His Humble Opinion

by Elenhin

Firefoot may be a horse, but he is a wise horse and he knows what he wants and thinks. In his humble opinion, Éomer is a good master who is quite easy to train to be an even better master. In his humble opinion, Éomer is smart enough to appreciate a good horse and not get any foolish ideas. In Aragorn's opinion, if not Éomer drives him mad, Firefoot will surely do it, for the hors

6. Chapter 6

p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"emspan style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"For Author's Note and Disclaimer, see chapter 1/span/em/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"strongChapter 6/strong/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Leaning back against the rough plank wall Aragorn drew a deep breath, contemplating the situation as he listened to the Rohirric curses. Who knew that the young King of Rohan knew quite emso/em many expletives… He had always thought the Gondorian soldiers well versed in the salty language, but it would appear that young Éomer had them all bested if he so chose to. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"In the semi-darkness it was something of a comfort to hear him, though he still wished there had been no need for it. His hands and ankles were firmly secured in rough ropes, and the same was true for Éomer. Though as he was leaning against the wall, Éomer was on his side on the floor. So far the young, occasionally hot headed and brash king had not taken the idea of captivity too well, and truthfully Aragorn worried about him. While he had been content to sit back and attempt to evaluate their predicament, Éomer had seemed intent to make life as miserable as possible for their captors. Heedless of the fact that they seemed quite happy to make life even more miserable for him in turn. To the best of Aragorn's ability to judge without being able to examine him with anything but his eyes in the dim light, it had earned the King of Rohan a wrist that was most likely broken, ribs that were either badly bruised or cracked, and several harsh and brutal kicks that left deep contusions. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"All of which had failed to install any form of caution in the blonde warrior. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"He wished his young friend would listen to reason and cease his aggressiveness, but so far his words had done little to reach him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"The steps leading to their predicament had not been so strange. The two of them had been on their way back from Dol Amroth to Minas Tirith with their wives and the small number of men both were now always obliged to take with them. It was Éomer's and Lothíriel's idea to spend a mere few days in Minas Tirith before continuing on to Rohan. Lothíriel pleased at the thought of being allowed to see her cousin and Éomer likewise pleased at seeing his sister. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"When an emissary caught up to them with a message it had not been such a strange thing, messages were sent to the king from the nobles further out in the land frequently. One man asking for the king's assistance, and though it would delay his return by a few days, Aragorn had decided it best to detour rather than to make another trip in short. Against the advice of his guards he had decided there was no need for an escort, and his men should remain with the queens. Inviting Éomer along for the company more than for any other reason he did feel that the two of them were more than capable of seeing to their own safety. Neither wanted to be burdened down by extra men, and both felt it unnecessary. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Had their attackers come at them from the open he was certain so would have been the case, but he had not expected such a cowardly attack. It had been his will to stop and take their rest at an inn. Éomer, still thinking like the Eored had not been opposed to the idea of merely taking a meal, and then riding on for an hour or two before making camp in the wild. In this however, Aragorn had won out, he had got used to the comforts of Minas Tirith with warm beds and a fire in the hearth. He would rather have a bed at an inn, then sleep wrapped in his cloak, and Éomer had allowed himself to be convinced. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"The meal had been simple but fair, and Aragorn had tarried, lighting his pipe and enjoying a last slow mug of ale while Éomer whom had never cared much for pipe smoke had drained his tankard and made his way to their room. When Aragorn joined him later he was already deeply asleep. Wasting no time in doing the same Aragorn felt he had not slept long when the sound of coughing woke him. Rolling over he vaguely wondered if enough smoke had actually adhered to his clothes to bother his friend, then realized he was coughing in equal measures himself. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Alarmed but feeling strangely unfocused he bolted up, the room was filled with smoke. So thick he could not even make out the door on the other side of the small room. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Crying Éomer's name in alarm he had scrambled for their weapons, grabbing their swords he stumbled to the other bed with an arm over his mouth. He had shaken his shoulder as he coughed, to no avail. The young man did not rouse, too affected by the smoke already Aragorn judged as he grabbed him under the arms and attempted to haul him towards where he recalled the door to be. He was able to recall scrambling to get it open, attempting to drop neither weapon nor his friend as he rammed his shoulder against it. The wood had given, but by then he was already losing consciousness himself as the smoke was just as thick in the doorway. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"At the time he awoke, head aching and throat raw, he tried to scramble around and look for his friend. Which was the same time as he realized his hands and ankles were bound. At least he found Éomer, next to him, bound with hard knots in the same way, and they were both in only leggings and tunics, as they had gone to bed. He was able to determine they were in a small wooden building before Éomer woke, and their weapons if they had been brought were nowhere near, nor were any other item of their clothing. