A/N Thank you to everyone who has been reviewing my story. It is so
greatly appreciated. A special thanks to LotRlover, who found me the
information on a Sounder of boars! Now, who would have thought THAT would
be the name?! The last Chapter (Chapter XIV) has now been updated with the
new information.
I hope all of you L/G lovers out there (myself included) will be happy to read more banter between our favorite elf and dwarf. There will be more coming in the near future. My apologies for keeping them apart for so long, but they will be together for the rest of this story.
So, without further adieu, I present to you Chapter XV!!!
Disclaimer: all characters, settings, and elvish language are strictly from the mind of J.R.R. Tolkien or inspired by him.
Chapter XV
A Fine Rescue
A rush of air told Legolas that one of Tolmoth's knives would soon be biting deeply into orc flesh. Legolas's bow still lay in the chamber where Gimli had been held, but he held his long knife in his hand and had made ready to engage the enemy in battle. "My prince!" Aldaluin's voice rang clearly over the din of the orc horde coming down the hall. Legolas turned to his voice and caught the flash of movement coming towards him. Years of practice with the captain triggered a reflexive response as Legolas's hand shot out to catch the bow in mid-air. He let his momentum continue spinning him back around to face the orcs while one hand reached gracefully overhead and retrieved an arrow from its quiver. By the time he stopped the arrow was notched and ready. The first arrow was launched and sped mercilessly towards the foremost orc, only 20 feet away.
"Back!" shouted Tolmoth. "We must retreat to the ramparts while Legolas holds the enemy at bay!" Legolas sensed the others retreating behind him and began to slowly back away from the approaching orcs. The arrows of Legolas flew fast and true, and the bodies began to pile up slowing the approaching orcs. From behind him Legolas heard Tolmoth calling, "Legolas! Retreat to the stairway, it will be easier to hold them here!" The elf spun at the Dunadan's words and raced for the end of the long hallway. Behind him the sounds of pursuit were clearly heard, and Legolas was grateful that none of the orcs seemed to carry a bow.
Tolmoth and the others turned left at the end of the hallway and disappeared. As Legolas passed through the doorway Tolmoth, who had been standing in wait, threw the door closed and laid the heavy wood bar across the cradles barring the way out. "What purpose does this serve?" Legolas stared at door. "Why would the orcs wish to prevent those from within from leaving?"
The doorway led to a flight of stairs leading down. Tolmoth began to descend them even as he answered Legolas's question. "Do you think orcs served Sauron with loyalty and trust? Nay, my good elf, this citadel served as much to keep the Dark Lord's servants in as to guard his foul land. The doors outside were locked to prevent the orcs from deserting."
Legolas shook his head, "It is no less than what they deserved, but my heart still pities them." The stairs ended in a small room full of weapons and some armor. Legolas grabbed some of the arrows to replenish his dwindling supply. They could see the others standing just inside an open doorway leading out to the battlements. Boromir motioned Legolas forward with a wave of his hand.
"Well, Master elf, this is a fine rescue. It seems your plan for entering the citadel was sound enough. Did you have a plan for our escape, or did you think to leave that in the capable hands of the dwarf?" Gimli smirked at elf-prince.
Legolas grinned back at Gimli. He was reminded of the battle of the Hornburg where, despite Gimli having bested him in the number of orcs slain, he cared only that his best friend had survived the ordeal relatively unharmed. Legolas removed the pack he had slung across his back and pulled a familiar axe from inside. "Here is your axe, my friend. May it feast on orc flesh, and bring us safely from this place." Gimli accepted the weapon gladly, and looked about to speak when Legolas interrupted him, "Although, I wonder if merely the sight of your beardless face will frighten our enemies away." Gimli growled at the elf, and was prepared to retort when Boromir placed his hand upon his arm, silencing him.
The Prince of Ithilien whispered to Legolas and Gimli, "I see only four sentinels keeping guard on the battlements. They do not appear to be aware of our intrusion, or at the least do not feel it concerns them. Can you dispatch with them without any being allowed to raise the alarm?" Legolas and Gimli nodded and the others moved out of their way to give them room to maneuver. Legolas set two arrows to string, and pointed at a pair of orcs standing close to one another off to the left. Gimli nodded and pointed at the guard standing almost directly in front of them, less than ten paces away. Gimli raised his axe. And even as he loosed the haft Legolas let fly his two arrows. The shafts imbedded themselves in the necks of the two orcs and both fell silently to the ground. The blade of Gimli's axe imbedded itself into the back of the third orc with a sickening thud, and even as he fell so did the fourth guard as one more of Legolas's arrows bit deeply into orc flesh.
