Where is the horse and the rider?

Where is the horn that was blowing?

They have passed like rain on the mountains

Like wind in the meadow.

The days have gone down in the West

Behind the hills

Into Shadow

"Speech"

"Thinking"

"Spell"

Though he was immensely proud to have been selected for this crucial mission, especially since it had been some time since his Master had given them leave to pass through the Great Gate, the Orc commander found himself growing bored with the inactivity of his appointed task.

For 2 days his scouts had patrolled the wooded regions that lay between Utumno and the human villages to the south, but apart from some deer, which had done much to improve the temper of his soldiers and their mounts, so far they had found nothing worthwhile to report.

Taking a bite out of his share of today's kill before tossing it to his white furred mount, who snarled in warning when one of its smaller companions tried to share in the spoils of its meal, the white skinned Commander growled in annoyance as his momentary solitude was interrupted.

"Begging your pardon Commander, but one of General Mara's spies has come to give us intel about what's happening in the villages".

Hoping that the time had finally come to do something more exciting than silently skulking in this wretched forest, the one armed orc roughly pushed passed his sniveling underling as he made his way over to the only being present who was safe from his volatile temper.

"Your late doppelganger. I trust you've heard something of value during your time amongst the scum of this land. Cause if you haven't, I eagerly look forward to the punishment that awaits you back home".

Thankful the orc had caught her mid transformation, otherwise he would have seen the very real shiver of fear that coursed through her body as she thought of what General Mara would do to her should she fail her appointed task, the blonde haired doppelganger sent her pale compatriot a superior smirk as her body shifted out of her peasant disguise.

"The same could be said of you Commander Azog. For unlike you, I have at least completed the mission General Mara has set for me, while you obviously have failed in your appointed task. But not to worry Commander, I have set things in motion that will finally allow us to return home in triumph".

Growling at the implied insult, Azog managed to keep his temper under control as he inquired the shape shifting female to what she had discovered.

"And what precisely have you done spy? If it's anything that contradicts our Master's order, than you are more brainless then you appear".

Scowling in annoyance as the rest of the scouting party broke into fits of silent, but cruel laughter, the female doppelganger took a moment to calm herself down before answering the orc commander's question.

"It just so happens Azog that I have just created the perfect opportunity for your boys to finally accomplish our Master's mission. Two hours from now, in a small clearing that is about an hours ride south from here, a frustrated young peasant will be waiting for the chance to continue a very promising conversation he had struck up with the buxom maiden he had just met the day before. And since these dirt farming worms are a rather prudish lot when it comes to discussing matters of an explicit nature, I can assure you that he will be all alone".

Smirking evilly at the chance to finally bring an end to this tedious, but nonetheless important task, Azog couldn't help but feel a tad grateful towards the equally amused doppelganger. Though that didn't prevent him from asking a question that once again sent his boys into gales of laughter.

"I trust that during the course of this mission you haven't done anything that might…taint your reputation. Cause I sincerely doubt that Lord Morbus would suffer some half breed spawn to grace the halls of Utumno".

Briefly casting her eyes down in respect at the mention of their lord and master, the blonde shapeshifter balled her fists in anger as she offered a scathing retort to the orc commander's insult.

"No I haven't commander. However I stress to point out that our Master would be more upset if he had to deal with more of your inbred offspring. Or do you think that he had another reason for limiting the production of goblins in favor of the more powerful breeds"?

Dismissing the series of glares she was receiving from the blue eyed orc and his more repulsive escort, the doppelganger swiftly transformed into a bird, intent on leading the pack towards the area she had spoken of.

Angrily gesturing his men to follow the swiftly departing shapeshifter, and motioning for his own canine mount to make ready to leave, Azog allowed himself to secretly hope that the peasant wouldn't come.

Not for any sympathy of course, since those who lived outside the domain of Utumno were considered to be of the lesser orders, but because he wanted to witness the terrified expression of the doppelganger once she realized that her plan had failed.

The laws set for by the Shadowed Lords clearly stated that there was to be no unnecessary violence amongst members of equal rank unless ordered by the current ruler of Utumno, which meant that he couldn't skewer the shape changer where she stood.

However that didn't mean that he couldn't enjoy her suffering once their master had learned that she had failed him. And after that last parting comment, he hoped that Lord Morbus was in a non forgiving mood.

….

Having spent the last 2 days sequestered in the room that none of his predecessors had seen fit to use when they sat on the Iron Throne, the ruling Shadowed Lord had satisfactorily completed the task he had set for himself.

Snapping the heavy tome shut before placing it back amongst the shelves of his private sanctuary, the armored doppelganger allowed himself a brief moment of pride as his eyes swept over the book filled room.

"And to think that the others mocked me for my idea of installing a private library within the bowels of our fortress. Well, I showed them wrong didn't I? Thanks to my foresight, I not only have records detailing the abilities of all the races and weapons that existed in YGGDRASIL, but I also have information regarding not only the nature of Utumno's NPCs, but also the other guilds of the game that might have suffered the same fate as me".

