.
Edlyn sighed. "I almost forgot. Deor and Ceorlaf came to see me this morning to rant at me for entering the race. Would you mind very much if I commit a double fratricide?"
"Well, they are useful on the raids against the orcs--what if I have Ceorl assign them herd watch again, and get Frea to run them off their feet on errands when they aren't on duty?"
Edlyn made a show of considering his words. "I suppose that would do--and it would mean I wouldn't have to risk getting blood on my dress."
He chuckled. "True." Theo guided her around the edge of the crowd towards the reviewing stand from which the judging marshals would get an overview of the melee. The narrow, steep stairs were guarded by two of his father's personal guard, who bowed their heads to him, and allowed them access. "Here, you go up first, and I'll be right behind you in case you overbalance."
Edlyn lifted her skirt and carefully navigated the steep stairway, tempted to comment that Theo was only following her because he liked the view. But she was glad she'd kept that little sally behind her teeth when she recognized Theoden's greying head among those standing at the front of the stand.
Theodred stepped up onto the elevated floor and looked at the men who were congregated there. He was relieved to see that the Worm was not present--he'd feared that despite his earlier words to Edlyn, Grima would have found some other way to be latched onto the King.
The crowd suddenly cheered and the marshal in charge cried, "Hold!" Edlyn guessed that the field was being cleared of fallen Riders as she was too short to see over the shoulders and heads of the men standing on either side of the King.
A rest break was called and the observers on the stand turned to each other to converse and comment on the action so far. Theoden started to speak to Rægenhere, Eomer's second in command, but saw his son and Edlyn. He excused himself to the Rider and beckoned for Theodred to come forward. "I take it that Gamling followed his instructions to the letter?"
Theodred dropped to one knee and bowed, being it was his first meeting with his father that day. "Aye, sire. To the letter."
"Good. Theodred, I know you are perfectly capable of riding and fighting single-handed, but I prefer that you not risk yourself today."
Theoden raised his son to his feet and looking over Theodred's shoulder saw Edlyn, who had dropped to her knees, in a pool of green and russet skirts. "Rise, Lady Edlyn."
Edlyn rose to her feet, careful to not trip on her skirt and greeted the King. "Good morrow, your Majesty."
"I encountered Lady Edlyn on my way to find you, sire, and thought she might enjoy seeing her father fighting in the melee," Theodred explained.
Theoden drew Edlyn to his side, gesturing for Theo to join them. "Bear is doing his usual excellent job."
Theo framed Edlyn on her other side, secretly glad the space was so close so he didn't have to find an excuse to be snugged up against her.
Edlyn looked out over the melee field and soon spotted her father's unmistakable frame sitting at his ease on Whitcalc. She also spied Eomer who was inspecting a lance and shaking his head before handing it back to his esquire.
Theo picked out Ceorl near Erkenbrand, the younger man looking a bit smug as he checked the edge of his blunted sword. "Who's ahead so far? " Theodred asked as the marshal in charge called a warning and the participants prepared their battle lines.
"Eomer and Bear are tied with the most points so far, but Osred is only a point behind. The other three teams are quite a ways behind them in the scoring. I assume you're betting on your father, my lady?"
"I don't bet, your Majesty. But I do think that my father's team will win."
The prince just smiled, forbearing to add his own comments about the superiority of the Helm's Deep warriors.
Eomer's second, Rægenhere, commented to Theodred, "I have to admit that your people are quite ferocious on the charge."
"They have to be... We've been fighting orc raids on a pretty much daily basis for the last several months." Theo added, "That's why our contingent isn't as large as in past years. I had to leave adequate forces to defend the Westfold."
The lines now readied, the Marshal in Charge dropped his lance and a horn blared to signal the next skirmish. As the two lines of horsemen met, there was a clash of swords against shields and the sound of lances thudding against armor as the crowd once more cheered and bellowed their support for the Westfold and the Eastfold.
Theodred found himself leaning forward, as if he, himself, were riding in the charge.
Several Riders from both sides fell but Erkenbrand and Eomer remained mounted and continued to rally their men. The men who had fallen continued to either spar on foot if they hadn't lost their weapons, or lay where they fell; the remaining riders and horses easily avoiding them until the marshal in charge called "Hold!" again.
Theo clenched his fists as the two sides came together, his eyes flicking back and forth, watching his Riders battle against Eomer's men. He straightened up, the tension draining from his frame as he realized that very few of his Riders had fallen. Even knowing it was a mock battle, he could not help feeling the concerns and worries that always bombarded him whilst they were battling the evils that infested their land.
