Chapter Text
The Forest of Carnán was lusher than any Talion had dared imagined. He gazed upon great flowers of red that were large enough to use as a stool. Twisted vines wrapped around the trees and hung down like ropes of ivy. At the forest floor, ferns and fresh moss blanketed the soil. The ranger and the wraith watched cautiously for any sign of life. It was not long before they found what they sought.
Up ahead, Talion spotted an Orc calling for help. He was pulling and tugging at a set of vines on the ground. The plants were strangling him, wrapping its tendrils around his throat and arms as they dragged him into a pti beside the roots of a tree.
"Help me, Tark! We'll fight our way out of here together!"
The Wraith said to Talion, "For plants themselves to stir… I am reminded of what my people did in Fangorn Forest."
"So this is the work of Elves?" asked the ranger.
"I… do not know. It may be that this spirit is a powerful Ent of some sort. Or something more ancient. Either way, we must be cautious."
Talion took out his arrow and fired it into the head of the struggling goblin. The dead Orc collapsed as the vines overflowed around him. In a few moments, all evidence of the murder would vanish. The ranger now understood why the fate of the previous war parties had remained a mystery. Up ahead, the Gravewalker spotted a small hill at the foot of great trees. Upon it were three armored Caragor. However, they were as still as corpses. They neither bared their fangs nor showed any intent to pounced upon him. The ranger watched them carefully as he strode on passed. These beasts had already been tamed, but by whom?
At last, they reached the heart of the forest. Here the trees were even older, and their scent was of an age long past. Celebrimbor became uneasy, looking around at the trees for the source of the power. He was beginning to understand what they were dealing with. Both men now spied a great tree that towered above all others, or rather a group of trees now entwined after centuries of heedless growth. Within them, was a darkness, a hollow center at the base of the trees. From it, yellow eyes stirred.
"You trespass upon the foundations of life, Gravewalker"
A deep feminine voice. Her enunciation was coarse, as if the common speech of Middle Earth was troublesome for her to utter.
"What devilry lurks here?" asked Talion.
"Be silent!" said the Wraith, "This is an ancient spirit. Do not anger her."
For the Bright Lord to become humble, Talion wondered at her power. However, he was still skeptical of this being. It had shed the blood of many… Orc and man alike.
He shouted, "Show yourself!"
Out of the shadows, a mass of vines emerged. They clung to the trunk of the entangled trees. On the other side of the hollow, another group of vines now appeared. The ranger now realized they were shaped like enormous hands. Up from the darkness, creation itself emerged. A tall being made of vines and wood. Her arms and legs were like the cedars and oaks of great trees. Her chest was wrapped in old vines, thousands of them now inseparable. Her face was smooth like that of human flesh, save for the green of nature that painted it. Her eyes glowed with a bright yellow and a light green, the color of the forest itself. Above her head, there was a crown of great branches, and it poured out into a long train of hair made of vines and timber. As she stood up, Talion realized she was as tall as a Graug. As she rose, he saw the plants around him begin to stir. New shoots arose, and small blossoms bloomed as if the sun itself were shining on them.
The Wraith immediately bowed down. However, Talion would not, not quite yet.
"Bow down, Talion. This is the Spirit of Carnán. I have sensed her since the moment we arrived. I did not know Carnán was her name. I have heard her called many names, none as noble. I did not know… I did not know that such a being still existed in Middle Earth."
"Trespassers," said Carnán, "You bring war with you. You bring a weapon of power to my forest. Doom is sure to follow."
The Wraith said, "We meant no disrespect. We have come to liberate your forests from the Orcs that cut it down."
"Liar!" she uttered, "You have brought… Orcs!"
Talion said, "We have our reasons. Those Orcs are under our spell."
"A terrible thing, your magic! Bring your Overlord here. I am the power that resides within Núrn. I would see the forces that now try to claim it."
The ranger said, "What you say, you can say to us alone. I will not risk her life by bringing her to one who has killed so many Uruk."
From the side of his eye, he spied a pack of Caragor. However, these did not seem to be made of scales and flesh. Instead, they seemed to be of twisted vines with the same yellow eyes as the others. In fact, a pack of these same wolves had completely surrounded him.
