"Poor dears", Solatiri said as she scooped some stew into a couple of bowls for the children.

She and Eowyn helped the children, Eothain and Freida rebuild their strength as the two told them about what happened in their village.

"They had no warning", Eowyn told Theoden. "They were unarmed. Now the Wild Men are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go. Rick, cot and tree."

"Where is Mama?" Freida cried.

"Hush now", Solatiri said sitting with her. "It'll be alright. Until your mother arrives, I will look after you."

"This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash", Gandalf said gesturing to the children. "All the more potent for he is driven by fear of Sauron."

Solatiri looked at Gandalf knowing this was not the thing Eothain and Freida needed to hear at this time. Now they needed comfort, not more grief.

"Come, children", she said. "Finish your supper and I'll take you to get some rest."

Everyone watched as Solatiri acted very motherly toward the children. She was practically made to be a mother. If only Boromir was still alive. He should've been there with her. He would've made a great husband and father. Hama noticed it as well as he stood by the throne watching.

"Ride out and meet him head on", Gandalf said giving Theoden advice. "Draw him away from your women and children. You must fight."

"You have 2,000 good men riding north as we speak", Aragorn said. "Eomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king."

"They will be 300 leagues from here by now", Theoden said getting up from his throne. "Eomer cannot help us."

Gandalf stood to speak until Theoden stopped him.

"I know what it is you want of me…but I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war."

"Open war is upon you", Aragorn said. "Whether you would risk it or not."

"Aragorn is right", Solatiri said. "This problem will not go away unless you act."

Theoden turned to look at them disapprovingly.

"When last I looked…Theoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan."

"Maybe so", Solatiri said. "But he is trying to help a fellow king in need. You are a king in need of advice. Now that everyone is offering to you, I'd suggest you take it."

Hama had to admit he was impressed by how his daughter was handling the situation. Most women would stay out of affairs like this. Solatiri took charge like a leader.

"What is the king's decision?" Gandalf asked.

Theoden looked at Eothain, Freida, Solatiri and Eowyn coming to a decision. Open war was upon them. So many of his people had died already because he did nothing. Theoden was not going to repeat that mistake again.

"Hama", he called.

"My Lord?" Hama said bowing.

"A first light let the people know. We make for the refuge of Helm's Deep."

"Helm's Deep?" Solatiri asked

"The great fortress of Rohan", Hama explained. "We only go there in times of war."

"Are we going to war?" Freida asked.

"Don't you worry about it", Solatiri said taking her and Eothain's empty bowls. "We have a long journey ahead of us tomorrow. I suggest you get some sleep."

She took their hands and led them to Theodred's room where she would be staying with them.

"Will Mama be at Helm's Deep?" Freida asked.

"She may", Solatiri said. "If she knows your king, she would know to go to Helm's Deep where she'll be safe."

"How far is Helm's Deep?" Eothain asked.

"I don't know", she answered. "But I'll take care of you."