Edlyn's attention had been caught by the tension in Theodred's body as he leaned forwards; she turned her head away from the action on the field and watched his face. She was fascinated by the way his eyes followed the movement of the Riders below and how a small nod of approval or hint of a stern but pleased smile touched the corner of his mouth as his Riders overcame the "enemy."
Theoden felt Edlyn move and glanced towards her. He noted her expression as she watched his son, rather than the skirmish, and gave a small smile before turning his attention back to the field.
Edlyn belatedly realized that she should be paying attention to the mock battle and turned back just in time to see her father unseat two of the Eastfold Riders at once.
"Ah, Huzzah!" Theo shouted out in response, pumping his bandaged fist in the air. Edlyn echoed him, and found herself holding her breath as her father took on the next nearest opponent.
Eventually, after several rounds, the huge field was reduced to a dozen men on each side and then to ten, then six, and finally, only Erkenbrand and Eomer remained mounted. The men who'd been fighting on foot then backed away to the edge of the field leaving the Lieutenant and the Third Marshal to fight it out for the win.
Whitcalc was more massive than Eomer's mount and had more experience, but the Third Marshal's Firefoot was swift and agile. It would be the skill of the two Riders that would determine the winner.
"Come on, Erkenbrand," Theo muttered as they began the final bout.
The Marshal in charge sent the Riders to opposite sides of the field and gave the signal for the round to begin. The two horses came together and for long minutes it seemed that the Riders were equally matched, then Erkenbrand suddenly backed Whitcalc a step, only to send him forwards again, just in time to catch the bottom of Eomer's shield with his sword and to hook Eomer's knee with his foot. Suddenly the Third Marshal was on the ground.
Eomer rolled hastily to his feet only to find Erkenbrand's sword at his throat and Whitcalc threatening Firefoot with bared teeth.
"YES!" Theodred shouted, then laughed at the expression visible through the openings in Eomer's helm.
Eomer raised his hands and called out, "I yield!" then removed his helm. His expression was one of disgust mixed with admiration for the older Rider. "I didn't see that coming at all."
"Huzzah!" Edlyn cheered and started to applaud only to stop when her blistered hands complained mightily. She leaned forward and threw a kiss at her father who was removing his helm and handing his sword to his esquire.
Rægenhere shook his head in mock disgust and real disappointment. "I don't know why we even bothered coming to the Gather-Meet this year. You Hornburg folk are walking--er, riding--away with all the prizes."
Theoden laughed uproariously and told Eomer's second, "Haven't you heard that age and experience will outdo youth and enthusiasm every time?"
Theo choked at his father's sally, and then leaned forward and called to Erkenbrand, "Well done! I knew our honours were in safe hands with you!" He wasn't sure that Erkenbrand had heard him over the roar of the crowd of spectators and Riders who had been unhorsed and disqualified, but didn't worry about it as Edlyn threw her arms around his waist and grinned up at him. "So, should I go tell Frea that she needs to arrange for another feast tonight?"
Theo shook his head, still grinning. "I think she's already got one started. She was positive that your father would prevail even last night." He didn't even realize that he'd slid his arm about her waist as he watched his cousin and his future father-by-law.
Now free of helm and sword, Erkenbrand reached down to shake Eomer's hand and then dismounted. The two men were mobbed by the crowd of spectators and disqualified Riders, but in a few minutes, both Erkenbrand and Eomer stood before the stand where Theoden stood with both hands on the railing, smiling.
"Theoden hal!" Erkenbrand shouted as he saluted, "This victory belongs to you, Theoden-King!"
Eomer and the crowd echoed him as did those on the stand.
Edlyn turned her head as something caught her eye on the far side of the melee field. There were two Riders galloping directly towards the review stand. "Theo! Look!"
The two horses' coats were stained with sweat and mud and the errand-riders cloaks were in a similar state.
A frisson of dread rose up in Theodred as he wondered if it were notice from Helm's Deep of further attacks. He squinted to try to see who the Riders were in the glare of the midday sunlight that reflected off of their polished helms. Then he realized that he didn't recognize the horses, and relaxed marginally.
Once the Riders pulled up before the stand, Edlyn realized they wore the insignia of errand-riders form Edoras. The first rider dismounted, dropped to one knee then rose and handed up a message tube to the King. "Your Majesty, I was charged by the Lady Eowyn to bring this news to you."
The second errand-rider, this one wearing the badge of Firien Wood, dismounted more slowly and limped forward. "Hail, Theoden-King. I bring ill-news from the eastern border." He handed up his message, and Edlyn was horrified to see that the side of the man's tunic was stained with blood.
