towers

658 the two towers
‘Nor will you again,’ said Gandalf. ‘That is Shadowfax. He
is the chief of the Mearas, lords of horses, and not even
Théoden, King of Rohan, has ever looked on a better. Does
he not shine like silver, and run as smoothly as a swift stream?
He has come for me: the horse of the White Rider. We are
going to battle together.’
Even as the old wizard spoke, the great horse came striding
up the slope towards them; his coat was glistening and his
mane flowing in the wind of his speed. The two others followed,
now far behind. As soon as Shadowfax saw Gandalf,
he checked his pace and whinnied loudly; then trotting gently
forward he stooped his proud head and nuzzled his great
nostrils against the old man’s neck.
Gandalf caressed him. ‘It is a long way from Rivendell, my
friend,’ he said; ‘but you are wise and swift and come at need.
Far let us ride now together, and part not in this world again!’
Soon the other horses came up and stood quietly by, as if
awaiting orders. ‘We go at once to Meduseld, the hall of your
master, Théoden,’ said Gandalf, addressing them gravely.
They bowed their heads. ‘Time presses, so with your leave,
my friends, we will ride. We beg you to use all the speed that
you can. Hasufel shall bear Aragorn and Arod Legolas. I will
set Gimli before me, and by his leave Shadowfax shall bear
us both. We will wait now only to drink a little.’
‘Now I understand a part of last night’s riddle,’ said
Legolas as he sprang lightly upon Arod’s back. ‘Whether they
fled at first in fear, or not, our horses met Shadowfax, their
chieftain, and greeted him with joy. Did you know that he
was at hand, Gandalf ?’
‘Yes, I knew,’ said the wizard. ‘I bent my thought upon
him, bidding him to make haste; for yesterday he was far
away in the south of this land. Swiftly may he bear me back
again!’
Gandalf spoke now to Shadowfax, and the horse set off at
a good pace, yet not beyond the measure of the others. After
a little while he turned suddenly, and choosing a place where