Hers

Chapter 10
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I have always been an early riser, much to the disgust of my mother and sister. At times, I believe Lothiriel positively loathed my wont to bedevil her all night, and still rise before the cock crowed, although I am sure she appreciated it when our children were babes. I was up, the bed straightened and all trace of my use of the cottage, was removed by the time the sun rose. Borrowing a bit of feed, I fed Firestorm, as well as the other animals, picked his stall clean and laid fresh sawdust. I rode into town as the sun rose, meeting with several patrols on the way. The orcs had been routed, only a few stragglers found. All the remains were burning on a hill, far from the settlement and downwind for the time being. I was looking forward to breaking my fast, spending time with Gamling and Wudurose when a Rider rode up next to me, his horse in a lather.

“There is dust to the West.”

“What sort of dust?”

“Riders. A lot of Riders. They will arrive within the hour.”

I nodded once and continued on my way, unperturbed. “Ah. Elfhelm has arrived. Send him and his captains to the Common House.”

My heart was in my throat. My son would be with him.

~~~...~~~

My son was not with them.

Oh, he had ridden with Elfhelm, to be sure. While I broke my fast, going over the happenings over the last several days with my marshal, Edric spoke to Tondhere, discovered Gamling had been grievously injured and went to him and his mother. By the time I made orders and rose to check on Gamling, Edric was gone, off, according to the guard, to see and check for himself his mother's and his step-father's holdings.

I felt he was avoiding me and Gamling agreed.

“She,” 'she' obviously was his wife, “is putting things in my broth! BROTH!” Gamling was weak and grumbling. I should have a field day at his bed-ridden state, but truth was, I had not the heart for it.

“You have taken a grievous injury,” I reminded the man. His little shadow was nowhere in sight. I suspected someone had taken her out to play, bask in the late autumn sunshine. “As I am certain you wish to be around to marry your daughter off and bounce your grandchildren on your knee-”

“Bouncing children on my knee!” The man was positively irate. “I cannot believe I have succumbed to such pastoral past times!”

“You love it. Admit it!”

Gamling tried to pull himself into a sitting position with his one, good arm. He growled at me when I attempted to help, so I stepped back and waited. “Aye, I love it! I would not mind having another, save I am old. It is not,” he murmured, “for a lack of trying.”

A serving girl came in with a hot beverage in a bowl, for Gamling, she said. He began to growl and attempted to send her out, but I took it from her. “I will make sure this irascible warg takes what has been sent from the kitchen.” I waited until she dipped and left, closing the door behind her. “You listen to me, you belligerent old goat,” Gamling snorted, but he was smiling. “You drink this, you take everything, no matter how bad it tastes, how strange it makes you feel, how much it stings. You take it!” I handed it to the man and stepped back, watching him.

“Had no idea you loved me so much.” He tipped the bowl up and drank it down, scowling at the bitter taste.

“I don't, however,” the bowl was still tipped up, but he gave me a baleful stare over the rim, “I am fond of your wife. She has been through enough and, for her sake, I will do what is necessary to ensure your long life, because she and your daughter would be distraught at your loss.” My hands were behind my back and I lifted up on my toes, before settling back down. “I suspect Edric would be upset, as well.” I waited until Gamling finished with the bowl and took it from him. “Speaking of Edric-”

“You will find him,” with this, Gamling slid back down in the bed, “by the river. Go to our place, and head east through the apple orchard. You'll find him easily enough. He always has more than one pole.” I picked up the bowl and turned, obviously dismissed. “Éomer?”

“Yes, Gamling?”

“He can be irritable and belligerent.” Gamling's eyes were shut. “He gave me Mordor when I moved here and even after I married her; until she quickened.” No need to ask who 'she' was. “He is very protective of his mother.” I nodded. “And he has a mean left hook.” I winced at that. “Run, if he has a... hammer.” With that, his head drooped to the side, over on his shoulder.

I realized I had been warned.

~~~...~~~

I was stopped several times as I attempted to leave the settlement, accepting thanks and waylaying fears of a repeat attack. I spoke to Elfhelm, reminding him to keep an eye open for available areas to build a garrison. Ask the townspeople, those around who owned what. Rohan would pay to make sure her people were safe.

It took me over an hour to finally reach the gates. There was bustling about the walls, repairs to roofs and walls that had been scorched by fire. I noticed for the first time, that several wellsprings were dug and built about the inside of the walls, accompanied by large water troughs between. Water at the ready. I was amazed by the ingenuity of the people of this town.

It made me proud. This is Rohan!

“You will notice some of the buildings have metal roofs. They have the least amount of fire damage.” Tondhere was standing next to me, looking up as well. “It was Gamling's idea to create thin squares of metal and layer them on top of the homes and establishments. I am thinking if we take mud from the riverbanks and bake blocks to construct buildings from it, it would make the buildings safer.”

“The wall as well.” I was nodding. “All of this,” I used my chin to encompass all, “is impressive and well thought out. You have done well.”

The man shrugged. “'Twas Gamling's idea. I suspect when he is up and moving, he will want to complete the job started.”

“Perfect your mud blocks and your roof sheets,” I whispered. “We will want use of those skills when we build the garrison this way. If you know of an appropriate and available piece of land, talk to Elfhelm. It will be built.” I started towards the gate again.

“You will find Edric at the river, Sire.” I smiled at that. “Go to Wudurose and Gamling's spread and head east through the apple trees. One other thing.” I stopped what I was doing. “Tell him I will need him back this way. I wish to check the éorad's horses; their shoes and tack, before you head back. All of them.”

“You will be compensated well.”

“I will not take your money.”

I put on my helmet and leaned into the man. “Yes, you will.”

~.~