A/N: As usual, I own nothing.
***Chapter 18***
**Saffy's POV**
We had ridden all through the day, but finally we were stopping. My ass had gone numb hours ago and my entire body was aching from the repetitive bumping. Thankfully though, we were dismounting and setting up camp. After I dismounted, I stretched my back. Once it made a pleasant popping sound, I relaxed back down, compressing my spine.
It was almost entirely quiet, as we set up camp that night. Legolas had not been talkative all day, deciding not to speak unless spoken to. Personally, I wasn't feeling the best; DiDi leaving was kind of my fault, for not stopping her at least. A campfire was lit, using some of the dry grass, which was so prevalent on the plains, to get the fire going strong. The fire was entirely for heat, as the only thing that we had to eat was Lembas bread. I took a miniscule bite of the bread, and then took a swig from my water skin.
I settled down in my bedroll, not really wanting to talk to the others. Tonight, sleep was difficult to come by. Both Gandalf and Aragorn were awake and talking, as the roar of Gimli's snores echoed through our camp.
"The veiling shadow that glowers in the east takes shape. Sauron will suffer no rival. From the summit of Barad-dur, his Eye watches ceaselessly. But he is not so mighty yet that he is above fear. Doubt gnaws at him. The rumor has reached him, the heir of Numenor still lives." Gandalf stated, his watch set upon the east, and Mordor. "Sauron fears you, Aragorn. He fears what you will become. And so he'll strike hard and fast at the world of Men. He will use his puppet Saruman to destroy Rohan. War is coming. Rohan must defend itself, and therein lies our first challenge… for Rohan is weak and ready to fall. The king's mind is enslaved, it's an old device of their cunning… but we have one advantage. The Ring remains hidden. And that we should seek to destroy it… has not yet entered their darkest dreams. And so the weapon of the enemy is moving toward Mordor… in the hands of a hobbit. Each day brings it closer to the fires of Mount Doom. We must trust in Frodo. Everything depends upon his speed… and the secrecy of his quest."
Aragorn nodded his head. A look of contemplation must have crossed his face, as he sighed deeply.
"You don't think that Deirdre would betray us, do you?" he questioned, trying to stay quiet.
They must not have known that I was awake, as they talked about my best friend as though she would turn to the side of evil without a moment's hesitation. A frown set itself upon my face, I was not going to sit here silently, and listen to them question her loyalty. Deirdre may be many things, but above all else, she is loyal. She had told me in the past, that if it came down to it, that her death could save the lives of others, she would not hesitate to sacrifice herself.
"We can only hope that who she was with us, is who she truly is." Gandalf stated, at this point I sat up.
"Deirdre would never betray us." I told them, my voice sure and slightly agitated.
"Saffron, we do not know what they are doing to her. If they were torturing her, it would be understandable if she told Saruman what we had planned." Aragorn reasoned, trying to soothe me a little.
"But she wouldn't. She would take the torture." I insisted I knew my best friend. "Believe me, she won't betray us."
"I hope that you are right." Gandalf stated solemnly.
I nodded my head, then laid back down in my bedroll. After a while, sleep finally came to me.
The next morning we all ate Lembas bread once more for breakfast (my appetite still hadn't returned in full) and packed our things up. It was silent once more as we prepared for the day's journey. Thankfully we had the horses, as we would arrive at Edoras sometime today. I climbed up behind Aragorn once more and we took off along the plains once more.
The ride was silent, no one wanting to talk, especially not when they would have to compete with the sound of the ravaging wind. The first time that anyone talked, was when Edoras finally came into sight. It was a city on a hill, consisting mainly of thatched houses. If you looked at the villages from the Viking era, this was probably what they looked like. We had stopped to admire the capital of Rohan.
"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." Gandalf informed us. "Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here."
We began to ride toward Edoras once again, the wind whipped vigorously around us. As we finally neared the entrance to Edoras, a flag bearing a horse landed on the ground near us. Aragorn paused for a moment, glancing down at the flag that was around our horse's feet. As we rode through Edoras, the people came out and lined the sides of the streets, staring at us with a little hope. Standing upon the steps of the great hall, was a blonde woman. She wore a white gown with slight golden embroidery, her hair and gown blowing forward with the force of the wind. After looking directly at our three horses, she turned around and headed back into the hall.
