towers

the road to isengard 719
‘This is our way,’ said Gandalf. ‘Grievous is the fall of
your men; but you shall see that at least the wolves of the
mountains do not devour them. It is with their friends, the
Orcs, that they hold their feast: such indeed is the friendship
of their kind. Come!’
They rode down to the river, and as they came the wolves
ceased their howling and slunk away. Fear fell on them seeing
Gandalf in the moon, and Shadowfax his horse shining like
silver. The riders passed over to the islet, and glittering eyes
watched them wanly from the shadows of the banks.
‘Look!’ said Gandalf. ‘Friends have laboured here.’
And they saw that in the midst of the eyot a mound was
piled, ringed with stones, and set about with many spears.
‘Here lie all the Men of the Mark that fell near this place,’
said Gandalf.
‘Here let them rest!’ said Éomer. ‘And when their spears
have rotted and rusted, long still may their mound stand and
guard the Fords of Isen!’
‘Is this your work also, Gandalf, my friend?’ said Théoden.
‘You accomplished much in an evening and a night!’
‘With the help of Shadowfax – and others,’ said Gandalf.
‘I rode fast and far. But here beside the mound I will say this
for your comfort: many fell in the battles of the Fords, but
fewer than rumour made them. More were scattered than
were slain; I gathered together all that I could find. Some
men I sent with Grimbold of Westfold to join Erkenbrand.
Some I set to make this burial. They have now followed your
marshal, Elfhelm. I sent him with many Riders to Edoras.
Saruman I knew had despatched his full strength against you,
and his servants had turned aside from all other errands and
gone to Helm’s Deep: the lands seemed empty of enemies;
yet I feared that wolf-riders and plunderers might ride nonetheless
to Meduseld, while it was undefended. But now I
think you need not fear: you will find your house to welcome
your return.’
‘And glad shall I be to see it again,’ said Théoden, ‘though
brief now, I doubt not, shall be my abiding there.’