Nag Kath

by Gelansor

This is a sequel to The Lord of the Rings following a released prisoner at the beginning of the Fourth Age. He has to adapt to changes in his world and in himself as Middle-earth copes with life after the dark lords. All chapters have been loaded as of 2/9/2020. Reviews welcome. Thanks for looking, sh

49. Chapter 49 Angmarach

Chapter 49

Angmarach

Maps of Angmar really help here:

Im gur period com/gallery/jHPlDU8

~o~

At dawn Nag Kath said goodbye and made for the capital at speed. New guards at the sixth did not know him. Nag Kath showed the worn ruby pass producing a Lieutenant with standing orders to admit the Elf at any hour of the day.

Soft Khandian boots did not make the same noise guard heels did as they clicked their way to the private office. The Elf waited about half a bell until the Ruler of the Reunited Kingdom stepped in. Nag Kath stood, bowed and waited. They hadn't seen each other in five years. Aragorn's hair was white and his face lined but he stood unbowed. His smile and handshake were the same.

Cold tea was waiting. When they were alone, Aragorn took a sip and asked softly, "Have you traveled long?"

"Yes, My Lord. Eight weeks ago I was told of a comet in the west, a little early for Syndolan." His natural speaking voice was his Elf-Lord tone now. He did not notice. "I was in Eastern Khand."

Nag Kath showed no signs of impatience, he never had, but the King did not think it fair to reminisce after what would have been a hard ride. Aragorn put his hands together and looked at them before saying, "Long ago, you said you thought there were still sorceries lingering from the Third Age. Do you still think so?"

"I do, Sire. A drake came forth a month before I left and I felt other disturbances. Tumfred of Osgiliath told me a troll crawled from the warded pit I went to find just as the two trolls in Pelargir. Something is waking them."

King Elessar spoke very deliberately, "Specters of enemies in the Dead Marshes have been seen above the water near the banks. It was said they seemed confused, like soldiers in the fog of battle. I get the same reports from the Mournshaws, Lich Bluffs. We have been looking for you almost a year now."

"The Barrow Downs, Sire?"

"Not yet."

"Angmar?"

"We have no reliable eyes there."

"Forgive me, sir. The orcs above Erebor?"

Aragorn considered before saying, "No bad news from Dale. Frör has kept his own counsel for a while."

Nag Kath drank about half of his mug and said, "Sire, I should like to greet my family for a few days. Then do you suppose Lord Elboron could spare me half a troop to visit the marshes?"

Nemren needed shoes. He needed a rest too so Nag Kath requisitioned another horse for the trip to the Brown Lands. They weren't as brown as they used to be but still a miserable place. No one from here or Rohan ever found them tempting. Before leaving, the Elf spoke with one of the men who reported ghosts floating on the water. He was ex-militia and not a man given to vapors. Calmly and plainly, he described orcs, hillmen and other Sauronic allies seeming to look about as if woken after long sleep. They did not sense each other. He skirted close, taking mules to Dorwinion, and the ghosts did not see him.

~o~

Lieutenant Kieperd led a full troop of the King's own guard. They were all too young to remember Nag Kath as anything but a citizen, except one who knew of worm-wool. Kieperd told the men the Elf's word was law, even if it sounded absurd.

It was not a long trip, three days on a good road. Merchants would just turn the corner at the Black Gate and make for the winelands. Their company veered left and came to the southern edge of the vast bogs that stretched as far west as the Anduin. Kieperd called the halt and ordered camp made on high ground well away from the stagnant water. Dusk was coming. The Elf let the men unpack and squatted on a knoll overlooking the swamp.

Nothing seemed different. Elves, just as dead as the other figures, lay where they fell. Some stared up, no widow to shut her poor husband's eyes. Nag Kath neither slept nor took his rest that night or the next. The soldiers were good men but had absolutely nothing to do. Some were joking with each other until Kieperd glanced at his Sarn't who ordered them to lay face down and push themselves up and down with their arms many times.

The Elf turned to watch but was facing the marsh again before he smiled. Men were unnerved watching him sit like a rain-gutter demon. With morning came mist. It might rain this afternoon as clouds built from the west.

~o~

Nag Kath was not the first to see them. A trooper caught a glimpse of movement on the other side of the rank-grass from Nag Kath's perch. Sarn't whistled and jerked his head northeast. The Elf hopped down and crept quickly around the reeds. There were dozens of figures walking as if on the surface of the shallow pools. Three were very close. Two seemed men, though one was missing his face. The nearest was an orc carrying his curved scimitar. Nag Kath held his palms towards the troopers, as if they needed any more reason not to join him. Then he worked his way to the bank, some fifty feet from the yrch (orc).

He could see through the creature, just like the Oath-breaker ghosts. It did not seem aware of him or the two soldiers further away. There was a dead Elf face-down in the mud just off the water. The only prowlers were enemies. Nag Kath watched the orc for quite a while as he paced a small oval, facing outwards.

Standing on the bank, Nag Kath projected a command in the Black Speech. The creature heard nothing. Then he shot a confusion spell at the orc. It sensed that and turned towards him but those only last a few seconds. The bringing spell had no effect and the casualty began pacing his oval again.

Radagast once told him the bodies in the water were only ghosts of the dead but not physical. Nag Kath thought he had better be sure so he stepped about knee-deep in the mud to grab the Elf's ankle. His hand closed on nothing but water. The dead Elf was just another figment.

~o~

Company was coming. The orc definitely sensed him and ran with sword raised. Soldiers yelled for him to defend himself. Nag Kath pulled his sword in time to deflect his attacker's slash. The swords passed through each other and then through their bodies with no effect. Before the orc could hack again, Nag Kath hopped back on the bank. The orc jabbed his sword at the air probing. Men at the camp saw the blonde man drop his weapon and open a little pocket knife, holding it near the dazed specter before it eventually wandered back to its small circle.

The mist of the morning was giving way to a sunny day. The dead faded with it. Nag Kath walked back to the camp and poured the water out of his boot in front of the slack-jawed troopers. No one uttered a word until the Elf said, "Please, gather around. Tell me what you saw. Do not rely on each others' accounts."

There was general agreement that until his foot hit the water, the orc had no sense of his presence. Nag Kath asked what the others did.

Corporal Felligath had deputized himself as Atlier and answered, "The one with a face turned your way but the other kept circling his little area. I wondered if they patrol their place of unrest, like a dog tethered to a peg."

