~Quick Exit~
"Legolas?" Panic crept into my voice.
A second later his feet appeared right above me and I hastily stepped back as he jumped in through the window, making no sound.
He looked at me and said quietly, "There is no way we can escape from here. We'll have to go through the main towers..."
I shrugged and said, my voice still a bit shrill, "How did you get in here anyway?"
Scowling intensely, he replied, "I'm an elf, how do you think I got in here?"
"You flew?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
He sent me a look of intense irritation. "You're not lightfoot, Human, so you will not be able to escape unheard."
I shrugged again, thought, and then grinned, "You can always carry me, oh strong Prince."
Two blue eyes came to rest on my face, "You're kidding."
"Of course I am!" I cheerfully agreed. "How scandalous would that be, anyway?"
He grunted and went to the door, opening it just slightly and peering out. "You have no guard."
I made a sound of disgust, "Well, if you had been listening and not scaring me out of my wits by disappearing like that-"
"I was listening," he interrupted, "but I did not think they would be as stupid as to leave you unguarded." He closed the door.
Rolling my eyes, I said to him, "You'd think not. There's always at least one guard out there guarding me in daylight, but they don't think I'd make a dash for it at night."
"Then we have to escape now."
"It's late and Maibuik will be returning soon."
"Send him away again," he said, stating it as if it was obvious.
"Oh!" I said in a sarcastic tone, "What am I supposed to do? Tell him to bring a bath up or something?"
"Why not?" he said simply and I stood there, my mouth agape.
"Now you're kidding!"
"No, I don't `kid'," he looked around and I was just still standing there, gaping at him.
He opened the closet door and hopped in just as a knock came at the door.
"Open," I said.
Maibuik came in and set the platter of food on the table. It did not look repellent, but it was still repulsive in a smaller sort of way. I already got used to the idea of ugly orcs and their food.
"What...is...that?" I gulped.
The orc grunted, snorted, and nearly spat until I made a warning sound in my throat. He swallowed whatever he had in his mouth.
"Leftover elf-deer meat, hind-quarter of Dwarven pig, and horse neck."
Nearly gagging, I tilted my head up and stared at him, "It's raw."
His shoulders slumped and he gave me a fully annoyed look, "Problem?"
I nodded, "I do not eat...raw meat..."
"Too bad," he snapped and headed toward the door.
"Maibuik!" I called and then added with a pout, "If you don't cook it for me, I'll try to do it myself and most likely burn the place down, including myself." I tilted my head and gave him the look of a helpless child, although I did not know if orcs knew what the word `helpless' meant.
"You are trouble, Lady," he snapped but then stepped forward to take the platter away. I nearly jumped with joy.
"Thank you, Maibuik," I said, giving him a slight smile.
He sent me a look of thorough disgust, "Do not thank me. That is disgusting."
Before he closed the door, he turned back to me and added, "You should smile more often. You don't look so hideous that way." And he left.
Personally, I was shocked and then I shook my head. Legolas said from behind me, "Seems like he likes you."
I made a disgusted sound. "You're still kidding."
"Take the compliment, Lily, orcs do not give them freely."
Sighing, I shrugged, "Let's get a move on, Legolas. It's now or never."
When I turned back to him, he nodded. "Let us go then, Lilana."
"Wait," I said before he opened the door, "Let me get something."
He nodded and I skipped to the hidden panel in the wall and pulled it out.
There was a quiet, but still audible gasp behind me.
When I looked back at him, he only said, "The swords...they look familiar."
I shrugged and then put on the belt, slipping the small blade and sword into its slots. I handed the map and pouch to Legolas, saying only, "Keep them safe, they might be of use."
Looking at the wrist guards, I did not want to take them, but the major threat of danger lingered. I put them on.
Standing up, Legolas handed me a forest green cloak. "It is cold outside and its darkness might be able to cover you."
Nodding, I clipped the cloak in place and made for the door.
Legolas hovered behind for a second and then followed. Exiting this room would change everything, I knew, and once I did, Legolas and I would be in immeasurable danger.
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~The Third Party Member~
Being an elf and all, Legolas was more than light on his feet. He was silent and if you did not know he was there, you could not have seen him. He was like the wind, quick or slow, but never seen. Every once in a while I could hear the whispers of clothe against something or another, but that was more than hard.
We were almost down the cold steps of the tower when she spotted Maibuik. He was alone and he was attempting to cook the meat that was brought up for me. Anyone could understand he was not much of a cook, that or he never tried it in his entire life.
