Disclaimer – nope, Lurtz and Ugluk still not mine. Gorplak, Bagshash and
the rest are though.
A/N This chapters a bit long but it all needed to go in. And I apologise for my lack of military knowledge… Lurtz knows what he means and it'll sort itself out eventually I hope! Oh, also apologies for the lack of the Fellowship, but they may well appear in the next chapter! And yet more apologies for my geography, although hopefully it's right!
And thanks you FehrKitten for the review… mmm, chocolate covered elves… there's a story in itself! Anyway… on with the show!
Chapter 3 – Of briefings and enemies
"I have never seen a more pitiful excuse for a Company of Orcs, so wipe that pathetic smile off your face Captain."
It was hardly the gloried beginning Gagnik had been wishing for when he and all the officers in camp met with Lurtz and Ugluk, nor did he know that this was in fact the first time Lurtz had ever seen an Orc. Still, Lurtz wasn't going to admit that disadvantage.
"Contemptible as you are however, you have been chosen for a special mission. A mission that requires the utmost skill and bravery, so beneath this feeble facade I'm hoping for some half decent troops. Well?"
There were a few moments of silence before almost every officer in the room came forward with an agreement to Lurtz's words. He held up a hand for silence. "Captain?"
"Most of the soldiers are veterans sir, well used to offensive work and we have received compliments from the mouth of Lord Sauron himself for our strategies."
"Good." Lurtz replied to Gagnik's obviously proud statements. "The fact that you are the closest to the position we require you in is also useful." He and Ugluk shared an amusement that the Orcs did not. "Presumably you also excel at night attacks?" The ridicule was accompanied by a wild snort of laughter from Ugluk, who found the Orc's weaknesses highly entertaining.
Newly promoted Lieutenant Muklag risked a question to regain the pride of the other officers. "And what exactly, sir, is your experience on the battlefield?"
In a blink, Ugluk was beside Muklag and ready to break a few limbs at his insolence, but Lurtz restrained him with a word of command.
"My 'experience' Lieutenant is that I am superior to you in every way. We may all be bred for the same thing, but we are stronger, faster, more efficient and, more importantly, unhampered by the pathetic excuse of fear and pain. We expect death and revel in it. We are the Uruk-Hai, and you will obey your superiors without question and without insubordination. Am I understood?"
No one quite knew how to answer as his words sunk in, in much the same way that Gorplak had been astounded at the Uruk-Hai's words. Nods of agreement appeared for Lurtz's benefit.
"I have new orders for you," Lurtz began. "We begin by marching, as quickly as possible, east from here at Fangorn to find the Anduin River, which we will follow south from the woods of Lorien towards the great Falls of Rauros. From here, you will form the vanguard of an attack upon the so- called Fellowship who at present in possession of Lord Sauron's Ring. We shall retrieve it."
A gasp went around the group. "So close?" "How dare they." "Blackguards, how dare they think they can get away with this." Gagnik's voice stood out from the rest.
"The vanguard you say sir? Surely such warriors of your standard would wish to take the glory of leading the attack?" A silence once more filled the air.
"Are you afraid to lead your troops, Captain?" Lurtz said quietly.
"N..no sir," Gagnik stammered. "But presumably, as our superiors the Uruk-Hai would be more likely to achieve victory?" He managed to worm his way out of his own predicament.
Lurtz smiled at the implied compliment. "The plan of attack involves a pincer movement, the Uruk-Hai on one side, you Orcs on the other. This Company will attack first, while we shepherd the Fellowship towards you," So you get the higher number of casualties, he did not add aloud. "Preventing their escape and securing victory. A task I assume your troops are up to?"
Gagnik did not have time to reply before a great shout of agreement surged up from the other officers present. Ugluk and Lurtz shared a small but satisfied look. His plan was working perfectly. Now all he needed was Bagshash's report on the capability of the Company's fighting abilities, to access which troops to place where and the strategy would be complete, and the Ring would soon be in Master Saruman's possession. Although there was one point that may bring disaster. He quelled their enthusiasm.
"The attack however, may take place during the day." Once more a silence fell. This the officers had not been prepared for. "The area is in dense forest which should provide you with adequate cover. I assume this is acceptable to you all?"