Theodred went still at the messenger's words.
The second Rider, having delivered his message, collapsed, only to be caught by Erkenbrand, who gave orders to the nearest Riders to fetch a healer. Others were already seeing to the errand-riders' horses while everyone else waited in trepidation to hear what the messages said.
Theoden broke the seal on the first message and scanned it, a frown falling over his face. He handed it to Theodred and then opened the second one. His face grew even grimmer then he looked up, catching the eye of each of the Marshals present. "The Firien Wood-halls are under attack. Marshals, Lieutenants meet me at my pavilion within the half hour."
The King turned towards his son and gestured for him to read the first message.
The prince bent his head over the document, noting absently that his cousin's hand was far neater than it had been the last time he'd seen her writing. Theodred scanned the sheet. Eowyn's strong and familiar hand wrote that the remaining eóreds at Edoras were under daily attack by marauding orcs out of the White mountains.
"It's as if they knew..." he muttered aloud to himself.
"Uncle, it is as though the creatures knew our local forces were halved because of the Gather-Meet. I have not enough Riders available to keep the orcs away from all the farmsteads and herds and still be able to protect the women and children to let them flee to the refuges."
The entire mood of the crowd shifted as the Riders and spectators headed for their camps, minds set on defense of their land and families.
Edlyn looked from Theodred to her father, and back, worry in her eyes, while Theodred handed the message back to the King. "Father, what would you have me do? My eóreds are ready and willing."
"I want you and Erkenbrand to take what Riders you have here to Firien Wood to assist them in routing the invaders." Theoden turned and headed for the stairs, "Meet me at my pavilion. I am afraid that the time for games and feasting is over."
Theo bowed his head to his father and exchanged glances with Erkenbrand, who had heard every word. "I'll escort Lady Edlyn back to the pavilions and meet you at my father's."
Erkenbrand turned the injured errand-rider over to the healer who had just arrived and nodded. "I'll see you there." He reached a hand up to Edlyn who gripped it tightly in spite of her blistered fingers. She released it reluctantly as her father's esquire approached and offered him his sword. Theodred nodded to his Lieutenant and gently turned Edlyn towards the steps.
"Would you please inform Frea of what has happened?" he asked Edlyn as he preceded her down the stairs to the trampled grass.
Edlyn was numb as she followed her betrothed lord but she answered in the affirmative. "Are we to stay here or return to Helm's Deep?" she asked as he took her arm at the bottom of the stairs.
Theo placed her hand on his arm and began to hurry through the throng. "I'll know once I meet with my father and the other Marshals. I'm inclined to send the non-combatants home, or at least to Edoras. This is not the most defensible of locations."
Edlyn nodded and concentrated on keeping up with his hurried pace. Once they reached the Helm's Deep encampment, he paused and looked down at her, worry in his eyes. "I must meet with my father. Once I know his plans, I'll decide what to do. No one need panic." He gave a crooked grin. "At least, not yet."
"I'll tell Frea. Is there anything else you need right now?"
"Nothing I have time for. I promise I'll let you know everything as soon as I've made a decision." He gently squeezed her arm, released it and turned to enter the royal pavilion, the grin vanishing to be replaced by grim intent.
Edlyn waited with Frea and some of the other women and youngsters near the King's tent, waiting to find out what was going to happen. Frea had gotten two of the boys to bring a bench so that Edlyn could sit. "You aren't fooling me," she'd told Edlyn when the younger woman tried to tell her it wasn't necessary. "If you don't sit down soon, you'll fall down and I don't want to have to make explanations to your father--or his highness!"
She gave in and sat down. If she hadn't done so she suspected that Frea probably would have had her carried off to her tent to rest, which she wanted to avoid. She knew that sooner than she wanted Theodred would have to leave to deal with the invaders and she couldn't risk him leaving without saying goodbye. As the time slowly passed, more and more people--Riders, their wives and children, and elders beyond the ability to fight in an eóred--congregated around the royal pavilion. They whispered amongst themselves, their voices low and worried. It was a huge contrast to the cheerfully noisy place the Gather-Meet encampments had been only that morning.
Edlyn almost bit her tongue as a hand suddenly fell on her shoulder. She turned, pulling away from it, to find her brothers had worked their way through the growing crowd and the hand belonged to Deor. "You almost scared the life out of me!" she hissed, noticing that he was in full battle gear, as was Ceorlaf and several other Riders. No matter what was decided, it was obvious the men believed they'd be riding out to a fight. She was prevented from saying anything more to her brother as the closed flaps of the King's pavilion suddenly opened and Theodred strode out, followed closely by Eomer and Erkenbrand, his expression grim. The remainder of the marshals and eóred leaders followed. He looked at the gathered crowd, noting that they had congregated in groups made up of others of their home holdings, and it didn't take him long to see where his own people waited.
