The Steward and the King

           OverthecityofGondordoubtandgreatdreadhadhung.Fairweatherandclearsunhadseemedbutamockerytomenwhosedaysheldlittlehope,andwholookedeachmorningfornewsofdoom.Theirlordwasdeadandburned,deadlaytheKingofRohanintheircitadel,andthenewkingthathadcometotheminthenightwasgoneagaintoawarwithpowerstoodarkandterribleforanymightorvalourtoconquer.Andnonewscame.AfterthehostleftMorgulValeandtookthenorthwardroadbeneaththeshadowofthemountainsnomessengerhadreturnednoranyrumourofwhatwaspassinginthebroodingEast.

           WhentheCaptainswerebuttwodaysgone,theLadyÉowynbadethewomenwhotendedhertobringherraiment,andshewouldnotbegainsaid,butrose;andwhentheyhadclothedherandsetherarminaslingoflinen,shewenttotheWardenoftheHousesofHealing.

           "Sir,"shesaid,"Iamingreatunrest,andIcannotlielongerinsloth."

           "Lady,"heanswered,"youarenotyethealed,andIwascommandedtotendyouwithespecialcare.Youshouldnothaverisenfromyourbedforsevendaysyet,orsoIwasbidden.Ibegyoutogoback."

           "Iamhealed,"shesaid,"healedatleastinbody,savemyleftarmonly,andthatisatease.ButIshallsickenanew,ifthereisnaughtthatIcando.Aretherenotidingsofwar?Thewomencantellmenothing.