A/N: Chapter 4! I'm still posting chapters at a fast rate, but if you want that to continue then please review! This is chapter that really sets the stage for the rest of the story, so pay attention. Now, on with the show!

Disclaimer: I am not Tolkien, and do not own his work. I do not intend to make profit out of this story.

The Land of Shadow

The black shape of the ruins of Barad-dur loomed over the Plateau of Gorogoth. Nine figures stood before the mountainous shape. They were cloaked in black, and their faces could not be seen beneath their hoods.

"He is here," hissed Khamul.

The Nine moved forward, their eyes sweeping over the once great fortress. Shadows flitted around them, voices whispered oddly through nothingness. As they reached the foot of what was once the stairs of Barad-dur, a disturbance seemed to penetrate the air. Smiling slightly, the Black Captain nodded and the Nine began to chant the words they knew so well:

Ash nazg durbatuluk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatuluk, agh burzum-ishi krimpatul

The air seemed to be taking shape. A figure was forming in the dark surroundings. The figure towered over the Nazgul, darkness seemed to be emitting from it. Black and terrible, Sauron stood before them.

Sauron moved forward slowly, staring down at his servants. His red eyes stood out, a glowing contrast against his black shadowy figure. The Nine kneeled before him, eyes cast down in reverence to their master.

"Rise Nazgul."

It was a command, spoken with all the authority of the Valar. The Nazgul rose, still with their heads bowed.

"We have been set back," he announced. "My ring has been lost, and the heirs of my enemies have survived." His tone was not accusing, but there was again that air of authority to it that caused all who heard to bow their heads in shame.

"The heir's of Elendil survived," he repeated, and now his voice thundered across the vast plains of Gorgoroth.

The Nazgul spoke not a word, staying absolutely still. Sauron moved forward slowly. He extended a shadowy hand. There, in his palm, lay the Nine Rings.

Still the Nazgul did not move, but there desperation to once again possess their rings could almost be smelt on the filthy air.

"The kingdoms of men and elves shall be destroyed," he whispered.

If the Nazgul had proper bodies, they would have shivered.

"Isilmo," called Sauron. "Step forward, Black Captain of the Nazgul."

The Black Captain of the Nazgul stepped forward.

"The North Kingdom of the Dunedain holds the sceptre of Anuminas," his Master announced. "There is the line of Isildur," he said, and the heat of his anger seemed to radiate from the dark figure. "The line will end. The sceptre will be broken. The kingdom will be destroyed."

"I will not fail you Master," whispered Isilmo.

Sauron stretched out his hand, and slowly, painfully slowly, handed the Chief of the Nazgul his ring.

He turned to Khamul.

"In the forest of Greenwood," he began, "resides Thranduil, Elvenking of Rhovanion. He is the kinsman of Thingol, whose daughter stripped me of much of my power during the reign of my great master, Melkor. The forest will be raised to the ground, the elves will be killed or taken prisoner, the Elvenking will be slain. I will join you in the southernmost part of that forest soon. The woodland realms will fall."

"I will gather forces and wait for you Master."

Slowly, Khamul was surrendered his ring.

"Dark Marshal," said Sauron. Gothmog stepped forward.

"The realm of Mordor is the key to victory over the free peoples. Our old strength must be regained. The name of Mordor is a name that must be feared over all the lands of Middle Earth. The Kingdom of Gondor has set watches over our borders. These watches must be discouraged. The tower of Morgul must be reclaimed."

Gothmog crossed an arm across his chest. "The Numenorian realm of Exile will fall, and the Tower of the Moon will be the Tower of Sorcery."

Sauron nodded and inch by inch, extended his hand bearing Gothmog's ring of power.

Sauron then moved on to Uvatha.

"The kingdom of Harad is broken, but their hatred for the Numenorians is not yet forgotten. Fuel their wrath, kindle their anger and their service shall be returned to us."

The once great lord of Harad declared the betrayal of his country. "The Haradrim will kneel before us, master"

And slowly, oh so slowly, Uvatha's ring was returned to him.

Sauron turned to Morgomir.

"The destruction of the North Kingdom will not be easy. Both strategy and sorcery will be needed. You will supply both of these to your chief."

Morgomir knelt. "We will destroy the North Kingdom, and you will have power in both the north and the south."

Morgomir was finally reunited with his ring.

"The power of the Nazgul should not wane," declared Sauron. "An army of beings like unto yourselves must be created. Dakian, you, as the Tainted One, will taint every living thing you find."

"The world will be but shadows which you command," announced Dakian.

The twisted Nazgul was slowly given his ring.

"Akhorahil," muttered Sauron. "Five Maiar have entered Middle Earth, who call themselves the Istiri. They wander the land in the guise of old men. They must be discouraged. Turn which of them that you can. Dispose of the rest."

"There are many Maiar in this world, but none shall stand higher than you," stated Akhorahil.

You could almost here his inward scream as Sauron very gradually handed him his ring.

"Ji Indur, Lord of Rhun," called Sauron.

The Nazgul stepped forward.

"The Easterlings are the most deadly warriors in Middle Earth. They have served me and my Master before, they shall do so again. With them you will destroy all lands east of the Misty Mountains."

Ji Indur nodded. "The East will conquer the West."

Ji Indur had his ring again at last.

Sauron turned to the final Nazgul.

"Coros," he whispered, "you are about to be given your ring, as all your fellows have before you. You have your rings. I do not have mine." Sauron's voice became suddenly cold, cold enough to leave a mortal man frozen in death. As it was, the Nazgul cowered before Sauron's wrath.

"This will be your task Coros. You will be my spy. Find out who the leaders of Elves and Men are; find out what they know. Find my ring. Find my ring, and you will be rewarded with great power under the rule of Sauron the Great."

"Your ring will be returned to you master, and you shall rule all of Middle Earth."

The last of the nine rings was surrendered.

"Be swift, Nazgul," whispered Sauron. "I will not forgive failure easily. Do what is to be done."

"We will not fail master," said the Black Captain.

Sauron turned, and darkness engulfed his spirit body. Slowly, he faded from view, and the Nazgul were alone once more.

A/N: Well what do you think??? This chapter was particularly difficult in portraying Sauron. Its harder than you'd think writing a villian like Sauron. Please review!