[ IP ] [ EU ] Interrogation LOTR

# Of War and Hatred # 
 
 `` I say we just leave him. He'll get loose in an hour or two, head back to the main band. We're close on their heels anyway, the skirmish today proved it. We do n't *need* the information.'' 
 
 Thind patrolled slowly around the dim glow of the campfire, three dirty, cowled faces looking up at him. Laeg pulled the pipe from his mouth as a thick trail of smoke wafted above his head. `` I would n't mind killing him-this is a war, after all-but make it quick. I'll do it myself if it makes a difference.'' 
 
 Glan shook his head. `` Like a bound pig for slaughter? Like an animal?'' 
 
 Laeg puffed on his pipe, and glowered behind its dusky embers. `` We're given it the benefit of the doubt that it is n't one, I say. We ca n't risk letting it go in any case.'' 
 
 `` A single orc grunt is a serious threat to our security?'' 
 
 `` A single orc killed Coll, and Rhosg, Maidh.'' Thind looked down on the ranger darkly. `` It only takes one. In any case, he's seen our camp, our numbers, our condition. Even if we re-positioned, the risk is too great. He we do n't leave him, and we do n't let him go.'' 
 
 Glan returned the look. `` So we are discussing his execution? With the possible added incentive of torture?'' 
 
 Elu shook his head across the fire. `` I do agree that that particular aspect is n't necessary. We'll be on the war band by tomorrow afternoon, there's no need to string him up for an interrogation.'' 
 
 `` Since they're patrol did n't return, they'll be ready for something, someone. Extra vigilant. Killing him without getting something from him is a wasted advantage we ca n't afford.'' 
 
 `` What you should be asking is can we afford to take this advantage?'' Glan said softly. `` If we do this, we're no different than them. They kill, they pillage, they torture-and we fight them because we believe we deserve better. But if we sink to their level... then is n't their hate a just recompense?'' 
 
 `` A strike returned in kind, force for force, is justice, not indulgence.'' 
 
 Glan shook his head. `` You're wrong. Anything more than necessary force *is* indulgence. We defend ourselves. We do not ruin. We do not mutilate.'' 
 
 There was silence around the fire. Then Laeg stood. `` If you do it, I do n't want to know about it. And that's all I have to say.'' He turned and walked off into the deepening dusk. `` That's the cowards way, Laeg.'' Glan called at his back. Laeg did n't respond, and soon faded between the trees with practiced ease. 
 
 Thind turned to Elu. `` What do you think?'' 
 
 Elu stared at the glowing coals of their small fire. `` I think... I would like to feel good about defending my home. That should n't be tainted with shame.'' 
 
 `` I'm sure Naru would say the same.'' Glan quickly chimed. Thind glared at him. `` I'm less sure of that, personally. I think Naru would agree with his captain and acquiesce to command perogotive without a debate. But it does n't matter. I'll withhold final judgement till the morning. Elu will relieve Naru from prisoner watch in three hours time. Glan, you'll take over after him. I'll take the last watch before dawn.'' 
 
 **** 
 
 In the grey of dawn, Targhed was suddenly awakened by a painful tugging at his ankles. He squealed as he was wanked from his place on the forest floor and suspended above it like a butchered pig. He twisted around until he was faced with one of his captors, the small, ruddy ranger with empty eyes. He casually gripped a small, skinning knife in his right hand. 
 
 ``'Ello, love.'' Targhed said brightly. `` Come to give your regards? I have to say the other boys were a sight more accommodating than this.'' 
 
 `` They'd have me accommodate you further.'' Thind replied evenly. `` I want to know what you know. But there's only one way for me to do that. And they're a bit squeamish at the idea.'' 
 
 Targhed pulled his lips back to reveal grey, decaying teeth, and black gums. `` Ye rangers usually are. All that nobility do n't mean a pigs bladder when it comes to the dirty work of fightin'.'' 
 
 Thind gave a thin smile. `` No. Not always. You see, they would hold that, if I were to interrogate you... torture you... hurt you, that I'd be no better than you.'' 
 
 Targhed shrugged. `` Makes sense to me, far as I can see.'' 
 
 Thind shook his head. `` But it does n't. Because you're different. You are n't a person, or even an animal when it comes right down to it. You, are war. You, are hate. You are a thing, a feeling, a personification. And the question is not if we'll become like you, but how much we will become like you. How much will you, oh war, taint us?'' 
 
 Targhed shook his head. `` Fancy words, and purple talk. You do n't got it in ye though. You ai n't bred for it like we are. You're bred to write them fancy words, drink sweet drinks and-'' His words were cut off by a lightening fast strike that sent him swinging on the tree branch. Targhed spat black blood on the ground, and watched the ranger spin in his vision. 
 
 `` That ai n't gon na convince me you got what it takes.'' 
 
 Thind nodded. `` I know.'' 
 
 **** 
 
 Yards away, Glan stirred under his blanket, the harsh screech of a bird waking him from a light sleep. He raised his head from the ground in time to see Laeg walking off into the trees, away from their camp. The sound came again, and Glan paled. It was no bird. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