At once guilt flooded my system, knowing that once I was discovered gone he would most likely be tortured before killed. Unfortunately, there was no other way.
His back was behind us and Legolas quickly led me past him, toward the open gates.
"Lady Lilana." It was Maibuik's voice.
I froze, but the prince already had an arrow in his bow, ready to shoot, but I forestalled him, putting a hand on his wrist guard, gently lowering his arm.
"Aye, Maibuik," I said quietly.
The orc stood up and turned toward us. Legolas still had his arrow in place, ready to shoot. Although I did not know why, I stepped in front of Legolas, ignoring his push to keep me behind me.
"You are not suppose to leave, lady," Maibuik said as he stood up, leaving the meat on a stick to burn.
"I cannot say here, you must understand," I looked up behind me to Legolas, but his sharp blue eyes were intent on the orc.
He turned to face us, his red-green eyes flashing. "You cannot leave," he said, but I saw that within his eyes held indecision. Then I knew what to say.
"Maibuik," I pleaded, "Please let me leave. I will not be able to tolerate any more. My soul is dying," sniffling, I concentrated in making my eyes water. No tears fell, but they shimmered quite brilliantly.
The orc was ensnared, but in order to keep his honor, I knew there would be a catch, but I was not ready for his.
He growled to me, "Then I shall let you go, but for a price." Behind me, I felt the prince stiffen, although I did not think that would be possible. He was already ramrod straight. "I will go with you."
I knew Legolas was about to disagree, so I nodded quickly. "It is done. Help us leave, then."
I was afraid to look back at the prince, for I knew his eyes would be burning with anger, therefore I didn't.
Maibuik left the meat by the fire and then picked up his war hammer. His eyes were softer and more compassionate as he looked at me and nodded, but before he led us out, his eyes went to the prince and hardened.
Before we set towards the gate, I looked up at my rescuer who had placed his hand on my shoulder. Looking down at me, he gave me a look of irritation and gave Maibuik a warning glance.
Although I did not miss both, I ignored them. Our paths were set. The three of us would continue.
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~Awaiting Challenges~
Passing the gates was not as simple as I expected.
Maibuik led us in the front, myself close behind, and Legolas farther in the back, sunk deep in the shadows.
As I passed underneath the razor sharp ends of the iron gates, a call rang up above us and a shadow of fear crossed my mind.
Maibuik halted and looked up, saluting to whomever was above.
Behind me I heard nothing and I did not look back, not wanting to give away anything. Who knew? Whatever movement I did could be interpreted into anything.
The orc above us exchanged words with Maibuik in another tongue that I did not understand. He pointed at me and I just stood still. Was he going to turn me back in?
Another few seconds passed, although it felt like hours, and then we were setting out again.
Maibuik explained to me as we were heading toward the big black crack, "Bunyone is doing his nightly rounds, asking business to who was entering or exiting. He knew you and asked what you were doing outside the tower room." At this news I was momentarily startled and then stumbled, but before Maibuik could react, strong arms caught me from behind and for a second I was lost in a daze- in Legolas' arms. He released me as soon as I had my balance back. I did not know if that was for the better or worse.
Clearing his throat, the orc continued, "I explained to him that I was ordered to take you out. Suspicious, he told me that our captain whom you have not met has been out hunting and could not have given the orders. I corrected him saying that the second in charge is out and our captain is still in. That one took me for a fool," he paused and glanced back at me, "As soon as we make it past the Deep Crest, we should be safe. The bridge is an old and rickety one, but it can still hold hundreds of orcs. Sooner or later it will fall."
We continued in silence.
The bridge soon came into view and it was, indeed, very old and worn. It did not look like it could even support the weight of an elf. I was horrified.
Maibuik sent Legolas across it first and, although he still sent the orc a thoroughly suspicious look, he did cross it. There was no movement to the bridge nor was there any creaking sounds.
Fear traveled up and down my spine. I could not move.
Suddenly I had a huge shove from behind and I staggered onto the bridge. I clung to the sides of it as if it was my lifeline. I could not move.
On the other side, Legolas was extending a hand to me, waving me to hurry up. From behind I could hear the orc grunting for me to move along. I could do neither.
All of a sudden, to my extreme terror, I felt the bridge jump and lurch. Maibuik had stepped onto it.
