(PTII)Defenders of Middle Earth: A Middle Earth Story(Book 4)

Chapter 11: Trespass on Sacred Land

Just then his eyes landed on his armor. It was neatly folded and set upon the bed, likely having just been placed there by the maid. Caledorn rolled his eyes in exasperation as he lifted up the dark leather undershirt that he was accustomed to wearing.

"Why would anyone use lye to clean leather?" He asked with a disapproving snort. He threw off the burgundy shirt and dark trousers he had been wearing, replacing them with the characteristic black armor that he wore everywhere. He smiled slightly as he felt the familiar fabric brush against his skin, and flexed his fingers as he pulled his gloves over his hand. Taliel watched him intently, and for the first time since she had met him, it filled her with worry to see him putting his armor on.

"Be safe, Caledorn," She said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Caledorn turned to her and slowly walked over, placing his hands on her shoulders.

"I shall be," He replied solemnly, running a gloved hand gently over her cheek. His eyes then took on a mischevious glint, and he raised a dark eyebrow. "You should be more concerned for the wellbeing of those orcs. They know not what they've awoken."

She didn't know if he was speaking of himself or someone else, but either way his words assured her. After all, they were in the realm of Galadriel. She would watch over them.

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This wasn't how it was supposed to go. The Sorceress' orders had been clear: gain information but do not engage. Now their entire mission was compromised, and Lurkai had only himself to blame. His lust for blood had been his downfall, and he would surely pay the price for his incompetence.

"Raaaagh, retreat! To the Elkhorn Gate!" He roared, drawing his jagged sword and raising it aloft. He saw Maugash moving away to his left, his staff burning with barely-contained fire. The sorcerer spoke a string of words and the fire leapt from it, engulfing a charging elf in flames.

"There are too many! We won't all make it!" He squealed as he knocked another elf to the ground.

"Go!" Lurkai replied as he cut down an elf that stood in his way. "I'll meet you there!"

He continued his retreat, rounding a corner and eventually losing sight of Maugash completely. Another elven warrior attempted to stop him, but he knocked him to the ground with a powerful kick and bit into his unprotected neck, drawing a gurgling scream from the elf as he thrashed about. Blood spurted from the wound as Lurkai bit deeper, patiently waiting for the elf to cease his struggling. After a moment of vain floundering the elf stopped moving, and Lurkai slowly released his bite. Elves were so sensitive... So weak. He grinned, his primeval bloodlust temporarily sated.

His moment of gloating made him unaware of the enemy that had snuck behind him, however. The ranger swung his blade, severing Lurkai's arm at the elbow. Lurkai howled in pain and slashed wildly in the direction of the attack, his crooked blade making contact with the ranger's thigh. Though the injury had been minor, the ranger took a step backward to recover. Lurkai smirked, for the adrenaline of the moment had temporarily rendered him unfeeling of his own injury.

"A noble effort, ranger," He said, taking a step forward. The ranger's large brown eyes widened in fear, and he unconsciously stepped back. "What is your name, Man? For I will know who it is whose life I am about to end."

"I am Belon, son of Belgost! And as long as I draw breath, you will not leave this sanctuary alive." The man trembled, but he held his sword in front of him as he stood fast against the orc.