The time had come at last for Eregiel and Calentauriel to present the horses they had tamed to King Théoden. The sisters arranged a meeting when the king had a moment to spare from his preparations to ride to Gondor.
~The Hornburg~
Upon their meeting Théoden welcomed the sisters saying, 'Greetings, warriors of the Golden Wood. What has brought you so far from your enchanted land, and why do you seek an audience with me?'
The sisters acknowledged the king with curtsies. 'Greetings, great king of the Horse-lords,' began the older sister. 'I am Eregiel, and this is my sister Calentauriel. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel bid that we return the five horses that we borrowed to their native land.'
The king was amazed. 'My eyes have grown old indeed when I cannot identify ladies when they stand before me.'
'You have done us no discourtesy, lord, for we are clad as the defenders of our land,' replied Eregiel.
'Pray tell me then how these steeds came into your possession,' Théoden asked.
Eregiel told the king of their capture by the Dunlendings, their captivity in Isengard, and of their escape from Curunír's dungeon. (Link)
'Soon after we left Fangorn we espied a herd of wild horses. We tamed five, one for each member of our company, so that we might ride speedily away from those that pursued us,' Eregiel explained.
Eregiel shared how they, not intending to keep the horses, had left them at a Rohirrim encampment near the Field of Celebrant but that the horses eventually found their way to Lothlórien.
'That is a remarkable tale,' Théoden confessed. 'These horses evidently have great love for those who tamed them. I cannot in good conscience separate you.'
Eregiel's heart leapt with joy at this news!
'Besides,' the old king continued, 'you will need steeds to carry you to your home in the Golden Wood.'
'Thank you, king, you are as generous as you are kind,' said Eregiel. Calentauriel echoed her sister's thanks.
'Pray now leave me, ladies,' said Théoden, 'I must take my rest before our departure.'
~End of Part Three~