Trooper Jin added, "That orc heard you right enough!"

To great relief, their own demon grinned at that and said, "They can be relied on to attack. I did not look closely at the men, could you tell anything about them from their dress or weapons?"

Lieutenant Kieperd took that one; "Neither carried sword nor shield. The one with a head wore a helmet. I cannot be sure but it looked from the north, perhaps Arnor. I am sorry I cannot be more helpful than that."

Nag Kath put his boots back on and stood, "Let us see if we can find a man close to the edge." Half went left and half right. Within ten minutes they found two candidates. One seemed a Hillman with a spear hole through his ribs. The other was a more promising. His clothes gave nothing away but a helmet next to his feet was eastern. Nag Kath wondered if he might have been one of the Wain-riders from his old haunts slaughtered here by Eärnil. He only knew the story because the King reigned long and a lot of nippers bore his profile.

Kieperd had a man try to drag the helmet out with his lance but it was only an illusion. The blade passed through the corpse too. They really had rotted, leaving only remembrance ... remembrance driven by power unknown. Both groups returned to camp to hear more madness, "If there is mist tomorrow, I will see if I can speak to him."

~o~

That night around the fire the troopers agreed that only ale could take the taste of this rotten place from their mouths. If they stayed more than two days, they would have to get fresh water from the east. Few of them slept well. Sentries shivered watching the Elf crouched on a mound above the dead mercenary in the moonlight.

At dawn there were mists and soldiers began rising and pacing. Nag Kath reached his hand in the pool not six feet from the casualty. He felt nothing for a while but then the soldier's eyes opened. Part of him lay exactly as it had been as an apparition within it began rising to sit. After a minute, the soldier's bloodless head was above the surface. He seemed muddled but not afraid. Nag Kath applied his confusion spell to no effect but the head still turned his way. The Elf spoke gently in Khandian, "Who are you?"

"Ureg, son of Ugreg." The voice floated, not made by mouth.

As if asking a lost child, "Do you wait for Ar-Balkumagân?"

"Yes, the Angmarach."

Nag Kath finished, "Rest now. Wait for him."

He was glad the two horrified guards protecting him did not speak Khandian as the head slipped below without a ripple.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Nag Kath explained his trip to the council. Minister Edenthread, advisor on war, asked most of the questions. Prince Eldarion chaired. The King largely watched. Chancellor Derenbar was there. There was no minister of fell remaining sorcery, unless it was Nag Kath. Derenbar asked, "What impressions beyond what you have told us?"

The Elf sipped his tea and licked his lips. "The question is whether the spells over these forsaken men are diminishing and freeing them to the halls of their peoples or if they are being slowly revived to complete their task. I fear the latter since our allies do not join them."

Edenthread was fifty one. Sorcery had not played a part in his rise to rank. He fought men; rebels, border skirmishes – folk he could see. But he was also a patient and learned man. His great grandfather stood at the gates. The veteran told his children and they told theirs. The soldier watched trolls roll terrible engines of war to the walls while fell-beasts swiped men from the ramparts. Before father died, he taught his children there had always been magic, foul magic. It would raise its head and then sleep over many lifetimes of good people.

The war minister asked, "What remedy, Lord Kath?"

"Look in Angmar. I keep returning to the Witch-King. This poor creature seemed to recognize his leader. He should not recognize anything."

Almost pleading, "King Elessar, please do not think me blind to all else. Sauron's greatest servant Ar-Balkumagân was long a powerful sorcerer before he was enslaved by the ring, and even that took centuries. I believe he retained his own interests, if only to keep his flock under-thumb, like an employed man who retains hometown property. Even if the Dark Lord's gifts died with him, I would know who inherited the rest."

Edenthread's aid was Mynard Thomald. He was young but not rash, "Sirs, if sorceries remain in those distant lands, is our concern the orcs or men?"

When no one else answered, Nag Kath said, "Men. Orcs cannot wield magic. They fear it, knowing they can be easily bent to its will."

Thomald took the risk that another question would not be overstepping his bounds, "And the men, sir?"

Nag Kath said distantly, as if a Lorist, "I spoke to the dragon. He was confused, saying that his summons was weak, almost as if by accident, perhaps incomplete. He destroyed the building to break free but did not stalk anyone. That pit was warded by a master sorcerer and the spell still broke it. Scions have not yet learned to wield their inheritance, but someone is closer. In time, the wrong man will. My Lord Elessar has seen this. So have I. Time works against us."

The King had his elbows on the table, fingertips touching. He chose. "It is September now. The heir will go to Annúminas in spring. I need to know what force will be needed. Nag Kath?"

Against the gravity of the meeting, the grim Elf smiled, "I hope the lake has whisker-fish."

To everyone's astonishment, Aragorn smiled back, "Big ones."

~o~

The Elf and King walked out together, the only two there who understood that this craft was not the misty lore of the ancients. It was the hard business of those who ruled only a century before. Aragorn asked, "You go to Dol Amroth now?"

"Yes Sire, my granddaughter is very dear to me but now elderly. I will visit her over the winter and be back before the spring melt."

"Yes, the water blossom. And dear to Barahir as well."

"A fine man, sir. They are there now. I hope to see them all."

"I think … a moment …" The King turned to two women walking through long shadows in the corridor. "Daughter, come and meet my old friend."

They approached and bowed. One was middle-aged and conservatively dressed in the garb of a high domestic. The other was very fair with flowing dark hair and gray eyes. Both bowed to the King and the young one gave him a kiss on the cheek. Aragorn said, "Nag Kath, may I present my daughter Inariel. Inara, this is Nag Kath."

They both bowed. She appeared quite taken with the tall fellow and the name rang a faint bell. Nag Kath said, "It is good to see you, My Lady. It has been some time."

She curtsied, "A pleasure, sir."

The King added, "Lord Kath has been away in eastern lands where he knows much of lore and customs."

The Princess smiled brightly, "I hope we meet again, My Lord."

They both bowed again and she withdrew with her maid.

The Elf said, "I can see both you and Her Ladyship in the Princess' face. She is a well-favored child."

Aragorn smiled, "And a handful. I fear I spoil her. Now, be sure to return by April. Eldarion sets as firm a pace as his old father and it will be a sizeable troop. Oh, how are you set for a horse?"

"Old Nemren is probably good for one more campaign. He will be here over the winter with a lad to keep him fit."