Seeing that the way was now clear Tolmoth and the others moved out to the open air of the rampart. The Captain of the Dunedain turned to Legolas, "Guard the way back in case the orcs have managed to win through the door." With that the Dunadan strode to where the others were standing. Aldaluin had produced a rope from his pack and now set to work tying it about one of the merlons of the parapet where it met the rock of the mountain itself. As he finished the last of the knots a cry went up from somewhere above.
At Tolmoth's insistence Boromir had descended the rope first followed by the Dunadan himself. Gimli was scrambling over the wall, having retrieved his axe from the orc, even as Aldaluin called to his prince, "Your highness!" Legolas shouldered his bow and ran to where Aldaluin waited. Legolas leapt over the wall, catching the rope to stop himself from falling as he went. Even as he moved over the wall the elf-prince heard the sound of an arrow being loosed and felt the air stir as it flew past his ear. Legolas looked up to where Aldaluin should have been following as he heard more arrows taking flight.
Suddenly Aldaluin's body flew over the edge one arm reaching out for the rope, but his momentum had been too great and he continued out of reach. Legolas reached out and caught the elf by the arm. Aldaluin's momentum nearly managed to tear Legolas's remaining hand from the rope. And again as the Captain of Legolas's guard fell against the stone wall Legolas gripped the rope tightly, but the weight was too much and both elves fell some feet down as the rope slid through the prince's hand. The rope burned as it scraped past the exposed flesh on Legolas's palm until suddenly the weight of Aldaluin lessened and his grip was able to stop his descent. A loud groan rose from below. Legolas looked down and could see that Aldaluin had been able to finally catch the rope himself, lessening his burden on his prince, but also he had slid far enough down to land atop a very disgruntled dwarf, which had also done much to stop their fall.
Quickly, the company made their way to the ground below. As Legolas jumped the last ten feet Tolmoth motioned for them to follow. A quick glance at Aldaluin confirmed that the elf was unhurt. Sensing the prince's look Aldaluin shrugged, "I was left with the choice of jumping or being speared with orc arrows. I chose to jump." Legolas smiled to himself. In some ways the captain of his guard was not all that different from his friend, the dwarf. He was steadfast in his duty to a fault. And the fact that Legolas had saved him from the fall was unimportant, as he had accepted the consequences of falling the forty feet to the hard stone below, regardless.
The group followed Tolmoth as he led them up the path towards the walls of the mountain itself. The trail ended suddenly at the mouth of a large cave. The coarse fibers of Shelob's web still clung to the opening. Tolmoth stopped and turned to the others. "We have no torch to guide our way. I still believe I can navigate the tunnels, but we cannot be sundered from one another. Boromir grab my tunic, and Gimli you take Boromir's tunic, and then Legolas, and Aldaluin." The five formed a close-knit line and when all were linked Tolmoth set off into the darkness of the orc tunnels.
There had been sounds of pursuit as they entered the tunnels, but all sound was lost within. The small company moved slowly as Tolmoth felt his way along the rough walls, counting the side tunnels as they passed them until a sufficient number was reached and he turned. Time held no meaning in the impenetrable darkness, but after they had taken many turns the elves became aware of the sounds of someone or something approaching and the faintest of lights in the distance. Legolas and Aldaluin halted bringing the others up short. Tolmoth, Boromir, and Gimli huddled together with the two elves so that Aldaluin could speak in the faintest of whispers. "Someone approaches."
They remained motionless until even the eyes of Boromir and Tolmoth could see the light approaching. With that little light Tolmoth took them around the last corner they had turned to await the bearer or bearers of the light. The sounds grew, as did the light, and soon the shuffling of many feet could be heard. There could be no doubt that a band of orcs was coming this way.
Slowly and noiselessly Tolmoth, Aldaluin, and Boromir drew their swords even as Gimli removed his axe from its belt loop and Legolas wielded his long knives. The sound of the feet grew nearer and soon even the grunts of the orcs could be heard. Within moments the first orc rounded the corner. One graceful arc of Tolmoth's sword and the creature's head was rolling across the floor of the tunnel. It's body fell lifeless at the Dunadan's feet.
The beheading took the other orcs by surprise and for a few moments the five warriors had the element of surprise on their side. Elves, men, and dwarf formed a tight circle, protecting their rear. Orc bodies fell in vast numbers as Aldaluin, Boromir, and Tolmoth spitted each upon the point of their respective swords. Gimli's axe flashed in the darkness seeking out orc necks, and hewing heads from bodies. Legolas's knives moved with precision and accuracy stabbing through to the heart in one instance while the other slashed a wide gash in the chest of another enemy.