"Talion! Do not defy her. We cannot settle in the island if its keeper deems us an enemy. Obey her or we may die here."
The ranger sighed and said, "Then I will bring Ursa. But you must promise that no harm will come to the Overlord. These are peaceful negotiations. Nothing more."
Carnán answered, "I am not some treacherous cur. Bring your Overlord to me."
Ursa gulped as she marched towards the heart of the forest. She joined by her two bodyguards Flog and Hallas. She left the Warchiefs back at the ships for their sake. Silently, she wondered what being had summoned her and what being could manipulate the forest itself. Through the uneasiness, she felt a sense of excitement, her curiosity sparked. Ursa wondered at what this ancient force was. She knew much was at stake, but could not help but feel eager to get a glimpse on a being found nowhere else in Mordor.
At last, she reached Talion and Celebrimbor. They both looked back as she made her approach. She was wearing the same robes in which she had fought the Nazgul. However, she left the intimidating helm back at her beached flotilla. She knew negotiations needed to proceed swiftly. Likely, enemy goblin scouts long ago spotted her ships and informed their captains. Soon the island's overlord would amass an army.
Up ahead, Ursa spied the great spirit. Her fiery eye took in her majesty. In that same moment of reverence, she forced herself to bow. If things turned for the worst, she did not know if she could burn the forest guardian's lush vines before being slain by them.
Ursa stated, "It is an honor to be in your presence, oh great one. I am Ursa, Overlord of your beautiful coasts."
The spirit of Carnán said, "You bring fire and death with you, Orc."
Ursa turned to the side as the voice had not come from the giantess. Instead, it was spoken by one of the Caragor.
From another Caragor, she heard, "Great evil sets foot here. A ring of power that could turn the tides of war. A wraith who deems him a lord worthy of Mordor. A ranger who allies with the dead and with Orcs. And… a half-Orc?"
The spirit continued, "Within you, I see the blood of corruption flowing through your veins."
Ursa said, "I beg your pardon, but I do not think it is an evil."
Carnán answered, "Indeed, there is goodness within you. But below it… that is where true darkness lies. I see… I see… the enemy! You wield the fires of Mordor! In your eye, I see his cruel gaze!"
Ursa tried to control her racing heart as she said, "I did what was needed to save those I love. Though I am scarred by it, I believe I am still myself."
The island spoke, "A lust for power rests within your heart. I see great fear. And yet… there is love. Is that what holds back the corruption? No, it is slowly seeping in. How long can you fight the darkness? How long can any of you? You who do not fight in the light. You have embraced shadow and death."
"The light," said Talion, "was too weak. Darkness was needed to give the light a fighting chance."
The Bright Lord said, "What of the ring of power? Look upon it. It is a pure thing. Not tainted. Not corrupting."
"For now," she answered.
Talion said, "We did not come here to be mocked. We all know the risks. Yet when innocent lives were threatened, none came to their aid. Not Gondor… not Rohan. Not the Elves nor the Dwarves. Not you. I am tired of being questioned at every turn by those that will not dare fight Sauron! I will not hide away. I will not give into despair. There is good in this world and I fight for it. Now, will you turn us away? Will you be content to hide in this hole as your lands are ravaged and the weak are crushed beneath the heal of Mordor?"
Carnán said, "Do not lecture me of good and evil. I have seen it before. I have seen good intentions turn to madness. You are no different. Hmmm…. But… I sense life here. You... You two are betrothed."
Ursa said, "Yes, there is life here. My child awaits my return. I dream of a future where she can know only peace. Though I am nothing before you, we are both mothers. To protect what we love, we would kill again and again. I believe what Talion has said to be right."
The forest remained silent.
And so Ursa continued, "You look to my fire and see evil. Alas, I wish this power had been a pure thing… like the ice my beloved wields. Nevertheless, is fire not what brings life? It clears the dead trees of the forest and pries open the nuts of trees. Do you resent the lightning that strikes true? Let me use this fire to burn away its maker. Let the old Mordor die and a realm of peace emerge."