"Go then, with all my hopes and blessings, sir knight."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Strolling through the city, he felt the history. Had it been so long? A century after the war. Signs and faces had changed but the buildings were almost all still ancient. He recognized Shurran's hand on a few new ones and repairs to the old.

Shurran and Penni's children were glad to see him. Reyaldar just retired and Field had the reins now. The Elf was Uncle Nag but the next generation did not know him well, nor should they. This was the age of men. Everyone else was gone. It had to happen. For the longest time, he was Kath of this or that. The soldiers going to the Dead Marshes had never heard of him, in spite of the Dunlending at the water pavilion.

Two weeks later he booked passage to Dol Amroth. Nemren would stay here with Field's son riding him on the plain. The horse would like that. As he always tried to do, Nag Kath gave himself a day in Pelargir to see Helien's and Phylless' graves and clean the stones. He had left so many people behind. He honored them.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Eniecia had just turned 81 and was still a dancing blossom to her Uncle Nag. Cal was a few years older. He might live into his hundreds as so many people here did. Legorn was one hundred and eleven, finally slowing down. After a career putting him as high as someone not in the Princely family could go, Caladrion retired in high honor. They sat on the front porch and watched the ships sail into the harbor. It brought peace. New babies needed burping. Two days after arriving he saw Barahir and Talienne. They were only here for another two weeks but managed dinner twice. He enjoyed the Princely City until mid-February to stay ahead of the spring melt with plans to return after unspecified work in the north, although everyone in the family knew the King had been looking for him.

March in Minas Tirith was warm with two heavy snows to remind everyone not to be complacent. Nag Kath spent the time reading some of his old books. He visited the archives, although the golden days of red-caps beetling through those volumes seemed over. Men now wrote books to sell; and not tedious histories either. One could get scandal or old campfire tales or imagined adventures of magnificent champions borrowed loosely from courtly lore. If it was popular, or they paid someone to say so, Khandians were employed to copy them for sale to a wider audience. Nag Kath was still not tempted to write his own history. No one would ever believe it.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

The meeting ran long. It was agreed they would bypass the Shire and make directly for Annúminas after the Gap had cleared. The King left most of the presentation to Prince Eldarion since he would command, the first joint Arnor/Gondor foray since Aragorn combined them with the Rohirrim against Easterlings thirty years ago.

The heir collected his things and left with the soldiers. As Nag Kath rose, Aragorn said, "A moment, my friend. Have you considered if what you face is beyond the use of steel?"

"I think I will know. Whether that is soon enough I cannot say. I told your heir, I will have to be in the van, probably in stealth before the army. We shall see how the ground lays."

"Good answer." King Elessar rose and the two walked out of the council room together towards the private apartments. Before Nag Kath veered off to the main entrance, Princess Inariel and her duenna emerged from the royal suites. Seeing her da, she approached and bowed saying, "Good afternoon, Father. Mother says not to forget we have dinner with the Ambassador tonight."

"It is full in my memory. Daughter Inariel, do you remember Lord Kath?"

Lord Kath bowed again, "Inariel looked him up and down and said coolly, "Yes, the orc."

Nag Kath kept his usual insouciant smile. It appeared the young woman had been talking with her mother. It took more than spoiled princesses to put Orc Six off his feed. He smiled and bowed again, "At your service in any form, My Lady."

What servant would be so bold! Inariel was incensed and spat, "Think your service in any manner would not be loathsome and disdained?!"

Aragorn had heard quite enough, "Silence, daughter! This person is a guest in my house which is all you need know. Apologize now and go to your quarters until I decide where I have failed in your upbringing."

Blush in her cheeks turned to ash. Her father had never scolded her thusly.

The Princess looked at her shoes and mumbled, "Forgive me, good sir. I spoke thoughtlessly."

Both she and her attendant bowed deeply and returned to the royal apartments, almost hitting the slowly opened door.

The King turned to his guest and said, "I am sorry, Nag Kath. That is unlike her. Perhaps the stress of her brother in harm's way has clouded her sense of propriety."

Nag Kath put his hand on Aragorn's shoulder. "If you will see to her manners, the Lord Prince and I will see to Angmar."

Both men smiled and shook hands before the Elf bowed and went to make his preparations.

~o~

Princess Inariel threw herself on her bed sobbing. Miss Kurtish closed her door from the outside. How could father take the side of that, that creature, unworthy to have touched the divine?! It was so unfair. Why had he not slain them all?!

The tantrum became the realization she had shamed her beloved father with her petulance and contumely. The best man who ever lived, embarrassed by his churlish daughter even as he fights fierce enemies! She could not remember ever crying like that before. Please, oh please, by all the powers that smile on our family, let this not harm his noble work!

The King himself walked back to his office collecting his scribe to answer the note from Minister Helling. Now, what about Inariel? Had she asked Arwen about the comely guest last fall? The Queen might have hinted as to his suitability but would not have disparaged him so the girl must have done some digging on her own. Nag Kath was an old but poorly-kept secret anywhere in Middle-earth.

The Princess could miss a dinner and explain herself in the morning. Even though she appeared grown, he knew her mixed Elvish and Dunedain blood was only now giving her womanly cycles, with all those attendant difficulties.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

The Prince was the leader of men. His party of five hundred made brisk time through Rohan and across the Gap towards Tharbad. Restoration there had been dashed by another flood. It was simply a bad place to put a city. With only normal snow-melt this year, the ferries were pummeled by the current and it took a week to get the men across. Eldarion went straight north to Bree and bypassed the Shire making for Fornost, a five day ride without pushing the pack animals too hard. His Lordship traveled light. He commandeered what they needed, paid good cash and saw to the welfare of his future subjects. No one complained.

Annúminas was the model for Bozisha-Kantû, one of the magnificent cities of the early Third Age, Elendil's capital. Aragorn chose it for his northern realm right after the war and probably had it in mind as a Ranger of these lands long before. It sat on the third blue jewel; Lake Evendim.

The city was now functional. Built from the astonishingly hard local stone, many structures had survived two millennia of neglect and were still usable. Always working against the great old citadels; there weren't nearly enough people. One doesn't build grand monuments unless the granary is at least half full. Without enough defenders, outer walls are merely shields for enemy archers.

The city was the typical confusion of quartering a huge influx of men and horses. They were expected, but that is not the same as knowing where to cook the food. Nag Kath had his Lembas and joined a conference of Eldarion and his captains at a large oval table. After bowing to the Lords, his Prince announced, "Gentlemen, this is Nag Kath. He is a special counselor on matters of lore."

