Thanks to storyranger for the beta-work!
Ch 1: Shadow in the Night
As he stealthily slips among the many tents only one thought is on his mind until he reaches his destination; to remain unnoticed and about all, unrecognized. After only one close call the hooded figure reaches the oversized tent of Théoden-King. With a briefly muttered exchange of words he gains entry, and so the first task is complete. Now only the second and most difficult lies before him, and time grows ever shorter.
Even within the safety and near solitude of Théoden's quarters he does not lower his hood, but addresses the king from the shadows in a tone so soft that it is not heard over the distant breeze by the mortal king. Realizing his mistake the hooded figure repeats his statement in voice only slightly louder than the wind. The mortal man before him does not realize the other's mistake, but as he hears the request from the still-hooded figure his expression of bewilderment and confusion changes to outrage and an uneasiness that could be called distrust. With a bitter look towards the hooded figure Théoden-King mutters a command to one of his attendants who promptly leaves the tent. Now only the stranger and the mortal king remain. Although no words pass between the two, the scene is anything but calm. Often, the mortal shoots a glare at the still-hooded stranger that has now seated himself in the king's presence. He has come a long ways, but time does not permit him rest until his task is complete. Despite the mortal's frequent glares, he does not move. His thoughts are elsewhere and among the things that must soon take place.
As the tent flap opens Théoden-King turns from his unwanted visitor to glance at the attendant and the man he was sent to fetch while the hooded figure remains where he is, not even turning his head to face the newcomers. With as much self-restraint as he posses, Théoden turns once more to glare at the seated figure and utters in a barely concealed tone of bitterness,
"I take my leave." He wheels around to stride out, his attendant following at his heels.