Summary

In Chapter 5: “The Ride of the Rohirrim,” Merry remains hidden among the Riders of Rohan. During a rest, the group encounters the Woses, and the leader says the only road not blocked is a secret way only the Woses know. The Woses say they will show the Riders through the paths, but will not fight alongside Rohan.

The Riders come out of the forest north of Minas Tirith, where they discover two dead bodies. One of them is the earlier messenger from Gondor, still holding the red arrow. Dernhelm, still carrying Merry, breaks rank and draws closer to Theoden as the Riders reach the outer walls of Gondor.

A great flash of light comes from the city with a booming sound. Theoden commands his Riders into battle. The Darkness dissipates with a fresh wind from the sea. The Black Captain senses the Darkness fading...