Lieutenant Muklag was outraged. "You can't expect us to go with all this in daylight! That's preposterous!" Lurtz's only response was a curt nod to Ugluk. A few moments later, Muklag had no voice for complaints as he watched his own black blood flowing from his ripped throat away into the forest floor just before he sagged to the ground in an inert heap.
"Anyone else have any complaints?" Ugluk asked, some instinct in him now awakened and wishing for more blood to be spilt. He frowned in annoyance when no one else did.
"Officers." Lurtz called for their attention. "Prepare your troops to move out. We break camp tonight. And someone remove this cowardly piece of filth." He gave the body of Muklag a hefty kick. "Dismissed."
As swiftly as their hands met, they dropped again, the one touch alive with a surge of something that passed between them. They smiled awkwardly and silence descended again.
"I should get on." Bagshash spoke up first. "If Lurtz tells you to do something, you don't argue." He remembered the number of bodies lying in their wake that had argued with him and lived no more to tell the tale. Gorplak nodded.
"Sorry sir, I've kept you." She saluted formally. "Nothing more to report sir."
"Carry on Private Gorplak." Bagshash mocked her gently, but she turned to him and set him straight.
"That's Archer Gorplak sir, see?" She indicated to a single red line tattooed into her right upper arm. "Red for the archer's division, blue for infantry. An extra line for Sergeancy and two for an officer." Bagshash took hold of her arm and looked more closely at the tattoo, and felt her archer's muscles beneath his hands.
"Is the division any good?" He asked. She snorted.
"About as good as Trolls are at flying."
Bagshash laughed. "Not great then?"
"Some of us aren't bad, but Ensign Muklag is the officer in charge and he's not too enthusiastic, he got passed over for promotion in the infantry section so transferred over to us." She told him. "Now he's got a purple tattoo because he switched, and got the two extra lines." She shrugged. "It's easy for some."
He nodded. "No more lines for you though?" He asked. Was promotion earned on ability he wondered.
Gorplak shook her head. "I'm a female sir, no promotion for me." Bagshash frowned, uncomprehending. "There aren't many females in the army sir, because few are created. We go through breeding cycles for a millennia or two then they either kick you into the army or slit your throat while you sleep. I was one of the unlucky ones so here I am."
"Breeding cycles? And why are you unlucky?" He asked, still not understanding.
"Orcs were originally mutilated and ravaged Elves, but as they started killing themselves than be captured alive, other ways of breeding had to be found, that's where we females come in." Her eyes drifted out into the darkness again. "A few thousand offspring later and the females are free, lucky if you're killed then you don't come to the attention of all the males out there who assume you're still in the breeding cycle."
"You sound like you speak from experience." Bagshash spoke quietly. Gorplak laughed humourlessly, thinking of those horrid straight teeth almost in terror.
"I can handle him sir, don't worry about me." But please do, she refrained from saying. Although whether he was genuinely concerned she still wasn't sure. She hoped so.
Bagshash was outraged. How dare anyone pursue her in anyway dishonourably. This ugly creature whose eyes portrayed her dismay and sorrow, and whose black hair shone with a silver sheen in the moonlight above her. He was about to jump to her defence and promise his protection when a voice interrupted them.
"Gorplak, are you lonely, meltha?"
Beside him, he saw Gorplak tense, and he melted into the shadows to avoid being seen by this unwanted intruder.
"Go away Drusbruk."
He slid up to her. "Now then, that's no way to treat your superiors is it?" Bagshash looked in disgust at this new Orc. He was hideous and flawless, his skin smooth and pale in the night. At least Gorplak didn't seem interested, she pulled further away but he followed her every move. Bagshash could take no more.
A fist flew out and caught Drusbruk in his smooth, smirking face. He fell backwards from the force of the hit and squealed in pain, clutching his nose that now spurted blood. Bagshash kicked out, connecting with Drusbruk's ribs, breaking a few with a satisfying crack. He whimpered some more and tried to escape in reverse, away from Bagshash's anger. Bagshash merely lashed out with his foot again, catching Drusbruk's arm, sending him flailing on his back again. In desperation he cried out.
"Officer's first, sorry sir."
Bagshash growled and picked Drusbruk up by a retreating ankle. "Pay the lady a bit more respect from now on."
