Chap. 24 - Edoras and Théoden

After days of riding, we finally reached the city of Edoras. As we approached it, I admired the city. It was on a hill side, and the castle was on the top of the hill. Classic medieval village. To me at least!

"Edoras, and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. There dwells Théoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is over thrown. Saruman's hold over King Théoden is now very strong Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here," Gandalf said, and cantered to the gates.

We followed, and slowed to walk through the village. The villagers watched us in silence, and Gimli whispered, "You'd find more cheer in a graveyard."

I almost laughed, but composed myself, "Aye. You are right Gimli." Aye? Since when do I say 'aye'? Their dialect is getting to me.

Aragorn looked up to the watchtower, as did I. A woman in white was standing there, but she quickly disappeared into the castle. We reached the stairs up to the castle, and dismounted. I walked up the stairs, and reached for my cheek. The wound was still there that the Orc knocked me out with. Stupid orc. It was scabbed over now, but it still hurt.

We stopped in front of a group of guards. The leader looked at Gandalf sadly, "I cannot allow you before Théoden King so armed, Gandalf Grayhame by order of Grima Wormtongue."

I look at Gandalf, and he nods slightly. I unbuckle my sword, and handed it to a guard. I slowly pulled my bow off of my shoulders, followed by my quiver still full of orc blood covered arrows. I also handed that to the guard. I had forgotten about my daggers. The guard looked at me, seeming to ask if I had anything else on me. I shook my head, when Aragorn shot a look at me, and he pointed to my waist. The daggers. I pulled the small belt off of me. One dagger was still covered in orc blood, and eyeball crap. I handed it to the guards sadly.

"Your staff," the lead guard said.

Gandalf looked surprised, "Oh no! You would not part an old man with his walking stick would you?"

The leader grimaced, and nodded. He let us through, and other guards opened the doors. I walked in, and Aragorn was besides me.

"The courtesy of your hall has somewhat lessened of late Théoden King," Gandalf said, and looked at the king.

Woah. His face.. I wasn't expecting him to be that old. His eyes weren't even colored.

"Why should I welcome you, Gandalf... Stormcrow?" the king said.

"A just question my liege. Late is the hour in which this conjuror chooses to appear. Lots spell I name him, ill news is an ill guest," the man who I presumed was Grima said.

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

"His staff. I told you to take the wizards staff!" Grima hissed at the guards. Guards rushed forward, trying to get the staff. Everyone but Gandalf beat up the guards. I kicked one in 'the spot', and punched him. He fell over in a small groan. Poor guy. He shouldn't have done that then. I laughed to myself.

"Théoden son of Thengel. Too long have you sat in the shadows," Gandalf said, still walking forwards, "Harken to me. I release you from this spell."

Théoden grimaced, and started to laugh maniacally, "You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey!"

Gandalf took off his gray cloak, and his white cloak glowed. I shielded my eyes. The king screamed, and backed up against the throne.

"I will draw you Saruman as poison is drawn from a wound!" Gandalf yelled. The woman who was dressed in white came rushing to Théoden, but Aragorn held her back.

"If I go, Théoden dies," the king said in Saruman's voice.

"You could not kill me, you will not kill him!" Gandalf said, and threw him against the throne again.

"Rohan is mine!"

"Be gone!" Gandalf said. The king lunged for Gandalf, but he hit the king with his staff. Théoden slide back into the throne and groaned. The woman ran towards him.

"I know your face. Éowyn. Éowyn! Gandalf?" Théoden asked quietly.

"Breathe the free air again my friend," Gandalf said. I looked at the king. He was starting to look a lot younger. His eyes were now a bright blue.

"Dark have been my dreams of late," the king said, and looked at his hands.

"Your fingers would remember their old strength better if they grasped your sword," Gandalf said, and gestured to a guard who approached with a sword. The king grabbed it, and looked at Grima, who was underneath Gimli's foot. The king ordered Grima up, and had him go outside. I followed, and watched as Grima was thrown down the stairs. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but the king raised his sword, ready to kill Grima. Aragorn ran forward, and stopped the king, "No, my lord. Let him go. Enough blood has been spilt on his account."

Aragorn offered Grima his hand, but Grima spit in it, and shoved his way through the crowd. Aragorn wiped his hand on his cloak, and looked back at the king, "Hail Théoden King!"

The crowd bowed at him, and the king returned to the hall. "Where is Theodred? Where is my son?"

Eowyn bowed her head, "He is dead, my lord."

We left the king some privacy to grieve, and attended a funeral. We were given our weapons back, and I eagerly took them.

They are now in Rohan! I'm going to give Èowyn some sass hehe XD