Written by Horin son of Durinur, of Duinn's company
Chapter I Finding a way
After many months patrolling the wilds of the Trollshaws, Misty Mountains and south towards Eregion. Duinn and his father, Muninn and his company gathered at an outpost in Eregion for council.
Duinn and Muninn were summoned to represent King Dáin authority in the matter of reclaiming Khazad-Dum, spearheaded by the Iron Garrison. After some weeks of preparation, Duinn, Muninn and the host of the Iron Garrison set out from Echad Dunann towards the gates of Durin, or the west gates of Khazad-Dum.
The Gates were broken and many days of repairs and rebuilding delayed their efforts to press on into the depths but misfortune soon befell the expedition. Something was in the water, the watcher! They were attacked and many dwarves fell before the Durin's Gates and are still buried there, but the Watcher in the water retreated to unknown passages and depths within Khazad-Dum and troubled them no more at the Western Gates.
Establishing a forward base of operations in Durin's Threshold, the company steadily moved on towards The Great Delving, meeting little resistance of Goblins and other creatures but this was just the first halls of Khazad-Dum and the beginning of their journey.
Establishing an outpost upon the Dolven View on top of The Palace of Náin, relocating the base of their operations there. This vantage point gave the Iron Garrison, Duinn and Muninn a chance to move even deeper within the tunnels of the mountain. Duinn and Muninn usually made their efforts around the Dolven View and clearing the Great Delving of the goblin infestation causing the goblins to retreat.
When the surrounding areas had been secured by the company, new and forgotten passages were found and anew, fresh paths lay before them. Passages and tunnels lead down to The Silvertine Lodes and others went up, up and up to the great halls of Durin's Way.
Duinn and Muninn headed down passages and stairs into the caverns and delvings of the Silvertine Lodes. Ever further and deeper into the abysmal dark of Moria. Very few maps remained of Khazad-Dum and those that remained were at best only partially right, though some maps were copied from the elven libraries, most of them highlighted the larger halls and small passages leading to and throe. The Silvertine Lodes were mentioned in some annals of trade between the elves of Eregion and Khazad-Dum and of course it was an excavated delving and some parts were crafted into dwarfish likings but most of the area sloped downwards and tunnels gave way to stairs, heading ever down. But to all intents and purposes the Silvertine Lodes was one of the mining areas of Khazad-Dum. As the stories go.
Duinn, Muninn and their company was lead to a built and carven place suitable for a base of operations, and with the ever influx of dwarves. The halls were filled with voluntaries. This base was known as the Deep Descent.
Duinn took some dwarves at first on scouting and survey missions to the eastern caverns, and this is were the supposed dwarven carved halls were said to be. But as they soon encountered as they crept cautiously nearer. They were infested with orcs and goblins.
Not long after returning from the goblin camps to the east of The Silvertine Lodes, Duinn and his father returned to the Deep Descent, and awaited more recruits, but newcomers were oriented to stay at the Dolven View because of troubles there. However, Duinn thought of cleaning scouting the western end of The Lodes before amassing an assault on the goblin camps. In the meantime defenses were built, and ever more daring missions to survey the ancient halls now infested with goblins. Munnin stayed behind in the Deep Descent organizing the base and recovery of Relics in the Silvertine Lodes and The Dolven View and finding recruits where ever he could. As for Duinn, he continued scouting the vast and complex mines and caverns which went on into the unknown.
Searching on through the depths and mines there, Duinn and his trusted scouts found many secret passages and documented them. They also found an ancient work shaft called Menem Berej and Menem Munz . Through here many doors to ancient levels and passageways through the depths. Duinn's company was big enough to handle a small assault, but the vast amounts of orcs and goblins through those ancient doorways were too great.
Besides, many of the doors were shut and needed more time to study before their knowledge could be revealed, and Duinn thought it more safe to thoroughly explore the mines then open up two fronts and have orcs drag the entire expedition down into the dark depths.
Instead they finished their surveys and mappings of the areas, even though many passages still laid unexplored, they deemed them unsafe for any further exploring until more time and effort was put into it. Soon enough dwarves were assembled and more hearty folk from the west willing to join, for their company to launch an assault on the goblin camps. The primary reason for attacking the goblin camps was to diminish the threat they posed for the main operations in the Dolven View. Secondly their effort was to establish a link between the Dolven View and the lower depths that supplied water to the upper levels.
Duinn had known of the fabled Waterworks ever since staying in Rivendell for research and copying of maps and other documents, needed for their journey into the deep. However before the the Waterworks could be reached a maze of orc camps and unknown corridors, filled with orcs and other darkened devilries. And perhaps even Durin's Bane?
Muninn had gathered many willing dwarves and other travelers eager for glory, but all still wary and careful of the darkness. Men had come and joined the assault, many archers, which would be very useful.
A few weeks before the assault, many scouting mission had been undertaken but most of them by men, who were able to sneak in further than dwarves and take good surveys of the area. The scouts also brought back information about the size of the goblin forces, though outnumbered, the dwarven company, with elves was much better equipped.
The orcs knew of the dwarven presence in Khazad-Dum and had been aware of them for some time but had taken no heed to them and were perhaps awaiting order, but they did not launch a full scale attack. Instead small skirmishes, probably to test the strength of the company. This all happened about two weeks before the assault. Muninn and Duinn had summoned many brave soldiers under their command and planned to give the orcs a day they would never remember.
Chapter II Down into the deeps
Finally when all had been prepared and assembled, and final scouting missions were undertaken to ensure no assault from the goblins, would be launched. Three hundred and fifty men and dwarves marched from the deep descent, though more stealthily than other marches as not to alert all of Khazad-Dum.
Duinn took charge of the left flank and Muninn the right while I was charged with leading the center column into battle. We marched steadily towards Gamil Filik, as the area was known. Our first assault would on the goblin barricades, which blocked the way into Gamil Filik. Only a handful of goblins guarded the gates and were easily dispatched of because we use the spearhead maneuver. My column was the spearpoint while the other flanks rushed along the sides. No casualties on our side, but a hard task lay ahead. Two main clusters of goblin villages were the main threats that needed to be dealt with, and it was decided to attack the one nearest the gate and then move south. Muninn and I moved our columns towards camp while Duinn and his regiment stayed behind, halfway between the goblin camp and the gate. Making sure no counter attacked would be launched against the Deep Descent.
We formed a shield wall, and only dwarves were in that shield wall. Those men who hadn't joined Duinn's company as archers, now wielded spears behind our shield wall. Something that Muninn thought of in the last moments before setting out. When we reached the camp the goblins were alarmed and disoriented, and we used it to our advantage. Moving our shield wall towards the Goblins and attacking, not sustaining any casualties, some injuries though but nothing serious. The attack was soon over and the few survivors were routed and the rest littered the floor, this battle was far too easy even if luck had played a part.
We marched off to towards the gates again to link up with Duinn's regiment before heading towards the second camp. Here we expected nothing different. Our scouts had reported that both camps were about the same size and strength, but the goblins here were alarmed and reinforced by orcs from other parts of the deep.
Before us, ready and armoured. Hastily estimated, about five hundred goblins and some other foul beasts. We quickly formed a shield wall about a hundred yards from the goblin camp, and not a moment too soon. The goblin army came screaming at us and with a great thunder and a great clap the goblin army smashed into our shield wall. Chanting curses and other vile things in their foul tongue.
Our shield wall did hold but we were forced to push back towards safer surrounding, where our flanks would meet the walls on both sides. Thus giving the goblins no chance flanking us. Between the carnage of battle and trying to find a suitable place for a foothold we strayed off our intended course and into some collapsed hallway in Gamil Filik, and this made our line shrink and compress. We still had our shield wall but Duinn's regiment was now behind us and flanked by mine and Muninn's regiment within the hallway. Within no time left, Muninn cried "Shields!", and the shield wall was braced itself for impact, as orcs came crashing into it. Duinn's company rained arrow after arrow, and those with crossbows had easy pickings, with the enemy right in front. Most of the killing was done by the men with their long spears overhead the shield wall, but the dwarves couldn't help killing a goblin which added to the tally.
The arrows and shield wall finally was rewarded after about an hour of fighting the pressure on the shield wall gave way and we routed them in every direction. Our assault was a success. Victory was ours. But it came at a price and we still mourn their passing but honor their bravery; 44 dwarves fell in the battle or died afterwards of mortal wounds. 36 Men died and their names and deeds shall be recorded among us and they shall be remembered.
We quickly salvaged what we could and found some plunder amongst the feeble huts of the orcs and brought it back to camp. We knew orcs would return but their numbers would pose no threat to us. Most went back to the Deep Descent and were transferred to the Dolven View, which was in a bitter struggle with a nearby goblin camp.
Duinn and Muninn along with thirty members of the Iron Garrison and some men and two elves, who recently enter Khazad-Dum from Rivendell went far down into the deep following the paths of Gamil Filik and listening to the sound of water. The direction of streams or running water would lead them in the direction of the Waterworks. After two days of searching in the bitter pitch black darkness and meeting few orcs and spiders along the way, finally heard the unmistakable sound of running water. At first as a little stream which turned into a thunderous roar of many water falls. But none could be seen as of yet.
