The Wanderer

Chapter Sixteen

 The thundering hooves of Thranduil's moose grew louder as we reached the stone bridge. Hanging on tightly, I squeezed my eyes shut. I now understood why Thranduil was so fond of the animal, it was much faster than any horse I had ridden. I wasn't sure if I liked it or not. Finally gathering the nerve to open my eyes, I saw orcs clambering our way from the other side of the bridge. Much to my surprise, and horror, the moose lowered its head and I almost fell off, but it was effective against the orcs.

The moose raised its head again and I saw many orcs impaled on its horns. One orc, unfortunately still alive, tried to use the sword he clutched in his hands to behead me. I blocked it and shoved my sword into its throat. As I tugged my sword out of the orc, the moose stumbled. I looked back ahead of us and saw orcs shooting arrows at Thranduil's steed.

The great animal stumbled and fell over forward, knocking both Thranduil and I off. Very ungracefully, I jumped from the beast and tumbled on the stone. Behind me, Thranduil rolled and landed in a crouch, his sword out. I hastily got to my feet and Rieka bounded to my side, having followed us from the battlefield. Orcs surrounded us, creating a circle, and a trap.

Without a word to each other, Thranduil, Rieka and I all jumped into action. Rieka jumped onto an orc, knocking it into the one behind. Thranduil took out his two swords and began slashing at any orc that came near. My own efforts were concentrated on an orc with a sword that he seemed to know how to use. Sparks flew as we connected blades, beads of sweat dropped down from my forehead, and I felt the wound on my shoulder reopening from the excessive movement of my arm. I snapped kicked the monster in the face, surprising him, then slit his throat.

More orcs came and I fought them all off. Soon, more elves came for their king and jumped into the fight. Sounds of battle surrounded me, clanging swords, twanging bows, whirling arrows. While I was busy trying to not get stabbed through the stomach by an orc, another orc attacked me from the side and knocked my sword from my hand. I rolled away from the orcs and picked up a stray elven bow and an arrow. I shot it a the orc, striking him in the chest, as I ran back to pick up my sword. Now that I had my sword back, I inspected the bow in my hand. It was sturdy and strong, perhaps stronger than most elven weapons. Deciding to keep it, I threw it across my chest and followed the elves to the center of the city.

More orcs had come and our small number would not be able to keep them away. Elves fell, dead, as we ran. So much death, so much loss. There was no hope for us. Only despair. I paused in my run. What was the point of going any further? To run away from death? It all claims us in the end, but... we meet many people in our lives, people we love and care for; don't you think they're worth seeing again? The words of a wise elf whispered in my mind. Words from when I travelled in the north, the words of Thranduil's own wife right before my first battle.

My legs started working again and I ran as fast as I could. Any orc that crossed my path found its death on my blade. Renewed in energy, I found my way through the city. I found a half full quiver as I ran, so I picked it up and swung it over my shoulder as well. A great building rose in front of me, blocking the direct path to my target. I scaled it with a speed and grace I had never had before. Perhaps spending so much time with my kin was wearing off on me. Now on top of the tower, I put away my sword and took out the bow and arrows I had scavenged. Leaping from rooftop to rooftop, I shot at the orcs on the ground, killing some, but injuring most. My aim with a bow wasn't very good, not compared to Legolas and Tauriel's.

The orcs began to fall behind me and I could see the center of the city just a few buildings ahead of me. I quickly made my way over the last rooftops, then flipped off them and into the stone courtyard. Many of the men backed away in surprise and fright. Bard walked forward and smiled when he saw me standing there.