I swallowed a scream and then, when the second pitch of the bridge hit, making it creak and some of the rope unravel, I started to run.
Legolas looked as if he had swallowed a dwarf but as I ran into his arms, a look of relief crossed his fair features.
My legs did not support me and it ended up that he had to hold me for many seconds.
I shuddered and then Maibuik got off of the bridge with an ear-shattering squeak that came from the bridge. I felt a large orc hand on my back. "That was good," he said, the sound of a chuckle somewhere behind his words.
Taking a deep breath. I tried to stand up by myself, but Legolas continued to support me.
Maibuik shot Legolas an annoyed look and then jerked his head to the left. I interpreted as a "Let's go" but obviously Legolas didn't.
He held me for a few more seconds and then he released me only after I forced my breath to calm.
We passed a few of those giant stone piles which were much larger up close and then we set off on a straight line toward the foresting line that looked very far away.
As soon as I started feeling more relaxed, the one word that had me convulsed in fear rang out.
Not much of a distance away, I heard an orc's booming voice yell, "Attack!"
~The Beginning of an End~
It wasn't even two seconds later that we were surrounded by orcs. I unsheathed my sword and held it rather awkwardly for I haven't used one for many years. Maibuik had his war hammer poised and ready and Legolas already had his arrows ready.
From beside me, Maibuik whispered to us, "Our army is rather cowardly now that Sauron was destroyed. Kill their leader and most of them would run, hopefully the Captain does not come out here, or else we would all be dead."
I glanced at the bridge, the only way of transporting between the tower and the other side of the land. On the other side orcs were starting to swarm out. I could not let more orcs join those already around us.
"Legolas," I hissed, "The bridge!"
He spun around and two arrows whistled past my ear.
The suspense built around me, butI only had my eyes on was the bridge. To my immense relief, when the orcs poured onto the bridge, it collapsed. Legolas' arrows had pierced through the ropes, but he did not intend to actually sever it. Instead, he cut it enough for it to be able to collapse when the orcs got on it.
Now for the worse danger.
The orcs were already pressing in on us and I knew the first attack would be from them.
Fear was overwhelming. I had never been in an actual battle before and the only weapon training I had earlier was the competition that seemed so long ago.
I had my back pressed against Legolas and he pushed against me just lightly, relaxing a bit. I, too, relaxed a bit.
The first hit came onto Maibuik and then I heard the overlong war call.
The battle had started.
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~The First Death~
Maibuik fought fiercely, from what I could hear. There was not much grunts from his parts, but mainly from those who were attacking him. Supposedly they were surprised he was not fighting against us.
Legolas had been shooting many of his arrows, but then the orcs had come in way too close for even an elf to shoot them. Instead he unsheathed his elf-knives and was fighting viciously.
On my side, I was not fighting out of skill. I was fighting out of fear and I knew if I stopped for even a brief moment, I'd be sliced up and dead within seconds.
My spiked wrist guards proved deadly and prevented more attacks on myself than I could count. In my right hand I wielded the sword, which proved lighter than I thought and I could actually handle it with only one hand. The other knife was in my left hand, proving useful for stabbing if the spikes did not prevent more danger.
The longer we fought the more separated we got. Not long after I had been pushed to the highest of stone piles. Step after step, sword stroke after sword stroke, I made my way to the top which was a long flat surface. There I continued battling and it was much easier for me because the orcs were so much taller and I could attack them before they could me, except for my feet. I constantly jumped to prevent my ankles from being sliced off.
As the fight continued, much of my energy was drained, but I had to continue. There was so many orcs.
Then I heard a cry. It was Maibuik.
Last I had seen Legolas and Maibuik were fighting back to back, now they were separated far beyond comprehension. And the orc had been stabbed.
I stuck my sword into another orc and pushed him off of the top of my bunker, shoving him into the darkness of the crest.
That was when I saw Maibuik fall in battle.
His hammer was posed for another strike, and then an arrow hit him square in the throat. Its forced knocked him backwards and down. I saw no more of him.
"Maibuik!" I cried, looking around impulsively and then I felt the coldness of steel against my thigh.
Quick response saved my leg from being detached. I cut off my attacker's head and then forced the pain out of my mind. I had no choice.
An arrow whizzed behind my head and I heard another grunt. Some orc had climbed into my platform and was about to attack me. Legolas saved my hide. I turned around and attacked. By the time the three that had got on had fallen back down, I was drenched in black blood.