The company moved steadily forward and along the way setting up markers and of course documenting the progress and path into the depths. Finally the sight of running water! And what a sight to behold, many a dwarven eye was watered that moment, and mine included, when I gazed up and up to behold the craft of my forebears.
Long silence and an adjustment to the eyes before we knew that we were standing on a bridge and gazing upon what the elves and Muninn knew as Durin's Beard! A great a colossal monument of carven stone in likeness of Durin in the rock, and instead of a long flowing beard. A long beard of ever flowing water plunging into the deeps to an unseen depths. After moments of awe followed by counsel, as to which action should be taken next. Should we go on or turn back and get more soldiers. It was quickly decided to go on, Duinn and Muninn were eager to follow the path beyond the bridge and onwards.
We quickly realized that we were in a vast chamber and if the elvish account of the place should be followed. It is vast and beyond comparison. Though it was pitch black a small gust of wind did touch our faces, it was probably from the falling water. We moved on of the bridge on the other side and found old stone carved lodgings and houses of commerce, perhaps. Houses beautifully decorated in old dwarven style carvings. There were doors and windows, and in some places old signs of rotted wood and other abandoned works left the dwarves of old.
We soon realized that the ground, walls and ceiling was mossy and the air though cold was very damp, and things that would last a thousands of years in the upper levels wouldn't last a life time down here before the water destroyed it.
We followed the main corridor onwards down stairs and through long passageways before reaching a large open platform above the rest of the Waterworks. There it was no longer utter darkness but a pale eerie and dark blue haze hanging over them. And as far as the eye could see in this new light, we could make out nothing but puzzling shadows in the distance.
Duinn and Muninn, and the elves soon made the decision to set up an outpost here. They sent a company of ten back to the Deep Descent to give news of arrival here and our plan to occupy the area. Four days later when that last of rations were gone and we were about to abandon camp and head hastily towards the upper levels our ten comrades returned with ten others followed by a long line of about forty Eregion Mountain Goats, with carts and an abundance of carts. A personal message from Bósi, wishing us well and saying that the Great Delving was permanently occupied and the were planning to move to Durin's Way.
We set up a permanent base at our vantage point and because of all the old rotting material lying around and the depth of expedition, some began calling it The Rotting Cellar, which stuck and remained its name. Duinn began what he had done before. Leaving his father to organize the base and him leading a small group of dwarfs into the Waterworks for survey and scouting, I was chosen for this mission and my father joined as well. So we bravely ventured on.
Chapter III Through water and secrets
Many of our scouting missions were very fruitful as we mapped the vastness of the Waterworks. We scouted for five days without finding any trace of orcs or goblins, but in some odd and old places they were found, but not in great numbers and nor did they post any threat to our scouting mission, instead we found creatures of all shapes and sizes, and utterly weird.
My guess to the abundance of them down here, is because they have been left unchecked for a thousand years. Creatures such as giant salamanders, who roam the waterways and of course our old friend the deep claw, but down here they were huge and we were extra careful not to come to close. As for the salamanders we took extra precaution, because some can spit fire at you, and if it weren't for the elves we would have been dead by poison the lot of us, because either their claws or teeth were poisonous. The elves accompanying us were Daeriel and Hadhel, brothers and of Elrond's folk. The seemed to know a lot about the Waterworks and Khazad-Dum, and were always carrying around maps and filling in the gaps that were either missing or never written down. With them they also brought ancient lore books.
But there were other things as well down there, such as giant frogs or toads! Big bloated pale and stinking beasts and we almost a dwarf to one of these things. Thanks to some quick thinking and a shot from Duinn's and Hadhel's bows, we managed kill it and cut him free. After some hours of sticky goo removal, we went on through huge columns which belonged to an aqueduct system carrying water to and throe. Alas some parts of the aqueduct were damaged and some had fallen down.
Then our biggest worries glass spiders a creature so pale and strange, it appears almost glass or crystal like, however I guarantee that they can die like the rest of us. The spiders are mostly found in and around the Chamber of the Pool and near The Lost Palace and that is what we searched for long and hard was.
In and around the center water ways was Gabil Munz and Narag Kheleb, which to our amazement and anger we found goblins, mostly envoys or runners. We later discovered that many of the houses and working components of the Waterworks was overrun by orcs and some treasuries were heavily guarded. Duinn deemed them of no threat, since they seemed content to stay within in closed doors, and our own base at the Rotting Cellar could be moved in moments notice and it was well guarded.
The Waterworks were easy enough to map and survey with the elves helping as well. Apart from the water, our progress was good and no real danger was to be had. Unless you sought it out! The water that we were constantly knee deep in was actually flooding the lower depths and those were deemed unsafe and of no entrance to anyone. We soon discovered why this place was a bit void of creatures and activity, a familiar stench reeked from the what came to be known as the Vile Maw. The Watcher, and it was confirmed later by a rather daring scouting mission by our two elven friends. Who managed to confirm the presence of the Watcher. Indeed the beast had crept its way down the lake in front of The Western Gates and into the waterways of Khazad-Dum.
Our most impressive and rewarding scouting missions was the uncovery of old secrets, and the prospect of untold treasures within the deeps. Most of us were very excited to be finding ancient riches and long forgotten secrets, except of course our elven friends, who were ever more vigilant and aware. Thank them for that, we all did.
To our dismay and thankful warnings of the elves we didn't suffer any casualties and narrowly escaped a so called treasury of old, and indeed there was treasure but overrun with hellish orcs and whatnot it was. Duinn finally ordered our mission done and said to us 'Nothing more can be done in the Waterworks as of now, surveyors and builders will come in time to asses and rebuild! As for us our path lies elsewhere'. To is words rang truth for the next morning a new mission was planned.
From one of those countless chambers where water did not bother the withering of time, some old manuscripts and words of ancient lore did prevail and from them we managed to find answers. Duinn and Hadhel managed to find another path leading to a separate part of Khazad-Dum. They called it of old the Flaming Deeps, and from our cold damp abode for many days we went through a series of passages till at last we reached, the Burning Stairs. Which lead onwards into the Flaming Deeps, the main smelting area of old.
As mentioned before, we lived in a cold damp place and now into a strong heat and gust of warm air. But our efforts were lead astray for this place was crawling with orcs and countless other beasts. Even a sort of wingless dragon kin, small but fierce nonetheless. We soon retreated back to the Waterworks. Only getting a glimpse of the old and still flowing forges, sadly now infested foul beings and the unworthy sorts.
However, we did manage to find something of use because after entering the Flaming Deeps via the Burning Stairs we met with opposition as soon as we we entered and ambushing us. We were quickly pushed away from the stairs and we fled off to the sides seeking refuge in some of the ancient abodes of our forebears. It was here that I actually found something of use, and it was a map of Durin's Way. A massive and long series of halls and chambers in the upper levels. Duinn, Hadhel and Daeriel found great interest in it and were eager to leave and travel to the upper levels again.
My father told that they did not have any maps of Durin's Way and the complexity of those halls and the sheer number of them could get you lost for months. And the halls were overrun with orcs and their crude little towns.
With stayed in this old house in the Flaming Deeps for two days, trying to wait out the increasing orc patrols searching for us. Interesting for us and a wee bit of luck, methinks. The house belonged to Andvari son of Hruthin, and from what we could make out, he was some kind of courier or messengers for the Grand Master of the Forges. He had many documents many of which were collected and others of lesser value or interest remained behind. The house of Andvari gave us shelter for two days until we moved on. We took a gamble when the patrols had diminished and dashed out, and on our way towards the stairs, we ran into orcs. We attacked them as fast as we could, running shoulder to shoulder into a patrol of orcs. At least thirty of them in front of use. Bows went singing and heralding doom for the orcs and soon axes dripped with their black blood. But this didn't slow our pace, for we sprinted on down the stairs towards the Waterworks. Finally we came to the Waterworks with our newfound knowledge and new mission. To the upper levels.
We hurried towards the Rotting Cellar, only then noticing the cuts and bruises sustained while charging through the orc patrol. Again thanks to the elves, for their mastery of medicine and healing. We now only bare a few scars and marks from our encounter.
After supplying at the Rotting Cellar and taking counsel with Muninn and the others we planned to set out after a nights rest. Muninn told of news from the upper levels had not gone well at all! The Dolven View was still the main base of operation but the effort to move through Durin's Way was foiled by massive assaults from orcs and wargs. Again orcs had established a foothold in The Great Delving. Many were angered and the elves of course were worried and puzzled, though their concern was well warranted because our efforts had gone rather well, compared to the Iron Garrison lead expedition.
After a good hearty meal and some fine ale, we all rested. Except for Duinn, Muninn, Hadhel and Daeriel who talked endlessly on through the night about the troubles in the upper levels. The last thing I could hear was some talk of abandoning the lower levels and reinforcing the upper ones to reach the great halls, but Duinn and Muninn would have none of it. There is were I fell asleep or could not remember.
The next morning we packed the final rations and some of the things we found on our missions and set out from the Rotting Cellar up, up and up towards the Silvertine Lodes. To our surprise some small bands of orcs had returned or some that had been routed were groping around, most ran off when we came close.
