Bard of Laketown

Part Twenty-Two

AREYA'S STORY CONTINUED

"The pale Orc, known as Azog the Defiler, had led his army to overtake the mountain kingdom of Moria, where the dwarves were now living and ruling. The battle had been going on for quite some time already, with bodies littering the battlefield, when Azog attacked Thror, the King of the dwarves. Thror was an old dwarf, with a grey beard and creases around his eyes, and the Defiler swung his mace down again and again, knocking the king's shield aside. There was nothing that could be done. Azog severed Thror's head from his body and lifted it high for all to see, letting out an earth-shattering roar, so loud that every creature looked up to see the reason for it.

"The young dwarf prince, Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror, was one of the many who saw. He let out a yell so full of anguish and hatred that it pierced the hearts of all the dwarves who heard it. Thorin was taller than most dwarves, with a majestic stance, and handsome of face, with piercing eyes and flowing black hair. His face was cut and blood dripped from many places. Swear poured from his forehead, and any who saw him felt in their bones that he was of the line of Durin.

He fought with strength and skill, but the dwarves were far outnumbered, and in shock from the death of their king.

The dwarves fell in waves, with axes, swords, and arrows piercing their bodies. Still, they kept fighting, determined to save their beloved Moria.

"The dwarves could not have been more than three hundred near the turning of the battle.

Thorin stepped forward, wielding sword and shield, and stood facing the Defiler. Azog laughed, mocking the bravery of the young dwarf. He swung his mace and knocked Thorin's shield out of his hand. Another blow, and his sword went tumbling down the side of the rocks. Azog smashed Thorin onto the rocks, where he lay, weak and bloody.

Azog came to him, ready to deal the blow that would end Thorin's life. As he swung his mace, Thorin grabbed a strong oaken branch lying on the ground beside him, and brought it in front of his body, protecting himself. The oaken branch remained whole. Azog swung his mace over and over, Thorin using the branch every single time to protect his body.

"The dwarves watched, frightened, all thoughts of hope being swept away with every blow which Azog delivered. Azog raised his arms above his head for the last time, when Thorin picked up a sword from one of his fallen allies, and sliced through the Defiler's limb, severing the pale forearm clean off. Azog clutched his elbow, screaming in agony. It was a horrible, chilling sound to hear, but for the dwarves, it meant that victory would soon be theirs.

"They regrouped, and with a great yell, they charged the ranks of the Orc armies with renewed strength and hope. Many more dwarves fell that day, but waves of orcs were killed as well. The few remaining dwarves that were still alive looked to Thorin to be their king. Thror was dead, and Thrain was taken. He was next in the line of Durin."