Chapter Two: The Host DepartsThe army was at last on the move, marching across the Parth Celebrant between Mirkwood and Lorien. Woodpecker and Tuor, hearing from Radagast the Brown of Orcish troops near his home of Rhosgobel had decided to send the army out to clear the area. It was a short march, and by the afternoon, they were in sight of the forest. Woodpecker led out his Dunedain scouts, moving swiftly and silently in search of Radagast and the Orcs, while the army waited, hidden in several clearing, for news of their planned attacks. Woodpecker and his men stumbled upon Radagast, hidden in another clearing. He spoke quickly and directly: “They are about 800 strong, headed towards the lands of the Men of the Wild. I could not hope to hold them off myself. If they make it to the Wild, it will surely take a great blow, which would in turn be a great blow for the north.” “Do not fear - we will stop them. Come with us to our encampment, we could use your help in finding and fighting the scum.” The men hurried quickly back to the camp. It was decided that Tuor, Woodpecker, and Radagast would each lead a force, striking the marching Orcs unawares. The army moved quickly north, and soon could hear the pound of the marching Orcs. They spread out around the unexpected column, and then, at a signal from Radagast’s Bird, they struck!
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