A Stranger In The Woods

Chapter 31: ORCS

Katie turned just in time to see the creature grab for her. She fought the urge to scream again, and instead quickly drew her sword and swung.

The blade sliced its chest, but was not fatal. The orc glared at her, hatred shining in its beady eyes. It charged at her again, and Katie swung with all her might, beheading the ugly creature. Hot, thick blood splattered her face and she quickly wiped it away, feeling nauseous.

She heard a twig snap behind her and turned just in time to see another orc approaching. She ducked quickly as it made a swipe at her. The monster stumbled and she used the opportunity to stab it as hard as she could in the chest, killing it.

Katie looked around frantically as four more orcs approached.

'I'm going to die,' she thought panicked, clutching her sword tightly.

Then, like an answer to her unspoken prayers, Legolas appeared at the top of the hill. He quickly readied his bow and took out the orc closest to her. Within seconds, all four monsters lay dead on the ground.

He hurried over to where she still stood open-mouthed, and grabbed her rather forcefully by the arm. "Why did you run off?" he demanded in an angry voice. "These woods are full of orcs."

Katie looked up into his blue eyes. "You don't say," she muttered sarcastically.

Legolas tightened his grip on her arm and shook her roughly. "Have you any idea what would have happened to you had I not shown up?" he asked, eyes flashing wildly.

Katie tried to pull away, but he held her effortlessly.

"They would have killed you," he continued darkly, "but not before they had tortured you, beat you, and raped you."

He let go of her arm and took a step back.

It was the closest she had ever seen him come to losing his temper. Katie watched in fascination as he visably regained his composure.

"Are you hurt?" he asked with a sigh, laying a hand gently on her shoulder.

Katie pulled away from his touch, all too aware of the feelings it invoked. Pain not being on of them.

"Shouldn't we find the others?" she said curtly.

Legolas nodded once, his emotionless mask firmly back in place.

"Stay close to me," he ordered as he readied his bow, and ran towards the sounds of battle.

Katie followed him, clutching her knife tightly in her hand. The fight came into view, and she spied Gimli to her left, using his axe to kill the monsters.

"Aragorn! Go!" Legolas shouted to the ranger.

Aragorn tried to run away but was halted by some uk-hai. Katie watched in fascination as Legolas unholstered his knifes and skillfully began slicing through the orcs.

'He really is good at everything,' she realized in awe. Her thoughts were rudely interrupted by an onslaught of the foul creatures.

She fought as hard as she could, killing every monster that threatened her. 'They're not fighting back,' she realized as another one fell to the dirt. She looked around. They were fighting Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn. Everyone but her.

That's when the truth finally dawned on her. "They have orders not to kill me," she realized aloud.

She looked over at Legolas. He was busy expertly shooting orc after orc with his bow. She ran up behind him and grabbed his arm as he killed one that was threatening Aragorn.

He turned and looked down at her. "What is wrong?" he asked, a hint of worry in his voice.

Katie looked up into his handsome, blood-splattered face and felt her stomach flip.

"I…they will not fight me," she whispered, feeling somewhat helpless.

Legolas' eyes narrowed as he lowered his head towards hers. "What do you mean?" he demanded.

"I-I…I think they have orders not to kill me," she said softly. "I think they are suppose to capture me."

Legolas reached out and grabbed her arm. "NO!" he said firmly. "I will not –"

His words were interrupted by a horn sounding from across the woods.

He turned to look. "The horn of Gondor," he stated.

"Boromir!" Aragorn cried out, running towards the sound.

Legolas was forced to release her as Aragorn ran between them.

Katie looked up and met his clear blue eyes. "I must go too," she whispered.

"No!" Legolas yelled, grabbing for her arm.

Katie pulled away quickly, barely avoiding his grasp, and began running down the hill. "I have to try and save him," she yelled over her shoulder.

Legolas just stood there, stunned. "Wait!" he cried out as he watched her dodge through the trees.

He tried to run after her, but was stopped by a group of smelly uk-hai.

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