It was a cruel day. Rain hammered down on the capitol and the wind battered against every door and windowpane. The sky was an inky black, consumed with brimming clouds that threatened to lay waste to the ground below. The wind howled down the long corridors of Meduseld causing doors to slam with brute force. Inside a dark and cramped chamber, stooped over the most curious object crouched Grima Wormtongue. This weather suited his devious behaviour at present. The constant tap, tap tapping of the rain on roof and windowsill, masked what he was saying. The gloomy air provided him the cover of darkness to hide his evil deed.

In his sweaty palms, Grima held an object once thought lost from the world, but had been procured by his master for their service. A Palantir, a seeing stone, a method of communication between himself and the false friend Saruman.

"The plan is working master, Eomer has left the capitol." Grima explained delightfully.

"Excellent...and the girl?" Saruman drawled.

"Unfortunately my lord...the princess is still... here." Grima replied cautiously

"And the prince?!" The master replied accusingly.

"As usual my lord. He leads patrols along the western marshes, and continues to put himself in harm's way." The worm hoped this would assuage his masters anger for the time being.

"Then the plan is not working Wormtongue!" Saruman's voice spat angrily from behind the glass. He could not been seen as such, but his presence could be felt by the wizards minion.

"Patience, my lord. Patience, I will..." Grima tried to calm his master but his words fell on deaf ears.

"Enough! The girl was meant to be a distraction to both of them. When last we spoke you assured me that Eomer's betrayal was almost complete. Now you tell me he has gone and Theodred is none the wiser to his treachery." Saruman genuinely believed the plan would have worked. He was unlike to men and did not understand their ways, but the wise man knew how reckless they could be when a women was involved. He had underestimated Eomer's resolve in this matter.

"The time has come for you to escalate the plan." Saruman did not elaborate.

"Yes master, what would you have me do. Say it and it will be done." Grima replied cautiously.

"Theodred must die."

o0o

The hour was late Eowyn had resigned herself to go to bed. The constant poor weather had prevented her riding and visiting people in the town. She was not an idle person or keen sewer like her mother and grandmothers had been, so found herself extremely bored with nothing to do. Her brother's presence was sorely missed. It had been some three weeks since he had left and though she had heard the odd word from men under his command, he had not felt to write or contact her. Theodred's wrath had ebbed somewhat at his departing. Or at least is had abated for a time during their daily evening meals and been channelled into his work. His presence had diminished at home also.

It seemed that he was constantly riding out to thwart another unprovoked attack or raid on the edges of the Mark. As a seasoned warrior, Eowyn knew he had nothing to fear, but she was nervous. With Eomer gone to the Eastfold, it put much distance between them, and if the time ever should come that the other needed aid, Eowyn feared it may come too late.

As the white lady rounded the next corridor on the way back to her rooms she heard two people talking privately. Eowyn was not accustomed to prying into other people's conversations, but the veiled voice and whispers seemed very familiar to her.

"Are you sure my lord?" The first voice asked warily.

"This is a command from the King...would you refuse a direct order?" Grima's slimy reply came.

Eowyn felt the need to listen in. She and her brothers had thought for a long time that the eel like creature wasn't to be trusted. She pressed her back to the wall but edged a little closer to the pair. She could not see who Grima was talking two, but heard the distinct chink of chainmail on metal plating. He was a guard.

"No sir!" He replied flatly.

"Good. Give this message to mistress Lothiriel in the morning. You must place it into her hands only...trust no one else. When she has read the details inside, offer to take her to the prince...she will go willingly no doubt. As you reach the Entwash make sure she falls from her horse. If the accident should not be fatal...you know what to do."

"Yes my lord."

Eowyn could hear a set of boots begin walking in her direction. She slipped behind the open door and waited till the past her by. Grima retreated in the other direction. When she was sure she was alone, the shocked woman revealed herself from behind the door.

Lothiriel was fast asleep in her chamber. It was a fitful uneasy sleep. The determined battering of her shutters against the frame woke her at times and prevented her rest. However it wasn't the shutters that woke her tonight. The princess felt a hand planted firmly over her mouth and a soft voice whisper her name harshly.

"Wake up...wake up Lothiriel."

It was Eowyn and she looked frightened. The princess had never seen the normally composed woman appear so fearful.

"Shh, you must not make a sound. Quickly get dressed."

Eowyn threw back Lothiriel's covers and chucked a pair of riding boots her way. Lothiriel did as she was told but wanted answers. Between them they fumbled the princess into a dress and tied an old but warm cloak around her. Eowyn led Lothiriel silently by the wrist down endless passageways she had never knew existed. She carried no torch to light the way. Every now and then the older woman stopped at corners and peered around them, checking for guards blocking their path. Twice they had to double back whence they came. Eventually they descended a staircase beneath the kitchen, Lothiriel assumed it must lead to the wine cellars. It did not bring them out there. Only once the door to the secret passageway had been shut, did Eowyn dare light a candle. It bathed both women in an ominous glow and stung the younger woman's eyes

"Eowyn, what is going on?" Lothiriel finally demanded but carefully kept her voice low.

"I have overheard Grima, talking to one of his guards. There is a plot to kill you."

Lothiriel almost laughed, but when she saw the seriousness in her friend's eye she knew it to be no joke.

"You're not joking...what am I to do?" She replied, scared.

"With Theodred gone, I cannot protect you. At the end of this corridor you will find an unlocked door. It will bring you out at the south watch tower. The guard on that gate can be trusted."

Lothiriel nodded and tried to retain all the information.

"There is a horse waiting for you...with enough provisions for a day's ride."

The princess became wide eyed, "Eowyn you know I don't ride well."

"The horse is mine, Windfola. She has never steered me wrong."

"Where am I to go?"

A clattering came from above and both women jumped in panic,

"Ride east... to Aldburg."

Lothiriel raised her eyebrows at that absurd notion,

Sensing her fears, "My brother will protect you. The road is straight...you cannot go wrong."

Another clatter up ahead.

"Go quickly now, there is no time." Eowyn urged.

Lothiriel went to go, but turned back briefly to hug her friend. She did not stay for long before she ran as fast as she could down the long dark corridor.

True to her word, Lothiriel found Windfola tethered beneath the southern watch tower. She thought quickly to extinguish the torch she held and untied the mare from the hook on the wall. She mounted the beast with no manner of grace, but in all due haste. The sun had just started to peak over the horizon. East was that way. Without a second look to kicked her heel hard into the horse's side and rode off towards Aldburg.