The Misty Mountains. Although they stood nigh to Imladris, they were a statement of segregation. Truly, the phrase in the common tongue - 'Last Homely House' - loomed as large as the imposing mountains, in the minds of the elves that quietly climbed its heights, hoping to make the best of the light that remained.
All of them knew the paths very well, but the passes were no simple matter of memory. They changed every time, and some were fraudulent tracks meant to deceive the unwary eye. Orcs, increasingly populating these precipices, were ever at work to trap the journeying travellers.
It was only with the superior experience of the elves, and the wisdom of Elrond and his sons, that the group reached the High Pass late into the night. The lamps provided by Elrond were priceless in the cloudy night, as they traversed windy mountain paths and the horses stumbled to find their step in the dark and soon grew weary.
They were met there by smiling faces and fresh horses, and were also treated to a snack beside a warm fire.
Once beyond the pass, the group realised that the gathering clouds not only reduced the light further but spoke of the impending storm. The pine forests surrounding them did not provide much hope of shelter in case of rain. The group began scouting the slopes for some place to rest.
"There looks to be a cave there," called Vaniromen.
"We must be careful of caves in these mountains, orcs are known to dig secret passages into most of them," warned Elrohir.
"So let us search them first," suggested Angore.
They made their way cautiously to the cave and dismounted their horses. Their lamps shone bright in the gloomy dark, and as they approached the cave the light illuminated the entrance, showing a dry and empty cave. As they moved inside they saw that the cave had a door in the very back. Realising that this could lead to an orc passage, they decided to investigate further.
As hard as they tried, they could not make the door open, and as they were trying hard, they failed to realise that it was almost time for dawn. Just as they were about to give up and turn around, they noticed that the entrance to the cave was blocked!
Up against the entrance were two huge cave trolls that were in need of sleep!
|