return

1016 the return of the king
is now near to noon, and at that hour we eat, and then set
out again, I hear.’
Merry got up and yawned. His few hours’ sleep had not
been nearly enough; he was tired and rather dismal. He
missed Pippin, and felt that he was only a burden, while
everybody was making plans for speed in a business that he
did not fully understand. ‘Where is Aragorn?’ he asked.
‘In a high chamber of the Burg,’ said Legolas. ‘He has
neither rested nor slept, I think. He went thither some hours
ago, saying that he must take thought, and only his kinsman,
Halbarad, went with him; but some dark doubt or care sits
on him.’
‘They are a strange company, these newcomers,’ said
Gimli. ‘Stout men and lordly they are, and the Riders of
Rohan look almost as boys beside them; for they are grim
men of face, worn like weathered rocks for the most part,
even as Aragorn himself; and they are silent.’
‘But even as Aragorn they are courteous, if they break their
silence,’ said Legolas. ‘And have you marked the brethren
Elladan and Elrohir? Less sombre is their gear than the
others’, and they are fair and gallant as Elven-lords; and that
is not to be wondered at in the sons of Elrond of Rivendell.’
‘Why have they come? Have you heard?’ asked Merry.
He had now dressed, and he flung his grey cloak about his
shoulders; and the three passed out together towards the
ruined gate of the Burg.
‘They answered a summons, as you heard,’ said Gimli.
‘Word came to Rivendell, they say: Aragorn has need of his
kindred. Let the Dúnedain ride to him in Rohan! But whence
this message came they are now in doubt. Gandalf sent it, I
would guess.’
‘Nay, Galadriel,’ said Legolas. ‘Did she not speak through
Gandalf of the ride of the Grey Company from the North?’
‘Yes, you have it,’ said Gimli. ‘The Lady of the Wood! She
read many hearts and desires. Now why did not we wish for
some of our own kinsfolk, Legolas?’
Legolas stood before the gate and turned his bright eyes