After drudging through the endless mining work of the orc and then of our folk of old, our legs became tire and weary. Most of us almost wanted to sleep. Hadhel was quick to notice something was uneasy about this sudden sleepiness and rekindled our spirits and will to lead our feet further on. We didn't encounter any such strange things of weariness or anything in the Silvertine Lodes. We came to the Deep Descent, and hailed our comrades from the battle with the goblin camps, had an ale and then carried on towards the Dolven View.
Here began our new adventure of secrets and forgotten halls of old. What would we now find, I thought to myself and where would Duinn and Muninn lead us now? As we walked on passed the Stone Council, I thought of our accomplishment and of the great service we were doing for The King Under The Mountain and to Durin's Folk. It made me proud and ever more serious in my task in this company.
Chapter IV The way of Durin
When we reached the Dolven View, we were a bit dismayed by the morale and state in which we found it in, though The Iron Garrison and those adventurers who had joined had done well. Then again they had not managed to make any progress in Durin's Way, and that is seemed to be the root of their discontent.
Duinn, Muninn, Hadhel and Daeriel consulted Bósi and others of the Iron Garrison of news and sorts, mostly concerning what had be found in the depths and what to do with their newfound knowledge.
We were pleased to hear that a base of operations had been established in Durin's Way, and from the tales told of our ventures in the lower depths this was could not be compared. The place was literally infested with orcs, wargs and ancient evils, as the elves called it. Overrun, and nothing else could be said, towns and camps dotted around everywhere, and these orcs were very aware and vigilant. survey and scoutings were met with resistance at every turn, they said. Even when those that were sent out tried their best to avoid them.
They called it at damned and foul place. 'Durin's Way, no place for a dwarf to make his way' they said, when mentioning something about it, which angered most dwarvish, to be honest. Duinn and the others counseled endlessly. Four days it took them to come up with a plan, but I actually didn't mind. It gave me time to look around the Dolven View among other things and look what had been discovered and what was of value, and most important. Any Mithril. Some flakes and artifacts of mithril were found, but the mithril mines were far below us and no one knew where. I did however look around the Dolven View and The Palace of Náin and finally to see what the Iron Garrison had accomplished while we were down in the deeps.
They had established a base at the Chamber of Crossroad in Durin's Way but they were most of the time pinned down in there, by continuous attacks from the enemy. Goblins and wargs would always swarm the area blocking their connection with the Dolven View. Making it very difficult to relay orders and carry them out and since our time down in the lower depths, the only thing accomplished here was the continuous survival of the base. Barely though. I visited it on one of those days while Duinn and the others made counsel, and I must say I was very taken by the place. Beautiful, no doubt with a few chambers and a well leading down into the Waterworks and to my surprise; they hadn't started using as of yet. Some of the dwarves there told me it was because the chain was still being oiled and repaired. Either way, I thought it would strengthen our positions if we had direct contact between the upper and lower levels instead of using couriers and such.
When the debate was finally over as of what to do, they had planned an assault and a scouting mission before that, even though the considerable danger of the mission was tenfold our previous ones. Duinn chose the same group to follow him, with the addition of his father. Duinn and Muninn made our plans clear one night while stocking supplies and essentials for our mission. This time around we took extra care because weapons were wrapped in cloth and only waybread was brought along, so no clinging and clonking of pots, pans and weapons. But our mission was to be quite short; We were to set out from the Chamber of Crossroads and follow a passage east towards the 21st Hall or Zelem Melek. The names, The Chambers of Crossroads is a very good name. It is the crossroads between, Durin's Way, 21st Hall and the Great Delving and of course other passages sealed by magic and whatnot.
Two things were going to happen, a large assault to permanently secure the Chamber of Crossroads and cut off the connection between the orcs of Zelem Melek and the Chamber of the Crossroads. Then our mission was to sneak past the carnage of battle and into the 21st Hall and asses and survey the area, and what the orc threat might be therein. It seemed easy enough when spoken of but Duinn assured us that the task would be all but easy. The path which was to be taken for the journey into the dark and 21st was probably crawling with goblins and the prospect of going in there and trying to get out again with such as small group as ours, was to say the least; daunting. Anyway, our task was about to begin. The last of the preparations which needed to be done, had been finished and the assembly of the strike force was almost ready. Many more folk had joined in since we first ventured in here, many more elves had come and of course many men but also dwarves. Dwarves of Durin's Folk who had neither been in Ered Luin or in the northern mountains but were exiles here in the north-western part of Middle-Earth and in the south. Both Duinn and Bósi were pleased to see so many astray dwarves return and most of us were as well. There were other dwarves as well from the other houses some only lending a hand and others couriers for their respected houses. Nonetheless all were welcome.
When we finally were ready, about five hundred dwarves, men and elves were gathered near The Dwarf Lord's Gate, the entrance to Durin's Way. Before long we were ready to march towards the Chamber of Crossroads, those within the Chamber had barred themselves within and barricaded the entrance, and were now awaiting us. We were counting on orcs scouts seeing us and alerting the camps and to amass a large enough force to challenge our own. Our plan was to have them block our way to the Crossroads and have them stand ready, then we would unleash volley after volley because we had been training at gathering archers, since our success in the Silvertine Lodes. We would form a shield wall about a hundred and fifty yards away and order the archers to open fire. While signaling our brothers at the Crossroads to form a shield wall behind the orcs and then we would crush them. The plan worked flawlessly, the orcs were utterly destroyed after two hours of intense fighting. However the battle was far from over because our plan now was to recover our wounded and link up with the Crossroads regiment and form another shield wall. We were now expecting orcs from the 21st Hall and other places of in Durin's Way to come here. After an hour of intense anticipation the orcs and wargs came pouring in from all sides.Large and fierce armoured orcs to small spear-goblins and bloodthirsty wargs and we still ask amongst each other; how many, but only estimates are given. Perhaps about six to seven hundred on their side.
Our plan now was to do the same thing we had done in the battle in the Silvertine Lodes, only this time we would use longer spears for those standing behind the shield wall. While all this will be going on we will use archers, both with ordinary arrows and flamed. Our wall of shields, spears and axes was mighty impressive and the arrows from behind us sang merrily to the doom of the orcs and wargs. Though it was very dark the arrows probably hit every time because every volley infuriated the orcs more and in their anger launched an attack. Each man and dwarf in the shield wall had small spears with had gathered from goblins and from our own endeavors in the Silvertine Lodes at their disposal. We threw few hundred spears with each volley and with that orcs and wargs stumbled through corpses and spears and slowing the pace of their attack. The arrows which were set alight lit up the warg hairs and they burned so well, that some thought the wargs were soaked in tar. It created a great confusion among their ranks, having maddened fireballs running into the lines and setting more wargs alight. Finally, which seemed like an eternity their attack crashed into our shield wall. When in battle time does seem to stand still, perhaps it does, who knows.
Their attack was futile and hopeless, they fell upon our shields like waves upon rocks and we likened our shield wall to the strongest of mountains. It was at this moment that we moved the shield wall forward, hacking and stabbing at the orcs and pushing them away from The Chamber of Crossroads. This gave our scouting group the chance to slip unnoticed towards the 21st Hall, while the battle raged. It was I, my father, Durinur, Duinn, Muninn, Hadhel and Daeriel. This was our small group which was to scout and asses the threat of the orcs. Here ends my account of The Battle of The Crossroads, and here begins our journey towards the great halls.
We hurried along the path towards the 21st Hall leaving behind the carnage of battle and heading into a pathway, which was immensely high and carven out of stone by dwarfs of old. Along the way there were houses and doors leading to other smaller halls, but most of the doors were shut and as other doors in Khazad-Dum sealed by magic or some runes of old. There were some doors that Duinn and the others took interest in but they said that there was no time to explore them now. There was no light at all, the places we stopped Duinn ordered some torches lit but only to hand out rations and explore a bit. Rest of the time was in utter darkness. We bounded ourselves together with a rope around our waists and connected to each one of us, so we walked in a line with Hadhel in the front Followed by Duinn, Munnin, Durinur, myself and at the rear Daeriel.
It was a long and tiresome journey through endless and utter darkness and most of the time we crept along the walls as fast as we could, but the pace was slow. Many a time did we stumble being tied together and all and the whole group came to a stand still, but it kept us together. Never did any of us be lead off the path but we had to sacrifice speed in order to stay together. About half a day in to our journey we heard again the sound of orc and warg. Quickly we huddle together behind a fallen column which we blindly examined for a good long while before deeming it safe. Not a moment too soon either because the orcs came running passed us just as we crept behind the column, some of them were carrying torches but no weapons and they were screaming out something in orcish which the elves translated to 'Pain! Loss! The dwarves return'. Which pleased us mightily and meant that the Battle of The Crossroads had been a success for us but still we needed to get to the 21st Hall and return before we could share in the rejoice of victory.
