| Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 |
| Part 1 A new evil blossoms in the north, high in the cold stones of the Grey Mountains. The once strong, and feared evil of Sauron is now but a thing of history, an Orc named Zork-uk, has led the Orcs of Mordor into the Grey Mountains and now holds an ancient castle as a stronghold. The Elves of Mirkwood, and Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain are concerned about this young evil. Many quarrels stir, and the dwarves have sent word to all their kin in Middle Earth. The dwarves are strong if united, and there's a bond between them that cannot be broken. So without question, all dwarf kin rush to their call of help--save those with grudges against those of the Lonely Mountain . And now they travel in large and small bands toward the Mountain. A company of fifty dwarves now travel over the Misty Mountains were their homes lie. Gordon leads them along the rocky paths, were Goblins lurk in the dark. Gurwick, and Bordon are his Brothers, and Dok, Kiewick, and Rulldin are his trusted companions on the trip. They work their way down the winding, tree shaded paths; a soft rain licks their cheeks, and the sky is wrapped with gray clouds, as they make their way to their kin's stone halls. An Orc band was rushing through the tall grass ten miles away from Fangorn when men of Gondor attacked them riding great horses, and with silver blades. The Orcs cried and yelped as they tossed their weapons about wildly. The band was being slaughtered , and many fled towards Fangorn. Some escaped, but more were killed. One of the escapees was York-ie, an Orc of a different nature than his companions. He was unlike the others. He did not harbor evil thoughts in his mind at all times like the others. He felt glad to be away from the cheating band he was with. And he disliked their actions, very unlike an Orc. With the men of Gondor close behind, York-ie fled into Fanghorn. Where most of the other Orcs who fled there cursed it, York-ie found it peaceful. It was a well shaded place, and the dark was in York-ies' favor. After many days of sleeping under the whispering trees, York-ie ran up the Misty Mountain range, all the way to Lothlorien were he stayed clear of it's Elf guarded wood. From there he traveled further to the Dwarf dales, were he set up camp and planned to flee over the Misty Mountain in the morning. ************** back to top Part 2 The band of Dwarves walk single file along the skinny path; their feet skim close to the edge, tipping rocks that fall to the bristly trees below. Gordon walks ahead, ever watchful, peering out from under his bushy eyebrows. They now descend from the Mountain; their axes and hammers (in Kiewicks instance, bow and arrows) swing on their backs. The day is clearing from the rain of the morning before, clouds still linger in the sky, but the rain has ceased. A cold wind blows in from the north, and sends chills up their spines. The band has been walking all day without rest, so Gordon calls back for all to halt, and rest. The Dwarves murmur under their breath, saying to themselves "I need no rest, it's pointless to sit on this mountain, lets continue to walk." But Gordon knows rest is needed to continue along the rocky path. He stands looking out over the trees below, watching the clouds float by. 'I am hungry, I am already sick of these beef cakes that we have our packs stuffed with, I want a leg of venison, that would please my stomach.' Cries Kiewick. 'But how is it that you would get this venison? I surely have not any in my pack.' Says Gordon. 'I shall shoot it with my bow, that's how!' 'A dwarf who prefers a bow over an axe, most unusual, it almost seems you wish to be an Elf.' Says Gordon. Kiewick huffs. 'An Elf I do not want to be! I prefer the bow, yes I do! I like shooting Orcs throats before their blades can reach me. And you cannot have deer for dinner if all you carry is an axe!' 'Eah, that's true enough. But my cousin Tork killed a bird in flight with one toss of his axe. An axe can be a very useful weapon, not many trees can be cut with a bow.' Says Gordon. Kiewick rumbles under his breath, frustrated at not having the last word, and not having any thing to say in return. The break was soon over, and the band was on their way again. Like a worm going down a mound of dirt, the band walks down the mountain in a long line, the ground growing closer with each passing corner. *** York-ie departed the dales, and now walks up the tall slopes of the Misty Mountains. Swift and sure he climbs, rising higher above the floor of the earth. His strong legs take him up the cliffs faster then any Elf, or horse of Gondor. He pauses often to hide from the sun's heat; he looks up at it and curses it, with his fist in the air, he then travels on again. 'Once that cursed sun fallsss, the nights will cool my skins, and I shall move swifttess over these rockss!' says York-ie aloud to himself. 'Maybes I'll find a unsettled cavesss, there I couldsss make a fine homes.' The clouds begin to break, and patches of blue sky appear . After all day of climbing, the sun begins to fall slowly into the West, and York-ie moves easier with every darkening minute. A lonely star twinkles in the sky, and the pale white light of the moon glows dimly , waiting for the sun to drop. York-ie runs ever swifter now; the rocky, crumbling path is no obstacle now that the sun does not boil his cold loving skin. His sword bumps at his side, and his bow and arrows swing on his shoulder blades as he makes great pace up the mountain. ************** back to top Part 3 York-ie pushes himself up the slopes, trying to get as far as he can before the sun rises in the East, but it rises fast, and York-ie grows weary. He stops, and sits in a cave and rests for a brief moment. Tree roots grow in through the roof of the cave, breaking cracks into the roof, crumbling the stone like bread. York-ie looks out of the opening of the cave and stairs at the dreaded sun, lifting over the mountains. 'Blastsss you sun! FALLSS! Falls and never rises again!!' cries York-ie. At his words, spears and swords pierced the darkness of the cave, and Goblins leap out at York-ie! Ripping his sword from his sheath and sends heads rolling! Not a spear, nor sword of the Goblins could touch him! The Goblins cried and yelped, but once ten Goblins lay dead on the stone floor, the others fled into the cave that never sees daylight. York-ie wipes his blade clean of their black blood, and then wipes his forehead of the single bead of sweat. He snarls and roars from deep in his throat sending echoes into the dark! 