Carnán said, "You speak truth. My duty is to Núrn, this island above all. I will entrust this place to you, for the time being. My forest will not destroy your army, and they may live here. I give only this warning: stay away from the heart of the forest. Stay away from here. No Orc may again enter but you, half-breed."
The spirit added "The trees on the borders… do with them as you will."
Ursa said, "We will lay seeds and saplings in their stead."
The forest answered, "Good. Very good. And to the Bright Lord and his captains, I offer my power. My forest will fight for you until the island is taken."
Talion said, "Thank you! Thank you! Forgive my rudeness."
She said, "My kindness is not limitless. Do not come here seeking power or you will join the thousands who thought this island was theirs to defile. They now serve only as fertilizer for my young, a far more useful duty. Go now. Leave me to my slumber."
The Wraith plucked at the mind of the Orc chieftain. Brûz's Warchief was now loyal to the ranger.
"You serve the Bright Lord!" the ranger shouted, half of his face revealing the phantom within him. As he spoke, their voices intertwined and lost all distinction.
With a mighty blow, he pierced the ground with his ghostly banner and knocked down the Orcs about him. Some fled. Most remained. They were frozen by a sense of fear and admiration as they witnessed this display of raw power. With this Gravewalker as their new master, the old Overlord was as good as dead. Although uneasy with betraying Sauron, they were excited to know they stood with the victors.
Brûz cackled seeing the ranger so easily best his old commander. He waltzed towards the back of the war camp to see if any Orc assassins still lurked nearby. As he did, he heard a series of thumping sounds. It was undoubtedly a group of Olog.
"Come out!" ordered Brûz. He was clearly ready to murder all of them, despite their advantage in numbers.
"Brûz!"
The Cutter answered, "Is that you, Gaz? Why are you hiding there? All of you should be at the ceremony!"
"Why?" asked Gaz, "The Warchief was defeated by a ranger! We don't serve no stinkin' ranger."
"It doesn't' matter what he is. He won so the Warchief will serve."
Daz now said, "I saw his trick! The ranger grabbed the Chief by the head and turned him. One second he's saying he'll never surrender and the next he's bowing down. He's turning the Orcs into slaves! I knew it were true!"
Brûz brushed aside the accusation with a flick of his hand and said, "Don't worry about any of that. The Bright Lord is strong. Bested me in a moment, something no one else has even come close to doing. He's strong enough to face the Dark Lord, I reckon. There will be war, I guarantee it. Are you really going to deny yourself the chance to be a part of that?"
"Of course!" argued Gaz, "I won't be a slave. I have my pride. I didn't break like the others in Thaurband. I won't break now. I won't submit to the likes of him!"
"You best watch your tone, Gaz. If you aren't going to join us, then stay out of our way."
"No, you should be joining us! We're blood brothers, Brûz!"
"I… you know that I can't! Now scram!"
Gaz said, "I thought we were closer than that. Blood brothers first, even above our allegiance to the Chief. You're going to pledge yourself to this invader? You've… you've been branded too, haven't you?"
Brûz jabbed the other troll's chest with a thick finger, stating, "Listen here, I'm to be made the new chief to replace the boss. Then, I'll be the overlord. Oh, bloody hell. I see a patrol coming. Get going!"
"We'll find a way to free you, Brûz!"
"None of that! Next time I see you, you better be having a change of heart. The Bright Lord's going to rule this island. If you want to live, take a boat back to Thaurband. If you wise up and want to join us, I'll save you a place by my side when I'm overlord."
Gaz cursed him in Black Speech and turned away. His fellow Olog now followed after him.
"Should have joined us, brother. How am I ever going to protect you?" whispered Brûz.
He shook his head and turned back to the ceremony. He heard the Orc chanting the name of his new master. Soon enough, they would be waging war on Shuga's castle.
Overlord Ursa sat atop her black, armored horse. Her legion was standing behind her, save for the hundred guarding her ships. On her right stood Brûz the new chieftain. He wore a massive pauldron upon his shoulder, with an axe molded onto the side. Fresh war paint was painted over his face like a mask. His previous commander was now seated as one of his captains. The war troll led a legion of a thousand and two hundred. With their combined might, there was a chance for the siege to reach a speedy conclusion. Before them was the fortress. The walls were made of layers of stone, and behind it was the keep, a building nearly six levels high. Great bones of grog and other beasts hung about the walls and architecture. A home fit for a king of Orcs.
