Orbis Terrae Prologue and Chapter 1

Orbis Terrae Prologue: The History Of Gondolin

              Multitudinous years ago, all the beasts of the world were protected and aided by the Kingdom of Gondolin. Gondolin was a magnificent fortress. It lay northwest of Russgien Forest, somewhere in the towering Grandium Mountains. North of the mountains was the great tundra where snow fell all year long. Then the northeastern shore of Lavaho Sea was just by the forest with the Rivilous desert only a  mile or two down the mountain. Gondolin was in the center of Orbis Terrrae (the world of beasts). The fortress was thought to be impenetrable, it was hundreds of meters long and hundreds of meters in width. The walls were three feet thick made from rubies and diamonds that came from Aether (where God and his warriors the Aura lived). God, who was called Adominatio, had truly made Gondolin unearthly. There were five different layers of walls and in the center of the village was the keep. It towered into the sky toward Aether, fifty yards above the tallest wall. To on lookers, the fortress looked as though it was a tower of light.

              To rule over this kingdom, Adominatio sent his wisest and bravest Aura, Gorthoger. He was to be the first Silmarilion  ( warrior and King of Gondolin ). Gorthoger was sent down in the form of a Gorilla to rule Gondolin. The Silmarillion was given a legendary weapon, Mirdorime, a strong war hammer that could break any type of steel. It could only be taken up by the Silmarilion himself. Gorthoger also received two large sabers that he strapped across his back, Certoa and Rexoa. The Silmarilion was wise beyond all elders and had only a few advisors. Besides his intelligence, the Silmarilion was the deadliest and most skilled warrior ever to be on Orbis Terrae. This was the only problem Adominatio saw with Gorthoger. He was too war-like to rule Gondolin. Yet Gorthoger was granted the kingship of Gondolin in the end. Gorthoger was wise and helped all the needy, but vermin who did evil could not escape Gorthoger's wrath. Vermin were Adominatio's creation, yet corrupted by Droghour and only Adominatio had the authority and power to create. Vermin were the work of the devilish Aura, Droghour. For Droghour the Aura had turned against Adominatio and corrupted his creation making things evil. Gorthoger despised Droghour for this, and when Droghour cursed Adominatio's name, Gorthoger vowed that he would destroy Droghour and his evil creatures. Then out of Aether, the magnificent and all powerful Adominatio boomed out sending thunder and lighting to Orbis Terrae.
“Gorthoger, my great Aura warrior! I have given thou dominion over Gondolin and you have shown hatred and anger. This was not my intention for Gondolin. You have chosen the path of anger and you shall have it! Therefore a curse will be bestowed upon the Silmarilion generation. Because of your hatred, all Silmarilions will be cursed to have Bloodwraith.”
Bloodwraith was when a Silmarilion is in the heat of a battle, he would go berserk, his eyes covered by red mist. It would make the Silmarilion impenetrable taking no notice of wounds or those he slew in battle. That is why many warriors of Gondolin stay away from the Silmarilion in battle.

              Under the rule of Gondolin, all evil was banished and creatures lived a peaceful life. The Silmarilion and his warriors were feared by evil doers and many vermin became righteous and others hid themselves from the world.
             This was the way things were until one treacherous and evil warrior, Saurgon the Destroyer, tore it apart. It began in the reign of Gorgeraith, the fourth Silmarilion to the throne after Gorthoger. He was old when Saurgon took power, and died a year after Saurgon was known of. The Silmarilion who fought the most with Saurgon was Gorfang, Gorgeraith's son. He waged war with the corrupted rhino Saurgon. Saurgon was a massive Turakai. He carried a double-bladed battle axe called Dirger and a sword called Tarmistror. Saurgon was said to be sent up by Droghour himself.

                The war lasted years, the warriors of Gondolin vs millions of the Vermin of Orbis Terrae. Gorfang and his army pushed them back to the tundra, but then a change in the battle appeared. Droghour summoned up demons reign forcing the vermin. The Demons were turakai, Saurgon's kin. These were mutated and disfigured creatures Droghour had corrupted. For only Adominatio could create, not the fallen Aura. Yet he corrupted Adominatio's creation in Geheihna (the place Droghour was banished) with fear. The most deadly were the Wargs. These demons were like wolves. They were incredible fighters in packs, working together smoothly. Soon the forces of Saurgon laid siege to Gondolin. It was a battle of a hundred years. It was soon known as the Battle of Tears.            
                 It was near the end when Gorfang became too old to fight and passed on his throne to his son, Gorzon the Mighty. Gorzon was an incredible warrior, who was said to be even more skillful than Gorthoger. He rallied the forces of Gondolin and gave them courage and new hope. He took the hostiles by surprise, by opening the gates of Gondolin and rushing out with all his warriors. The battle was a long and fierce one, each beast battling tooth and claw to the death.


                By the Eastern shore of Lavaho Sea, Saurgon and Gorzon met, Gorzon wielding the legendary Mirdorime, against Saurgon with Dirger. Rushing through the waves, the warriors met, clashing weapons sending a sound wave through the world.


