The New Threat Rises in the East

[Isolde]

For months and years, Mordor had been nothing but clamor and noise. For even longer before that time it was a disabled force, deadly to no one but dead itself. They were wrong, the ones who did not count on Mordor's strength; which was of course all of the Free Peoples of Middle-earth.

But a new patron was rising. She was the only living human after the siege and destruction of the Ring. Easily in the clatter Isolde, rose to the occaision and respected--at least to her face by the orcs of the Black Land. The first thing she wished to do was summon all foul creatures to their origins. This of course would need true cunning, boldness and ferocity--something the common orc lacked. Even the prestigious fighting Uruk-Hai did not fit her whims. She had a plan in mind for a better race-in-arms for the country, though humans would be needed for her first masterwork.

Too simple was it to capture the ones that were needed for the often frolicked far from the walls of Gondor. As soon as they set foot among the rubble they were cast into pits of Uruks--such dales shallow by Isengard's standards but usuable for the time being. Soon in small quantity special forces of half-human half-orcs were born. These were most deadly creatures and after a few generations they had the physical prowess of one of the fighting elite of Saruman's, most of the brightness of a human and the overall freakishly twisted look of an orc.

Such creatures stood about six feet high, pale greenish of skin with large pointed bat-like ears and almost human faces with expressive eyes. They were nearly void of hair except sparing eyelashes oddly golden in color. Strength was cast like iron in their wiry bodies and they were swift and nimble of foot, high in endurance. Leathery was the flesh of a half-human but with all the smoothness one could ask for. Modest claws grew on their fingers and toes, hardened by hard endurance training.

Male and female alike were treated in a very Spartan manner; slowly growing into a mass.

Though meanwhile the common orcs were dropping like flies through the strenuous day and night work Isolde had ordered of them. They were just bodies to her that could easily be replenished. This proved an almost fatal philosophy when they revolted. But in such an attack they were harshly slain by the mind-washed half-humans who cut them down like grass. So the orcs went back to their work restoring what they could and making better what Isolde ordered.

When there were enough to spare, Isolde sent forces out to reclaim the wights of the Barrow-downs, to harness Shelob and to steal horses for their breeding into Fallen Beasts of the Black Land. Isolde hoped to achieve the same affect with the horses that she had with the half-humans; to make them mightier, more intimidating and larger than before--huge mimics of the Nazgul horses of old.

But that could wait. Normal horses suited them just fine for the meanwhile. They had attacks to plan; another holding of the Shire would mean revenge and retrieved honor. A massacre in Gondor would mean the troops and leader would get what they had so desired for so long. So cloaked half-humans were sent on to the Shire, looking perfectly human in the boots, normal-hued clothes and quickly made masks that would serve their purpose as long as they stayed out of the public eye for the most part. Ten score would be sent at different intervals, each having their part.

The main force of course, was now assembled for a siege of Gondor. More than likely the people had grown fat and comfortable on peace and this was just what they needed to get their wits about them--not that they would have any after this.

Orcs were left in Mordor to strengthen and guard the fortress that as of yet still went unnamed. Mordor no longer went under any name or emblem; they would be considered a rogue bunch in their very human looking armor, weapons and paraphaneilia.

For the force, Gondor was not very far going especially with the pause in Ithilien. When the horses tired and died they were left on the road and the officers, Isolde included ran with the privates. Villages in southern Ithilien were burned and gone, with no more than two half-humans killed during the entire affair. Quickly they were moving up towards Osgiliath, newly repopulated. Their was little hope for the city if no especially sharp eyes were about.

[Marduk]

Mean while in Osgiliath, a robed Stranger that stood was about 6’1” walking in the streets of the very city. The figure wore a robe that was of a cheap clothed. The figure soon entered the tavern called goldenhorse. And sat down at a table, his tail flicked left and right slowly. His yellow eyes unseen by the veil added to the hood where the face is for the hood. The figure watched as people came and went and after a hour later the figure other than the bartender were in the tavern first floor while those with rooms slept up stairs. The bartender walked over after 10 minutes and said: well we’ll be closein for the night so if you don’t want a room than you’ll have to leave under stood stranger? The stranger stood up and just in that second the bartender fell with a chest wound the stranger’s tail impaled into the bartender’s chest and he removed it slowly. That should teach you to order me around… *he threw the dead body behind the bar and walked out with out a noise.