He knew the Gondor contingent well, but better than half the room was officers of Arnor. Nag Kath listened for close to an hour. Most of the discussion was about assembling the army. Authors of popular ladies' books praise muscular heroes slaying hosts of villains. That is fine when you get there, but soldiers eat a lot first. Wagons get stuck in the mud. When it rains, everything gets soaked unless you have enough tents. You need socks and swords and bandages. These men were not ready to march just yet.

There was a large map on the table so the men stood for Colonel Gheras-lithend's presentation. Like Mordor, Angmar is surrounded on three sides by mountains. In this case, the ranges are shaped like a crab claw open to the west with the shorter pincer to the south. The tall soldier used a stick to tap positions starting with, "We count about a thousand orcs along the southern hills and another fifteen hundred from about half the length to the tip of the northern claw. They do not like each other.

"The men are nearer the closed end where the water is better. We do not have a count on them but fair estimates are two thousand swords. They grow grain, vegetables and sheep. They also fashion their own weapons from iron in the hills behind them. They always did know how to make swords here."

One of the Gondorans asked, "Do they have more than scouting-strength horse?"

Governor Commündith answered, "We have seen raiding parties of as many as thirty. If have more than that, they keep it to themselves. Infantry are mostly pikemen but they carry swords as well. They also have very good light ballista that can be moved quickly by horse." The soldiers discussed cavalry defenses, water quality, roads and all the things pure military men must know.

The Governor added, "Big place; Angmar. Men and orcs, each to their own areas. Men trade at Shedûn on the lower tip but only local drovers take goods into the interior. There is a good pass twenty leagues closer to the capital but that puts us among the lower orc tribes. A third pass behind the city would be perfect except it is only suitable for infantry."

Nag Kath was quiet throughout. While listening he looked to the Prince who gave the slightest nod. Waiting for a lull, the Elf asked, "Colonel Gheras-lithend, do you have any maps of their capital city?"

"We do not."

The Elf asked, "Do you know if there are any temples or places of large gatherings or worship?"

Gheraslithend seemed slightly annoyed by the pretty Gondoran officer. He answered, "No, their habits do not concern us."

The Elf nodded in thanks.

Colonel Ionthand of Arnor asked the Prince, "Sir, may I ask the purpose of this campaign?"

Eldarion said gravely, "You may. Nag Kath believes there are remaining sorceries causing disturbances in a number of places to the south. We purpose to be quit of them."

Gheras-lithend looked at the Elf and asked, "And you know where they are?"

"Not yet."

The Gondorans knew who and what the youthful-looking officer was. Arnoran officer Dephusal, a great, great nephew of Legatorn from Orthanc, wondered if the blonde might put a sword through the staff Colonel's foot. Before he did, the heir closed, "I have every confidence we can bring this to a successful conclusion. Please continue your preparations."

As the meeting adjourned Nag Kath whispered to the Prince, "We need spies. Do we know who here works for Angmar?"

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Diervunn had not been in the meeting. His purview was the city proper. The man was background. He found Nag Kath sitting on a bench sketching a ramp between towers and invited himself to join. "I understand you are curious about visitors in Annúminas."

The Elf put his backing-board down and smiled at the innocent use of 'visitor'. He replied, "Especially ones who think they are unnoticed."

"That culls the list to one."

"A soldier?"

Diervunnan thought a moment and answered, "At one time. He is a merchant now."

"I know the type. Does he report back as far as the capital?"

"That we do not know, but he seems to take a long time between trips."

Nag Kath looked the guardi in the eye, "I don't suppose he is here now?"

Angmari were a different breed than the men of the northwest wilds. They were generally shorter and darker haired with slate-gray eyes. There were a number of them here. They stayed together. Most escaped the fell claw and had no loyalties at home, but they were also poor, which made them receptive.

Merchant Querishoul used those conditions to his advantage. He kept modest quarters in the city and brought goods to Annúminas twice a year. Few of his wares were from Angmar because they were hard to sell, but he needed to maintain appearances. Captain Diervunn explained his travels were subsidized by information he brought back to the claw. The guardi could have arrested him any time, but like many in his profession, Diervunn felt it was better to know your enemy. Information always escaped. This way they could add their own tidings to the mix.

The merchant had planned to leave in two days but the arrival of the heir and five hundred horse, far more than ever brought before, made him remember chores he should do here. A few of the refugee population spoke to him discreetly. They were folk who tended horses, prepared food and did things for lack of Arnorans. Querishoul didn't mind the wait. Here and Fornost were the nicest places on his route. He could attend personal needs from the local women for a groat if he wasn't too picky.

One of his informants told him an officer of the council dropped a folio in a corridor near the palace. The merchant growled, "Why didn't you bring it here?"

The nervous man stammered, "I tried, but a soldier approached. I drew his attention so he did not notice. If it has value, I hope you will remember your good friend."

The merchant knew the man did not read. "Perhaps. Where is it?"

~o~

The papers inside were written in a language Querishoul did not know. A waste of time! As he left, he felt oddly confused, even more so than after eating the spiced fish last night. Someone told him to follow. He did not want to. He did not need to be seen. But he went because he must.

The merchant was led to a small room with a glass window and seated across from a man he did not know. The tall one asked him queer questions about Litash. Yes, there are stone buildings. No, none look like that one. He drifted through describing the streets of the capital and soldiers and their revered ruler, known only as the Seer. The Seer has powers and so do his Kieresh servants. No, I do not know where he gets his powers. Querishoul had no sense of time.

The trader also explained how men travel to Litash nearer the middle of the crescent to avoid orcs cleaving to the leeward side of the near crab-claw. Northern orcs had dealings with the Seer but he knew nothing of their society.

Then he forgot everything that happened today.

No; not everything. He did remember his informant telling him the Elessar Prince brought troops to put down a rebellion with the troublesome Arthedains to the west. Local troops might be in league and therefore untrustworthy. There was a traitor among them; tall, blonde, a Prince of the south grown weary of his uncle's rule.

The day Querishoul left with information about the Prince's purpose, the Prince called another war council.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Nag Kath needed to know more about how the two clans dealt with each other. As arranged, the Prince gave him the floor towards the end of the meeting.

Starting slowly, as he did when addressing groups, Nag Kath said, "Sirs, I see the main army having to turn the corner at Shedûn and being no surprise when we get to Litash. I propose taking a small force through the low pass and making a bargain with the southern orcs to keep out of the way. That force will go through the orc lines and intercept riders with tidings from the claw tip. From there we make for Litash as advance scouts or wait for the troops if the way is closed.