'I must be off!' he says. He bolts out of the cave, and runs further up the path, running swifter then ever! The sun heats the cool air, and the dew of morning vanishes. A second path forms below him, coming out of a slit in the rock, and it follows the path he travels. It's a Goblin path; they carved it into the Mountainside. York-ie runs with long strides trying to be clear of the cave, he knows if he falls behind, the Goblins will catch him and do unnamed things to him. Ahead the path runs straight, but then turns and cuts into a sharp corner. *** The Dwarf band walks with amazing speed, now rested and fed, they can walk fast and for many hours into the evening. Their beards are wrapped into bundles on their chests, and their cloaks are draped over their backs. They fall further down the mountain, hanging on to tree roots that grow out of the side wall. Dok spies a second path below them; thin, but sturdy, running under the path they walk upon. Their path has widened greatly, now two full sized men could stand side by side without fearing a long fall. The sun beats down upon their heads, heating their iron helms. The path runs into a wide turn, looping into a sharp corner, where it appears to end.. Birds sing happily in the trees, and the day promises to be a lovely one. Gordon runs ahead, coming up onto the corner, and then he turns and waves for the rest to follow. *** York-ie comes to the sharp corner, he winds around the sharp turn smooth as a ball rolling in a pipe, but York-ie collides with something at his waist and tumbles and rolls to the ground! Just as Gordon turns to go around the corner, something tramples over him like an elephant over an antelope! He falls on his back and feels cold metal tromp over him. Once he catches his wits he stands to his feet, an Orc stands before him, tall with his sword in his twisted fingers Gordon draws his axe from its resting place and faces the Orc with wide swings! York-ie blocks nearly three of the Dwarfs at a time, throwing their swords to the side, and then hitting them with his huge fist. He uses his sword but rarely and only now when it is not a deadly blow. He roars with great rumbles amongst the rocks, the Dwarves from the back move to the front with their weapons in hand! Keiwick sends arrows whistling over the heads of his companions and falling down at the Orc! His cries and roars sends chills up their backs, but they continue to fight strong! Soon enough the rest of the Dwarves have the path blocked from both side, and the Orc is trapped! He is taken down, and thrown against the stone wall! Gordon, Gurwick, and Rulldin's blades pinch the neck of the beast, but none take the final blow. 'What are you waiting for?! Kill him!' cries Bordon! 'Wait! Do not kill him! I want answers!' says Gordon, holding his hand aloft. 'What are you doing speeding along this path?! Are there more that follow?' asks Gordon in a harsh tone. The Orc hisses! 'More does follow, but I am nots with them, I am's alone!' says the Orc. Gordon pushes his blade against his stout neck even harder. 'YOU LIE! No Orc travels alone! Especially on a well used path! Now were are the others?' 'I tolds you! They follow! But I am not with them! I do not go with those who kill for jest, or enjoyment.' 'I find that hard to believe! You do lie! I say kill him, and send his head rolling down the path! Then we shall kill his companions!' cries Gurwick loud and bold! 'Thinks what you will! But I tell the troothsss!' says the Orc. Gurwick swings his axe behind his head in rage! But Gordon stops its swing back with a glare.his axe! 'STOP! You act too hastily! We do not even know his name or why he has come! But we will not talk here, if it is true that more follow, then here is not were we want to linger. There was a cave further up the slope, we will go back and talk there.' The company runs back up the path for a mile, careful to keep the Orc from escape. They come to the cave, where only the leaders sit in and talk to the Orc, while the others stand guard outside. ************** back to top |
| Part 4 'So what is your name? Or by what word are you called?' asked Gordon with his axe in hand. 'My's name is York-ie!' 'What is your reason for being here? Why do you travel alone?' Gordon growled York-ie hissed. 'I am running.' 'Where and why?' 'I am's running from my kind! Running from their Evil! I hate them, and their ways, I wish I never was borns an Orc!' 'Never born an Orc? Most Orcs are prideful of being Orcs. What makes you hate it?' 'I am's not full Orc I am part goblin. I hate them toos, they're small and weaks! They should be driven out of their pits, and round up into a canyon!' cries York-ie. The Dwarves gathered into a small crowed, away from York-ie, and whispered amongst themselves. 'This Orc is odd, odd indeed.' Said Gordon. 'I think we should kill him; he is trouble. He has lied. More Orcs follow, I know it!' spat Keiwick. ' We cannot let him free, that is for sure. He could tell enemies of our coming, and should we be delayed or killed by them, our help will be missed at the home of our kin. Yet I do not want to kill him, something inside me says this Orc is not as evil as others. He says he wants to leave their evil, and not be a part of it.' Gordon shook his head, nearly unable to believe his own words. 'I believe he is different, and needs to be kept alive for now.' 'ARE YOU MAD! Keep an Orc alive! And in our company! No Orc deserves to live!' Keiwick shouted red-faced. 'What harm could he do? He is unarmed, and chained. I am not in the mood to talk now; I want to get a move on. And I want to learn more about him. But this cave is not the place to do it, on this mountain is not the place. Lets take him for a while, just until we leave the mountain slopes. Then we will do something with him there.' The Dwarves all fell silent, not daring to challenge Gordon's word. 'Very well Gordon, if you think he is not evil, then I go with your judgment. But let us ponder this thought: If he is not evil, why does he want to kill and betray his own kind, his own race? In my mind, that's more evil then killing those of other races.' Bordon said warily. Gordon sat in silence, already pondering the riddle. 'Well Orc! You come with us! Your labor up the mountain was in vain, you now will labor going back down!' said Dok. 'But do not expect us to treat you as a guest! You are more like a chore!' 'Then set me frees! I do nots want to go with you's! I want to continue running!' 'Run you shall, but with us.' Said Gordon, snapping out of his thoughts. 'Why's am I held captive's? I have done nothing to you's! SET ME'S FREE!' cried York-ie with a roar! 'I am sorry, but we cannot let you free. Now stand up, we have some time to make up after this delay..' ordered Gordon. The group shuffled out of the cave and began to run down the path once more. They run swiftly and with ease. Reaching the turn were York-ie and Gordon met, they continue past it quickly. The sun sizzles over their heads, but the high mountain air softens its blaze leaving a chill blowing with the wind. 'Keep up Orc!' Keiwick snarled 'Do not speak to me's about keeping up's! I could run you down with my mighty legs! You run too slowly! I feel as if I am walking, your legs are too shorts!' said York-ie. 'Why you! Curse you Orc! I look forward to the morning when I cut your head from your shoulders!' Keiwick shouted in anger. York-ie hissed. 