"Sir yes sir!" Drusbruk shrieked, the blood from his face now splattering everywhere as he dangled in Bagshash's firm grip. It was hardly a worthwhile promise, but he accepted it for now. With a heave, he threw Drusbruk back towards camp, who landed with a groan, and brushed off his bloodstained hands. He turned back to Gorplak, having seen off his rival, to find her staring in disbelief. He checked, fearing the worst.
"You have every right to be shocked. This is what I am." In her silence he did not look at her. How she must hate him, throwing his weight around, beating whatever displeased him. It was only at the sound of her laughter that he managed to face her in astonishment.
She laughed until she could laugh no more. "Oh how long have I dreamt of seeing that!" She professed happily. "Drusbruk squealing like a little child! I owe you so much sir, thank you."
"You aren't angry?" He asked cautiously. She shook her head in denial.
"He's plagued me for months. Bagshash," she used his name and the sound of it ran through every nerve in his body tantalisingly. "You're my saviour."
Had Bagshash known it, he would have given this immense instinct a name – desire, but it remained unknown. Even so, it urged him forward. Reaching out a tentative hand, he stroked her cheek, still wet with Drusbruk's blood where it had splattered. A contented sigh escaped Gorplak's lips, and Bagshash took it as a sign. Cradling her face in his hands, he pulled the unresisting Gorplak towards him. He felt her breath on his lips and savoured it, wallowing in this feeling he had never felt before. Gorplak found herself unable to breath again, this time wishing only for his gnarled lips on hers to end this torment. Her wish seemingly granted, he leaned the remaining way between them and…
"BAGSHASH!" Lurtz's echoing bellow pulled them from their embrace. After a moments pause, Bagshash turned his head and bellowed in reply.
"Coming."
Gorplak closed her eyes, unreleased from her torment.
"I'm sorry." He whispered quietly. She smiled gently and opened her eyes. He took a step back, a hand trailing from her cheek, over her shoulder, down her arm and captured her hand in his. He raised it to his lips, grazing a kiss over her palm, sending tiny shivers down her spine.
She swallowed briefly before finding her voice. "Goodnight sir."
"Goodnight acting-sentry Archer."
His grip on her hand released and the darkness took him away.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Awww, don't they make a cute couple! Will they ever consummate their love? Have they made an enemy in Drusbruk? What is Lurtz's plan of action? And when will this list of questions stop? Now actually. Until next time dear reader!
A/N This chapters a bit long but it all needed to go in. And I apologise for my lack of military knowledge… Lurtz knows what he means and it'll sort itself out eventually I hope! Oh, also apologies for the lack of the Fellowship, but they may well appear in the next chapter! And yet more apologies for my geography, although hopefully it's right!
And thanks you FehrKitten for the review… mmm, chocolate covered elves… there's a story in itself! Anyway… on with the show!
Chapter 3 – Of briefings and enemies
"I have never seen a more pitiful excuse for a Company of Orcs, so wipe that pathetic smile off your face Captain."
It was hardly the gloried beginning Gagnik had been wishing for when he and all the officers in camp met with Lurtz and Ugluk, nor did he know that this was in fact the first time Lurtz had ever seen an Orc. Still, Lurtz wasn't going to admit that disadvantage.
"Contemptible as you are however, you have been chosen for a special mission. A mission that requires the utmost skill and bravery, so beneath this feeble facade I'm hoping for some half decent troops. Well?"
There were a few moments of silence before almost every officer in the room came forward with an agreement to Lurtz's words. He held up a hand for silence. "Captain?"
"Most of the soldiers are veterans sir, well used to offensive work and we have received compliments from the mouth of Lord Sauron himself for our strategies."
"Good." Lurtz replied to Gagnik's obviously proud statements. "The fact that you are the closest to the position we require you in is also useful." He and Ugluk shared an amusement that the Orcs did not. "Presumably you also excel at night attacks?" The ridicule was accompanied by a wild snort of laughter from Ugluk, who found the Orc's weaknesses highly entertaining.
Newly promoted Lieutenant Muklag risked a question to regain the pride of the other officers. "And what exactly, sir, is your experience on the battlefield?"
In a blink, Ugluk was beside Muklag and ready to break a few limbs at his insolence, but Lurtz restrained him with a word of command.
"My 'experience' Lieutenant is that I am superior to you in every way. We may all be bred for the same thing, but we are stronger, faster, more efficient and, more importantly, unhampered by the pathetic excuse of fear and pain. We expect death and revel in it. We are the Uruk-Hai, and you will obey your superiors without question and without insubordination. Am I understood?"