Ionthand asked in earnest, "Mr. Kath, what manner of bargain?"

I have dealt with similar orcs on the other side of Gundabad. They are easy to bribe with food, not to fight, mind, but they will stay put. That was useful in Dale too."

Staff Colonel Gheraslithend had still not been told about the mysterious blonde and asked as he might of a rash junior officer, "And just what makes you think you can parlay with these?"

The Elf said in the same voice Gandalf used at the Council of Elrond, "Doosht nach vien fhulnoor. Vhieel nach ohulgran."

While everyone else's hair was standing on end, Eldarion said with the slightest pinch of a smile, "Lord Kath has certain … skills."

~o~

It was mid-May. If they were going this year, they had to be out of the crescent before the snows. That meant making the turn at Shedûn by September at the latest. They would provision for twelve hundred cavalry with another two hundred pack horses capable of the same speed. Some of that was already in hand but if they weren't ready, they would wait until spring. Sorcery was a slow threat and they attacking entrenched positions. Arnor's small infantry would secure the home defenses.

Colonel Ionthand's Third Arnoran Rangers would lead one hundred eighty of those horses in Nag Kath's probe over the low pass but they would travel most of the way with the main army. Merchant traffic along the route would be diverted, especially going in. A full company would camp in the footpath pass to the capital to strangle tidings. Before the army moved, three wagons would take dried fish and grain to the near side of the low pass at Gram as soon as it could be gathered. They would leave it hidden under tarps, cheap insurance against coming to terms with the southern orcs. Advance men would quietly secure fodder and livestock along the main route.

The Prince took most of his Gondorans west for a few days and brought them back filthy in case anyone was wondering about his reason for coming north with such a force. Then they drilled with the local levies using spears and swords. Nag Kath participated or observed exercises but spent most of his time studying every scrap of paper and speaking with refugees about the Seer. Most of them escaped as the man came to rule nine years before and were not much help on current affairs. Few had left since and none in the last three years, at least; not that came here. One fellow had been a builder and helped the Elf sketch a much better layout of Litash as it stood a decade ago. There was a central hall from antiquity but gatherings had been banned under the new ruler.

He still wracked his brain for what sort of vessel the Witch-King might have imbued with his power. Was it part of him like Sauron's ring? Was it a store of energy left like a savings jar? Of what size and nature? Nag Kath was fairly sure he could sense it if he got close. He spoke often with the Colonel and some of his senior men about his own colorful background. They would have to keep their wits for more than just Angmari. One officer asked to be reassigned, better now than in the fray.

~o~

The Prince led. The train lurched forward and made Fornost in five days, a day slower than a good pace with riders only. Adding more men and horses, the main army turned northeast and followed the road skirting the jagged ridges pointing at the crescent.

Colonel Ionthand's company made due east for the Ettenmoors; famous troll country. It was a dull ride over fair ground with good water so they did not need to carry heavy water skins. As always; they lost a few horses to lameness but arrived at the Sin Marve River and turned north after day 21 on the road.

The trail was good but narrow so they rode no wider than double-file for another seven days along the river until crossing an east/west road where the fish and wheat were stashed. They took the food with them for Mt. Gram another two days almost due north. Reaching a rather pretty lake, the battalion camped as six scouts and Nag Kath picked their way up the pass for a look on the other side.

~o~

This was orc country and no error. The men set a fire-less camp just over the ridge after checking for caves. Those were likely much nearer the valley floor but no one wanted surprises. Nag Kath took the forward watch looking for activity but without much of a moon and clouds, he didn't see anything. Just before dawn, he did hear orcs yelling at each other, too far to understand but it was not a call that men were camped above them.

The plan was to take four of the pack horses and two dozen riders down to the valley and leave food samples along with a note using the same variety of languages and symbols Nag Kath left above Erebor. If they wanted to talk, they should leave a large red banner behind. The delivery went smoothly although one of the trooper's horses was uncontrollable and the rider had to take him back. The party wasn't more than two hours behind him and a full company took positions at the crest now that they had played their hand.

If the orcs responded, negotiations would be more subtle than the neutrality of the eastern bands. The main difference was that this lot might already be in-league with or even servants of the men inside the horn. If so, this overture shouldn't betray the Prince's intent. Hopefully the story of a blonde traitor added a feint. Failing that; they would threaten force down the pass and keep the orcs busy while the main army slipped around.

It took two days but a bloody blanket draped over a bush was as good a signal as they would get. Another complication was that even Nag Kath would not go down to the valley. If the orcs played them false, he would be the appetizer before the whisker-fish. A party of no more than twelve orcs was to come to the mountain pass. They would be men their Lugnash could spare, so probably not the lads to cut a deal. Their Sarn't could take a message back and, if needed, could be shown the food wagons just downhill.

On schedule, a few more than a dozen of the brutes trudged up the slope, swords drawn. They would be the bravest, most expendable or most ambitious of the soldiery below. They didn't expect what they got.

~o~

Men were gathered around a campfire spitting two halves of a pig to perfection. The wind was blowing west or the orcs would have already been drooling. Nag Kath walked up to within twenty feet of the leader with a slight bow and said in the Black Speech, "Ah, you are just in time for dinner!"

Two troopers took half of the swine on a tarp near the befuddled orcs and returned to their meals. Archers waited behind the rocks if things went wrong but there were no whistles or hoots that reinforcements were creeping behind this first lot.

As if he was the Sayer in a Catanard, Nag Kath continued, "Eat, is good. We will talk." His own men were wary, but after a month of hard biscuits and porridge, they could eat pork as part of their duties. The officer told his yrch (Sindarin for orc) to sit where they stood except for two who tore hunks off the carcass and passed them around.

When they were seated and eating in a fashion it was fortunate not to see, Nag Kath walked over to the leader and sat five feet away saying, "I am Solvanth. We come as friends."

No matter his orders, no one said the orc couldn't eat cooked pig first. It wasn't until he had wiped his hands on his coat that the creature said, "Sergeant Brishnug. What do you want?"

He spoke a different mix of black and orcish but was understandable. The Elf appeared to consider that in the firelight and replied, "We travel to Litash."

That was the blandest thing he could say. It did not identify them as being with or against anyone, particularly leadership in the capital. The orc was unimpressed. "Go around."

Again, the Elf gave long deliberation to that good advice before saying, "Northern orcs are not trouble?"