Ursa strode her horse over to the large Olog.
She said sweetly, "You must be Brûz the Chopper. I am sorry we did not yet meet."
"Queen of the Orcs, eh? A tiny, ugly thing you are. But looks can be deceiving. You've got to have nerves of metal if you survived this long and united so many. It's an honor."
Ursa said, "The honor is mine Brûz… I think."
She then stretched out her right hand and said, "Bring the catapults into range! Aim for their war machines!"
Her officers repeated the orders. The large wooden wheels of her catapults rolled forward now. Unlike the keep's grounded trebuchets, her catapults could steer in any manner of directions thanks to their wheel systems. Ursa had brought several small catapults with her on the ships. These large ones were taken from a small keep south of the Overlord's fortress and rebuilt to include wheels.
She now stated, "Talion should be arriving with another army soon."
Brûz remarked, "We've only been here a week and he's got another Warchief? Consider me both terrified and impressed."
Ursa said, "He's become proficient on defeating his enemies. The list of those who can stop him shrinks by the day."
"You do love to brag about him, don't you, love?"
"Of course, I do," said Ursa, beaming at the troll, "He is my husband after all."
"Ah… young love," spoke Brûz with a cheerful smile.
Within an hour, Talion arrived to fortify the ranks. He brought five hundred Uruk in tow, along with catapults, ladders, and ballistae. Leading them was Droog, a young Orc from the Feral Tribe. It was said the Feral tribe was responsible for conquering the island recently. Their hunting prowess and ability to tame any beast allowed such a feat. Under the banner of their Warchief, their tribe ruled the southern half of the island. Of course, this was merely the center of their tribe. Many tribe members were sent elsewhere in Núrn. It was not unusual for tribe members to swear allegiance to other tribes or to Orc officers without any tribe of their own.
As Talion rode atop his white horse, a herd of a hundred Caragor marched beside him. Each was a shimmering emerald and as lush as the forest they left in their wake. Towering above them was a mighty Grog formed of tree and vine. The Spirit of Carnán had kept true to her promise.
"He is here," said Ursa, "Now we send in the trolls."
Indeed, the armored trolls could last the longest against the arrows and could break through the wall after some time. Even so, she kept her finest war trolls safely back with her other heavy ranks, saving them for the final stage of battle.
Brûz said, "Ouch. I wouldn't want to be one of them."
Ursa said, "We will make their mission a bit easier. I can at least deal with the siege beast."
Ursa's gaze focused on the top of the castle's wall where she saw a great ballista firing down on her forces. The broken Grog remained still as its engineers sent rocks hurling at the enemy's war machines. Dozens of archers protected it. So far away, she could barely see it. Her magic would not be precise. Ursa extended out her hand and called upon the dark powers. Fire engulfed the top of the wall. She heard the archers screaming in pain. To escape it, many threw themselves off the side and plunged to their deaths. Her heart waved for but a moment at the sickening sight she had caused. All the while, her gaze remained strong as steel. War was beginning to harden her. The flames now fell upon the ballista and began to sting at the enslaved Graug's armor. Yet she had not the heart to slay it, instead doing her best to burn at its captors and the weapon on its back. The Graug roared in pain before realizing its masters were dead. And so, it scaled down the wall and into the safety of the forest. It was free at last and surely Carnán would nurture it. As all this transpired, Brûz remained slack jawed in disbelief as he saw her sorcery in all its horror and glory.
"Ah… I'm starting to get why you are the Queen."
From behind, Talion said, "She was a warchief long before gaining her powers and a fine one at that."
"Thanks to both our efforts," corrected his wife, "Talion… wait for the fires to settle before you breach the defenses."
"As you wish," he answered, "First comes the charge."
