I cannot allow you before Theoden King so heavily armed, Gandalf Greyhame. By order of... [he pauses disgustedly] Gríma Wormtongue.
(Gandalf nods. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli proceed to remove their weapons and give them to the soldiers. Háma pauses, as if waiting for something.)
Your staff.
Oh?... You wouldn't part an old man from his... walking-stick?
[Gandalf turns, and gives a quick and nonchalant wink to Aragorn. Aragorn grins back. They enter the hall. The doors and windows close, and extra guards casually prepare for fighting] [whispering in Th?oden's ear]
My lord, Gandalf the Grey is coming. He is not welcome.
The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Th?oden King.
[weakly]
Why... should I welcome you... Gandalf Stormcrow?
[to Th?oden]
A just question, my liege. [rises] Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear! Láthspell I name you. Ill news is an ill guest.
Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth! I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm.
[A brawl ensues between Gríma's men and the heroes; Gríma and his men are quickly subdued] [to Gríma, having seized him]
I would stay still if I were you!
