return

1052 the return of the king
his esquire a kindly farewell. But Merry begged for the last
time not to be parted from him.
‘This is no journey for such steeds as Stybba, as I have
told you,’ said Théoden. ‘And in such a battle as we think to
make on the fields of Gondor what would you do, Master
Meriadoc, swordthain though you be, and greater of heart
than of stature?’
‘As for that, who can tell?’ answered Merry. ‘But why,
lord, did you receive me as swordthain, if not to stay by your
side? And I would not have it said of me in song only that I
was always left behind!’
‘I received you for your safe-keeping,’ answered Théoden;
‘and also to do as I might bid. None of my Riders can bear
you as burden. If the battle were before my gates, maybe
your deeds would be remembered by the minstrels; but it is
a hundred leagues and two to Mundburg where Denethor is
lord. I will say no more.’
Merry bowed and went away unhappily, and stared at the
lines of horsemen. Already the companies were preparing to
start: men were tightening girths, looking to saddles, caressing
their horses; some gazed uneasily at the lowering sky. Unnoticed
a Rider came up and spoke softly in the hobbit’s ear.
‘Where will wants not, a way opens, so we say,’ he whispered;
‘and so I have found myself.’ Merry looked up and saw that
it was the young Rider whom he had noticed in the morning.
‘You wish to go whither the Lord of the Mark goes: I see it
in your face.’
‘I do,’ said Merry.
‘Then you shall go with me,’ said the Rider. ‘I will bear
you before me, under my cloak until we are far afield, and
this darkness is yet darker. Such good will should not be
denied. Say no more to any man, but come!’
‘Thank you indeed!’ said Merry. ‘Thank you, sir, though
I do not know your name.’
‘Do you not?’ said the Rider softly. ‘Then call me
Dernhelm.’
* * *