'It's will be an honor, then I shall be released from your big mouth's, and slow legs!' Keiwick looked as if his head would explode in anger. He deftly swung his axe from its spot on his back, missing York-ie's head by mere inches. The chained Orc dodged and ducked as Keiwick's axe hit the stone with a clank, and clang! York-ie dipped and ducked from the singing axe head, kicking and shoving Keiwick with his pure body strength Gordon rushed from the front of the group with his axe in hand. 'STOP THIS YOU FOOLS! Stop, stop!' throwing them apart and holding them both back with his stout arms! 'You stop this! I will not allow you two to fight and cause us further delay. Keiwick, you will walk up with me.' He ordered. 'York-ie!' Gordon paused and eyed the Orc with narrowed eyes. 'You are only something we picked up, we do not have to spare you. So watch your tongue, for it is slick and sly, and it may trip your mighty legs!' After a moment, Gordon let them both loose, and he headed to the front of the line, Keiwick following sullenly. 'You must not do this, you are a Dwarf, but you need to hold you temper.' Said Gordon bitterly. 'I hate Orcs! And I hate this Orc! When you have asked all the questions you need of him, I shall take pleasure in killing him.' 'That time is far from now, so keep your temper. Now lets walk in the cool mountain breeze, kick stones under our feet, and-' Suddenly an arrow zipped by their heads, and hit the rocks with a ~tink~. Five more arrows came flying from below and snipped at the ears of the Dwarves, and skipped along the rocks! The Dwarves began to pull their weapons, and stood at the ready ************** back to top |
| Part 5 The Dwarves stood upon the mossy stones ready for battle. Most had stepped over to the edge of the cliff, and peaked carefully over, looking down. Goblins stood lined up on the path below, snapping their crude bows, sending black-feathered arrows up to the Dwarves. The arrows bounce off their thick helms or the tightly woven mail coats. Keiwick returned shots with his bow, hitting two Goblins in the head and throat sending them falling into the trees below. Short axes flipped from the hands of his comrades, all hitting their mark on the Goblins below. Gordon ran next to Keiwick and shielded their heads from the falling arrows. 'It seems your bow comes in need in this battle.' He shouted with a bitter smile. 'Though I use an Elf weapon, I still have no wish to be an Elf! I wish to be a Dwarf, who has the skill of an Elf!' Keiwick grinned. 'Yes I believe you do, but now is not the best time to discus our wishes.' 'Yes! I want to kill these filthy beasts, and shoot them in the neck!' Keiwick said with a grunt, doing just that to one unlucky Goblin below. 'Well done...and with the skill of an Elf!' Gordon cried as he continued to block arrows that continued to fly from below. For many minutes they were bombarded with sharp thick arrows, but soon, crawling up the path, came a band of Goblins with sharp edged shields and long ugly blades. Gordon gave the call for the Dwarves to attack, and the battle began in earnest. Axes swinging and hammers singing, heads began to roll. The fighting was fierce, and the terrain dangerous. The path was thin and steep, and several Dwarves found themselves teetering much too close to the edge of the crumbling path. Goblin bodies began to fall onto the archers below, rolling and tumbling down the steep sides of the mountain like a empty barrels of ale. York-ie did his best to use the struggle to escape, trying slip away from the Dwarves in the chaos, but he was caught each time. The Goblins swung their crude weapons wildly, not caring what they hit, as long as it was flesh they may eat. York-ie dodged four or five blows, losing a few hairs off the top of his head. Angrily he wielded his chain in an attempt to fight back. Snarling as he beat them off the path, York-ie had eliminated half dozen Goblins with blows from his powerful arms. The Goblins did not intend such a band of Dwarves to be fighting back; they only hunted York-ie. Retreating into their caves and holes the Goblins began to vanish. But the company does not let them go peacefully; many more are killed after they ran squealing, and the Dwarves hunt down more in the nearby trees. 'The Orc was right; more did follow. I think we need another talk with him now!' said Gordon. 'Not now, lets wait until all is calm,' Said Bordon. 'No! We must talk now, I want to know if more will attack,' Said Gordon. He walked to York-ie with a tight chin and grinding teeth. 'You were right! More did follow, but will they attack again?' 'I don'ts know. Perhaps, they only may needs more Goblins.' 'Stop this little game! I am not playing it any more! Tell me who you really are, who you are with, and if more Goblins will attack!' Gordon grabbed York-ie by the collar of his breastplate and pulled his head down to peer into his eyes. 'And I grow tired of telling you the same thing again and again! I am York-ie sons of Kork-ie, I am with no bands, and I do not wish to harms you's! My's being an Orc makesss my reputation for me's it seems. This is why's I want to be gone, I want no part in Orc life, or Orcs at all's. If I did, I would not be running.' Gordon pushed him away and eyed him carefully. York-ie stared back with defiance: 'If I was with these Goblins, then why did they fight me, and not free me?' Gordon pondered carefully for a moment, and nodded quietly. He called to the company to continue on down the path. They progressed cautiously and remained very alert with each step. They returned to the cave were York-ie had rested and killed the Goblin guards. Gordon and Bordon walked slowly and wearily within the cave and see the slain. Gordon scanned the grisly scene with cold eyes. 'This is why the Goblins attacked, they are after you.' 'Now you know, you know I tell the truths. Now will you sets me frees?' York-ie implored. 'I am sorry; I cannot let you free, not yet. But I shall treat you with more respect, at least the most respect I can give to an Orc. We must be off!' The group departed and continued until nightfall, making good progress. The Dwarves stop to rest, but all are quiet, whispering quietly so York-ie cannot hear their words. York-ie looked around slowly at the tired Dwarves around him. They were foreign to him, and he felt more out of place now then he did with the Orc band. The frustration and anger ate at him, he wanted to be free of them and he didn't understand why they refused. The night was cool on the mountains, and the moon was brighter than York-ie had ever seen. As he peered up at it with his large eyes, mesmerized by the white light, Gordon walked over to him quietly and sat down on a large rock. 'The leaders of our company have been talking, and we have decided you must follow along until we are off the mountain,' he hesitated and continued. 'From there, I do not know what will be decided.' 'BLASTS! Why must I be held! What is it that I do that is a threat?' York-ie asked. 'I cannot tell you the whole story, but I can tell you this: we are on a mission to a destination far away, and it is of great urgency, and we must arrive as intact as possible. We must hold you so you cannot give word of us, and our dealings.' 'Hssss! I will not bother telling you I will keep my's mouth shut about the matters, because I know it will be in vain's. I only ask you to unbind me from these chains.' 'I cannot do that; I do not know you well enough. You better get rest, it has been a long day for all of us, and it may be longer tomorrow.' Gordon stood and walks away. York-ie looked up at the high moon and sighed frustrated. Leaning back he watched the stars turn and the moon pass, finally falling into slumber under its enchanting glow. ************** back to top |
