[Inside the Golden Hall the two children are eating. Èowyn is by their side.]

Èowyn: "They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the Wildmen are moving through westfold, burning as they go, every rick, cot and tree."

Freda: "Where's mama?"

Èowyn: "Hush."

Gandalf: "This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash. All the more potent for he is driven mad by the fear of Sauron."

Gandalf: "Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from your women and children. You must fight."

Aragorn: "You have two thousand good men riding north as we speak. Èomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king."

Théoden: "They will be three hundred leagues from here by now! Èomer cannot help us."

Théoden: "I know what is that you want of me. But I would not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war."

Aragorn: "Open war is upon you, whether would risk it or not."

[Théoden walks to Aragorn.]

Théoden: "When last I looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan."

Gimli: "Burp!"

Gandalf: "Then what is the king's decision?"

[People gather outside the Golden Hall.]

Háma: "By order of the King, the city must empty. We make for the refuge of Helm's Deep. Do not burden yourself with treasures. Take only what provisions you need."

Gimli: "Helm's Deep! They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight. Who will defend them if not their king?"

[They enter the stables.]

Aragorn: "He is only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helm's Deep has saved them in the past."

Gandalf: "There is no way out than that of ravine. Théoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he is leading them to safety, but what he'll get is a massacre."

Gandalf: "Théoden has a strong hold but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan."

Gandalf: "He will need you before the end, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you. The defenses have to hold."

Aragorn: "They will hold."

[Gandalf turns to Shadowfax.]

Gandalf: "The Grey Pilgrim. That is what they used to call me. Three hundred lives of men I've walked this earth and now, I have no time."

Gandalf: "Good luck. My search will not be in vain."

Gandalf: "Look to my coming, at first light, on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the East."

Aragorn: "Go."

[Gandalf rides out of the stable towards Gondor.]