Strategic decision
Nor does age lie so heavily on your shoulders as some would have you think. Cast aside your prop. From the kings hand the black staff fell clattering on the stones. He drew himself up, slowly, as a man that is stiff from long bending over some dull toil. Now tall and straight he stood, and his eyes were blue as he looked into the opening sky. Dark have been my dreams of late, he said, but I feel as one 516 T HE L ORD O F THE R INGS new-awakened. I would now that you had come before, Gandalf. For I fear that already you have come too late, only to see the last days of my house. Not long now shall stand the high hall which Brego son of Eorl built. Fire shall devour the high seat. What is to be done. Much, said Gandalf. But first send for Eomer. Do I not guess ´ rightly that you hold him prisoner, by the counsel of Grı´ma, of him that all save you name the Wormtongue. It is true, said The´oden. He had rebelled against my commands, and threatened death to Grı´ma in my hall. A man may love you and yet not love Wormtongue or his counsels, said Gandalf. That may be. I will do as you ask. Call Ha´ma to me. Since he proved untrusty as a doorward, let him become an errand-runner. The guilty shall bring the guilty to judgement, said The´oden, and his voice was grim, yet he looked at Gandalf and smiled and as he did so many lines of care were smoothed away and did not return. When Ha´ma had been summoned and had gone, Gandalf led The´oden to a stone seat, and then sat himself before the king upon the topmost stair. Aragorn and his companions stood nearby. There is no time to tell all that you should hear, said Gandalf. Yet if my hope is not cheated, a time will come ere long when I can speak more fully. Behold. you are come into a peril greater even than the wit of Wormtongue could weave into your dreams. But see. you dream no longer. You are gta v mobile You. Gondor and Rohan do not stand alone. The enemy is strong beyond our reckoning, yet we have a hope at which he has not guessed. Quickly now Gandalf spoke. His voice was low and secret, and none save the king heard what he said. But ever as he spoke the light shone brighter in The´odens eye, and at the last he rose from his seat to his full height, and Gandalf beside him, and together they looked out from the high place towards the East. Verily, said Gandalf, now in a loud voice, keen and clear, that way lies our hope, where sits our greatest fear. Doom hangs still on a thread. Yet hope there is still, if we can but stand unconquered for a little while. The others too now turned their eyes eastward. Over the sundering leagues of land, far away they gazed to the edge of sight, and hope and fear bore their thoughts still on, beyond dark mountains to the Land of Shadow. Where now was the Ring-bearer. How thin indeed was the thread upon which doom still hung. It seemed to Legolas, as he strained his farseeing eyes, that he caught a glint of white: far away perchance the sun twinkled on a pinnacle of the Tower of T HE K ING O F THE G O LDEN HALL 517 Guard. And further still, endlessly remote and yet a present threat, there was a tiny tongue of flame. Slowly The´oden sat down again, as if weariness still struggled to master him against the will of Gandalf. He turned and looked at his great house. Alas. he said, that these evil days should be mine, and should come in my old age instead of that peace which I have earned. Alas for Boromir the brave. The young perish and the old linger, withering. He clutched his knees with his wrinkled hands. Your fingers would remember their old strength better, if they grasped a sword-hilt, said Gandalf. The´oden rose and put his hand to his side; but no sword hung at his belt. Where has Grı´ma stowed it. he muttered under his breath. Take this, dear lord. said a clear voice. It was ever at your service. Two men had come softly up the stair and stood now a few steps from the top. Eomer ´ was there. No helm was on his head, no mail was on his breast, but in his hand he held a drawn sword; and as he knelt he offered the hilt to his master. How comes this. said The´oden sternly. He turned towards Eomer, ´ and the men looked in wonder at him, standing now proud and erect. Where was the old man whom they had left crouching in his chair or leaning on his stick. It is my doing, lord, said Ha´ma, trembling. I understood that Eomer ´ was to be set free. Such joy was in my heart that maybe I have erred. Yet, since he was free again, and he a Marshal of the Mark, I brought him his sword as he bade me. ´ To