Edlyn tried to rise to her feet when she saw Theodred walking in their direction but Erkenbrand gave a small shake of his head, so she forced herself to stay seated. Then she saw the reason for the warning: Grima Wormtongue had just emerged from the King's pavilion leaning heavily on a crutch as he limped along. Ceorl, delayed in exiting the tent by Grima's slow pace, impatiently ducked past the advisor and caught up with his Prince.
The murmuring that had been running through the crowd stilled as the Riders and dependents looked expectantly at Theodred. Edlyn took a deep breath and finally asked the question that was on everyone's mind. "What has been decided?"
Theodred answered in a voice loud enough that those on the far edges of the crowd could hear. "We ride to succor the wood-halls of Firienwood." He added, "I will require 75 Riders to assist my cousin, the Third Marshal. The remainder will guard the non-combatants' return to Helm's Deep. I suspect that the attacks are somehow coordinated and are intended to draw most of the protection away from the Westfold."
Edlyn wasn't surprised at his words given what she'd overheard when the messengers had arrived at the melee field.
"Who is to go with you, your highness, and who is to guard the families and the horses home?" one of the Riders asked.
Erkenbrand stepped forward and answered, "All acclaimed Riders will gather at the feasting field in one hour. At that time, assignments will be given."
Deor gave Edlyn's shoulder a hard squeeze and released it. "Don't even think of trying to go along, sister," he said into her ear before turning and pushing Ceorlaf back the way they had come. Whatever their assignment was, they'd have to get their mounts and the remainder of their gear ready and the hour shouldn't be wasted. Edlyn flushed with anger and embarrassment. It was bad enough that he and Ceorlaf had intercepted her on her way to find Frea this morning and spent nearly a quarter of an hour telling her how stupidly reckless she'd been to ride Gyldenides in the race the day before but how could he believe that she'd be foolish enough to try ride out with the eoreds to an actual battle?
Theodred's eyes narrowed as he overheard Deor's words to his sister. "Deor!" he called.
Deor halted and turned round to face Theodred. "Yes, my lord?"
"My squire will be otherwise occupied. Tack up Brego and bring him to my pavilion."
"Yes, my lord," Deor answered with a grimace. Saying that he and the big bay did not get along was an understatement. Violent antipathy was a much more accurate term to describe their relationship.
Edlyn was caught between pity and a feeling that it served her brother right. "I hope you have a lot of sugarloaf, Deor," she told him, sweetly. "You're going to need it."
"Frea," Theo said, turning away from the disgraced Rider, "Would you and your ladies please put together food for our journey. We will not be stopping for long so will need things that can be eaten cold."
"It will be done immediately, your highness." Frea gestured to the women who stood near and added as Edlyn once more tried to get to her feet, "Stay here, Edlyn. You're hands still aren't in any shape to help cook." She then led her staff to the cooking pits, giving out riders and directions as efficiently as any Marshal to his eóred.
The crowd dispersed as the Riders and their dependents went to take up the necessary tasks to prematurely end the Gather-Meet, until only Theodred, Erkenbrand, Ceorl and Edlyn remained.
"We'll pick the Riders by lots," Theo said quietly, as Eomer came across to their little group after dismissing his own people.
"Good idea," the Third Marshal said. "Then there should be no one whining about the unfairness of babysitting those returning home."
Erkenbrand watched after the Riders who were hastily readying themselves for battle. "With the attacks in the Westfold and the ones around Edoras, I don't think that they'll lose any opportunity for glory." He then frowned down at Edlyn who'd given up trying to get up from the bench and was waiting with strained patience. "I'm tempted to send you to Edoras, as it's closer and you aren't in any condition to ride any distance."
Edlyn stared at him in dismay. Go to Edoras? "But, father..."
"No," Theo said quickly, "Not Edoras. She can ride on one of the wains until her hands heal enough to handle reins again. I want to know that all of our people are safe at home while we rout the invaders at Firienwood." He couldn't help but glance over his shoulder towards the entrance of Theoden's pavilion, schooling his face.
Erkenbrand gave up on the idea and pinned Edlyn with a glare. "You will ride in one of the wains and stay within sight of Frea, understood?"
