[Lugbúrz]

Elrohir was about to halt and scan the horizon from the plateau that he had climbed onto. He surmised that it was between the two peaks, overlooking the Redhorn Pass in the South.

Just as he was about to let his mount graze on the sparse grass of the mountainside, he heard a cry of surprise. Nonplussed by the sudden sound, Elrohir turned swiftly and noticed with dismay that there were two orcs challenging Angore, who had his sword out and appeared quite perturbed.

In a flash, Elrohir was pacing towards the stranded elf. The orcs however, looked immeasurably calm with their surprising valour, for taking on one of the Eldar was by no means a simple task for two fully grown orcs, even hobgoblins! In a moment, Elrohir understood why, and realised his folly - he had given up the element of a surprise attack, for as he approached the trio, he noticed that behind them stood an entire band of orcs, no doubt the sentries posted for a watch over the Pass.

In the fading twilight, their faces gleamed of malice, and turning to see another elf approach them, made their smiles flicker, but noticing that he was alone, brought their glee back in measured cunning.

"Lost your way in the hills, have we?" asked one of the two orcs that stood closer to Angore.

"No, we were looking just for you," replied Elrohir calmly.

Angered by the composure of the elves, the chief of the band turned around and gave a terrible cry. Without a further word, they were upon the two intruders.

The lack of light gave the orcs a definite advantage, as they surrounded both the elves and advanced menacingly, ensnaring them like a noose around the throat of a desperate prisoner. Elrohir looked at Angore for a moment and was reassured by a look of fiery determintaion, one which lusted for the perishing of evil. It seemed as all vile things abroad were to fear and despair, for the javelins of this elf would find their mark tonight.

The first blow was puissant; the orc-blade pared Angore's arm as he manoeuvered away from it and struck out, slicing the blade with his sharp sword. Two other orcs replaced the disarmed opponent, only to be met with a worse defeat, for this time the acute sword severed the arms that wielded the blades! They dropped to the ground as the orcs let out a terrible howl of agony, and collapsed to the ground, drenched in blood. Fighting beside Angore, Elrohir was less lethal in his attack. The chief and his companion were both engaged in an exchange of blows with the fair elf, and he seemed to be parrying them with little burden as he kept fighting off the numerous smaller orcs that assailed him from all sides. Finding no success, the chief stepped back and let out a loud growl, and presently many more of his men joined the foray. Elrohir immediately realised that this would be quite impossible to tarry with. With a turn of his sword, he gripped the hilt firmly and pummeled through the ranks and struck a deadly blow skewering the chief's belly.

Elrohir expected the band to lose heart and flee, but was quite shocked to see them fight with renewed vigour, as they seemed to take orders now from another. It appeared that the elves had been expected, and the watches had been prepared well. Not finding much respite from the increasing offensive, Elrohir turned to see that Angore had managed to slaughter a few more of the enemy. He then let out a helpless shout as an orc wielding a cudgel approached Angore from behind and struck him on the head, knocking the elf unconscious.

Outnumbered by the whole group, Elrohir backed away menacingly as the orcs took stock and advanced. The new leader spoke harshly, "foolish elf! Surrender or die."

To their surprise, Elrohir quietly laid down his sword.

"Then I shall surrender," he said without emotion.

Amazed by the compliance, the orcs were jubiliant. The head spoke haughtily, "smart, more learn like you then good. Tie him!"

Four orcs carried Angore of their shoulders while they tied Elrohir crudely with filthy ropes, scared to touch the fair elvish skin. Then they marched the prisoners along the plateau for a distance in the waxing moonlight, and after a while climbed down a rocky path and came to the opening of a low cave. They were met by a few more sentries that looked very interested in the captives, glad that they were securely fastened and could do no further harm.

"Who have you here," one of them asked, searching for the leader of the group, and holding up his torch higher to see the entire company.

"Tresspassers, and elves," came the sneering reply.

With no further question, the prisoners were led along with a few orcs into the cave and to the very back, where there was a hole in the wall, with small rocks lying all around it. Beside the opening, Elrohir spied in the torchlight some dwarf runes in the wall, the orcs had found a dwarf entrance and blasted it from inside.

Just as the orcs were about to lead the elves inside the passage, there were a few gasps from them. Elrohir turned to notice that Angore had woken up and jumped up and surprised the orcs carrying him. Having been unbound, he had cleverly managed to secure a sword off one of his bearers. In a minute all four lay dead and he had sprung to cut Elrohir's bonds.

Quick as lighting Elrohir snatched his sword, that had been wrapped around in a wastecloth, for the orcs feared it mortally. In the dim torchlight of the cave, the orcs fell before they realised what was happening. Soon, the few of them that fit the small cave were all lying on the floor. The cries had alerted the orcs still remaining outside, and they were rudely made to stop their celebration and deal with the sudden attack.

The elves ran out of the cave and stood before them, perhaps a dozen or more. Angore had recovered his sword and was crading it with delight and anger.

Then it was that the help arrived. For in the bright moonlight shining upon the plateau, the two elves and their bravery had attracted the watchful eyes of the friends of the skies. Descending swiftly, a convocation of Eagles cried out into the night, filling the orcs with a fear beyond any other. They looked up in terror and disgust and disbanded and fled. But none of them survived. The wrath of the Eagles was swift and lethal. The decapitated orcs lay strewn on the mountain.

The elves had secured an entry into Moria.

[ May 29, 2003: Message edited by: Lugbúrz ]