Dawn was approaching, lighting up the northern wasteland of Angmar. There was a thick fog that lingered close to the ground, obstructing any clear view for more than a few meters. A hooded figure darted out of the mist into a makeshift camp.

"Well what news?" Asked Chrisandir looking over to his friend.

"Nothing, all is quiet for the time being but that fog is thick." Daekano replied pulling his hood back and warmed his hands over the fire, "I couldn't see far."

"Should've taken Sariawen with you." Chrisandir teased taking a seat next Daekano.

Daekano laughed in agreement, his eyes wondered over to where Sariawen lay. Within the hour the whole camp was alive with activity, food was cooked and sentries were replaced. The silence was daunting causing Daekano to shift his eyes through the mist.

"I don't like it, it's too quiet." He said after his eyes settled back to the food in front of him.

Chrisandir looked up into the sky, he judged that in the next few hours the fog would disperse returning them their vision back. He ran a hand through his beard in thought, they had been moving north east going further into Angmar, after a fool's errand. Just a week ago a ranger patrol was ambushed, there were few bodies but the majority were gone, most likely taken captive to be tormented by orcs. They had been dispatched the moment the news was reported.

"I think we should…" Sariawen was cut off by the sound of a cry.

Everyone had their weapons drawn in an instance, Chrisandir's men began to form up peering into the dense fog. Chrisandir began muttering under his breath. Sariawen had her bow drawn and was gazing intently at a shadow approaching, after a quick look she let her arrow fly. It flew true and drew a hideous howl. Soon shrill cries of orcs filled the air sounding closer and closer until suddenly orcs poured out of the mist. In a fluid motion Sariawen had her bow on her back and her two swords drawn and rushing towards the orcs. She cut down the first orc with ease and parried a blow before delivering a fatal blow. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a blade swinging towards her, she ducked and the blade went wide throwing the orc off balance, using this to her advantage she brought both blades up and buried them into the orc's body. Three orcs attacked her cursing her in their foul tongue she parried incoming blows simultaneously while striking them with lethal blows.

Sariawen fought on, she could hear Chrisandir yelling battle cries and the sound of his horn blowing in the air. The orcs shrieked in fear at the sound of the horn, some fled while others simply pulled back to regroup. Daekano appeared next to Sariawen his arm was behind his shoulder, he brought it forward and flicked his wrist sending a blade flying towards a charging orc, it stuck him in the chest and died. He continued throwing blades until they ran out then he drew his swords and attacked. Sariawen wanted to smile at Daekano but she knew that now was not the time.

"Push on brothers!" Chrisandir's voice boomed over the sound of metal striking against metal.

There was a roar as the rangers formed up and charge, causing the orcs to flee in terror. They dispersed into the fog that was thinning as the sun continued to rise. When the skirmish was over Chrisandir counted the loss of his men. His great sword, which had been in his family since the first age by the dwarves of Noglond, was covered in blood. He frowned at the loss of four men and proceeded to bury them. Daekano placed a hand on his friend's shoulder and stood silent for a long moment. Meanwhile Sariawen had wondered off, there was something foul in the air, not the smell of rotting flesh that often filled the air, nor was it the volcanic ash or sulfur pits. This was something sinister, cold and dark but she couldn't put a finger to it. She wondered over to one of the fallen orcs and gasped at the sight of it. She turned around quickly only to smack into Daekano.

"Are you okay?" Sariawen asked

"Yeah I'm alright… for now." He grinned before his expression fell solemn, "are you?"

Sariawen inspected her arms and found a gash covered in dried blood.

"I should clean that." Daekano said leading her back to camp and tending her wound, he glanced over to Chrisandir who was pouring over a map.

"Daekano I want to kill those orchoth [orcs], go scout ahead follow their trail. They must have a hideout around here somewhere."

"I'll take a look." Daekano sighed as he finished bandaging her cut.

He stood up and collected his throwing knives and cleaned them, before putting them on either side of his shoulders using something similar to archers to hold them in place. He took off following the faint marks left behind by the fleeing orcs. He frowned as the general direction took him northwards. After sometime he turned on his heels and went back and reported to Chrisandir.