No one quite knew how to answer as his words sunk in, in much the same way that Gorplak had been astounded at the Uruk-Hai's words. Nods of agreement appeared for Lurtz's benefit.
"I have new orders for you," Lurtz began. "We begin by marching, as quickly as possible, east from here at Fangorn to find the Anduin River, which we will follow south from the woods of Lorien towards the great Falls of Rauros. From here, you will form the vanguard of an attack upon the so- called Fellowship who at present in possession of Lord Sauron's Ring. We shall retrieve it."
A gasp went around the group. "So close?" "How dare they." "Blackguards, how dare they think they can get away with this." Gagnik's voice stood out from the rest.
"The vanguard you say sir? Surely such warriors of your standard would wish to take the glory of leading the attack?" A silence once more filled the air.
"Are you afraid to lead your troops, Captain?" Lurtz said quietly.
"N..no sir," Gagnik stammered. "But presumably, as our superiors the Uruk-Hai would be more likely to achieve victory?" He managed to worm his way out of his own predicament.
Lurtz smiled at the implied compliment. "The plan of attack involves a pincer movement, the Uruk-Hai on one side, you Orcs on the other. This Company will attack first, while we shepherd the Fellowship towards you," So you get the higher number of casualties, he did not add aloud. "Preventing their escape and securing victory. A task I assume your troops are up to?"
Gagnik did not have time to reply before a great shout of agreement surged up from the other officers present. Ugluk and Lurtz shared a small but satisfied look. His plan was working perfectly. Now all he needed was Bagshash's report on the capability of the Company's fighting abilities, to access which troops to place where and the strategy would be complete, and the Ring would soon be in Master Saruman's possession. Although there was one point that may bring disaster. He quelled their enthusiasm.
"The attack however, may take place during the day." Once more a silence fell. This the officers had not been prepared for. "The area is in dense forest which should provide you with adequate cover. I assume this is acceptable to you all?"
Lieutenant Muklag was outraged. "You can't expect us to go with all this in daylight! That's preposterous!" Lurtz's only response was a curt nod to Ugluk. A few moments later, Muklag had no voice for complaints as he watched his own black blood flowing from his ripped throat away into the forest floor just before he sagged to the ground in an inert heap.
"Anyone else have any complaints?" Ugluk asked, some instinct in him now awakened and wishing for more blood to be spilt. He frowned in annoyance when no one else did.
"Officers." Lurtz called for their attention. "Prepare your troops to move out. We break camp tonight. And someone remove this cowardly piece of filth." He gave the body of Muklag a hefty kick. "Dismissed."
As swiftly as their hands met, they dropped again, the one touch alive with a surge of something that passed between them. They smiled awkwardly and silence descended again.
"I should get on." Bagshash spoke up first. "If Lurtz tells you to do something, you don't argue." He remembered the number of bodies lying in their wake that had argued with him and lived no more to tell the tale. Gorplak nodded.
"Sorry sir, I've kept you." She saluted formally. "Nothing more to report sir."
"Carry on Private Gorplak." Bagshash mocked her gently, but she turned to him and set him straight.
"That's Archer Gorplak sir, see?" She indicated to a single red line tattooed into her right upper arm. "Red for the archer's division, blue for infantry. An extra line for Sergeancy and two for an officer." Bagshash took hold of her arm and looked more closely at the tattoo, and felt her archer's muscles beneath his hands.
"Is the division any good?" He asked. She snorted.
"About as good as Trolls are at flying."
Bagshash laughed. "Not great then?"
"Some of us aren't bad, but Ensign Muklag is the officer in charge and he's not too enthusiastic, he got passed over for promotion in the infantry section so transferred over to us." She told him. "Now he's got a purple tattoo because he switched, and got the two extra lines." She shrugged. "It's easy for some."
He nodded. "No more lines for you though?" He asked. Was promotion earned on ability he wondered.
Gorplak shook her head. "I'm a female sir, no promotion for me." Bagshash frowned, uncomprehending. "There aren't many females in the army sir, because few are created. We go through breeding cycles for a millennia or two then they either kick you into the army or slit your throat while you sleep. I was one of the unlucky ones so here I am."
"Breeding cycles? And why are you unlucky?" He asked, still not understanding.
