Chapter 6. The New Army and the Broken Alliance
Ursa's Orcs stood at the entrance of Olg's fortress. Despite warnings to leave, her Uruk had begun to profess the superiority of their leader. Isulek was especially convincing.
He said, "Bring me your champions that they may avenge their fallen captain and regain their honor. Who here among you would stand against me!"
One Uruk spearman said, "Bah! Your captain dares not challenge us. We have no interest in her underlings."
Ursa said, "That's because… beca-You! You have no warriors of worth left to face me. Your officers are dead, either by our hand, or by their own clumsiness. Defeat my great lieutenant and I will take notice of you."
The spearman grunted and slammed his fist against his shield. He marched forward towards Isulek and the others.
"Fine then. Be silent she-Orc! I'll cut off your hideous face so it may ward off Grog."
"Oh dear," thought Ursa, "I'd hoped it would not come to this."
Isulek laughed. "At least one of you has spine."
Isulek planted his feet firmly into the ground and angled his spear. His opponent was about his height, and carried a more worn down, but longer spear.
The foe gazed Isulek in the eyes before charging him. With a war cry, he plunged forward, stabbing his spear at Isulek's stomach. Isulek swung his shield outward, parrying the pike to the side. He thrust his own spear forward only to have the other Uruk block it. The Uruk then slammed forward, ramming his shield into Isulek's own. He did it again. Isulek stumbled backwards as the gravel beneath him moved. The other Uruk slammed it again and sent Isulek off his feet.
"Die maggot!" said the Uruk as he threw his entire weight at a downward jab at Isulek's throat.
Ursa recoiled at the sight.
Isulek however, rolled to the side. His enemy's spear was planted deep into the soil. It took only a moment for the Orc to rip it back out, but by then, Isulek had hammered the spear with the front of his shield. Isulek kicked the Uruk in the shin and then pulled himself up. As he did, he rammed the blunt of his shield into the Uruks' mouth, sending blood spurting out of it. He followed it up by launching his spear forward. The Uruk's life came to an end as the tip of Isulek's spear lodged in his throat.
"Weak!" said Isulek, "Who will face me next?"
Ursa immediately said, "I tire of these games. This legion is now the shame of Mordor and I have traded my own for glory. I hereby claim this fortress in the name of Ursa the Weakling!"
The other Uruk were mixed in response. Some merely stood in shock and horror. Others were enraged and protested in all manner of foul language.
She stood with her armored forces beside her, Isulek being the closest. It struck an intimidating pose.
"This is not a request," she said, hoping the sweat of her brow went unnoticed, "Unless any more of you wish to die? Oh, and make no mistake, no other captain will take you now. You are humiliated and word spreads that your officers were cursed. The same goes for you. I care not for curses. My life has been cursed since the day I was born. I care only that my army is ever expanding and that a swift death comes to those who would oppose me. So… what say you?"
Some of the smaller Uruk, fearful and fidgeting, ran forward. They chose to disappear into the back of Ursa's ranks, hiding from the judgmental gaze of their peers.
Ursa whispered to Isulek to continue the bravado. She turned away to go greet her new followers, attempting to nonchalantly wipe away the perspiration on her body.
Isulek and his spearman walked forward.
He said, "Tell me, was Olg the Boarheaded worthy of you? Did he not kill those who failed for petty reasons? If his Grog wasn't cold enough, he gut the cook? If his archer missed the shot, he killed the archer. Is it not a surprise he is dead? Your numbers would be halved in a season. Our captain punishes only traitors and rewards loyalty with grog, new weapons, and a place in the ranks."
Ursa returned now to stand beside Isulek. She tried her best to contain her beaming admiration for all he had done.
She said, "You were treated as slaves! So I say to you now, rise up Uruk! It is through me you will survive!"
The Uruk seemed less enraged by now, as if they were at last considering their situation. Many began to walk forward. This time, many of the tallest and most muscular of the ranks marched forward. Uruk of all statures soon followed. Ursa would need them all: archers, warriors, beast-keepers, cooks, blacksmiths, and strategists.
She would have them all. Right now, she was witnessing the creation of her legacy. Not long ago, her future had fallen into shambles. Now, her rival had fallen and her army was spectacular.
Ursa made the march back to camp, surrounded by a sea of high-spirited Uruk exclaiming cheers and all manner of boasts. Tomorrow, she would return to Olg's fortress to begin making modifications to its layout, as well as invest time in selecting officers for her army.
The Uruk party soon reached their old camp and dispersed. After escorting her to the front of her building, Isulek turned to go and sleep at his own quarters.