                Gorzon went for Saurgon's head with Mirdorime and his waist with Rexoa, (one of the Silmarilion’s twin blades.) Deflecting both weapons with Dirger, Gorzon stumbled back, shocked by the strength of Dirger and its wielder. Then the Bloodwraith came over him. His eyes covered by the Red mist, Gorzon charged Saurgon ignoring the sword Tarmistror that Saurgon had dug into his shoulder. Slashing at Saurgon recklessly, Gorzon beat him down into the ground with the great war hammer. Suddenly, Saurgon's hand shot up catching the hammer, swinging his leg around, sending Gorzon into a tree. "Auraaaaaa!" Gorzon came tearing back bellowing the war cry of the Silmarilion. Skillfully wielding Certoa and Rexoa, the warrior and King of Gondolin disarmed his opponent with Rexoa, and left Certoa quivering in Saurgon's leg. Readying to finish off the vermin, Gorzon wailed in agony as Saurgon dug his rhino horn into Gorzon's foot and brought him to the ground. Swiftly kicking Saurgon to side of his face, the Silmarilion vaulted up ready for action. Grabbing Tarmistror, Saurgon stabbed at Gorzon, but fell short as Gorzon flipped over him letting his powerful fist smash the vermin's face. Now both warriors were disarmed and the battle became a heated melee of martial arts. Gorzon was the more skilled side in this sort of fighting and soon had his opponent keeling and grasping for air.

                Trying a surprise punch, Saurgon swung at Gorzon. The agile gorilla backflipped over, gaining room between him and the hostile. Then quickly falling to the ground, he ducked under an oncoming kick from Saurgon and quick as light he swung his powerful leg around catching Saurgon in mid sprint, tripping the Rhino. Without stopping, the gorilla heaved two more blows to his opponent's face. Saurgon was now crushed into a boulder, looking more disfigured than ever. Gorzon never stopped and was rushing on to face Saurgon once more. But the vermin was never defeated, and split the boulder, heaving each half at the Silmarilion. Gorzon dodged the first, but had to catch the second. This gave Saurgon the chance he needed. While Gorzon was holding up the boulder, Saurgon charged at him horn first into the gorilla's chest. Gondolin's hero was forced to kneel down to catch his breath. As he charged at Gorzon, Saurgon yelled," DeathBlade!" ( Saurgon's Clan name) *smash* Saurgon clobbered  Gorzon with the boulder, sending him flying into the sea.

                Rising from the waves was Gorzon the Mighty. Wading toward Saurgon weakly, his Bloodwraith still controlled him not letting him do anything but attack the opponent. He stumbled short, breathing heavily. The red mist was fading now, and Gorzon looked about, glimpsing Saurgon who was chuckling as he regained his axe.
"Silmarilion! Face me you coward, and you will learn a lesson from DeathBlade!" Attempting to grab Mirdorime, his chuckling was cut short, for the war hammer could not be lifted. No matter how hard he tried, the hammer wouldn't budge.

        Then the great Silmarilion King whispered these words in prayer, "Adominatio, give your servant strength."  Mirdorime suddenly shot to its master's hand. When the hammer was in his hand, an energy wave of strength sped through his body. Rising up, Gorzon stood tall. With no mist in his eyes, Gorzon the Silmarilion charged Saurgon for the last time. Saurgon obliged him speeding at the gorilla chanting, "I'm the son of Death, I'm the son of evil, I'm the son of Droghour! Death, Death, Death, DeathBlade!” Then Gorzon the mighty warrior of Gondolin, let up his last war cry, “For Gondolin! For Adominatio! Auraaaaaaaaa!"

             The battle axe was in him, but not before he sent the enemy flying with the war hammer.

             In a weak voice his last words were, " Going to Aether, see Adominatio. Son....Gorflash."

             The evil scattered into different clans after their leader's death. Without a Silmarilion, Gondolin disappeared forever until a Silmarilion walked on the Gondolin land once more. Many creatures and warriors of Gondolin traveled to the Black Woods to live, while others roamed the coast of the Lavaho Sea. Some animals who were more suited to the cold went to the tundra and the high north. Only a few found refuge in the flatlands and the Rivilous Desert, for it was inhabited by evil reptiles. Others traveled far to distant rainforests, but the greatest stayed by the mountain to search for the beautiful, comforting, and safe Gondolin. Many warriors of Gondolin united to form the Rogue Crew. A crew known for its quick ambushes and guerrilla tactics. They continued to fight evil as many vermin clans rose.

               Many beasts still dream of the sweet memory of Gondolin. It would be a lost dream from the past. The times seemed hopeless without a Silmarilion to banish the evil, for the evil was growing immensely and creatures began to live in fear. Yet the oldest and the wisest still say the Silmarilion was yet to rise.


To be continued in.....




Orbis Terrae Chapter 1: Morgoth Zann Taggurung
             

                Towering seven feet tall was the biggest, strongest, and the deadliest warg to walk on Orbis Terrae. Morgoth Zann Taggurung was an evil shadow who swept across the land of Obris Terrae, slaying innocent creatures spreading fear through the world. Morgoth wore a dark tunic, with a pitch black cloak and various different armor parts. Morgoth was a dark grey and black warg with fur that shot up like spikes. He was equipped with two throwing daggers that shot out of his gauntlets in an instant. Yet Morgoth carried something so deadly it was feared by all, the blade Tarmistror. It was the sword of Saurgon the deadliest evil warrior known to the world. The sword Tarmistror could like a fire, illuminate into a sword of lava that could burn through the strongest steel.

                Despite his terrifying and barbaric appearance, Morgoth Zann Taggurung was unmatchable in his skill in fighting. He could materialize from thin air and his ability in martial arts was unmatchable being trained in every form of known close combat. Morgoth was very skilled with his weapons, especially with Tarmistror. As well as his battling skills he was an evil genius. Being a very strategic and clever leader, the warg was very hard to fight off when he attacked with his clan. All wolves were very strategic pack hunters, but with Morgoth to lead them they were unstoppable.

