Post by notyetregistered on Feb 15, 2019 20:04:20 GMT
With great haste Gandalf rode southwards, to Edoras. He had barely managed to escape from Saruman with the help of the eagles, and when he heard of Théodred of the illness that had taken hold of Théoden, he knew he had to hurry. He rode night and day and he quickly arrived at Edoras. When the gates were opened, he saw only grim faces and sunken eyes. Where once the men of Rohan had fiery hearts, now they seemed despondent. One could find more cheer in a graveyard, the wizard thought. Truly, there were few good men left here he could count on. Gandalf rode through Edoras, up the hill of the king, and dismounted. He strode forward, up the stairs, and was met with guards, who tried to take his staff, but who he convinced to let him pass with his staff.
As he strode forward into the King's hall, he could see Théoden glued to his chair, with nary a bit of energy or fire, possessed by an evil force. Next to Théoden stood the man Gríma Wormtongue, who looked at him mockingly.
''Welcome, Gandalf Stormcrow. You are a most unwelcome guest in the King's hall, for it seems you only bring tidings of bad news. Indeed, your very presence here endangers our relationship with the great Saruman, who is many times your superior.'' he spoke. ''My king, why should he be here?'' he asked Théoden.
''Yes... you are not welcome here... Gandalf Stormcrow...'' Théoden croaked.
As Gandalf kept moving forward, Gríma Wormtongue suddenly noticed he still had his staff. ''You fools!"' he cried out. ''I told you to take his staff!'' he said, and suddenly multiple men of Rohan rushed towards Gandalf, with Éowyn watching with fear and worry.
''The wise speak only of what they know, Gríma son of Galmod. A witless worm have you become. Therefore be silent, and keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and war to bandy crooked words with a serving-man till the lightning falls.” Gandalf then spoke, with such force and power that the hall darkened, the people fell completely silent, and all soldiers were paralyzed. Gríma was speechless as Gandalf moved forward.
''Théoden-king! Your days are not yet numbered. A great evil possesses you, but I will draw it out like poison from a wound.'' he spoke. Throughout the hall, the laughter of Saruman in the voice of Théoden echoed. ''You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey.'' Saruman spoke.
''Be silent.'' he commanded, and with with those words Théoden was pinned to the chair, unable to move. ''You have not taken me, and you will not take Théoden.'' Gandalf said, and with that the a great light emerged from his staff. ''Begone, Saruman the Betrayer!" he commanded, and a great flash of light blinded everybody in the hall and cast out Saruman from Théoden's mind forever. As the light subsided, Théoden's eyes gained clarity. First he he looked at Gandalf, and then to Éowyn who rushed to his side, surprised.
“Now, lord,” said Gandalf, “look out upon your people! Breathe the free air again and return as glorious king once more!”
Théoden is now freed from Saruman's control and can move independently as a character
Rohan is now free to declare war on whomever it wishes