| Part 6 Clouds rolled in overnight, and morning did not appear until late under a a gray day that made everyone drowsy. It would occasionally grow bright when the clouds thinned, but it would eventually turn gray again. York-ie woke before the sun even looked over the horizon. He did not even attempt to escape as three Dwarves stood watch that night, instead of one. He sat enjoying the dark. But now the light of day has broke the still night, and the Dwarves began stirring and waking. Breakfast was unwrapped out of cloths that sat in their packs for a week, and the Dwarves ate with ugly looks on their faces as they chewed sullenly. York-ie did not eat; he looked upon the cakes and snarled. 'I am's not eating a dwarf made cake's, especially when it looksss like a brick's!' he said. So he went hungry all morning. Breakfast was eaten as the party began to move. . Some stragglers sat on stones and ate quickly as they waited for the line of dwarves to pass, and some ate slowly while moseying along the path. York-ie, however, wass dragged along by the chains around his wrists and locked onto his belt. A cold rain began to slap down on his cheeks as they drop from the low-lying clouds, and the sun is drowned behind them. With the rain beginning, and the meal ended, thhe pace picked up and the party moved down the mountain with ease; or as much easeis as possible on a stone path that sees pass fifty dwarves and one Orc. At noon the rain began tofall rapid and heavy. It soaked their clothes; it chilled their skin, and the cold sank deep within their bones. It was a piercing cold, that could not be defied by neither blanket nor cloth. The Dwarves moan and groan as they wobble down the slopes, but they make good progress. The travelers grow near to the end of their journey over the Misty Mountains; when at the right spot of the winding path, Mirkwood can be seen as a dark spot just before the horizon drops out of sight. The company wearily travels on through the day, though the scouts cautiously watch every flat spot of rock that hangs above their heads, and peek around every corner before proceeding. Though so far, since nine in the morning, not one trouble looked upon them, not even a stir or odd event has happened. The only thing that caught their eyes was a pile of rocks and stones slipping down the cliff sides onto the path, but this happened often enough that it did not worry them. The dwarves' beards were soaked, and a steady line of water falls from the hoods of their cloaks. Gordon, Keiwick and Dok walked in front, cautiously watching every crack and corner, and Bordon, Gurwick, and Rulldin walked behind them. They each wrap themselves tighter yet the crawling fingers of the cold cannot be stopped. 'We will all fall ill in this weather! Why not stop and find shelter!' Rulldon finally sputters, his teeth chattering. 'No!' cried Gordon. 'There is no shelter large enough for all of us, and we have been delayed long enough. We must continue.' Rulldon and many others cringe, and mumble at the command of Gordon, and their heads hang lower with each passing hour. York-ie, however, was not as miserable as his traveling companions. He even enjoyed the break from the hot sun, as the cold raindrops remind him of the dark, wet caves that used to drip freezing droplets on his neck, much like this rain. He left his home in the tunnels and caves under the mountains almost two months ago. He left Mordor with a group that served the new leader of Evil: Zork-uk. Many recruits were being gathered and trained for the power of his castle in the far North. York-ie was one of one hundred Orcs and Goblins that left Mordor and started their journey to the Grey Mountains. They left the mountains of Ered Lithus, the range that closes Mordor from the north, and they ran with swiftness toward the Dead Marshes, which they journeyed around, not daring to pass through the poisoned air and walk its haunted paths. For many days they trekked; they ran past Emyn Muil and to the shore of the river just under the falls of Rauros, and from there they cut north towards East Emnet and Fangorn. The band was attacked once reaching Fangorn's borders; nearly eighty Orcs were killed, and only seven fled into Fangorn along with York-ie. He could still remember the first night in the forest: it was dark, so dark he could not see his claws in front of his eyes; and he felt crowded, like walls were being built around him as he sat. He could hear the rustling of a great many leaves over his head, and he began to feel trees in places he did not remember trees before. That frightened him, and he struggled to escape the enclosing of trees. Nowhere could he find an opening on the ground, so he climbed, he did not know how high exactly, but he did find an opening where he jumped out and ran far from the area. It gave him chills to think he might have made enemies with the trees, and could not sleep all night for fear he would wake to a great number of them crushing him without warning. He did not enjoy thinking back on that night. Now he walked down the slopes of the Misty Mountains, a prisoner. He watched the water run under and betweens rocks, waterfalls appearing with the downpour and rush down cliffs, slapping on the rocks below. Anger burned within York-ies' heart to think he had the chance to escape, to be free. How he wished he could be on his own, and away from the fighting and laboring ways he once lived, and how he had hoped never to live the way of his past again. But these Dwarves had to throw it away! "Why must they do this?" he thought. "Why can't I just be free? I suppose I am cursed. Doomed to be a captive and a slave. My being an Orc has already chosen my life's destiny." With water dripping off his nose and ears, he walked in bondage, not thinking what he had, or has, but dreaming of what he wants to be. ************** back to top |
