[Mithadan]

Their debate was interrupted by a commotion near the great Gates. A short Orc with wide flaring nostrils loped into the hall and spoke rapidly to one of the Uruks. The taller goblin shook his head vigorously, but the tracker would not leave him be. "Outside!" he shouted. "I smell Elves outside! They've escaped I tell yer! They're outside!"

The Orc captain thought for a moment, then traversed the bridge to discuss matters with members of the group on the near side of the chasm. After some debate, the captain again crossed the bridge and motioned for his Orcs to follow. With the tracker leading the way, the Uruks stepped through the gates. The Orcs left behind on the near side of the bridge shuffled their feet nervously and debated noisily whether they should stay in place or follow. A few well placed cuffs to a few heads delivered by their captain convinced them to stay.

Elladan moved his bow off his shoulder and brought an arrow to its string. The other Elves followed suit. "It appears that we have a plan..." commented Fingil wryly.