‘The way is clear so far, Éomer King, we saw nothing of note,’ the lead scout addressed him as soon as he was close enough.
Erkenbrand rode up to them both, pointing far into the distance at two figures seated on two huge horses, one black, one golden. Éomer’s heart constricted when he saw them.
‘So how do you explain those two who seem to have escaped your search?’ Erkenbrand said scathingly to the scouts, who turned sharply and swore.
Éomer stopped them from racing towards the two figures, who were waiting on the hillock just on the other side of the border. ‘I will go,’ he stated, heavily.
‘My King, permission to come with you,’ Erkenbrand requested. Éomer nodded. As they made their approach, Finglor moved Maela forward to meet them.
‘Finglor,’ Éomer said in greeting. Finglor bowed in acknowledgement. ‘No doubt you already know this is Erkenbrand, even though you have not yet met officially,’ Éomer added, with only the slightest tinge of irritation.
‘I have followed your exploits with admiration, Lord Erkenbrand. It is an honour to be finally introduced.’ Erkenbrand bowed in thanks.
‘What news from Gondor?’ Éomer asked trying not to sound sarcastic.
‘Isengard is Gondor, Éomer King. And it borders with both Rohan and Dunland as you know. Aragorn has tasked Lothíriel with finding a purposeful use for Orthanc, which we have discussed in detail with the Ents,’ Finglor answered calmly.
‘I am glad you decided against the Forthanc stream,’ he continued. ‘I see and hear much further than even most Elves and if you were to ask me what I hear from the ground now, I would say that the main body of the southern Dunlending forces is only a day’s march away. They are likely to choose a defensive spot surrounded by bog as soon as their scouts realise that you are behind them instead of coming up from the southwest as they expected. However, if you found them in the valley of Golgoth before they make it to the bog land around the hill, you will find them at their most vulnerable. I tell you this as a representative from the Northern kin of Aragorn, who have long wanted to see the restive elements of Dunland brought to heel, but as these were all facing Rohan and we have had no trouble from the northern chiefs, this is not our battle,’ he ended.
‘I thank you, Finglor. May I go to speak with Lothíriel, or will she refuse me?’ Éomer asked awkwardly.
‘That is for you to find out,’ he answered, remaining where he was to continue to talk with Erkenbrand.
Éomer rode up towards Lothíriel, feeling small compared to the golden Mearas on which she looked almost like a child. They looked at each other a long time before Éomer eventually spoke, ‘I didn’t understand you,’ he said, ‘I am sorry. You took me by surprise. You always do,’ he swallowed loudly as his throat constricted with emotion. Her forehead crinkled as she fought to control herself. ‘I can’t have you near the battle, Lothíriel. It would distract me too much. I know you can fight, but do not ask me if you and Finglor can join us. Please believe me when I say it is not to protect you. I cannot… I cannot have you there,’ he managed eventually.
‘Finglor will stay with me, we will have no part in this fight. But I will come with Finglor as soon as the battle is over to tend your wounded. It was he who taught me everything I know about healing,’ she stated calmly, brooking no argument.
‘I want you nowhere near this, Lothi,’ Éomer countered, his voice wavering.
‘You see the horse I am on, Éomer. His name is Geldsheen, and he is Maela’s mate. Not even you would be able to come near me, never mind a Dunlending. With this horse and Finglor I am better protected than a whole Éored. And I do know how to fight if I have to. We will not be anywhere near the battle. Please trust me,’ she begged him. ‘Ask your men what they would prefer. To have us both close enough to heal them after the battle or far away in Isengard, so safe as to be useless?’
He bowed his head and nodded his agreement.
‘Besides,’ she continued, ‘if you follow Finglor’s advice, you won’t have to do much fighting and your losses will be minimal. Spare as many of the Dunlendings as you can and you may have better neighbours than you think possible now. The ability to show mercy is a sign of strength, not weakness, especially when you are in a position of overwhelming advantage.’
Geldsheen took a few steps forward towards Éomer to greet Firefoot and bring the two riders more closely together.
‘Éomer,’ she said more softly, ‘don’t take any stupid risks, please. You are too important to Rohan, you must survive. I will not be happy if I find you in my care, I might not be so merciful myself!’ she half-laughed. He looked up in relief and smiled at her warmly.
‘I will do my very best not to end up in your care, Lothi,’ he said looking at her longingly, ‘but I would like you to come back to us and back into my care once this is over. I should never have let you leave. Forgive me?’ he asked her gently.
Her face lit up, ‘There is nothing to forgive,’ she replied, her eyes shining with emotion. She pulled herself up proudly and declared commandingly, ‘Éomer, King of Rohan, go protect your people. I know of no better man to fulfil this duty.’