"You'd find more cheer in a graveyard." Gimli stated lowly.
His perception was entirely correct; everyone in the town wore mourning clothes, not a single smile among all the people in the crowd. The children did not run around and play, instead they stood near their mothers, holding onto their skirts.
A few stable-hands came and met us at the foot of the steps to the hall, taking the horses from us. We ascended the steps, only to be met by several guards standing at the top, who had walked out of the hall to block our entrance.
"I cannot allow you before Theoden King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame. By order of, Grima Wormtongue." As he said this name, the guards face showed signs of disgust which matched his tone.
With a nod from Gandalf, we all began to disarm. I removed my dual blades and handed them over to one of the guards, who was collecting our weapons. I glanced over at Legolas, who had just unfastened DiDi's swords from his waist. He seemed reluctant to part with the blades, but with one last look he handed them over to the guard.
"Your staff." The guard stated, as he nodded his head to Gandalf's staff.
"Hmmm." Gandalf began, looking at his staff. "You would not part an old man from his walking stick."
Somehow he actually managed to look frail and weak as he said that, he hunched his shoulders a little, leaning heavily upon the staff. The guard looked a little worried for a moment then he turned around to lead us into the hall. Gandalf winked slyly at Aragorn, dropped his staff to his side so it would not be easily seen, and took Legolas' offered arm. He and Legolas entered the hall first. Aragorn and Gimli flanked my sides as we entered behind them.
The sniveling man in black leaning against the throne of the King whispered, but the acoustics of the hall carried the noise back to us. His words emphasizing all the "sss" sounds, and the fact that he was whispering made him sound all the more snakelike.
"My lord, Gandalf the Grey is coming. He's a herald of woe." Wormtongue told the King, gripping onto the armrest of the throne.
"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened as of late… Theoden King." Gandalf proclaimed, his voice coming out strong and powerful.
With a glance over to the side I saw a menacing group of guards. They were rugged and hairy men. I turned my attention back to the King and Wormtongue once more.
"He's not welcome." Came the slimy voice of Womtongue, once again influencing the king.
"Why should I welcome you… Gandalf Stormcrow?" The voice coming from the heap of grey matter that was the king stated, sounding like gravel.
"A just question, my liege." Wormtongue reassured, he was clearly a sycophant. "Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell I name him."
Wormtongue had moved closer throughout his speech, coming to stand directly before Gandalf. I glanced over to the side once more, seeing that the group of guards were slowly hedging closer to us.
"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." Gandalf practically growls back at Wormtongue, raising his staff right next to Wormtongue's face.
Wormtongue's eyes widen as he begins to back away from the wizard. He glanced over at the guards who had been walking at the same pace in the shadows.
"His staff. I told you to take the wizard's staff." Wormtongue groaned at the incompetence of the guards.
The group rushed in to attack us, but was blocked in their attempt to take the staff from the wizard, as we began attacking them. I knocked the legs out from under the first guard who moved to attack me, successfully sending him falling to the ground. The next grabbed my arm, only to have me return the grip and send him swinging past me into a column. Gandalf's voice rang out as we continued to fight.
"Theoden… son of Thengal… too long have you sat in the Shadows." Gandalf attempted to call the mind of the King back to the forefront of the body's consciousness.
All the guards have given up fighting us now, considering that most of them were laying on the ground around our feet. Gimli's foot is pressing down upon the chest of Wormtongue, successfully pinning him in his place.
"I would stay still if I were you." Gimli ordered the wriggling Wormtongue.
"Hearken to me! I release you from the spell." Gandalf spoke, attempting to free the king. He closed his eyes in concentration, holding his hand up before Theoden.
A lifeless laugh erupts from the king, sounding as though air was going through draught ruled tunnels. The cackling laughter finally subsided.
"You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey." The voice came out, sounding like Saruman.