The Bright Lord revealed himself alongside his host. Together, they stood before the front lines. The Warchiefs began to flank them. Brûz tapped his massive mace in his palm. He was itching for this battle, craving the head of hte Overlord. Ursa looked to Talion as he drew out his sword.
Talion shouted out, "This keep cannot hope to hold us at bay for even a day! Steel yourselves for their end is nigh! Forward ranks, prepare to advance! On my signal… Charge!"
He aimed his sword at the citadel where the Overlord was watching. From atop the fortress, the old lancer growled as he saw nearly three legions descend upon him. The front of the enemy army was charging with Olog-Hai, shield-bearing Orcs, and weaker grunts making for the wall. He had hundreds of archers prepared to cut them down, but his Graug had unceremoniously fled from Witch's magic.
Ursa said, "Brûz, send your trolls to where the graug fled. There are no archers there. Only ash. Talion…"
The Gravewalker answered, "I will hold the wall."
The ranger let out a war cry and joined the front ranks as they made their charge. Arrows whizzed past him, screeching as they did. He heard goblins keel over dead and the trolls groan as the projectiles pierced their hides. From where he was, the wall was about thirty meters away now. He stopped his charge and drew out the wraith's bow. He set the shot for just above the wall's rim. The moment the arrow reached its mark, he appeared on the side of the keep. Talion panicked as he fumbled for something to grip onto. His gloved hands managed to catch a notch in the stone before he fell to his death. Now secure, the ranger leapt a great height as the Wraith elevated him. Now atop the wall, Talion drew out his bow and loosed an invisible arrow that killed a bowman beside him. To his surprise, he saw something stirring at the foot of the wall. Carnán's wolves climbed up the wall and pounced upon the Orc companies. The Caragor-riders of the Feral Tribe joined them. Together, the wall would surely be taken.
Ursa said, "Over two thousand Orcs are waiting for us in there. When they breech the wall, all chaos will be set loose."
"When it does, I'll be there to pop off their heads" said the Chopper, eliciting a popping sound as he did.
Ursa said, "Good. Return to your ranks. They will need their Warchief for what is to come."
"As you wish, my Queen."
The battle raged on for several hours. Talion found no way to reach the Overlord hidden deep within his keep, barred behind a massive set of gates. As such, the ranger began to slay and turn Orc captains while keeping the wall free of archers. Below, shield-bearers protected Orcs with battering rams that hammered at the gates. Even more, a Graug built of Carnán vines was among them. It punched hard at the gate, each blow like that of four trolls. It soaked in the arrows and fire from the defenders. As for the trolls, they were part of the second effort to breech the wall, this time by focusing their swings on a single crack. After the fourth hour, the tide, at last, turned in favor of the invaders. The forest Graug had been burned to death by oil before the gate could be destroyed, but luck had appeared elsewhere. The Olog had managed to shatter enough stones to collapse a portion of the wall. Ursa quickly sent in the war trolls and her heavy units to slaughter the armored Uruk on the other side.
Brûz cackled as he sent an enemy shield-bearer hurling into the air. With a second swing, he tore through another's box shield. One of his trolls plucked up a large Uruk-Hai and then smashed him into the ground. The enemy's shield bearers swiftly retaliated with a rain of javelins. Many of Ursa's goblins were skewered in the onsalught The Chopper charged forward and broke apart their ranks with his ferocious might. About him, armored Uruk were cutting down the defenders. As the battle turned in their favor, Ursa unleashed a thousand of her foot soldiers. The heavy units were sent to join Brûz in capturing one of the enemy flanks. It was not long before Talion took one of the wings of the fortress, planting his banner firmly in the ground.
A friendly captain now spoke, "They are all dead, my lord. Let us turn to the gate."
Talion said, "Send your trolls and battering rams to weaken it. We will hold out until Overlord Ursa arrives. We will need her power."
"Ursa! Ursa! Ursa!"
Hearing her name chanted caused Ursa to feel bashful. Even so, she acknowledged it was her they were cheering for. She had become Warchief to prove her right to live amongst the Orc, and now wielded the power to fight beside them in the battle. To fight alongside Talion as she had long wished.
She said, "Let us test his fire against mine."