She looked at Theodred and noted the glance he gave the black-haired advisor then nodded. "Yes, father, I understand."
Theo turned his attention back to Edlyn. "If we are drawing lots, we'll need something to pick them with. Edlyn, would you acquire some black and white beans? I'll send a quarter of our strength with the caravan home."
"Certainly, I know Frea brought plenty of both," she answered. The camp was growing noisy with the sounds of men preparing for battle and travel.
"Thank you." He smiled tiredly then added, "Ceorl, go with her and bring them to the field. And tell Haeric to start packing my gear. I need to speak privately with my father."
Erkenbrand took Edlyn's arm and lifted her up from the bench. "I'll see to my arms and meet you shortly, my lord," he said. "I'll stop by the kitchens and see you before I go, Edlyn. Take her arm, Ceorl, if you would. I think my daughter has been overdoing things today." His latter words were said loudly as he rolled his eyes towards where Grima lurked.
Eomer spoke up. "It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Edlyn. Do not forget your promise to me of one of Gyldenides' first foals."
"I shan't forget, my lord. But you'll have to be patient. It will likely be a few years before a foal is available." Edlyn told him as she settled her skirts with her free hand.
"Good things are worth the wait, my lady." Eomer bowed to her, and exchanged warrior handclasps with the other men before striding off towards his own pavilion.
Edlyn looked up into Theodred's eyes before allowing Ceorl to lead her to the kitchens, "Will I see you again before you leave, hlaford-min?"
"Yes, I promise." Theo replied quietly. Edlyn dipped a curtsey and left her father and betrothed lord reluctantly. For some reason this leave-taking was infinitely more difficult than all the others had been.
The Second Marshal then glanced at Erkenbrand, who was looking after his daughter with a worried look on his face. "Ceorl will see her safely to Frea's care. I'll meet you shortly at the feast field," he said then turned and walked towards the entrance of Theoden's tent. He flexed his right hand in its bandages and flinched as the stitches pulled. Injured or not, he was going to ride he told himself as he skirted around the black-clad Wormtongue, and strode back into his father's pavilion. "Father, the Riders are preparing their arms, and the non-combatants are beginning to pack up for the journey home."
Theoden looked up from the map that was now spread on the table that stood before his chair, and beckoned for Theo to join him and Gamling. "Good. Gamling suggests that you may want to approach Firienwood from the northwest."
The red haired Rider nodded and pointed at a line of hills. "The terrain here should hide your approach from whatever forces are in place."
"That seems like a good idea. While it would serve well to hide us, what's to say the enemy isn't using that terrain to set ambushes?" Theo looked at the map with a hint of a frown.
Gamling nodded. "We should consider that, but if you arrive directly from the west, they'll see you a league or more away."
Theo ran his finger along the image of the White Mountains on the map. "What if we split the approach? One line of attack there, but sending another along the Mering Stream and a third group from the west? They'd be paying attention to the ones they could see first and then we could close in on them from the northwest and north."
Gamling frowned and ran his finger along the blue ink that depicted the river. "I'd use Folcwine's eóred along the Stream; he knows that area like the back of his hand. Coming in on the western approach seems too risky. It would be a suicide charge if there's as large a force as reported."
"We need something to draw their attention away from the Stream and the hills," Theo persisted. "If not a charge, some sort of distraction."
Theoden listened as his son and lieutenant argued the pros and cons of the multi-front attack but held his silence. Both men were seasoned veterans and excellent strategists.
Gamling was silent for a minute or two then looked Theo in eye. "A stampede."
Before Theodred could respond Eomer entered the tent. "A stampede, Gamling?" he asked as he bowed to his uncle.
The prince grinned and nodded at the older Rider. "That would work."
Gamling nodded towards Eomer. "If the Third Marshal would allow you to collect a number of his free herd to run with the eóreds, they can easily be set to stampede along the western approach. "
"You're making awfully free with my bloodstock, Gamling. Before I say 'yes', I want to know what you have in mind. And to know how you plan on getting my horses back to me." Eomer tucked his gauntlets into his belt and joined Theo and Gamling at the table. "What think you, uncle?"
"If I recall, nephew, technically 'your' bloodstock actually belongs to me," Theoden said dryly. "It is a viable idea. If you use one of the gelding herds, there won't be any risk to the breeding stock at all."
"Well, Theo?" Eomer asked. "Shall I send an errand-runner to Aldburg and have one of the gelding herds readied to meet you on your way to Firienwood?"
"If you would," Theo nodded. "The Riders who start the stampede will be the most at risk." He added, "We will need experienced men able to keep their own mounts from joining in with the running herds."