              Morgoth Zann Taggurung was the leader of the clan DeathClaw. Members of the clan were the remaining wolves, and a few coyotes of the Battle of Tears. All members had a red tattoo that ran from their muzzle, splitting off by their forehead heading to their ears. Morgoth being the leader and the Taggurung had a black stripe through the red and sharp wave tattoos that ran across his face. Morgoth was the only warg since the Battle of Tears. Therefore the wolves and coyotes would follow him no matter his skills. He was a living demon and some said he was an assassin for Droghour the fallen Aura. Yet those stories were but myths, although one look at Morgoth and it would be difficult to dismiss them. This is why he was known as the Taggurung. The Taggurung was said by the vermin clans to be the great warrior and conqueror coming directly from Droghour. Each clan wanted the Taggurung to be of their kin, which caused much of the conflict between these groups. The two main figures who were thought to be the Taggurung at this time, were Morgoth of DeathClaw, and Orgador the last turakai (mutated, disfigured, and corrupted mix of ape, bull, tiger, and rhino. Saurgon was a type of turakai.) from the Battle of Tears, the leader of the Okshas.

Morgoth was found by a legendary wolf warrior Juskabor who was at that time the leader of DeathClaw. When he was discovered Morgoth in a pit of ashes and flames, the warg was but a youngling clutching a blade with the mark of Droghour upon it's hilt. The wolf raised him as his child and Morgoth won many battles for Juskabor. Yet, Morgoth grew a yearning for leadership and challenged Juskabor in single combat. The experienced wolf, bore down on Morgoth, axe and shield, but Morgoth sent those to ashes with the blade from Geheihna (Droghour's Kingdom). Spitting fire from it's point, Tarmistror heated to a blade of solid lava burning Juskabor to the ground. The mark of Droghour seemed to scream out as the blade ended the reign of Juskabor the chieftain of the DeathClaw. Leaving the blade within his victim, the warg walked slowly away as Tarmistror faded back to the dark blade of cruelty. In one swift ghost-like motion, Morgoth spun around reaching for his sword. Tarmistror flew spinning back to his hand as a hawk would for his master. Stunned to silence, the DeathClaw fell to their knees out of fear, hailing him, "We pledge our allegiance to your banner great Lord of Droghour! None were ever able to stand with Juskabor for more than an instant. You are Zann!'(ancient word meaning king or Chieftan.)' Morgoth Zann! You are more powerful than the warriors in legends! You are TAGGURUNG!" At this point the wolves were howling, lifting their weapons to him being worked into a frenzy. In chorus DeathClaw Chanted,"DeathClaw, DeathClaw! You are Zann! You are Taggurung! Morgoth, Morgoth, Morgoth Zann Taggurunggggggg! We have a Taggurungggggggg!"

Morgoth's name spread throughout clans and villages; a name of terror bringing fear to the hearts of beasts. DeathClaw gained double their original territory as Morgoth continued to push. Now he had every Canidae clan that is known on Orbis Terrae. The only clan to rival them were the Okshas ruling down from the high north, led by the turakai, Orgador.

Morgoth's desire was to become the ruler of Orbis Terrae and sit on the throne of Gondolin. All creatures under his thumb with the indestructible city Gondolin. Yet to find the fortress, the Silmarilion must be found. Once the city was his, he would claim it for Droghour and burn the banner of Adominatio.

With a silent patter of footsteps and a shadow sweeping over the tent, Morgoth's thoughts were interrupted by a beast approaching his tent. Quickly Morgoth hid in the shadow of the corner waiting.

"Lord Taggurung? We have news of intruders near by."
It was the wolf elite forces leader Zain'al Vardim, the highest rank captain under Morgoth's rule, or the "Supreme Captain."

The gruff, menacing voice of the warg sent an icy chill down Zain's spine. "Come in." Entering the tent, Zain gave a jump as Morgoth seemed to appear out of thin air right before him.

"Report."

"Scout team has confirmed that a large creature is coming in our direction not mile away. He doesn't seem to come in peace."

"Order all camp fires put out. Hide until it comes into camp grounds. Form a pincer formation around it."

"It shall be done lord."

Heavy breathing broke the silence of the seemingly abandoned camp site. Underbrush crackled as the massive body of a rhino crashed through the dense forest stumbling into the open camp site.

"Come out you vermin cowards! I am Rhihron and I'm a real warrior unlike those helpless old ones you slew in the night. Face me wolf scum!"

As if in reply to the insults, DeathClaw rose up in unison all pointing notched bows and raised spears at the now less confident rhino.

Gulping, Rhihron called out with a little less force this time,"show me to your leader." As he said this, his gaze drifted to Zain'al Vardim who stood farther up than the rest of the clan with twin, curved swords in hand. Jumping a little, he turned in surprise at the figure who had just spoken less than seven feet away from his side.

It was Morgoth Zann Taggurung's cold voice that said," I am here."

Throwing back his dark hood, Morgoth's barbaric and Geheihnan features sent pangs of fear running through the sturdy rhino's body.

"Speak rhino, why are you here? Make it quick I don't have time for this."

Anger overcame fear as Rhihron spoke out hoarsely,"You killed my friends."

Mockingly, the warg chieftain replied carelessly,"And you think I care?"