The she-Orc created a small flame in her palm that glowed and flickered calmly. She breathed in and then out as if a furnace lay in her chest. As she gathered herself, the flames grew into a great orb of fire. The Overlord sent it higher into the air lest it begin to singe her face. Her clawed gauntlet now stretched forth. From the small flame, erupted a fury. She spewed the flames like a torrent of water breaking free from a dam. Her golden eye narrowed as she increased the heat of the flames. Indeed, she could control not just their abundance and shape, but their temperature. The wall of the fortress was now covered in fire as it spewed in all directions. In its thickened form, it was more like a gas than a simple fire. Soon the iron gate began to heat up and the metal glowed a bright orange. It was softening.
Ursa conjured her flames once again, molding them above her palm. She wrapped them together into an orb of fire, ever pouring more flames. Every tightening it. She imagined the blast Talion had described, the magic of the Witch King's making that had broken the impregnable gates of Minas Ithil. Compared to those gates, these were nothing. However, this was far faster than simply leaving it to the trolls. Ursa released the ball of fire. With all intensity, it struck the molten gate. As it collided, it burst in a flash of light and an eruption of fire. The rotting gate fell open. Ursa then put out the flames so that the metal began to cool.
Talion said, "I bring only my finest warriors. I need only those who will not get in the way."
The ranger brought with him Brûz and Ursa. Joining the officers were fifty armored Uruk and Brûz's party of trolls. Two Feral tribe members armed with javelins also trailed closely. Beside Talion, was one other man. It was Hallas, armed with a shield and sword. His face was pale and he was sweating. He had not been prepared for the horrors before him. His nerves had long burnt out, but he remained fixed on his Queen.
Ursa said to him, "Hallas, we must keep our distance form the Overlord. Slay any that approach me."
"It will be done my lady."
Ursa could see he was frightened. This was his first bout of war after all. She had intended to keep him by the ships, but he had reminded her of their promise. He had begged for a chance to prove himself and there seemed no greater opportunity than this.
"Stay close," she whispered.
As they walked inside the Overlord's layer, they saw him upon his throne. The throneroom was massive, far larger than that in Morn. It must have taken most of the space in the keep as it stretched for five hundred feet in width. Draped about were red curtains and statues of the Dark Lord. The throne itself was seated at a flight of stairs. In the backdrop was a stone carving of a wolf and rows of torches that lit up the back of the room. On the Overlord's seat, sat Ugluk with his spear held tightly in his grip. In front of him were five trolls and a hundred of his finest Uruk, each bred for battle and hardened by it.
"You traitors!" he roared out, "Brûz! You have betrayed all of Mordor!"
Brûz swatted his hand and retorted, "Bah, Orcs betray Orcs all the time. We side with the strong and my new masters are just that. I bring you the Bright Lord! Ah… and the Overlord from Núrn: Ursa the Cunning."
He whispered, "This should be a fun fight."
The troll grinned wide, flashing his fangs.
The Overlord slammed his spear upon the ground, sending streaks of flame out of it.
"You shouldn't have come here. Look around you. My finest Orc and Olog are ready to fight to the death. And I… I've been given power you cannot imagine, imbued from the Nazgul."
Ursa sad, "So it is true. Another Orc who can use magic."
Talion said, "A useful power. We will have to take him alive."
Brûz asked, "Alive? That wasn't... He… um… He will step down, won't he?"
The Wraith said, "Magic or not, he failed to even hold this island for a week, no less his castle for a day. A more fit Overlord is needed. He will do nicely as a Warchief, I am sure."
"Now that's what I like to hear, mate!" said the Olog-Hai.
Ursa shouted, "Talion, above us. Archers!"
Indeed, archers were resting on two balconies up above, hiding in the shadows with arrows drawn.
Talion said, "I will clear them. Brûz, take the Warchiefs trolls. Ursa, scatter the ranks."
