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He had not realised who she was until they were well on their way to Minas Tirith. In their frenzy to ready and depart as soon as possible, he had not paid heed to the two figures riding on one horse, and it had not been until they were almost out of the Eastfold that it finally had registered in his head.
It was the Hobbit and the Lady Éowyn!
And to his further disbelief, he discovered that the rest of his men, his Éored, had already become aware of their identities, and they had taken precautions to keep her out of his scrutiny.
What fools they were, but none quite as much as the pair incognito!
Elfhelm was about to approach the girl and the lad when voices cried in alarm.
Scouts of the enemy!
He clenched his teeth in frustration. What was he to do? Protect his lady or lead his men?
He had no time to think, for their camp was ambushed, and at once his men pulled up their shields and took out their swords. At his command, they moved as one.
Éowyn and Merry did too, he confirmed with a look at them.
Just then, two enemies drew closer to the odd pair.
Before Elfhelm could change his path, Éowyn swung her blade and struck down one man before slashing the other.
Merry stood with his back to her, shielding her as well as wielding the short sword of his own.
“Raaahh!”
Elfhelm pushed the adversary who had snuck up from behind him and cut his throat.
Another glance told him Éowyn and Merry continued to fight bravely and with success.
Nay, he thought to himself, I have done them an injustice by looking down on them. No longer was she a child, and despite his stature, neither was Merry.