Master Of Death

Chapter 14

Harry's POV

The only thing that I can see is each Orc's blow, I barely manage to blink as they manage to slice at my skin, but moments later they fall at my own blade. It's been at least two hours since the battle began. Beads of sweat are rolling down my forehead into my eyes, my body aches all over and is completely soaked through. I can tell that it's almost over, and I am grateful for my magic, without it, I would surely have collapsed from exhaustion. I cannot help but think that it will happen as soon as this fight ends. I continue to duck and weave, I feel as though I am dancing around blows and strikes that they send my way. The blood of Orcs is now covering me, mingled with my own blood and sweat.

It's another half hour before the final Orcs fall at my feet. I wipe my blade before sliding it back into the sheath, leaning over with my hands on my knees; my breathing is labored. Quickly I maneuver through the mess of bodies. I walk away from the battle-ground before collapsing on the floor. The fall reopens many of my half-healed cuts. I know that I'm behind schedule, but in my current state I will not be able to continue, and I think it's better that I am of some use, and for that, I must rest and heal as much as possible. I know that Legolas is waiting and that Gandalf will be there to help as well. I let my eyes close. My lids are so heavy as I slip into a deep slumber.

The sound of Ents wakes me. I do not recognise the sound at first, but it is clearly the sound of something in deep and terrible anguish. I immediately got up, realising it is the Ents, I want to go and help them, but I also know that Helms Deep is in greater need, and Legolas is there too — plus the Ents have Merry and Pippin. I know the little Hobbits will help the Ents with their resourcefulness and quick thinking. Something about the differences between the Ents and the Hobbits ensures my heart that they will find success. The Ents, with Merry and Pippin, would be far stronger. I initially check myself over, finding nothing that needs my attention. I quickly resume running towards my destination.

I'm not too far away from the battle by the time night has fallen, the air is heavy with the tension of war. Finally, I see the marching army of enemy Saruman. I know I won't get there before it begins, but this does not make me falter.

'I have to hurry...'

3rd Person POV

The people of Helms Deep are anxious, and the remnants of the fellowship could feel the tension in those around them. Everyone readies for the coming battle - young men, husbands, even young boys who were able to bear arms were forced to fight are taken away to be armed. The women mourn for their families, hoping against all the odds that the men come back to them safely. Others are in despair, crying for those that will inevitably pass away, their hope is already lost. The fellowship could see it in their eyes and their hearts as they say goodbye. Those of the fellowship that are there: Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli run around to help others prepare.

Legolas is avoiding Aragorn, the tension had not just gotten to the people of Edoras, but also to the Elf Prince. He had deemed the battle hopeless and was sure that it was a death sentence for all. Legolas' worry was at its peak for his friends, and his fear and anxiety for Harry only increased the tension, causing him to lash out. More than anything he was still missing Harry who was now over two hours late. The Elf wishes he could somehow ask Death about the wizards' wellbeing, but knows he needs to focus more on the task at hand. In the back of his mind, the fear lingers, even if Harry is a master of death, it doesn't mean he can't feel pain, be held captive, or any other number of terrible fates.

However, Legolas isn't sure if he will ever see Harry again – if he will make it out of this battle alive. He could fight for it with everything he had, and he would like to see those bright green eyes once more.

The army is just about to the gates when Legolas approaches Aragorn for the first time since their argument.

"Aragorn. I wish to apologize for what I said. It's just..." he pauses, and hesitates.

"It's okay, the apology is accepted. I understand Legolas; we are all worried. We must focus on this battle first, but there is hope; Gandalf will come to assist us. Will you fight beside me?" Aragorn asked, eyes filled with determination.

Legolas nods. "Aye, until my last dying breath."

The moon has risen above their heads, and with it comes a storm. The thunder crashes above the soldiers' heads, lightning allowing them to clearly see the enemy approach before they stop only a short distance away, waiting. When the sky opens up in a downpour, the first arrow is released, hitting and Orc right in the forehead. As soon as the Ooc hits the ground, the enemy roars out a crazed battle cry, charging forward with full force. The soldiers immediately responding with volleys of arrows. Dozens of Orcs fall, but it doesn't slow them down. After a few minutes, they are at the walls and gate of Helms Deep, making their way up. Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli fight back even as they have to begin retreating. Legolas' stomach is tense, worry creasing his brow as sweat runs down his temple.

The three of them hope with all they have that they will get through this, that Gandalf will show up. That Harry is okay, and that the Hobbits are all safe.

It's early dawn when Harry stops at the crown of a hill overlooking the battle raging below. Dread pools in his stomach as he takes it all in; the carnage brings images of the Battle of Hogwarts back to him, and he tries to shake it off. The screams and cries of agony surround him, for a moment, he is unable to move past his memories. When he finally spots Aragorn fighting against a small group of Orcs, the memories torment on him is broken, and he makes his way forward. Turning back to the battle, Harry feels an eerie calm settled over him, Death tingling at the tips of his fingers. Instinctually he knows that it's not exactly normal to actually feel the touch of Death as Harry is now, as though the entity is standing beside him – heck Harry could practically imagine Death leering down at the army with excited anticipation seeping out of every pore.

Shaking the moment off, Harry dashes down the hill with his focus wholly on the enemy lines ahead as he tugs out both sword and wand. Distantly, Harry is aware that there are now too many headed towards him to not be overwhelmed by. Of course, he should have foreseen this, but with Death breathing down his neck and the desperate need to get to Legolas, Harry didn't think before rushing in. Panic settles in the place where Death had been mere seconds ago, and Harry capitalises on the chaos and quickly fires off curses at the converging enemy, sword slicing into others, his moves to fast to compete with even an Avada Kedavra.

'Shit, shit, shit.' Harry curses at himself, barely dodging a swipe at his chest, only to be nicked by a different blade on his cheek, narrowly missing his eye.

'Think, Harry.' There hadn't been nearly this many Orcs earlier on his way to Helms Deep. One group falls to make space for the next group, with Harry ducking and swinging and shouting; blood already coats him from both the enemy and himself. It's only when he looks up and sees Legolas at the top of the fortress battling Orcs does it occur to him.

'You're a Wizard for Merlin's sake! You can see Legolas well enough from here, you know where to go – bloody apparate there!' Harry give one final swipe of his sword before turning in place and popping away, leaving behind a mess of confusion among the soldiers he had left behind.