Onwards we followed the long dark passages towards the 21st Hall, we passed a place which Muninn called Jundulbab, we lit a torch and looked around for a while. Hadhel marked the place with a rune then the torch was extinguished and we returned to our slow pace. After a day of walking ever so slowly, we stopped for rest. Yet sleep was not easily found there, with your heart in your throat, your legs and mind were exhausted. When I thought of our journey; we came to a standstill with every deep echo and rumble of the mountain, every single creek and stone fall sent chills down our spines and our hearts raced! Always we thought of orcs and of course terror was gnawing at our very being. Our hearts were racing and spirit was terrified and we wished to hope that it was not Durin's Bane, and thankfully we found it not or it did not find us. Where we had camped was called Hadudbab which interested the elves and Duinn greatly and they scribbled away and made many documents. Muninn who was eldest of us apart from the elves of course. He was not interested in all the places of Khazad-Dum as his son but he was interested in finding treasure and restoring Khazad-Dum, perhaps then he would memorize the names of the halls because. He sat smoking his pipe and sharpening his axe while Duinn and the elves were busy writing down. Duinn had one good thing to tell us when we finally called it a day and went off to sleep, he said; 'Hadudbab is our last stop! Though it has been a slow pace, our last destination lies but a day away at our current speed and there we stop and Zigilnab. So sleep now brothers and be aware.'
With those words most of us went off to sleep or at least we tried to sleep, something was uneasy in our hearts. Many of us just couldn't shut our eyes nor could we find proper warmth. Next day we set out for the last leg of the journey to the 21st Hall, to Zigilnab, only then would our mission begin.
Chapter V The Dwarrowdelf the forests of stone
We moved steadily one through the immense blackness before us or the ever growing one, and it seemed unending but at the around the time Duinn had estimated our arrival. We finally stopped at Zigilnab. The last stopped I was told before reaching the West Arch and the western entrance of the 21st Hall or Zelem Melek, in our language. We had some of our waybread and water, luckily though, Muninn had managed to smuggle some jam along and no body questioned his authority or that he brought jam along. It seemed to lessened the dreary journey somewhat. The journey had been fairly quiet except for the orcs routed from the Chamber of Crossroads, we only encountered rats and bats or that is what we guessed because we could not see anything in the dark. When we had rested and had our waybread with Muninn's surprise jam we moved on. Steadily we crept on, our pace still slow and our senses ever vigilant and aware.
At last after a few minutes of walking from Zigilnab we could make out a light and an archway in the dark. A pale blue light, like a background light. Barely illuminated the archway and again gave our eyes purpose, however we were swift to assert and scout if any danger was nearby. There was none. So we took the ropes we had tied around our waists off and headed beyond the Western Arch and into Zelem Melek. Duinn signaled us to follow is league and say against the wall, and we did. We took up pace and bolted away from the archway along the side of the. We had no time to look up because it was still too dark and you had to use you wit to eye the person in front of you and keep pace with him. We finally stopped after a few minutes, gasping quietly for air as not to alert an unwelcome guests, then Muninn said 'Behold! The Dwarrowdelf! Khazad-Dum'. A shivering strengthening surge of pride when through my body, as I am sure it went through the most of us dwarves there and awe in the eyes of the elves when they gazed upon it. A forest of stone, as far as the eye could see in that darkness and towering high above and massively in front of us the buttresses and mighty columns. The halls of Erebor are mighty and grand and indeed large, but the sheer majestic size of this hall was breathtaking and there we stood for who knows how long in awe.
After a while gasping and utter speechlessness Duinn finally broke the silence, though in whispers and he said, 'Grand and awe inspiring it may be but we have a mission to accomplish, so gather round'. He said quietly. We soon found out that a light did illuminate this hall, with a beam of light entering the hall from up on the ceiling sending down a blinding light. It illuminated the hall somewhat and our mission was soon underway, only lurking in the more darkened parts of the hall and to our surprise the orc presence was minimal and probably due to the light. However, moving away from the hall itself either up towards Durin's Way, the central halls or lower to The Great Hall of Durin and more. It was here that orc presence was, and there they were in great numbers. So Duinn decided to keep us occupied with Durin's Way and the hall of Jazargund also known as the Hall of Stone, and was one of the prime mirror conjunctions which sent light via mirrors to the deeps and different halls. Here no orcs came and this was because of the light and it gave us a large and empty space which to set up a base, but before such talk we needed to secure the 21st Hall and set up our base here. Duinn ordered Hadhel and Daeriel to go back to the Chamber of Crossroads and tell Brógur and Bósi to move the main base of operations to 21st Hall and move the bulk force of the Iron Garrison and its allies to the 21st Hall. They were also told to go with speed and since torches were of no alarm in the pathway to the Crosssroads, Hadhel and Daeriel went with elven speed.
Meantime, we were huddled up in a corner of the Hall and two or three times ventured out to scout the hall and become more known with our surroundings, though we had to leave the beautifully lit hall of Jazargund. We had to stay in the 21st Hall until the arrival of Brógur and Bósi, and hopefully a base on the move. We discovered while waiting for them to arrive that the East Arch of the Hall leading towards the Deep Crossroads and The Bridge of Khazad-Dum was destroyed and this did not happened due to bad craftsmanship. Something had brought the archway down and cutting us off from the East Gate of Khazad-Dum. We found other chambers as well or doorways but did not enter them, Duinn wanted to have the hall under our control first before opening anything, or causing too much noise. Down that hallway Muninn told us we would enter another grand hall called Nud Melek or the Second Hall in ordinary speech. He would say nothing more but this; 'If this hall struck awe into your hearts, then the Second Hall will shrink your comprehension of what is to be reckoned great amongst dwarven halls'. He said with a grin and lit his pipe. I myself began to wonder what our forebears had built here, and it truly was a kingdom under the mountain and in this case three mountains. We waited a day, smoking pipe-weed and boring ourselves because there were still some orcs within the hall but they would not notice our smoke. I think it was about noon the day after the elves went off that marching was heard and light could be seen from the hallway. This noise finally disturbed the orcs, which went into a frenzied rage; howling and screaming, calling out strange names and war cries. Some stood screaming towards the archway while others fled towards the South Arch. After a while they came back with a larger force of orcs and wargs, we couldn't make out the exact number but around two hundred or two hundred and fifty. It wasn't long before battle was joined and our comrades came pouring out of the archway into the line of orcs awaiting them, but to the orcs surprise their northern flank came under fire from arrows. Duinn ordered us to stay ready while he emptied his quiver for arrows into their northern flank which preferable enraged and confused the orcs. Then Duinn fired the last arrow, took up his hammer and axe and cried out 'Baruk Khazad'. We followed suite and followed him towards death and glory. We crashed into the Northern flank which was already collapsing due to the confusing caused by Duinn, and we quickly linked up with the Iron Garrion's northern flank and we flanked the orcs. We fought ferociously, and bravely and I must say I have never killed so many orcs in one day and almost lost my life in the process. There was utter carnage, I was hacking with both my axes trying to reach Duinn and my father who were ahead of us and surrounded by orcs. I moved forward using my weight thrust the orcs aside and chopping with my axes, until I at last came to them and not a moment too soon. A foul orc was about to spear my father in the back but I did quick work and ended his misery, and at that very moment Muninn appeared to my left and cried out; 'Duck' and I ducked because as he said it, he hurled his great axe at me. Straight into the mouth of a warg gaping is jaws at my head, but he tasted only death and cold steel that day.
When the battle finally ended most of the orcs were routed and we followed some of them towards the South Arch while the rest of us tended the wounded and dying, and took the plunder from the orcs, though nothing of use could be found. The orc armour and weapons could be melted down for other uses. About forty died that day on our side and they were taken back to The Dolven View to be given a proper burial while the orc and warg bodies were to be burned outside the western gates. We learned from Brógur and Bósi that the battle which we left to continue our mission had been a success and probably one of the most well executed battle since we entered. Twenty were lost on our sides and about a hundred injured but the almost utter destruction of the enemies forces, and Brógur told us that only fifty or so orcs had survived and managed to escape.
We organized everybody into groups after the shock of awe of The 21st Hall had worn off and we then moved towards the center columns and where there were some old chambers underneath them and we used that area for the establishment of a base. A small group mostly comprising of enginneers and those seeking to preserve lore and find artifacts headed towards Jazargund, and established a base there. A never ending trail of supplies kept coming in, with timber, food and water and work started on building large scaffolding around the central columns which served as protection against any orc. Soon the hall was again illuminated and it was even grander. To the north in Jazargund we found one of the most rewarding things we had ever found while in Khazad-Dum, The Endless Stairs. Truly our luck was turned and perhaps the Khazad-Dum was finally coming under our control. Either way we now held the two points in Durin's Way, thus cutting the orcs off from the lower deeps and it meant we could now move south through other halls and perhaps the Flaming Deeps.
We soon had barricades and other defenses up with the continuous flow of timber and other goods, it looked very promising. We uncovered the chamber of records or The Chamber of Mazarbul, but it gave us dire news and it saddened most of us. Balin son of Fundin had died! His tomb was there along with many other dwarves and it seemed a battle was fought here because half the chamber was destroyed. It was here Duinn and Muninn searched for two days to uncover records of old along with our elven friends. There they did find records of old, many were so valuable that they were moved out immediately and relocated under heavy guard, heavy guard for paper that is! Here they also found a book which was dubbed The book of Mazarbul, it accounted Balin's expedition to Khazad-Dum but it made no mention of Durin's Bane. So our fears of doom were still fresh and brooding. We also discovered a second chamber known as the Chamber of Leadership, there Brógur and Bósi set up their headquarters and soon the booming activity of the Dolven View was pouring into the 21st Hall and we knew that the orcs were aware of us and it was only a matter of time before they retaliated. Even though most of us guessed of a possible threat, it was a merry time with plentiful of ale and food and of course singing and again the halls rang with song after a thousand years of sorrow.
