Prequel to my version of The Lord of The Rings trilogy

The King's Decision

In the Golden Hall, Eowyn sat with two children, Freda and her younger sibling, as they ate. The hall was filled with a tense atmosphere as the gathered company discussed the dire situation unfolding outside.

"They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the Wild Men are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go. Rick, cot, and tree," Eowyn said, her gaze moving from one person to another: Gandalf, Théoden, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Liv, David, Lily, and Saya.

"Where is Mama?" asked Freda, her eyes wide with concern.

"Sssh," Eowyn said gently, wrapping a blanket around her for comfort.

Gandalf, sitting beside Théoden, noticed the king's troubled demeanor. "This is but a taste of the terror Saruman will unleash. All the more potent because he is driven now by fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head-on. Draw him away from your women and children. You must fight," Gandalf urged, placing a firm hand on Théoden's chair.

David and Liv exchanged worried glances as Lily flipped through a book on the floor, her innocent curiosity a stark contrast to the gravity of the situation.

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

"They're both right, my lord. If we sit here and do nothing, things will only get worse," Liv said, picking Lily up off the floor and giving her a reassuring hug.

Theoden rose from his seat, his expression grim. "They will be 300 leagues from here by now. Éomer cannot reach us. I know what you want of me, but I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war."

"Open war is upon you, whether you would risk it or not," Aragorn countered firmly.

"When last I looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan," Théoden replied sharply.

Gimli, who had been eating and drinking, let out a loud burp and looked embarrassed. Liv and Saya tried to suppress their laughter.

"Then what is the king's decision?" Gandalf asked.

Outside the Golden Hall, Hama stood among the people of Rohan, his voice ringing out with authority. "By order of the king, the city must empty. We make for the refuge of Helm's Deep."

Gandalf walked through the crowd, followed by Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Liv, David, Saya, and Lily. "Do not burden yourself with treasures. Take only what provisions you need," Hama advised as he helped guide people out.

"Helm's Deep?" Gandalf said thoughtfully.

"They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight. Who will defend them if not their king?" Gimli questioned, his frustration evident.

"He's only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helm's Deep has saved them in the past," Aragorn pointed out, trying to temper the mood.

They moved into the stables, where the sense of urgency was palpable. Gandalf turned to the group. "There is no way out of that ravine. Théoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he's leading them to safety, but what they will face is a massacre. Théoden has a strong will, but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan. He will need you before the end, Aragorn. You as well, Liv. The people of Rohan will need you. The defenses have to hold."

"They will hold," Aragorn assured him.

"I'll make sure of it," Liv said, setting Lily back down on the ground.

"The Grey Pilgrim. That's what they used to call me. Three hundred lives of Men I've walked this earth, and now I have no time. With luck, my search will not be in vain. Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the east," Gandalf said, preparing to leave.