Gandalf threw off his grey cloak, revealing the bright white robes underneath. The strength of the light radiating from Gandalf caused the king to be thrust back against the back of his throne.
"I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound." Gandalf declared as he thrust his staff forward, knocking back the king once more.
The blonde woman from outside, who must have been Eowyn, rushed forward to attempt to aid the king. But she was halted in her path by Aragorn, who grabbed ahold of her, keeping her from her uncle.
"Wait." Aragorn told her. As she gave up attempting to reach her uncle, knowing that she would not win in a struggle with the stronger man.
"If I go, Theoden dies." Saruman growled out through Theoden.
"You did not kill me. You will not kill him." Gandalf ordered, still holding his staff out still.
"Rohan is mine." Saruman roared. "Just like your darling Deirdre."
"Be gone." Gandalf ordered, completely unfazed with what Saruman had said.
Theoden lunged once more at Gandalf, only to be rebuffed by the staff and hit the back of the throne. The body of Theoden began to fall from the throne as a result of being thrown back with such force. Aragorn released Eowyn, as she went running to her uncle and caught him as he fell from the throne. The king began to look younger, his hair shrank back and his face lost many of the wrinkles, which had previously weathered it like the worn pages of an old book.
"I know your face." Theoden stated, staring intently at her face. "Eowyn. Eowyn."
With that Eowyn broke into sobs, hugging her uncle tightly to her. He looked over her shoulder and recognized Gandalf.
"Gandalf?" he questioned, amazed at the sudden appearance of the old wizard.
"Breathe the free air again, my friend." Gandalf told him, as the king slowly rose unsteadily.
"Dark have been my dreams of late." Theoden said, examining his shaking hands before him.
"Your fingers might remember their old strength better, if they grasped your sword." Gandalf suggested.
The lead guard approached the king an intricate sword in his hands, which he offered to the king. The king's hands shook, but his fingers tightened and steadied when grasping the hilt of the sword. He drew the sword slowly from its scabbard, finally holding the blade before his face. The king continued to stare at the sword for a moment, then his eyes left the blade and traveled down to Wormtongue who was still pinned to the floor.
Within moments of the kings order, Wormtongue was thrown out the door of the hall, tumbling down the stairs. The sound of his bones cracking was heard, as he thudded down onto the ground.
"I've only ever served you my lord." Grima plead, beginning to scramble backwards to away from the angry Theoden advancing on him.
"Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast." Theoden angrily spat at the cowering man.
"Send me not from your sight!" Wormtongue continued to beg, obviously afraid of what would await him in Isenguard.
Theoden raised his sword high over his head, about to slay Wormtongue. But he was stopped by Aragorn, who grabbed the sword on the downward swing, preventing the strike. The king fixed his angry glare on Aragorn.
"No, my lord." Aragorn tried to reason. "No, my lord. Let him go. Enough blood has been spilt on his account."
The king stopped in his action, lowering his sword. Aragorn reached his hand out to help Wormtongue up, only to have his hand spat on by the sniveling man. Grima scrambled to his feet, quickly taking off in a limping run for the stables.
"Get out of my way." He ordered to the people who had gathered around to watch his expulsion.
"Hail, Theoden King." Came the voice of one of the guards.
The call was taken up by all the people around, as everyone bowed down to the king, myself included. The sound of horses hooves beating rapidly against the ground was heard as Wormtongue fled Rohan. Theoden turned from the crowd kneeling before him, looking instead at his guards.
"Where is Theodred?" he questioned, to which everyone remained silent. "Where is my son?"
No one knew how to react, Eowyn's tears returned. But she approached her uncle first, embracing him. She buried her head in his shoulder, she must have whispered what had happened to him at this point. As tears erupted in the king's eyes, as he grasped his niece closer. After a moment, we all returned inside the Golden Hall, welcoming the darkness. The king was left to grieve the loss of his son, as we were shown to rooms by Eowyn. The men would be staying in a temporary room together, while I would be separated in my own guest room. As Eowyn silently walked me to my chamber, I felt sorry for her. Upon arrival, when she turned to walk away and find some place quiet herself, I spoke quietly to her.