Though no new action or mission was planned Duinn and Muninn planned to stay one step ahead in scouting and securing paths in other chambers and halls. We soon realized that though the 21st Hall was now our proud accomplishment and base of operations, we had stretched our lines thin and needed more folk to help secure a lasting settlement here. The halls to the south of The 21st were overrun by orcs, goblins, bats and wargs. All in service of the enemy. We took our chances with the southern halls and the Great Hall of Durin, and again awe and majesty we had to endure. It cannot be explained by simple words, no it must be seen. Glittering hall inlaid with golden carvings on columns and ceiling and lit by crystals of old, truly it was enchanting. But foul nonetheless for it teemed with orc filth who had now taken up residents here. We soon realized that though we wouldn't win a full scale attack on the the southern halls and so did the orcs, we were locked in stalemate but this made it possible for us to pass their patrols or scare them off, thus being able to move round. Our well known group was assembled as we scouted and surveyed what we could and bringing back much needed information about orcs and paths down the halls. To our amazement most of the orcs were clustered in small camps but an abundance scouts and other things we could not make out, though in small camps our estimates of their strength would spell doom for our expedition had they been orderly and launched a counter-attack now. Thankfully they didn't and our future plans for Khazad-Dum were in the making and the orcs were licking their wounds and probably recovering but we scouted on. We didn't scout that much most of the ways and paths were blocked by orcs and some went to close to their camps. I was on one day that when passing some old pathway, Duinn and Muninn made a decision, which they hadn't planned. They ordered us to take up arms and follow, and so we did. We attacked any orc patrol we came near and the rest were routed as climbed stairs and followed wide corridors, zig zagging north and south by corridors. Until we came to a arch way leading east from where we were to Nud Melek or the 2nd Hall. We went on through the archway Muninn and the Hadhel leading us down stairs and platforms and more stairs, and until Muninn bade us halt. He turned round with a gleam in his eyes and said; 'Remember what I told you of a forest of stone! Now behold, friends! The greatest Hall of Khazad-Dum, Nud Melek'. We came closer until some light illuminated the hall and our eyes could again see clearer and there in front of us literally a forest of stone. I fell to my knees in pure awe and my father stood only and smiled. The elves talked about the craftsmanship and were in awe as well. Before us mighty columns holding up the weight of the mountain, hewed from the rock itself and carven to its beauty which likened a tree that had grown around the column itself but it was made by dwarven hands. The Halls were lit by massive crystals that hung from the ceiling illuminating the hollowed spaces between the trees of stone. Nothing compares to it and one day we shall let it ring again with dwarven smiths.
There we did not linger for long because again this hall was also overrun by orcs. We documented and my father drew pictures of what we saw and then we journeyed back to the 21st Hall to tell of our magnificent journey. Not many did believe us at first until the drawings were shown and the descriptions by the elves. Many of the young and eager dwarves there kept on asking about Nud Melek and troubled most of our little group all the time, but news of new plans reached our ears and we were to be involved.
Chapter VI Red Lodes and Flaming halls
News from the Silvertine Lodes had come, so we were ordered to the Chamber of Leadership, where Brógur and Bósi told us of their findings. Brógur told they had found passages of old, which had lain dormant and secret for a thousand years. The Way of The Smiths, a passage was called and which in secret housed The Heart of Fire, the greatest forges of Khazad-Dum. This ignited sparks within the dwarven heart, and news soon went beyond the mountain, both south and west and there came dwarves, men and elves to our cause. Furthermore the Iron Garrison had found a passage to the Redhorn Lodes which were south of beneath Zelem Melek and blocked by orcs via the south-route, and the interesting part was the foreman of the Silvertine Lodes was asking for us to scout The Redhorn Lodes. We accepted of course, and went on our way traveling back to the Dolven View.
The Dolven View was the same and most of the lads there were known to us and were of the Iron Garrison, however a steady stream of adventurer's bound for the 21st Hall and other parts but stopped here. We took some supplies and that which was needed and headed towards the Deep Descent to speak to the foreman there about our mission. He told us that his men used for scouting were in another chamber and preoccupied with matters there, and our task was to set up base camp inside The Way of The Smiths passage and scout the Redhorn Lodes from there. He told us to seek that the housing area near Zelem Melek and assess the orc strength and threat there. We soon packed our equipment and headed deep into the Silvertine Lodes with great excitement and soon found ourselves singing and rejoicing, except the elves, though happy did not sing along. It seemed to lift our spirits to start anew a mission, however we were fully aware of the dangers we might encounter despite us being merry.
We entered the Way of the Smiths, a roughly cut tunnel hewn from reddish rock and despite that I think it was done on purpose to waylay unwelcome guests, for all their time here, the orcs never found or bothered to look here. We stopped by the Heart of Fire, there Duinn and Muninn and Daeriel examined and labored for hours, while the rest looked around and had some pipe-weed because those three were masters of weaponsmithing and metalsmithing. They attempted to test the forges and they were very pleased with the results. Not long after we finally entered the Redhorn Lodes, a reddish haze light the endless cavern somewhat and give some form sight to them. The air was very dry, a fine red dust flew amongst the breezes coming from some unknown depth and on the ground your boots could make imprints among the fallen red dust there. Duinn took some of the dust up and smelled it and tasted it, beckoning us to come closer, 'This here be iron dust, see the fine dust in the air and where it falls, the older dust has hardened. I think the main mining of iron, and gold was here, but gaze upon the ground not only is there rust dust but the soil is red as well'.
Duinn was right and we did find an abundance of iron ore deposits among other things but the volume astounded us. After all this time there still was an unimaginable wealth of iron here, this we reported back to those occupying the Heart of Fire and it pleased them mightily and they were now asking us to mine for them. Duinn, Muninn and Daeriel happily mined an abundance of ore, carrying it in large sacks on their backs on each mission, and on each one we went further and deeper than before. Before long we had reached the housing area and the way to Zelem Melek, but we were not alone. Strange, fearsome and fouler orcs dwelled here, they seemed plagued or perhaps cursed. Either way, they were far stronger than others we had encounter and some of them would have their bellies explode and spew venomous and acidic goo. Foul things indeed and you had to cut of their heads immediately before they had a chance to spew their guts and really cause trouble. Even though we had a new kind of orc, they were few in number in the area where we wanted to go and of course we ran into spiders and cave claws but ever our mind turned to the fear of Durin's Bane. So the small number of orcs and critters down there didn't daunt us. However there was something unexpected down there; another kind of orc, not one of the mountain orcs or of Azogs folk but larger and bearing a white hand. They also spoke the common speech of men. This was duly noted and examined ones we had encountered them and we categorized them as emissary or couriers.
Whatever the trouble we followed the ancient living areas of the Redhorn Lodes up and up through stairs and passageways towards what our measurements and coordinates read Zelem Melek, and at long last we reached a look out point which sat between Zelem Melek and the Redhorn Lodes. Truly a fortunate turn of events, for we now could occupy the lower and upper levels of Zelem Melek and perhaps keep the orcs contained and starve them out. Either way the plan of the Iron Garrison was to establish an immediate base in the Redhorn Lodes, and we were to asses the strength and report back to them with a briefing of our findings. Duinn was especially more interested in entering the Flaming Deeps or perhaps moving beyond our position to the East Gate. We reported back to the Deep Descent within a day of our last assignments and lookouts, my father had his armour destroyed by an orc spewing his acidic guts all over his chest-piece on the last day. Finally reaching the Deep Descent we found a large company of dwarves men and a few elves at the ready, and they had goats carrying a massive of amount of supplies. The foreman of the Deep Descent told us that we were to lead them to the new base of operations in the Redhorn Lodes.
Onwards we lead them to the point where the Redhorn Lodes met Zelem Melek, and there they laboured for days and within only a week the base was up and running and many dwarves and men were exploring the Redhorn Lodes. Mithril was finally found, only in very tiny quantities and most of it was shipped out straight away, Duinn however managed to salvage some and went with our elven friends and Muninn to the Heart of Fire. There they worked in the forge for at least four days until finally meeting up again with me in at the Orc Watch which the base was colourfully named and with them they brought their piece. Shoulder guards for Duinn, made of Mithril and tempered steel, truly magnificent and awe inspiring, and many there envied the craftsmanship and their opertunity to work with Mithril. Those are by the way the strongest shoulder guards I have ever seen, while on a routine scouting mission, we encountered orcs and battle was upon us. Nonetheless a big orc came down upon Duinn with his full might and strength and let his axe with all his fury on Duinn's shoulder and the axe shattered, I have never seen such a thing before! The axe shattered into a thousand pieces. And on that day we found what all thought was lost; The Grand Stairs, still to our dismay it was the greatest orc stronghold in Khazad-Dum, only our elven friends were agile enough to seek those places and scout. We reported it back and to many it was a let down, this meant that our plans to go further east would be delayed!