The number of orcs was vast, however, and slowly the small company began to falter. Tolmoth swore as he only just managed to deflect an orc blade. The orc's scimitar flew wide, but not before cutting deeply into the Dunadan's arm. Boromir had taken the brunt of the attack. Two of the foul creatures came upon him at once, and the young man had fallen under their assault. Tolmoth and Gimli had closed ranks to allow the prince to regain his feet only to be pushed back themselves until the prince could rejoin them.
Legolas struggled to wield his knives effectively in such close quarters. The enemy had pressed them hard, and now there was little room to maneuver. The knife in his right hand sliced out and bit deeply into the neck of the orc directly in front of him, but his left arm could barely maneuver past Aldaluin without injuring the elf. The orc standing directly behind Legolas's most recent victim lunged in over the body of his fallen comrade. Thankfully he had no room to wield his weapon either, but vicious teeth bit down hard upon the elf-prince's forearm. Legolas cried out and tried to knock the offending orc in the head with the haft of his knife, but before he could do so the shaft of an arrow imbedded itself in the orc's back. The creature fell screaming at the elf's feet. On his right another orc fell to the ground with a dagger neatly imbedded in its throat.
Seizing the opportunity Legolas and the others moved outward, gaining much needed room and then dispatched with the remaining orcs. The last orc fell with an arrow protruding from its chest. Legolas stared out across the pile of bodies strewing the cavern floor at Lalaith, Firith, Gerath, and Andru. Lalaith grinned at her prince, "It's a good thing the orcs make so much noise. We were able to find them through this maze of tunnels by sound alone."
"Thank the Valar for the elves and their keen ears," spoke Tolmoth. Then his eyes narrowed and he searched the tunnel they were in, "Where is Serewen?"
"We had to leave her behind," said Firith, a look of pure disgust on his face. "When we heard this rabble of orcs descending from the citadel above she tried to scream through her gag. Andru rendered her unconscious with the haft of his sword, but we had to run quickly to hide from the approaching enemy. We left her as we found her, and of course the orcs must have discovered her when they came to the Under-gate."
Suddenly the elves stared back along the tunnel in the direction of the citadel. Firith turned back to the others, "We are being pursued. We must not tarry." Tolmoth grabbed a nearby torch and then turned back in the direction they had just come. The others followed with weapons at the ready.
Tolmoth took a few turns and quickly came to what Legolas assumed must be the main tunnel. Here he turned right and continued along this path running at a very quick pace. Gimli struggled to keep up, determined to not show weakness in the midst of elves and Dunedain, but days of not eating soon caught up with him and he stumbled and fell. Legolas was immediately at his side. "Are you injured, my friend?"
Gimli snorted as he struggled to his feet, "Nay, I am not injured. Pay no attention, Master elf, I am fine." The others had stopped their progress when the dwarf had fallen, but seeing that he was still fit to continue Tolmoth turned and led them on again. Legolas followed the dwarf closely but not too closely. He did not wish to arouse further anger in his friend, but he did not need elven senses to see that Gimli was struggling to continue. Legolas had noted a large knot on the side of the dwarf's face, but it had not seemed overly bothersome at the time. He stared hard at the rest of Gimli. He was not limping, he seemed merely exhausted and weak. With a start the elf realized the dwarf was suffering from the effects of hunger. Legolas reached inside his pack and pulled out some lembas. The elves had managed to take quite a few cakes for their journey.
In a few short strides Legolas had pulled even with the dwarf and handed him the cake. The dwarf looked at it with not just a little irritation, "No, Legolas. I will take sustenance when we are not in so dire need of speed."
Legolas stared hard at the dwarf, "You will eat this now, Gimli, son of Gloin, before you fall flat on your face and force the rest of us to carry you out of these tunnels. That would slow us down considerably, I would think."
"Think you that Durin's folk are so weak?"
"Weak? No. Stubborn? Yes. Take this waybread, Gimli, or I will…" Legolas did not finish his statement. The dwarf stumbled over a small rock and had indeed fallen flat on his face. With something akin to a growl the dwarf once again raised himself from the ground. Legolas did not attempt to aide him, knowing the offer would not be accepted. Gimli dusted himself off, not looking in Legolas's direction. At last, a single hand shot out towards the elf, palm up. Legolas placed the lembas in Gimli's hand, and the dwarf began to trot after the others all the while removing the leaf wrap from the sweet cake inside. Within moments of eating the dwarf felt strength returning to his limbs, and he quickened his pace to catch up with the others.
The sounds of pursuit echoed behind them, and even the lesser ears of the humans could easily discern the guttural speech and the slapping feet of the orcs. Tolmoth led them on at an excruciating pace, and in time they came to southern exit of the tunnels.