"I'm so sorry for your loss. I know it may not mean much, but if you need someone to talk to I'm here." I tried to comfort slightly.
She gave me a watery smile and nodded her head, her tears for the most part had receded but another single tear followed the path that the previous ones had taken and ran down her face. She walked off down the hallway after that, and I retired to my room.
**Deirdre's POV**
It had been two days since I had been sent to my chamber, the only time that I had any contact with any other living beings, was when the meals were brought to my room. It was obvious that Saruman didn't trust me yet, as I was sequestered. He must have thought that I was going to taint his troops or something, or he had simply forgotten about me. During the day, I paced the room and relaxed on the bed. Even prison was better than this, they at least got time out to exercise. But I had remained in the chamber set aside for me.
On my second day in the room, there had been a bath drawn for me when I arose, as well as materials to clean my wound once more. New clothes had been left in the bathing room, consisting of all black. Saruman must have been taking the whole being the black wizard seriously. The dress had been a black, corseted bodice with off the shoulder sleeves and a long flowing skirt.
Thankfully there was a balcony attached to my chamber, which meant that at this particular moment, I was looking out over the plains. This balcony was why I saw the dark colored rider speeding toward Isenguard. As he drew nearer, I saw that this must have been Wormtongue. Finally, I thought to myself, maybe now something would happen.
I watched as he handed his horse over to an Uruk who had gone out to meet him. He then rushed into the base of Orthanc and disappeared from my sight. Taking this as my sign that perhaps soon Saruman would send for me, I headed back inside my chamber and took a seat at the ebony vanity.
There was an ornate brush on the vanity and I brushed through my hair making it silky smooth, as I stared into the mirror mindlessly. I looked paler in the black dress than I had before, this was probably also because I had been rather lifeless recently. The light that was normally shining in my eyes was faded, but my eyes held a hint of shimmer to them still. Their color today was a mix between blue and green, with the center being closer to blue and the ring on the outside a lovely emerald green. My hair was shinier than it had been in a long time, probably due to the fact that I had been brushing it almost constantly for something to do.
I continued to sit at the vanity for a while, drumming my fingers impatiently on the counter. My other hand rested under my chin. I gave yet another exasperated, impatient sigh when finally, a knock sounded at my door. I rose quickly from my seat, smoothing my dress.
"Yes?" I questioned, to which the door opened.
"Master Saruman has requested your presence." An Uruk grunted out, as it stood outside my door.
"Of course," I stated, walking quickly to the door. "Lead the way."
The Uruk led the way and I followed, keeping my back straight and head held high as we passed by masses of leering Orcs and Uruks. I finally reached the door to Saruman's study, as the Uruk stopped outside the door and nodded its head for me to enter. Deciding against knocking, I opened the door. Only to find Saruman standing over a crumpled Wormtongue on the ground.
"I see that Wormtongue has made it back to you." I stated, sweeping into the room and taking a seat in the chair beside the desk.
Wormtongue glanced up at me from his position on the ground and shock crossed his face. I suppose he wasn't sure why I was so comfortable and strong-willed around Saruman.
"Yes, he has." Saruman stated, with one final scathing glance at the pile of a man on the ground.
Saruman returned to his seat behind the desk, avoiding looking at Wormtongue and instead fixing his gaze on me. I refused to waver under his staring, sparing only a quick glance down at Wormtongue, who was now pulling himself up.
"I take it you summoned me then, because you believe what I told you?" I asked rather rhetorically.
"Indeed, it seems that you are willing to help." Saruman stated.
"But of course, considering the help you currently have." I stated, looking down disgusted at Wormtongue.
Saruman hummed in agreement, his eyes leaving me for a moment to cast an equally disgusted look at Wormtongue. Then he returned to looking at me.
"Then I take it you have information for me?" He presumed.
"Yes," I stated rising from my seat and I began pacing. "I know how you are going to get rid of the heir of Elendil."
He visibly perked up at this, his eyebrow raised in question. At this point, Wormtongue had crawled his way onto one of the chairs and sagged against the back.
