As fellow servants of the Dark Lord, Wargs often consorted with orcs. Their forms were massive, far exceeding ordinary wolves. Sharp fangs and razor claws could easily rend flesh, while they emanated an aura of terror that could panic herbivorous creatures.
Merely approaching them would cause even the war-horses trained by Rohan's riders to grow restless and whinny in fear. They were indeed capable accomplices when orcs engaged in burning, killing, and pillaging without restraint.
When they cooperated with each other, the loathsome and fearsome wolf-riders would make their dreadful appearance. Of course, the relationship between Wargs and orcs was not one of master and servant but of cooperation.
Usually, a leader of high status and ruthless methods would command these savage creatures, making them commit evil under the Shadow's influence.
"That accursed wizard actually keeps Wargs? Could he truly be an industrial pioneer? The timing doesn't match, though!"
At this moment, Aedric's mind was filled with confusion, but it didn't prevent him from drawing his sword to meet the enemy. The orcs were already dead! Could the Wargs be far behind?
However, Luna's movements were swifter than his. With a fluid turn, a gleaming arrow was already nocked to her bowstring. The string vibrated, and the arrow shot forth like a falling star, instantly piercing the Warg's neck.
The howling ceased abruptly. The beast uttered two pained whimpers before convulsing and collapsing, utterly lifeless.
Luna groaned and slowly sat upon the ground, clutching her wound. Fresh blood continuously flowed between her fingers, appearing ghastly under the moonlight.
Isa ran over, and after examining the wound, said anxiously: "This is a Warg's wound—it heals poorly. You must receive treatment immediately, or you'll perish from blood loss!"
"There is no time." Luna waved her hand dismissively.
As if to confirm her words, howls arose from all directions—some high and piercing, others low and hoarse. They seemed to carry some evil power as they echoed long through the forest, sending chills down one's spine.
They might be near at hand or far away, but undoubtedly, they were swiftly converging upon this location.
"Aedric." A flash of resolve appeared in Luna's eyes as she looked at the silent human and spoke: "Henceforth, I beseech you to take Carl and Isa and depart first. I shall remain to delay these accursed Wargs. If only you can return to Lindon..."
Aedric strode before her and interrupted: "How do you intend to delay them?"
Luna replied without hesitation: "I shall climb into the trees. Those beasts cannot climb and shall not harm me."
After she finished speaking, Aedric shook his head in disbelief, then turned and crouched down.
"Climbing trees might temporarily evade the Wargs, but there are numerous orcs in the vicinity. Once your arrows are spent, it shall be a death trap. I will not watch a companion await death."
Speaking thus, he gave Carl and Isa a meaningful look and commanded: "What are you waiting for? Help her onto my back—we depart!"
The two children were quite clever, immediately supporting Luna from either side and carefully lifting her onto Aedric's back. They too did not wish Luna to face danger alone.
The elf's weight was remarkably light—far lighter than her six-foot-three frame and commanding authority would suggest.
"This will not work!" Luna struggled upon Aedric's back. "We cannot fight thus—we shall not escape!"
"Do not move about. Can you not shoot from horseback?" Aedric said sternly: "I have not the habit of abandoning companions, nor do I intend to have such a habit, unless you be an old man with a white beard wearing a blue pointed hat and gray robes, bearing a staff in your left hand and a sword in your right."
"What?" Luna looked completely bewildered, not understanding this reference. She made to struggle again, but the pain from her abdomen made her groan.
"We have other means. I shall explain as we travel. You need not remain to guard our rear. To Wargs, every path through the forest serves as a road, and we are outnumbered. Your remaining behind may prove futile!"
Aedric held tightly to Luna as she moved restlessly upon his back, saying softly: "Trust me this once. Rather than waste strength struggling, you might sing us a song. You are indeed not heavy, but given my current stamina, I likely cannot outrun four-legged Wargs."
Having spoken, he discerned the direction and began running swiftly along their original route.
Luna pressed her lips together, her eyes full of confusion. She could indeed shoot from horseback, but since they were pursuing through forest, horses would prove inferior to traveling afoot, so the elves had come without mounts.
Yet reason told her that injured as she was, she would only prove a burden. Remaining to guard the rear was the wisest choice. Only Aedric's firmness somehow calmed her anxious heart considerably.
After several seconds, a gentle and warm song arose intermittently, like a soft breeze through the forest, seeming to soothe weary bodies.
