Hi both,
as I see it, Ori's trip to the west (Hollin) gate was simply a small expedition sent to find out if there was still a way out, and presumably to find weaponry in the armouries of the 3rd deep. After Ori was killed by the Watcher and the lake was found to be impassable, I'd reckon the survivors headed back to Mazarbul where they reported their sad news to Oin and were caught up in the final stand.
__________________
Rumil of Coedhirion
|