That was sure to get a rise. They were separated for a reason, even if they couldn't say so. Less forcefully than Nag Kath expected, the Sergeant said, "Felshuu band serves Seer. They do not go Shedûn."

Nag Kath said gregariously to a trooper watching for the signal, "Why don't you bring over more for the Sergeant." If the man could have stretched his arm another three feet he would have. The orc took it without lunging and had a bite. Not quite stroking his chin the Elf added, "You do not speak for Felshuu band?"

"Mehaaa!" Bits of swine landed on the Elf's trousers. "They are schukkk!"

"They are not here?"

This time the orc swallowed enough to say, "Where sun comes up."

Nag Kath was getting somewhere. These orcs are hostile to the band directly above the capital who work for the Seer. That would give the King a free path directly east to Litash if he could convince these lads that it was in their interest not to interfere.

Nag Kath said, "Far from you!"

With an orcish grin, "Good! Felshuu schukkk!"

Nag Kath probed, "Seer commands Felshuu?"

"Of course."

"How many?"

Even an orc can have enough pig and it was time to see what the men wanted. "Hard to say."

Nag Kath had to hope the Felshuu didn't have a spy in their midst. The Elf said, "You want more fish?"

"More fish?"

"Much more fish."

"For what?"

"Nothing. Soldiers come through pass. You stay in your caves. More fish."

The orc snorted, "You kill us!"

"We are just passing through. Two wagons fish. One wagon wheat."

"You lie."

"Will show you. We bring with us."

Brishnug was told to barter, "Five!"

"We only brought three."

"Four!"

The Elf was firm, "Three."

"You give, you go to Litash?"

Nag Kath said as if the orc had driven a hard bargain, "We go to road. Do not see you."

He had gathered this fellow was more than a Sergeant. The orc said, "When?"

"Two days. Food is guarded now. We go through. You take food."

This was the first time men had offered them anything, much less to stay home and eat. He growled, "Do! Two days you come. We see fish now!"

~o~

It may have been the strangest scene in Middle-earth. Two very stuffed orcs followed two well-fed troopers down the hill by torchlight to inspect the goods, neither pair sure who was guarding whom. It was about a two hour walk. The troopers could make their way to the Colonel's main camp rather than come back up in the dark. The orcs might have a cave down there or return. That was their business.

Brishnug ordered the rest back down the hill after settling an argument over the pig's spine. Nag Kath told them to take the other carcass too. Sentries above the gap on either side whistled all-clear about half an hour after the orcs left.

When he heard that, Lieutenant Borgan drawled, "After I issue new underwear, do you want to tell me what in the name of Eru just happened?"

Nag Kath helped himself to a plate of vegetables and sat down with the men. Some of them had eaten too much and regretted it. The Elf considered a lennas green and said, "Same as the lot above Erebor. We have a deal. These southern orcs don't work with the northern ones. If he told any truth, the others are all just north of Litash and in league with the Seer. This lot will let us all through to the main road and they get the food when we go."

The Elf wiped his mouth on his sleeve. "The road is open for the Prince."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

The orcs looked at the food and scampered back up the hill. It would take a lot of them to get it home and would take these two all night from the wagon to their caves. When they were gone, one of the troopers who escorted the orcs down the hill walked over to Colonel Ionthand's tent and reported, "Excuse me sir, the officer said to shoot the rocket."

They were committed. King Elessar's last firework was fired into the northwest sky. By the time Eldarion's main army reached the road even with the orc pass, Ionthand's men would either be waiting or scouting ahead. The Prince was prepared to fight the whole way but now he knew he could drive at speed.

The army rounded the bend in sight of Shedûn. Townsmen came out to watch. Three riders left in a hurry towards the capital. As expected, two days later they rode into a dozen archers from the Second Rhudahr cavalry who had orders to keep one alive if possible as long as no one got through. One rider made it to the command tent.

~o~

The most annoying way to try evading an interrogator is pretending you don't understand the language. Angmari used the Black Speech but spies listening to trading-post gossip would know some Westron. The Colonel asked the man basic questions about his hurry and what to expect in the capital. When he got nowhere, a tall, blonde man was asked inside.

The rider wasn't more than twenty three, a messenger, like his questioner had been. Nag Kath asked a few of the same questions the Colonel had in Westron with the same result. Then he asked one in the Black Speech. The young man's face contorted. He was not told about this. He tried bluster, "You have no right! This is the Seer's land. I order you to release me!"

A beam of yellow light shone on his face as the Elf said gently, "Tell me of your home."

The Prince's men were uncomfortable with that. Other than speaking orcish, the tall one seemed an ordinary man. The messenger tried to resist at first then started to speak. Then he started to choke. Blood dripped out of his nose and his eyes were bloodshot. His head shook for a few seconds and he fell face-first on the table.

Nag Kath growled, "Dougsh!" and rose to put his hand on the dead captive's neck. The men saw his hand change color for a moment. He flopped back into the folding chair and said nothing.

It was the King's policy not to torture prisoners. They had during the war and hadn't had much reason to since, but the men in the tent just watched the blonde officer slay the messenger with devilry. Ionthand didn't care, but would give him the benefit of the doubt. "Nag Kath?"

The changeling's brows were knitted staring at the young man. He looked to the Colonel and said softly, "It was his master's spell. I cannot be sure of the exact thought, but the Seer made sure he wasn't going to talk. That makes the Seer a sorcerer of more power than I thought."

~o~

They had waited for any riders where they emerged from orc lands on the road. It was not an ideal camp so the Colonel ordered them slowly east towards Litash with scouts well ahead and fanned to the north. The terrain was rolling hills in grassland so the advance-riders rode from ridge to ridge and then signaled the main company up. They saw no one. If the Prince was on schedule, he was at most two days behind and would catch them as Ionthand's men cautiously followed their scouts.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

"Good morning Your Lordship."

"Good morning, Sarn't Jesskellan."

"Sir, the van found Colonel Ionthand's first camp three miles ahead. The orcs were persuaded to stay home. They left the message that the company was moving behind his advance scouts. Three riders from Shedûn were slain. At this rate we will join them two days hence.

Eldarion pulled on his second boot, "Two days? That's two thirds of the way. I want to be long past this pass by night. Keep a weather-eye on orcs to our south."

