[The Ruling Ring]

Fededhor's eyes widened at the news of the orcs. He looked over Pherdur's head for an instant, then back at the man.

"If you think an ambush is possible for us," he said softly. "It's the only way. We want none of them escaping, to go back and tell their men."

"We can," Pherdur said. "There are not many."

"Very well than," Fededhor pursed his lips. "When we've finished, you and two other men must go back to Minas Tirith. Tell them the situation, tell them what you've seen and what's happening--and tell them that we need reinforcements."

Fededhor rose, drawing his sword slowly, looking over the hedges. He could just see the tops of the orcs heads. They were coming this way.

"Come!" he whispered sharply.

-----------------------------------

Pirk frowned, nodded, and walked out of the cave. So, keep the prisoners out of sight for now. But, keep them alive. If men came within sight, he'd bring one out--perhaps that old man, or one of the women--to lure the soldier here.

Once he had a corpse of a soldier from the city, he could contact the Nazgul--he felt a strange burbling in his stomach at this thought--and call for reinforcements. They could leave the dead soldier outside the city's walls, draw all the wretched men out, out of pride--and take them all.