Eclipse of Hearts ✔

16. Merciless [Thorin]

Relief took possession of him when he saw the elf was not Alyssae. It was undoubtedly an elf and her hair was dark as that of Alyssae, but furthermore they shared few similarities. He cursed loudly, why had he sent precisely Vaughn to see who it was? He was probably his only friend who did not know what Alyssae looked like. It however did mean that Alyssae was safe home and that he was able to stop this ridiculous hunt.

He raised his sword, but Azog's son held the girl as a shield between them. She watched him with helpless eyes, but he could only think of Alyssae. He didn't want the orc to slip away. He didn't want her to be in danger and if he had to sacrifice an innocent life - so be it. There were so many people who would die in this battle it made no difference. 

"Sorry," his eyes said, but he could not say the words when he swung the sword to the orc. The steel cut mercilessly through her neck. He ignored the blood that was squirting around, but looked his enemy remorseless in the eye, raising his sword again. This time the orc let go of the girl. She fell at on the ground and heartless Thorin stepped over her, lashing out to the creature.

The man smirked scornfully when he parried his blow, striking him hardly with his mace. Thorin withdrew when the weapon rushed towards him again and he fell over the body of the elf. Protectively he held up his shield, but it splintered under the power of the orc. Thorin had the feeling he was back in Moria, seeing Azog's dead blow coming closer. Again he had crashed onto an orc because it wanted to hurt someone he loved.

He tried to get on his feet, but the giant stepped on his leg and spitted in his face. Thorin felt a flaming pain that seemed to turn off his whole body when bones were breaking. His screams appeared to try to chase off the invaders, but there was no one who backed off. 

"My name is Bolg," the dismal creature entrusted him. "It's always nice to know by whom you are killed."

Perturbed Thorin grabbed his sword again, trying to chop the lower leg of the monster, but his blow was powerless by the pain and he didn't get through Bolg's armor. 

Suddenly the giant orc uttered a terrifying scream. He stepped from Thorin's leg and turned around. Panting for breath, Thorin made use of the opportunity to get on his feet. Flashes of pain shot through his body as soon as he exerted pressure on his leg and he clung to his guards, which were busy keeping the orcs away from him.

He glanced at Vaughn, who had driven his sword through Bolg's back - even though the orc didn't even seem to feel it. Thorin looked around, took away a spear out of someone's hands and smashed it forward, right through the head of the orc. The monster fell down immediately, right atop of Vaughn.

Thorin limped forward and rolled the body aside. He inhaled in relief when Vaughn freed himself. Thorin wanted to turn around to see how things were going, but all of a sudden the strength in his leg disappeared and Vaughn could grab his upper arm just in time.
"You have to leave this place."

Thorin nodded briefly and squeezed his eyes for a few seconds. He was in so much pain he couldn't even think clearly. Deep inside he realized that Alyssae's danger was past, but he couldn't even triumph. A burning pain drew his attention and seemed to gulp down all his thoughts and emotions.