Part 21

“He is complacent,” said Legolas, as they rode back into the valley. “His stronghold has no proper defences; his warriors are off hunting men for sport; and his guards lack leadership.”

“He knows he cannot be killed,” said Haldir, “and enjoys taunting his enemies.”

“No,” said Ayleth, quietly. “He is in despair.”

...

They reached the tower and climbed swiftly up the steps to the gatehouse.

Legolas, shooting through the open door, killed two Orc guards as they rushed to attack, and a third as it fled to raise the alarm. Eowyn, guarding his back, beheaded a fourth Orc as it scurried towards him.

Once the way had been cleared, Haldir entered carrying Ayleth, and Sighard followed him, wielding two axes.

Within moments the five had breached the tower’s meagre defences, and were standing in the great circular chamber at its very heart.

Before them, sprawling upon a great, gilded throne, sat the Warrior King, contemplating the ring, which shone on his gloved finger like a full moon in the midnight sky. He had taken off his helmet, and his pale, haggard face was that of a living corpse.

Legolas glanced at Eowyn, but her face betrayed no emotion. He signalled to Sighard, and the man set to work barricading the door.

At that, the Warrior King raised his head, and regarded the intruders with utter contempt.

“I am here to strike a bargain with you,” said Legolas, boldly. “You are deathless, and I am not. I cannot stop you terrorising my people. But I have brought back the woman you seek and, in return, I ask you to spare the rest of us.”

The Warrior King spat on the floor. “Kneel to me, elf,” he said. “And beg.”

Legolas hesitated for several long moments. Then he nodded to the others, and they got down on their hands and knees.

“I beg you, sire,” said Legolas, humbly, “take this woman and leave me in peace.”

The Warrior King rose and, stepping down from his throne, seized Ayleth by the hair, dragging her to her feet. “I take what I want, elf,” he snarled, “whenever I want it. And it will give me great pleasure to feed you, and the rest of your kind, to the Orcs.” He threw Ayleth to the floor; she hit the stones with a sickening thud.

But, as Haldir crawled towards her, out of the corner of his eye Legolas saw her smile.