Chapter 3

Avoiding the enemy became harder and harder as the Isengard Uruk-hai entered more populated areas. At least the weather favored the Great Orcs' progress: the frost was gone, the sky overcast most of the time, and the constant drizzle made sure that Elves and Men alike sought the comfort of their homes rather than roaming the wilderness.

Still, all these near brushes with their yet faceless enemy excited the Uruks, and the tension grew with every encounter. No one could say if their leader's bad mood added to it or whether it kept them from actually ambushing the few unsuspecting travellers that crossed their path.

Food supplies began to run low, which did not improve the Uruk-hai's mood, so Lurtz sent out hunting parties to bring back deer and other game that would provide them with enough meat to live on for a while.

The barely concealed, almost childlike excitement and happiness of those warriors assigned to hunting parties eventually convinced Lurtz that maybe here was an opportunity to find some distraction and relief from the burden that he felt. He briefly considered going alone, as he was wont to keeping to himself, when it suddenly occurred to him that this was the perfect chance to settle something else that was still on his mind.

Ever since the incident at Dunland he had kept an eye on a certain, particularly impudent Uruk-hai whose name he had finally recollected. Lurtz knew that this character named Uglúk had continued to observe him just as closely after the incident at their Dunland camp, albeit without any hostility. His demeanor had remained somewhat lofty, but Lurtz also sensed a friendly curiosity that irritated him more than he would ever have admitted to himself.

When Lurtz ordered the inferior Uruk-hai to accompany him, the other betrayed no surprise or any other emotion for that matter. Uglúk just briefly nodded his consent and looked down at his weapons.

"What will we hunt for?"

"You'll find out soon enough," Lurtz replied testily.

Their eyes met, and there it was again, that flicker of badly concealed curiosity and utter fearlessness. The question had been innocent enough, as he had to decide what weapons to bring. The Uruk-hai leader narrowed his eyes, but fought back the familiar, yet inexplicable anger. Not here and now! Lurtz was sure that the other would give him some excuse to at least rough him up a bit once they were alone. And he was looking forward to it.

Seeing that his leader carried only a couple of short knives and his longbow, Uglúk shrugged and fastened some knives of the same kind to his belt.

No further word was spoken as the two Great Orcs set off.

Lurtz took the lead, fully aware of this being a possible disadvantage. But it was a given that he should lead. Besides, he trusted his instincts. If he was on his guard, he should be able to deal with the other one easily. His companion was of lighter build and about half a head shorter than Lurtz. He also lacked the heavy musculature and burliness of the firstborn Uruk-hai. Uglúk's movements were fluid and precise though, the sinewy body strong and in excellent shape. He was alert and had an air of intelligence, and he seemed unusually easy-going for a warrior.

The sky darkened and a fine, misty rain set in. One more hour, and dusk would be replaced by a starless night. Silently the two big creatures roamed the woods. Nothing stirred, and no large animal had crossed their path so far.

Lurtz realized that his anger was beginning to wear off. He had expected Uglúk to make some sort of stupid move, maybe do something to ingratiate himself.

Nothing.

The other member of the hunting party moved without a word, following his superior in due distance, yet he was entirely unafraid. The sound of his breathing was even and calm.

The onset of gnawing hunger ensured they stayed focussed on their task. The last rations had been small. They had to find some decent game soon...