[Isolde]

Isolde sat perched in a tree, black clothed with her pale features marked out for camoflauge's sake as she had ordered all the other rather pale beings to do so. With her, poised and ready were two of her highest ranking officials with her. They were in moot of some kind, arguing mostly, though in hushed voices.

"The city is asleep! Dormant in its safety! If we strike now they'll never know what hit them," the first one said. He was almost as human looking as Isolde herself, only with twistedly elvish ears and a sickening green tint to his skin.

Isolde shook her head and forcefully said, "It will be like going and knocking on the front door. There bound to be somebody up. Don't be a fool. We'll use the sewers to enter. Even if they've been celebrating and living peacefully--especially so, then they're army will be here. We should take all precautions, something Sauron in his floweriness never did."

The half-human lietenant looked at her for a moment, wide-eyed. He was soon smacked hard by the other priorly silent one. "You don't seriously believe the old stories of him returning do you?" he hissed through the darkness of night.

Shaking her head, Isolde jumped from the tree and gave her orders. They were going around, to traipse near the Anduin and follow Osgiliath's sewers from there. From that point on, whatever could burn would and whatever was alive and resistant would die. If her plan was right then they would have the city by noon the next day, and that was giving the Gondorians some time for resistance.

The force moved stealthily around though there really wasn't any need for it. Various numbers of them emerged into the city--most right into the large square. On her order they would begin; the torches were lit illuminating their expectant looks.

In the darkness Isolde saw the odd figure of....something. He was very interesting, though she was wondering if it was the thrill of war that was making her hallucinate this person. Very odd. Nevertheless the tavern he had just walked out of was a good place to start. No doubt the barkeep had just realized that a new set of monsters had just walked in. Isolde assumed this, though she didn't hear anything. Perhaps their stealth was too well-contrived and they would have Osgiliath won before they even saw another person. A pity really. A torch was thrown into the tavern. Even without the help from the soldiers it would have spread, though some barrels of wine were found and the liquid was sprinkled on the front facades of the shops on either side.

[Marduk]

The figure knew that this city was doomed for he him self was planing on burning every last thing to the ground.
He torn off his cheap robes revealing a human form but this form had black scales with claws on his hands and feet.
His head was like a dragon his tail flicked left than right slowly his wings could be seen covering his body other than his head.
After opening his wings he took off into the sky, fling over a few buildings as he went shooting flame from his mouth at the roofs till part of the city’s roofs were aflame.
He soon saw the army that was invading the city and after throwing his 5 person (in which he would drop from a high point) he landed at the very point where he had left the tavern.
Which was now fully burning but a few of the people that were inside did get out.
He killed them with out thinking, his yellow eyes watched as they went into death.
Hmmm they die too quickly for my taste but none the less its still somewhat enjoyable…<br> a spearman ran from the ally and was killed by the one chasing him, it looked human but it seemed like an orc as well.
who are you orc/human i've not seen any of your kind but it still is strange to see a cross of you. (the human dragon takes off due to hearing a human captain trying to sneak up on his but ends up clashing swords with the strange maiden, the stranger went into the sky fading to the north to a mountion)

[Isolde]

Isolde had no time to watch the strange creature's presentation. Perhaps if he lived, this creature obvious of fell intent would join them. As the residential section burned the people hurried out. The army of half-orcs formed a group long as both the merchants' and people's section letting them gain mass in the square. Almost invulnerable in very human-like armor they sprung slashing tearing and when possible biting.

The leader of them herself, dressed not unlike the rest so she would not stand out faced a formidible looking warrior who was too obviously full of himself. He thought such a woman was vulnerable as whipped his sword down upon her. This she forced away, kicking him in the groin. He doubled in reflex and Isolde took a hand axe out of her belt and with three good slashes to his spine he was prostrated before her; still breathing. Isolde finished him by loosening a knife in her boot and stomping onto his neck. The action ground the loosened knife into his head. She laughed as she pulled it out, taking the head with her. It fell to the ground wetly as she advance.