It was few days after the incident with the shattering of the orc axe, we finally planned to seek out other places, so we took are small company away from the Redhorn Lodes. We made our way from the Redhorn Lodes into the lower or southern parts of Zelem Melek going ever deeper, though a few encounters of orcs it kept getting hotter and hotter as we descended. We finally made it to an old junction point used for storage perhaps, we never found out its purpose, however we did discover its name; Anazarmekhem. We camped there for days and even got others to join us there, and before long a host of dwarves from The Iron Garrison had established a base there, and we were spearheading it. Daeriel the elf knew a great deal about the area, and told us that this was northern or higher points of The Flaming Deeps. We later found discovered that Daeriel's father was a smith of Eregion and used to work in Khazad-Dum before the destruction of Eregion and the coming of Durin's Bane. We made our way by the main path into The Flaming Deeps, Daeriel remembered most of the pathways from his father and guided us but the halls were utterly overrun by orcs, goblins, huge bats, and wingless fire drakes, though smaller than their larger cousins they were fierce and dangerous.
We surveyed the best we could and made our way deeper into the forges and large areas there but there were orc strongholds there and we were no match for them or to let them notice our presence there, so we kept to the main path. The main path was scarcely populated or guarded so our ventures were fruitful but very perilous. When we finally managed to survey most of The Flaming Deeps, when we came to the point were we had been trapped before when we surveyed from The Waterworks, mind you though it took us two days and three skirmishes to get to the end of the Flaming Deeps. The patrols were less now at the presence of orcs seemed less as well which puzzled many of us. The Company made it's way through the entrance to The Waterworks, and we arrived again at The Rotting Cellar, which gave them all a shock and a surprise but we were most welcome, and received ale and food. Duinn ordered that we be given the fastest Redhorn Goats and load them with supplies and such and we made our way swiftly back to Anazarmekhem with a couple of spare goats aswell, thus opening a route between both bases. We soon left for the Orc Watch base and were ordered back to the 21st Hall, which we hurridly made haste.
Chapter VII The Battle for Khazad-Dum, The Dwarrowdelf
When we arrived at 21st Hall things had changed; massive barricades, wall and the forging of weapons was doubled, and recruits coming in almost by the hour. We rested and talked to some of the folk there in the crafting bunker before being to the Chamber of Leadership to be briefed on the matter at hand. We met with Brogur and Bósi in the Chamber and were seated right away and told of what was happening.
Spies and scouts had seen and confirmed that the orcs were preparing for an attack and a massive one set to be launched on the 21st Hall, The Silvertine Lodes and possibly other locations. Brogur explained that our progress through Khazad-Dum had been somewhat easy, and perhaps too easy for the number of Orcs in Khazad-Dum had now been roughly estimated and they outnumbered us ten to one. The bulk of the force and expedition would be summoned to the 21st Hall and the Dolven View, while other locations and bases of operation would be manned with skeleton crews and to be ready too fall back to the strongholds at a moments notice. We soon realized and grasped the full seriousness and impending doom that was upon us and things which had gone somewhat joyfully in our journey had now come to a darkened stop.
Duinn and Muninn were given the opertunity to chose where they would fight and so were we and we ofcourse stayed with our comrades and the elves stayed too, for Duinn and Muninn chose to stay in the 21st Hall. Not long after our meeting with Brogur and Bósi, we headed of to the crafters bunker again and were soon busy at woork trying to craft and repair our things. There was almost a sense of panic about the place, with the rushing and running about. However some were rather looking forward to the upcoming battle, and this motivated some of the others who were rightfully frightened and aware of the full scope of the task ahead.
After a two days of repairs and crafting the things needed for the battle the next step was to wait for the attack or any sign of orc advances. We stayed or were posted near the northern Arch leading into Durin's Way, which had been evacuated so had the Redhorn Lodes and everything drawn back to the Waterworks and the Silvertine Lodes, though only manned with lookouts and skeletons crews. Our network between the bases was working good, however we had become no wiser as to where the attack would come from. Would it be the halls we had yet to find, which we knew were overrun and strongholds or through The Grand Stairs? Guesses at best. Until Duinn and Muninn became increasingly wary and worried of the situation and took off one morning and of course I, my father and the elves were chosen to go with them. We searched among abandoned hallways and took a closer look at the orc camps and indeed they were preparing.
We hurried back and heard from the others that the Redhorn Lodes were alive with Orc warcries and the were moving through the deeps. Soon they would be upon us, so the fabled drums in the deep rang once more. Echoes deep within the depths of the mountain boomed and marching was heard. One last scout came from the Great Devling and the Dolven View with reports afore battle was upon us and told us; That orcs from the Durin's Way had moved to attack 21st Hall, and orcs from the Redhorn Lodes were moving towards the Way of the Smiths. So all companies and skeleton crews throughout the deeps were reporting back and regrouping in The Silvertine Lodes.
It was not before the orcs were massing beyond the North and South Arches. Jazargund and Durin's Great Hall was overrun, but we were ready elves, men and dwarves stood side by side, even travellers or passerby's came to join. The orcs gushed in through both Arches and like running water and fast current filled the north and south side of the 21st Hall. Among them were not only orcs and wargs but monstrous trolls and some were even armoured by foul Orc craft and there came also Ancient Evils, legacies of Morgoth either that they had come here from the ancient land or Sauron was breeding them in Mordor. They were a monstrous lot, almost surrounding us, but the way east to the Dolven View and The Chamber of Crossroads were still open.
There was a moment of initial taunting and roaring from both sides until it all became deathly silent; Only the pounding deepening booms of drums far off was heard. Some snarling and heavy breathing by Trolls and Wargs was the only noise in those moments. Then it came; An Orc General roared something in the black tongue and all were let loose, they came from both sides crashing against the barricades as waves crash onto sea cliffs. The initial first wave was soon broken upon spikes of the barricades or hewed down trying to climb over, while others met their death by arrows.
Duinn let arrows fligh swift and true as they sent orcs to their graves and Muninn held his long axe over the barricade and let it swing to and fro. An effective and well played tactic, as orcs by the dozen were felled. Daeriel and Hadhel, were skilled bowmen and used swords as well but were using their bows alongside Duinn and their precision and speed was unbelievable. I and my father Durinur were alongside Muninn hewing away at the orcs trying to climb the barricades, and many an orc fell that they to our strokes. After a while the bodies of orcs were mounting against the barricades and other waves of attack could soon jump the barricades, and it was at this moment when this was noticed that the enemy sent in Trolls. The battle had taken an ill turn, many loses on both sides, but I think the enemy was taking on more casualties then we had at that moment. The Trolls were held at bay beyond the barricades while others began tearing down our protective wall, and it was breached at the western side. Muninn quickly ordered us to fall back and calling for regrouping on the western side, many came both elves, men and dwarves to form a shieldwall against the impending doom that was upon us.
I did not remember much more of the battle that day, the utter chaos and death all around us, left us dazed of battle. Nonetheless our shield wall stood fast and Muninn gave the order to push forward as Trolls and Orcs fell to our advances. It was at this moment that Duinn summoned the few remaining arches to him and lit their arrows and fire was launched at the enemy, luckily some of those arrows found Warg fur. Crazed Wargs ran rampant amongs the enemies rank and Trolls became scared and crazed and began running and violently pushing aside Orcs in their way. Their lines were broken and our shieldwall advanced beyond the barricades killed what they could find. The enemy was routed and the day was ours.
Alas, the losses from the battle were large even though we had routed the enemy, our forces were diminished and the Orcs were still numerous. We were soon mending wounds, tending the wounded and recovering the dead, and we soon put the Orcs, Wargs, Tolls and whatnot into large wagons that were to be shipped out but Duinn asked them not to. He told them to take the bodies of our Allies and bury them according to their manner, while the orcs were to be burned in the Redhorn Lodes as sign to orcs and a warning. Folk from the Dolven View soon arrived to say that the battle had been won on all fronts but losses had now weakened our position and left us vunarable. We did our best to mend and repair and regroup from the battle, with the help of Elven healing, our losses were greatly reduced. However we were now open to a second attack that would end in our retreat.
There was much consulting between Bósi, Brogur an Duinn and Muninn about what to do next. Something drastic was needed to be done and something had to be done quickly to ensure that Khazad-Dum was not lost again.
Some emissaries were sent to west and south to search for willing recruits to join the effort in Khazad-Dum, while the Iron Garrison thought of new ways to ensure that Khazad-Dum would remain in dwarven hands, began searching through old parchments and maps to find something. Duinn and Muninn were eager to get beyond the East Gate, which might lead them to find new allies.
Chapter VIII Zigilburk and Kheled-Zâram
The dwarves of the Iron Garrison were very secretive of their dealings as to what they were planning to enforce their position in Khazad-Dum, but nonetheless we were with Duinn and Muninn and they were planning their own expedition, to find allies. We were at the 21st Hall preparing for our journey, supplies and foodstuff was packed and we also prepared for an eventual battle, for we were bound to run into orcs. It was early morning when we set out from the 21st Hall, few knew of our departure besides Brogur and Bósi and we went quietly off towards Durin's Great Hall to the south. From there we would go east into Nud-Melek.