"Orcs were originally mutilated and ravaged Elves, but as they started killing themselves than be captured alive, other ways of breeding had to be found, that's where we females come in." Her eyes drifted out into the darkness again. "A few thousand offspring later and the females are free, lucky if you're killed then you don't come to the attention of all the males out there who assume you're still in the breeding cycle."
"You sound like you speak from experience." Bagshash spoke quietly. Gorplak laughed humourlessly, thinking of those horrid straight teeth almost in terror.
"I can handle him sir, don't worry about me." But please do, she refrained from saying. Although whether he was genuinely concerned she still wasn't sure. She hoped so.
Bagshash was outraged. How dare anyone pursue her in anyway dishonourably. This ugly creature whose eyes portrayed her dismay and sorrow, and whose black hair shone with a silver sheen in the moonlight above her. He was about to jump to her defence and promise his protection when a voice interrupted them.
"Gorplak, are you lonely, meltha?"
Beside him, he saw Gorplak tense, and he melted into the shadows to avoid being seen by this unwanted intruder.
"Go away Drusbruk."
He slid up to her. "Now then, that's no way to treat your superiors is it?" Bagshash looked in disgust at this new Orc. He was hideous and flawless, his skin smooth and pale in the night. At least Gorplak didn't seem interested, she pulled further away but he followed her every move. Bagshash could take no more.
A fist flew out and caught Drusbruk in his smooth, smirking face. He fell backwards from the force of the hit and squealed in pain, clutching his nose that now spurted blood. Bagshash kicked out, connecting with Drusbruk's ribs, breaking a few with a satisfying crack. He whimpered some more and tried to escape in reverse, away from Bagshash's anger. Bagshash merely lashed out with his foot again, catching Drusbruk's arm, sending him flailing on his back again. In desperation he cried out.
"Officer's first, sorry sir."
Bagshash growled and picked Drusbruk up by a retreating ankle. "Pay the lady a bit more respect from now on."
"Sir yes sir!" Drusbruk shrieked, the blood from his face now splattering everywhere as he dangled in Bagshash's firm grip. It was hardly a worthwhile promise, but he accepted it for now. With a heave, he threw Drusbruk back towards camp, who landed with a groan, and brushed off his bloodstained hands. He turned back to Gorplak, having seen off his rival, to find her staring in disbelief. He checked, fearing the worst.
"You have every right to be shocked. This is what I am." In her silence he did not look at her. How she must hate him, throwing his weight around, beating whatever displeased him. It was only at the sound of her laughter that he managed to face her in astonishment.
She laughed until she could laugh no more. "Oh how long have I dreamt of seeing that!" She professed happily. "Drusbruk squealing like a little child! I owe you so much sir, thank you."
"You aren't angry?" He asked cautiously. She shook her head in denial.
"He's plagued me for months. Bagshash," she used his name and the sound of it ran through every nerve in his body tantalisingly. "You're my saviour."
Had Bagshash known it, he would have given this immense instinct a name – desire, but it remained unknown. Even so, it urged him forward. Reaching out a tentative hand, he stroked her cheek, still wet with Drusbruk's blood where it had splattered. A contented sigh escaped Gorplak's lips, and Bagshash took it as a sign. Cradling her face in his hands, he pulled the unresisting Gorplak towards him. He felt her breath on his lips and savoured it, wallowing in this feeling he had never felt before. Gorplak found herself unable to breath again, this time wishing only for his gnarled lips on hers to end this torment. Her wish seemingly granted, he leaned the remaining way between them and…
"BAGSHASH!" Lurtz's echoing bellow pulled them from their embrace. After a moments pause, Bagshash turned his head and bellowed in reply.
"Coming."
Gorplak closed her eyes, unreleased from her torment.
"I'm sorry." He whispered quietly. She smiled gently and opened her eyes. He took a step back, a hand trailing from her cheek, over her shoulder, down her arm and captured her hand in his. He raised it to his lips, grazing a kiss over her palm, sending tiny shivers down her spine.
She swallowed briefly before finding her voice. "Goodnight sir."
"Goodnight acting-sentry Archer."
His grip on her hand released and the darkness took him away.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Awww, don't they make a cute couple! Will they ever consummate their love? Have they made an enemy in Drusbruk? What is Lurtz's plan of action? And when will this list of questions stop? Now actually. Until next time dear reader!