The darkness grew ever thicker in the forest, more like a final rampage before dawn's arrival. Aedric ran with the wind beneath his feet, expending nearly all his strength.
He had never imagined they could successfully escape the Wargs' pursuit. That was mere fantasy. Those beasts possessed a keener scent than hounds, easily detecting human and elven odors in the air.
But this did not mean they should engage orcs and Wargs in forest combat. In such open terrain, that would be no different from suicide. Moreover, even leaving Luna to guard the rear, for him alone to successfully escape with two elf children would be equally fantastical.
However, with careful attention and thought, other opportunities might yet be found.
Aedric remembered seeing a stretch of low cliffs on his way here, covered with verdant vines. Naturally, these were not important. More significantly, there was a cave at the cliff's base.
Not large, yet utterly black under moonlight. This suggested it possessed considerable depth.
If they could reach it and defend the cave entrance, they might endure longer. Luna had mentioned many companions scattered throughout this forest, pursuing orc trails.
Just now there had been roaring and screaming here. Birds had also taken frightened flight, fluttering skyward. Such commotion had even drawn Wargs.
With elven sight so keen, surely some would have observed it! Even if unseen, they should have heard it! This was Aedric's gamble.
Of course, in the forest, every cave might have its own master. Yet however fierce the creature within, it likely could not match cruel and cunning Wargs.
They were nearby. Occasionally, greedy green eyes would leap from the dark depths, only to be slain by Luna's arrows from Aedric's back. Anguished cries arose continuously along their path.
Perhaps because Luna's killing was too precise, efficient, and deadly, these evil creatures harboring malevolent spirits within no longer pressed their attack. Instead, they hunted.
Following prey, driving prey, surrounding prey, until the quarry had no escape in exhaustion and died beneath their sharp claws and fangs.
Low growls arose frequently all around. Massive forms swept past branches and undergrowth, making rustling sounds. Like Death itself lurking in shadows, awaiting your weakest moment.
Carl and Isa appeared tense, constantly observing their surroundings while running, their eyes flashing with panic and fear. After all, they were still children.
Aedric fared much better. He was too exhausted to spare energy considering such things, all his blood seeming to flow into his legs.
Run. Run! Still running! Besides recognizing direction and landmarks, only this single thought remained in Aedric's mind!
Luna continued chanting songs, recalling her mother's teachings: "This song comes from the instruction of 'She who dwells beyond the Sea.' Special words and melodies can strengthen your connection with the world, thus calling upon Arda's power to soothe weary bodies. In critical moments, it shall surely aid you and your companions."
Then she was yet young, but already displayed exceptional combat talent. She excelled particularly at swordplay and archery. As years passed, her skills grew ever more refined and masterful.
Luna often fantasized that she might wield her weapons to slay evil, protect her kindred, and defend her homeland. Yet in her first true battle, she must depend upon a chance-met human for protection.
The severe pain from her wound, her battle-weary body, plus the melancholy and disappointment deep within her heart caused her song to gradually fade.
Aedric noticed this. Not that he possessed great artistic sensitivity to discern complex emotions within song. But because he felt the fatigue-relieving effect greatly diminished.
His legs, already heavy as lead, seemed to have two weighty stones bound to them. Yet Aedric did not complain, his heart instead flashing with worry.
Already injured, yet able to endure the pain and persist, shooting Wargs while using song to aid his running until now—that must be exceedingly difficult indeed?
Fortunately, the cave lay just ahead. Only two more steps needed. Just two more steps!
"Aooo! Wooo!" A resounding call echoed through the forest, like a command causing the pursuing Wargs to leap forth.
Sensing their prey's intention, they appeared from all directions like black phantoms.
"Aedric, look above." Luna called softly. Aedric instinctively raised his head, and then his pupils contracted violently!
Upon the cliff, starlight fell upon the rock surface, reflecting a peaceful scene. Two points of eerie green light slowly appeared, ferocity and cunning intertwining within them.
Then came a snarling wolf face, a scar running through its left eye making it appear more savage still. Gray-black fur stood like steel needles, crisscrossed with vicious scars of varying depths.
Its form was massive, far exceeding the Wargs behind it. A chieftain!
Upon appearing, its long, massive body became black lightning, charging with utmost savagery toward the human and elf combination.