The sun was setting in the west, and a chill wind was blowing from the north, but all were glad to be away from the oppressive orc tunnels and the foul stench of Shelob. As soon as they had emerged Tolmoth motioned for Boromir to follow him. "Move away from the entrance," he said to the others, and then he and Boromir scrambled up the nearby slope of the mountain. A large boulder sat at an impossible angle some twenty feet above the path. Tolmoth and Boromir moved behind it and were lost from view.
The cries of the pursuing orcs grew louder, and Legolas and Firith set arrows to bows and waited for the first to arrive. Lalaith pulled some of her knives and also made ready. The others drew their swords. They did not have to wait long, the first orcs poured from the tunnel mouth only to be instantly felled by the arrows of the two elves. More fell behind them as the daggers of Lalaith flew through the air and found their marks. But the orcs were many, and soon the others were engaging them in close combat. The orcs continued to pour from the tunnel, and threatened to overpower Legolas and the others.
Suddenly a great noise was heard from up on the mountainside, and suddenly the great boulder began to roll down towards the opening of the tunnel. The orcs, suddenly aware of the danger began running away from the giant rock, back into the tunnel. With a gigantic crash the boulder landed hard up against the tunnel opening and stopped there, blocking the entrance. The remaining orcs, seeing that they were now cut off from the others began to flee. Most were easily taken care of by Legolas and the others, and the few who weren't had chosen to throw themselves off a nearby cliff rather than face the cruel weapons of the elves, men, and dwarf.
Andru, Gerath, and Gimli fell to the ground, gasping for breath. Aldaluin and Firith began cleaning their swords on the tunics of some fallen orcs, as Legolas was doing with his long knives. Lalaith was retrieving her daggers from the orcs, as well as collecting arrows for Legolas and Firith. Tolmoth and Boromir returned from the mountainside.
Legolas stared at the Dunadan and his prince, "Do we have luck or foresight to thank for our narrow escape?"
Tolmoth smiled grimly, "In truth, foresight, though not for such a case as this. When the Dunedain first came to Cirith Ungol we knew there were many dangers to face. If there had been need of retreat from the tower then we had planned to take the tunnels to this place. We positioned the boulder to block our escape route from any pursuing enemy if need be. In the years I was at Cirith Ungol we never had need for this device. In which case, perhaps it is our luck that the boulder was still here and did its job well."
Legolas smiled at the captain of Boromir's guard, "Then we should thank the Valar for the Dunedain and their cautious natures." Tolmoth smiled back and bowed to the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen.
"Since we seem to be safe from further pursuit at the moment, I think we should use this time to recover our strength. Food and rest are in order, do you agree, my prince?"
Legolas was nodding his head in agreement when Gimli, who had not risen from his position on the ground, suddenly sat up. "No, we cannot afford to take such rest. I learned something from my captors which I think you will want to hear." The others gathered around the dwarf, curious to hear his story. "The dark elves who held me captive were clearly unaware of my knowledge of Sindarin, for they chose that language with which to converse in my presence. In listening to them I was able to discover that a great army marches on Ithilien far to the south. Even now Faramir and the soldiers of Ithilien have gone to meet them."
"That would be expected, Master dwarf," said Tolmoth, "Why is this news so grave?"
"Because it is meant to be a distraction for their real purpose. Even now a small army marches on Amon Galen. They purpose to capture Princess Eowyn, and with her they have planned some terrible deed. I am not certain what role she would play in all of this, but I am certain it had somewhat to do with another dark lord."
Silence hung thick in the air. All were too shocked to respond to Gimli's news. Finally Aldaluin spoke up, "We witnessed a small army traveling down the Morgul Road." The elf remained silent for a moment gathering his thoughts. "If what you say is true, then the massive army building in Mordor would make sense. They had to know that any attempts to attack Gondor would fail. But in light of this news, their tactic seems sound enough. Still, why is Eowyn of such import?"
No one was able to hazard a guess to Aldaluin's question. Finally, Boromir spoke, "Then we cannot take our rest here. We must hasten back to Amon Galen. If the soldiers have gone to war, then there will be none to defend the city. Our families will be in grave danger, and I for one intend to protect my mother.
"The army must travel the roads to Amon Galen to avoid the forests which would hinder their travel. We nine, however, can cut through the forests and come to Amon Galen by way of the secret entrance we took to escape. But we cannot linger here. We must depart immediately."
"Agreed," said Legolas. The company immediately made ready to depart, and were well on their way down into the Morgul Valley ere the last rays of sun had faded from the sky.
