Randwulf stands before Theoden’s throne again, the report of Gamling’s findings still hot in his hand. The king’s hall feels smaller than before, as if Helm’s Deep has tightened around the truth.
Theoden
Speak plainly, Randwulf. What did that violet smoke at the Deep conceal?
From the shadowed dais, Grima Wormtongue watches without blinking, while the chamber seems to hold its breath.
Randwulf
Captain Gamling reports that the smoke was no warning, my lord. It marked a binding, a sorcery laid under the keep to hold something fast.
Theoden
Held fast?
Randwulf’s words land hard. Several guards shift at the mention of the keep beneath the keep, and the king’s grip tightens on his armrest.
Grima Wormtongue
A story of ghosts and trick light, perhaps. Helm’s Deep has frightened men before.
Randwulf
Not trick light. Helm Hammerhand was bound there. The smoke was part of the prison.
At that, the room finally understands. The memory of the violet haze above the gate is no longer omen alone, but proof of Saruman’s hand.
✓ Quest Accepted
Win Theoden’s trust in Gamling’s report
+ New Item Acquired
report parchment
“"With my own eyes, I saw this. Eomer and Eowyn can also stand witness. When we arrived, the whole fortress was trembling. The floor split open as if something was pressing from below. I descended into the heart of the fortress and was confronted by the ghost of Helm Hammerhand, who seemed to be bound with chains. I broke the seal that was holding him in place, and he rose out of sight, saying, 'At last!' With that, the trembling stopped, and all was quiet."”
SUCCESS (Great Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Randwulf finishes the account, and the silence that follows is heavier than mail. The king’s face hardens, not with doubt now, but with the effort of holding that doubt at bay.
Theoden
You say this as witness, not rumor?
Randwulf
I do, my lord. Eomer and Eowyn saw the signs with me.
Theoden’s gaze drifts past Randwulf, as if he can see the Deep itself through the hall stones. Grima’s mouth tightens at the edge of the dais.
Grima Wormtongue
Young eyes are eager things. They see what excites them.
Theoden
And yet the report is plain. A prison beneath Helm’s Deep, and Saruman’s hand upon it.
The king leans back at last, the first resolve breaking through his weariness. A guard lowers his spear a fraction, listening for the shape of the next command.
Theoden
You have spoken well, Randwulf. I take your witness seriously. I will hear more of this at once.
Quest Complete
Expose Saruman's blockade to King Theoden
Attribute Upgrade: Strength Great→Superb
Quest Complete
Win Theoden’s trust in Gamling’s report