Scowling a bit as he remembered the teasing he had endured for failing to keep his personal life and gaming life completely separate, Morbus managed to refocus his attention back to the crucial information he had discovered.

"As I hoped, the fact that I am the ruler of Utumno ensures that all the NPCs will be loyal to me and me alone. And since no other Shadowed Lord exists, that means that any challenge to my leadership will be seen as illegitimate, so even if I was to somehow lose a challenge, my forces would still see me as the rightful ruler. Good thing too since my predecessors went a little bit too far in making their creations as authentic as possible".

While appreciating the level of detail that had gone into creating the Supreme Generals, as well as their less powerful underlings, the molten eyed overlord couldn't help but feel a little bit exasperated as he went over the details for each of the NPCs.

"Of the 7 Supreme Generals, Angmar's personality is the least troublesome since I chose to base my NPC on a character that was fully subservient to his master. Only potential problem I can see is that his loyalty to me might cause him to view those who are not my creations as a threat to his own position, but that should be easy to solve with a couple of commands. Same thing with Ancalagon and Gothmog. Yes their creators chose to give them a sense of racial superiority, along with the stats to back up their claims, but they're both loyal to whoever rules Utumno, which means that I don't have to worry about them betraying me. Though whether or not they choose to forcibly remind their fellow Supreme Generals of their abilities remains a bit of a concern".

Pleased with his chosen solution for his chief wraith, Morbus soon turned his attention towards the more troublesome members of his servants.

"Sidious and Saruman are going to be a bit of a problem. While CookiesandLighting and RealMenHaveBeards ensured that their creations would follow the expressed commands of the ruling Shadowed Lord, I'm still left with the problem that comes from having two character's modeled after some of the most treacherous and ambitious villains of all time. Though they will never try to over throw me, the fact remains that they might deliberately try to sabotage the efforts of their comrades. While I admit some competiveness is needed to ensure that they remain at the top of their game, it doesn't help if they end up weakening Utumno because of their attempts to outdo each other. Thankfully they seem to view only each other as a credible threat, though shouldn't be surprised if their both jealous of Angmar's position, which means that they should work well with the others. Wonder if it would be a good idea if I gave them some form of mission away from the dungeon. Doesn't hurt to have more than one fortress after all, and it might manage to divert their competiveness to something more constructive".

Allowing himself a brief moment to consider which of the two aged NPCs would be best suited for an independent mission, the armored doppelganger was interrupted by the voice of one of his more troubling servants.

"Apologises for the interruption my lord, but the scouts have successfully returned from their mission. Would you like for me to gather them in the throne room? Or would you prefer me to say that you are currently indisposed"?

Thankful that he had gotten used to the fact that he could still use the messaging option that had existed in the game, though he still couldn't completely stop a shocked expression from spreading across his face, the molten eyed overlord clearly expressed his wishes to the waiting vampire.

"I've concluded all of my present business here, so you may direct them to the throne room Thuringwethil. If there is nothing else to report than you may join me in the throne room".

Though he couldn't see her expression, the armored doppelganger correctly guessed that the raven haired vampire was currently sporting an expression that clearly displayed her satisfaction at being allowed to attend what was certain to be an important meeting.

"Thank you my lord. I shall be eagerly waiting for your arrival".

Severing the connection with a thought, Morbus couldn't help but feel a tad bit nervous as he made his way out of his personal library.

"I get that Lord Bauglir had a thing for deadly attractive women, but why on earth did he give his creation the desire to be Queen Consort to the ruling leader of Utumno? I mean sure it's better than having her try to claim my own position, but that would at least be preferable to having to deal with a woman who is jealous of anyone else who is close to me. Still I suppose it could be worse. Bauglir could have programed her to go all 'Gone Girl' one me, and its not like YGGDRASIL allows for us to…be..intimate".

Suddenly halting his departure as he just realized the implications of his new situation, and taking a brief moment to ensure that his body had a piece of…equipment that had definitely not been part of the game, the armored doppelganger was unsure if he should feel terrified at the prospect of being pursued by a dangerous, but clearly beautiful women, or thrilled at the chance of experiencing something he had been unable to do in his previous life.

Shaking such thoughts from his head since now was not the time to think of such things, not matter how exciting they might have been, and seeing that he had crossed the threshold of the library, the armored doppelganger decided that he would utilze a spell that while less exciting than granting one the ability to fly, nonetheless made up for it with its time saving effects.

"Gate"

…

Doing her best not to let any sound escape her trembling lips, for her brother's heavily bruised body served as a reminder to do nothing that might provoke the volatile temper of their terrifying captor, Marybelle could only watch in horrified wonder as she was dragged deeper into Hell.

For years, the elders of her village had told stories about an ancient evil that rested beneath the root of mountains that separated the Slane Theocracy from the Re-Estize Kingdom, but until this day the 9 year old girl had no reason to belief that these stories were true.

Whether it was because of the ancient stories, or the fact that the mountains offered no safe passage to the heretic kingdom to the north, few people had ever travelled in that direction, and indeed in recent years the only people who would venture their were the odd small game hunter.