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Éomer woke sometime later, and made the same observations as Aragorn, neither could loosen their bonds, and neither could move much. Aragorn had tried to work at the knots with his teeth, but to no avail. They were not gagged, which would lead him to believe there was no one near that might hear them. The men that entered on occasion had not answered their questions, though bowls of watery gruel had been placed on the floor within their reach. The first time, Éomer had kicked the bowl at the man, splashing gruel on his boots. The cursing that accompanied the act was what had earned the young king the first beating and the broken wrist. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"The second time, after a brief moment of sleep the brash warrior had attempted to fling himself at their guard, and all it had earned him was yet another beating, this time with several hard kicks to his sides and legs. Even if they were to free themselves from their bonds now, Aragorn was not certain how well the Rohan would be able to travel. He had not attempted to sit up since the last time their captors left, leaving marks from his leather strap over his shoulders and back. He'd struggled so against the teethers that the rope had dug into his ankles even worse than for Aragorn. The flesh was swollen around the rough hemp, near black with bruising and crusted blood where the skin had broke. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Even then he had not ceased his struggles. Whenever any of their captors came close, he would attempt awkward kicks at them, hurling threats and insults until they laid into him once more with kicks of their own. Their boots capable of doing much more damage than Éomer's bound, naked feet. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Only hours before more of the watery gruel had been brought them, and while Éomer had reluctantly given in to eat a few times at Aragorn's urging, no matter how humiliating it was, he had not ceased his aggressive behaviour. This time, the man bringing the gruel had dealt a hard kick to his shoulder, and then turned his bowl over while Aragorn could do naught but watch. Now, close to an hour later Éomer still seemed to be struggling to get the pain under control, though the curses he mumbled under his breath never seemed to slow or abate. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Éomer, peace," he urged. "I beg you, do not provoke them again…" While he had eaten most of his gruel himself, Éomer would only have had barley half of what he had been offered, and the lack of food would only weaken him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I will not surrender to cowards such as them…" the young Rohan gritted out through clenched teeth. "I will not yield." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""And I do not ask you to, no more than I would give in to such cowards myself, but please, my friend, do not provoke them to hurt you needlessly," he pleaded. "It serves no purpose." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""No purpose?" Éomer snorted. "I should say it does…." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I do not see your meaning?" the only result he had noticed was Éomer suffering, and there could be no use in that. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""They have not touched you, have they?" Éomer grated, struggling to turn and giving up with a groan. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""What is your meaning?" Aragorn demanded, his voice sharp now as Éomer drew a strangely controlled breath. "Explain." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I was never meant to bear the crown," Éomer started slowly. "T'was never supposed to be me, it should have been Théodred. Our uncle never saw us as less, Éowyn and I, he did not take us in from obligation alone and he never made us to be less than his own. Théodred was a brother to me, and it was always to be my duty that he be safe. If I could do naught but to give my life for his, it would have been my duty and I would have done it gladly… Gondor has suffered too much, it needs its king… Rohan would manage well enough. Lothíriel is strong, and she'd have Éowyn, and you. I need not worry, but Gondor can't be without its king now. If I have not my sword, then I shall still do what I can to ensure it…" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Éomer….!" Aragorn felt an icy chill grip him. Allowing himself a few heartfelt expletives himself he found himself struggling against his bonds. "You are a young fool!" he half snapped. "I am not needed more than are you, and I will not have you bear their anger in such a way to keep me safe! I do not care what good you think it does, you will not do it…" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Tis not my only reason," Éomer struggled in an attempt to turn around again. "While it might indeed be my biggest concern, tis not my only one," a slightly amused tone crept into his voice though Aragorn could not see his face as he lay. "I am the brash and foolish, or so Gamling would have me believe. I do not have your wisdom, nor your cunning, if one of us will find the way out of this predicament, it shall not be I. Therefore the less attention they pay you the better, for they shall certainly underestimate you if they are too concerned with me and my apparent lack of manners…." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""You…..are a young fool, but a wise one I think," Aragorn finally had to chuckle. It was true, too preoccupied with Éomer and his volatile temper and rash actions they had not paid him much heed at all. Which had allowed him to at least loosen his bindings somewhat without anyone being the wiser. "But I beg you my friend, do not take it any further. If we are to make our escape, I need you to be able to move with me." He squinted in the dim light, taking in the upturned bowl, and the portion he had saved from his own share. Not much, but Éomer would be weakening from hunger. "Can you come this way? I have little of that vile thing they call food left, and surely you need it for you have not had nearly enough to keep your strength. It may be horrid, but surely it's better than nothing." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""You forget I grew up with Éowyn," Éomer struggled to turn around, falling back with a groan. "Tis not the taste that keeps me from eating, tis the ability to do so without wanting to lose it all…" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Rest then, gather what strength you can, and I shall try to loosen my bonds further," Aragorn urged him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"He could move his hands a little, but he was nowhere near freeing himself from the bonds when their captors came in again. This time the young Rohir remained quiet, and Aragorn felt relief as he watched. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Not so mighty now, are you, peasant?" the man taunted as he dropped a ladle of the gruel in Aragorn's bowl, then did the same over Éomer's. Apparently disappointed that the young man this time bit his tongue. "What's wrong, too scared? That's it, isn't it? The mighty heathen king is scared…" the man leered and Aragorn saw Éomer's muscle tense. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I have no fear for a miserable rat like you!" Éomer spat angrily. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""You, 'emmy lord/em' are entirely at our mercy…." the man sneered, turning the title into a slur. Bending down he leaned forward to grasp a handful of Éomer's hair and jerk his head forward. "You're nothing, a peasant who thinks ruling a barn makes him mighty. You are nothing…." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"With a cry of rage Éomer lounged forward, smashing his forehead into the man's face. Their captor fell back with a cry, clutching at his nose where blood was pouring down his face, howling over the broken bone and cartilage. Stomping around with whimpers of pain he stopped as Éomer laughed. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""You bloody bugger!" he growled. "I'll get you for that, I'll flay you alive you bastard."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Aragorn could only watch, with a sick worry as he drew his boot back and kicked Éomer again, over and over he kicked him, taking the bowl of gruel and flinging it at his head. The young hot headed king dodged the best he could, and the clay bowl broke as it hit the floor next to his head, one shard cutting his cheek. As the young Rohan flinched, ducking his head, it caused his tormentor to laugh, a guttural sound with the broken nose. "You will get your due, you bastard peasant…." he growled as he grabbed a fistful of Éomer's hair again, jerking it viciously. "And I will enjoy cutting you to pieces and feeding them to the pigs…!" He slammed his head down against the ground, then standing he placed a booted foot on Éomer's ankles where the rope bit into the flesh. Bearing down until he was no longer able to hold back a cry of pain. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Éomer, you young fool…." Aragorn sighed when they were alone. "I begged you not to provoke them…." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Am I to assume claiming, he was the one provoked me will not benefit me?" Éomer groaned out, his breathing strained. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""No, though I take your point," Aragorn sighed, trying to determine if his friends injuries had been worsened. "I imagine he would have continued to bait you, as you reacted differently afore." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Aye," Éomer swallowed thickly, his breathing slow and measured. "Though I would say in this case, the benefit outweighed the discomfort." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I fail to see the benefit," Aragorn gritted his teeth as his friend spat a mouthful of bloody saliva on the ground. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I angered him enough to break my bowl, did I not?" there was the faintest hint of triumph in his voice. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""As it would seem, but the lack of food will do you no favour," he sighed. "I would you learned to quell your temper my friend, for I fear for you." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Are you able to reach the shards?" Éomer ignored the reproach. "They should be sharp enough to cut your bonds." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Aragorn paused, he had been too concerned about Éomer to consider the broken clay shards, but they would indeed be sharp. "A hot headed fool you are, and I would you learned to temper with more patience, but in this, you're right," scooting forward he was able to grasp one of the larger pieces, almost half the bowl, and holding it with his feet it was easy enough for him to saw at the rope. Time consuming, but not difficult and worked diligently until he had freed his hands. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"With his hands free, it was much faster to untie the rope around his ankles and he set about to free his friend. This was a much more difficult task for Éomer's wrists and ankles were swollen enough for the rope to dig in harshly, and it was obvious manipulating it pained him greatly. Small groans escaped him in spite of his attempts to remain quiet. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Finally he had his friend also free, and helped him to his feet, taking his own arm around his waist to help support him as they started for the door. "We are free, but where to go, I do not know," Aragorn sighed. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I heard our horses before," Éomer started. "They would have taken them here, not only are they both far too valuable, even to a fool who does not know the line of the Mearas, but they would not want anyone to wonder why they were left at the inn." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I believe you speak the truth," he had heard horses, and he would not question Éomer's ability to tell their own steeds by sound. "If they are here, it will be in our favour, but we need to get ourselves to them first." He opened the door to the small outbuilding they were in a narrow crack, and glanced outside. Moving to the side to allow his friend to look as well. Éomer, upon glancing out and seeing a stable to one side smiled. Before Aragorn could question him of his intent, he gave a loud shrill whistle. It was no mere idle whistle, Aragorn could tell, yet he feared it would draw their captors to them before they could find their horses. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Éomer!" he hissed. What else he might have said died on his lips as a loud neigh, and a responding crash sounded through the dusk. Two more crashes, and the neighing of two horses were heard before the unmistaken sound of splintering wood was heard. Darting into the yard Aragorn saw a half dozen men or so pour out of the hovel between them and the stable, and there was no mistaking the crashing and sound of breakage from the stable. Firefoot had heard his master, and Aragorn would guess it was an order Éomer had given by his whistle. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"The stable door had not been very well built, and it did not hold for the enraged stallion that threw himself against it. Splintered wood fell apart, large splinters flying as the magnificent horse tore into the yard, Brego on his heels, but Firefoot was in charge and as the men fell upon the beast, it was clear they were outmatched. One wielded a sword, swinging madly at the horse that reared up. Steel shoed front hooves crushing the skull as the man crumbled. Firefoot spun and kicked another as the men fell upon them, and Aragorn tried to hold Éomer back. Brego was not a mere spectator, though Aragorn wondered sometimes what it must have been like to see Firefoot and Brego when Théodred was the one standing with Éomer. While the horse had allowed him to attach himself to him, he knew he was not Brego's real master. That had always been Théodred, and given how devoted Firefoot was to Éomer he felt it must have been something astonishing to behold. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Unarmed, and with Éomer injured Aragorn felt the battle was best left to the horses, and it was clear as Firefoot spun to turn on one that sought to flee his fury that the two stallions did not really require any help. Though when one of the men managed a lucky strike, cutting Firefoot over the hind quarter there was no controlling Éomer as he lurched forward with a cry of rage. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Unarmed and outnumbered the man would still seek to do battle and Aragorn was equal parts frustrated and impressed with how well he managed. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Brego dancing back and forth was holding one man at bay, then barrelled into him, sending him flying and crashing to the ground. Darting into the small building the men had come from Aragorn heaved a sigh of relief as their weapons were there. Grabbing their two swords he ran back out again, Swinging his own sword in one hand, and Éomer's in the other. The latter in spite of his fury not doing too well against an opponent until Firefoot bore down on the man with a flurry of hooves. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Knowing that his master was threatened Firefoot showed no mercy, and Aragorn was certain that at least two men lay dead as he stayed his sword. The remaining four ran away into the dusk on foot and Firefoot started to follow until a whistle from Éomer brought both horses back to him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Standing beside his horse, his broken arm around his neck while speaking softly to him in Rohirric Éomer scratched the large head with his other hand. Firefoot nudging him gently as if assessing his condition and Aragorn shook his head. The connection between the Rohirrim and their horses never ceased to amaze him. He doubted the men who had fled would cause them any concern before they left, though just the same he wanted for them to be on their way as soon as possible./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Leaving Éomer with his horse he once more ventured into the small hovel. Should there be any further danger, Firefoot would see to it he was certain. Inside the hovel in a corner lay their cloaks and their boots, but nothing else. It would be enough for the moment and he was glad to put his own on as he took Éomer's in hand and looked through the few items present for anything useful. Not wanting to relay on the firewood heavy splintered he sighed as he picked up a wooden ladle before tearing a couple of strips from a thread worn blanket. A bucket of water that seemed fresh enough, and a few more pieces torn from the blanket he also took with him outside. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I would not tarry here, but I will do what I can for your wounds before we leave," he stated. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""If you have anything to use, then Firefoot needs your healing hands," Éomer nodded to the sword cut the horse had suffered. "It is not too deep, but I would he did not have to suffer anymore than he has to." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I will tend to you both," there was nothing he could do without his herbs but to clean the cut thoroughly. Firefoot was not happy about it, dancing away from his touch when it stung, but Éomer was able to calm him with just a few words. Keeping an arm around his neck as if to keep himself upright. "I will see if I can find some herbs on our way," Aragorn decided once he was satisfied that the wound was clean. "It should heal well." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Aye," Éomer nodded, allowing himself to be sat down so that Aragorn could clean and bandage his wounds. He took a hold of Éomer's arm and wrist, meeting his eyes before setting the bone with a sharp snap. Éomer gave a cry with pain and beside them Firefoot loomed over Aragorn menacingly, until he seemed calmed by another string of Rohirric curses. Apparently Firefoot knew to read his masters language well. There was nothing to use for a splint but the wooden ladle, which seemed to draw an amused grin from his friend, but rather that than he got an arm full of splinters. Taking the long strips of blanket to secure the splint, he tied strips of it around torn and swollen ankles. It was makeshift at best and he hoped they would soon be able to acquire better supplies. Firefoot was standing by his master as he worked, nose on his shoulder as if attempting to offer comfort in turn. