Chapter 10. On the right track
The worgs circled the four of them, snarling and growling in a low voices. Their sharp fangs were dripping saliva, blood-thirst shining in their red eyes. One of them, the largest and the most muscular one, sniffed the air. It must have been the leader of the pack, for the others watched him closely, looking for a sign to attack.
"Be careful." Elladan whispered. "And watch each other's back."
The four friends stood there, their hearts beating fast. They were almost afraid to breath, for even the slightest movement could provoke the worgs to attack. But the slightest show of weakness would push the beasts into actions even quicker. So, they just stood close to each other, watching worgs' every move, ready to fight for their lives. None wanted to start the battle, but each one knew it couldn't be prevented.
With a final roar the leader leaped forward, targeting Elrohir's neck. Thanks to his inborn instincts and perfect training, young elf was able to step aside, avoiding any harm. While still moving he turned around, managing to wound the warg lightly. The creature landed few feet away, snarling and wailing in rage. Meanwhile the others started to advance.
Noruihen gripped his sword tighter, trying to keep an eye on every warg around them. But it was fruitless, for he couldn't look in every direction the same time. With a corner of his eye he caught the sight of a large beast, readying itself for the attack. Young man swung his sword, putting it in the predator's way. The warg had no chances, for the momentum of his jump pushed him forward, onto the blade. With one swift move Noruihen freed his weapon and hurried to help Estel.
The elder men had a hard time, facing two enemies at ones. He swung his sword to make the first one, but the second beast jumped into his side, knocking Estel down. Noruihen reached his friend in time to save him from two worgs, ready to kill their prey.
The twins were busy with the rest of the pack. Standing back to back, they were wielding their weapons skillfully. Stopping for a few heartbeats Estel watched his brothers in amazement. Two tall strong elven warriors they were.
"Estel, watch out!" Noruihen cried a warning, but it came to late.
One of the worgs used human's brief distress and rushed to him, pushing Estel few steps aside, into the thick underbrush. The young man landed hard, crying out softly as his side connected with a few big roots protruding from the moist forest floor. Heavy paw pressed onto his back and a low satisfied growl was heard uncomfortably close to his neck. Few drops of warm sticky saliva dropped onto his flesh and Estel shivered. He was completely weaponless, for his sword flew away for a few feet. The worg leaned forward, intending on finishing his victim.
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Eluihen regained consciousness. Even before first approximately coherent thoughts could be made, the pain came crashing down the girls brain, absorbing each inch of her mind. Her back throbbed without mercy, sending waves of nausea, threatening to make her already empty stomach bit farewell to the last remaining of food it still kept. Breathing was slightly painful, indicating that she had a colorful picture of various bruises forming under her shirt.
As the first shock passed, Eluihen tried to concentrate on her surroundings rather than on her injuries. She heard the wheezing near and turned her head catching sight of Legolas. The elven prince was laying at his side at the ground. The girl was facing his back, being able to enjoy the full view of it's bloody mass. She felt sickness returning with a new force as she noticed the full seriousness of the elf's wounds. Unfortunately Legolas' back wasn't the only injured part of his body. It seemed that orcs had more fun with the elven warrior after Eluihen lost consciousness. His whole torso was covered with gashes, scratches and bruises. His face was bruised too, in some places starting to swell. Legolas wasn't even banded for he was in no shape to escape.
Once again thanking Valar for the fact that her hands were bound in front of her Eluihen slowly made her way to where the elf was laying. The orc guard glanced at her briefly, smirking. He knew that she wouldn't run away and so he did nothing to stop her.
Reaching her friend the girl found with concern that she was panting for breath. It seemed that this few yards took away her last strength. few drops of cold sweat ran down her forehead. All her body screaming from pain, Eluihen sat with her back against the tree trunk. There was little she could do for Legolas or herself without any supplies and having her hands bound. She cradled the prince's body in her arms, careful not to aggravate his injuries. He moaned softly, his face distorted with pain, but didn't wake up. Whispered something soothing, Eluihen tried to calm down both Legolas and herself. Soon, despite all the pain and discomfort, she felt her eyelids growing heavy. There was nothing she could do to protect herself and her elven friend, so she decided not to fight it.
