Meanwhile, deep in the bowels of Dol Guldur, Qadir was busy overseeing the care of his secret weapons. Walking through the dimly lit dungeon halls, he hid his true form behind the visage of what he once was: a young, handsome and noble knight. With long, wavy raven hair, strong jaw line, full lips and thick lashed eyes the color of dark amber, his appearance was antithesis of his true nature.

When his Lord had inhabited this fortress little more than 75 years earlier, the huge cells Qadir now passed once housed the enemy prisoners. After much toil, they now housed his newest creation, a new breed of Mountain Troll. Twice as large and thrice as strong as it's predecessor, this new type of troll not only had a much keener mind, but it's hide was like that of metal armor. He was able to breed 30 successfully. Several had died at birth and several more proved disappointing, so they were used as feed for the others. His Lord had been most pleased with his accomplishments and as a reward, would send reinforcements from his allies in the East when the attack was called. They would wait out the winter and early spring. This would give them time to grow the younger trolls, adding another 20 to their forces by early June. And by the following year, their forces would be nearly 10,000 strong with orcs, trolls and men of Rhûn.

Qadir knew of his Master's plan to not only attack and destroy Mirkwood, but the realm of the accursed Elf Queen as well. It was his Master, who communicated with Qadir in a dark form of telepathy, who suggested Gollum would have the answers he sought. They had learned from the worm that a Hobbit had the Blessed Ring. His Master knew it would be only a matter of time before this Hobbit was found. He had sent his Riders to search him out.

Gollum had proved to be most useful. And the proof came when his orc captain, Uvuk had returned earlier with long anticipated news. After 118 years, Qadir's daughter had at last been found.

"Are you quite sure you heard his call?" asked Qadir intensely.

"Yes, my master, quite sure," answered Uvuk bowing his head.

A twisted grin spread across Qadir's face. "This is excellent news. When the 20 are ready, we will claim Gollum and take my daughter as well." With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the orc. Uvuk bowed deeply and left the hallway.

A garbled scream pierced the air and Qadir turned his attention to the interior of the cell next to him. It was feeding time and an unfortunate orc that had displeased Qadir in some way was the main course. The twisted smile that lit up his face only spread wider as he watched the gargantuan troll bite off the orc's arm. A thought suddenly entered his mind and he quickly turned from the gory scene and left the dungeon. It was time once again to reach out to his daughter. Now that he knew exactly where she was and so close, it would be easy. He strode up the stone staircase that led to his private chambers.

Qadir's furnishings were simple and it was the alcove adjacent to the bedroom that held what was most important: a cold, black stone room, circular in shape with an immense eye painted in blood, long dry on the stone floor. Entering the room, he went straight to the center of the painted eye and sat down, crossing his legs beneath him. He placed his hands on his knees and closed his eyes.

Within seconds, the disembodied voice sang in his head. "QADIR...WHAT NEWS DO YOU HAVE?"

"We followed Gollum to the Wood Elf's kingdom as you requested, my Master," answered Qadir, projecting his thoughts.

Reading Qadir's mind, the Dark Lord said, "I SEE THEY HAVE THE CREATURE AND YOUR OFFSPRING. WHEN YOUR AMY IS READY, TAKE THEM BOTH AND BRING THEM TO ME."

"Of course, my Master."

"LET NONE ELSE LIVE. DESTROY THE CASTLE AND ITS LAND. BURN ALL TO ASH."

"As planned, my Master." With that, Qadir felt the presence of his beloved Lord slip back into the shadow of his mind. His Master's presence was never gone completely -- always lingering, his eye ever watching.

Qadir remained in his cross-legged position and projected his thoughts toward Mirkwood Castle. Pushing his mind through mountain, stone and earth, he found her. He reveled in his good fortune, for she was weak and unconscious. Stretching his mouth into the same twisted smile as before, he spoke in thoughts to his daughter's subconscious.

He reminded her that she was of his blood line and it was impossible for her to hide from her fate. He would rescue her and bring her to serve his Master. He explained that she would be his offering of loyalty. She would learn his way of dark magic and the rewards of her service to the one true Lord would be beyond comprehension.

His Master then came forward once again from the shadow of his mind and spoke directly to his daughter through him. He was honored that The Dark Lord would do this. Then suddenly something happened that Qadir did not expect. His daughter pulled away from him. He immediately probed her mind harder to see what had caused this and much to his chagrin, a clear vision of a young, fair and noble elf burned itself into his mind. Then the connection was severed completely.

Qadir stood at once and let out a primal scream of anger. He clenched his teeth, the muscles in his jaw flexing and unflexing. As he narrowed his eyes he thought, "Whoever you are Elf, enjoy your final days. For when we finally meet, I will disfigure you so badly, even the Halls of Mandos will not welcome you."