[Mithadan]

Elladan started at Angóre's offer, for though it was courageous, it seemed also foolhardy. To separate at this stage would be to risk the loss of those willing to play the rabbit to the Orc's foxes. Yet their options were limited. Fingil and Torfithien held Celebrian up, one on each side of her. They could proceed no faster than a trot and behind them were the fast footfalls of running Orcs.

He turned to Vanimorén, who was alternating between peering out at a side tunnel, then looking forward down the passage in which they stood. "Do you know where we are, Vanimorén?" he asked. "Do you recognize any of these passageways?"

Vanimorén looked up at Elladan. "Rock is rock," he complained. "It all looks the same. Yet I believe that we are at or near the level of the Gates. Perhaps one level down. There was a great hall near the Gates at the First Deep. East of that hall and one level up is the First Hall, then the Bridge over a chasm which leads out to Nanduhirion, the Dimrill Dale. I do not think that we are very far."

Elladan looked to his twin, who remained silent but nodded. Then he turned back to Angóre. "Go!" he said grimly. "But take only such risks as you much. Draw them away, then double back if you can. If you cannot, then seek a stairway and go up one level before turning to the East. We will meet in this First Hall, but we cannot wait long."

Angóre nodded and ran back down the tunnel. A few moments later they heard him call out. "Ho! Ugly ones. Do you look for me?" Then came the sounds of pursuit and the shouts of the Orcs.

"May Varda protect him," said Elrohir. Then the Elves hurried on towards the East...