| Part 7 The night was cold, and bitter. The rain subsided in the early morning before dawn and their soggy clothes remained damp for the chilly duration of the darkness The watch caught a glimpse of the stars as they twinkled for an hour or so when more clouds rolled in. It was the darkest night any of the dwarves or York-ie had seen in their travels. This made Gordon fearful. His worry that Goblins would attack in such darkness created a constant itch on his mind. Gordon stayed awake all night, only sleeping an hour before sunrise. Two hours before sunrise he thought he heard an out of place noise. It sounded like a knife or spearhead had been dropped on the stone path. Only a few feet ahead he had heard it, he then heard a scuffling sound, like feet rushing away. York-ie slept well, but he also heard the noise, which made his sleep restless the remainder of the night. He approached Gordon about the sound. 'Did's you hear that noise?' he asked. 'I did, and I don't like it. The Goblins are close, and are planning their attack. I will be prepared in the morning. They will want to stop us from leaving the Mountain path,' Gordon said quietly, and a long pause hung between them. ' When's we have reached the Dwarf Dales, will I be allowed's to be free's?' asked York-ie. 'I want to cause you no harm; I only's want to live's on my own. I give you my word, if I were to break it, I should have my arms ripped's out on my shoulders.' 'I appreciate your word, but I do not know your word, and I do not know if it can be trusted, after all, you are an Orc. Never in my long life have I seen an Orc to keep his word, or even act as you do.' said Gordon. 'Just's as I thought.' York-ie dropped his head and picked up a stone that he rolled between his figures. 'After we are off this Mountain, we shall listen to your story, for I am curious why you act like no Orc I've ever encountered, or heard in song. And if your story is well, then we may let you go, though it will be a task to turn the hearts of these dwarves.' 'That scum's Keiwick will turn's the hearts of this company, I am doomed to die's, if the choice is up to him!' 'You must watch your tongue! Keiwick is after all my very good friend, and he is in my favor over you, it will be wise to catch harsh words before they slither from your mouth.'said Gordon. York-ie hissed, but he knew Gordon's words were wise, and he would have been foolish to ignore them. 'There is one question I must ask now' said Gordon. 'How did you come to be on this Mountain? How were you separated from your company?' York-ie tossed the small stone letting it roll on the path, and lifted his head. 'I was in a Company of Orcs coming froms Mordor. We were on our wayss to a place I cannot tellsss. Just outside of, Fangorn I thinks it is called in your tongue. Men attacked us on white horses. They galloped downs the hill like thunder; their swords glinted under the cursed sunsss! Their blades rang as they slid thru the skins of the Orcs, never have I enjoyed battle, so I tried to escapes, but they had surrounded us, for more men came from the cover of the forests. I slew four men, and two horses; I don't know how many I injured before I was able to flee. The heads of my company lays on the grass like apples under an apple tree. I ran with all my mightss, my brother ran behind me's; but the horses of men are to quick, they caught up with us and we foughts more. I then slew two more Mens, my brother slew three, but he came to the end he deserved! A coward and a cheats he was. He ran like a mouse when the Men rode behind usss, leaving me as a dummy to be killed as he rans. But his foolishness killed him; he ran right into a traps that I had seen a mile before we reached it, that foolsss! I thought my end had come, but forty Orcs stormed from the north woods, and a great battle took place there. I then slew five Mens, but all the Orcs but seven fell. The seven, including me, fled when we knew there wasss no hopes, into the wood we ran until the sounds of battles were gone. All that night the sounds of horse hooves and armored boots were heard around uss, even an occasional shout or crys was herd, but by dawn it was quiet. After the sun had risen, and the area was clear, I rans, and ranss, until I came into your service.' 'Why cannot you tell me were your company's destination was? They are dead, you may be the only survivor.' 'Why cannots you tells me were yours destination is? I shalls tell you mine, for yours.' said York-ie. Gordon looked at him with a smirk.'You are a slick creature, but I cannot tell you, yet. Perhaps another time we shall talk, and we will answer all questions.' At early sunrise the band traveled on. With good speed they walked knowing if they did not waste time, then their journey on this Mountain would end the sooner. York-ie walked closer to the front now, only following Gordon by five Dwarves. Keiwick often looked over his shoulder at York-ie with a snarling face, York-ie hissed and growled at him in response. The path suddenly thinned and it was hard to walk, but it soon widened wider then ever before. The tree tops below rose a short way over the lip of the path, and the ground grew closer. At noon they trod on the ever widening path that slid off the slopes and into a rocky field. The journey over the Misty Mountains has finally ended. ************** back to top |
| Part 8 Fifty dwarves poured off the Misty Mountain path, and onto the crusted, rocky ground. Water trickled lightly down from springs in the mountains, dampening the crumbled earth. The clouds hung low and gray above their heads, and sometimes a raindrop would nip a dwarf's nose. The rocky toes of the mountains only lasted a mile, until fields begin to form. Rolling foothills gold, and brown, with large spots of green tossed about. York-ie had mixed feelings about the land. He knew it was a beautiful land, but it was far too open for his liking, and he felt too vulnerable to the sun. Despite the heat and brightness, more burdens laid on his shoulders. The burden of knowing his trial was ahead lay on his heart like a weight in his breast pocket; dragging him over like an old withered man. He only hoped a chance to escape would reveal itself. His trial would not look in his favor, and he feared his end would come. Two rows of dwarves walked single file into the rolling hills. Dusk is near, and they would stop to make camp soon. York-ie's mind scanned the possibilities of escape as he stared ahead, deep in thought. 'Will we continue to drag this weight with us? Or will we take his trial, and kill this filth?' asked Keiwick. 'Why are you so eager to deal out death?' asked Gurwick. 'The poor wretch, all he wanted was to be free, even from his own kind, and all you want to do is kill him.' 'So, he has corrupted you too?' asked Keiwick. 'No, I am not corrupted, it is you that is too thick headed to see any further than him being an Orc!' cried Gurwick 'For these past few days I have seen another side of this Orc, and I can see he is different, in a good way.' 'Gurwick is right, this Orc has good intentions,' said Bordon as he came from behind. 'I talked with him last night, and he is a poor thing, but he has no ill thoughts, I can see it in his eyes.' 'I cannot believe this!' cried Keiwick as he threw his arms in the air. 'Even you Bordon, son of Fordon. He is an Orc! May I remind you how many they have killed of our kind? They're all alike!' 'We shall see tonight,' says Gordon. 'We shall give him trail let him plead his case. So keep your mouth shut Keiwick, until tonight.' Keiwick cringed behind his beard. Bordon walked close to Gordon and whispered in his ear. 