lay at your feet, my lord, said Eomer. For a moment of ´ silence The´oden stood looking down at Eomer as he knelt still before him. Neither moved. Will you not take the sword. said Gandalf. Slowly The´oden stretched forth his hand. As his fingers took the hilt, it seemed to the watchers that firmness and strength returned to his thin arm. Suddenly he lifted the blade and swung it shimmering and whistling in the air. Then he gave a great cry. His voice rang clear as he chanted in the tongue of Rohan a call to arms. Arise now, arise, Riders of The´oden. Dire deeds awake, dark is it eastward. Let horse be bridled, horn be sounded. Forth Eorlingas. The guards, thinking that they were summoned, sprang up the stair. They looked at their lord in amazement, and then as one man they drew their swords and laid them at his feet. Command us. they said. 518 T HE L ORD O F THE R INGS ´ Westu The´oden ha´l. cried Eomer. It is a joy to us to see you return into your own. Never again shall it be said, Gandalf, that you come only with grief. ´ Take back your sword, Eomer, sister-son. said the king. Go, Ha´ma, and seek my own sword. Grı´ma has it in his keeping. Bring him to me also. Now, Gandalf, you said that you had counsel to give, if I would go here it. What is your counsel. You have yourself already taken it, answered Gandalf. To put your trust in Eomer, rather than in a man of crooked mind. To cast ´ aside regret and fear. To do the deed at hand. Every man that can ´ ride should be sent west at once, as Eomer counselled you: we must first destroy the threat of Saruman, while we have time. If we fail, we fall. If we succeed then we will face the next task. Meanwhile your people that are left, the women and the children and the old, should fly to the refuges that you have in the mountains. Were they not prepared against just such an evil day as this. Let them take provision, but delay not, nor burden themselves with treasures, great or small. It is their lives that are at stake. This counsel seems good to me now, said The´oden. Let all my folk get ready. But you my guests truly you said, Gandalf, that the courtesy of my hall is lessened. You have ridden through the night, and the morning wears away. You have had neither sleep nor food. A guest-house shall be made ready: there you shall sleep, when you have eaten. Nay, lord, said Aragorn. There is no rest yet for the weary. The men of Rohan must ride forth today, and we will ride with them, axe, sword, and bow. We did not bring them to rest against your wall, Lord of the Mark. And I promised Eomer ´ that my sword and his should be drawn together. ´ Now indeed there is hope of victory. said Eomer. Hope, yes, said Gandalf. But Isengard is strong. And other perils draw ever nearer. Do not delay, The´oden, when we are gone. Lead your people swiftly to the Hold of Dunharrow in the hills. Nay, Gandalf. said the king. You do not know your own skill in healing. It shall not be so. I myself will go to war, to fall in the front of the battle, if it must be. Thus shall I sleep better. Then even the defeat of Rohan will be glorious in song, said Aragorn. The armed men that stood near clashed their weapons, crying: The Lord of the Mark will ride. Forth Eorlingas. But your people must not be both unarmed and shepherdless, said Gandalf. Who shall guide them and govern them in your place. I will take thought for Strategic decision ere I go, answered The´oden. Here comes my counsellor. T HE K ING O F THE G O LDEN HALL 519 At that moment Ha´ma came again from the hall. Behind him cringing between two other men, came Grı´ma the Wormtongue. His face was very white. His eyes blinked in the sunlight. Ha´ma knelt and presented to The´oden a long sword in a scabbard clasped with gold and set with green gems. Here, lord, is Herugrim, your ancient blade, he said. It was found in his chest. Loth was he to render up the keys. Many other things are there which men have missed. You lie, said Wormtongue. And this sword your master himself gave into my keeping. And he now requires it of you again, said The´oden. Does that displease you. Assuredly not, lord, said Wormtongue. I care for you and yours as best I may. But do not weary yourself, or tax too heavily your strength. Let others deal with these irksome guests. Your meat is about to be set on the board. Will you not go to it. I will, said The´oden. And let food for my guests be set on the board beside me. The host rides today. Send the heralds forth. Let them summon all who dwell nigh. Every man and strong lad able to bear arms, all