Chapter 68

As we finally got out of the rocks that littered the land, we came across a wide grassy plain. Aragorn paused and checked the tracks, before looking behind us. When I turned to look, I made a low hum and he hurried to his feet. We rushed behind the safety of some rocks, and I watched as the Rohirrim rode over the hill. I paused when I saw their flag and something stirred my stomach. Aragorn moved forward, so I slowly followed after him with the others.

"Riders of Rohan! What news from the Mark!" he yelled.

The riders shifted course instantly at the command of their leader, and charged back up the hill. We were suddenly surrounded by the horses, and spears were lowered to our heads. I had to bite my tongue from saying something, and Legolas quietly drew me to the middle of the group. The leader came forward, splitting part of the group and I tilted my head a bit to see his face.

"What business does an elf, a man, and a dwarf have in the Riddermark?" he demanded, and when he leaned a little, his eyebrow arched. "And a woman. Speak quickly."

"How about you give me your name Horse Master, and I shall give you mine," Gimli said, grumbling defiantly and I groaned.

The man jumped off his horse and came forward slowly, eying him. "I would cut off your head, dwarf, if it but stood a little higher from the ground."

"You would die before your stroke fell!" Legolas hissed, drawing his bow.

It was so sudden that all of us jumped, including the man who was speaking to us. I sighed loudly, and moved forward, almost shoving Aragorn out of the way. I knew he was probably able to handle this, but the threat on Gimli had irritated me. I was his Queen, and we were allies to Rohan, regardless of this encounter.

"You will not be harming him," I said quietly. "He is one of your allies, as our we."

"Who are you?" he glared.

"I am Arina, Queen of Erebor," I replied, and his eyes widened slightly. "This is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. Gimli son of Gloin and Legolas of the Woodland Realm. We are friends of Rohan, and of Theoden, your King."

"Theoden no longer recognizes friend from foe," he replied, his expression easing. "Not even his own kin."

As he took off his helmet and looked at me, I blinked in surprise. "You are Eomer, nephew to Theoden."

"I am. I have heard of you, Arina. I was not present when you came to Edoras all those years ago," he answered, dipping his head. "Saruman has poisoned the mind of the King and claimed lordship over these lands. My company are those loyal to Rohan, and for that we are banished."

"Banished..." I murmured. "So the rumor was true. I was hoping my messenger was wrong..."

He shook his head and the spears were lifted from their spots. Aragorn looked at me and I sighed quietly. Eomer moved forward a little, looking at us all. His expression changed, and I saw a lot of anger buried deep in him. He was fiercely loyal to Theoden, I could only imagine what he was feeling right now.

"The White Wizard is cunning," he spoke. "He walks here and there they say, as an old man, hooded and cloaked. And everywhere his spies slip past our nets."

"We are no spies," Aragorn protested.

"I would know the company I keep, Eomer," I replied, jerking his attention from Legolas back toward me. "They are not spies."

"We were tracking a group of Uruk hai westward across the plains," Aragorn stepped in. "They've taken two of our friends captive..."

"The Uruk's were destroyed, we slaughtered them during the night," Eomer replied flatly.

Gimli shifted. "There were two hobbits with them," he said desperately. "Did you see two hobbits?"

"They would be small, only children to your eyes," Aragorn added, looking at Eomer.

"We left none alive," Eomer shook his head. "We piled their carcasses and burned them on the ridge."

"Dead..." Gimli whispered, and my breath left me again.

We stood quietly for a moment, and Eomer looked down obviously grieving with us. He had not known, so there for it wasn't his fault. I highly doubt they would have killed the hobbits though. They were much different than the Uruk's, but they could have been killed before this.

"I am sorry," Eomer rumbled.

I met his gaze briefly before he suddenly turned and whistled. He called a two names and I looked up and watched as two horses walked forward at the call. They were beautiful horses, and I noticed they were both without riders. I sighed sadly at that.

"May these horses serve you, and give you better fortune than their former masters," he said quietly. "Farewell."