But now, thanks in part to her wish to embarrass her brother, though that had quickly passed after her father had trusted her to tell Ezekiel that their elder brother had tragically been killed during his mission to bring about the demise of the heretics strongest warrior, she was discovering that her silly old grandfather had been right all along.

For these creatures, for there was no other way to describe the pale skinned monster with the piercing blue eyes and iron claw, and the shape shifting demoness who had lured her brother away just so she could feast on his soul, were forcing them to go deeper into a realm that surpassed any nightmare she had previously had.

At least she had been wise enough to give no resistance after the pale wolf rider had prevented her from escaping. Her brother had not been so fortunate, for after he had managed to strike one of the more ugly monsters that had surrounded them, the demons had seen fit to enjoy a bit of sport before their leader had snarled at them to stop.

The only small consolidation was that it appeared that these monsters wanted them alive, and would go to any lengths to ensure that they would reach their destination without any further injury.

Her parent's would probably scold her for this, but watching the brown demon who had hit her brother get killed by the one armed monster had caused her to feel a brief moment of satisfaction before she was reminded of her own circumstances.

"I'm only going to tell you pair of scum once. Do not speak unless spoken too, and mind your manners when you're addressing our superiors . Otherwise, my boys might just get a chance to discover how long you worthless maggots can last while we have our fun. Isn't that right lads"?

Flinching at the cruel laughter of her misshapen captors, Marybelle and her brother were led into what could only be a throne room, before they were unceremoniously thrown to the ground.

"The prisoners General Thuringwethil. Alive and…mostly unspoiled".

Raising her head to see just who the pale demon was talking too, the blond peasant girl was greeted with the sight of a woman who easily surpassed the beauty of the demon who had so effortlessly seduced her older brother.

"So I see Commander Azog. I trust that despite its injury, your damaged captive will nevertheless still be of use to Lord Morbus"?

Shivering in fright at the woman's words, for her tone, while pleasant, nonetheless carried a subtle warning of danger should she fail to find the response to be too her liking, Marybelle was granted the privilege to yet another terrifying sight that she did not believe to be possible.

Her pale eyed captor bowing in complete submissiveness to the raven haired woman.

"I assure you General that the maggot will serve his purpose".

Inclining her head forward to show that she accepted Azog's guarantee, for they both feared the consequences of supporting their lord and master, the red eyed vampire turned her attention towards the pair of siblings, and smirked at the terrified expression that was currently being worn by the young girl.

"You are right to be scared of me girl. For the power I possess is more than a lowly worm like yourself could ever hope to achieve even if you lived for 200 years. It wouldn't take much effort to end your pitiful lives right now, but luckily for you however, my master has a small use for you. So you should be grateful that you have a chance to prove your worth, minuscule it might be, before your lives are brought to an end".

Smiling as she witnessed the pair of humans rightfully shake in terror at their fates, Thurwingwethil quickly adopted the kneeling posture of a loyal servant as the throne room was suddenly lit with the signs of her master's arrival.

Daring to lift her head as she saw that her captors attentions were now fully focused elsewhere, the young peasant's brown eyes made contact with the molten eyes of the Devil.

….

ANNND…..I think this is a good place to end this chapter. Pleased that it took FAR less time to write then the last one lol.

Anyway to address some potential questions that you may have about some new features that I have introduced.

For a physical location of where Utumno is now located…I have chosen to locate it in the mountain range that separates the southern part of the RE-ESTIZE Kingdom from the north western part of the SLANE THEOCRACY. More specifically…Utumno is south west of E-Rantel, south east of E-Pespel, and in the western part side of that corner mountain range.

Believe its far enough away from Nazarick to keep the two Dungeons from bumping into each other by accident, but close enough for word of their separate activities to reach the two players. Hopefully you all got the subtle hint at the end with the new human OC. IF not…well…suffice to say it lays the ground work for the two guild leaders to become aware of each other.

Think the idea of having a dungeon library is plausible, Nazarick also has one (though it tends to use this feature to hide important magic items) and gives my player access to knowledge that his guild acquired during the course of the game. Though I confess that I got this idea after reading about how you can download every article from wiki onto a flash drive….so similar concept here XD

Also very pleased with how the forces of Utumno interact with each other. Think I correctly exemplified how evil minions interact with people they view as equal or lesser in rank (either outright hostile, or calmly threatening).

Also have some more details about the nature of most of Utumno's NPCs, which I did my best to keep true with how they where depicted in LOTR and Star Wars (IE. Unquestionably Loyal Wraiths, Scheming Wizards/Sith Lords, Supremacist Dragons and Balrogs (though I'm basing this more on Smaug's character)…and a Seductive Vampire.

YES I know that this trope has been overplayed a lot in various fanfics…not to mention the series itself…but it seems to be a hallmark of a evil dungeon…so…why not LOL. If anything it will provide entertainment when a certain flat chested vampire discovers that her master's rival has a more 'developed' servant.

ANWAYS…hope you all enjoyed this. And will get back to this as soon as I can. Which may take a while since I JUST discovered this lovely free way to send manga to my kindle XD

REVIEWS PLZ