"Given the Riders we have here, it oughtn't to be a problem finding them. That is, if every holding sent their best men," Gamling replied.
"You think any holding wouldn't have done so?" Eomer asked as he reached for a handful of marker stones and began placing them on the map.
The discussion continued between the three men with Theoden occasionally inserting a comment or bit of advice. Theodred was glad of the strategy meeting, for it would make giving the appropriate orders to his Riders much easier; but he cast a glance at the sandglass and saw that the hour was nearly up before he had to meet with his men. But he still had not had a chance to talk with his father. He shifted around the table to stand next to the king and, while Eomer and Gamling were arguing about the best way to recover the stampeded geldings after the battle, he quietly said, "Sire, I would speak privately with you before we--" A sound from outside, lurching footsteps and the thump of a crutch, interrupted him.
Grima entered the pavilion and made an awkward bow to Theoden. "Majesty, the Riders are gathered and awaiting their orders." His tone intimated that Eomer and Theodred were tardy in their duties by still being in the pavilion instead of with their troops.
Bema! Am I ever going to get a chance to ask Father about Edlyn? Theodred looked again at the map table, drawing his temper under control. The other marshals and lieutenants then arrived reporting that all their able-bodied Riders stood ready in their camps for further instructions.
Theoden gestured for Grima to move to the side. "Theodred, Eomer, choose which eóreds ride with you."
"My eóred and Erkenbrand's will ride with Oeric's and Eadfrid's," Theo decided. "We can further determine which eóreds will set off the stampede and which will make the approach from beyond the hills once we reach Aldburg and collect the geldings."
Eomer nodded his agreement then selected his eóreds which would combat the orc raiders that were afflicting the steadings around Edoras.
Theo stepped to the side with his chosen marshals and Erkenbrand, and told them to get the Riders that would be going with them to the melee field. "Erkenbrand, draw lots for those Riders which will escort those returning to Helm's Deep, and then we'll reorganize the eóreds if necessary before we leave."
Eomer was doing likewise and after sending his marshals to ready their men, turned to the King. "Uncle, will you be riding with us?"
Before Theoden could open his mouth to answer, the Worm spoke up, his voice insinuating concern and care for the king as well as the implication that such a request was not appropriate for the Third Marshal to make. "Is it not best, my liege, for you to remain in Edoras, to coordinate the actions of all of the eóreds in both the east and west folds? Only your vast experience can understand the complexities of the overall defense of the realm."
Eomer stiffened and glared towards the advisor before moderating his expression and speaking to his uncle again. "I fear I did not make the intent of my question clear. I meant to ask if your majesty wished to ride with us as far as Edoras today or if you prefer to set out tomorrow with the dependents."
Theoden shot an irritated glance at Grima. "I am no dotard Grima, and may answer for myself. Nay, Eomer. I shall set out on the morrow so that my personal guard can supplement the Riders who will be guarding the women and other dependents."
Theodred sent Erkenbrand and the marshals off saying that he would join them shortly, and lingered as the other men left the pavilion. He turned to face the king again, "Father--" Again he was interrupted by the sound of raised voices outside the open door flaps.
"Whoa, you bloody stallion! No! Not in the King's Tent!"
A yell of pain as a purposefully placed hoof landed on a booted foot drowned out the rest of the cacophony, and Theo spun round to see Brego shove his head and forequarters into the royal pavilion. He was tacked and ready for war, and had, apparently, come looking for his missing Rider.
"Brego," Theo groaned. "Excuse me, Father while I get this Idiot back to where he belongs." He made a quick bow to the king and crossed the outer room of the pavilion to seize Brego's trailing reins with his good hand, shoving against the stallion's chest. "Here I am, you bloody fool horse. Move!"
Brego refused to budge and nipped at Theo's belt pouch.
"No. You're not getting any sugarloaf after this escapade. Now, back." Theodred was furious. If it had just been his father present, it would have been a jest to laugh over, but that Worm was watching every second, and Bema knew how the Advisor would twist this in his father's mind.
Brego gave Theo a longsuffering look but backed up, removing himself from the tent and stepping away from the entrance, having realized that his Rider was not going to be giving in on this matter at all.
"Now apologize." Theo made Brego face the guard whose foot had been trod upon.
Brego had the grace to look shamefaced and scuffed his near front hoof on the grass, ducking his head and gently placing his nose against the guard's chest. The guard, his face still twisted with pain from his broken toe, nodded and gave Brego a scratch under the forelock. "Forgiven, Brego."