On a burning tower people popped out of windows, screaming for help. Isolde watched them and loaded her bow. Timing it just right she could shoot them, they would fall and at such distance nearly liquidate one of the several charging out of the main house the tower belonged to. What truly happened was she hit one, the flailing body fell from the tower liquifying itself; blood bursting from his chubby sides and the next two people coming out slipped on all the gore; hitting their heads on the stone.

A beggar it appeared came running at her from behind. He was young and tough and Isolde became infatuated with his catlike movement almost as soon as engaging in swordplay with him. Or at least let him think that. Yes he was rather handsome with her broadsword tearing diagonally through his chest, spilling his human matter out in one glorious flood.l

Tragically she knew her demonic way of killing was not practical. She had to resort to the common slashing movement that took no fresh ideas and derived no pleasure only purpose. So that was what she did; wondering where Gondor's famous soldiers were.

[Marduk]

The human like dragon looked back thinking that she seemed like a strong type of warrior but he was still off set by her look.
but he soon landed on a tree top looking at her army in action watching their moves from a safe distance.
hmm they move like humans but they have the strength of a orc.
i wander what her name was her look of life seemed to lure his thoughts.
but in an hour most of the city was taken and now those who had weapons that were alive tryed to fight even though they were out mached by the invadeing force.

[Isolde]

Morning struck, as red as the blood spilled. Most of the fires were out and the rest were being stomped out; their light being replaced by a tainted sun. Isolde had ventured into a building with some of the higher groups of warriors to do some pillaging though their leader had stayed behind. She stepped out finally into the sun to survey everything from a balconey. Sure enough one of her right hand men appeared from behind a singed curtain.

"What's to be done m'lady? There are still those who were not killed in the initial battle to be dealt with," he said.

"Imprison them and set up a breeding site--away from the public eye and preferably where only a few know about. And by that I mean the officers only," she instructed, "How many?"

"All women--about twelve," he replied.

"Even better. Send some groups to scout. I'm sure somebody must've seen the fires of last night and alerted someone in the White City. They'd be fools to ignore all this. Keep the lot of them at home in case they attack of course. All lower privates may search the city for what has not be burned. They'll need to eat--our rations are very limited," Isolde said carefully glad her freakish recruits turned up their noses to nothing, "Go now and do all I have said."

The lietenant left and Isolde was left with her own thoughts once more. Her practices sometimes made even her shiver, but they needed more troops. Well they didn't really need them, but it was Isolde's fancy they would be devastated at any moment. More and more she hated the paranoia that was building in her day by day; perhaps her guilt manifesting itself. But that was impossible, no one who enjoyed the smell of fresh blood as much as her could feel guilt.

Distantly she scanned the sky, wondering what had become of dragon-boy whom in fractured thoughts she had surmised was the one who had come out of the tavern.

[Marduk]

The dragon figure sat there on a tree branch watching her with interest as his tail moved slowly. His yellow eyes watched her, his thoughts were strange even for him.
Why do I think so much about you in this strange manner? (He says in his head)
why do I feel about going over to you? (His tail flicked back and forth as he continue to talk to him self)
till he gets onto the other side of the building crawling up the wall and onto the roof stopping 3 feet from the edge from the window where she’s at.
Seeming lost in how she looked. (Even though she’s not a dragon )
hiding in the shadow just above her window watching her look out at the sky.
Than hiding when she looked up where he was.

[Isolde]

Isolde sighed. Her minions weren't orcs afterall--they could manage while she went clean the soot off her normally pallid face and get out of her full battle uniform.

She turned briskly into the room, shedding such things as gauntlets, greaves and chest and back plates. Still on her however was her broadsword and a system of daggers in her boots and on her legs with one on her side. Tossed in the corner was her quiver and longbow.