Much of the army had scattered and now all I saw was Legolas, fighting for his life. A flash of red caught my attention and I glanced down and saw him.
I did not understand why, but I somehow knew that this was the orc in charge. This was the orc that had given the command to attack us.
His face was painted red, his thick oily black hair was pulled back into a tight knot, and his ugly mouth was with a sneer. The one thing that frightened me most was that he had an arrow and it was aimed at Legolas.
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~Dealing With The Second Death~
I cried out, knowing that Maibuik was already dead and if I did not do something Legolas would be too. Even though he was an elf, heightened skill and senses, there was no way he could escape from this orc's arrow. Not only was he too busy fighting off those at close range, he had his back turned too.
I knew what I had to do.
Quickly calculating, I knew that if I jumped onto this ugly thing I would be able to knock the arrow fair distance away from Legolas. If the orc did not move anymore, I could bring him down without falling off of the cliff not far beside him.
But he did move and closer to the edge he got.
There was now an extremely large risk of falling in, but I had no more choice now.
It was ready to dispatch his arrow.
Swinging around, I sliced another orc with my sword and then, with as much accuracy as I could manage, I threw my knife into an alternative orc who was headed straight toward Legolas.
Offering a quick chant of luck, I launched myself off of the platform that had served as my bunker and safe area for the past few minutes.
My calculations were good and my knees knocked onto the orc's shoulder and upper arm, making his arrow go off track.
I spun my head around and saw that the arrow missed Legolas head probably just by a hairs' width.
Falling forward, I rammed my arm into the orcs head and the spikes penetrated its thick helmet and skull.
Now we were both falling and to my astonished horror, we were falling right into the cliff.
I tried to scramble off of him before it was too late, but a clumsy orc crashed into me and sent me sprawling. There was nothing to prevent me from falling now. I was trapped between to orcs.
I cried the prince's name and saw him turn, his face transforming from concentration to terror.
Then I had passed the edge, plunging into the depths of this dark crack in the earth.
I thought I heard my name being called, but I couldn't be sure.
My mind swam and although I fought to hang onto consciousness, I could not fight the overwhelming desire to lose myself.
This time my will did not win and I sunk into unconsciousness while I was being consumed by the darkness.
I had fallen in battle. I had lost.
"Legolas?" Panic crept into my voice.
A second later his feet appeared right above me and I hastily stepped back as he jumped in through the window, making no sound.
He looked at me and said quietly, "There is no way we can escape from here. We'll have to go through the main towers..."
I shrugged and said, my voice still a bit shrill, "How did you get in here anyway?"
Scowling intensely, he replied, "I'm an elf, how do you think I got in here?"
"You flew?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
He sent me a look of intense irritation. "You're not lightfoot, Human, so you will not be able to escape unheard."
I shrugged again, thought, and then grinned, "You can always carry me, oh strong Prince."
Two blue eyes came to rest on my face, "You're kidding."
"Of course I am!" I cheerfully agreed. "How scandalous would that be, anyway?"
He grunted and went to the door, opening it just slightly and peering out. "You have no guard."
I made a sound of disgust, "Well, if you had been listening and not scaring me out of my wits by disappearing like that-"
"I was listening," he interrupted, "but I did not think they would be as stupid as to leave you unguarded." He closed the door.
Rolling my eyes, I said to him, "You'd think not. There's always at least one guard out there guarding me in daylight, but they don't think I'd make a dash for it at night."
"Then we have to escape now."
"It's late and Maibuik will be returning soon."
"Send him away again," he said, stating it as if it was obvious.
"Oh!" I said in a sarcastic tone, "What am I supposed to do? Tell him to bring a bath up or something?"
"Why not?" he said simply and I stood there, my mouth agape.
"Now you're kidding!"
"No, I don't `kid'," he looked around and I was just still standing there, gaping at him.
He opened the closet door and hopped in just as a knock came at the door.
"Open," I said.
Maibuik came in and set the platter of food on the table. It did not look repellent, but it was still repulsive in a smaller sort of way. I already got used to the idea of ugly orcs and their food.
"What...is...that?" I gulped.
The orc grunted, snorted, and nearly spat until I made a warning sound in my throat. He swallowed whatever he had in his mouth.
"Leftover elf-deer meat, hind-quarter of Dwarven pig, and horse neck."
Nearly gagging, I tilted my head up and stared at him, "It's raw."
His shoulders slumped and he gave me a fully annoyed look, "Problem?"