Both the southern parts of Zelem-Melek and Nud-Melek were only patrolled by a small number of orcs and nothing we could not handle. Their numbers had diminished and were as the saying goes; 'licking their wounds'. Nud-Melek was easy to cross and we were heading for The Bridge of Khazad-Dum when we realized to our surprise and sadness, the bridge was broken. We had to go the long way round the deeping and long canyon within the mountain which lead to unknown deeps. We followed it round its side on the northern end to reach the eastern end of Khazad-Dum, to reach the 1st Hall. Carved by Durin the Deathless himself. We were in utter awe to gaze upon those halls and seen the long forgotten craftsmanship of old, however we did see some damaged made by neglect and perhaps orc mischiev. We camped the first day there near the entrance to the 1st Hall. A small fire was lit, the Daeriel and Hadhel voluntaired for watch-duty while we slept and chatted about our mission ahead. Duinn finally revealed the plans to us and even the elves were surprised. He was planning to enter The Golden Wood! He was going to lead us into Caras Galadhon, the home of the Elf Witch. However Daeriel assured us that she was no witch of any sorts. Early the next day we set our after having breakfast. We went through the 1st Hall uninterrupted, only bats were there to greet and finally was saw the light of the morning sun shine through the East Gate of Khazad-Dum and on to Kheled-zâram and the Golden Wood.
The sun was blindingly bright and our eyes had become very accustome to the dim and sometimes very dark surroundings of Khazad-Dum. There before us was a large staircase leading down to a paved roade, almost overgrown with weeds but a road nonetheless. Some statues of dwarven soldiers lined the flat space before it gave way to stairs and onwards towards the road which lead straight into the Golden Wood of Cara Galadhon. We stepped onto the road and took looked behind us at our abode of the past months, and saw what looke to my eyes: an image of Durin carved out of the rock above the Great Gate which was broken. Nonetheless Durin's Beard parted and there between was the Gate. Above him the Emblem of Durin and his Crown, carven in stone. Hadhel remarked it has the grandest of the Dwarven Gates, and we were speachless.
Then after a long day of walking and running we finally reached the Lake, and it was twilight at that time. Stars were beginning to appear and the Moon was rising steadily beyond the Mountains, ther under a tree by the lake we set up camp. One of the only few trees left in this part of the whole area which a tree could be found after the Battle of Azanulbizar when the dwarves cut down most of the trees for Burial Pyres. Some areas still looked charred. Duinn retold the story of the Battle of Azanulbizar and we all listened and told our own stories, perhaps the first time since before our own battle with the Orcs, our hearts lightened and became merry. That night we slept well.
We started our trek in the early watches, the sun had not yet risen and the air was cool and some calm mist had blanketed the area and left dew on the grass. We moved further, following the road due south along the lake. When we came upon Durin's Stone. We were very pleased to see it still existed and we all stopped to look into the lake and we all saw the fabled crown of Durin. A truly magnificent sight it was and truly an honour for any dwarf.
We trekked our way south; running further south and approaching more woodland areas but always keeping an eye out for the road, and staying close to the river. We could see when reaching vantage points, the which gave us a clear view south; only to see dense and far reaching tree tops; as lush green sea, slightly disturbed by the small breeze; with the bright sun shining down. However we kept moving that day with quick pace, ever southwards towards the Golden Wood. Night fell quickly with us not noticing twilight under the canopies of the trees, for darkness fell quickly and became impossible to move and somewhat clumsy; with our Elven friends seeing well and us dwarves lagging behind. We went on until visibility and movement within the woods was impossible, and to our surprise a light shined some two hundred meters ahead of us, when we stopped and planned to set up camp.
It was decided to find out what was ahead of us and find some shelter or place to camp before morning. Hadhel and Daeriel went out from our position towards the light which was a campfire. Creeping ever closer and ever so stealthily. In-fact we lost them in the dark and didn't notice their return. They reported back within the hour; four Orc and from the looks of the, they said; they were patrols. Because Hadhel had noticed them speaking of a base and patrolling the road and the rivers to the south. We were to cross the river Nimrodel which ran cross the road further south and was one of the natural borders of Lorien. But this gave us pause and time to think. We had to rest just for a little while but the orc camp posed a threat of being discovered and overrun by Orc sentry ere morning. We decided to attack the camp.
I, my father Durinur and Muninn took our axes and surrounded their camp but far enough away for them not to notice our movements, while Hadhel, Duinn and Daeriel made way closer with bows at the ready. Our plan was to let the arrows fly by surprise and anyone who ran away would be caught and killed, before an alarm was raise. Risky but necessary. There were, from where I could see four Orcs; grim looking things, clad in old dwarven armour; crudely put together with their style and make. Moria Orcs, no doubt. It was very calm only the grim laughter of orcs as the arrows hit, three were dead instantly the fourth ran off right towards me. There were no screams or wails from him, he just ran straight and right towards me; what a nice end to his day, and a surprise when came towards my hiding place and a dwarf leaped forward. I planted my axe in his face and ended his miserable existence.
Apparently the camp gave a great view of the road; which meant that they were watching and probably patrolling it from there. So we kept the fire going and disposed of the Orc bodies and tried to sleep before moving on before suspicion was raised. We got a good three hours of sleep before we were awoken by the Elves for some way-bread and water before moving on. The moon was out, it was full and very bright, thus it gave us some twilight within the woods, and enough visibility to move on and southwards.
By morning when we had trekked through the night, alarms and lots of noise was coming from the north of our position, so we hastened our pace, even tough we were very tired. They had probably emptied their entire camp and was after us. We finally reached the river Nimrodel at midday but were very cautious to move inwards and deeper into the forest, by the time we heard Orcs, Elves appeared infront of us and took us to the safety of their trees and away from the orcs.
This part of the story happened simultaneously with our journey towards the Golden Wood, I heard it later from a bard in the 21st Hall, Khazad-Dum
After we had left for Lothlorien, the Iron Garrison were in deep counsel to resolve the issue of the stalemate with the Orcs of Moria and keep their foothold there. However, no seemingly good suggestion or hope for that matter reached the ears of the leaders of The Iron Garrison. They had delved through Lore and myths and scoured the depths and passages of Khazad-Dum and it seemed it payed off, for them; they found the fabled Mithril axe Zigilburk. With their new found pride and confidence they became ever bold, but still found valuable information regarding the Orcs of Moria.
They Orcs were indeed in contact with White Hand Orcs and the forces from the north east in Mirkwood, for it seemed that there was more evil brewing in the darkened depths than was previously known. Bori was proud and overconfident with Zigilburk, and thought the tide could truly be turned. He lead an attack on Mazog and his overlord but it was futile the power of his adversaries was greater than that which Zigilburk got yield; there he was taken captive and Zigilburk taken away from Khazad-Dum and now Mazog Lord of the Orcs in Moria had almost equal terms with the Iron Garrison.
Truly, great Sorrow and heavy hearts befell the dwarves there and those travelers who came there to answer the call of aid, and indeed it was a great loss to the effort of reclaiming Khazad-Dum and it left all there unsettled. What evil had the was truly controlling the enemy here? Soon it would be all to clear that there was an unknown power growing under Khazad-Dum, something that should not be there or not set free. It seemed that the Orcs and those from Mirkwood were trying to seek the aid of those nameless creatures which dwelled in the deepest of depths.
Chapter IX Caras Galadhon and the Golden Host
We were situated on a large round terrace high up in the tree; built and fashioned as such that it went round all the branches. The platform was full of stores and weapon. After an hour of silence in a tree with some Elves; waiting the passing of the Orcs. The silence was at last broken by one of the Elves. Haldir this elf was called. Haldir immediately began questioning Duinn and Muninn and looking at conversing with Hadhel and Daeriel in between; he spoke of us trespassing and bringing more danger to the Golden Wood and with us came evil and death. Dire words and threats we already knew too well. Duinn then gave them a short summary of the tidings and events which had taken place in Khazad-Dum and of the recolonization of The Halls, and Haldir and the other Elves from that wood were surprised. They turned away and began whispering amongst themselves and after a while they turned and Haldir asked; 'What brings ye here to The Golden Woods then? What dost thou seek from the Elves, speak!'. Duinn bow in curtsey 'At your service, master Elf, I am Duinn son of Muninn who sits besides me'. Muninn bowed as well and Duinn continued 'We come to seek to thy Golden and most forbidden Wood, to seek the Lord and Lady and your aid' He said while bowing once more.
The Elves again turned away and began whispering while we all awaited an answer, which come a minute later, and Haldir bowed before us saying 'At your service Muninn and Duinn and your family's and company' Duinn and Muninn replied quickly 'Well met' as Haldir continued 'Ye cannot pass into the Woods lest the Lord and Lady wills it, and until then you all shall remain here; where no harm will come to you and here is plentiful of food' he said while pointing towards a store of wooden barrels. 'Ye will shall remain until I return with news of the Lord and Lady'. Swiftly they took off into the night and silently he disappeared into the woods. We stayed behind as was ordered and rested a bit and ate some Elven way-bread provided by the guards there. It was nearing the late watches when Haldir returned to our lookout and so stealthily was his approach that we did not notice him until he spoke.