"Confound it!" In this perilous moment, Aedric gritted his teeth and used his final strength to leap forward with Luna on his back, dodging the attack by a hair's breadth.
He then tumbled most ungracefully into the cave. Carl and Isa proved more fortunate, closely following behind and swiftly rushing into the cave.
The Warg chieftain showed little interest in the two children. After missing its strike, it slowly turned around and raised its head in a resounding howl that echoed throughout the vicinity.
Hearing this, the surrounding Wargs swiftly gathered behind their leader. They seemed prepared to watch their chieftain display mighty prowess by capturing the prey in the cave.
Aedric gasped heavily as he stood, turbid air mixed with vegetation scents filling his lungs, while intermittent song reached his ears. Originally depleted stamina began flowing back like spring water.
His arms trembling, he held his sword pointing toward enemies outside the cave. His expression appeared utterly calm, yet his bloodshot eyes flickered with the light of desperate struggle!
As an ordinary person who had just transmigrated to this world, Aedric felt his physical and mental limits had been reached. In one brief night, all he had experienced was so dangerous and tense—more than his entire previous life combined!
But was he afraid? He knew not. Aedric only felt hot blood exploding in his chest, making him open his mouth and roar loudly: "Come then! You curs!"
The Warg chieftain seemed to sense Aedric's silent challenge and invitation, its expression growing more savage. Its mouth corners trembled slightly, emitting low growls, those sharp fangs glinting with sinister cold light under starlight like black daggers.
Instantly, its long form rushed forward like a violent gale.
Aedric struck with all his might to meet the attack, his blade slashing directly at the evil wolf's face. A flash of cunning passed through the Warg chieftain's eerie green eyes. In its charge, it pushed off forcefully with all four limbs, dodging the blade in a single movement.
Immediately turning back and leaping up, it opened its maw full of sharp teeth, biting toward the human's throat.
Missing his strike left Aedric stumbling forward, unable to steady himself. A wave of fetid stench assaulted him. In his urgency, he had no time to dodge, only raising his left arm before his throat while his right hand reversed the sword hilt, the sharp blade stabbing toward the fiercely charging wolf.
If he could not avoid it, he would fight this beast to the death!
Just then, a soft "whoosh" sounded from behind. The anticipated scene of fangs tearing flesh and blade splitting wolf belly did not unfold.
A sharp arrow like black flowing light flashed from the cave depths, piercing savagely into those eerie green eyes. The Warg chieftain's body suddenly halted, the pain from its left eye causing it to roar shrilly. It rolled away clumsily to avoid the sword light, bounding away from the cave entrance.
Aedric instinctively glanced back. It was Luna! She now knelt upon the ground, face pale and bloodless, her slightly trembling right hand having just released the bowstring.
Carl bit his teeth, becoming a "human quiver," swiftly placing a second arrow in Luna's hand, while Isa, with reddened eyes, crawled on the ground, drawing bandages from Luna's pack and wrapping them round and round her injured abdomen.
Bright red blood seeped through, telling of life's tenacity and firm resolve to resist evil.
"Aooo aooo aooo! Aooo wooo!" Howls filled with hatred and pain arose outside the cave. The Wargs that had been standing in place grew restless, all raising their heads to howl in response to their leader.
Next, they became swift shadows converging into a torrent rushing toward the cave entrance.
Aedric retreated two steps, adjusting his position so he could freely wield his sword while avoiding simultaneous attack by too many enemies. His bloodshot eyes fixed on the wolf charging foremost, his gaze showing resolve and ruthlessness.
Then he gathered strength in his legs, rushing forward two steps as his long sword struck out like lightning. The wolf in the lead clearly hadn't expected the human to dare charge out actively. The blade pierced its savage head and penetrated deep into its chest.
Aedric used both arms to try extracting his sword, but another Warg had already charged savagely into him. At this critical moment, an arrow precisely struck the Warg, piercing its heart. The beast uttered a muffled grunt and instantly collapsed. After convulsing several times, it went still.
Seizing this fleeting breathing space, Aedric forcefully withdrew his sword, his body turning with the motion as his wrist rotated and blade swept upward. Cold light flashed, cleaving an ambushing wolf in two.
In that instant, black foul blood mixed with entrails gushed forth, the viscous fluid soaking the ground. The already smooth cave floor became even more slippery and treacherous. A nauseating stench quickly spread, filling the entire cave.