He fired an arrow and vanished into the air. The trolls now charged forward and battered through the defenses. The pikes and barricades set up meant nothing compared to their unstoppable might. Meanwhile, the Witch of Núrn set fire to the enemy ranks. The shield-bearers faltered as flames began to climb up from below. The battle quickly erupted as Brûz's trolls and those of Ugluk collided in battle. They let out their deafening bellows as they battered and bruised one another, throwing fist and iron to break their opponent's bones. Brûz grabbed hold of a smaller troll by the head, as he blocked the swing of another. He tossed the pinned ogre to the ground and then swung down hard on his back. As the other troll lunged at him, he swatted him away with the back of his arm. As Celebrimbor had predicted, even such mighty opponents as these were no match for his champion.
Up ahead, the Overlord brought out his spear and summoned its flames. As Talion's elite charged him, he dodged the flurry of their swings. He spun swiftly and knocked them backwards. He ducked below a forward thrust and impaled one Orc. The Orc cried out in pain as fire erupted through his intestines. The Overlord cackled as he pulled free the spear and lobbed off the other's head. Even the armored Uruk were knocked back. With each spin, the Overlord left a fiery trail, decimating all in his wake. Ugluk stretched out his arms and cackled at his own might. He felt utterly unstoppable, ready to challenge the traitorous Chopper and his new master. But first...
He shouted, "First, I'll burn the ranger's blushing bride and-AAAAHHHH!!"
In that moment, fire engulfed him. He screamed out in pain as Ursa gazed at her prey. She had no patience for theatrics and gloating amidst combat. His armor protected him, but it burned through the openings and bit at his face.
Just then, one of the enemy Olog saw the she-Orc standing in the middle of the room. He grabbed hold of one of his own Orcs and tossed it at her. Such a projectile would crush her instantly. Desperately, Hallas pushed her to the side as the goblin's body battered her ranks. The troll checked to see if he had killed her, but right then Talion's sword came plunging down into his head. The ranger dug hard, igniting frost into the Olog's body as he cracked through his hide and skull. As the Olog fell dead, Talion landed before the Overlord of the island.
"You'll pay for that, Tark!" said Ugluk as he charged forward.
Talion ducked low as his opponent swung out his spear. He felt the fire burn at his hair and flesh. He hurriedly patted it out, but was forced to roll again as Ugluk continued his barrage. He was a true master of the spear, using its reach to keep his opponents at bay. His trusts and slashes were vicious and unending, able to hold back his enemies quite effortlessly.
Talion realized this advantage and so fired off a luminous arrow. He appeared in front of Ugluk, catching him off guard. As the goblin tried to block him with his spear, the ranger knocked him down with a sudden kick. Immediately, the Overlord regained his footing and spun the spear around him. The ranger weaved around it, moving in faster than his opponent had predicted. As the spear moved past him, Talion swung down on the Overlords' helmet. THUD! Ugluk grunted as the blow stunned him. Talion slid his sword to the side to cut his throat. The Overlord immediately reeled his spear around and deflected the blow. His hands nimbly spun the shaft of his spear around in a whirlwind, thwarting Talion's attempts to outmaneuver him. The ranger found it irksome. Talion would surely best him in time, but the ring would settle matters more quickly.
Right then, Brûz's club came hurdling downward. The Overlord was knocked against one of the statues of Sauron, shattering the front of it. His body was now broken and burned. However, he roared and stood again, ready for combat. His finest bodyguards and remaining trolls surrounded him as he made his final stand.
"Die here, fool!" shouted an Olog as he charged him. He knocked aside the other troll and swung down. Ugluk rolled to the side and stepped backwards. He stretched back his arm and sent his spear into the mouth of the troll. The fire ignited and began to burn at his head. The great troll fell over dead as if he were only a common Orc. Swiftly the Overlord regained his weapon. His posture was now off balance as he clutched his broken ribs. Talion drew closer, slaughtering Ugluks's remaining forces. He felt a great fire burn behind him as Ursa's magic engulfed those that tried to escape. She stood in the back of the room as Hallas dueled with an assassin to her side.
Around the Overlord, Talion's forces drew closer. Brûz's club swung at the last of the bodyguards, sending blood gushing out as he crushed them. Meanwhile, Ugluk sent a flurry of blows in Talion's direction, trying to stab him in the head. The ranger's head twisted to the side and avoided each thrust. The final strike, the ranger deflected with his gauntlet. The Overlord let his fire exploded, burning Talion's shoulder armor. However, the Gravewalker reached out with his hand and caught the shaft of the spear. Ice wrapped around the fiery spearhead and down the rod. The Overlord was now frozen solid. Talion reached out and grasped at his mind.
