A/N: Hey, everyone, how are you doing? Ok, new chapter is ready, I hope you'll like it. So, in this one, Sunglee gives a very useful lesson to a guard: that he must never think that women are weak, because if he believes that...uh-oh, MUAHAHA! Also, this is the part where Legolas gives that epic punch to a guard while fighting.

Gotta Dance 88- Hannon le, mellon nin :) I'm glad you love Sunglee as a character. I'm sure you'll like her even more if you read this one.

Seagle87- Thank you very much, I am happy you liked them.

Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings, neither the books nor the movies.

The night fell in the valley and Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Sunglee and Gimli decided to rest next to a campfire. The four hunters were now much calmer and ready to confront the obstacles that would possibly occur.

Gimli, Legolas and Sunglee slept at once, but Gandalf was looking towards the East, where Mordor was. Aragorn, after putting two more branches in the fire, joined him, wanting to hear what the wizard had to tell him.

'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 ever gnaws at him. The rumor has reached him. The heir of Numenor still lives. Sauron fears you, Aragorn'

At that point Gandalf smiled at him, wanting to give him courage.

'He fears what you may become. And so he will 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 is an old device of all their cunning. 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 towards Mordor in the hands of a Hobbit. Each day brings it closer to the fires of Mount Doom. We must trust now in Frodo. Everything depends upon speed and the secrecy of his quest'

Aragorn was not comforted by Gandalf's speech, on the contrary, he was looking worried and guilty. For the first time he started to think that his decision to let Frodo and Sam continue alone the long way to Mordor was a mistake and that he should follow the two Hobbits. Gandalf read what the Ranger was thinking in his eyes.

'Do not regret your decision to leave him' he said. 'Frodo must finish this task alone'

'He is not alone' Aragorn replied relieved, happy that Frodo had his close friend by his side on this quest. 'Sam went with him'

'Did he?' Gandalf's smile grew wider hearing this. 'Did he, indeed? Good. Yes, very good'

His gaze wandered to the Elves, who were sleeping peacefully, hugged like always. Aragorn followed his eyes and a small smile appeared on his face at the sight of his friends.

'So, young Sunglee could not stay out of the mission of the Fellowship' Gandalf stated and Aragorn laughed.

'Yes. She told us, of course, that she wanted to fight for Middle Earth, but I am sure that the main reason she joined is Legolas'

'I am happy for them' the White Wizard said sincerely. 'They are both wonderful and they deserve to be happy. Sunglee is a bright woman and she will play an important role in all this'

'Lord Elrond forbid her to take part at the beginning, but I presume she was so unhappy that he changed his mind'

'Do not forget one thing, Aragorn' Gandalf advised him. 'Everything has a reason. Frodo was meant to have the Ring. Sunglee was meant to be a member of the Fellowship of the Ring. And you, son of Arathorn, you are meant to be the king of Gondor'

The next day came soon. Riding across the plains of Rohan, the five companions looked at Edoras in front of them. It was glorious, but something scary was in the atmosphere. A castle in the deep was visible.

'Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld' Gandalf announced. There dwells Theoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown. Saruman's hold over King Theoden is now very strong'

Sunglee kept her eyes fixed on the view of the castle, wondering what would happen. She had already dangers and risks behind her, but one thing she had learned was that she should always be prepared for unpleasant surprises.

May the grace of the Valar protect us.

Some minutes later they had arrived in Edoras. As they were riding through the city, the people were staring unfriendly at them, as though they were enemies.

'Be careful what you say' Gandalf warned them. 'Do not look for welcome here'

Aragorn looked up and saw a blond maiden dressed in white standing in front of the Golden Hall. He looked at the others and then again at the castle, but the maiden had gone inside.

'You will find more cheer in a graveyard' Gimli commented and Legolas sighed.

So much for being careful what we say, Gimli.

They soon reached the Hall and walked carefully the stairs. Some guards, one of whose Gandalf greeted with the name 'Hama' came out.

'I can not allow you before Theoden King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame' he informed them with a tone that demanded them to obey. 'By order of Grima Wormtongue'

The she-elf wondered who Grima Wormtongue could be. Considering from the expression Gandalf took when he heard the name, he was not a very friendly person. Gandalf nodded towards them and they handed over their weapons.

'Your staff' Hama insisted, pointing at the wizard.

'Hmmm…You would not part an old man from his walking stick'

The guard looked worried for a moment, then turned and led them forward. Gandalf winked slyly towards Aragorn and followed him, holding Legolas's arm, pretending he was weak and needed help. Legolas could not suppress a smile and Sunglee had to bite her tongue to not start laughing.

Hama paused at the door and let the visitors pass. The hall was spacious and simply decorated. At the depth, on a throne, was sitting a very old man with long beard and empty eyes. The princess gasped when she saw Theoden King. Surely it was the result of Saruman's curse.

Grima Wormtongue, who was seated next to the king, was extremely pale and had long, black hair. It was obvious he had no kindness and no honor in his heart. When he saw them, he whispered something to Theoden.

'The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Theoden King' Gandalf spoke, his voice filling the silent hall.

Sunglee's elf eyes caught a movement behind her. After throwing a discrete look, she realized it was a group of menacing looking guards who were walking behind them. Quickly she walked next to Legolas.

