Part 19
Legolas drew the tip of Eowyns neck-guard across the
jagged cornerstone one last time, then tested it with his thumb.
The metal had not been forged to take an edge but, with elven
strength behind it, he knew his primitive blade would do enough
damage. It is ready.
Eowyn nodded. She was subdued, but there was an air of quiet
determination about her.
Legolas hoped it was a good sign.
He slipped the sharpened armour into his belt, handed Eowyn
another piece, and picked up a third himself. Make as
much noise as you can, melmenya.
They slammed the metal into the cells iron bars, Legolas
shouting, Eowyn screaming, until the dungeon door flew open
and the Orc guard came running in.
Legolas grabbed Eowyn by the shoulders and pulled her across
the cell, pinning her against farthest wall.
Oi, yelled the little Orc, is Lordship
wants er! He reached for his keys. Oi!
OI! He unlocked the door. Stoppit! Stoppit!
Dont mess er up! Is Lordship wants to do that
imsel
Legolas drove the point of his makeshift knife into the Orcs
throat, and ripped.
He felt a brief stab of guilt when he saw the creatures
eyes widen in terror, but he forced himself to remember that
there was no such thing as an innocent Orc.
...
Legolas unbuckled the Orcs sword and gave it to Eowyn,
then took its axe himself and, as they left the cell, also pocketed
its keys.
Remember, melmenya, he whispered, as they cautiously
climbed the stairs, wounds to the throat and hands will
slow the warriors down.
At the top, he flattened himself against the wall and, inching
forwards, peered through the arch, scanning the main chamber
of the gatehouse. There were no reivers therejust two
more Orcs, guarding an open door.
Legolas turned back to Eowyn, raised two fingersshe noddedpointed
to her and indicated right, pointed to himself and
indicated left.
Eowyn moved silently to his side; the Orcs were still oblivious
to their presence.
Legolas signalled; the pair attacked.
Legolas removed his Orcs head with a single swing
of the axe.
Eowyns first attempt merely stunned her Orc but,
as he fell to his knees, she struck off his head with her second
blow, her sword clanging against the stone floor.
Legolas heard muffled shouts, and the sound of running feet.
Quickly, melmenya! He grabbed her arm and pulled
her outside, whistling for Arod and Brightstar, and within moments
the pair were mounted and galloping up the slope, and out of
the valley.
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