Read Online The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien - Free Book Online

Dunlendings and many men of the garrison of the Burg were at work on the Dike or
in the fields and about the battered walls behind; yet all seemed strangely quiet: a weary valley resting after a great storm.
Soon they turned back and went to the midday meal in the hall of the Burg.
    The king was already there, and as soon as they entered he called for Merry and had a seat set for him at his side. ‘It is
not as I would have it,’ said Théoden; ‘for this is little like my fair house in Edoras. And your friend is gone, who should
also be here. But it may be long ere we sit, you and I, at the high table in Meduseld; there will be no time for feasting
when I return thither. But come now! Eat and drink, and let us speak together while we may. And then you shall ride with me.’
    ‘May I?’ said Merry, surprised and delighted. ‘That would be splendid!’ He had never felt more grateful for any kindness in
words. ‘I am afraid I am only in everybody’s way,’ he stammered; ‘but I should like to do anything I could, you know.’
    ‘I doubt it not,’ said the king. ‘I have had a good hill-pony made ready for you. He will bear you as swift as any horse by
the roads that we shall take. For I will ride from the Burg by mountain paths, not by the plain, and so come to Edoras by
way of Dunharrow where the Lady Éowyn awaits me. You shall be my esquire, if you will. Is there gear of war in this place,
Éomer, that my sword-thain could use?’
    ‘There are no great weapon-hoards here, lord,’ answered Éomer. ‘Maybe a light helm might be found to fit him; but we have
no mail or sword for one of his stature.’
    ‘I have a sword,’ said Merry, climbing from his seat, and drawing from its black sheath his small bright blade. Filled suddenly
with love for this old man, he knelt on one knee, and took his hand and kissed it. ‘May I lay the sword of Meriadoc of the
Shire on your lap, Théoden King?’ he cried. ‘Receive my service, if you will!’
    ‘Gladly will I take it,’ said the king; and laying his long old hands upon the brown hair of the hobbit, he blessed him. ‘Rise
now, Meriadoc, esquire of Rohan of the household of Meduseld!’ he said. ‘Take your sword and bear it unto good fortune!’
    ‘As a father you shall be to me,’ said Merry.
    ‘For a little while,’ said Théoden.
    They talked then together as they ate, until presently Éomer spoke. ‘It is near the hour that we set for our going, lord,’
he said. ‘Shall I bid men sound the horns? But where is Aragorn? His place is empty and he has not eaten.’
    ‘We will make ready to ride,’ said Théoden; ‘but let word be sent to the Lord Aragorn that the hour is nigh.’
    The king with his guard and Merry at his side passed down from the gate of the Burg to where the Riders were assembling on
the green. Many were already mounted. It would be a great company; for the king was leaving only a small garrison in the Burg,
and all who could be spared were riding to the weapontake at Edoras. A thousand spears had indeed already ridden away at night;
but still there would be some five hundred more to go with the king, for the most part men from the fields and dales of Westfold.
    A little apart the Rangers sat, silent, in an ordered company, armed with spear and bow and sword. They were clad in cloaks
of dark grey, and their hoods were cast now over helm and head. Their horses were strong and of proud bearing, but rough-haired;
and one stood there without a rider,
    Aragorn’s own horse that they had brought from the North; Roheryn was his name. There was no gleam of stone or gold, nor any
fair thing in all their gear and harness; nor did their riders bear any badge or token, save only that each cloak was pinned
upon the left shoulder by a brooch of silver shaped like a rayed star.
    The king mounted his horse, Snowmane, and Merry sat beside him on his pony: Stybba was his name. Presently Éomer came out
from the gate, and with him