Note from author: Although some events from the books may be mentioned, they may be happening in different place in the timeline of Middle-Earth.

SHADOW FROM THE NORTH

PROLOGUE

The year was 2983 of the Third Age. Group of ten rangers was wandering in the woods.

"Fox, can we stop already? We are not orcs" said one of the rangers from the group.

"Shh! Don't mention orcs in this forest. God knows if that scum isn't waiting to ambush somebody" replied Fox, leader of the group. He, unlike others was in fully black clothing, while others had green capes. "We finish eating and we must hurry to Tirael" he gave orders. Tirael was hidden city near Lake Evendim. Here in charge was Halbarad, close friend to Aragorn, Chieftain of the Dúnedain. When looking at it from afar, it could be mistaken with dwarven city. But men were far from perfection with which dwarves are dwelling in the stone.

"Finnally some good food!" said one of the rangers satisfied.

"Are you trying to say that meals made by old Hawkeye are worse than this?" other ranger asked ironically.

"No, no, of course I don't!" replied the first with huge smile on his face.

"Can you stop?" asked Fox.

"Stop? Stop what?" said the one mocking Hawkeye.

"Don't act silly. We are in a forest, in middle of the night. Have you forgot what happened to us last time? Thank God we were close to Tirael and Halbarad heard noises of the fight." It felt like Fox was talking to himself, until they all heard something.

"Put out the fire!" Fox ordered immediately. "Flash, flee to Tirael and warn everybody. They may come in numbers bigger than last time."

Flash ran in direction of the hidden city, with speed worth his nickname. Rangers never use their real names outside of their safe camps. Even in places like Tirael they tend to use nicknames.

From darkness of the forest many sounds could be heard. Growling of the orcs, that is without any doubt. But to all nine of them it seemed like something new. They killed dozens of orcs in their lifetime, but that sound seemed different that anything they ever heard. Only the stars were now source of light. Orcs cursing men with their chants. Drums. Drums from afar. That was no orc band. It was an army.

"We won't hold them off here for long... RUN!" shouted Fox. Now they all were running, seeking refuge in hidden city. Terrible scream of a mountain troll made them all shake from fear. Arrows were already flying past their heads. Fortunately, aim of the orcs wasn't good even in the dark. They were running like this for 5 minutes, when they saw Lake Evendim. Hope was back in their hearts. But the orc army have speeded up too. One ranger from group of nine fell dead on the ground. They had no time for despair now. They reached the lake. Suddenly from the trees rangers jumped out, with bows in their hands. In front of them, near the lake huge Dúnedain host already gathered.

"Leithio! (Loose!)" shouted a man that was in front of army of rangers. Fox recognised that it wasn't Halbarad. Rangers hidden in the trees fired their arrows. Mainly they were shooting at three huge trolls that would've been grave danger to them.

"Hado ribed! (Shoot continuously!)" same man shouted and archers were firing at three huge trolls. One troll fell dead with ten arrows in his head, killing many orcs.

Now Fox recognised him. It was Aragorn himself! What is he doing here? Fox thought.

"Herio! (Charge!)" ordered Aragorn and whole Dúnedain army charged at incoming orcs.

The eight rangers moved out of their army's way, and hid in the bushes.

From behind somebody grabbed Fox, and said "Come, hide in Tirael."

"Halbarad!" Fox said and smiled. "Why are you not in fight?"

"I will tell you in safe place" Halbarad replied, and they all ran to hidden city.

Tirael was almost empty. Only older rangers, veterans were guarding the city.

"We are not the only ones being attacked" said Halbarad when they finally entered room which belonged to Fox and his company. "Mithrandir was here."

"Mithrandir?" Fox repeated in disbelief.

"Yes, he said that shadow has awoken in Mordor. Osgiliath of our southern kin has been invaded." Halbarad stopped for a second, and continued. "But I also bring good news. Mithrandir went to Imladris with our messenger. He came back and said that Lord Elrond will support us as much as possible. Battalion of elven warriors is already on their way here, to strengthen our garrisson." He stopped again to catch a breath. "I tell you, elves are leaving Grey Havens more often than ever. This will be their last stand to help the race of man one last time" Halbarad finally ended.

"And we will not fail them. We will fight for their lands, and they will for ours, until last elf leaves this world. The glory of Arnor shall be restored! Annúminas shall rise from the ashes!" Fox was speaking like king starting a crusade.

"You speak wise words my friend. But for this to happen, we must fight with courage starting from now on. This battle, this orc army is just a small part of their strength" said Halbarad. "Now rest, my friends. I must help our people in fight."

"Halbarad, tell me, what is Aragorn doing here?" asked Fox.

"Eyes of Mithrandir aren't blind, and his ears aren't deaf" he said mysteriously, smiled and ran to the field of battle.