"Well, Master elf," said Gimli from behind the elf-prince, "It seems you and I are ever fated to outrun large groups of orcs. I only hope we have better luck in overtaking them this time."
"As do I, my friend. As do I."
I hope all of you L/G lovers out there (myself included) will be happy to read more banter between our favorite elf and dwarf. There will be more coming in the near future. My apologies for keeping them apart for so long, but they will be together for the rest of this story.
So, without further adieu, I present to you Chapter XV!!!
Disclaimer: all characters, settings, and elvish language are strictly from the mind of J.R.R. Tolkien or inspired by him.
Chapter XV
A Fine Rescue
A rush of air told Legolas that one of Tolmoth's knives would soon be biting deeply into orc flesh. Legolas's bow still lay in the chamber where Gimli had been held, but he held his long knife in his hand and had made ready to engage the enemy in battle. "My prince!" Aldaluin's voice rang clearly over the din of the orc horde coming down the hall. Legolas turned to his voice and caught the flash of movement coming towards him. Years of practice with the captain triggered a reflexive response as Legolas's hand shot out to catch the bow in mid-air. He let his momentum continue spinning him back around to face the orcs while one hand reached gracefully overhead and retrieved an arrow from its quiver. By the time he stopped the arrow was notched and ready. The first arrow was launched and sped mercilessly towards the foremost orc, only 20 feet away.
"Back!" shouted Tolmoth. "We must retreat to the ramparts while Legolas holds the enemy at bay!" Legolas sensed the others retreating behind him and began to slowly back away from the approaching orcs. The arrows of Legolas flew fast and true, and the bodies began to pile up slowing the approaching orcs. From behind him Legolas heard Tolmoth calling, "Legolas! Retreat to the stairway, it will be easier to hold them here!" The elf spun at the Dunadan's words and raced for the end of the long hallway. Behind him the sounds of pursuit were clearly heard, and Legolas was grateful that none of the orcs seemed to carry a bow.
Tolmoth and the others turned left at the end of the hallway and disappeared. As Legolas passed through the doorway Tolmoth, who had been standing in wait, threw the door closed and laid the heavy wood bar across the cradles barring the way out. "What purpose does this serve?" Legolas stared at door. "Why would the orcs wish to prevent those from within from leaving?"
The doorway led to a flight of stairs leading down. Tolmoth began to descend them even as he answered Legolas's question. "Do you think orcs served Sauron with loyalty and trust? Nay, my good elf, this citadel served as much to keep the Dark Lord's servants in as to guard his foul land. The doors outside were locked to prevent the orcs from deserting."
Legolas shook his head, "It is no less than what they deserved, but my heart still pities them." The stairs ended in a small room full of weapons and some armor. Legolas grabbed some of the arrows to replenish his dwindling supply. They could see the others standing just inside an open doorway leading out to the battlements. Boromir motioned Legolas forward with a wave of his hand.
"Well, Master elf, this is a fine rescue. It seems your plan for entering the citadel was sound enough. Did you have a plan for our escape, or did you think to leave that in the capable hands of the dwarf?" Gimli smirked at elf-prince.
Legolas grinned back at Gimli. He was reminded of the battle of the Hornburg where, despite Gimli having bested him in the number of orcs slain, he cared only that his best friend had survived the ordeal relatively unharmed. Legolas removed the pack he had slung across his back and pulled a familiar axe from inside. "Here is your axe, my friend. May it feast on orc flesh, and bring us safely from this place." Gimli accepted the weapon gladly, and looked about to speak when Legolas interrupted him, "Although, I wonder if merely the sight of your beardless face will frighten our enemies away." Gimli growled at the elf, and was prepared to retort when Boromir placed his hand upon his arm, silencing him.
The Prince of Ithilien whispered to Legolas and Gimli, "I see only four sentinels keeping guard on the battlements. They do not appear to be aware of our intrusion, or at the least do not feel it concerns them. Can you dispatch with them without any being allowed to raise the alarm?" Legolas and Gimli nodded and the others moved out of their way to give them room to maneuver. Legolas set two arrows to string, and pointed at a pair of orcs standing close to one another off to the left. Gimli nodded and pointed at the guard standing almost directly in front of them, less than ten paces away. Gimli raised his axe. And even as he loosed the haft Legolas let fly his two arrows. The shafts imbedded themselves in the necks of the two orcs and both fell silently to the ground. The blade of Gimli's axe imbedded itself into the back of the third orc with a sickening thud, and even as he fell so did the fourth guard as one more of Legolas's arrows bit deeply into orc flesh.
