[Aragorn readies his horse to depart. �owyn approaches.]

�owyn: "Why are you doing this? The war lies to the East. You cannot leave on the eve of battle!"

�owyn (struggling for words): "You cannot abandon the men."

Aragorn: "�owyn…"

�owyn: "We need you here."

Aragorn: "Why have you come?"

�owyn: "Do you not know?"

Aragorn: "It is but a shadow and a thought that you love. I cannot give you what you seek."

Aragorn: "I have you wished you joy since first I saw you."

[He touches her face then turns away.]

[�owyn is shocked and saddened.]

[Aragorn approaches the Dimholt road alone.]

Gimli: "Just where do you think you're off to?"

Aragorn: "Not this time. This time you must stay, Gimli."

[Legolas appears with his horse.]

Legolas: "Have you learned nothing of the stubbornness of dwarves?"

Gimli: "Might as well accept it. We're going with you, laddie."

[The three start off on the Dimholt road, as soldiers look on.]

Soldier #1: "What's happening?"

Soldier #2: "Where's he going?"

Soldier #3: "I don't understand."

Soldier #4: "Lord Aragorn!"

[The riders disappear into the darkness.]

Soldier #5: "Why does he leave on the eve of battle?"

Gamling: "He leaves because there is no hope."

Th�oden: "He leaves because he must."

Gamling: "Too few have come. We cannot defeat the armies of Mordor."

Th�oden: "No, we cannot."

Th�oden: "But we will meet them in battle nonetheless."

[The men nod in agreement.]