🕮

“Some days passed, and Balin sent a detachment to strengthen our position. With their coming, we resolved to investigate the aqueduct in Old Moria.

An old dwarf-woman named Agra joined us, having lost all her kin. She was fierce in grief and blind with vengeance, yet her will was strong, and she would not be turned aside.

On the way, we became aware that we were being followed. We laid a trap and caught a lone orc, who seemed to be handling some device of fire. He was struck down at once.

When we came to the aqueduct, we followed it to its source and found a narrow crevice, through which we passed only with difficulty. Even there we could hear the orcs lurking beyond. After crossing, we found the door to the Fifth Hall, shut fast and sealed by dark magic.

There we chose to make our stand. We would not be trapped between two fronts, and so we drew the enemy toward the crevice, where their numbers would count for less. The plan held. Agra called out in her wrath, and the orcs answered.

Yet the enemy had uncovered some fell craft of fire and ash. With an explosion they broke open the passage and came upon us in great number. I was thrown down and lost consciousness in the blast.

When I awoke, the orcs were dead. So too was Agra.”

-Thorolf, Khazad-dûm Krusaders