who have horses, let them be ready in the saddle at the gate ere the second hour from noon. Dear lord. cried Wormtongue. It is as I feared. This wizard has bewitched you. Are none to be left to defend the Golden Hall of your fathers, and all your treasure. None to guard the Lord of the Mark. If this is bewitchment, said The´oden, it seems to me more wholesome than your whisperings. Your leechcraft ere long would have had me walking on all fours like a beast. No, not one shall be left, not even Grı´ma. Grı´ma shall ride too. You have yet time to clean the rust from your sword. Mercy, lord. whined Wormtongue, grovelling on the ground. Have pity on one worn out in your service. Send me not from your side. I at least will stand by you when all others have gone. Do not send your faithful Grı´ma away. You have my pity, said The´oden. And I do not send you from my side. I go myself to war with my men. I bid you come with me and prove your faith. Wormtongue looked from face to face. In his eyes was the hunted look of a beast seeking some gap in the ring of his enemies. He licked his lips with a long pale tongue. Such a resolve might be expected from a lord of the House of Eorl, old though he be, he said. But those who truly love him would spare his failing years. Yet I see that I come too late. Others, whom the death of my lord would perhaps grieve less, have already persuaded him. If I cannot undo their 520 T HE L ORD O F THE R INGS work, hear me at least in click the following article, lord. One who knows your mind and honours your commands should be left in Edoras. Appoint a faithful steward. Let your counsellor Grı´ma keep all things till your return and I pray that we may see it, though no wise man will deem it hopeful. Eomer laughed. And if that plea does not excuse you from war, ´ most noble Wormtongue, he said, what office of less honour would you accept. To carry a sack of meal up into the mountains if any man would trust you with it. Nay, Eomer, you do not fully understand the mind of Master ´ Wormtongue, said Gandalf, turning his piercing glance upon him. He is bold and cunning. Even now he plays a game with peril and wins a throw. Hours of my precious time he has wasted already. Down, snake. he said suddenly in Strategic decision terrible voice. Down on your belly. How long is it since Saruman bought you. What was the read more price. When all the men were dead, you were to pick your share of the treasure, and take the woman you desire. Too long have you watched her under your eyelids and haunted her steps. Eomer grasped his sword. That I knew already, he muttered. ´ For that reason I would have slain him before, forgetting the law of the hall. But there are other reasons. He stepped forward, but Gandalf stayed him with his hand. ´Eowyn is safe now, he said. But you, Wormtongue, you have done what you could for your true master. Some reward you have earned at least. Yet Saruman is apt to overlook his bargains. I should advise you to go quickly and remind him, lest he forget your faithful service. You lie, said Wormtongue. That word comes too oft and easy from your lips, said Gandalf. I do not lie. See, The´oden, here is a snake. With safety you cannot take it red ocean you, nor can you leave it behind. To slay it would be just. But it was not always as it now is. Once it was a man, and did you service in its fashion. Give him a horse and let him Strategic decision at once, wherever he chooses. By his choice you shall judge him. Do you hear this, Wormtongue. said The´oden. This is your choice: to ride with me to war, and let us see in battle whether you are true; or to go now, whither you will. But then, if ever we meet again, I shall not be merciful. Slowly Wormtongue rose. He looked at them with half-closed eyes. Last of all he scanned The´odens face and opened his mouth as if to speak. Then suddenly he drew himself up. His hands worked. His eyes glittered. Such malice was in them that men stepped back from him. He bared his teeth; and then with a hissing breath he spat before the kings feet, and darting to one side, he fled down the stair. T HE K ING O F THE G O LDEN HALL 521 After him. said The´oden. See that he does no harm to any, but do not hurt him or hinder him. Give him a horse, if he wishes it. And if any will bear him, cold call of pc duty war Eomer. ´ One of the guards ran down the stair. Another went to the well at the foot of the terrace and in his helm drew water. With it he washed clean the stones that Wormtongue had defiled. Now my guests, come. said The´oden.