Nearing the bowl of the claw, the ground flattened to the point where there was no hiding. The advance group started to see small farms along the creeks leading north from the mountains, evidence that this was further east than the local orcs roamed. Farmers hid for their lives at the sound of soldiers. Nothing good ever came of soldiers. Two days later the advance party came to a flat where the ground fell away towards the capital river-valley. They could go no further without being observed so they waited for the main army whose dust was already rising behind them. Scouts reported the city was un-walled. Nag Kath went with the next team and saw outlines of cavalry defenses using spiked trenches but only in front and south of the capital. Presumably the orcs defended from the north. After another day of the advance company being as still as possible, the main column arrived.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

In Litash, a runner knocked the correct four times and was admitted to the Seer's council. "Your pardon, Most High, sentries report a large army is massing ten leagues to the west on the main road."

"Ten … how did they get that close?!"

"I cannot say, Most High. We know they are cavalry. Riders have been sent to learn their strength."

"Call my generals to me."

The Seer started life as Varsiig. Like most in Angmar after the Witch-King perished, his ancestors were more concerned with eating than magic. About the same number of men and orcs returned from the war and after years of fighting came to a grudging accommodation over control of the scant water flowing into the claw. Varsiig was now forty. His faction overthrew Drenald's adherents nine years ago and fed them to the orcs' wargs after tiring of their begging.

Like Nulvanash to the south, Varsiig had small powers, but no ancient sect carried the Witch-King's torch. Varsiig had learned that by spending time in the frozen cavern on the road to Gundabad he could control men. It spoke to him. Unlike many of the old orc caves around the perimeter, it was always covered in ice, just as the land was during the long winters. Angmar knew cold.

Varsiig built his own following. The northern orcs attacked not long after he seized control and were defeated. He brought them to his will, a weak and pitiful race; orcs. Let them think themselves allies! Varsiig learned that with his touch he could make men bleed or cry or do anything to avoid that. He could keep them from telling secrets. Woe betide any who challenged his authority. Was it only two years ago that men who died besieged in the ice caverns centuries ago began to show themselves? He could not speak to them yet, but it was coming. Varsiig was a patient man.

He aged slowly. His wife had been younger than him. Now she was barren and old so he took women from the town. One officer had the temerity to defend his own wife. His scars reminded all others. Now the Seer ruled five thousand fortunate souls. The permanent army stood at nine hundred with another nine hundred militia and as many as two thousand orcs in thrall. With so many grateful subjects, how did an army arrive on his doorstep?! The generals hastened.

"Xhrandosh, why have your defenders not slain these men, let alone not seen them?"

Xhrandosh knew his life was over. He hoped it would be quick. His wife would slit their son's throat if the Seer's elite approached their quarters. He came here to give her time. The man said with dignity, "I do not know, Most High. All word from the gap is smothered."

The Seer asked, "How many men do you have astraddle the west road?"

"Four hundred sixty in three companies, Most High."

"Then you will have the honor of being the first to engage. Position them on either side of the defile with yourself in the front."

Xhrandosh stiffened and said, "I obey, Most High." The Seer could have just loosed the blood in his brain. Like all officers, Xhrandosh had submitted to hands aside his head for his Lord's judgment. It was better to die by the sword. The man turned on his heels and called for his horse.

Varsiig turned to the orc. "You know what to do. All of your troops and warags flank the invaders from the north. Drive them to the caves. What are you waiting for?" The creature was gone. Eighty horse were already harrying scouts from the north ahead of the orcs. Similar orders were given to the city militia and his elite troops. It was every soldier he had except one hundred palace guards ...

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

... Every soldier the seer commanded, but not every weapon. Officers dismissed, his steward took him down the long hall to a room that was both suite and gaol. The retainer unlocked the door and a woman inside was quickly on her knees, head lowered. Last time she hadn't done it quickly enough so her Seer burned a hand-print in her scalp. He let her grovel for a moment and told her to leave.

She was tending a fat child of perhaps nine who continued playing with his toy soldiers. Varsiig approached with a smile, "Hello Ulig."

"Hello Uncle."

"Have you been well?"

"Yes, Uncle. The woman and I have been playing. You are right, she is tedious."

"We are going to have a new game now. You will make Uncle very proud. Come, we will go to the cave."

"Must we, Uncle? It is so cold there."

Varsiig enticed, "Your soldiers will be there."

"Yes Uncle, but it is still so cold."

The Seer had to play his real game. Two years ago this peasant child was discovered to have sorcery. In time, he would be far more powerful than the Seer. Before then the brat must die. Patient Varsiig did not waste in his northern Kingdom. Ulig had been held against need. Now it was time for him to be realized. The Seer cajoled, "Oh, but we must. Special sweets are waiting there for you."

Sweets! How Ulig loved sweets. His wretched governess never had sweets. His parents did not. Uncle punished them. His sister never gave him sweets. Now she was handed from soldier to soldier. It was foolish for them not to give Ulig sweets!

The lad brightened, "Yes, Uncle. Can we go now?"

"Of course, Ulig. Of course."

~o~

Eight miles from Litash, Eldarion could see troops running into position. His captains had been too pessimistic. If every man this Seer had was falling-in, they would hardly slow the Prince's lead column. The unknown was the northern orcs. Eldarion's first urge was to charge now with the enemy in complete disarray. No, he would wait for the dawn or risk being exposed to orcish legions tonight and forced into those gullies. Bonfires were lit along the ravines leading to the plateau where they camped with every archer at the ready.

~o~

Ulig rode on the horse with the large man who was always by his Uncle. It was uncomfortable. He had his heavy coat for the cold and his warm lambskin boots. Four other men rode alongside. His Uncle was an important man! Ulig would be important too. His important Uncle was counting his chickens. Reports before he left were that better than a thousand horsemen were ready to ride above him. It could only be the Elessar. They would easily crush his men, until night. He must drive them here and keep them here longer than they planned.

They rode to the little settlement of servants below the second ice cavern, the small, powerful cave. Perhaps fifty women and children were left now that every man hastened to the road. All bowed in fear. They understood. As he learned the secrets of the cave, all of the north would bow. It was said a great sorcerer had lived here and made Angmar his capital. His symbols still adorned buildings and shields.

Leaving his hulking bodyguard with the horses, Varsiig took little Ulig up the rocks and around the boulder that kept any sun from reaching inside. The outriders lit torches and went in first, followed by the Seer and his protégée. As always, the boy's presence raised the ghosts that prowled in the rising mist, surrounded by ice and darkness. Silly that their breath didn't smoke like his and Uncle's. The guards' breath froze too, but what did they matter?

