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Terri crested a ridge and looked down into a wide valley with no trees.
There spread out over the expanse of green were the signs of a great battle.
Dead orcs lay there.
Terri watched for long moments for signs of life.
There were none.
The flowers began easing away from her to disappear into the forest. One blue one came and tucked itself into terri's pocket.
Terri walked carefully down to the battle field.
On the edge of the carnage an orc lay panting. Mortally wounded she watched Terri's approach.
'Yes… yes…come closer little one and look….' The orc feeblily beckoned. The voice of the orc was harsh and guttural.
Terri was astonished, ' I can understand you….'
'we will be close friends you and I,'
the orc hissed, Again the orc beckoned.
Terri stepped closer.
'What are you? ' she asked the orc.
'I am you without stars and sun and sea.'
the orc said.
Terri looked puzzled.
'Huh?'
'Take away your stars and the limitless ocean and you have me. I was told that once. Those things that cause dreaming and reflection instead of obedience and order.
Closer, do you have water?'
Terri shrugged, 'no.'
she took a step closer.
'Come sit a moment with me and reflect if you will on my life. I have been laying here considering it.'
Terri sat down but out of reach.
I was one of the first you know. Captured and domesticated by the great Lords to work in their service. They changed my once weak form to this strong one.
Terri looked at the body of the orc. True the muscles rippled in arms and legs. But it was a twisted strenght and no beauty resided in the orcs limbs.
At first I was very afraid and it hurt a great deal to be so perfected. And now as I lay here I wonder…..
Terri then said, wonder what?
The orc answered, ' I wonder if I will make the journey to the silent halls we once spoke of before I was changed.
Or will the dark lord reach out and squeeze my soul ever tighter to his service even in death?
Terri said, who is the dark lord?.
The orc laughed grimly. The king of arda.
I wish I had water the orc told her. I woke next to a mirrored lake under rich starry skies before I was recruited.
I have killed many. Elf Lords and princes and burned their cities, set their fields ablaze. It felt good to do this as they were chaos in the world.
How so? Asked Terri.
Because they were free. Answered the orc