[Morning falls on Dunharrow. The Rohirrim prepare to depart.]

Théoden: "We must ride light and swift. It's a long road ahead. The men and beast must reach the end with a strength to fight."

[Théoden looks down on Merry and his pony.]

Théoden: "Little hobbits do not belong in war, Master Meriadoc."

Merry: "All my friends have gone to battle. I will be ashamed to be left behind!"

Théoden: "It is a three day gallop to Minas Tirith and none of my riders can bear you as a burden."

Merry: "I want to fight!"

Théoden: "I will say no more."

[Théoden rides away, leaving a disappointed Merry to stand and watch riders stream past him.]

[One of the riders snatches Merry up onto his horse. The rider is Éowyn, disguised as a male Rohirrim.]

Éowyn: "Ride with me."

Merry: "My lady!"

Éomer: "Form up! Move out!"

Théoden: "Ride! Ride now for Gondor!"

[A column of riders flows out of the encampment.]

[A large army of orcs walks towards Minas Tirith.]

[Trolls beat drums as the orcs march, pushing large siege towers.]