They grabbed the reins in thanks, and I noticed the heavy sadness that clung to them. I had not been present when the hobbits had been taken, and that hurt me. I could have been of some help. Eomer mounted his horse again, and turned him to face us. The stallion put his nose right in my face, and I had to reach up and touch his muzzle.

"Look for your friends," he said. "But do not dare to hope. It is forsaken in these lands. We ride north!"

"Wait, Eomer!" I called, and moved after him.

The stallion stopped and he turned back toward me as the others got on their horses. The young man looked at me as I reached up and took his hand.

"What of your sister? And Theodred?" I asked lowly.

"My sister is still in Edoras," Eomer murmured, and his eyes hardened. "Theodred is dead."

"How?" I asked softly.

"We had been ambushed by Orcs. They run freely across these lands, unchecked and bearing the white hand of Saruman," he answered coldly. "I had taken Theodred back to Edoras, but his condition was fatal. I can only assume he is dead now. There was no saving him."

"Why had no one called on Erebor?" I demanded. "We had signed a treaty."

"Grima Wormtongue burned it, saying that all Erebor wished for was to help themselves," he answered. "He has been a...trusted adviser of Theoden for a year or so now. I did not want to risk discovery, or put your kingdom in danger. I am sorry..."

He squeezed my hand and I slowly let go of him so that they could leave. He looked at me, and nodded quietly before the riders left us. Turning back to the group, I sighed and pushed my transformation into a horse. We made a quick run up to the ridge where the bodies were burned and I turned human again as Gimli desperately searched the smoking bodies of the dead. I looked up at the forest for a moment as the trees groaned a little, and the wind blew my hair from my face. Gimli gasped suddenly, and spun around with something in his hand.

"Their wee belts," he whispered, and Legolas closed his eyes.

Aragorn moved quietly, looking around until he kicked the head of a dead Orc and roared in rage and grief. He fell to his knees, and I lowered my head a bit. Gimli looked at me, and then back at the belts he held.

"We failed them..." he whispered.

It was silent for a few minutes, and Aragorn reached out and quietly touched the ground. "A hobbit lay here," he murmured, and moved to a spot just a foot away. "Then the other..."

I glanced over, and watched as he suddenly began to move. He described what they were doing, and I suddenly transformed into a wolf and jumped beside him. Inhaling the scents, I met his gaze when he looked to me. They were not dead, there was no scent of blood from them. No trace of their bodies.

"Their hands were bound..." he murmured, and found the ropes that had held them.

I sniffed firmly and was able to catch their scents. I trotted forward with my nose to the ground and came across a trail that led away from the battle. Aragorn continued speaking, describing what he was seeing as he followed. The trail took us right to the border of Fanghorn Forest. I pushed myself to my human form and looked through the trees.

"Fanghorn...what madness drove them in there," Gimli whispered.

"Let's find out shall we?" I asked, a tight smile on my face.

Aragorn led the way, and we were soon following the tracks as best we could. A few times we lost it, but we'd double back and I'd have to transform to get the scent again and follow it. We walked for several hours, and Gimli found some blood from the Orc who had been chasing them. Aragorn took us over a stream, and I looked down when he knelt.

"These are strange tracks…" he murmured.

"I've never seen anything like it," I whispered, looking at them.

"The air is so close in here," Gimli hissed.

"This forest is old. Very old," Legolas offered. "Full of memory, and anger..."

As if to answer him, the forest started to groan and creak. It made the hair on the back of my neck stand up, and I found myself edging a little closer to Aragorn as Legolas listened intently. Aragorn had to smile at me, but I just offered him a glare. This forest gave me the creeps, and I was not afraid to admit that.

"The trees are speaking to each other," Legolas murmured, and it made me shiver.

"Gimli!" Aragorn whispered, turning to the dwarf. "Lower your ax..."

"Oh..." Gimli grunted, and lifted his hand in apology.

We looked around for a moment, and I watched Legolas as he scanned and listened to what was around him. He was much older than any of us, and I wasn't about to doubt his judgment now. The elf paused, and spoke suddenly but I couldn't tell what he said. I wasn't about to start learning elvish now. His statement however, sent Aragorn in motion and he followed the elf.