Roaring out in rage, Rhihron flung himself at the warg. Without much effort, Morgoth dodged nimbly to the the side as he watched the rhino crater into the ground face first. Pulling his face out from the dirt Rhihron noticed not one clan member had shifted and their expressions seemed to say they had watched this before. Yet Morgoth's icy chuckles forced him on as the bulking rhino unraveled a chain mace. Swinging the weapon at his opponent, Rhihron fell short of his target as the warg smoothly ducked and rolled to the side. Rhihron had little time to regain balance as a dagger flashed out of Morgoth's gauntlet catching the rhino's wrist in mid swing bringing him down to the ground. As the warrior reached for his mace, yet another dagger sped out of the opposite gauntlet this time striking him in his palm causing Rhihron to let out an agonized yell. Yet that yell was hushed by a chorus of fearful gasps as Morgoth snatched up the rhino forged weapon about twice his weight, swinging it as if it were a toy. The end of the mace came down savagely on Rhihron's side, begetting another moan of pain. Laughing, Morgoth tossed the weapon aside as Tarmistror was drawn from a hidden scabbard as if appearing in his hand. Rhihron found himself gaping as the shadowy blade slowly lit up forming into a lava sword. Then the mark of Droghour on the hilt came into view causing Rhihron to hold his breath.

"That blade.....it's it's..... in the stories it's called Tarmistror."

"This is Tarmistror."

Gasping, Rhihron stuttered along,"The stories say.....Jangar says that Tarmistror was used by Saurgon." Then more hesitantly,"he says it was given to Saurgon by Droghour's most powerful Marai'(servants of Aura)'. It was the Marai's weapon. The Marai's name was Turinoth which in Gondile '(most common language among beasts on Orbis Terrrae)' is....it is.....also is........." staring wide eyed at Morgoth, Rhihron seemed to wilt under the harsh, intent stare of Morgoth as if he had realized something terrible.

Then Morgoth spoke up without lifting his gaze,"Jangar! I know that name. He was the wise elephant that many times advised Gorzon! Jangar is still alive?"

"Y-yes."

Drawing his sword point to Rhihron's neck,"Bring me to him."

The fire crackled warmth into the modest hut of Jangar and his grandson Fangor. It was a cool night as summer was just departing. Hewed bamboo illuminated in the red glow, made the dwelling place of the two elephants for this week. Exhausted from the day's journeys, the ancient elephant Jangar relaxed on a cushioned seat made by his grandson. It was a miracle that the ancient one was still traveling. Better yet, he was still alive. The young Fangor watched him intently, perched by the fire as if the old elephant were to topple over any moment. Chuckling, Jangar gratefully excepted a cup of steaming tea prepared by Fangor. "Fangor, give yourself a rest child. I can manage without your constant attention. I may be old, but I just need some rest. Really, just rest."

"You may say that grandfather, yet I know of none that have seen more seasons than you and we were just fleeing a battle. We've been running for a day from DeathClaw since we heard that Mucious and Dathera's hut was attacked." Shaking his head,"I don't know how you do it."

Jangar's chucking was always a reassuring sign. "I've seen worse child. I daresay that you would be joining Rhihron if not for me to slow you down."

Fangor bent down to tend the fire hiding his face as the old one slowly looked him over thoughtfully. "Just like your father. You both get that war blood from my sister Junaphen. She was a captain for Gorzon while I was advising him. She always beat out all the male and was known for her dangerous rampages in battle." Then pausing to look up thoughtfully,"frankly I'm glad that you did not run off with Rhihron. Anger and thirst for vengeance leads to death and injury. It's always been that way. From day Droghour was cast down Aether and the day Gorthoger swore his oath against Droghour and all his creatures. Rhihron will find serious trouble. I pray that he shall come out alive."
 
Now uncomfortable, Fangor sat uneasily intently studying an ant as unsettling thoughts flooded over him.

"Jangar?"

"Yes child?"

"Do you know the way to Targon?"

"Never fear we will make it. I suspect you will enjoy yourself there." Then pausing lifting his trunk up, Jangar sat up intently smelling the air. Silence was broke by a far off howl. Another followed then a chorus of howls and then the sound of many body's picking up speed. Jangar let his trunk drop, then in a sharp urgent whisper he uttered one single word."DeathClaw."

"Impossible! Why are they coming back this way!" Added Fangor as he heaved up his double bladed battle axe that was named Tùr. Marching toward the door he defused the fire with stamp of a hoof. As Jangar began to stand, Fangor commanded him,"No grandfather! You must hide. I will set them on a false course and slay as many as I find."

"You shall do nothing of the sort! Fangor, take my sister's Tùr and run! You are worth millions more than me. Go! I believe this is not yet the end. You can't outrun DeathClaw. Fly Fangor! Fly! May the light of Adominatio illuminate you! Now go! "

As the next chorus of howls grew closer, Fangor ran over to embrace his grandfather. "You swear I will see you again?" The old one patted the youth's head fondly.

"Of course child."

Then Fangor stepped out of the modest hut. Trying wipe away tears and restrain from weeping, he chanced one last look at his grandfather before breaking into a trot. The trot broke into a sprint as a arrow whizzed by him burying its point into a tree. He ran as if a demons were at his heels and as he ran he wept, crushing shrubbery taking no notice of the wounds outstretched branches bestowed upon him.

Morgoth watched from a hill as his troops set the dwelling alight in flames. The pitch-black hood was pulled over his face giving him the look of a phantom. His deadly eyes caught every movement. Sensing Zain approaching the Zann commanded, "Al'Vardim, take five wolves from your elite forces and hunt down that elephant that is sprinting east. Order captain Naethror and captain Hrithier to take two hundred soldiers ahead of us northwest to destroy any clan or village there. We will be moving northeast when this is over. I want them to know the name of DeathClaw before the Okshas cross the Grandium Mountains. I will show you plans for defeating Orgador's forces when you return. Leave seventy with me and let the rest go and fend off the Photrins who are breaching our territory in Tordroy."