Seeing that the way was now clear Tolmoth and the others moved out to the open air of the rampart. The Captain of the Dunedain turned to Legolas, "Guard the way back in case the orcs have managed to win through the door." With that the Dunadan strode to where the others were standing. Aldaluin had produced a rope from his pack and now set to work tying it about one of the merlons of the parapet where it met the rock of the mountain itself. As he finished the last of the knots a cry went up from somewhere above.
At Tolmoth's insistence Boromir had descended the rope first followed by the Dunadan himself. Gimli was scrambling over the wall, having retrieved his axe from the orc, even as Aldaluin called to his prince, "Your highness!" Legolas shouldered his bow and ran to where Aldaluin waited. Legolas leapt over the wall, catching the rope to stop himself from falling as he went. Even as he moved over the wall the elf-prince heard the sound of an arrow being loosed and felt the air stir as it flew past his ear. Legolas looked up to where Aldaluin should have been following as he heard more arrows taking flight.
Suddenly Aldaluin's body flew over the edge one arm reaching out for the rope, but his momentum had been too great and he continued out of reach. Legolas reached out and caught the elf by the arm. Aldaluin's momentum nearly managed to tear Legolas's remaining hand from the rope. And again as the Captain of Legolas's guard fell against the stone wall Legolas gripped the rope tightly, but the weight was too much and both elves fell some feet down as the rope slid through the prince's hand. The rope burned as it scraped past the exposed flesh on Legolas's palm until suddenly the weight of Aldaluin lessened and his grip was able to stop his descent. A loud groan rose from below. Legolas looked down and could see that Aldaluin had been able to finally catch the rope himself, lessening his burden on his prince, but also he had slid far enough down to land atop a very disgruntled dwarf, which had also done much to stop their fall.
Quickly, the company made their way to the ground below. As Legolas jumped the last ten feet Tolmoth motioned for them to follow. A quick glance at Aldaluin confirmed that the elf was unhurt. Sensing the prince's look Aldaluin shrugged, "I was left with the choice of jumping or being speared with orc arrows. I chose to jump." Legolas smiled to himself. In some ways the captain of his guard was not all that different from his friend, the dwarf. He was steadfast in his duty to a fault. And the fact that Legolas had saved him from the fall was unimportant, as he had accepted the consequences of falling the forty feet to the hard stone below, regardless.
The group followed Tolmoth as he led them up the path towards the walls of the mountain itself. The trail ended suddenly at the mouth of a large cave. The coarse fibers of Shelob's web still clung to the opening. Tolmoth stopped and turned to the others. "We have no torch to guide our way. I still believe I can navigate the tunnels, but we cannot be sundered from one another. Boromir grab my tunic, and Gimli you take Boromir's tunic, and then Legolas, and Aldaluin." The five formed a close-knit line and when all were linked Tolmoth set off into the darkness of the orc tunnels.
There had been sounds of pursuit as they entered the tunnels, but all sound was lost within. The small company moved slowly as Tolmoth felt his way along the rough walls, counting the side tunnels as they passed them until a sufficient number was reached and he turned. Time held no meaning in the impenetrable darkness, but after they had taken many turns the elves became aware of the sounds of someone or something approaching and the faintest of lights in the distance. Legolas and Aldaluin halted bringing the others up short. Tolmoth, Boromir, and Gimli huddled together with the two elves so that Aldaluin could speak in the faintest of whispers. "Someone approaches."
They remained motionless until even the eyes of Boromir and Tolmoth could see the light approaching. With that little light Tolmoth took them around the last corner they had turned to await the bearer or bearers of the light. The sounds grew, as did the light, and soon the shuffling of many feet could be heard. There could be no doubt that a band of orcs was coming this way.
Slowly and noiselessly Tolmoth, Aldaluin, and Boromir drew their swords even as Gimli removed his axe from its belt loop and Legolas wielded his long knives. The sound of the feet grew nearer and soon even the grunts of the orcs could be heard. Within moments the first orc rounded the corner. One graceful arc of Tolmoth's sword and the creature's head was rolling across the floor of the tunnel. It's body fell lifeless at the Dunadan's feet.
The beheading took the other orcs by surprise and for a few moments the five warriors had the element of surprise on their side. Elves, men, and dwarf formed a tight circle, protecting their rear. Orc bodies fell in vast numbers as Aldaluin, Boromir, and Tolmoth spitted each upon the point of their respective swords. Gimli's axe flashed in the darkness seeking out orc necks, and hewing heads from bodies. Legolas's knives moved with precision and accuracy stabbing through to the heart in one instance while the other slashed a wide gash in the chest of another enemy.
