Fingil dozed in the warmth of the campfire. Tintalle had vanished into the darkness, on his way to Lorien, Torfithien and Vanimorien were asleep nearby and Elladan still stood, deep in thought.
Fingil was roused by Elladan's sharp movements and rose quickly.
"What is it?"
Elladan pointed upward and Fingil watched as two Eagles swooped down into their camp.
"Son of Elrond," began the larger, "we bring word from your brother."
Elladan stepped forward, eager to hear the news.
"He and another have entered into the mines while the gate is unbarred. They bid you to follow at once. Make haste or it shall be held against you once more."
Elladan, a worried expression on his face, bowed in thanks, "great lord of the sky, I thank you for your favour to me and my kin. May you fly ever high in the service of Manwe."
The Eagle bowed its head and spoke again, "head for the mountains, at a splitting of the paths choose the left and follow to the plateau. Continue along the straight road and you will find the entrance to the cave." The Eagles both rose into flight and made off into the dark sky.
"Well, let us be off at once!" Elladan cried and began to put his gear together. "We take only what we must. Strap the rest to the horses and we will set them free when we reach the plateau."
Fingil quickly began packing his things together, as did the other two who had woken to hear the words of the Eagles. He took his sword, Angcalion and strapped it secure to him, along with his several knives. He also stored away his remaining provisions and few herbs inside his jerkin and lastly, drapped his grey cloak around him. The rest of his gear that had served him well up to now would be no use in Moria and he secured it to his horse.
Within five minutes the elves were ready to set off and Elladan took the lead on his tall horse. Fingil appointed himself as the rearguard and his two other companions rode inbetween. Torfithien had been silent since the Eagles had left and Fingil worried what the darkness of Moria would do to her spirit.....or to his for that matter.
Off into the night they rode, ever climbing the path until they reached the huge plateau of rock. There they let the horses go and sent them back along the path they had come.
"Now we move on foot," Elladan said and they continued.
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