"It shall be carried out Zann Taggurung."

With a quick salute, Zain was dashing down the hill, his five elites on his tail. Slowly Morgoth faded down the hill approaching Jangar who hobbled toward a demon, cane in hand. He stopped abruptly shifting his spectacles, studying the phantom of a warg who advanced quickly cloak slowly flapping in the cold breeze.

"Jangar." Morgoth's voice penetrated the ancient elephant's skin as he continued coldly, "I remember you. Advisor of Gorzon the Mighty. I have a prisoner you may recognize." Then Rhihron was dragged through the trees, ten DeathClaw to each side.

Gulping, Jangar kept his cool," I'm afraid I don't recall you from the Battle of Tears. You have aged well."

Laughing coldly at the elephant's icy humor Morgoth replied," I appreciate your attempt at humor, but you must know I was not on Orbis Terrae at the Battle of Tears."

Jangar's eyes shot wide with terror as if his worst fears had been realized. Taking deep breath he struggled on," I don't know what you mean."

"You know you do. I'm afraid even Rhihron has figured it out." When he had said this, the rhino looked at the ancient one with a look of agony and plea.

"Why did you come?" Jangar's voice was hoarse with a hint of despair.

"When Gorthoger died and passed on the Silmarilion blood to Gorangard, Gorangard had a decreased amount of the Aura blood. Each generation had less Aura blood and more gorilla blood until Gorzon was almost defeated by the King turakai, Saurgon. Now that the Silmarilion is lost, it is Droghour's time to strike. Adominatio will not prohibit Ustrinai, Adhain, Aequor, Úiran, Ondula, Shu'la, and Gorthoger, the Seven Aura to prevent it." Musing to himself,"Adominatio created the world, both Aether and Orbis Terrae, no Aura or Marai has close to that amount of power. Yet he is like a frightened grandmother hog, too scared stop one he has jailed."

Eying the warg coldly, Jangar shot back evenly," The ways of Adominatio are beyond our understanding."

As if he had not heard, Morgoth continued," Even if the Silmarilion were to be sought out, he would have such a small portion of Aura blood, I could destroy him in moments." Then a venomous look spread over his face, making the old one wince. " Tell me Jangar, when would be a greater time for the master of evil to strike?"

           Sweat and tears trickled down Fangor's muscular face as his legs finally gave out, sending his massive elephant body crashing to the ground. Crackling twigs told him that Zain was not far off. Limping, he forced his body over a rock into a crevice under the hill. He would be vulnerable if the wolves turned around, although they would sniff him out anyway. Yet fatigue and weariness overcame his mind as he drifted unwilling into a deep sleep.

           Swiftly barrel rolling to the right, Rand narrowly dodged the oncoming Turfinn who crushed a young sapling into splinters as his momentum carried him forward. Without missing a beat, Rand was holding the gorilla in a headlock. Both gorillas burst out laughing as Turfinn carefully plucked a splinter from the sapling out of his shoulder.

"Ha Ha! You should have seen yourself Finn! '(What Turfinn was called by his friends)' That sapling didn't stand a chance against that bulking body of yours!"

"Quit that talk and learn how to get some muscle and fat. One look at you and anyone would believe there's been a famine!"

"And one look at you, they'd think you caused it!"

At this remark, Turfinn and Rand rolled over holding their stomachs laughing. Turfinn was a massive gorilla in caliber, stronger than all other apes by far. He was the son of Finrod and Turtha, who were lived in the heart of the Russgien forest and were about a mile away from the second intersection in the Russai river. Turfinn was traveling with his parents, his aunt Aulthe and his adopted brother Rand. Aulthe was Turtha's sister and disapproved of the boys mischievousness and contests between each other. Passing by the brothers, she gave them a disgusted look,"the nerve of you two! We are just traveling to see your relatives by the Great Lake of Russgien and you have to go crashing about as if it were a game. Think about the vermin scum that may hear you!"

Finrod was almost as large as Turfinn, just wilted a slight because of his age. He politely told his sister in law,"Aulthe please, let them be young men. They aren't half as bad as I was. Besides there are no vermin in this part of Russgien."
Rand who was not large in stature or width, was always marveled for his speed and strength despite his size. Rand was not thin, his body was muscular and sturdy, he was always a quick thinker with smart remarks and if need be, intelligent ideas. Unlike his family, Rand bore the orange mark on his forehead that showed he was a western lowland gorilla, unlike his family and the Silmarilion generation who were mountain gorillas.

"Well on that note, you were lucky that Aulthe weren't around to see you dad. Back by the last camp site, she nearly chopped my hand clean off after I dragged sleeping Finn under a bee hive."

Shaking his head, Finrod chuckled under his breath at the young gorilla.

"You deserved it." Turfinn muttered under his breath darkly.

"Any how; if the vermin come Turfinn could just sit on them." As soon as the last word had been uttered, Rand instinctively rolled out of the way dodging a wack from the back of Turfinn's hand. Fed up, Finrod declared this was the place to set up camp for the night, sending Rand and Turfinn to collect fire wood for the night. Turtha and Aulthe began preparing food as Finrod patrolled the area looking for tracks of any other creatures they might need to worry of.

