Chapter 7
The Mines of Moria
We reached the walls of Moria over the next 2 days. My fear grew more and more the closer we came. Legolas sensed this. He pulled me aside.
"~You do not have to be afraid of the mines. I will not let anything harm you. I promise.~" He said.
I nodded. However I was still afraid. I couldn't get rid of the feeling that something bad was going to happen. However we were interuppted when Gimli suddenly gasped.
"The walls! Of Moria!" He said.
I looked across the lake and saw the doors.
I took a deep breath and followed the others. Legolas took my hand and I smiled a little. But I was still afraid. As we were walking along the banks of the river Frodo slipped and his foot dipped into the water. I grabbed his arm and we continued.
"Dwarf doors are invisible when closed." Gimli said.
"Yes Gimli! Even their own masters cannot find them if their secrets are forgotten." Gandalf said.
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Legolas said.
I elbowed him and Gimli growled at him. We kept going until Gandalf finally stopped.
"It mirrors only starlight and moonlight." He said.
The moon came out and the doors lit up again. Gimli smiled.
"It reads the doors of Durin Lord of Moria. Speak friend and enter." Gandalf said.
"What do you suppose that means?" Merry asked.
"Oh it's quite simple. If you are a friend you speak the password and the doors will open." Gandalf said.
We all watched as Gandalf put his staff against the doors.
"Annon Edhellen, edro hi ammen!" Gandalf said.
Nothing happened and Gandalf tried again.
"Fennas Nogothrim, lasto beth lammen."
Pippin looked at Legolas.
"Nothing's happening." He said.
"I once knew every spell in all the tongues of men, elves and orcs." Gandalf said.
"What are you going to do then?" Pippin asked.
"Knock your head against these doors Peregrine Took! And if that does not shatter them and I am allowed a little peace from your foolish questions I will try to find the opening words." Gandalf said.
I looked at Pippin and put my hand on his shoulder. We all sat down while Gandalf tried to open the doors.
"Ando Eldarinwa…a lasta quettanya, Fenda Casarinwa…"
I saw my father and Sam making Bill the Pony leave. I knew Sam loved that pony. So I felt bad for him having to make him leave. However my thoughts were interrupted by a loud splash. I saw Merry and Pippin tossing stones in the water. However my father grabbed Pippin's arm.
"Do not disturb the waters." My father said.
However I saw the waters move. I stood and Legolas looked out over the water. I heard Frodo talking to Gandalf.
"It's a riddle." Frodo said.
The waters moved again. This time Boromir and my father were watching as well.
"Speak friend and enter. What's the elvish word for friend?" Frodo asked.
"Mel..lon" Gandalf said.
The doors then opened and we all looked. Well all followed Gandalf inside. I followed the hobbits and stood behind them. Gandalf lit up his staff and I gasped. Gimli didn't seem to notice.
"Soon Master Elf you will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the dwarves. Roaring fires! Malt beer! Red meat off the bone! This my friends is the home of my cousin Balin. And they call it a mine! A mine!" Gimli said.
"This is no mine…it's a tomb!" Boromir said.
At last Gimli realized that there were the corpses of dwarves everywhere.
"No! NOOO!" He said.
Legolas walked over and pulled an arrow from a skeleton.
"Goblins!" He said.
He drew and arrow and I took out my sword. Everyone took out their weapons and I heard the hobbits behind me.
"We make for the Gap of Rohan. We should never have come here! Now everyone out! Get out!" Boromir shouted.
I then felt something wrap around my leg and drag me away.
"STRIDER!" I heard Sam shout.
I looked over and realized the Frodo was being taken as well. I tried to use my sword but something else grabbed me and refused to let my arm move.
"LEGOLAS!" I screamed.
I saw him firing arrows. I saw my father cut the tentacle that was holding me. I fell through the air and was caught by my father. While Boromir caught Frodo.
"INTO THE MINES!" Gandalf shouted.
We all ran into the Mines as Legolas fired one last arrow. As soon as we were in the Mines Legolas pulled me into his arms. I wrapped my arms around him and sighed in relief. Gandalf lit his staff.
"We now have but one choice. We must face the long dark of Moria. Be on your guard. There are older and fouler things then orcs in the deep places of the world. Quietly now. Let us hope that our presences goes unnoticed." Gandalf whispered.
We all walked on in fear. Legolas held my hand as we went. I still feared the mines.
