The Unforgiven { Legolas x OC - LotR Fanfiction}

20. Uruk-hai

In the black caverns beneath Isengard, Saruman stood before his monstrous creation. Lurtz, the first of the Uruk-hai, loomed before him—taller, stronger, smarter, and far more obedient than any Orc. With Ethir gone, Lurtz had risen to become the White Wizard's second-in-command, a dark general molded from twisted perfection.

Saruman's pale eyes flickered as he examined his army, now two hundred strong. He turned to Lurtz, his voice cold with reverence. "They were Elves once. Twisted by the Dark Powers... tortured, mutilated. Ruined forms of life. But now, perfected. My fighting Uruk-hai."

He stepped forward. "Whom do you serve?"

A chorus of harsh voices answered in fearful unison: "Saruman!"

Saruman's eyes gleamed. He turned to the ranks. "Hunt them down. Do not stop until they are found. You do not know pain. You do not know fear. You will taste man-flesh. One of the Halflings carries something of great value—bring him to me alive and unspoiled. Bring me the woman too, alive. The rest... you may kill."

With a guttural roar, Lurtz led the Uruk-hai out of Isengard. They moved swiftly, thundering across the plains like a black tide.

Meanwhile, the Fellowship journeyed across lands that changed with every mile. A roaring waterfall welcomed them as they glided silently across the river. The third day brought vast grasslands and sparse trees. With dusk approaching, Aragorn led them ashore.

"We'll cross the lake at nightfall," he announced. "Hide the boats. We'll continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the north."

Gimli grumbled. "Oh yes! An impassable labyrinth of razor-sharp rocks. And after that, stinking marshlands far as the eye can see."

Pippin looked nervously to Ethir. She gave a subtle shake of her head—don't worry.

"That's our road," Aragorn confirmed. "Rest and recover your strength, Master Dwarf."

Gimli muttered under his breath, while Legolas approached Aragorn. "We should leave now."

"No," Aragorn said firmly. "Orcs patrol the eastern shore. We must wait for nightfall."

Legolas's voice dropped. "It is not the eastern shore I fear. A shadow and a threat have been growing in my mind. Something draws near."

Ethir, nearby, felt it too. She rifled through her backpack with urgency, muttering curses until she found what she was looking for—herbs and prepared cloth. The elven maidens of Lothlórien had given her remedies. Her monthly burden had returned. It was manageable, but distracting.

"No dwarf needs to recover strength!" Gimli added loudly to reassure the Hobbits.

Suddenly, Merry stood. "Where's Frodo?"

Sam woke up groggily. Aragorn scanned the camp. Boromir was also missing.

In the forest, Frodo stood alone beneath the trees. The wind stirred. Boromir approached, voice low and urgent. "Are you sure you don't suffer needlessly? I want to help you."

Frodo took a step back. "I know what counsel you'd give, Boromir."

Boromir's voice was desperate. "There is still hope!"

"Not while the Ring endures."

Boromir's eyes burned. "The Ring! Is it not strange that so much fear rests on something so small? I only ask for strength to defend my people! Lend it to me!"

"No," Frodo said, backing away. "You were at the Council. You know what was said."

"I am no thief!" Boromir shouted, striding closer.