I nodded, "I do not eat...raw meat..."
"Too bad," he snapped and headed toward the door.
"Maibuik!" I called and then added with a pout, "If you don't cook it for me, I'll try to do it myself and most likely burn the place down, including myself." I tilted my head and gave him the look of a helpless child, although I did not know if orcs knew what the word `helpless' meant.
"You are trouble, Lady," he snapped but then stepped forward to take the platter away. I nearly jumped with joy.
"Thank you, Maibuik," I said, giving him a slight smile.
He sent me a look of thorough disgust, "Do not thank me. That is disgusting."
Before he closed the door, he turned back to me and added, "You should smile more often. You don't look so hideous that way." And he left.
Personally, I was shocked and then I shook my head. Legolas said from behind me, "Seems like he likes you."
I made a disgusted sound. "You're still kidding."
"Take the compliment, Lily, orcs do not give them freely."
Sighing, I shrugged, "Let's get a move on, Legolas. It's now or never."
When I turned back to him, he nodded. "Let us go then, Lilana."
"Wait," I said before he opened the door, "Let me get something."
He nodded and I skipped to the hidden panel in the wall and pulled it out.
There was a quiet, but still audible gasp behind me.
When I looked back at him, he only said, "The swords...they look familiar."
I shrugged and then put on the belt, slipping the small blade and sword into its slots. I handed the map and pouch to Legolas, saying only, "Keep them safe, they might be of use."
Looking at the wrist guards, I did not want to take them, but the major threat of danger lingered. I put them on.
Standing up, Legolas handed me a forest green cloak. "It is cold outside and its darkness might be able to cover you."
Nodding, I clipped the cloak in place and made for the door.
Legolas hovered behind for a second and then followed. Exiting this room would change everything, I knew, and once I did, Legolas and I would be in immeasurable danger.
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~The Third Party Member~
Being an elf and all, Legolas was more than light on his feet. He was silent and if you did not know he was there, you could not have seen him. He was like the wind, quick or slow, but never seen. Every once in a while I could hear the whispers of clothe against something or another, but that was more than hard.
We were almost down the cold steps of the tower when she spotted Maibuik. He was alone and he was attempting to cook the meat that was brought up for me. Anyone could understand he was not much of a cook, that or he never tried it in his entire life.
At once guilt flooded my system, knowing that once I was discovered gone he would most likely be tortured before killed. Unfortunately, there was no other way.
His back was behind us and Legolas quickly led me past him, toward the open gates.
"Lady Lilana." It was Maibuik's voice.
I froze, but the prince already had an arrow in his bow, ready to shoot, but I forestalled him, putting a hand on his wrist guard, gently lowering his arm.
"Aye, Maibuik," I said quietly.
The orc stood up and turned toward us. Legolas still had his arrow in place, ready to shoot. Although I did not know why, I stepped in front of Legolas, ignoring his push to keep me behind me.
"You are not suppose to leave, lady," Maibuik said as he stood up, leaving the meat on a stick to burn.
"I cannot say here, you must understand," I looked up behind me to Legolas, but his sharp blue eyes were intent on the orc.
He turned to face us, his red-green eyes flashing. "You cannot leave," he said, but I saw that within his eyes held indecision. Then I knew what to say.
"Maibuik," I pleaded, "Please let me leave. I will not be able to tolerate any more. My soul is dying," sniffling, I concentrated in making my eyes water. No tears fell, but they shimmered quite brilliantly.
The orc was ensnared, but in order to keep his honor, I knew there would be a catch, but I was not ready for his.
He growled to me, "Then I shall let you go, but for a price." Behind me, I felt the prince stiffen, although I did not think that would be possible. He was already ramrod straight. "I will go with you."
I knew Legolas was about to disagree, so I nodded quickly. "It is done. Help us leave, then."
I was afraid to look back at the prince, for I knew his eyes would be burning with anger, therefore I didn't.
Maibuik left the meat by the fire and then picked up his war hammer. His eyes were softer and more compassionate as he looked at me and nodded, but before he led us out, his eyes went to the prince and hardened.
Before we set towards the gate, I looked up at my rescuer who had placed his hand on my shoulder. Looking down at me, he gave me a look of irritation and gave Maibuik a warning glance.
Although I did not miss both, I ignored them. Our paths were set. The three of us would continue.
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~Awaiting Challenges~
Passing the gates was not as simple as I expected.