"The White Wizard approaches," he murmured, and all of us tensed.

I gripped one of the small daggers I had, and all of us grew still. Aragorn stood a little straighter, and Legolas drew his bow in silence. If Saruman was coming after us, we were doomed. He had the power to stop my abilities, and no one could go against his magic. For a moment, I was terrified and I felt my body stiffen in panic. If it was actually Saruman what were we going to do?!

"Do not let him speak," Aragorn whispered. "He will try to put a spell on us...we must be quick."

He drew his sword and spun quickly as a blinding light took our vision from seeing him. Gimli and I threw our weapons at him, and Legolas shot his arrow but they were deflected with ease. Aragorn's sword burned him, causing him to drop it. Jumping forward, I came to stand next to him as Gimli joined Legolas's side.

"You are tracking the footsteps of two young hobbits," the wizard spoke, and he sounded just like Saruman.

"Where are they?" Aragorn demanded, shielding his eyes.

"They passed this way the day before yesterday," he replied. "They met someone they did not expect. Does that comfort you?"

"Who are you?" Aragorn breathed. "Show yourself!"

At his shout, the light slowly started to fade and we were greeted with who we were confronting. I sucked in my breath in astonishment when I laid eyes upon the one person I had not thought we'd see again.

"It cannot be..." Aragorn whispered. "You fell."

"Through fire and water. To the lowest dungeon on the highest peak, I fought the Balrog of Morgoth, until at last I threw down my enemy and left his body in ruin on the mountainside. Darkness took me and I strayed from thought and time. Everyday was as long as a life age of the Earth. But it was not the end, I felt life in me again. I've been sent back, until my task is done."

"Gandalf," Aragorn whispered.

"Gandalf?" he asked, and then smiled. "That was what they used to call me. Gandalf the Grey. That was my name."

"Gandalf," Gimli smiled.

The wizard smiled, and looked back at Aragorn. "I am Gandalf the White. And I come back to you now, at the turn of the tide."

We shifted at that, and Aragorn moved so that Legolas and Gimli could greet the wizard. I hung back, slightly unsure of what to say. We had seen him fall, and while I knew it was hard to kill a wizard, I had truly thought he had perished. Gandalf turned toward me then, and his eyebrow arched.

"I would like it if you came out of your thoughts, Queen Arina," he replied. "I may have changed, but my memory is still in tact, I assure you."

"Forgive me," I said hurriedly. "It's been...difficult?"

He walked forward then, and reached down and patted my cheek. "You have been strong," he hummed. "Now come, we must make haste."

The wizard led us through the forest with purpose, so we all followed him as quick as we could. Gimli hopped over some roots, and I walked in silence as Gandalf led us through. I wasn't sure what to expect, or what we planned on doing now.

"One stage of your journey is over, another begins," he spoke, leading us. "We must ride of Edoras, with all speed."

I looked at Aragorn in surprise, but that didn't stop my pace. We left the forest, and the sunlight had me taking in a large breath of happiness. That forest felt like a cage. I did feel for the place that stood just outside of Isengard, but there was nothing we could do about it. Not right now. Gandalf stood in front of us and whistled a tune that echoed across the land, making us look to see what he was doing. A whinny caught our attention and I turned my head to see a great white stallion gallop over the hill nearby. I grinned, knowing what I was looking at.

"That is one of the Mearas," Legolas smiled. "Unless my eyes are cheated by some spell."

"I don't think so," I smiled at the elf, and patted the gelding that Aragorn held.

"Shadowfax," Gandalf smiled, and the stallion nodded. "Is the Lord of all horses, and has been my friend through many dangers."

He got on the back of the stallion who had knelt to help the wizard. Once the others were on their horses, I glared at Gandalf when he looked at me with amusement. Pushing my transformation, I took the form of a black horse and nudged the wizard.

"You have not changed," I grunted.

"I think that may be a good thing," Gandalf smiled, patting my neck. "Come, we must hurry."

