-1Sorry for the really late update, I have legitimate reasons. Vacation, computer crashed, and writers block from Hell.
ElvishKiwi: Thanks for the info. And I am using eiluj's advice.
Lady Ambreanna:I know. I didn't know about those modern studies though… But I know that 'respect for all life' means plant life too.
On with the story!
Xxxx
" Faramir, what's with all the commotion?"
Faramir turned, looking up from the map laying on a small table. Raven walked towards him as he yawned loudly.
" I mean, there should only be half this noise for one measly raid." Raven continued, reaching the table.
" Exactly Raven. A scout reported in early. A Haradrim (1) convoy is approaching. We believe that, based on their direction, they are going to reinforce the Orcs in Osgiliath. I'm going to lead an ambush on their forces, while the raid on the Orcs is still happening. We are going to scrap our previous plan. Everyone will be in the trees, instead of taunting the Orcs. I want everyone to come back alive from this raid." Faramir explained, showing Raven the carved Mumak (2) representing the army.
Raven studied the map, his grogginess instantly evaporated.
" It's risky… but I see no other option. If the Orc encampment survives, they will find us. If the Haradrim army reaches Osgiliath, the city will fall. And Minas Tirith will be next." Raven murmured grimly.
"Exactly. We cannot allow Orcs to touch the White City. After this raid, you are to regroup with us, and then head northwest with your squad." Faramir said.
"Northwest? Why northwest? And why only the Ghosts?" Raven asked, his curiosity piped.
" Lord Denethor hasn't specifically ordered me to, but I am going to send you on a unofficial trip to Rohan. I want to know what to expect if we are forced to use the beacons." Faramir quietly murmured to Raven
" Badger was right…" Raven almost silently murmured.
" What?" Faramir asked, not quite hearing Raven.
" We're in for one wild ride."
Xxxx
The Orc camp lay silent in the early morning, the sun having not risen yet. Its occupants unaware of the raid at dawn.
Hopefully.
In the woods surrounding the encampment, green man-sized blurs rushed around, without purpose.
Seven shadows silently darted from tree to tree, heading for the entrance to the encampment.
Soon, the forest stilled, as the sun rose into the early morning sky.
A flaming arrow shot over the camp, landing dead center in a large crude banner in the center of the camp. The banner was of some unlucky man skeleton, chained to a large spear with arrows sticking out of its stomach, face, and legs.
Arrows shot out from every direction, piecing tents, covering the ground. A few seconds later, more arrows shot out, this time staggered.
Raven stood in the trees, feeling sorry for that poor man.
The Rangers reloaded, ready for the shooting gallery soon to begin.
" Something's wrong, one of the bastards should have been hit and screamed by now." Raven warily murmured to Eagle.
A minute passed, and still nothing happened.
" I suspect a trap." Eagle whispered to Raven, his hand moving toward one of his 'armor-piercing' arrows.
" Really now," Raven muttered, his voice oozing sarcasm. " Badger, Falcon, Dog, go peak in one of tents. We'll cover you." Raven muttered, wary in case of another ambush.
Three Ghosts darted from cover, and quickly crossed the twenty yard clearing to the camp, while the remaining four watched in anticipation.
Badger stood to the left of the tent flap, while Dog stood to the right. Flacon ripped open the tent flap, rushing in with Badger on his left, and Dog on his right. For a few minutes Raven watched, expecting to see Orcs or Harads running out of the tents.
The three Ghosts soon emerged, and quickly ran to Raven's position. Falcon looked very disturbed about something.
" Report." Raven said.
" It looks like they left in hurry Raven. All the weapons are gone, but no food." Falcon dutifully said.
Raven thought this over for a few seconds, pondering what could cause such a large amount of Orcs to mobilize so quickly.
He turned, and whistled the retreat signal, a long whistle followed by two short whistles. The rest of the Rangers quickly vanished from where they had been standing.
Raven beckoned to one of them, the Ranger who had served him the soup the night before.
" Tell Faramir that the Ghosts have continued onward to Rohan, as per his orders. We don't know when we shall return, but it will be at least a few weeks." Raven quickly explained.
The Ranger looked curious, but he nodded his head and turned, sprinting to catch up with rest of the Rangers.
" What? We're going to Rohan? Why?" Hawk questioned, looking uneasy.
" Faramir wants to know exactly what to expect if we are forced to use the beacons. Also, he heard some rumors that something was awry in Rohan." Raven explained, seeing no point in lying.
"Ok. That explains why you made us pack those extra rations." Wolf murmured.
" But first, I want to find out what caused the Orcs to flee. They have no food, so clearly they were expecting to be back soon. The question is, what are they doing?" Raven murmured.
" Maybe raiding a town?" Badger suggested, his face pale.
" There are no settlements nearby. Maybe they went to investigate something they heard?" Eagle suggested.
" Maybe, in the meantime start searching for tracks." Raven ordered.
'Why can't I shake this feeling of dread?' Raven wondered, as he leaned against a tree.
Xxxxx
(1): Thank you ElvishKiwi for clearing that up.
(2): Thank you Eiluj for correcting my mistake.
I'm looking for a beta, if you want to be my beta, (somehow) send my a message with your email.