"They are heading northwards."

"Good, we'll follow them to their stronghold and perhaps learn where our missing ranger brothers are being kept." Chrisandir said sheathing his great sword.

They travelled quickly, not riding their horses as Chrisandir didn't want to kick up lots of dust, and Daekano ran off ahead at different times and returned with little news to report. All the while Sariawen had a bad feeling, her heart felt heavy and weary. Chrisandir kept their march up, spurring on his small battalion of soldiers forward, he wanted to catch up with the orcs quickly and end their lives. He missed the grass that covered southern Angmar, but the further north they travelled the less it became and what was flourishing territory soon because a desolate wasteland, vast empty spaces with mountains off at a distance. There were hills and ravines and Chrisandir knew there was still much land to cover in Angmar, more foul creatures then just orcs. There were rumors of hill men in the northern eastern part of Angmar as well as a solitary fortress that once belonged to the Witch-king of Angmar. Barrow wights and drakes roamed there as well, or at least that's what the stories said. They stopped in the late afternoon and a small camp was set up, Chrisandir frowned at how far away they were from any ranger fortress, they were pretty much alone. While he was a good fighter, Chrisandir held no allusion that he would be able to fight the numerous hordes of foul spawn.

"Ferin, I want you to set up a strong sentry patrol tonight, we are deep in orc territory and I don't fancy being caught unprepared."

"Yes Captain." Ferin said hurrying off to put together a night watch.

Chrisandir watched as his second in commander strode over to what remained of his small force. There were only a dozen of them left from the original thirty-three rangers in his company. The others had either been reassigned to more dangerous places or had destroyed by ravaging orcs. The memories hurt, most importantly those of his wife who was slaughter merciless. Leaving him alone with his two children. He clenched his fist at the memory of it all, he wanted them to go so he forced them to the far reaches of his mind.

"You seem quiet." Sariawen commented standing next to him.

"I am weary of being so far away from help." Chrisandir replied giving a faint smile, "and I miss her."

Sariawen nodded her head, "Im henia I naeg [I understand the pain]" she said in elvish.

They turned to find that Daekano had return to camp his body was covered in blood. He dropped down exhaustedly to the floor and lay his head on the ground, his legs were exhausted from the entire day of scouting ahead of their party. Sariawen hurried over, leaving Chrisandir to shake his head in amusement as she tried to do so without drawing to much attention.

"Mani marte an lle mell? [What happened to you dear?]"

"Nothing." Daekano replied, "Just tired that's all."

Sariawen raised an eyebrow at him and shook her head in disbelief, "whose blood is that?"

Daekano paled slightly, "It's not mine… entirely, if that's what you mean."

Sariawen placed an arm on her hip and gave him a knowing look.

"I'm okay." He said trying to reassure her, "the majority of these blood is from a couple of orcs I came across."

"You had me worried." Sariawen said lowering her voice softly.

"Goheno nin [forgive me]"

"Im ca [I do]" She replied giving him an affectionate smile.

"On the bright side I found where those orcs are laid up." He said taking a swing from his water skin.

Sariawen waved Chrisandir over and Daekano relayed his findings. He had tracked the orcs to a ruined watchtower that must have been destroy centuries ago during some war. He saw that the tracks led inside and that it was guarded by archers. Chrisandir was silent for a long time, his mind was mapping out the strategy he would implement. The orcs would have the numbers as well as being able to defend their position with archers despite their horrible aim, making their job even more difficult. He gave a deflated sigh then stood up and beckoned for Daekano and Sariawen to follow him. They reached his tent and he pulled the flap back and motioned them inside.

"Do you think we could do it?" He asked when they were all inside.

"I think so…" Daekano replied his expression was thoughtful "If I can sneak inside and take the archers out then I do believe we stand a good chance, however there is no way of guessing how many orcs are hauled up in there."

"There is something we need to discuss." Sariawen interrupted, drawing the attention of the two rangers, "after the skirmish this morning I examined one of the orcs, it bore a mark that we haven't come across before. It was two fangs."

"Two fangs aye?" Chrisandir was thoughtful, "I got nothing… Dae?"