Shadowfax set the pace, and we were galloping across the lands of Rohan toward Edoras. The horses that Aragorn and Legolas rode had the same blood in them as that of the Mearas, so their stamina was much higher. Stretching out across a flat plain, Shadowfax opened up into a sprint that had us panting. I enjoyed the run, and feeling the wind in my face helped renew my energy. Merry and Pippin were safe, and that was the best news we had heard. Things were changing, with Gandalf returning to us I felt we may have a chance. By morning of the second day, we were able to slow down. Coming up over a hill, we were greeted with the city of the King.

"Edoras, and the Golden Hall of Meduseld," Gandalf sighed, bringing us to a stop. "There dwells Theoden, King of Rohan...whose mind has been over thrown. Saruman's hold over King Theoden is now very strong. Be careful what you say, you will not find welcome here."

"I remember a time when they always welcomed people," I said quietly, and Gandalf looked at me.

"It's time we return it to that, don't you think?" he asked, smiling. "Turn human. I do not wish anyone to see your powers right now. Ride with Aragorn.""

I sighed softly, and did as he asked of me. Shadowfax snorted and lowered his head to me, so I stroked his nose before moving over to Aragorn. He offered his hand, and I pulled myself up behind him. Once I had a good hold, we rode forward at a quick canter. As we entered the city, a flag blew to the ground making Aragorn pause to look at it.

"Not a good sight," I murmured.

"No," he sighed.

Slowing the horses to a walk, we rode through the city and toward the Golden Hall. I felt my skin prickle at the presence of evil around this place. How had it changed so drastically since I had last been here?

"Do not speak your name, or title," Gandalf said looking at me. "Not until it is finished."

I nodded my head quietly as we continued on our path. We were gifted with glares and wariness from the people, making all of us a little uncomfortable. Gimli looked around and sighed. I looked over to him to see what was wrong.

"You'd find more cheer in a graveyard," he commented, and I pressed my face into Aragorn's cloak to hide my smile.

He glanced back at me. "You are terrible, do you know that?"

"I've often questioned why Thorin married me," I replied. "It had to be my dashing good looks, and not my personality."

"It must definitely had to be your looks," Legolas commented, and we all shared a chuckle.

As we got to the hall, everyone got off their horses, and Aragorn helped me slide down before he too jumped off. A few stable boys came forward and I smiled kindly at them. They quickly bowed to us, and I handed them all a few coins that I had brought with me. The boys beamed happily at the sight of the money.

"They've been so good to us, make sure they are taken care of?" I asked softly.

"Oh….aye my lady!" the older boy nodded, leading the animals away.

We followed Gandalf up the stairs, and were instantly confronted by the guards. There were at least eight of them, and I was surprised to see such numbers greeting us. The captain looked at us firmly. I shifted a little, feeling uncomfortable. There had been a time when I could walk in here just by announcing my arrival. Times surely had changed. I was reminded how much they had changed when I thought of Balin. I was jerked from my thoughts when the guard spoke.

"I cannot allow you before Theoden King so heavily armed, Gandalf Greyhame," he said. "By orders of Grima Wormtongue."

Looking at the man in surprise, Gandalf sighed and nodded to us. I did not want to give up any of my weapons, but I grudgingly handed them over until I had nothing left. Legolas had several hidden, and for a moment I was reminded of Fili. Keeping my face neutral, I let a guard pat me down after he did the same to Gimli.

"Your staff.."

"Oh..." Gandalf sighed sadly. "You would not part an old man from his walking stick?"

As the man considered that, he sighed and turned away from us to lead us inside. I caught the quick wink toward Aragorn and the soft smile. Smart old wizard. Legolas moved forward to offer his arm, better to play the part of the old man. Aragorn took to one side of me, while Gimli stood on the other. I glanced wearily around us as we slowly walked into the hall. I took note of every man following us, and I knew the others did the same. The doors shut behind us and locked, making all of us look back for a moment. Gandalf paid no attention to it, and kept walking. He took his arm from Legolas, adjusting his cloak and Aragorn moved forward with Gimli. I stayed behind Gandalf, making sure no one would sneak up behind. There was a strong chance that this was about to get a little difficult.

