Aragorn sang a slow song in the language of the country.

His companions listened, although they did not understand the words.

-Here is the approximate translation in Common Language, he said:

Where are the horse and rider now? Where is the horn that sounded?

Where is the balm and the haughty, and the shiny, floating hair?

Where is the hand on the string of the harp, and the great glowing fire?

Where is the spring and the harvest and the tall crescent wheat?

They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadows,

The days went down to the west in the shade behind the hills.

Who will collect the smoke from the burning dead wood,

Where will the fleeting years of the Sea return?

-It's a beautiful song filled with the sadness of mortal men... says Legolas.

With these words, the travelers passed the silent mounds. Following the winding path along the green hills, they finally reached the wide walls and wind-swept gates of Edoras.

There sat many Men in shiny ribbed mesh, who at once stood up to block their way with their spears.

-They shouted in the language of Ridder's March, and asked the names and purpose of the newcomers.

In their eyes there was an unkind astonishment, and they cast dark glances at Gandalf.

-I understand your speech well," he replied in the same language, "but few foreigners can. Why, then, if you desire an answer, do you not speak in the Common Language, as is customary in the West?

-It is the will of King Theoden that no one should pass through his gates except those who know our language and are our friends," replied one of the guards. In times of war, only those from our country and those who come from Mundburg to the land of Gondor are welcome. Who are you, you who come carelessly through the plain, strangely dressed and riding horses similar to ours? We have been standing guard here for a long time, and we have watched you from afar. Never have we seen other riders so strange, nor any horse prouder than one of these that carries you. He is one of the Mearas, if our eyes are not deceived by some spell. Are you not a magician, some spy of Saruman's, or fantasies born of his tricks? Speak now, speak quickly!

-We are not fantasies, says Aragorn, and your eyes do not deceive you. For, in fact, it is your own horses that we ride, as you knew well, even before you asked the question, I think. But it is very rare for a thief to return to the stable. Here are Hasufel, Windlay and Arod, which Eomer, Third Marshal of the March, lent us only two days ago. We are bringing them back now, as we promised. Has not Eomer returned and warned of our coming?

An embarrassed expression was seen in the eyes of the guard.

-I have nothing to say about Eomer," he replied. If what you're telling me is true, Theoden will undoubtedly have heard about it. Perhaps your coming was not entirely unexpected. It was only two nights ago that Serpent's Tongue came to tell us that, by Theoden's will, no stranger should enter the gates.

-Serpent's Tongue? Said Gandalf, scrutinizing the guard's face. Enough is enough! It is not with Serpent's Tongue, but with the Lord of the March himself that I am dealing with. I am in a hurry. Wouldn't you like to go or send word that we have arrived?

His eyes sparkled under his thick eyebrows, while he lowered his

a look at Man.

-Either ... enter but strip your weapons.

With a sigh, Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas and Elenwë handed their weapons to the soldiers.

Gandalf left his sword in the hands of the guards. But he kept his staff because he needed it for support.

The other four companions looked at each other, with a slight smile on their lips.

They would not be helpless!

They entered the palace and were led to the throne room.

On the throne was Theoden.

Elenwë almost rushed to meet him and used his healing gift on him, who seemed to be in great need of it.

Elenwë almost rushed to meet him and used his healing gift on him, who seemed to be in great need of it.

She took a step forward, but Legolas and Aragorn, who had understood what she wanted to do, stopped her.

She grumbled slightly as she abandoned her project.

Gandalf and Theoden had begun to speak, the vile serpent Grima blew the answers to the diminished king.

Finally, Gandalf advanced his staff and announced:

-I will suck Saruman from you, as one sucks the poison from a wound!

The soldiers around rushed at Gandalf's companions.

Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas and Elenwë fought valiantly with their bare hands against their opponents.

Elenwë could not hear Gandalf's words, too absorbed in his fight.

At one point, she found herself away from the others and in difficulty.

The guard had pinned her to the wall and placed his blade under the young elf's throat.

-Elenwë! Legolas shouted.

The young elf, furious, suddenly heard a voice in her head:

-Concentrate... feel the water around you. Order it to take the shape you desire.

Elenwë closed her eyes, concentrating. It seemed to him as if he was getting acquainted. Something was guiding her but she didn't understand what was happening.

She visualized the tiny droplets around her and condensed them.

She ordered this water to form a strong blade.

Immediately, a blade of water, similar in every way to an elven sword, appeared in Elenwë's hand.

She forced the soldier's blade and struck him on the back of the neck with the hilt of her weapon.

Elenwë disengaged and water followed.

Ordering him to take another form, more water was added and the whole thing formed a huge wave.

A great wave that swept away all the guards in one fell swoop.

At that moment, King Theoden collapsed on his throne, and underwent a rather impressive rejuvenation.

A young woman with long blond curls rushed to his side.

-I know your face... began the Lord of the Rohirrims, Eowyn!

She threw herself into his arms.

-Pan mae, Elenwë?

-Mae... Legolas. Hannon the.

Aragorn looked at Elenwë insistently. What had happened?

She looked away, uncomfortable, before quickly leaving the throne room to get some fresh air outside.