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I will see if I can find our saddles, but I would not hope," Aragorn mused. Standing he ventured into the small stable, but there was nothing there. The men who had taken them seemed to have made their way there without horses of their own, for the only thing he found was an old bridle, the leather rotten with age and useless. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Returning outside he was amused to see Éomer give up on the attempt to don his boots, his feet were too swollen and his arm too sore for him to manage, and with a look of disgust he threw them down on the ground. "Firefoot shouldn't have to bear me, he favours the leg," he stated. "And I will not cause him needles pain." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""There are no saddles and no bridles, and while I could manage without, I would as well walk," Aragorn decided. "Brego will carry you, will he not?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""He has many times," reaching up Éomer scratched the nose of the other horse. "He was always Théodred's horse, but Théodred was a brother to me and Brego knew this. Brego has always looked out for me, the same as Firefoot." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""Then you shall ride Brego," Aragorn decided as he fastened his sword belt around his waist. Somewhat awkwardly reaching around Éomer to do the same for him. Sword belts were not meant to be put on with only one hand. Tying a strip of the torn blanket to Éomer's boots so they would at least have them with them he eased them over Firefoot's back, they would not cause him any pain. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""I'll give you a leg-up," he started, then paused and shook his head as he realized it was already too late. Éomer may only have one good arm, but it would appear that the Rohir did not need more than so to mount a horse. Taking one arm around Brego's neck, he swung himself up just as Aragorn had seen him do with Firefoot many times, a small grin on his face as he beheld Aragorn's bemusement. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""If I were that fast even with a saddle," he shook his head as Firefoot moved forward. He was indeed favouring the leg, and rubbed his nose against Éomer's knee until the Rohan rubbed him between the ears. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;""You are not Rohir," holding his injured arm against his midsection Éomer seemed to think that was all the explanation needed, and likely to him it was. He feared returning to Minas Tirith and delivering Éomer to his wife. Lothíriel was a strong woman, as Éomer had said, but her husband was injured and it would hurt her. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"Éomer had said that he was the wise and cunning one, and at the same time had proved to be the same himself. For it was not by Aragorn's plan they had escaped but Éomer's ability to take in the situation as it occurred. He might not have been able to know they would break his bowl, but surely he had known that by angering them enough they would sooner or later make a mistake, and Éomer was willing to draw that anger upon himself to do so. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"He watched as Firefoot walked by his masters side, whining softly from time to time. Loyal to the end he knew, as it seemed would Brego be, for the horse might have taken in Aragorn, but he would always be loyal to the brother of his first master. It offered Aragorn some small measure of comfort to know this, for he did indeed fear for his friend. Éomer was brave enough for any man, but he did not fully see his own worth. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"When they returned he knew both Lothíriel and Arwen would fuss over him, but the next time he feared Éomer would act just as rashly, and all he could do was to hope that Firefoot was with him at the time. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"If he could not always watch over his friend himself, then there was no one he trusted to do it more than Firefoot.../span/p
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div class="userstuff module" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.119999885559082px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; width: 1088.625px; float: none; word-wrap: break-word; caret-color: #2a2a2a; color: #2a2a2a;" role="article"
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"strong style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"A Temporary End/span /strong br /br /strong style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"Thank you all who's read and reviewed, the Cricket is thrilled.../strong/p
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div class="chapter preface group" style="border-width: 1px 0px 0px; border-top-style: solid; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.119999885559082px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.5em 3em; padding: 0.643em 0.643em 0px; float: none; caret-color: #2a2a2a; color: #2a2a2a;"
div id="chapter_22_endnotes" class="end notes module" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.643em; position: relative; width: auto; float: none; clear: right; min-height: 5em;" role="complementary"
h3 class="heading" style="border-width: 0px 0px 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; outline: 0px; font-weight: 400; font-style: inherit; font-size: 1.286em; font-family: Georgia, serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0.5375em 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; line-height: 1;"Notes:/h3
blockquote class="userstuff" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0.643em; padding: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; word-wrap: break-word;"
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Additional Author's note: Some of these stories might not fit into the Tolkien timeline, I apologise for this, I have not yet been able to procure an English copy, and therefor there has been things I was unaware of while writing. Some I've changed, some I've left as I liked /Most of the Rohirric I use, is, as I believe Tolkien himself used, Old English. Though some is modern Swedish, as, frighteningly enough, these are quite often the same. In order to give the story a more pleasant flow for the reader, I have opted not to use a glossary at the end, rather, I try to make the meaning very clear in the story./p
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