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inside the stronghold
 

 

Part 19

Legolas drew the tip of Eowyn’s 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 cell’s 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! Don’t mess ’er up! ’Is Lordship wants to do that ’imsel—”

Legolas drove the point of his makeshift knife into the Orc’s throat, and ripped.

He felt a brief stab of guilt when he saw the creature’s eyes widen in terror, but he forced himself to remember that there was no such thing as an innocent Orc.

...

Legolas unbuckled the Orc’s 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 there—just two more Orcs, guarding an open door.

Legolas turned back to Eowyn, raised two fingers—she nodded—pointed 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 Orc’s head with a single swing of the axe.

Eowyn’s 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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