Between Two Worlds

12

The man kneels by him so he can hear what the king wants. But he only repeats his name twice.

"Orcs are running freely across our lands," Éomer continues to tell the king. "Unchecked, unchallenged, killing at will... Orcs bearing the white hand of Saruman." He drops an orc helmet on the table, the top of it an emblem of a white hand painted.

So it's true then. Their suspicions of Saruman have been proven. He has betrayed us for Sauron.

"Why do you lay these troubles on an already troubled mind?" Grima says. "Can you not see, your uncle is wearied by your malcontent... your warmongering..."

Éomer looks at him, anger brewing in his gaze and making him clench his teeth. I think there is a history with these men. By a guess maybe this steward of the king's has been advising all the wrong actions for Théoden. And since the king is ill, I suppose this steward or advisor perhaps is playing king...

"'Warmongering'?" Éomer growls.

"Oh yes..." Grima sneers. He stands straighter and walks down to face the man as he speaks, "I know the burden you have become to your uncle... the childish arrogance trying to find its way into the ruling of this kingdom... your conspiracies of evil... You and your cousin are the wound of this kingdom—"

Éomer takes the man by his collar and pins him against the hall pillar with fury. I cannot hear what he threatens him through bared teeth but it probably isn't... nice.

The king's soldiers come up behind him and grab him by the arms, pulling him back.

I stand wanting to defend him but not allowed to, as it will probably lead to my death.

"You see much, Éomer, son of Éomund. Too much. You are banished forthwith from the kingdom of Rohan and all its domains under pain of death," the ugly man commands.

My eyes widen. He can't do that!

Should I do something? Éomer saved my life. I should speak now.

...But the fact that even Éowyn is silent makes me think twice about saying anything. He is the king and I can't do anything against him...

"You have no authority here!" Éomer yells in fury. "Your orders mean nothing!"

"But this order does not come from me." He pulls out a folded piece of paper and shows it to him. "It comes from the king. He signed it this morning."

He makes a battle cry, probably wanting to rip the worm-like tongue from his mouth. But the two soldiers pull him from the hall along with his men and throw them out.

Éowyn yells and chases after them, pleading to let him stay but it's useless.

I run past them and after Éomer.

I fly through the village, passing the townspeople until I catch up to him as he leaves the city. "Why does the king throw you out?" I ask in anger but also sadness as he saddles his horse.

"It is treason! Saruman signed that paper and now I too can no longer fight for my people!" he says and mounts his steed.

"But there must be some way—"

"Any way would lead to death, Vilora. There is nothing that can be done."

I stare up at him with a broken heart.

"I am loyal to the king... but the king is gone. Rohan belongs to Saruman now."

"I refuse to accept that."

He looks down but doesn't pay too much attention to what I said... he shakes his head. "It is unlikely that we will see each other again, my lady. But it was a pleasure knowing you..." he looks sorrowful and puts on his helmet, kicking his horse and him and the rest of his men are gone before I can say anything more...