He was a rogue, an outlaw in all of Middle Earth. Men wanted him dead. The elves did not trust him. He'd wronged too many for the devastation that had happened when Sauron came back and began expanding his territory. No one aided his home and he had lost everything. He had been a noble knight of men, nearly a ranger but his valor was at times for glory. His ruler and king had been gone for years. His family and everything he knew had gone to hell with him.

With armies in advance the world could not afford to let any man behind. Everyone had to fight or what happened to his home would be the whole of Middle Earth. That was what drove him to ride toward what might be certain death. He had to make it to Théoden's people riding toward Helm's Deep. It was too much like his own people. The last stand of a people pushed to the brink.

Cresting the hill, Snake's black stallion pranced while he watched the column moving toward him. Scouts were coming and it was now or never. He spurred his horse to a walk and made his way toward the king, past the scouts. One turned to watch him but he couldn't be distracted. Reining in his horse he waited for Théoden to appraise him.

That's when the advisor came up. The king's eyes narrowed and Snake prepared for the worst. The critical eyes were still on him. The authority in the man before him was almost too much but Snake never backed down.

"Why is it the one they have named the Snake has come to me?"

The two stallions snorted at each other. Snake met the man's eyes with his own. "To help your people have the chance mine were never given by you or anyone else who never came."

Théoden's expression faltered. Snake knew what he said was the truth. His people had sent pleas for aid. After weeks of holding out and waiting not men or elves or dwarves came to their aid.

"What can you do? I've heard too many rumors."

Snake was about to tell Théoden when the call came up from the scouts. Snake's slow smile appeared as he began wheeling his armored horse around.

"Kill wargs." Snake said nothing else before riding after Théoden's own men. He knew words were cheap but action was what assured a king that the men who fought in his presence were honorable. Snake didn't care about that. He was here to do what he had done best, make war on the forces of Sauron.