He came on to the platform where we were resting and spoke 'Hail again! The Lord and Lady are expecting you'. This startled us, not just he abrupt appearance but of what he spoke; they were expecting us? Soon some whispers between me and my father went on about a witch in the forest, however, Haldir continued 'Alas no witch roams these woods, but a fair lady! Leave your suspicions and mistrust here ere ye enter the Golden Wood, for all shall become clear to you then'. He turned speaking to another elf there before bidding us rise, then Haldir spoke again as he turned towards us. 'Ye are not permitted to enter the Golden Wood until ye prove yourselves worth, however, that will come in time, as the Lady has fore spoken. We will guide you blindfolded into our woods, and will not do so otherwise; we will lead you into the innermost boundary of the Wood ere Caras Caladhon but ye will not see nor enter there'. To that my father cried, 'We come in peace and goodwill and foremost in desperation to honour a friendship near forgotten, and you will treat us as captives and hunted game?'. Duinn, however, calmed him and stepped forth saying, 'Honour the Elven ways of this wood for I am sure they would honour ours in our own Halls, we will wear the blindfolds, as you have requested'.
So we were all blindfolded and lead by an elf each into the wood; there I lost sense of time and direction and only hear the subtle sound of the tree and the bristles in the canopies; the sound of woodland animals passed our ears as well, however, I could only identify the birds mostly. We walked for the better part of the day passing about two or three small streams running nearby, until we reached a river with an old bridge and there before stood the Lord and Lady of the Wood.
We were greeted honorable by the Lord and Lady, and nothing more of beauteous words and exalted sentences can be said of the Lady of the Wood. Nothing less than enchanted by the very sight of her and the Lord Celeborn was kingly and great as the elven kings of old. Celeborn stepped forth and spoke 'I am Lord Celeborn and I welcome you to the borders of Realm, strangers of foreign lands and kindred folk of Imladris' as he nodded to us and stared long at the our elven friends and as he continued, 'What brings you here to our Realm?'. None of us spoke, for we were more or less in a trance or enchanted by our company. We stood entranced and speechless until the Lady spoke and broke the silence 'I am Galadriel and I welcome you. You have seen much hardship and troubles in your time and of late, Duinn son of Muninn and Muninn son of Frerin of Durin's Line. Urgency and need has brought you to our borders. Your companions come out of loyalty and friendship, Hadhel and Daeriel of Imladris, and Durinur and Horin. So I ask you what can the Lord and Lady of the Wood do for you?' Chairs were brought forth when she finished and both of them were seated before us.
Duinn looked up and said with a stuttering voice, 'At your service Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel! I thank you for your hospitality and I offer the blessings of our folk upon you'. His voice clear up as he became more determined or so it seemed. 'Indeed you are right my Lady, we come in urgency and need. As you may already have guessed that we have ventured from Khazad-Dum and now seek to reclaim it! Alas our efforts our stretched and thinning, however, we have done well but we may loose the battle.' Duinn then knelt before them and spoke again, 'We are not able to vanquish the Orch and so we now have a stalemate'.
It was dead silent amongst the trees, no sound but the cracking of the canopies moving in the wind, then the Lord Celeborn spoke, saying 'It seems the storm of the coming Evil affects us all, perhaps we can aid each other in this matter?' He asked us then saying, 'For we also have seen the Orc come into our Realm! The come from Moria and from the Mountains and seek to burn our wood, so I ask of you! If we aid you in the matters of your ancestral home, will you then help us in return?'. We were all surprised, and looked at each other for a while before Duinn answered, 'Aye, we will aid you and we off our hands in friendship to renew the one of yore'. To that the Lord and Lady greeted us and accepted our friendship and alliance. They soon departed and we were lead out into the very frontiers of the realms and afore we left the Lord told us that our joint efforts would be co-ordinated between us and Haldir on their behalf.
We soon left Woods after saying farewell to the Elves there and heading back to Khazad-Dum and rejoining the effort there. The elves promised an expedition to enter Khazad-Dum and we sent an expedition to attack the Orcs around Lothlorien, however, staying out of the woods themselves. While the Elven expedition to Khazad-Dum settled in the 21st Hall, where we met up with them. And there we heard of the dire events that had unfolded in our absence.
Chapter X Durin's Throne and Mazog
When we finally were briefed on the matters and tidings that had happened in our absence by Brogur our hearts were heavy and our spirits restless, though the Elves of the Golden Wood now aided us, the situation had come to an impasse and all our hopes were now troubled.
Brogur was angered and wanted to attack immediately against Mazog and the Orcs but that would have ended badly as Duinn put it, so we deliberated over the matter for a good time, trying to find some resolution. We came to the conclusion that removing Mazog was essential but Brogur also wanted to find Bori and Zigilburk. From what our spies and lookouts could tell is that Mazog had conveniently set up his seat of power in Durin's Throne room, however the location of the Throne room was now his fortress and our forces would not be able to penetrate it without heavy losses. We knew however, some sketchy information about a secret passageway into the Throne room but the location was nothing definite and the Elves of Lothlorien had yet to arrive and give any information of value so we had to look through the old archives of Khazad.-Dum and find some information regarding its location. I and my father were sent out by Duinn and Muninn to find out more in the old Khazad-Dum archives.
After a few days of vigorous reading and searching through old books and whatnot and eventually finding some old records of Khazad-Dum and some tell tale glues to where Durin's Throne room is located. The parchment told of the treasury accountant and their movement in Khazad-Dum and their route took them into the waterways and great fountains of old but this passage was an old escape route from the Throne room, so it would be unknown by the Orcs and probably give us a surprise element. A risk we were willing to take.
We cross referenced the findings with those dwarves most knowledgeable about Khazad-Dum and think we a way that lead to Durin's Throne Room and eventually Mazog and his ilk. I, my father, Orvar, Duinn and Muninn made our way through old passageways and came to the old halls of Zabadgathol and such craftsmanship and work was still enough to make us stop and look in awe!. After a few hours we finally came to the Throne and the orcs there were soon dealt with but no sign of any dwarf and finally we came to Mazog himself.
Orvar with angrily approached screaming, "MAZOG! Where are the dwarves you have imprisoned? Speak foul creature! You are surrounded!". Mazog turned angrily and laughed at Orvar, "Who are these maggots that have come before me?". Mazog turn towards his guards who cowered in fear and stammered in reply.
And Orvar again yelled; "Where are the dwarven prisoner, Mazog and were have you imprisoned them?"
And Mazog replied, "I do not imprison dwarven maggots! I kill them! And I will tear you limb from limb for I am Mazog, Cleaver of Dwarf-skulls and Master of Orcs!".
At that moment another voice yelled through the halls, "Not so fast villain!" yelled Bróin in the distance, "Two of Celeborn's finest archers will pierce your heart at my command! Now, where are the dwarves you imprisoned? Where is my cousin Bori?"
Mazog looked scared as he turned and looked at the dwarf and the two Elves but he replied to them, "I do not keep weaklings as prisoners! I killed one and gave the rest to Gorothúl and they'll be halway to Dol Guldur now".
The Bróin was furious and so were the rest of us but we didn't kill Mazog, he was taken prisoner and perhaps there was still hope to find him in Dol Guldur. Now the elves were in Khazad-Dum and Mazog our prisoner we made our way back to the Hall of Leadership to discuss matters at hand.
The Elf accompanying Bróin is called Corunothiel who spoke to Duinn and Muninn afterwards about the situation in Khazad-Dum and all the troubles elsewhere and word from Lord Celeborn. And the word was Khazad-Dum in his opinion was more safe and stable than ever though work needed to be done, and not long after Mazog's capture many Orc holds were abandoned and many were seen fleeing away into the mountains and away from Khazad-Dum while elsewhere Orcs of different factions fought for leadership. So, the foreknowledge of Lord Celeborn was well placed. Brogur and Bróin returned to the Chamber of Leadership and now were planning to stabilize Khazad-Dum and bring the rest of the halls into dwarven control.
This is where our journey's with the Iron Garrison finally ended or at least my time with Duinn and Muninn and our old company. Our two Elven friends were with their Elven cousins of Lothlorien somewhere deep in the subterranean caverns below the earth, while Duinn was called east to Dwalin with business from King Dáin and find a dwarf called Hanfur which Duinn had left in charge of the task King Dáin had given him. My father, Durinur left with him and passed west into Ered Luin, but he would return soon back to Khazad-Dum, while Muninn stayed with the Dwarves in Mirrormere. A sad goodbye but a new beginning for our folk, no doubt, as we parted ways. We had one night of feasting ere we parted ways and Hadhel and Daeriel joined us as well, we had a great night of tales and music amongst the great pillars of the 21st Hall. Ere we passed our time Duinn spoke of his task in Ered Luin and of the dwarves there and his friend Hanfur, and he told me, Muninn, Hadhel and Daeriel that one day his Kinship would come to Khazad-Dum and cleanse it thoroughly, so we might again live and work in our ancestral home.
So ends my recount of our tales in Khazad-Dum with Duinn, Muninn, Durinur, Hadhel and Daeriel and myself.
Written by Horin Durinurul, 21st Hall, Khazad-Dum
