Solatiri held onto Aragorn's waist as the group rode across the grasslands of Rohan. As they rode over the hill, Edoras stood before them high upon the hill before the mountain.

"Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld", Gandalf said. "There dwells Theoden, king of Rohan…who's mind is overthrown. Saruman's hold over King Theoden is now very strong."

"Is my brother alright, Gandalf?" Solatiri asked. "My little brother, Halleth?"

"We will see eventually", he answered. "Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here."

"I never do", she mumbled as they rode ahead.

For now Solatiri cared nothing about her father. As far as she was concerned she had no father. Hama gave her up, and that was that. Her brother was a different story. Halleth was just a boy, and these times were dangerous for children. Solatiri wanted to see if he was alright.

Solatiri gasped as she and Aragorn looked to see the flag of Rohan fall from the sky. They approached the gates of Edoras filled with curiosity. They looked at each other wondering what how did it get there. As the group rode through Edoras, they noticed the people there looked at them suspiciously. Everyone wore black and refused to speak to them. Aragorn looked to see a woman dressed in white standing outside the Golden Hall.

"You'll find more cheer in a graveyard", Gimli said looking at everyone.

The group dismounted their horses and made their way up the tall stairs. There stood Hama waiting outside the door with two guards. Solatiri turned her head refusing to look at him.

"I cannot allow you before Theoden King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame", he said. "By order of Gima Wormtongue."

So this was where they stood. Hama chose to ignore her as well. Solatiri looked at Gandalf who gave a nod telling everyone to hand over their weapons. She sighed as she handed over her bow and arrows, as well as her sword and knife. Aragorn handed over his sword and knife. Legolas handed over his bow and arrows along with his knives. Gimli was the only one who gave a reluctant look as he surrended his ax and hachets.

"That's everything", Solatiri said.

"Your staff", Hama said looking at Gandalf's staff.

Gandalf gave him an innocent look at he pretended to act weak.

"You would not part an old man from his walking stick?" he asked.

Hama looked away as he turned to lead them in. Aragorn smiled as Gandalf took Legolas' arm as they entered the Hall. Hama bowed before letting everyone in. Solatiri looked around seeing nothing but a grim sight as she saw the king looking older than Gandalf sitting on the throne with a pale, greasy man sitting with him. The people there were just as suspicious-looking as the people outside.

Hama stood on the side of the Hall as he watched Solatiri and the company she was with come into the Hall. He noticed she looked different than the last time he saw her. She had a distant look in her eye, almost dream-like. Her skin was positively glowing after he got past the dirt on her body.

"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late…Theoden King", Gandalf said.

Hama had to agree. Ever since the king fell ill, the Golden Hall seemed less welcome to all around it.

"Why…should I welcome you…Gandalf Stormcrow?" Theoden weakly asked.

"A just question, my liege", Grima said to the king before standing before the company. "Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell I name him. Ill news is an ill guest."

Name him? Hama wondered. What is he talking about?

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

Gandalf held his staff in front of him making Grima back away in fear.

"His staff…I told you to take the Wizard's staff!"

Hama and his right-hand man, Gamling watched as all the guards came running to get Gandalf's staff. Solatiri, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli fought them off as Gandalf walked toward Theoden. Hama had to admit he was impressed as he watched her daughter fight like an expert. Gamling pulled his sword out to attack, but Hama stopped him.

"Theoden, son of Thengel…too long have you sat in the shadows."

Gimli kept his foot on Grima keeping him from running off.

"I would stay still if I were you", he said.

"Hearken to me!" Gandalf said as he stood before Theoden. "I release you…from the spell."

Theoden looked at Gandalf as he gave a chilling laugh.

"You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey."

Gandalf frowned as he removed the grey cloak he wore, showing his new powers as Gandalf the White.

"I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound."

He pushed his staff toward Theoden who was pushed against his throne by an unseen force. The woman Aragorn saw earlier came running from the hallways toward Theoden. Aragorn quickly grabbed her, letting Gandalf heal the king. Out of the king's mouth came Saruman's voice.

"If I go…Theoden dies."

Gandalf continued pushing Theoden into the throne.

"You did not kill me", he said. "You will not kill him."

Theoden leaned forward with a menacing look on his face.

"Rohan is mine!"

Theoden suddenly stood to attack Gandalf, but Gandalf pushed him back into the throne, breaking Saruman's spell over him. Theoden weakly sat nearly falling forward. The woman pulled herself out of Aragorn's grip, catching him. Hama looked at Gamling worried about the king. Like magic, Theoden's hair grew short at the white faded into its natural gold color. The clouded look in his eyes faded away. Theoden looked at the woman with a smile.

"I know your face", he said. "Eowyn…Eowyn."

He turned to see Gandalf surprised.

"Gandalf?"

"Breathe the free air again, my friend", he said.

Everyone bowed as Theoden stood.

"Long have been my dreams of late", he said.

He looked at his shaking fingers trying to find the strength within him.

"Your fingers would remember their old strength better", Gandalf said. "If they grasped your sword."

Hama held Theoden's sword out to him. Theoden looked at the sword and ran his fingers along the hilt. His fingers wrapped themselves around the handle as he pulled the sword from his sheath. Everyone smiled before the king turned his angry eyes to Grima who was trying to get out of Gimli's grip.