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Legolas opened his eyes. His body was hurting. Every inch of it. He blinked, feeling strong gentle hands around his own body. As the mist of pain and shock started to fade a little, he realized that he was halfway lying in Eluihen's arms. The girl was sitting with her back to the tree and managed to hold him above the ground even in her sleep. He watched her face attentively. It was calm in the sleep, but his kin eyes caught almost invisible line of pain crossing her forehead, he saw torn blooded tunic and noted sadly that her back must be in no better condition then his.
As if sensing his gaze, Eluihen started to stir. Wincing violently from the great pain she was in, the girl opened her eyes and looked at him.
"How are you feeling?" She asked in concern, searching the elf's face for the true answer. Then she added with a little grin. "Off course despite the fact that you are completely fine."
He smiled back.
"Rather bad. And you?"
It was his turn to look her over, noticing one injury after another.
"I'm not hurt seriously." She said, carefully choosing the words. "I'm more concerned about for how long orcs need us alive and why."
"That's a change of the subject." Legolas pointed out. "Um, you may... put me down now."
At first he thought that Eluihen would drop him right there. But even though her cheeks seemed to redden ever so slightly, she said firmly and seriously:
"Right, and let you lay down on the ground with that pretty back of yours." Some of her sarcasm and venom returned into her tone of voice. "I don't think so. Don't want you to die from infection. So, shut up and try to rest before our dear friends over there decided we are well for another round of their "game".
They felt silent. Few minutes later Eluihen felt a hand on her waist moving slowly but firmly up. She looked down and rewarded Legolas with such a deadly glare, it could probably burn a person in place. But the prince didn't notice it, or rather decided not to show he did. He continued gently probing her ribs.
"It seems that none is broken." He concluded, finishing. "But few are badly bruised."
"I told you, nothing serious." She said, closing her eyes and trying to relax.
Soon Legolas fell asleep once more, the graveness of his injuries taking control over his body. Eluihen was ready to follow his example, but had no opportunity. The orcs started to break the camp. The girl touched elf's shoulder lightly, waking him before those creatures would do in a more rough way.
"Get up!" The orc captain shouted at the two prisoners. "We are moving away and you better keep up."
"And how do you expect him to go on after your yesterday "games?" Eluihen asked angrily indicating to the semi-conscious elf in her hands. She knew her outburst will end up badly, but could do nothing with herself.
The orc leader seemed to become mute for a moment or so, surely he didn't expect such an insolence from his captive. But then his anger returned, doubled. He swung his arm, punching the girl hard.
"He'll go or stay here, tied up and waiting for some worgs to come." The creature snarled, cruel grin spreading it's face."
"Let me help him." Eluihen said simply. She felt thin trickle of blood running down her chin from a split lip.
The orc watched her over, obviously trying to think.
"Alright. Go."
Eluihen got up to her feet slowly and painfully, casting the orc leader a glance that was surely able to burn him in place. She kneeled beside Legolas. With her now freed arms the girl shook the elf's shoulder softly, waking her friend. Legolas moaned opening hazy eyes. Eluihen helped him to get up from the ground.
Although the pain in her tormented feet was excruciating, she didn't wince. Her anger helped her to bear it. She supported the elf, adding almost half of his wait to her own, causing the pain to double. They start another march through the Mirkwood.
Eluihen tried her best to delay the group, but not too obvious for them to punish her or Legolas. She knew for sure that her brother and friends would go after them till they are able to walk or at least breath. But would they be able to hold on? Her thoughts were slowly fading in the growing mist of pain and soon the girl's main goal narrowed to the action of simply putting one foot in front of another.
...TBC