Overdogs chapter 4.

Aragorn, Halbarad, Balanof, and all the Overdogs present sat in a tent near the center of the ruins of Fornost. The Rangers were just coming to terms with what had happened a few hours ago. Morel continued with the explanations of the abilities of the Overdogs. "Our powers are vast, but still we have limits. For one, Mandos, and I assume Eru, allows us only very few times to raise the dead, and they must be recently passed. Also, it does weaken the one raised from before. Balanof can certainly fight, just a little less than before. We can take damage, as we did earlier today, and be killed as well. Those of us that use spells must rest and study, or pray, to recover them. For example, Sysnik is nearly out of healing spells. Can you get him a quiet tent to rest and pray, immediately?"

"Halbarad, give him my tent. How could we give him less after today? So, you mentioned Rivendell earlier, and Arwen, and Gandalf?" Halbarad led Sysnik away while Morel explained what Manwe had said about Gandalf being betrayed by Saruman, and thus unable to protect Frodo in Bree. Also that representatives of Gondor, Lothlorien, the Lonely Mountain,. and Thranduil's realm were on their way there now, to plan a defense.

"Of course, the Overdogs were not sent to defend, but to attack." Morel continued. "To Mordor and the Barad Dur, we rip that ring off his hand and dump it in the volcano. Still, our idea is for the Rangers to defend the Shire and Breeland, as you have done so well for centuries. But you, Aragorn, we ask to come. Leave Halbarad to lead maybe, they would be in good hands" (which earned a laugh from all present). We have three more we left to guard the Hobbiton area while we rushed here." Aragorn would have been inclined to doubt what three could do, but not after today. "Our horses have been ridden hard despite being boosted by magic. If we can rest here tonight, and if you can get us food for our horses, we can head down to Bree. Thing2 is capable of getting back to the Shire almost instantly, with Galdor. They can also then head to Bree, and from there we all head straight on the road to Rivendell." Morel also roughly explained the limitations of teleporting to unknown areas, like Rivendell.

"We don't know how many trolls there are total north of us, but certainly less than before. The Nazgul it was that united them for the fight, I believe. Normally trolls are not seen is such large groups. I belive the Nazgul are stronger now as Sauron has possession of the One. But the Rangers should be able to defend the area, unless more come. Perhaps we can even coordinate with the halflings to muster for their own defense. You also say the elves under Cirdan can help; excellent. I have a fine horse, but what of Galdor's and Thing2s?" It turned out that Thing2's spell could transport their horses as well. This way, both groups would have one person familiar with the path to Bree and Rivendell. The newly healed Rangers drew guard duty for the night, and the party was accomodated reasonably well in tents. The night passed without incidence.

The Lidless Eye was not quite all seeing, despite the palantir. So many forces to control. With the RIng, of course, it was easier. Umbar, Harad, seemed like we always need to send a Nazgul or 2 to keep each one in line. every so often. Forces to move against those worthless fool dwarves in the Lonely Mountain and Iron Hills. Digging them out would be slow, but worth it as that nagging Noldor bitch Galadriel would be outflanked. She for certain had one of the Elven rings but all 3, he sensed, had been taken off immediately after he got his, and he was only able to roughly sense where they were. Those tree huggers in Lothlorien had one, and the one in Rivendell was either Elrond or Glorfindel. The last had been in or near Isengard. Curumo, that triple crosser, from the days of the Music he overrated himself! Forgot to mention that you got ahold of one of those Elven Rings, there, Saruman? Oh, you are going to pay. The list of enemies is long. Gandalf, Elrond, Galadriel, the hobbits in general for denying me my property so long, the Dunedain... speaking of hobbits and Dunedain, how is Shanator doing? Let's take a peek...now, where is his horse? Where are his trolls? Why is he walking invisibly? Well, these new beasts are ready. Send Khamul with an extra one, then we regroup for the attack on Gondor. These faints into Eriador will keep them off balance. We would be stronger in a year, but the enemy might be more united. And Curumo, is he secretly still in league with them? No, I have waited long enough. Get the Nazgul together, after they finish this business in the northwest, and flush out the east side of the river and take Osgiliath.

Meanwile, in Isengard, a much unhappier maier sat brooding in his tower. That dam Olorin, and stupid eagle. Oh, my timing had been crap since he got to Middle Earth. For centuries the Ring had been so close, apparently, beneath the Misty Mountains in the hands of an insignificant worm that made Grima seem like Aule. Once I find that out it was at one point in the Anduin, I get the Council to chase Sauron out of Dol Guldur; didn't want him anywhere near it. Then I find out another worthless nothing has it sitting in the Shire, and I probably could have traded a bag of pipe weed for it. Middle Earth could have been mine! And now Sauron has his prize, and what Olorin said is true, it only fits on one hand. If only I had waited just a little longer and not revealed my true colors (literally! But I do like they new robes). I could have rejoined with the west. Of course it would be tough explaining the Uruk Hai, and Theoden, but I have always been a charmer. So, what is left? I have an army of good soldiers, a fortress and tower, a small ring of power (even Celebrimbor did better. Again, I needed more time!) that makes the weak willed more likely to listen to me, my staff, and, well this new blasting powder. Would come in handy against Helm's Deep, Minas Tirith, or those dwarven holes in the ground. Conversely, it could be used against the Towers of the Teeth, of Barad Dur, though I don't see the West ever getting there. Do I disappear like the Blue Wizards did? (They always like each other a little too much, I am thinking.) Decisions, decisions.