The Wargs that had charged close seemed also shocked by this moment of bloody slaughter, their assault halting abruptly.
Aedric gasped roughly and retreated two steps, carefully avoiding that pool of blood. He must hold firm at the front. Should he slip and fall, everyone in the cave would face utter doom.
Just then, the Warg chieftain's howl sounded again, the voice full of urgency and rage. Even Aedric could hear the urging within it. Something seemed to be happening outside.
Soon, three Wargs stepped over their dead kindred, growling as they squeezed into the cave side by side, approaching step by step.
The next second, one Warg took the initiative, its limbs launching it in a flying pounce. Sharp fangs and claws glinted with deadly light.
Aedric shouted as he delivered a thrusting attack. Exhaustion slowed his movements, but the cold sword light still found its mark, stabbing into the Warg's brain like piercing parchment. The black beast died instantly.
But the airborne corpse's momentum carried it crashing heavily into Aedric's legs. Already extremely weary, he swayed entirely, no longer able to maintain balance. His steps staggered backward.
The other two Wargs seized the moment, pouncing from left and right. By the time Aedric steadied himself, it was already too late. Before he could raise his arm to swing his sword, he was knocked down by one of them. The other followed immediately, its two powerful forelegs pressing down directly.
Aedric's vision went black as he felt eight sharp daggers pierce his abdomen, cruelly tearing at muscle. The severe agony made him scream aloud, his arms quickly rising to grasp a gaping maw.
Sinister fangs brought the breath of death while black throat expelled fetid odor and filthy saliva, covering Aedric's face. He struggled desperately, wrestling with the Warg, but his arms gradually gave way. His strength was nearly spent!
Just then, cold light suddenly flashed at the corner of his vision. A familiar dagger struck instantly—the dwarf dagger. With a "thud," it pierced the Warg's eye, embedding to the hilt.
Accompanied by Luna's pained grunt, the bowstring vibrated once more, shooting down the Warg pressing upon Aedric's abdomen.
Aedric felt the weight lift from his body. Using his last strength, he rolled free from the two corpses. Just as he sat up without time to catch his breath, he heard three clear and urgent cries at his ear:
"Beware!" "Move aside!" "Aedric!"
Isa and Carl rushed forward. Luna looked greatly alarmed, mustering all her strength to raise her war bow. Her right hand nocked an arrow to the string, but just as she prepared to draw, severe pain shot from her abdomen, and consciousness grew dim.
After a muffled groan, she collapsed utterly, falling into complete unconsciousness. She had fought to her very last.
Almost simultaneously, a point of cold light flashed like a meteor, suddenly striking from behind the Warg corpses.
Clang. It struck Aedric square in the chest. The tremendous impact made him retreat two full steps before falling backward.
At this moment, pain throughout his body surged like tide, combined with utter exhaustion, making his vision darken in waves. Every part of his body felt foreign to him, cold spreading throughout as consciousness grew hazy.
He opened his eyes. The faintly glowing cave ceiling seemed to collapse toward him. His mind couldn't quite recall why he lay upon the ground.
Hit by a vehicle? Stabbed by a butterfly knife?
Then an incredibly ugly black face appeared before him. An Uruk-hai! The creature gripped a spear tightly, face full of confusion, seemingly puzzled why its full-force strike hadn't pierced through.
Ah yes, he had been struck in the chest by a spear thrust and fallen. Aedric suddenly remembered.
Then he saw that ugly face grow more vicious, thick arms raising the weapon high to stab down at him. He no longer had the strength to dodge.
Watching the gleaming spear point, Aedric widened his eyes, prepared to welcome death's arrival once more. Perhaps having experienced death once before, facing the sharp spear and savage countenance, he felt little fear in his heart. Instead, an utterly absurd thought arose:
This time, please let me lie directly at Bag End's door. Thank you! Constantly fighting like this grows quite wearisome indeed!
Then he felt himself suddenly moving. Aedric mustered all his strength to shake his head slightly. It was Carl and Isa. In the most critical moment, they had dragged Aedric away.
The Uruk-hai's spear missed its mark. Just as it prepared to give chase, it was stunned in place by thunderous horn calls.
Swish! A flash of cold light passed, and the Uruk-hai's head flew skyward instantly.
Only upon seeing a tall figure with silver hair, pointed ears, and a bearded face appear before him did Aedric finally relax, close his eyes, and lose consciousness.