Celebrimbor roared, "Suffer me now, cur!"
With that, the Overlord was taken. However, with his body so mutilated, he would never reach his former glory.
Near the entrance, Hallas continued to fight the assassins. Ursa's other bodyguards continued to duel with the Overlord's last remaining fighters. With a dagger in hand, the assassins danced around their opponents. Already, one of her guards had fallen to their speed. With Talion's victory decided, she focused upon her foes. She fired a burst of fire like arrows. Each breath of fire knocked them off their feet. She then expanded the flames that burned them, eating at their flesh until the heat utterly consumed them. In moments, they were all dead.
"Check the bodies," said Ursa.
Right then, one of the fallen assassins sprung forth and rushed Hallas in a burst of speed. His dagger was aimed at the young man's chest.
"Hallas! Watch out!" she cried.
His eyes widened in fear. Immediately, Hallas pulled his shield to the right and blocked the dagger. With his free hand, he swung his short sword and cut open the assassin's chest.
Ursa said, "Well done."
"Are you alight my lady?"
"Thanks to you, I am."
She smiled at him before turning to look forward. Talion stood victorious before the throne itself, a seat his great deeds had earned. There the old Overlord kneeled at his feet. Their invasion had been a sound victory. They had lost only five hundred Orcs in the invasion while the enemy lost many legions.
Talion stood at the far up balcony of the fortress. He gazed down at his army and a thousand Orcs gazed up at the Bright Lord. To his right, stood Ursa holding her helm by her side. On his left, stood the new Overlord.
Celebrimbor cried out, "This day, the Island of Carnán is ours! Let Sauron tremble as another of his great realms falls to the Bright Lord! Soon, we will march to Barad-dûr and bring down his precious tower! For now, this is an age of celebration! Victory to the glorious conquerors!"
From the very air, the Elven glave entered the mortal world. Its silver form shimmered as its wielders spun it around their head and then plunged it into the balcony. Like a tormented sea of splendor, white waves resonated down the keep and through the gateway. Indeed, all on the island felt the chill of the Bright Lord and his ring of power.
"I give you your victors!' said Talion, "Ursa, Queen of the Orc. Her fire consumed their ranks and brought the mighty gate down."
Ursa held her long locks of hair steady in the wind. From this height, it was freezing and biting her skin. Even so, she smiled down at the ranks.
Her gaze, kind and terrible, bore down upon them as she shouted out, "This day is for you, my brothers. I welcome you, the glorious survivors, into my ranks and into the new kingdom of Núrn!"
As the cheers of thousands deafened the ears of the great warlords, Talion again spoke.
"And I give you your new Overlord: Brûz the Chopper! He slew the mightiest of Ugluk's ranks and earned the throne for himself. He will lead your army. Submit to your new warlord!"
Brûz said to Talion, "Oh, I'm feeling emotional. A bit nervous to. Don't have the nerve to speak, I don't think I can- Alright, here we go."
Fists raised, he roared down at the ranks, "Was there ever any doubt? I broke the skulls of all who opposed me a hundred times, and I reckon I'll do it a hundred times again on whatever poor army they send to retake this place! You've gathered under the banner of the strongest Olog-Hai in all of Núrn, yes you have! Fight beside me and I'll give you the victory you seek! Now, let's drink some grog!"
Somehow the cheers were even louder than when the Bright Lord and Ursa had spoken. Talion was inclined to believe it had to do with the Orc's love of alcohol-laced celebration.
Indeed, the entire fortress soon became a place of merrymaking. The halls, the training grounds, the Caragor enclosures, and the barracks all became riled with celebration. Bad ale and Caragor meat were passed around. War tales and aspirations spread as the Orcs became lighthearted. For them, there was no happier day than a day of victory. For all the victors, it marked an important occasion. Thaurband aside, the lands of Núrn had been conquered.