Conveinantly was a bucket of half-spilled water that never quite make it to quench the thirst of her army's fire. Roughly she drew it over her thin face and hands. washing them white. Isolde drew her hands through her short black hair and used a bedsheet to dry off with.

Quickly Isolde surveyed the room. It would be good enough for her to stay in while they were 'colonizing' Osgiliath. She explored further down the hall to find the ruined back part of the building, broken down by some many charges and anything of importance burned including a few charred bodies. This she was used to.

Really there was nothing to do, and this feeling annoyed Isolde. It let things creep up, like the perverse pleasure of driving a handaxe through a child's face. The silence made her pace, irritatedly twitching as if she was allergic to something in the air. Her stride took her back to the balconey where she stood, listening to an odd scratching noisef. Perhaps it was one of her killed who was not quite dead yet coming to kill her.

[Marduk]

In that very second the Human/dragon lost his balance and fell through her balcony.
Landing on top of her in an unlikely fashion, he got up slowly eyeing her for even though he had scales covering his body.
She could see a blush knowing that he touched her some how made him hotter than of late.
He began off saying after a long quite: I’m…<br> Marduk Firescale (his face still hot warming the room around him) may I ask your… name…<br> (Never felt this way about some one) he stands there his tail moving left and right, with his yellow eyes looking at her every curve of her body.

[Isolde]

The first thing that registered in Isolde's mind was what a fool she'd been not to be more suspicious of the noises heard outside her window. Secondly she was nervous because her armor was off. But her knives weren't. Quickly she ripped out of its sheath on her leg and directed it towards her reptilian assaulter.

"My name is not of any importance. I've commanded thousands without them even knowing my name, only my purpose," Isolde hissed, her grey eyes vicious, "Marduk is it? Well at least I know what to have some fool down there scrawl on your grave marker. What's is your purpose then, Firescale--haunting my window like a serpent in a tree?"

[Marduk]

I only wonder why I feel strange looking at you, for in some ways we seem similar. But I only came on good terms, I didn’t mean to fall through thy window. But if you want me to leave I’ll do so, but I still think it strange that we are similar. (Marduk folds his wings like a cape trying to not look hostile to her so she could lower her weapon.) May I ask where you are from if you want to talk for a little, because I know you seem weaker to attack with out your armor on like most beings but I don’t mean it in a bad way.
I’m known as Marduk the smith and also as the dragon. I could make armor melt and form them with my claws to the form you wish but if you don’t want to talk I’ll leave the second you ask me… (His yellow eyes watching her every curve as if drawing a perfect picture)

[Isolde]

Something quirked about Isolde's look as she gazed upon him. First of all, to this being she was rather upset to be perceived as 'weaker'. She sheathed her blade and said, "Even in my drawers I could trounce you in sword-play."

But that really was no matter. "My name is kept personal for many reasons," basically because she was really a coward and wished to remain hard to find in case anything bothersome should arise; also the reason why for the most part she hid her face with helmet or paint. Needless to say she was felt very vulnerable.

"You were the one picking those people up and dropping them, yes?" Isolde asked. No more was she going to tell him until she was sure where he was aligned.

[Marduk]

Yes I did that I like hearing them scream when they fall but yet at the same time I don’t like seeing a child fall so I give them a quick death or at times let them live. But I had many of, which chase me for my head, but other than that I lived this long by using fear against them. They get the picture after the 3rd person I drop or when the rip their commander apart. I wouldn’t do that unless they bring about my rage. But I won’t attack you I’m only watching. (His eyes watching her face for any mood that may show it self.)

[Isolde]

She let slide a different blade, this one located somewhere up her sleeve; its sheath wrapped around her arm by a leather band. It wasn't with cruel intent this time; Isolde was just a fidgety person by nature and enjoyed flipping it about. "That's interesting," she said quietly. "I suppose easy for you, considering your dragon-likeness. But have you ever known the pure ecstacy of stripping flesh with a dull sword?" She grinned, a look both of vileness and a queer beauty.

The question was meant in jest, something that despite her viciousness came easily for Isolde. "Where would an odd creature like yourself come from?" Obviously she had no hand for playing the diplomat or particuar sensitivity.