The number of orcs was vast, however, and slowly the small company began to falter. Tolmoth swore as he only just managed to deflect an orc blade. The orc's scimitar flew wide, but not before cutting deeply into the Dunadan's arm. Boromir had taken the brunt of the attack. Two of the foul creatures came upon him at once, and the young man had fallen under their assault. Tolmoth and Gimli had closed ranks to allow the prince to regain his feet only to be pushed back themselves until the prince could rejoin them.
Legolas struggled to wield his knives effectively in such close quarters. The enemy had pressed them hard, and now there was little room to maneuver. The knife in his right hand sliced out and bit deeply into the neck of the orc directly in front of him, but his left arm could barely maneuver past Aldaluin without injuring the elf. The orc standing directly behind Legolas's most recent victim lunged in over the body of his fallen comrade. Thankfully he had no room to wield his weapon either, but vicious teeth bit down hard upon the elf-prince's forearm. Legolas cried out and tried to knock the offending orc in the head with the haft of his knife, but before he could do so the shaft of an arrow imbedded itself in the orc's back. The creature fell screaming at the elf's feet. On his right another orc fell to the ground with a dagger neatly imbedded in its throat.
Seizing the opportunity Legolas and the others moved outward, gaining much needed room and then dispatched with the remaining orcs. The last orc fell with an arrow protruding from its chest. Legolas stared out across the pile of bodies strewing the cavern floor at Lalaith, Firith, Gerath, and Andru. Lalaith grinned at her prince, "It's a good thing the orcs make so much noise. We were able to find them through this maze of tunnels by sound alone."
"Thank the Valar for the elves and their keen ears," spoke Tolmoth. Then his eyes narrowed and he searched the tunnel they were in, "Where is Serewen?"
"We had to leave her behind," said Firith, a look of pure disgust on his face. "When we heard this rabble of orcs descending from the citadel above she tried to scream through her gag. Andru rendered her unconscious with the haft of his sword, but we had to run quickly to hide from the approaching enemy. We left her as we found her, and of course the orcs must have discovered her when they came to the Under-gate."
Suddenly the elves stared back along the tunnel in the direction of the citadel. Firith turned back to the others, "We are being pursued. We must not tarry." Tolmoth grabbed a nearby torch and then turned back in the direction they had just come. The others followed with weapons at the ready.
Tolmoth took a few turns and quickly came to what Legolas assumed must be the main tunnel. Here he turned right and continued along this path running at a very quick pace. Gimli struggled to keep up, determined to not show weakness in the midst of elves and Dunedain, but days of not eating soon caught up with him and he stumbled and fell. Legolas was immediately at his side. "Are you injured, my friend?"
Gimli snorted as he struggled to his feet, "Nay, I am not injured. Pay no attention, Master elf, I am fine." The others had stopped their progress when the dwarf had fallen, but seeing that he was still fit to continue Tolmoth turned and led them on again. Legolas followed the dwarf closely but not too closely. He did not wish to arouse further anger in his friend, but he did not need elven senses to see that Gimli was struggling to continue. Legolas had noted a large knot on the side of the dwarf's face, but it had not seemed overly bothersome at the time. He stared hard at the rest of Gimli. He was not limping, he seemed merely exhausted and weak. With a start the elf realized the dwarf was suffering from the effects of hunger. Legolas reached inside his pack and pulled out some lembas. The elves had managed to take quite a few cakes for their journey.
In a few short strides Legolas had pulled even with the dwarf and handed him the cake. The dwarf looked at it with not just a little irritation, "No, Legolas. I will take sustenance when we are not in so dire need of speed."
Legolas stared hard at the dwarf, "You will eat this now, Gimli, son of Gloin, before you fall flat on your face and force the rest of us to carry you out of these tunnels. That would slow us down considerably, I would think."
"Think you that Durin's folk are so weak?"
"Weak? No. Stubborn? Yes. Take this waybread, Gimli, or I will…" Legolas did not finish his statement. The dwarf stumbled over a small rock and had indeed fallen flat on his face. With something akin to a growl the dwarf once again raised himself from the ground. Legolas did not attempt to aide him, knowing the offer would not be accepted. Gimli dusted himself off, not looking in Legolas's direction. At last, a single hand shot out towards the elf, palm up. Legolas placed the lembas in Gimli's hand, and the dwarf began to trot after the others all the while removing the leaf wrap from the sweet cake inside. Within moments of eating the dwarf felt strength returning to his limbs, and he quickened his pace to catch up with the others.
The sounds of pursuit echoed behind them, and even the lesser ears of the humans could easily discern the guttural speech and the slapping feet of the orcs. Tolmoth led them on at an excruciating pace, and in time they came to southern exit of the tunnels.
