towers

690 the two towers
Thence it fell into the Deeping-coomb and out into the
Westfold Vale. There in the Hornburg at Helm’s Gate Erkenbrand,
master of Westfold on the borders of the Mark, now
dwelt. As the days darkened with threat of war, being wise,
he had repaired the wall and made the fastness strong.
The Riders were still in the low valley before the mouth of
the Coomb, when cries and hornblasts were heard from their
scouts that went in front. Out of the darkness arrows whistled.
Swiftly a scout rode back and reported that wolf-riders were
abroad in the valley, and that a host of Orcs and wild men
were hurrying southward from the Fords of Isen and seemed
to be making for Helm’s Deep.
‘We have found many of our folk lying slain as they fled
thither,’ said the scout. ‘And we have met scattered companies,
going this way and that, leaderless. What has become
of Erkenbrand none seem to know. It is likely that he will be
overtaken ere he can reach Helm’s Gate, if he has not already
perished.’
‘Has aught been seen of Gandalf ?’ asked Théoden.
‘Yes, lord. Many have seen an old man in white upon a
horse, passing hither and thither over the plains like wind in
the grass. Some thought he was Saruman. It is said that he
went away ere nightfall towards Isengard. Some say also that
Wormtongue was seen earlier, going northward with a company
of Orcs.’
‘It will go ill with Wormtongue, if Gandalf comes upon
him,’ said Théoden. ‘Nonetheless I miss now both my counsellors,
the old and the new. But in this need we have no
better choice than to go on, as Gandalf said, to Helm’s Gate,
whether Erkenbrand be there or no. Is it known how great is
the host that comes from the North?’
‘It is very great,’ said the scout. ‘He that flies counts every
foeman twice, yet I have spoken to stouthearted men, and I
do not doubt that the main strength of the enemy is many
times as great as all that we have here.’
‘Then let us be swift,’ said Éomer. ‘Let us drive through