The spoiled child whined, "Uncle, you said we would have sweets!"

The Seer smiled in the flickering light, "Yes, of course. I have them here."

Usually servants carried everything the Seer needed but for Ulig, he had a special bag. As Varsiig looked through it, Ulig saw the ghosts prowling in their little circles as he imagined them on his first visit. He could bring them forth from confinement. He could make them hunt. Not afraid, he walked towards one and said, "Stop! Bow your head before The Most High!"

The specter looked their way. Everyone in the cave saw it. Far to the south, other specters stalking their graveyards became that much more aware of the world around them. Yes, it was time for the Seer to be rid of Little Ulig. The tyrant leaned over to his ward and soothed, "See, Uncle did not forget. It is a new flavor. This is all for you."

Having had no sweets all day, the child quickly chewed the delicious treats. In them was Varsiig's fell brain-bleeding pox; contagious and fatal. The fat little monster breathed hard he was eating so fast, absorbing the air of this evil place to increase the potency of a wicked spell the Seer poured into him through an avuncular hand on his shoulder.

It did not take long. The four torchbearers began retching and convulsing on the cavern floor. The man posted outside did the same as they passed by. Now alone, the two sorcerers walked back to the settlement where Uncle said, "Bad men are coming. You must stay here tonight until Uncle can punish them and bring more sweets. Will you do that for your dear Uncle?"

"Yes Uncle. I am tired now. Do you promise to return?"

"Of course, Ulig."

The Seer pointed the round child towards a woman who had been told to wait for him. Outdoors, the invisible swirl of disease took a little longer. She showed him to his bed, walked back to the garden and doubled in pain. Neighbors who came to her aid joined her.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

The Prince's camp was well guarded. Archers were positioned where they could shoot into ravines lit by bonfires. It would be a good moon tonight. If the orcs insisted on tasting steel, they would. Almost involuntarily, Eldarion looked to the undefended north access. That was the easiest way for cavalry to skirt the primary defenses. The heir rightly smelled a rat. Somewhere out there, Nag Kath and twenty four men worked their way into the northern approach trying to find what they came all this way to destroy.

~o~

The Elf felt a surge, something much more terrible than he had ever felt in Khand. It came from just north of the city. They walked their horses through the frightened farm wives and picked up the pace as the valley opened before them. It would be dark in a few hours. Nag Kath kept in front. They were relying on his ability to track the sorcery. The source was a clarion horn of evil in the last few hours. All twenty four troopers dismounted at a small village on the path up to the base of the cliffs. Bodies lay by a garden gate. As the men got closer, they could see other corpses scattered throughout the huts.

A warning in Nag Kath's brain screamed it was a trap. Corporal Bollanger bent in agony and groaned as blood dripped from his nose and mouth. Within seconds, the rest of the men did the same. Nag Kath ran to the nearest trooper on his knees and pulled his face up as the soldier's eyes reddened. The Elf tried to absorb the disease. It had sunk too deep. There was no saving his men.

Frantically he looked at them and to the villagers lying where they fell. Among them stood a portly child with dark curly hair, watching Nag Kath's despair with seeming satisfaction. Why hadn't he died? Nag Kath's healing sorcery for the dying trooper colored his vision and he saw the boy for what he was, disease swirling around him like thousands of flies.

Nag Kath used his bringing spell sending the shocked youngster flying across the courtyard. Uncle said nothing about this! The Elf had him by the throat in one hand and placed his other against the monster's face. Nag Kath knew the drawing would surely kill him but if he didn't get it, the Prince's army would die here too.

It took nearly a minute. With his powers, the lad might have resisted but was too spoiled to have built any defenses. He flailed and peed himself. When Nag Kath removed the last of the plague, he snapped the child's neck in time to watch the dirt rise to his face.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Templagk Ghurbagh slipped in the troll cave at first dark and reported to Anglachor Khuul. The Colonel of one hundred orcs and ten tsitsi warags looked up from where he was squatting and growled, "What tidings from Lugnach Tevshguuul?" It was not asked in reverence.

The orc messenger reported, "A change of plans, sir. The enemy is Elessar. He holds position and does not chase the Seer's rabble. Our ruler waits to learn their strength. I am ordered to tell you to stay here tonight."

Khuul of the Felshuu was not pleased. This was the advance group to scout ambush points. They had traveled hard and were hungry. "I don't suppose you brought food for us?!"

The Templagk had been trained to be accurate, not servile. "Spitted pigs are on their way from the south band."

"I do not care for your humor, messenger!"

"How do you think we learned of the Elessar?"

The Colonel knew the Templagk was doing as told and would have risked burning sunlight to get here this fast. "Very well. Tell our Lugnach your tidings are received."

That was the protocol, but he also didn't want the little spy around when the company went out tonight for dinner. They would be back by morning. If a great battle was coming, who would miss a few villagers? He gave the Templagk half an hour to scamper back up the hill. Then all of the orcs and wargs descended the narrow path past the Seer's ice caves and into the defenseless village.

~o~

This was too good to be true! Women and soldiers were already piled for the taking. The curse did not affect orcs. Varsiig had not crafted his disease to affect his supposed servants. Only men foolish enough to defy him would die. The Anglachor shouted, "Troop two; drag ten of the dead into the near cave for tomorrow. Then return here for the feast!"

~o~

In the night, the Templagk messenger crept back telling them to withdraw to their strongholds in the north. The Elessar had twelve times ten times ten horse and would crush the Seer. The Seer could see to Elessar himself. They left sated.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

The Angmari were no match for western cavalry. Without orc support forcing them to the trap, Eldarion drove a wedge into their thin line along the road far enough to reach the reserves and then sent his flankers to roll-up the support militias guarding the gullies into the capital. They weren't on the field three hours. Bodies of the officers were placed in a row. The Seer was much better dressed than the rest. A badly scarred militiaman put a spear through his ribs before they surrendered.

Further north, Prince Eldarion Telcontar walked through the pile of bones and flesh torn to shreds by orcs and wargs. Hardened men puked. They picked through what was left of uniforms and weapons. The disease died with its carrier who, to all eyes, seemed a poor child whose head rolled into a ditch next to an Elvish sword. Any other lord of Middle-earth would have burned the grain fields behind him.

~o~

Bodies still stared at the stars in the Dead Marshes but no longer prowled trying to get out. Seer Varsiig could not have done that. It took the imagination of youth to raise his toy soldiers.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~