Maibuik led us in the front, myself close behind, and Legolas farther in the back, sunk deep in the shadows.
As I passed underneath the razor sharp ends of the iron gates, a call rang up above us and a shadow of fear crossed my mind.
Maibuik halted and looked up, saluting to whomever was above.
Behind me I heard nothing and I did not look back, not wanting to give away anything. Who knew? Whatever movement I did could be interpreted into anything.
The orc above us exchanged words with Maibuik in another tongue that I did not understand. He pointed at me and I just stood still. Was he going to turn me back in?
Another few seconds passed, although it felt like hours, and then we were setting out again.
Maibuik explained to me as we were heading toward the big black crack, "Bunyone is doing his nightly rounds, asking business to who was entering or exiting. He knew you and asked what you were doing outside the tower room." At this news I was momentarily startled and then stumbled, but before Maibuik could react, strong arms caught me from behind and for a second I was lost in a daze- in Legolas' arms. He released me as soon as I had my balance back. I did not know if that was for the better or worse.
Clearing his throat, the orc continued, "I explained to him that I was ordered to take you out. Suspicious, he told me that our captain whom you have not met has been out hunting and could not have given the orders. I corrected him saying that the second in charge is out and our captain is still in. That one took me for a fool," he paused and glanced back at me, "As soon as we make it past the Deep Crest, we should be safe. The bridge is an old and rickety one, but it can still hold hundreds of orcs. Sooner or later it will fall."
We continued in silence.
The bridge soon came into view and it was, indeed, very old and worn. It did not look like it could even support the weight of an elf. I was horrified.
Maibuik sent Legolas across it first and, although he still sent the orc a thoroughly suspicious look, he did cross it. There was no movement to the bridge nor was there any creaking sounds.
Fear traveled up and down my spine. I could not move.
Suddenly I had a huge shove from behind and I staggered onto the bridge. I clung to the sides of it as if it was my lifeline. I could not move.
On the other side, Legolas was extending a hand to me, waving me to hurry up. From behind I could hear the orc grunting for me to move along. I could do neither.
All of a sudden, to my extreme terror, I felt the bridge jump and lurch. Maibuik had stepped onto it.
I swallowed a scream and then, when the second pitch of the bridge hit, making it creak and some of the rope unravel, I started to run.
Legolas looked as if he had swallowed a dwarf but as I ran into his arms, a look of relief crossed his fair features.
My legs did not support me and it ended up that he had to hold me for many seconds.
I shuddered and then Maibuik got off of the bridge with an ear-shattering squeak that came from the bridge. I felt a large orc hand on my back. "That was good," he said, the sound of a chuckle somewhere behind his words.
Taking a deep breath. I tried to stand up by myself, but Legolas continued to support me.
Maibuik shot Legolas an annoyed look and then jerked his head to the left. I interpreted as a "Let's go" but obviously Legolas didn't.
He held me for a few more seconds and then he released me only after I forced my breath to calm.
We passed a few of those giant stone piles which were much larger up close and then we set off on a straight line toward the foresting line that looked very far away.
As soon as I started feeling more relaxed, the one word that had me convulsed in fear rang out.
Not much of a distance away, I heard an orc's booming voice yell, "Attack!"
~The Beginning of an End~
It wasn't even two seconds later that we were surrounded by orcs. I unsheathed my sword and held it rather awkwardly for I haven't used one for many years. Maibuik had his war hammer poised and ready and Legolas already had his arrows ready.
From beside me, Maibuik whispered to us, "Our army is rather cowardly now that Sauron was destroyed. Kill their leader and most of them would run, hopefully the Captain does not come out here, or else we would all be dead."
I glanced at the bridge, the only way of transporting between the tower and the other side of the land. On the other side orcs were starting to swarm out. I could not let more orcs join those already around us.
"Legolas," I hissed, "The bridge!"
He spun around and two arrows whistled past my ear.
The suspense built around me, butI only had my eyes on was the bridge. To my immense relief, when the orcs poured onto the bridge, it collapsed. Legolas' arrows had pierced through the ropes, but he did not intend to actually sever it. Instead, he cut it enough for it to be able to collapse when the orcs got on it.
Now for the worse danger.
The orcs were already pressing in on us and I knew the first attack would be from them.
Fear was overwhelming. I had never been in an actual battle before and the only weapon training I had earlier was the competition that seemed so long ago.
I had my back pressed against Legolas and he pushed against me just lightly, relaxing a bit. I, too, relaxed a bit.
