Summary

The group rides to Edora, the home of Théoden, the King of Rohan. They are halted at the gates and told only friends of the Riddermark can enter. Aragorn tells the man that Eomer gave them two horses and they are returning them as he requested. The man will say nothing of Eomer, but was informed by the King’s counselor, Wormtongue, that no strangers should pass through the gates. Gandalf gives their names so that the man can ask the king for entrance for them. They are allowed to enter, but they are not allowed to take their weapons with them to see Théoden. Gandalf persuades the man to let him have his staff. Théoden looks old and bent over and leans on a staff. The man is not happy to see Gandalf. Wormtongue has poisoned Théoden against Gandalf. Gandalf...