return

1128 the return of the king
and before the dais lay Théoden King of the Mark upon a
bed of state; and twelve torches stood about it, and twelve
guards, knights both of Rohan and Gondor. And the hangings
of the bed were of green and white, but upon the king
was laid the great cloth of gold up to his breast, and upon
that his unsheathed sword, and at his feet his shield. The
light of the torches shimmered in his white hair like sun in
the spray of a fountain, but his face was fair and young, save
that a peace lay on it beyond the reach of youth; and it
seemed that he slept.
When they had stood silent for a time beside the king,
Imrahil said: ‘Where is the Steward? And where also is
Mithrandir?’
And one of the guards answered: ‘The Steward of Gondor
is in the Houses of Healing.’
But Éomer said: ‘Where is the Lady Éowyn, my sister; for
surely she should be lying beside the king, and in no less
honour? Where have they bestowed her?’
And Imrahil said: ‘But the Lady Éowyn was yet living when
they bore her hither. Did you not know?’
Then hope unlooked-for came so suddenly to Éomer’s
heart, and with it the bite of care and fear renewed, that he
said no more, but turned and went swiftly from the hall; and
the Prince followed him. And when they came forth evening
had fallen and many stars were in the sky. And there came
Gandalf on foot and with him one cloaked in grey; and they
met before the doors of the Houses of Healing. And they
greeted Gandalf and said: ‘We seek the Steward, and men
say that he is in this House. Has any hurt befallen him? And
the Lady Éowyn, where is she?’
And Gandalf answered: ‘She lies within and is not dead,
but is near death. But the Lord Faramir was wounded by an
evil dart, as you have heard, and he is now the Steward; for
Denethor has departed, and his house is in ashes.’ And they
were filled with grief and wonder at the tale that he told.
But Imrahil said: ‘So victory is shorn of gladness, and it is
bitter bought, if both Gondor and Rohan are in one day