"The threat of war will drive the people of Rohan to Helm's deep." I told him, to which he nodded his head. "When they are on this road, you will send out your Warg Riders. One of which will send the heir off the cliff."
"You would contribute to the death of your companion?" he questioned, unsure whether I was helping or not.
"Without hesitation. After all, what better way to prove that I am loyal to you, but to end the life of a so-called companion." I suggested, my evil grin reappearing on my face.
He nodded his head an equally cruel smile upon his face at the thought of ending the heir of Elendil. Wormtongue looked between the two of us, worry apparent on his face. He was learning very quickly what he had done to Rohan.
"Have you much skill with a blade?" he questioned me.
"I have enough skill to slaughter many of the Uruks that you sent to attack myself and my party." I told him.
"You shall lend a hand in the training of the troops, to further prove your commitment to the cause." Saruman told me.
"Very well, my lord. They shall respect me if it is the last thing they do in this life." I assured him, my confidence flying sky high.
"Good, what weapons do you prefer?" he questioned. By now he was completely ignoring Wormtongue.
"I have taken a liking to dual swords."
"Very well, some will be provided for you. You will begin working with our army this afternoon."
"Thank you, my lord."
"You are dismissed, Deirdre." Saruman told me, I turned and began heading for the door. "As for you, Wormtongue."
As I shut the door behind me, I heard the echo of another slap. I restrained myself from flinching at the noise. Internally, I was hoping that I would not disappoint Saruman in the same way that Wormtongue had, but I was not going to sabotage my friends.
I returned to my chamber, taking a seat in the chair against one wall. I was going to wait here until my swords were delivered to me and then would go down and introduce myself to the troops.
**Saffy's POV**
Last night I had eaten supper in the dining hall with my traveling companions, but had returned to my room quickly. Legolas had not been the best company and although the others attempted to make up for it, I could still feel he was slightly upset with me that I hadn't stopped DiDi from taking off.
But today, I was standing around in the center of my given room in just my corset and underwear, not sure what I was supposed to wear. Today was the funeral of Theodred, and I knew that my silvery gown that I had been given in Lothlorien for traveling was not appropriate. But it was the only clothing that I had with me. There was a scowl on my face as I contemplated this. A knock sounded on my door, making me jump slightly. I turned around to face the door.
"Who is it?" I asked cautiously.
"It's Eowyn." Came the reply.
I walked over to the door, pulling it open but keeping my body behind the door. I peered around the edge looking at the woman, who were black in grief.
"I was thinking that you probably did not have appropriate clothing for the funeral today." She stated, her voice coming out soft and sad.
"Oh, yeah. I only have the one dress." I explained, now noticing the bundle of black fabric that was in her hands.
"May I come in?" she timidly requested.
I nodded my head and pulled the door more open for her. She entered the room and looked over at me, upon seeing me in my undergarments she looked away rather quickly. With her eyes averted from my rather exposed form, she handed me the black cloth. Which I gratefully took, as it unbundled in my hands I saw it was a long plain black dress.
I slipped into the dress and turned back around to face her. She smiled softly at me when she saw the dress on me. It was long and flowed in a pretty fashion, rather than having a lot of ornamentation there was simply a cinched in waist. It didn't have a high collar as hers did, but was a scoop neck. Aside from the fact that it was a little tight on me, it looked appropriate for the day.
I went over to the vanity and ran the brush through my hair, leaving it down so that one side could fall before my eyes. Once I had finished this I turned back around to face Eowyn.
"I was wondering if you would accompany me to the funeral." She quietly requested, her grief apparent through her timid manner.
"Yes, it would be nice to stand with someone who I know." I responded, not entirely sure how I should respond to her request.
We both left my room then, making our way outside the hall and the city over to the burial mounds. There was a companionable silence as we walked, it seemed appropriate, as she had lost her cousin. We took our place beside the other women who stood near the burial mounds. There was an opening in one of the mounds, we stood where we could watch the procession of the body.
