[Mithadan]

The sun's light was dawning in the east even as they approached the rough gate into the underground realm of the Dwarves. As they pressed on, they could see crows and eagles circling and swooping in the sky ahead. Now and again, an eagle would descend, only to rise again, bearing a dark form in its talons. As the gate came into sight, the last of the eagles rose, bearing the body of an Orc. The great bird which had brought them the message dropped to the ground before the black opening in the rocky wall of the vale.

"We have cleared this place of the bodies of your foes," said the eagle. "And we have left behind enough feathers for the Orcs to believe that we slew their brethren rather than any land-bound intruder. Your brother and his friend did well. They slew many of the vermin."

Elladan bowed gratefully. "We are in your debt and your favors shall not be forgotten," he said even as the great bird rose into the winds. Then he turned to examine the way into the mountain.

"No Dwarf work this!" he muttered. "The opening was made by force from within. But an entrance we sought and an entrance we now have."

Vanimorén peered into the blackness and shuddered. "It is as if here is a place where the night was never lifted," he said. "Nay! Here the darkness seems to have a life of its own."

"Yet it is into the night that we must go, whether it has a life or no," exclaimed Elladan. "Come! We must find Elrohir and Angóre as quickly as we may!"

He strode through the rough arch and was swallowed by the darkness. After a moment, there came a blue glimmer from within; he had uncovered his lamp. The others hesitated no more and followed Elladan into Moria.

Time seemed to have little meaning in this place. But it was not long before they reached a circular hall with three tunnels leading from it. Torfithien and Fingil examined the ground before each of the openings. "All have been used recently," said Fingil. "There are prints in all three and I cannot discern which our fellows may have taken."

Elladan stepped closer but did not look down, but rather up at the walls of the tunnels. "Here!" he said. "Elrohir has left a mark." Just above the height of their heads were three white scratches which crossed in the shape of a rayed star. "This way. Quickly! But look out for more marks! And listen carefully for Orcs!" They trotted down the tunnel, moving as quickly as they dared...