[Mithadan]

The Elves pressed against the walls of the side tunnel as the noise drew closer. A tug on his bonds pulled the Orc back as well. Weapons were loosed in their sheaths as the glow of a torch began to spread through the shadows. Then a voice was heard.

"Well? Where are they? I think yer dreamin'. There's nothin' here."

"They're here. And close. I smells 'em, so shaddup."

The Elves crept back as three figures appeared at the crossing of the tunnels. Orcs. Two large and a third squat with broad flaring nostrils. The latter held a bow while his larger comrades bore curved blades in their claws. They paused as the tracker snuffled about, then rose to face the tunnel where the Elves were hidden.

At that moment, Elrohir's captive leapt forward with a screech, waving wildly to the others. He was rewarded with an arrow in his throat, shot by the tracker. The others stepped forward, brandishing their crooked blades and all three charged into the corridor...