Deor stepped up, looking rather the worse for wear. "I'm sorry, my lord. He got away from me."
Theodred sighed, then asked, "Are you fit to ride with the eóreds?"
"Yes, my lord." Deor brushed the dirt from his armor and winced, a fresh bruise was burgeoning on the side of his face from where Brego had head butted him and he likely bore more under his armor and tunic.
Theo turned back to the guard. "I'll have the healer attend to you immediately. My deepest apologies." He bowed his head to the guard and turned back to Deor. "Go find the healer and send him back here then report to the melee field."
Brego carefully stepped away from the guard before noticing Deor's presence and laying his ears back.
"Yes, my lord," Deor saluted and literally fled wanting to make sure he was as far from the Second Marshal's homicidal stallion as possible.
Giving a shake of the reins, Theo glared at Brego and hissed, "Behave yourself," and swung himself up and into the saddle. It was awkward riding one handed again, but he'd certainly had enough practice at it given his recently broken wrist. Brego impudently snorted but walked forward without fuss as his Rider was now where he belonged and Deor had abandoned the field.
Theo guided the big bay stallion, not towards the melee field, but towards the cluster of tents that had sheltered Frea, Edlyn and the other women who had kept the camp fed and cared for during the Gather-Meet, looking for Edlyn's golden head among the women hurrying about.
Edlyn was giving directions to four children who were standing next to two wheelbarrows filled with waterskins. "Now be careful and make sure that each rider has a full skin. If he doesn't, trade his for one of the full ones. Then take the empty ones to the stream where Halla and the others will fill them."
Since she couldn't actually help cook or pack the ration bags, she'd organized the children into teams to fill waterskins, deliver rations, and so forth. It definitely made the camp less chaotic as the children weren't running about getting into mischief while the Riders and their mounts readied themselves head off to battle.
"Edlyn," Theo called softly, keeping Brego firmly under control and away from the youngsters who dashed past pushing the barrows.
Edlyn looked up at the sound of his voice and for a moment she just stared at him as if memorizing his appearance, then she hurried to Brego's near side. "Theodred?"
He took the reins in his bandaged hand for a moment and reached down to grasp her wrist and lift her effortlessly up into the saddle before him. She wrapped her arms around him and buried her face against his shoulder, suddenly crying. She'd seen him off on patrols but today's farewell was different. This time she knew he was definitely riding into a battle, one as far away from their home as it was possible to get and still be in the Riddermark.
"Hold on." He turned Brego between the tents and rode out beyond them.
"Min heorte," he whispered into her hair, as he drew Brego to a halt out of sight of the melee field and the virtual city of tents that had made up the encampment. "We have only minutes--I must go and order the Riders to their assignments. Oh, my dearest love, you will be ever in my mind and heart until I come again home to Helm's Deep and you."
Edlyn caught her breath at his words. "Oh, hlaford-min, be safe, please be safe. You take my heart with you." She looked up into his face and gave him a tremulous smile through her tears. "All my love goes with you. All my hopes, my dreams. Hurry and bring them back to me." She continued, "Your heart is safe in my breast, your love safe in my heart, and your hopes safe in my love."
He caught up the edge of his cloak and wrapped it about her, holding her closely and kissed her, hard and lovingly. "I will take Edlyn Erkenbrandsdottir to cherish her, protect her and love her. I will make her the lady of my life and the queen of my heart," he said, repeating his betrothal vow to her.
Edlyn caught her breath at his words then responded as she had that night in the Hall at Helm's Deep. "I will take Theodred Theodensson to cherish him, protect him, and love him. I will make him the lord of my life and the king of my heart."
He bent his head over hers, and kissed her again, this time almost desperately. Edlyn returned the kiss with an equal feeling of desperation. She suddenly had the feeling that their time was short, much shorter than either of them had thought. "Promise me that you'll come back. promise me!"
"I will return, Edlyn. I swear it. Nothing will keep us apart, I will always return to you."
"I'll hold you to that." She suddenly realized that he wore only his tunic and cloak. "Theo, your armor..."
They were interrupted by the approach of Ceorl. "Theodred!"
"I'll be right there, Ceorl," the prince called, not turning his eyes away from his betrothed. "Be careful going home. Stay with Frea and don't let the Worm anywhere near you as you travel past Edoras."
"I will. I promise."
Theo reluctantly turned Brego and gave him the office to move forward to where his adjutant waited. Ceorl turned his mount to go back into the camp and looked at the two lovers with sympathy in his eyes but said only, "Your esquire has your armor ready at your tent."