            Morgoth Zann Taggurung listened. He had ordered Jangar to tell him all he knew of the Silmarilion or he would kill Rhihron and him. Jangar wise as he was had learned to learn the truth in what beasts said through the creature's personality. So the elephant knew well enough that Morgoth would do what he said without hesitation. Jangar had tried to lie as much as he could about the story until Tarmistror pierced Rhihron's hoof and the warg demanded the truth. He related the story of Gorflash reluctantly knowing he had little other choice.

"Before the Battle of Tears, Gorzon and his wife Geinder had a son they named Gorflash. Now Geinder was shorter than most gorillas and was known across the kingdom for her beauty and speed. Gorzon was a giant and handsome like all the Silmarilions prior to his reign, so he and his wife made a very eye catching site. Now their son Gorflash brought light to the war as he grew to be six months old. That was when the forces of Gorzon began fighting the Battle of Tears (the last battle of the War for Orbis Terrae.) against DeathBlade. This battle lasted for a month of bloodshed until Gorzon and Saurgon clashed weapons for the last time. Not much is known about that battle except what the ancient bear scholar Bangtak wrote. He wrote that Gorzon's final words were, Son... Gorflash. A content smile spread over the Silmarilion's lips as Bangak told him that his son was safe. This is what Bangak wrote, yet minutes after he had done this, a bolt of lightning struck him. That bolt was said to have come from an Ashzai Zedai assassin. One from the Black Ahjai. It was said that they were working with Droghour for ages. That is why there is so much hatred and fear of Ashzai Zedai now. There are rumors that the witches and wizards have moved down from Ashzai itself and many live in the Rivilous desert."

            Morgoth seemed intrigued by this news of the Ashzai Zedai, for these were beasts that had gone to Twin Rods and learned to control gravity, earth, heat, water, wind, electricity, and weather. This was a force known as the Superior Force. Twin Rods was said to be the place where two bolts of lightening came from Aether when Adominatio spoke to Gorthoger. The island was hence broken and shaped into the image of two lightening strikes. Yet to make this journey and complete training in Twin Rods was very dangerous, for it could change a beast forever or even worse kill him in an excruciating death from all the power being transmitted into it. After Twin Rods they would go to the castle of Ashzai, so they wouldn't be demolished by the overwhelming power that ended those who stayed too long. They rarely traveled other than on their island of Ashzai, so when Saurgon started to call troops he targeted these Superior Force wielders. The Black Ahjai were the ones to swear their loyalty to the Turakai king, while the Red and White Ahjai resisted only to be harshly treated by those they met, many of the red made the Rivilous desert his dwelling place while white scattered many to the tundra, some to the Urte Rainforest.

"So the Superior Force wielders are restless. That is good. I shall be in need of their alliance in the final battle for the world." Then turning, Morgoth slowly backed away thoughtfully. Then as if materializing out of his master's paw, Tarmistror cut the air before the ancient elephant's neck, as its master brought it to its victims throat menacingly. "Continue the story, I'm afraid we got a little off track. This time it won't happen."

         The warg's cold voice drained all hope from Jangar. His only hope earlier was to distract the demon until help came. Jangar's ancient, yet quick eyes whirled to the right as he caught the claw of a tiger tear into the trunk of a tree, making three long gashes. Jangar knew this sign like no other, for it was a sign that refilled him with hope. A sign no other than of the Rogue Crew. They were the closest warriors to Gorzon at the scattering, it was they who traveled around Orbis Terrae destroying evil clans. Jangar was one of their great friends, for they were like the army of Targon where Jangar lived.

         Inhaling a deep breath, Jangar continued slowly, adding as many unnecessary facts of the story, yet just enough that Morgoth couldn't tell if he was drawing out the tale. "Bangak's son was sent by the Silmarilion to take the young Gorflash away from the battle. He snuck out of Gondolin when the forces of Gorzon attacked the vermin who lay siege to their kingdom. Two boar warriors, fighting for Saurgon, attempted to slay the bear, yet they did not stand a chance against the hulking creature with the most important mission weighing down on his shoulders. Yet the bear was struck down by four arrows that finally halted him. The babe lay unharmed, yet when vermin approached, it was said he shot to the sky."

"The sky! Gorillas don't fly! Your time is over Jangar and it is not different for your rhino friend." As he raised Tarmistror, only to be crushed by a bolder that demolished the tent, failing to strike Jangar or Rhihron.
"Run! Rhihron, Morgoth will not be down for long. The Rogue Crew are here, fly north into the Russgien Forest! Now go! I will be behind you." Just as Jangar and Rhihron began to flee, the boulder burst into pebbles as the Taggurung seemed to drift up and start a slow walk that almost caught the escaping creatures unearthly like.

"Down!" Jangar shouted to Rhihron as the warg was almost upon them. A volley of stones and arrows sought to find their target which was the warg. Morgoth calmly deflected the seven missiles with the illuminated Tarmistror, although they did buy enough time for the elephant and rhino to get headway as they reached the edge of the Russgien forest loosing DeathClaw through the thick vegetation. There they met warriors of the Rogue Crew in trees. Three figures silently fell from the trees, one a tiger, then a pitch black panther, and between them a lion landed.

"Greetings Jangar and Rhihron, I'm afraid we are facing something much more treacherous than a pack of wolfs. I was not aware that a warg survived the Battle of Tears, although I've never seen any beast, demon or anything do what he just did." It was the lion who had spoken.

" I will tell you more about him later, Fiorfin. Show us to Targon and do not stay to fight a hopeless battle against DeathClaw despite their small forces. It will not be worth it while Morgoth is there."

