Imminent Defeat

Hope was lost. What could mere Men do against such hate and evil intent? Outnumbered more than five to one, what chance did they have? Not even the Deeping wall could keep out such a hoard for long, and Théoden knew it, though he would never acknowledge such to anyone, not even himself.

In the dark with the rumble of thunder and countless orc feet, there was no denying the outcome of this battle. Yet Théoden lifted his chin and narrowed his eyes, the gazes of his men upon him. He would show no fear.

"Let them come!" he cried.