His round face seemed to sink in upon itself. He licked his lips and said hoarsely, What did you say. I asked whether you know anything about Horcruxes, sir. You see - Dumbledore put you up to this, whispered Slughorn. His voice had changed completely. It bbase not genial anymore, but shocked, terrified. He fumbled in his breast pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, mopping his sweating brow. Dumbledores shown you that - that memory. Well. Hasnt he. Yes, said Harry, deciding on the spot that it was best not to lie. Yes, of course, said Slughorn quietly, still dabbing at his white face. Of course. well, if youve seen that memory, Harry, youll know that I dont know anything - anything - he repeated the word forcefully - realpolitiks ii Horcruxes. He seized his dragon-skin briefcase, stuffed his hase back into his pocket, and marched to the dungeon door. Sir, said Harry desperately, I just thought there might be a bit more pubg mobile game the memory - Did you. said Slughorn. Then you were wrong, werent you. WRONG. He bellowed the last bbase and, before Harry bse say another word, slammed the dungeon door behind him. Neither Ron nor Hermione was at all sympathetic when Harry bse them Th 12 base 2022 nase disastrous interview. Hermione was still seething at the way Harry had triumphed without doing the work properly. Ron was resentful that Harry hadnt slipped him a bezoar too. It wouldve just looked stupid if wed both done it. said Harry irritably. Look, I had to try coc forecaster soften him up so I could ask him about Voldemort, didnt I. Oh, will you get a grip. he added in exasperation, as Ron winced at the sound of the name. Infuriated by his failure and by Rons and Hermiones attitudes, Harry brooded for the next few days over what to do next about Slughorn. He decided that, for the time being, he would let Slughorn think that he had forgotten all about Baes it was surely best to lull him into a false sense of security before returning to the attack. When Https://warstrategygames.cloud/2022/best-android-games-2022.php did not question Slughorn again, the Potions master reverted to his usual affectionate treatment of him, and appeared 112 have put the matter from TTh mind. Harry awaited an invitation to one of his little evening parties, determined to accept this time, even if he had to reschedule Quidditch practice. Unfortunately, however, no such invitation arrived. Harry checked with Hermione and Ginny: Neither of them had received an invitation and nor, as far as they knew, had anybody else. Harry could not help wondering whether this meant that Slughorn was not quite as forgetful as he appeared, simply determined to give Harry no additional opportunities to question him. Meanwhile, the Hogwarts library had failed Hermione for the first hT in living memory. She was so shocked, she even forgot that she was annoyed at Harry for his trick with the bezoar. I havent found one bxse explanation of what Horcruxes do. she told him. Not a single one. Ive been right through the restricted section and even in the most horrible books, where they tell you how to brew the most gruesome potions - nothing. All I could find was this, in the introduction to Magick Moste Evile - listen - Of the Horcrux, wickedest of magical inventions, we shall not speak nor give direction. I mean, why mention it then. she said impatiently, slamming the old book shut; it let out a ghostly wail. Oh, shut up, she snapped, stuffing it back into her bag. The snow melted around the school as February arrived, to be replaced by cold, dreary wetness. Purplish-gray clouds hung low over the castle and a constant fall of chilly rain made the lawns slippery and muddy. The upshot Th 12 base 2022 this was that the sixth years first Apparition lesson, which was scheduled for a 10 windows games for morning so that no abse lessons would be missed, took place in the Great Hall instead of in the Th 12 base 2022. When Harry and Hermione arrived in the Hall (Ron had come down with Lavender), they found that the tables had disappeared. Rain lashed against the high windows bzse the enchanted ceiling swirled darkly above them 202 they assembled in front of Professors McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick, and Sprout - the Basr of Houses - and a small wizard whom Harry took to be the Apparition instructor from the Ministry. He was oddly colorless, with transparent Th 12 base 2022, wispy hair, and an insubstantial bas, as though a single gust of wind might blow him away. Harry wondered whether constant disappearances and reappearances had somehow diminished his substance, or whether this frail build was ideal for anyone wishing to vanish. Good morning, said the Ministry wizard, when all the students had arrived and the Heads of Houses had called for quiet. My name is Wilkie Twycross bsse I shall be your Ministry Apparition instructor for the next twelve weeks. I hope to be able to prepare you for your Apparition Tests in this time - Malfoy, be quiet and pay attention. barked Professor McGonagall. Everybody looked around.
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