[Refugees begin streaming out of Edoras. Inside Th�oden's chamber, the king prepares to leave.]

Th�oden: "I am ready, Gamling. Bring my horse."

[Gamling turns to leave, but is stopped by Th�oden.]

Th�oden: "This is not a defeat. We will return."

[Gamling leaves, leaving the king to himself.]

Th�oden: "We will return."

[Inside the hall, Èowyn opens a chest and takes out a sword.]

[She practices with it and swings around. Aragorn blocks her swing.]

Aragorn: "You have some skill with a blade."

[Èowyn frees her sword from Aragorn's.]

[Aragorn lowers his blade in respect.]

Èowyn: "Women of this country learned long ago that those without swords may still die upon them."

Èowyn: "I fear neither death nor pain."

Aragorn: "What do you fear my lady?"

Èowyn: "A cage. To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them. And all chance of valor has gone beyond recall or desire."

Aragorn: "You are a daughter of kings. A shieldmaiden of Rohan. I do not think that will be your fate."

[The people of Rohan are heading towards Helm's Deep.]

[Th�oden turns and takes one last look at Edoras.]