Théoden had nothing but admiration for the ranks of men who gathered in the valley. Many were farmers and craftsmen, not seasoned Riders, who had left home and family to take up arms for their king. What they lacked in discipline, they made up for with courage and determination.
Théoden watched Éomer, splendid in his armor, moving among the troops and readying the men for the coming battle. He bowed his head and allowed himself a pang of grief at the loss of Théodred, then turned his eyes back to his sister-son. Éomer would become a worthy King of Rohan.