'They are following us' she whispered.

'I know, I saw them as well, but do not do anything yet' he whispered back, stroking her fingers to give her courage.

'Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?' asked Theoden weakly.

'A just question, my liege' Wormtongue agreed.

Now everything became clear in Sunglee's mind. Grima was the one who was helping Saruman to control the king of Rohan. And now he wanted to turn Theoden against them. Wormtongue stood up and walked towards Gandalf.

'Late is the hour, in which this conjurer chooses to appear' he said. 'Lathspell I name him. Ill news is an ill guest'

'Be silent!' Gandalf ordered him furiously. Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm!'

And with these words he lifted his staff in front of Wormtongue's face, whose eyes widened in fear.

'His staff!' he yelled to the guards. 'I told you to take the wizard's staff!'

Suddenly the guards who were following them raced forward to attack Gandalf, but Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Sunglee started fighting them.

'Get the woman!' someone shouted.

Get the woman? thought Sunglee furious. Only take care, because I might get you first.

The one who had said it attacked her. Legolas wanted to help her, but Sunglee did not let him.

'Do not be afraid, Legolas, I can handle it'

With very quick moves she grabbed both of her attacker's hands and kicked him on the shin. The guard winced in pain and Sunglee left a triumphant yell.

'I have a friendly advice for you, my lord' she told him conveniently before pushing him to the ground. 'Never underestimate a woman!'

Legolas sighed relieved that she was alright and focused back on the fighting against the guards. He heard one approaching him from behind. Without turning towards him. he punched him hard on the face, making the guard fall down unconcious.

Meanwhile, Gandalf was walking towards Theoden, his hands raised.

'Theoden, son of Thengel, too long have you sat in the shadows'

Wormtongue, understanding that Gandalf was trying to break the curse used on the king, tried to run away, but Gimli stopped him by standing on his chest with one foot.

'I would stay still if I were you' he said with a mischievous smile.

'Hearken to me!' Gandalf continued. 'I release you from the spell!'

Theoden started laughing, with a mysterious, frightening laughter. Then he spoke, although it was not his voice, but Saruman's.

'You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey'

Gandalf threw off his grey cloak, revealing his white robes. A bright, white light appeared and Theoden was thrown back.

'I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound' Gandalf went on, his voice becoming louder with every word.

He pointed his staff forward, making Theoden land back on his seat. The blond maiden Aragorn had seen before entered the hall. When she saw Theoden being in trouble, she ran to help him, but Aragorn grabbed hold of her.

'Wait' he told her politely.

'If I go, Theoden dies' Saruman spoke again through Theoden's body.

'You did not kill me, you will not kill him!' Gandalf said.

'Rohan is mine!' Saruman yelled and laughed again.

'Be gone!' Gandalf yelled.

In a sudden Theoden jumped from his throne, lunging at Gandalf. Gandalf threw him back with his staff. Theoden slumped forward and the blond girl rushed to stop him falling. Theoden's face slowly changed, his hair and beard shortened, his face became younger and his eyes cleared. He looked at the girl, who smiled at him. Sunglee smiled with relief, grateful that it was all over and that everything would be well.

'I know your face' Theoden mumbled to the woman next to him. 'Eowyn, Eowyn…'

Eowyn started crying with happiness and Theoden turned to Gandalf and the others.

'Breathe the free air again, my friend' Gandalf said friendly, with a joyful smile.

'Dark have been my dreams of late' Theoden whispered, as though he was still under the evil wizard's spell.

'Your fingers would remember their old strength better if they grasped your sword'

At that moment, Hama stepped forward and offered Theoden his sword. He took it and lifted it up in front of him, looking at it wonderingly as everyone smiled. Then he seemed to remember something and turns his gaze to Wormtongue, who was still being held on the floor by Gimli. He threw him out of the Hall and Grima fell down the stairs. Theoden walked falteringly down the stairs after him, followed by the others.

'I have only served you, my lord. Send me not from your sight!' Wormtongue begged.

'Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!' Theoden growled.

He raised his sword above Wormtongue's head, as if he wanted to kill him. But Aragorn rushed forwards and grabbed his hand, preventing him.

'No, my lord. Let him go. Enough blood has been spilled on his account'

He offered Wormtongue his hand and Sunglee admired her companion's just character. Not many would do that, especially to someone who was an ally of Saruman. Pride filled her heart and certainty that Aragorn would be a very good ruler.

Wormtongue did not take Aragorn's hand, but only scrambled on his feet and ran away, pushing past the people. There was silence for some moments, during of which all people of Edoras were looking at Theoden.

'Hail, Theoden King!' Hama exclaimed.

The people, including those from the Great Hall, knelt with respect in front of him. As they were standing up and walking back in the castle, Legolas approached Sunglee and kissed her on the forehead.

'Well done, Sunglee' he told her smiling. 'You fought really brave'

'Hannon le, melamin' she responded, smiling back.

Suddenly Theoden looked around, as if searching for someone, and he gasped in fear.

'Where is Theodred?' he asked. 'Where is my son?'

Elvish words/phrases used:

Hannon le- Thank you

Melamin- My love

A/N: Alright, everyone, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Tomorrow evening I will post the new one. Sunglee now meets Eowyn, the woman who will fall in love with Aragorn, the man Arwen loves.