'Is it not odd that we give trial, to a poor thing that has not committed any crime?' The two exchanged glances briefly before Bordon walked away to his place in line, satisfied he had spoken his mind. Night fell upon them, the stars twinkled bright as if the moon broke and threw its pieces about the sky, even the occasional piece seemed to fall across the black silk sky. The time for York-ie's trial had come. The night was cold, but a bright fire was lit to warm the camp. All the dwarves of the high rank sat around the dancing flames. Gordon, Gurwick, Bordon, and Keiwick all sat together. Dok, and Rulldon sat together, and York-ie sat alone on the far side of the flames, his hands gripping, and his fingers searching the chains around his hands. Gordon stood; his short but stout stature, strong and sure on the other side of the fire. 'York-ie, you may now tell us of yourself. Already we know much, but you shall answer our questions, and if you plead believable, then we may let you free. Never in my life has an Orc been set free from the chains of Dwarves, and this may be the first time.' Gordon walked around the fire, and stood next to York-ie who remained seated. He now stood face to face with him, such was the difference in their stature. 'My first question is: Where was it that your Band of Orcs were going? Where was their destination, and why were they going there?' 'We agreeds that you would tells me yours for mine,' said York-ie. Keiwick stands to his feet swiftly with his bow in hand. 'You fool of an Orc! We ask questions, and you answer! Do not talk back! -' 'No, he is right.' said Gordon with his hand waving for Keiwick to be seated. 'Very well, but you must speak yours first.' York-ie breathed through his teeth, making a hissing sound that Gordon despised. 'The band I was with,' he paused. 'They were going to the gray Mountainsss, to joins the army of the kings of evil, Zork-uk.' York-ie stopped, not daring to say any more. 'Just as I thought.' said Rulldon. 'The castle in the north is recruiting all Orcs to join its army. If we do not-' Rulldon stopped and looked at York-ie cross-eyed. 'Zork-uk may summon an army great enough to launch attacks upon those of Mirkwood and Lonely Mountain. He is growing strong, and powerful, I hope his power does not grow too great to defeat.' 'Which is yoursss?' says York-ie suddenly. 'Mirkwood, or Lonelyss Mountainsss?' Gordon hesitated, and struggled to say his answer. 'You saids you would tells me yours! You gaves yer word! Is your word only worth the waste of a Troll?' asked York-ie. 'My word is true.' said Gordon. 'We are on our way to the Lonely Mountain, we are needed there for purposes of our own.' 'I have a question!' cried Keiwick as he leapt from his seat, unable to hold his tongue. 'You say you have no desire to hurt us, you say you only wish to be free; so far you have made everyone believe so, but the desire to kill still swells in you. The evil of the Orcs can not be thrown aside!' Keiwick paused and stared at York-ie with burning eyes. 'You wish to kill me now, don't you?' York-ie hissed through his teeth, but kept them tightly clenched, so not to speak words he would regret. 'You do wish to kill me, so why don't you? You know you do; you know you wish to slit my throat.' Keiwick tossed his belt on the ground. 'I am unarmed, kill me wile you have the chance!' "Keiwick! Stop this foolishness, this has no purpose!' said Gordon, but Keiwick continued, throwing his axe at York-ie's feet. 'Kill me! Take that axe; strike me down! You piece of filth! You know you wish to kill me, to shut my mouth for good. You know you want to.' York-ie picked up the axe, holding it tightly in his hand, and clenched it for a while. He hissed and growled in his throat. But then suddenly he threw the axe with precise aim at Keiwick's feet. Keiwick stepped back in surprise! And now felt foolish; he had just helped York-ie, instead of condemning him. 'I do not believe you wish to hurt us York-ie, but my worry is--will you keep us to your self? You have seen us, that is enough; will you go to the king of evil? Will you tell him of us? You know our mission is important and possibly a threat to Zork-uk, will you throw away news of our travels to him? This is what I wish to test.' Gordon took the keys from Gurwick's chain that hung at his breast. 'Testssss? What sorts of testss are you speaking of?' asked York-ie with concerned eyes. 'If you wish to be free, to live on your own, and never see the evil of your race again, you must help us.' Gordon paused, looking at the surprised faces of his company. 'You must help us on our journeys to the Lonely Mountain, if you help us, then we shall take you to the land of your wish, we shall build you a home, and leave you to yourself for the rest of your age, and never tell of your existence.' York-ie looked at Gordon with a more surprised look then the company. He stared at him with his jaw hanging. 'Will you help us on our journey? Will you help us with our need? I never thought I would say such a thing, but: we need your help, York-ie, Race of the Orcs.' York-ie fell speechless, only able to stare in complete shock. But finally, he regained his voice, speaking softly, 'I- I shall helps you; if your word is trues through any obstacles or pressures we are to encounters. If I do's what you asks of me, and you do what you promise for me's, then I shall come.' Gurwick leaned over and unlocked the binds around York-ies' hands, and feet and tossed the chains to the ground. 'Behold the first Orc to escape the binds of a Dwarf.' ************** back to top |
| Part 9 York-ie slept well the first night in almost a week without binds on his hands and ankles. Though the same cannot be said for Keiwick, and some others in the company. Many stayed awake most the night, keeping both eyes on York-ie, making sure he would not slit the throats of all the dwarves in their slumber. The next morning dawned cloudy, and smelled of rain. The rolling fields around them rippled like uneasy waters, and the golden grass is littered with ugly weeds. The sun dimly shone through the clouds, only seen as a pale yellow disc behind the blanket of clouds. The entire company woke, and ate a little something to hold them off as they journeyed that day. York-ie did not eat, he despised the cakes they made, and was not fond of bread. 'You must eat Orc- Ehm, York-ie,' said Rulldon with a slight grudge in his tone. 'I am's not hungry, Orcs can go days withouts food,' said York-ie. 'That will do well,' said Gordon. 'For we have little enough food for our selves, and we may not have sufficient for you as well.' York-ie hissed, now only out of habit. 'Were do we go now?' asked Gurwick. 'How does our path lead us to the home of our kin?' 'We shall make our course north. We will follow the river, and if all goes well, we should reach a path cutting through Mirkwood in two and a half weeks or so. If we take that path, we should come out near Long lake, and Lonely Mountain.' 'Is it the elf path? I should hope not! I will not walk on a path made by elves! I refuse!' said Keiwick. 'Then you better start your way around Mirkwood, it is a long journey, a month at least. You should start soon; we will be waiting at Lonely Mountain for you, if we do not engage in war before your arrival.' said Gordon. Keiwick growled through his puffy beard. 