Chapter Fourteen
Later that same day, the Fellowship met in the golden hall. With them were Theoden, his niece Eowyn, and two children which had apparently just arrived, or escaped rather, from the Westfold.
Eowyn stood from caring for the children and said, "They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the wildmen are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go. Rick, cot, and tree."
The girl, the younger of the two children, looked up and asked in a high voice, "Where is mama?"
Eowyn quickly shushed her.
Gandalf looked at the child for a second before saying to Theoden, "This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash. All the more potent for he is driven mad by fear of Sauron." He leaned closer to the King on his throne and said seriously, "Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from your women and children." Gandalf placed a hand on the edge of Theoden's throne and said, "You must fight."
Ilmare watched carefully as Theoden eyed her friend's hand warily.
Aragorn took his pipe from his mouth to speak. "You have two thousand good men riding north as we speak. Eomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their King."
Theoden shook his head. "They will be three hundred leagues from here 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."
Ilmare could take his avoidance no longer. She stood and said with strength, "Whether you wish it or not, open war is the only option left to you which can save you and your people from annihilation."
Theoden turned her and asked sharply, "And what would a cloaked woman know of war?"
Ilmare's eyes narrowed, though he could not see it through the shadow of her hood. " I have fought in more battles than you have years of life. I have seen countless men and elves die defending what you would give up so easily."
She did not say another word. Instead, she stood quickly and silently walked out of the golden hall. Seconds later, Gandalf followed. The other three followed him out, ending their quaint, little caravan.
As they walked, Gimli said, "Helmes Deep! They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight. Who will defend them if not their King?"
"He's only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helm's Deep has saved them in the past," Aragorn said.
Gandalf entered the stables with the others a few feet behind him. As he walked through the wide corridor between the rows of stalls to Ilmare, he said, "There is no way out of that ravine. Theoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he's leading them to safety. What they will get is a massacre. Theoden has a strong will but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan. He will need you before the end, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you. The defences HAVE to hold."
Only seconds later, he stopped beside Ilmare and Shadowfax, smiling at her as he did. He turned back to the others and said, "The Grey Pilgrim...that's what they used to call me. Three hundred lives men I've walked this earth and now I have no time. Good luck. My search will not be n vain. Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the East."
He turned back to Ilmare. He was leaving her, again. It tore at his heart each time they were separate. She smiled wanly and kissed him on the cheek. Before she separated from him, she whispered, "He will come willingly."
He smiled back to her before mounting Shadowfax.
"Go," Aragorn said, nodding as he opened the gates of the stall.
And he left.