The Eastern Woman

Celebrations

"Hammon, come here."  Goneril ordered.

She had temporarily left Éowyn's room to visit her soldiers, who had gathered outside the Royal Palace after waking up, and were wondering what to do.  She didn't want to talk to Degarre.

The other young captain approached her.  "Tell me, Goneril."

"King Théoden would like us to participate in this evening's celebrations."  the woman began.  "They told you, I guess."

"Yes. And I already know your answer: you will say no. After receiving the money we will leave."  retorted Hammon.

"No. It will seem unbelievable, but I have decided to stay. I will accept the invitation of the King. And we will leave in a few days."  Goneril informed him.

Hammon raised his eyebrows.  "It amazes me. Usually you don't love these things ... feasts and so on ..."

"No. Usually, I do not. But there is something that holds me back. We will stay. Inform our men."  she commanded.  "By the way, how many are the dead among our ranks?"

"Thirty-two, unfortunately."  Hammon told her.  "We have never had so many losses."

"We have never even fought in a battle of similar proportions, it seems to me."  she said.  "It means that we will recruit new people in the coming months. There are enough ex-combatants or young soldiers around."  Then a thought crossed her mind: "Where is Lassalle?"

"He went back to his mother. Or maybe he joined some other army."  Hammon informed her.  "He didn't want to stay with us, anyway."

Goneril did not answer.

"I immediately talk to Degarre about your decision."  he added.  "I noticed that ... you avoided him all the way back from Helm's Deep ..."

"I know. Hammon, it's time for you to prepare for new responsibilities."  the Generaless said suddenly.  "I have decided that you will be my first captain, from now on."

The soldier was incredulous.  "I mean ... do you want to downgrade Degarre? But ... he's a veteran, and men respect him."

"I no longer respect him. Is that clear to you?"  she asked.  "But I don't want to downgrade him. He will remain captain, but you will be the person in whom I will confide, the direct executor of my orders. Let's say ... you have earned a place in my heart."  She said, with a look that had very little to do with benevolence.
Hammon didn't know whether to take it as a promotion or as the beginning of a series of problems.  Becoming the new right hand man of Goneril could have very unpleasant implications.

"If you wish this, it shall be done." replied the captain. Then he looked around. "The men have remained loyal to you. I want you to know, in case you have doubts."

"Yeah, very good boys ... They're all here. But that means nothing ..." she murmured. "How many things become clear over time ..."

Hammon didn't know how to reply. His commander had changed. Beyond the usual aura of ferocity, there was a new bitterness in Goneril. She no longer trusted anyone.

"Tell them they will soon receive orders. We will stay here." repeated Goneril. "And no one dare molest the people of Rohan."

"Don't worry." Hammon replied.

⚜️⚜️⚜️

"I brought you what you asked...where were you?" Éowyn said. She was waiting for her in the room.

"With my soldiers. What did you find?" asked Goneril.

Éowyn had taken some books from the King's private library. Judging by the quantity of dust that covered them, no one had opened those volumes for a long time.