The funeral started, slowly a procession made its way with the body of the prince on a stretcher. Leading the procession was King Theoden, there were no tears in his eyes, as he had to be strong for his people, but the grief was clearly displayed in his gait. As the procession marched on, Eowyn's voice began a lament in Rohirric.
Bealocwealm hafað fréone frecan forth onsended
giedd sculon singan gléomenn sorgiende
on Meduselde þæt he ma no wære
his dryhtne dyrest and mæga deorost.
Bealo...
An evil death has set forth the noble warrior
A song shall sing sorrowing minstrels
in Meduseld that he is no more,
to his lord dearest and kinsmen most beloved.
An evil death...
As she finished her sorrow-filled lament, the crowd began to disperse. During the song her tears had fallen down her face, now rolling in fat drops. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, which she leaned into. She needed the comfort right now, we began walking back to the Golden Hall. But when we neared Theoden, she pulled from my comfort and gave her uncle a hug. Then she returned to me and we walked into the Golden Hall in silence.
We sat in the Golden Hall silently at the great banquet tables. Eowyn held her head in her hands and I sat next to her, a hand resting on her shuddering shoulders. Her hair had begun to fall from its finely arranged style, only a few strands, but it was an outward sign of her despair. After another moment of this, she sat up fixing her hair back into its up-do.
Just then the doors to the hall burst open. Carrying two famished looking children, was two of the guards. Eowyn sprang into action, having them set the children down at the table. She sent a servant to the kitchens for food and another for blankets and clean water and cloth. The servants ran off to do as she ordered, while Eowyn went over and began checking over the children. I moved to help her, checking the little girl for injuries. She seemed to be unscathed, merely exhausted and hungry.
The servants returned bring the supplies that Eowyn had requested. She wrapped a blanket around either child's shoulders. The children began eating ravenously, while both Eowyn and I began to clean a little of the dirt from their faces.
The king entered the hall then, with my companions in tow. He took a seat on the throne, looking at the children who were eating. He must have gotten some overview of what was happening, as he took it all in stride. Gandalf settled down to his right, while the others took their places at a nearby table.
Eowyn looked up at her uncle, looking away from the children for the first time. She absent-mindedly smoothed the hair of the little boy sitting next to her.
"They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the wild men are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go. Rick, cot, and tree." Eowyn informed him of what we had learned from the children.
"Where is Mama?" the little girl, whose name we had learned was Freda, said.
"Hush, love." I soothed, wrapping my arm around her shoulder. The little girl returned to eating her food.
"This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash. All the more potent for he is now driven by fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from your women and children. You must fight." Gandalf insisted, he unconsciously put his hand on the armrest of the throne.
Theoden looked down at the hand on his chair, it was placed in the same way that Wormtongue had done when he coerced the king. Theoden eyed Gandalf speculatively, unsure if this was the best option.
"You have 2000 good men riding north as we speak. Eomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king." Aragorn tried his hand at convincing the king.
"They will be 300 leagues by now. Eomer cannot help us. I know what it is that you want of me. But I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war." Theoden stated, glancing over at the children as he spoke.
"Open war is upon you. Whether you will risk it or not." Aragorn declared, earning him a dark look from the king.
"When last I looked… Theoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan." He retorted angrily, not liking that his opinion was coming under scrutiny.
A loud burp erupts from Gimli, who when I look over was wiping his mouth with his beard. I looked back at the scene between the Theoden and my companions.
"Then what is the king's decision?" Gandalf asked, attempting to placate the angered king.
Theoden pauses for a moment, but with a last glance over at his niece and the children, his face gains a determined look.
"Helms deep." He stated simply, then he moved to his guard whose name was Hama.
Hama went outside of the Hall to make the announcement to the people of Edoras. My friends went to settle things themselves, while I remained behind with Eowyn. I wouldn't really need to pack anything up, just take my swords, which had been returned to me, and reattach my cloak.
When the children were significantly taken care of, I offered to help Eowyn prepare for the journey. And with that I was cast into a flurry of preparations.
***End Chapter 18***
Sorry it took so long to post this chapter. My account decided it hated me. But everything should be good now. Read and Review ;D