"Nothing… but if I was to make a guess I'd say we have a captain or some high ranking orc inside."

They nodded their head in agreement, orcs baring a mark wasn't uncommon but fangs were something different. They talked quietly about how the raid would go, Chrisandir wanted this over and done with as quick as possible so decided a night raid would be good. They would be able to use the cover of darkness to get in position and it meant that Daekano would have a somewhat easier time getting inside the watchtower. No fires were lit that night and as darkness began to fall over Angmar they set off towards the watchtower. By the time they arrived there was hardly any light left in the sky, the only light was those held by the orc sentries. Daekano was about to slip off into the night when Sariawen caught him by the arm.

"No dirweg ned orchoth a um nads. [Beware of orcs and evil things]"

"I know." Daekano said trying to still his racing heart.

"There is something foul that lingers in the air, something that makes me shuddered inside, there's something evil lurking within that tower."

"I'll come back to you."

"If you are going to kiss please do so quickly." Teased Chrisandir

"Gin melin [I love you]"

"Gi melethig [you are my love]" he replied then he was gone.

Daekano snuck inside the ruined watchtower his heart was racing at what horrors he would find within these ancient walls. He spotted figures approaching and he quickly ducked behind a large piece of rubble. He could hear the orcs muttering something in their tongue, which sent shivers up his spine. If he were to get caught now he'd be as good as gone, being outnumbered and fighting in semidarkness worked against his odds of surviving. The flipside of it all was that he was able to sneak about without the risk of being spotted easily as he could move through the shadows. It took him a good ten minutes to locate a stairway that lead up to the second floor where all the archers were station. Daekano took a deep breath before bolting up the stairs, his sword was drawn, and darted out into the night undetected like a specter.

For a brief moment Daekano turned his gaze to the stars above him. They were beautiful and they made him think of Sariawen however he didn't allow his thoughts to linger long, he needed to focus on his task. His eyes focused on a glowing torch that lay behind an orc sentry. He was tempted to use his throwing knives but refrained from using them. While they were deadly weapons, if he didn't kill the orc in one stroke, it would raise the alarm. He glanced around making sure that no one else was present before he slowly made his way over, his sword was still drawn, his footsteps fell quietly that it didn't sound like he was even there. He felt his heart pounding hard against his chest and he feared that the orc would be able to hear him. He held his breath waiting for an alarm to be called but none came, he took a deep breath and continued until he was just behind the orc. In a fluid motion he severed the orcs head from its shoulders, then extinguished the torch a signal that a sentry had been killed. Daekano continued slaughtering the orcs from the shadows until every sentry was killed. He left one torch burning and raised it up and waved it back and forth. He eyes now accustomed to the darkness could make out scurrying forms rush towards the entrance of the watchtower, he quickly made his way down to join them. However before he could move he felt an uneasy feeling creep into his chest and his heart was momentarily gripped with fear. A foul darkness that caused his body to sweat and clam up. It was something he hadn't felt before in his life. Was this what Sariawen had told him about? Daekano shook himself and hurried to catch up with Chrisandir he had a sinking feeling that something wasn't right.

He could hear the sound of orcs shrieking and cursing and the sound of metal clashing against one another. He heard the orcs shouting in terror. Daekano could make out figures fighting in the half darkness, what little light that was inside threw shadows against the walls. He plunged is his blade into an incoming orc and felt the orc sink until it reached the hilt. Using his foot he pushed the orc off his blade and ducked as a crude sword barely missed his head, he twisted his torso and pulled his second blade out in a single motion cutting down the orc. He could hear Chrisandir rallying his men on then it quiet too quiet for any comfort. Chrisandir stopped and listened to the eerie silence within the ruined tower.

"Ferin, light a fire, we need more light." He commanded

Within moments a fire was burning casting light and throwing shadows about the place. There was blood everywhere from slain orcs it had been a blood bath. One of Chrisandir's men was clutching his arm but aside from that there were no other major injures. Chrisandir pointed with his sword at a trail of blood that led further inside the tower. He beckoned for Ferin and Daekano to follow him, he cast his eyes around the room for Sariawen but she was missing. He had hoped to have her fighting alongside them but knew from experience that she had her reasons for disappearing without a word. Grabbing one of the flaming torches he entered the darkness. The light had little affect over the darkness and the only sound to be heard was their own breathing and soft falls of their boots against the cold ancient stone. Daekano could feel darkness groping his heart.