"The courtesy of your Hall has somewhat lessened of late," Gandalf spoke. "Theoden, King."

I set eyes upon the King as he managed to ask why he should welcome Gandalf into the hall. I couldn't believe what I was looking at. I knew Theoden was around the same age as Thane, a little younger and what I saw before me was not a king. He looked like an old man, clad in heavy furs and unseeing eyes stared at us. The man, who I assumed was Grima stood up. He looked like a snake in human form. I tensed slightly as he approached Gandalf.

"Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear," Grima announced. "Lathspell I name you. Ill news is an ill guest."

"Be silent," Gandalf snapped firmly. "Keep your forked tongue between your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to speak words with a witless worm."

I watched the man's eyes bug out when Gandalf thrust his staff forward. "His staff….I told you to take the wizard's staff!"

At his words, men charged forward and we were in motion. Being a woman gave me a great advantage over them. I tripped a few of them and sent my fist straight into their guts. I didn't fancy fighting them like this, but I was strong enough that it worked. Gimli immediately went after Grima, and planted a boot to his chest.

"I would stay still if I were you," Gimli glared.

"Harken to me!" Gandalf commanded. "I release you...from this spell."

When nothing happened, Theoden started laughing. There was something in his voice that made me pause and move to stand behind Legolas once the last man hit the floor. I knew it was Saruman who he was talking to now. Legoolas squared his shoulders, and stood up a little straighter as I retreated behind him. It was ridiculous that a wizard could put such fear into me. Then again, I assumed it was smart of me. I had every reason to fear Saruman right now.

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

Gandalf glared at him, and in a simple movement he shed his gray cloak. The light that came from him had Theoden gasping, and he was thrust back against his chair by magic. I blinked at the brightness of it, until it faded, and Theoden gasped against the sheer power Gandalf possessed.

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

Magic stirred through the hall, and we watched as the two mighty powers clashed. Legolas glanced back to make sure I was all right. I nodded to him, and he allowed me to grab his arm that he had put behind his back. If Saruman knew I was here, he'd try everything in his power to stop me, or find a way to kill me. I had to play it safe for the moment.

"He cannot see me," I whispered.

"If I go, Theoden dies," Saruman's voice hissed.

"You did not kill me," Gandalf replied. "You will not kill him."

"Rohan is mine," he growled.

"Be gone."

There was suddenly a brilliant display of power and Gandalf thrust his staff forward and another flash of light blinded us for a moment. When it was over, Gandalf relaxed and a woman suddenly ran forward to catch Theoden as he slumped. Moving forward, I watched the transformation before us. After several minutes, we were looking at Theoden as we had known him. He blinked several times, and repeated the name of his niece.

Theoden looked up, taking in who stood before him. "Gandalf?"

"Breathe the free air again, my friend," Gandalf smiled.

Theoden slowly stood up, and he inhaled a breath. "Dark has been my dreams of late," he murmured, looking at his hands.

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

It was a sight to see him take his sword up again. For a moment, he had a fire in his belly and as he stared at the blade, his eyes turned toward Grima who was being held by Gimli. He moved forward, and Grima was thrown from the steps of the hall. I stood back with Legolas and Gimli as the event unfolded before us.

"Please! I've only ever wished to serve you My Lord! Send me not from your side!" Grima pleaded, his lip bloody.

"Your witchcraft would have me crawling on all fours like a beast," Theoden snarled. "Be gone from my sight!"

"No! No, My Lord!" Aragorn cried, stopping him. "Let him go. Enough blood has been spilled on his account."

"Hail Theoden, King!"

Everyone bowed at the announcement, and I watched Theoden look over his people. We all bowed, or at least showed some type of respect. I was not one for bowing, and being a Queen, I simply dipped my head.

"Where is Theodred..." he suddenly asked, turning to us. "Where is my son?"

I've had so much fun writing this part of the story. I have the whole story almost complete, so that's why I'm updating so fast.

Thank you so much for the reviews on the earlier chapters, and of course Misty. We are SO CLOSE to 100 reviews! If we hit 100 with this chapter, I'll update double when I see it! Please! :D

Until next time!