'It is not wise to take an elf path! But it seems I must take it or be left behind. I shall curse it with every step!' said Keiwick as he ground his teeth together. 'All is ready sir!' said a dwarf. 'Very well Rimli son of Gimli, we will be off!' The dwarves walk on through the tall grass. For seven days they traveled in the wilderland, walking with a steady pace under the ever-thickening clouds. On the third night of their journey, York-ie and Dok heard noises in the grass on the rising hill next to them. It sounded like many feet rustling through the weeds, and they even heard an occasional voice, a shrill, growling voice, it would speak one word and not be heard for another two hours or so, and once the voice spoke, all sounds died away. On the fourth night the clouds opened up and dropped rain unto their heads, it lasted all thru the night and into morning, it finally ceased around noon, but the threat of more rain still lingered. Nothing else happened for the next two days, only long hours of walking and complaining. On the seventh day their path was smooth until they came to a river that has trailed away from the Great River. There on the shore they pondered and discussed ways to get across. 'We could swim,' said Bordon. 'No! We cannot! Many of us can't swim.' said Dok quickly. 'Yes I know swimming is not an option.' said Gordon, gently patting Dok on the shoulder. 'Our bags would get wet anyhow, whether we all could swim or not, it is not a good idea. Is there any crossings along this river?' 'No. And if there is, it would be away west at the Mountains, we do not want to go back that way again; it would take us another five days.' said Keiwick. 'Maybe we coulds make a canoe?' asked York-ie. 'I have mades manysss canoes to get across riverss.' 'And what will we make it out of? This Johnson grass we have been trotting through?' asked Keiwick sarcastically. 'No's, of courssse not, you musts find a trees, cut it down, and bring it here.' 'Good luck finding a tree in this land, I have not seen a tree since we left the Mountains,' said Keiwick. 'Your eyes must be dull, I saw a tree only two miles back from here,' said York-ie. 'A big tree, the poor thing was probably left behind from Mirkwoodss.' 'And since when has an Orc had pity for trees?' asked Keiwick. 'Enough!' shouted Gordon. 'York-ie is a part of the company now, you will treat him well! I think York-ie knows what he is talking about, I think it is worth trying, we will send ten Dwarves to go back, find the tree, and bring it back to us.' The ten dwarves set out to find the tree with ropes, axes, and sacks slung about their waists. 'It will be a few hours until they return.' said Bordon. The company sat around on the pebble shore, talking, practicing their weapon skills, and napping. Some even took off their armor and went for a swim in the cool water. York-ie lay quiet, his eyes were closed, thinking about where he would choose to place his new home. He first thought he could find a quiet place along the Misty Mountains, but soon dismissed it from his thoughts. It was not secret enough there, he would be discovered. He thought perhaps the Iron Mountains far southwest from here would do, though he did not know the area, yet it seemed far enough from Mordor and Zork-uk's domain. Other thoughts flooded his mind; he was in a time that needs much thought and wisdom. York-ie watched the most appalling sight of dwarves with their shirts off; cringing and hissing at the image. Gordon walked neear to him with his hands behind his back, he looked down at York-ie for the first time since the party of dwarves left to search out the tree. 'They should be back with the wood any time now. I do hope you know the business of canoes; if you know canoes as we know our mining tools, then we will do well,' he said. 'The skills of a dwarf towards his mining tools is greatsss, I am sure I do not know canoess as wells, but I know enough.' 'Hm, ehm, you see, your words right there are not like an Orc's words. A normal Orc would not say that, and a normal Orc would not be helping with making a canoe to cross this river, that is for certain. What is it that makes you this way?' asked Gordon. 'I do not knowsss.' said York-ie. 'Perhapsss it is related to the storyss. The storyss that Orcs were elves once, we were once elvess. And every one hundred years, an Orc is bornss with an elf heart. But they are killeds, murdered because they are different.' 'I had not heard that story before, that Orcs are kin to elves. Obviously a very distant relation,'said Gordon as he fingered his beard. 'So you think perhaps you are a long lost piece of your kin, and you caught the heart of an elf from long ago? Very intriguing.' 'Masters Gordon,' said York-ie. 'You speaked of engaging war, and I wass thinkings, are you going to wars ageist Zork-uk?' 'We are. But I do not ask you to fight your own kind, I have something different in mind.' 'And what iss itss?' 'Another time, I will tell you later.' Suddenly horns blew strong and loud. Gordon and York-ie ran to see what was being called. 'THEY HAVE RETURNED!' shouted the dwarves. The ten dwarves wobbled up the hills with a tree trunk on their shoulders. Many more dwarves ran to help them with their burden. The trunk is laid on the shore and every dwarf looked to York-ie. York-ie first asked for the dwarves to make a fire, and then he ordered five dwarves to start chopping the inside of the canoe out. While these things are being done, he ordered others to go and bring back dry dead leaves or grass. Once the fire is started, and the fuel is at his feet, he starts a fire in the first scoop that had been cut within the wood. It burned steady and hot; he and two others began chopping into the charred wood, breaking away at the sides, slowly forming the canoe by fire and by groove. Many of the dwarves looked upon York-ie in awe to think an Orc can have so much skill. They toss the hollow piece of wood into the water, smoke billows into the sky, and the hot flames choke and sizzle under the water. Finally, once nightfall had crept over the hills, the canoe was finished; perhaps not the most elegant piece of work the dwarves had ever seen, but it would get them across the river. ************** back to top |
