TALE OF LEGOLAS AND RAENASLEE (LOTR STORY)

EDORAS

CHAPTER 16

EDORAS

“Don't belittle anyone who you don't recognize.

Don't be fooled by anybody who underrates you.” 

― Toba Beta, Betelgeuse Incident

They raced across the plains of Rohan. When the sun sets, they stopped and set out their things, for the ride to Rohan was long. Then morning came,

“Edoras, and the golden hall and there dwells Théoden, King of Rohan. His 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 as they stood outside the fortress of Rohan.

They pushed on into the city, and as they travelled beneath its gates, one of the banners fell in front of them.

They rode up through the city, looking around them at all the devastation. The people were malnourished and they glared at them.

“You find more cheer in a grave yard.” Gimli whispered from his seat on Arod.

They brought the horses to the King’s stable. A boy came out and took the reins of Hasufel and Arod while Shadowfax and Emilyra were led in by Gandalf and Raenaslee. They leaved the care of the horses to the lad and made their way back to the castle. They walked up the steps and three armed men greeted them.

“I cannot allow you before Théoden King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame, by order of Grima Wormtounge.” The man who seemed to be the captain said.

“Ah.” Gandalf nodded. They all started to undress their weapons.

The captain nodded and turned to Gandalf expectantly, “Your staff.”

“You would not part an old man from his walking stick?” Gandalf asked. His acting was very good.

The captain turned around and they entered the golden hall of Théoden. Legolas offered Gandalf his arm, as a further means of displaying his old age.

A very old man was seated on the throne, with a man of despicable looks seated next to him. He had black hair and nervous blue eyes rimmed in red. He turned to the King and whispered something in his ear.

The doors behind them clanged shut as they were bolted in place. Men started advancing with them along the back walls on either side, and then gave them unfriendly looks.

“The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden King.” Gandalf said as the five of them approach the throne.

“Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?” The man weakly spoke, for he could barley talk and it sounded as if it pained him to do so.

The man with a sniveling appearance stood and quoted, “Late is the hour you are, in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Lost Spell I name him, ill news is an ill guest.”