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Chapter 21: The Orders of Evil

Chaos. That's all he could see the situation as. Orcs and servants were scrambling around, trying to get their tasks completed before the Master got angry. Everything was happening so fast that any attempt of organization was shot down before it was given a chance.

Aesto sighed as he watched the events unfold in front of him. When the Witch King returned to the Tower after being gone for some time, he came back in a very bad mood. Unfortunately for the servants, they were ordered to completely scrub every surface to be clean. The head servant laughed at the fact that the place normally was filthy and hardly ever completely clean. On the other hand, the Orcs were told to prepare themselves for battles in the future. When and where was still unknown.

"I haven't seen this much chaos since that battle with the Wild Men." Aesto glanced to his right to see the Orc Captain, Raztag, standing next to him. It surprised him that this Orc hadn't been killed yet. Many of the other Orcs were usually killed off after three years. However, he found himself liking this Orc because he wasn't a normal Orc. This being felt sympathy and compassion while the others of his kind didn't. He didn't know why this Orc had these feelings, but he was going to use that to his advantage.

"I agree. I find it strange that the Master has ordered this at all." He replied. Raztag merely grunted. "We both know he has a reason for this. I just hope I will be living to see this reason."

Aesto looked at the Orc, surprised. "What do you mean if you live?" The Captain sighed and crossed his arms. "I've received word from a surviving Orc that the Elf prisoner has escaped."

The head servant blinked a few times, trying to process this new information. "Escaped? How?" Silently, he was glad that his Elven friend was finally able to make his escape. It did sadden him to also remember that when the Witch King ordered the Elf to travel with Orcs for their sport that the Elf didn't remember anything but his own name.

Raztag shook his head. "I don't know, but somehow I got volunteered to tell this 'wonderful' news to the Master." He looked at the being next to him. "I doubt that I will be leaving his presence in one piece." Aesto shook his head sadly. "No, most likely not."

The Orc Captain nodded. "Well, I best be on my way and get this over with." Aesto nodded. "Good luck." Raztag nodded and made his way to the Witch King's study.

~S~

Raztag stopped in front of the study door, nervously twisting his hands. He looked around and noticed that in this hallway, no one was there. It was completely deserted.

He took a moment to compose himself, then he knock on the heavy, solid wood door. He didn't have to wait long before the door opened, allowing him entry.

He slowly stepped into the room. Shelves with books were around the entire room along the walls. A desk and chair were in the middle of the room with two windows on either side. Currently, the Wtich King was standing at one of the windows with his hands behind his back.

The Orc Captain bowed low, hoping that flattery will save him from an unpleasant ending. "Master, I bring terrible news from a lone survivor of one of our troops." He paused, but when the Nazgul didn't move or speak, he continued. "The Orc said that the group was ambushed by Rangers and that they managed to rescue the Elf. I have no knowledge where the Elf is."

"How disappointing." The Witch King spoke for the first time. He didn't speak very loud, but the threat of death was ever present. "Please, my Master, I am merely the messenger, but if it pleases you, I shall take a group and hunt down this Elf and bring him back here." Raztag desperately hoped his plea would be heard.

"Why should I show mercy to you? Raztag took a moment to quickly gather his thoughts. He only had one shot at this and he wanted to be sure he answered correctly. "Because, my Master, I will find the Elf efficiently and as quickly as possible. My troops will find the Elf and be sure that he is brought back here for your pleasure."

Silenced followed after his statement. He fought the urge shift his feet as he waited nervously for the Witch King's response. Finally, the Nazgul answered. "Very well. But understand that if you fail me, you will find that your head will be separated from your body. Is that understood?"

Raztag bowed immediately. "Yes, my Lord, I understand clearly."

"Good, then find Aesto and inform him that he will be joining you in finding the Elf. His little friendship with the Elf should come in handy."

"Yes, My Lord, it will be done." Raztag took the opportunity to leave the room before the Witch King had a chance to change his mind.

Once in the hallway, he focused his attention on finding Aesto and his troops so that they could leave immediately.

~S~

Hello, everyone! Another chapter finally up. Ran into another writer's block, but I was able to get past it. Yes, you will be seeing more of Raztag and Aesto further along in the story. Thank you to everyone for sticking with me on this journey and for the wonderful reviews. You guys are amazing! :D I will give all of you a big THANK YOU! Please keep leaving reviews for me. See ya'll next time! *SaphirePearl*