The first hit came onto Maibuik and then I heard the overlong war call.
The battle had started.
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~The First Death~
Maibuik fought fiercely, from what I could hear. There was not much grunts from his parts, but mainly from those who were attacking him. Supposedly they were surprised he was not fighting against us.
Legolas had been shooting many of his arrows, but then the orcs had come in way too close for even an elf to shoot them. Instead he unsheathed his elf-knives and was fighting viciously.
On my side, I was not fighting out of skill. I was fighting out of fear and I knew if I stopped for even a brief moment, I'd be sliced up and dead within seconds.
My spiked wrist guards proved deadly and prevented more attacks on myself than I could count. In my right hand I wielded the sword, which proved lighter than I thought and I could actually handle it with only one hand. The other knife was in my left hand, proving useful for stabbing if the spikes did not prevent more danger.
The longer we fought the more separated we got. Not long after I had been pushed to the highest of stone piles. Step after step, sword stroke after sword stroke, I made my way to the top which was a long flat surface. There I continued battling and it was much easier for me because the orcs were so much taller and I could attack them before they could me, except for my feet. I constantly jumped to prevent my ankles from being sliced off.
As the fight continued, much of my energy was drained, but I had to continue. There was so many orcs.
Then I heard a cry. It was Maibuik.
Last I had seen Legolas and Maibuik were fighting back to back, now they were separated far beyond comprehension. And the orc had been stabbed.
I stuck my sword into another orc and pushed him off of the top of my bunker, shoving him into the darkness of the crest.
That was when I saw Maibuik fall in battle.
His hammer was posed for another strike, and then an arrow hit him square in the throat. Its forced knocked him backwards and down. I saw no more of him.
"Maibuik!" I cried, looking around impulsively and then I felt the coldness of steel against my thigh.
Quick response saved my leg from being detached. I cut off my attacker's head and then forced the pain out of my mind. I had no choice.
An arrow whizzed behind my head and I heard another grunt. Some orc had climbed into my platform and was about to attack me. Legolas saved my hide. I turned around and attacked. By the time the three that had got on had fallen back down, I was drenched in black blood.
Much of the army had scattered and now all I saw was Legolas, fighting for his life. A flash of red caught my attention and I glanced down and saw him.
I did not understand why, but I somehow knew that this was the orc in charge. This was the orc that had given the command to attack us.
His face was painted red, his thick oily black hair was pulled back into a tight knot, and his ugly mouth was with a sneer. The one thing that frightened me most was that he had an arrow and it was aimed at Legolas.
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~Dealing With The Second Death~
I cried out, knowing that Maibuik was already dead and if I did not do something Legolas would be too. Even though he was an elf, heightened skill and senses, there was no way he could escape from this orc's arrow. Not only was he too busy fighting off those at close range, he had his back turned too.
I knew what I had to do.
Quickly calculating, I knew that if I jumped onto this ugly thing I would be able to knock the arrow fair distance away from Legolas. If the orc did not move anymore, I could bring him down without falling off of the cliff not far beside him.
But he did move and closer to the edge he got.
There was now an extremely large risk of falling in, but I had no more choice now.
It was ready to dispatch his arrow.
Swinging around, I sliced another orc with my sword and then, with as much accuracy as I could manage, I threw my knife into an alternative orc who was headed straight toward Legolas.
Offering a quick chant of luck, I launched myself off of the platform that had served as my bunker and safe area for the past few minutes.
My calculations were good and my knees knocked onto the orc's shoulder and upper arm, making his arrow go off track.
I spun my head around and saw that the arrow missed Legolas head probably just by a hairs' width.
Falling forward, I rammed my arm into the orcs head and the spikes penetrated its thick helmet and skull.
Now we were both falling and to my astonished horror, we were falling right into the cliff.
I tried to scramble off of him before it was too late, but a clumsy orc crashed into me and sent me sprawling. There was nothing to prevent me from falling now. I was trapped between to orcs.
I cried the prince's name and saw him turn, his face transforming from concentration to terror.
Then I had passed the edge, plunging into the depths of this dark crack in the earth.
I thought I heard my name being called, but I couldn't be sure.
My mind swam and although I fought to hang onto consciousness, I could not fight the overwhelming desire to lose myself.
This time my will did not win and I sunk into unconsciousness while I was being consumed by the darkness.
I had fallen in battle. I had lost.