"Isulek," said Ursa, stopping him in his tracks. "Thank you for everything."
Isulek said, "Humph. I have been understanding, going along with your cowardly plans."
Ursa grimaced.
He added, "Whether I approve or not, I respect your victory. I will continue to follow you and expect great things."
"Isulek…."
Ursa smiled as she watched him walk away. Then she looked up at the tower. Her chipper expression vanished and was replaced with one of emptiness. Despite her desire to simply avoid the tower that night, she knew she had a duty to visit it and respect the alliance.
In a few minutes, she was at the highest section of her tower, where the Ranger was waiting for her.
Ursa stood there for the longest time, waiting for him to speak.
At last, Talion looked up at her. There was barely enough light to see her face, but he could see she was distant, though not as much as he had expected. He deduced this by the fact she looked somewhat fearful of what he might say.
Talion said, "What news?"
Ursa said, "It is done. I have taken over the Fortress of Udakruk. We dismantled the gates and have detailed maps of it all. If an uprising takes place, we shall be ready to face it. Tomorrow, the fortress will be truly mine."
Talion said, "I did not expect it to fall so quickly. Nevertheless, keep a guard around you at all times. Treachery must be expected."
Ursa nodded and then remained silent.
The ranger said, "I have stirred up trouble at some of the Eastern camps. It should alleviate any suspicions that I had some part in all of this."
Ursa said, "You are most wise. I will see that my part of this bargain is reached without fail."
She then said, "Will that be all my lord?"
Talion seemed unsure how to answer her question, but at last, he nodded.
Ursa bowed lightly and turned to head back down the stairway.
It was then she heard Talion's voice.
"I did not think you would come."
Ursa turned around in surprise.
She said, "I promised. I have no intention of desecrating your decision to spare my life."
Talion said, "That remains to be seen."
Ursa's eyes narrowed and she nodded woodenly.
"Forgive me," she said, "I do not wish to tire you with unfulfilled promises. I will simply act from now on and let you judge the results."
"I do not hate you," said the Ranger.
Ursa's eyes widened at his words. She was surprised how much such simple words could affect her. It shook her perception of the Ranger, drawing her to cling to some small hope that their alliance would not be destined for a dark conclusion.
"My lord?"
Talion seemed uncomfortable now. It was all over his face, just how much he was struggling here. Yet, she understood what it was trying to do. It was… cute.
"It is late. Get some rest little Uruk, a great struggle lies ahead of us."
Ursa nodded and wished him sweet dreams.
After she was long and gone, the Wraith showed himself in front of Talion.
"That will do," said the Wraith, "If only you knew how to better handle such things. You will leave her in utter confusion at this rate."
Talion said, "It is not in my interest to cater to her happiness. Leave her to her business and me to mine."
The Wraith said, "Unless you overcome the turmoil in your heart, this alliance will only grow worse."
Talion asked, "Explain yourself."
The Wraith said, "You degrade and belittle her one day. The next, you give her hope for your affections. Need I remind you that you threatened her life, only to in another moment, call her 'fair'?"
Talion said, "It was not a compliment and if she has any sense at all, she will know that."
The Wraith said, "What is there to understand? That you both despise and care for her? End this ridiculous prattle. That half-Orc is your ally. You need not treat her as a brother-in-arms, with kinship and devilish camaraderie. Nor, should you isolate her, practically begging her to end the alliance. A simple respect based on shared interests is all that is necessary. That is how you and I have operated all this time. Let her be no different. Now do you understand?"
Talion, whose brow was terribly furrowed, was utterly exasperated. He wanted greatly to debate the Wraith on all his accusations, yet knew he had no argument to match his.
"I get it," he said, "That aside, let me say this: I never had any desire to form a friendship with her. I thought I made that clear. So banish such a vile thought from your mind."
The Wraith said, "I'll remember that when I see you bringing her flowers while declaring your hatred for her."
"Enough you wretched ghost. I-"
"Keep your voice low Talion" said the Wraith playfully, "We are in enemy territory."
Talion scowled as his comrade vanished. The Wraith said nothing else the rest of the night. As Talion made the perilous journey back to his secluded ivory tower, he fumed at the Wraith's teasing. If he were not an immortal spirit, he would pay dearly. Still, Talion agreed that a more professional mindset was necessary when dealing with Ursa. For whatever reason, he doubted it would go as smoothly as he hoped.
Author's Notes: Thank you for reading and please look forward to the next chapter. Reviews are welcome.