Jack and Crutchie exchanged glances.
"'Scuse me, sir," Crutchie asked. "But who are you?"
"That," Gandalf the Wizard (for it was he) proclaimed, "Is a question for another time, another place. Now come along."
The boys had never seen anything like Edoras before. Heck, they had never seen anything like Middle-earth before! At least, that's what Colin told them this place was called. Apparently he had already been here, and had ran into some things called 'hobbits'. Jack and Crutchie had no clue what those were, though. The best thing was to go along with this strange group, and discover all the answers in time. Though Jack was very impatient.
Something of this place reminded him of Santa Fe, with it's wide green hills and snow-capped mountains in the distance. This part of Middle-earth felt desolate however, with barely a smile adorning the passing people's faces. Crutchie thought that was strange. Even in New York, you'd always see a smile somewhere. Or at least some expression besides forlorn and grim.
Rising up above them on a hill that they struggled up was a grand castle-like structure with a thatched golden roof and wooden walls. The sun glinted off a star-like motif that was stationed above the wide doors, which men in helmets and long green robes and tarnished armor guarded. The horses made a steady beat across the stone-paved courtyard, with Crutchie's crutch adding to the uneven footsteps. Standing at the edge of the steps was a fair-haired woman, layered in white. She had about her a proud, fair look that looked down at the newcomers. Jack carefully took off his hat, carefully aware of his roughed up appearance in contrast to the woman's lovely attire. As he watched, the red and forest green flag broke free of it's tethers and flew away, escaping into the gale. Jack tracked the flag's movements for a moment, and when he looked back, the lady was gone.
Crutchie, looking the other way, barely stopped before he noticed that the horses had stopped at the doors. He limped over to Jack, wondering why they just didn't go inside. Gandalf and the guards seemed to be having some sort of exchange.
"I cannot allow you before Théoden-King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame. By order of Gríma Wormtongue."