A/N: Written for the Henneth Annun Black Breath challenge: to write a story exploring what happens when any particular character suffers from the Black Breath at any time.

This comes from one of Théoden's riders who were close to him at the time of the attack.

Disclaimer: Obviously, nothing LotR is mine.

Nothing but shadows

Like thunder from cloudless skies he came,

His armor was darkness, his face was despair.

With screams then the dying cursed his black name.

The Witch-king of Angmar! My brothers, beware!

His shadow was death, his touch was decay

His blade brought destruction to all that is fair.

"Yield!" he demanded, "you are nothing but prey,

Surrender your arms, dismount from your mare!"

His dark magic caressed the depths of my mind.

My fingers grew weak on the hilt of my sword.

Nothing but shadows were left to remind

Of honor and love for my Land and my Lord.

In pits of despair I felt my heart falling.

I'd never again ride through open fields

Nor listen to songs of Riddermark calling

Fearless Horse-masters and Maidens of Shields.

A gleam of dead eyes and Mordor's black blade

And Théoden's banner soiled at his feet.

My courage was gone, my heart was betrayed,

And could only accept my utter defeat.

Maiden of Rohan and Halfling of Shire

Who could have known that you'd be his death?

My soul still wanders, my blood is on fire

And still bears the taint of Witch-king's Black Breath.