The sun was setting in the west, and a chill wind was blowing from the north, but all were glad to be away from the oppressive orc tunnels and the foul stench of Shelob. As soon as they had emerged Tolmoth motioned for Boromir to follow him. "Move away from the entrance," he said to the others, and then he and Boromir scrambled up the nearby slope of the mountain. A large boulder sat at an impossible angle some twenty feet above the path. Tolmoth and Boromir moved behind it and were lost from view.
The cries of the pursuing orcs grew louder, and Legolas and Firith set arrows to bows and waited for the first to arrive. Lalaith pulled some of her knives and also made ready. The others drew their swords. They did not have to wait long, the first orcs poured from the tunnel mouth only to be instantly felled by the arrows of the two elves. More fell behind them as the daggers of Lalaith flew through the air and found their marks. But the orcs were many, and soon the others were engaging them in close combat. The orcs continued to pour from the tunnel, and threatened to overpower Legolas and the others.
Suddenly a great noise was heard from up on the mountainside, and suddenly the great boulder began to roll down towards the opening of the tunnel. The orcs, suddenly aware of the danger began running away from the giant rock, back into the tunnel. With a gigantic crash the boulder landed hard up against the tunnel opening and stopped there, blocking the entrance. The remaining orcs, seeing that they were now cut off from the others began to flee. Most were easily taken care of by Legolas and the others, and the few who weren't had chosen to throw themselves off a nearby cliff rather than face the cruel weapons of the elves, men, and dwarf.
Andru, Gerath, and Gimli fell to the ground, gasping for breath. Aldaluin and Firith began cleaning their swords on the tunics of some fallen orcs, as Legolas was doing with his long knives. Lalaith was retrieving her daggers from the orcs, as well as collecting arrows for Legolas and Firith. Tolmoth and Boromir returned from the mountainside.
Legolas stared at the Dunadan and his prince, "Do we have luck or foresight to thank for our narrow escape?"
Tolmoth smiled grimly, "In truth, foresight, though not for such a case as this. When the Dunedain first came to Cirith Ungol we knew there were many dangers to face. If there had been need of retreat from the tower then we had planned to take the tunnels to this place. We positioned the boulder to block our escape route from any pursuing enemy if need be. In the years I was at Cirith Ungol we never had need for this device. In which case, perhaps it is our luck that the boulder was still here and did its job well."
Legolas smiled at the captain of Boromir's guard, "Then we should thank the Valar for the Dunedain and their cautious natures." Tolmoth smiled back and bowed to the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen.
"Since we seem to be safe from further pursuit at the moment, I think we should use this time to recover our strength. Food and rest are in order, do you agree, my prince?"
Legolas was nodding his head in agreement when Gimli, who had not risen from his position on the ground, suddenly sat up. "No, we cannot afford to take such rest. I learned something from my captors which I think you will want to hear." The others gathered around the dwarf, curious to hear his story. "The dark elves who held me captive were clearly unaware of my knowledge of Sindarin, for they chose that language with which to converse in my presence. In listening to them I was able to discover that a great army marches on Ithilien far to the south. Even now Faramir and the soldiers of Ithilien have gone to meet them."
"That would be expected, Master dwarf," said Tolmoth, "Why is this news so grave?"
"Because it is meant to be a distraction for their real purpose. Even now a small army marches on Amon Galen. They purpose to capture Princess Eowyn, and with her they have planned some terrible deed. I am not certain what role she would play in all of this, but I am certain it had somewhat to do with another dark lord."
Silence hung thick in the air. All were too shocked to respond to Gimli's news. Finally Aldaluin spoke up, "We witnessed a small army traveling down the Morgul Road." The elf remained silent for a moment gathering his thoughts. "If what you say is true, then the massive army building in Mordor would make sense. They had to know that any attempts to attack Gondor would fail. But in light of this news, their tactic seems sound enough. Still, why is Eowyn of such import?"
No one was able to hazard a guess to Aldaluin's question. Finally, Boromir spoke, "Then we cannot take our rest here. We must hasten back to Amon Galen. If the soldiers have gone to war, then there will be none to defend the city. Our families will be in grave danger, and I for one intend to protect my mother.
"The army must travel the roads to Amon Galen to avoid the forests which would hinder their travel. We nine, however, can cut through the forests and come to Amon Galen by way of the secret entrance we took to escape. But we cannot linger here. We must depart immediately."
"Agreed," said Legolas. The company immediately made ready to depart, and were well on their way down into the Morgul Valley ere the last rays of sun had faded from the sky.
"Well, Master elf," said Gimli from behind the elf-prince, "It seems you and I are ever fated to outrun large groups of orcs. I only hope we have better luck in overtaking them this time."
"As do I, my friend. As do I."