[At Edoras, Aragorn sees the last beacon lit, and runs into the Golden Hall.]

Aragorn: "The Beacons of Minas Tirith! The Beacons are lit!"

Aragorn: "Gondor calls for aid!"

[Théoden, in council with his men, pauses and takes stock of this news.]

Théoden: "And Rohan will answer."

Théoden: "Muster the Rohirrim!"

[A soldier rings a alarm bell. Théoden exits Meduseld, speaking with Éomer.]

Théoden: "Assemble the army at Dunharrow, as many men as can be found. You have two days."

[Éomer nods and turns. Théoden grabs his shoulder.]

Théoden: "On the third, we ride for Gondor. And war."

[Éomer nods and leaves.]

Théoden: "Gamling…"

Gamling: "Lord."

Théoden: "Make haste across the Riddermark. Summon every able-bodied man to Dunharrow."

[Gamling nods and departs. Théoden watches the Riders flow from Edoras.]

[Aragorn and Éowyn exit the stables.]

Aragorn: "You ride with us?"

Éowyn: "Just to the encampment. It's tradition for the women of the court to farewell the men."

[Aragorn uncovers a sword, hidden in Éowyn's saddle.]

[She covers it with a blanket.]

Éowyn: "The men have found their captain, they will follow you into battle, even to death. You have given us hope."

[Merry, holding his sword, approaches Théoden.]

Merry: "Excuse me. I have a sword. Please accept it."

[Merry kneels.]

Merry: "I offer you my service, Theoden King."

[Theoden helps Merry to his feet.]

Theoden: "And gladly I accept it. You shall be Meriadoc, esquire of Rohan."

[Merry grins and runs off.]

[Legolas and Gimli prepare to depart.]

Gimli: "Horsemen, hmph! I wish I could muster a legion of Dwarves, fully armed and filthy."

Legolas: "Your kinsmen may have no need to ride to war. I fear war already marches on their own lands."

[Merry tries to get his stubborn pony to move; the pony ignores his kicks.]

[Théoden takes one last look at his kingdom's banner.]

Théoden (voiceover): "So it is before the walls of Minas Tirith, the doom of our time will be decided."

Éomer: "Now is the hour, Riders of Rohan, oaths you have taken! Now, fulfill them all! To Lord and Land!"

[The Rohirrim ride to Dunharrow, with Merry on his galloping pony.]