"Aye Jangar, come on mates, show them to Targon while me self and his highness Fiorfin and good old Scathor'll buy you some time." It was the tiger Scilag who had spoken and was confidently strapping his staff to his back, exchanging it for a bow and arrows. The dark panther Scathor, did not change his calm expression by the slightest as he drew a long saber which was the only weapon he wielded. Fiorfin grasped a large and heavy sword while in the other hand adjusted a round shield.

"I hear you Scilag, cover me while I charge their advance while Scathor will loop around the side taking them by surprise. Oh, one more thing friend. My father would despise it greatly if we led them to hidden Targon."

Then laughing heartily, the tiger patted Fiorfin's back,"Don't worry matey! On me oath I swear no one will ever find Targon."

            Fire wood scattered, tumbling to the ground as the two young gorillas broke into a sprint. There had been howls and the bellows from Finrod. Rand sprinted ahead sometimes athletically gaining momentum, swinging on vines and boosting of rocks. Turfinn failed to keep up with his nonbiological brother, as Rand was known for his incredible speed and agility. Rand arrived at the scene a minute before his brother showed up. There were two wolves who surrounded Finrod who was battered and bruised, while on his knees with two dead wolves laying close by, one with Finrod's battle axe emerging from its chest. There lay aunt Aulthe dead as rock, laying in the meadow as one wolf who looked as if he were the leader stood over her licking one of his twin blades. It took awhile to absorb the situation. Part of Rand wanted to cry and fall to his knees, while another part wanted to run to his aunt, another tempting him to run to his father, while yet anger slowly overcame these as he was readying to charge the leader wolf, as Zain turned to look at Rand, while the two surrounding his father didn't move a muscle.

"Ah, they are just boys," Zain said as he approached. Swiveling, Rand perceived that he hadn't noticed Turfinn approach as he himself was lost in shock. Rand hoped dearly that  he didn't look nearly as bad as Turfinn who like him was hopelessly mixed in emotions. Then a thought struck him like title wave. Where was Mother? Anxiously glancing around, his eyes met those of Zain'al Vardim's. Rand and Turfinn were filled with hatred for the wolf warrior as they both prepared to charge at him with no plan or weapons.

"No!" As soon as the words left Finrod's mouth, a spear butt of one of the elite forces knocked him to the ground, yet he spoke up still,"Don't stay to fight, you can't help. Don't die for nothing, just run boys, run to Targon, friends will help you find it, go!"

Chuckling mirthlessly, Zain continued,"Ha Ha! I didn't expect you two to come to this one's aid. I've never faced one who could single handedly slay two of my elite troopers and injury another."

        Hatred burned his eyes. It seemed to brainwash Rand as his gaze never lifted from Zain. Then swinging to the scene, a young beautiful mistress knocked Zain flat with a staff and without stopping for breath, she spun around splitting the shaft on another's head, falling him. As the final elite trooper stood to face her, Rand recognized her. It was his mother, yet she seemed so much younger and more agile he had ever seen her. He looked up at Turfinn who was gaping, which reminded him of his own mouth that was hanging wide open in surprise. Then Turtha his mother drew a slightly curved and noble sword that looked as if it belonged to a ancient warrior from Luthiana where the first beasts Adominatio created lived, from a hidden scabbard. The wolf lunged at Turtha with a spear as she dodged to one side and sliced the weapon in half in one clean stroke. Then drawing in a blade of his own, the wolf dueled with Turtha who vaulted off rocks, dodged and parried until the the trooper of DeathClaw was in a daze. Trying to strike Turtha, the gorilla maiden parried, stepped in and with a quick flick of the wrist, she disarmed her opponent, then knocked him flat with the hilt of her sword.

"Mom?" Rand and Turfinn asked in unison. Then dashing over they embraced her and Finrod.

"I'm afraid DeathClaw has been gaining territory rapidly and were hunting someone when they ambushed your aunt and I. The whole clan will be upon us soon. I must stay and end here. I'm too greatly wounded and would be a burden to you. Go to Targon. You know the way Turtha."

Wiping tears from her eyes, Turtha breathed deeply turning to the boys.
"Your father is right as much I resent attempting it. I will see you by the river." Then embracing Finrod they departed.

              Hours had past when they were nearing the edge of the Russgien forest. When they heard heavy breathing. None of them had spoken since they went on their way, for they all were overcome by grief. Now the brothers glanced at each other nervously as their mother marched ahead. Turtha cautioned them with an outstretched arm as she peered around the corner to see a young elephant weeping in a cave. Fangor glanced up to see three gorillas peering into the cave.

"The wolves are dead. They were after you?"

"Yes, I'm running, trying to get to Targon. DeathClaw are at the edge of Russgien Forest departing the Great Plains of Mier about to cross the Russai River. You killed the wolves?"

"They will not bother you henceforth. Come, we are also heading to Targon."

             The trio were unstoppable. Fiorfin charged forward into the spearhead of DeathClaw out from the trees. Scilag was behind sniping any who came too close. Now Scathor was beyond what Rhihron had imagined. He was like a whirlwind striking everywhere at once, yet he was quiet and calm not screaming battle cries like his comrades, and his strokes were all smooth never without skill, while his martial arts and agility was unbelievable. He seemed he could strike quicker and react quicker than a lightning bolt.

              Outraged, Morgoth commanded his troops,"Fall back! Don't charge straight at them, split up and attack from different sides. Surround them! There are only three! Fools! Give archers room to fire, pike beasts get around them." Then to a squadron of wolves closer to him he ordered," go around and get behind them, we must close them in. I will go and face them myself."