Theo nodded and let Ceorl ride ahead of him towards his pavilion. He directed Brego towards the women's tents and just short of the central fire pit, drew the stallion to a halt . He dropped the reins to lie across Brego's neck and tipped Edlyn's face up towards his own. "I love you. I will miss you so much but my duty requires us to part. I will return as quickly as I may. And when I come back let us be swiftly wed." He framed her face in his hands, caring not about the sting from the stitches as he pressed his palms against her skin then tilted his head and fitted his mouth to hers. It was a gentle kiss but it somehow communicated the true depth of his feelings for her and he broke it only when he could no longer go without breath.
Edlyn wished she could stay in his arms like this forever but knew that he had to go. Swiftly she reached and unfastened the chain that she wore round her neck. It bore a silver simbelmyne blossom and had belonged to her mother. She pressed the necklace into his good hand and closed his fingers around it. "I love you. I'll be waiting at the gate."
"This time wait for Heornlaf to get it completely open," he teased gently. He drew her hand to his lips and kissed it before releasing her from his hold, to allow her to slide down to the ground.
"I will." She stood and watched as he turned Brego down the path to his pavilion, unaware of the witnesses to that kiss and farewell, which included King Theoden who was making his own way to the melee field accompanied by Gamling.
Fifteen minutes later Theodred was back in the saddle, armed and armoured, and more than ready to lead his Riders to battle. Around his neck, beneath the gorget and chest plate, a small silver simbelmyne blossom rested over his heart.
Grima Wormtongue, his progress slowed by the necessity to use the crutch to move about, had also seen Theodred and Edlyn's kiss and the exchange of the token. His eyes narrowed. He knew the significance of the green cloak wrapped round the woman and the last thing he and his true master wanted was a legitimate heir to the throne of the Riddermark. He scowled at the expression of pleasure on Theoden's face and awkwardly hastened to join the King. He needed to get the King back to Edoras, where he could make certain that any marriage plans would be nipped in the bud.
Once Theodred was out of her sight Edlyn looked round and found Frea who gave her a look of such utter sympathy that she was completely undone. Biting back the sobs that seemed ready to burst forth from her throat she turned and ran towards the pasture, not stopping until she found Gyldenides and was able to weep at last, her face against the golden mare's shoulder and a sympathetic nose nuzzling her hair.
Brego snorted as Theodred held him to a walk through the camp and guided him to the reviewing stand that bordered the melee field. Erkenbrand waited astride Whitcalc before the combined eóreds along with the other marshals and lieutenants. Eomer stood before the reviewing stand, Firefoot's reins in his hand as he talked with Rægenhere.
A minute after Theodred halted Brego next to Whitcalc Theoden-King stepped up onto the stand accompanied by Gamling. The King Theoden looked out over the gathered Riders then turned his eyes on his son. "Attend me, Theodred."
Surprised, Theodred dismounted, and, handing off Brego's reins to Erkenbrand, he mounted the steps to the reviewing stand and went to one knee before his father, his head bowed.
Theoden smiled down at his son and placed his hands on Theodred's head. "Bema bless thee, and watch thee, and keep thee safe from harm. May he guide thy spear and strengthen thy sword-arm. May he bring thee safely home, thy enemies honourably defeated."
Theo's breath caught in his throat and looked up to stare into his father's eyes, caught between joy and tears. In all the years since reaching his majority, his father had never blessed him before a mission.
The King removed his hands from Theo's head and raised him up. Then, softly enough that only Theodred could hear it, he said, "When you have rid the Firienwood of these invaders, return to Edoras and we shall speak of your betrothal."
The prince gave his father a blinding smile, clasping Theoden's hands in his, "Thank you, father. May Bema guard you in my absence until I greet you again as your loving son."
Theoden smiled back at him and embraced him before gesturing for him to return to Brego. Then he looked out at the assembled Riders and in a voice stronger than any had heard from him in some few years, cried out, "Invaders have entered the Riddermark. Some have attacked the wood-halls of Firien, whilst others raid the farmsteads and holdings near Edoras and the Aldburg. But no longer! Forth Eorlingas! Rid our land of these enemies so that our horses may run free and our people prosper!"
Theodred mounted Brego again and took his helm from his squire and put it on as his father roused the Riders. He drew his sword and held it high shouting in response to the final words, "Forth Eorlingas!" Then catching Eomer's eye, he put his heels to Brego's sides and encouraged the excited stallion to rear before leading his men from the melee field towards the east, Eomer and Erkenbrand pacing him on either side, the thunder of hundreds of hooves filling the afternoon air.
TBC