| Part 10 The Company waited until morning to tackle the river. The canoe sat quiet at the river's bank, being licked by the shore's cool water. York-ie slept sound under the cold twinkle of stars above, and the entire company slept deep or only hanging in sleep. Keiwick was on watch for a few hours after relieving a Dwarf from duty so he may lie down to sleep. Keiwick sat on a tall mossy rock looking over the river. He sat there quiet and undisturbed for an hour or so, but then he slid off his little nest on the stone and wandered the shore. He came across the canoe that he happened to bump into on his walk. He examined it closely, looking inside and out as if trying to learn the mastery of making one. But then, he pulled his axe from his belt and began to cut and shave away the bottom. He then struck the canoe with his great axe head, cracking a slit that he then filled with mud to hide. After an hour of his carpentry, he slid the boat back to the rocky shore, and cleaned up the chips of wood from the water's edge; he took them and tossed them in the tall grass nearly a mile away. He then nestled back into his nest and watched the sun rise in golden splendor. All the Dwarves began to wake as their bellies called. They growled and mumbled as they rolled about on the ground trying to bring themselves to their feet. They pulled some cakes from their packs and nibbled them. Gordon stood ready looking out over the rolling foothills. He quickly got the company ready for their walk today; he did not want to waste time watching them cringe as they ate their beefcakes. Gordon tried to find York-ie, but he was not to be found anywhere; not at the river's water, not about the camp, not even on any hills in sight. Gordon sent two Dwarves to find him as the rest prepared to cross the river. Gordon and Bordon stood by the water, looking out at the beauty of the sunrise as it shone on the lightly rolling water. 'Even though York-ie is an Orc, he has helped us greatly,' said Gordon to Bordon. 'Yes, he has been a help in this case. Though I wonder where he has gotten to.' 'No need to worry, he has given me his word to stay with us, and I don't think he would break that. But I do hope he hurries with getting back here, for I don't have all day to wait.' Suddenly York-ie walked behind them giving them quite a startle. 'Were have you been?' asked Bordon. 'Finding breakfastsss, I found good fishhess in stream.' 'Very well,' said Gordon. 'The canoe is in the water and ready, I shall round up the company.' Bordon walked away and called out loud his orders. York-ie looked at the canoe in an odd way. It looked different somehow, but he couldn't see how. He wanted to take a look at it, but the Dwarves were in such a hurry, they would never allow him to pull it out and 'waste' more time. 'Here you are York-ie,' said Gurwick as he handed him a rope. 'Take this and tie it at the other end, then bring the boat back so we may begin to ship the Dwarves to the other side.' York-ie took the rope and got in the canoe. It wobbled from side to side, but stayed afloat. He used a paddle he made from extra wood and slowly worked his way to the other side. He fought the current; it gradually took him downstream; he franticly attempted to move against the current and not stray too far from the company. With his great arms knotting and his paddle slapping the water, He finally reached the other side, sliding onto the slope of the shore. He carefully got out of the canoe. He took a stake and shoved it into the soft dirt, and then he tied the rope nice and tight. 'Itsss done!' shouted York-ie. He then used the rope to pull the canoe and himself to the other end, and save the fight with the current. Once to the other side they started to load the heavy Dwarves into the small canoe. They sat four into it along with York-ie as the driver. 'I am not riding in a boat with an Orc!' cried the Dwarves. 'He is a part of our company now, you must interact with him just any of us,' said Gordon. 'No!' shouted the Dwarves, 'I am not riding with that filth!' 'Well you mus-' Gordon was interrupted by York-ie's hissing voice, 'If they do not wishess to sit with me, then ssso be it, they may guide the canoe themselvesss.' So five Dwarves hung on tight as they bobbed in the water. The canoe sank low in the cold river. The water nearly ran over the edge of the sappy wood. A Dwarf named Fumborn guided the canoe over the running water, pulling them withall his strength on the rope. Slowly they crossed, fearing it would tip over. The water sometimes crawled into the boat, lying in puddles under the Dwarf-made boots. York-ie feared the boat's ability to hold them; it was not floating the way it should, and it seemed to be falling lower. The Five made it half way, hanging on the sides as if they hung from a cliff at five hundred feet. But they made a steady pace across, until suddenly they cried out in fear! The canoe filled with water as quickly as if a faucet was turned on inside, and the canoe rolled over, dumping the Dwarves into the deep water. They kicked and sloshed as they flapped their arms! Their armor began to sink them under the water. Fear sprang into York-ie's heart! He dove into the river and swam with all his might. He hissed and cursed the feel of the fresh pool, but he continued to swim no matter the fear. Fumborn fell under, not even seen. York-ie dipped under into the dark, searching the vast underwater, but nothing was found but schools of fish. Then he saw an image in the corner of his eye. He kicked his feet the hardest he had ever kicked! He saw Fumborn's armor glint in the light of the sun far above. His hand was stretched out towards York-ie. York-ie reached out to him, his first grab slipped and Fumborn sank far. York-ie choked from loss of air but did not dare give up, he paddled hard and took Fumborn's hand, then they swam to the top, sloshing and gasping for air! The other Dwarves had already been pulled from the water. 'What happened out there?' shouted Gordon in a concerned tone. 'Why did it sink? I thought you knew how to build such a boat!' York-ie crawled onto the rocky shore like a drowned rat. He sat and caught his breath. 'Ssss, I donts know. I donts know why it sank; perhaps there was toos much weight,' said York-ie. 'Are you saying to me that I am fat?' cried a Dwarf who dripped of water. 'Tili! This is not the issue, now go sit and get some air,' said Gordon. Tili walked away grumbling. 'Too much weight you say?Fumborn, how did the water fill the boat?' 'It came straight from the floor, gushing so quickly we could not stop it,' said Fumborn under his heavy, wet beard. 'That does not sound like weight drowned it,' said Gordon. 'Did you falter in the making? Could you perhaps have cracked the wood without knowing?' 'No. I made sure it was not faulty. I do's not know what coulds have happened,' said York-ie as he stood to his tired feet. 'Do you know what I think,' said Keiwick as he walked from behind. 'I think this was done purposely. I think he faltered in the making so he could drown us-' 'Thatsss not true!' shouted York-ie. 'But it is!' said Keiwick as he stood looking up at him. 'You faltered! A crack, I should think, a crack easily made with a strike of an axe, and easily covered with mud or a paste you carry on you. It is an easy way to kill some of us, and maybe even trapping our leader Gordon into it.' 'You lie! I woulds never do's that! You lie!' cried York-ie as he grabbed Keiwick's collar. Gordon jumped between them and held them back. 'Stop it!' he shouted. 'Whatever happened it is done now, the boat has sunk to the bottom. I suppose we shall make another, and this time watch York-ie's movements, and it shall be guarded specifically. Everyone take rest, we will not be crossing today.' Gordon walked away in deep thought, hoping that Keiwick's words were not true in any way. York-ie trotted through the tall weeds cursing the name of Keiwick, and Keiwick walked away with a grin and sense of accomplishment. ************** back to top |
| To be continued... |