   
"Fall back to the woods! They're trying to trap us. We have bought enough time for the rest to be close to Targon."

"Right Fiorfin! The warg is coming to close and his commands are ones that may mean the end of us if his beasts will carry them out."

               The trio were flipping back into the woods as Fiorfin covered Scilag with his shield who was retaliating fire with his bow as he ran, while Scathor arrived in the trees through his quick stealth and agility.

                Endless twists and turns through minor swamps and deep underbrush led Rhihron to believe that they were completely lost, yet through swampy vines came a hidden door that he would have never found if he was staying at that particular place for a week. The Rogue Crew carefully secured the area before they slowly pushed away the vines and took a key to the camouflaged wooden door. The door opened surprising smoothly despite its ancient appearance. The doorway revealed a long dark cave, that tunneled beyond view. The only sound was that of the occasional water dripping down from the roof of the cavern. That noise was joined by the steadfast patter of paws and hooves with a causal chorus of splashes as creatures interrupted the peace of placid puddles which the drops of water had filled. There were quite a few turns and intersections until it seemed to the young rhino that they were traveling in circles and that he could never trace back his steps. Then the leader of the party, a Rogue Crew warrior who was a jaguar halted abruptly at a small corner which Rhihron had not taken heed of in the slightest. The jaguar extinguished his lantern, yet before he had done this he traced the three claw marks at four specific locations on a smooth stone. Then there was a hasty click as if a lock had been opened. The stone rolled to the side reluctantly revealing a wooden trap door that was marked with the imprint of the Rogue Crew which at this point, Rhihron had grown accustomed to. Wiping the signs from the rock he had marked, the jaguar bent down to unlock the hatch. As he did so, a great brick spiral staircase coiled downwards with torches lining the sides shedding a dim light. As the party silently filed down it, Rhihron suddenly became grateful to have left the gloomy cavern that continued for miles.

"Welcome to Targon!"

         The booming voice caught Rhihron in mid thought as he had failed to notice they had descended down and had reached the bottom of the staircase.

"Greetings your majesty, we bring news from the edge of the Russgien Forest and the Great Plains of Mier." It was the jaguar who had spoken. He said this and like everyone else, was kneeling. "The forest is clear of vermin, yet not for long. The canine clan of DeathClaw is moving in and has vast amounts of territory. We have not seen such a powerful clan since the reign of Saurgon over DeathBlade. We had an encounter with a small party of DeathClaw including their leader Morgoth. He is a warg and he proved very powerful warding of our whole crew. Your son Fiorfinn, our commander Scilag, and the Curadh Sacathor remained to give us headway to your kingdom Targon. We did manage to execute a rescuing of two friends Jangar and Rhihron who were being held captive."

            The king was like his son, a lion, yet he seemed old and scared by battle. The welcoming and booming voice that had heard was of his stout body guard. His majesty was seated on a throne carried on a stretcher by four strong rhino guards who now set him down. This was because of his injuries and age.

           With a motion of the king's paw, the company rose and as Rhihron did, he marveled at the sight which his eyes gratefully absorbed. They were located in a lush green valley with mountains rising above on each side. There would be no way of knowing there was anything inside this mountain if looked upon from outside. Yet hills and fields rose up with village dwellings on each, sparkling in the sunlight. Stone walls barred any entrance if the searchers could find the entrance. Creatures trotted by with a look of security and joy that any outsider wouldn't have the pleasure of knowing. Beasts chatted amongst themselves, housewives did the same across laundry lines and windows. Guards patrolled the streets that were lined with stores and jugglers. Yet the city part of Targon would fade off into the countryside where farmers were growing crops and paved stone roads would assume the form of rough dirt roads leading through farms.

"It is good to see you Jangar. You as well Rhihron. I am troubled by this news of the warg. Come, let us speak privately with my captains that are here. Thank you for the report Jetar."

          The jaguar Jetar bowed and the Rogue Crew departed together leaving Rhihron and Jangar to travel together to the king's (Farwed's) palace. Again this was something to marvel at. It was located less than a mile from the keep of Targon, which was thickly built with many stone layers. The palace was beautiful, with white towers lined with red and gold rising on all sides. A gold gate swung open and twenty soldiers of Targon led them and the captains to Farwed's chamber.

         When all were seated, the guards were dismissed by their king. After a few reports and strategy suggestions, Farwed turned to Jangar and Rhihron.

"Now tell me old friend, who is this warg Morgoth?"


       The door hinges moaned as the door to the king's chamber slowly opened as three figures walked in. Still breathing heavily, Fiorfinn, Scilag, and Scathor took their places by the fire after some cheerful greetings were exchanged. Then when all was quiet, Jangar related the story of his adventures with DeathClaw. Then he responded to Farwed.

"Firstly I would like to express myself and Rhihron's gratitude to you three warriors and your Rogue Crew. We would be cut to pieces if not for your courageous deeds. Secondly I would request that nothing said in this room is to leave its walls to prevent alarming your people. Now I ask you, what does Morgoth translate to in the ancient tongue of Luthiana?"

After a moment of thought Farwed responded,"surely Jangar, you can't think because of a translation...".

"He wields Tarmistror."

At this the room erupted into shocked gasps.

"Yes, I'm afraid we are facing something beyond a warg. Something far more powerful than a demon. Perhaps a demon maker itself. " then pausing to bow his head Jangar finished in more solemn tone.

"Droghour has prepared the real battle for Orbis Terrae. He has done it with none other than his most powerful Marai. Yes, Turinoth has come to Orbis Terrae."