Peace Denied

Eomer eyed the bound leader of the Dunlendings. Hatred spewed from the man's eyes. "Why have you done this?" Eomer asked, his horror nearly overpowering his self-control.

"For decades you have oppressed us!" the man spat. "You hemmed us in, killed our women and children! No more!"

Eomer shook his head, glancing towards the village where the bodies of women and children lay ravaged and broken. "The oppressed have become the oppressors. Your actions are no better than those of whom you accuse. There were better ways to seek peace."

He stepped back and with regret let his sword fall.