Tolkien Midnight

[pilfered_words]

Today my sister and I read the second half of the chapter “The King of the Golden Hall”. Some quotes:

 

‘I owe much to Éomer,’ said Théoden. 'Faithful heart may have forward tongue.' 

 

'Say also,’ said Gandalf, 'that to crooked eyes truth may wear a wry face.’

 

'I said not Éomer,’ answered Háma. 'And he is not the last. There is Éowyn, daughter of Éomund, his sister. She is fearless and high-hearted. All love her. Let her be as lord to the Eorlingas, while we are gone.’

 

My favorite part of this chapter, though, was a part we read last time:

 

'Take this, dear lord!’ said a clear voice. 'It was ever at your service.’ Two men had come softly up the stair and stood now a few steps from the top. Éomer was there. No helm was on his head, no mail was on his breast, but in his hand he held a drawn sword; and as he knelt he offered the hilt to his master.

 

'How comes this?’ said Théoden sternly. He turned towards Éomer and the men looked in wonder at him, standing now proud and erect. Where was the old man whom they had left crouching in his chair or leaning on his stick?

 

'It is my doing, lord,’ said Háma, trembling. I understood that Éomer was to be set free. Such joy was in my heart that maybe I have erred. Yet, since he was free again, and he a Marshal of the Mark,! brought him his sword as he bade me.’

 

'To lay at your feet, my lord,’ said Éomer.

 

For a moment of silence Théoden stood looking down at Éomer as he knelt still before him. Neither moved.

 

'Will you not take the sword?’ said Gandalf.