Paths That Lead Home (LotR F.F.)

Chapter 13: The Fall

Cathy's POV

I now regret not hitting everyone over the head and dragging them through Caradhras. I would rather take the frost bite over fighting an army of orcs. My hands were shaking, so badly, it was a wonder I haven't dropped my bow.

Below me was the rest of the Fellowship. Most of them ready for the fight, save for Abby and the Hobbits who looked like they would rather be anywhere but here. I didn't blame them. I wish I was back in my apartment where the only thing I had to worry about was finishing writing that damn book.

The door bursted open and the orcs piled in and the sounds of fighting filled the room. I stared down at the fight as my fear grew. Many looked like the orc that brought Abby and I to this world; sickly white skin, black eyes, needled teeth, rotting clothing. I pulled back an arrow and aimed at a nearby orc who hasn't seen me, yet. But I couldn't release my tug on the string. The thought of killing something or someone intentionally, even if their sole purpose was to destroy, made me physically ill. None of the orcs have seen me yet, and I was wasting it by standing there doing nothing. They were going to discover me sooner, then I'll be forced to fight for my life.

Abby was holding her own fairly well. She dodged and blocked between orcs. Her small body weaving through the fighting with amazing speed and agility. She would make a few cuts on some of the orcs, but that was as far as she went in offense.

Suddenly, an orc came up from behind Abby and kicked her to the ground. As the orc raised his sword, time seemed to slow down. I felt my muscles tense. I could see what would happen: the orc will bring his sword down and into Abby's heart. I didn't think. I pulled the arrow back further and released it, sending it flying and landing in the orc's stomach. The force pushed him back and he fell. Abby turned up to me and mouthed 'thank you' before jumping on her feet and dodging more attacks.

I didn't have time to react to the fact that I just killed an orc, because some of the orcs attention turned to me. A few began climbing up the ledge I stood upon, their blacks eyes hungrily staring at me.

I stepped back and felt the wall. Don't get trapped between them and the wall, warned a voice in my head. A memory from when I was younger, playing some sort of game where I trapped my enemy into a corner and basically annihilated him and I did this many times, seeing that it was very effective.

Oh how the tables have turned.

As soon as one of the orcs reached the ledge, he jumped at me with his sword raised. Some of Boromir's training kicked in, and I brought up my bow and deflected the blow. I pushed the orc back, sending him toppling over the ledge. As another orc reached my ledge, I put my bow over my shoulder and pulled out my sword, and used it to deflect the blows from the orcs. Their strength surprised me, or I guess I should say their lack of strength. I grew use to Boromir's and Aragorn's heavy blows, but these guys, although quick, had less strength.

As I sent another Orc over the edge, I heard a roar. Every muscle in my body froze as a monstrous creature barged into the room.

I guess that's the cave troll.

An arrow appeared in it's shoulder, and I could only guess it that was Legolas's. The troll, however, just seemed irritated that someone had the nerve to shoot at him. The troll roared and barreled at the first person it saw: Sam.

I was about to reach for my bow when something kicked me in the back, sending me over the ledge. Thankfully, I rolled down a mound of debris, the rocks stabbing into me as I went down. When I finally came to a stop, I looked up and saw Merry and Pippin pushing Frodo into a corner as Abby stood in front of them fighting the orcs. She had a few cuts on her cheek and neck, but other than that she looked good.