"Can you feel that?" He whispered quietly.

"Yes, something foul lingers within." Chrisandir replied.

Using the light from the torch they found the blood trail again and followed it cautiously, their eyes scanned the room for any signs of danger, there could be orcs hiding in the shadows but if there were they were waiting for something. They stopped in front of a large doorway that spiraled downwards, the blood led inside.

"I don't like this." Ferin spoke voicing the fear of each of them.

"I don't either but we must find out what lurks beneath this ancient tower." Chrisandir spoke his voice wavered slightly.

Daekano took the lead and descended into the darkness, Chrisandir followed leaving Ferin alone up top to build a fire near the doorway and to prepare for another orc attack. The darkness mixed with the foul smell of orcs was disconcerting. There was light ahead, faint and glowing softly, they paused waiting to see movement but saw none. Daekano took a deep breath before scurrying forward and pausing at the entrance. They were in some cavern dimly lit by fires, standing on an overlook. Peering downwards he froze as fear seized his heart. There in the center of the cavern stood a figure, something that he had heard tales about.

Nine for the mortal men doomed to die.

Dark servants to a far greater evil then orcs or drakes. This was a Nazgul, a ringwraith, as he stood he could make out a part of the conversation taking place down below.

"What happened?" came the soft sinister voice of the Nazgul.

"We were attacked by Duinedain, they followed us here and slaughter the majority of us." Cowered the leader of the orc.

"You fool." Hissed the Nazgul and killed the orc with a swift blow "Kill the Duinedain at whatever cost, they mustn't learn of my mission."

Daekano felt courage return to his heart after a few moments. He felt Chrisandir stir next to him, without using any words Chrisandir nodded his head and Daekano leapt into action. Drawing two of his daggers he jumped down the ledge and plunged his blades into two orcs, he rolled forward and had his two swords drawn as he stood up. The Nazgul turned his head and fixed his gaze at the newcomer.

"Kill him!"

The orcs charged but didn't make it very far as the piercing blast of a horn filled the room. The orcs froze and crumpled to the ground as a few arrows pierced their flesh. Daekano attacked rushing for the Nazgul but the orcs blocked his path. He watched in anger as the Nazgul fled up a tunnel. Chrisandir was soon beside Daekano hacking any orc that stood in his path. The skirmish was over just as soon as it had begun. With the element of surprise the orcs were slaughtered quickly. Chrisandir took off running up the tunnel with a torch in his hand, there were two things that a Nazgul couldn't stand, water and fire. Daekano was on his heels clutching his own torch. The tunnel lead upwards and soon they found themselves standing outside, the cool night air caressed their faces. Daekano spotted horse tracks leading away.

"By my sword!" Muttered Chrisandir angrily, "A Nazgul… Halberad isn't going to be pleased when he finds out."

"We should follow him." Daekano spoke, "if indeed the nine walk abroad then they are up to some sinister plan."

"You are right" Chrisandir said calming himself down, "where did Sariawen go, we could've used her help."

"Right here." Came voice.

Both men turned to see Sariawen nearby holding the reins of their horses. Daekano grinned and Chrisandir smiled as he leapt onto his horse.

"What should we do Captain?" Asked Ferin emerging from the tunnel, "we have found the missing rangers, few were already dead but we saved a few."

"Good, report the sighting of the Nazgul to Halberad. We are going to hunt and destroy this wraith and send it back to the shadows."

They rode off into the night in pursuit of the fleeing Nazgul.

"We followed it for two weeks then realized that it was heading towards Erebor." Daekano finished his tale.

Silence filled the air and the only sound was the crackling of wood. Thranduil sat quietly gazing into the fire his mind was racing, he was trying to think why a Nazgul would journey to Erebor. It was after something or someone, his eyes settled on Kili and realization hit him.