The huge double doors behind Alfred closed with a loud boom, the sound of which continued to echo through the tunnels for another minute. Alfred was again in the darkness, alone. He started walking down the main tunnel that went straight north. Soon he was forced to stop, and cast the magic of night-vision, because the darkness had become impenetratable. The walls of the tunnel grew steadily shoddier as he went, and more and more openings opened on the sides of it. The map Bofur gave Alfred didn't show all the details of the Mines, only the straight path Alfred had to take. In the darkness Alfred lost count of time. He seemed to be walking for ever. The silence was oppresive, and there was this sound just on the edge of hearing that always dissapeared when Alfred stopped to listen. It was maddening. Unconsciously Alfred started to walk softly, with no sound at all. Gradually the main tunnel lessened and started winding and going sometimes up or down. Alfred started being unsure whether he was taking the right tunnel, since the openings were no longer perpendicular to it, and they were scarcely smaller than the tunnel itself. He grew tired, and sat down in a small niche in the wall to rest. He sat there for some time, listening. At first he heard nothing but his own heartbeat, but then his hunting habits came back and he carefully slowed down his breathing and his heart beat, as he sometimes did when he was hunting a cautious game. Gradually he started hearing something. It seemed to him as a kind of a conversation, going on somewhere in the passages around him. He rose up very quietly and went up to the wall, and listened to it. He moved his head against the wall, and then suddenly, by a fluke of resonance and sound, he was able to hear the voices, weakly but clearly:

-...Look, Gorbag, I don't like this orc bussiness any more than you do, but the orcs are payin' us, and payin' us well, so if you can't come up with a better plan, shut up!

-But Rasha, why don't we go and raid the dwarves once more?

-Because they've hid behind the Gate, you idiot! And don't you tell me you've found a magic something to fix that, too?

-No, Rasha, but I still feel uneasy about the orcs. I mean, they aren't the usual ragtag bunch, and why would orcs be searching for a necklace? They can't use it, can they?

-I don't think so, but to be sure, I don't feel easy about this orc bussiness either. But since we do need to eat, it is either that or...

-I know, I know.

Alfred was busy thinking. Who were this Rasha and Gorbag? Brigands maybe? But then it dawned on him. The orcs were searching for the necklace! How could have they found out about his location? But then he calmed himself and thought again. It must be that they have lost track of it, but they knew where he was heading, and they are searching along his probable path. Suddenly Alfred realized that his mission may hold a wholy different purpose. If the orcs were searching for it, not just near his home, but here as well, it could only mean, that either they have found a new taste for necklaces, which wasn't likely, or that some evil force was after the medallion and wanted it very much. However grim this thought might be, Alfred was forced to accept it in lack of other explanation. Master Manetor's words now drifted back to him, reminding him of the small band he tricked back in the forest. While he was thinking, voices continued to argue, although not as loud as before. Still in thought, he bent over to hear the voices better, and accidentally scraped his boot against the stone wall. The sudden sound echoed strongly, and a silence ensued, dark and foreboding. Then again he heard a strong, deep voice saying:

-I heard a noise from the main tunnel. Quick, open the hatch, and let's investigate!

Before Alfred could think about those words, a portion of a rock face slid aside, and a dozen bandits sprung into the tunnel. They were rogues, armed with clubs and swords, and clad in leather. Alfred hardly had the time to raise his sword, and wave it towards the attackers, when he heard a footstep behind him. He tried to turn around, but it was too late. A mighty blow struck him, and Alfred felt darkness cover him like a dream.

When he awakened, he was chained to a wall on the side of a large room, part of a natural cavern, and partially dug in rock. His backpack was lying on a nearby table, and it's contents were being meticulously examined by two persons sitting at the table. In other corners of the room about five dozen bandits were lying around, eating, drinking, playing cards, or cleaning their weapons. Torches set in sconces on the walls illuminated the whole scene in yellow light. The old woman at the table noticed Alfred was awake.

-Look, Gorbag, our little bird has awakened. Now let's see if we can find out what was he doing in the Mines.

Alfred noticed that the other person sitting at the table was a half orc, a mix between orc and a human. The woman, however, was not as old as he thought at the first look. She had a wrinkled forehead, and strong arms. Alfred guessed she might have seen about fifty summers. She was a little below average height, and she had a pleasant grandmotherly look about her, but her eyes shone with the light of sheer steel. She was dressed in plain peasant's dress, with work pants and a cotton shirt. She also wore strangely made bracelets on her wrists. The bracelets appeared to have been made of steel, but had some runes engraved on them that Alfred couldn't decipher. Her companion was a large half orc, very tall and very broad, with a somewhat orcish face. He wore a leather armor, and had a huge hammer at his side. Despite his orcish features, Alfred felt this warrior was not a stupid one. The half-orc asked Alfred:

-Who are you and what are you doing in the Mines? Be quick with your tongue boy, it might save your life!

The harsh tone strengthened Alfred's resolve not to tell anything. He was preparing a poisonous answer, when the old woman, whose voice Alfred now recognized as the one that was called Rasha, found the letter for the Duke in his backpack. Alfred's answer froze in his mouth.

-Look, Gorbag, what do we have here? An official letter from the King of the dwarves to the Duke Dunnbarrow. Looks like this boy here is a dwarven messenger!

Gorbag took the letter, looked at the seals on it, and then said:

-No doubt about it, the seals seem genuine. Now, let's see what does the message say - and Gorbag's hand began to tear the seals apart.

Alfred was despairing. He managed somehow to rise on his feet and tried to jump toward the table. The chains that held him stopped him cold, however. But the sound of his struggle drew attention and Gorbag released the letter. Before Gorbag could rise and strike him, Alfred turned toward Rasha, and spoke:

-This letter is for the Duke's eyes only. I would think you smart enough to realize that helping the orcs means spelling your own doom in the end, because if they manage to run over the land, no human will be left alive!

Rasha rose from the table, and showed Gorbag off with her hand, while he was preparing to strike Alfred from the back. Then she said:

-It seems you've got wits, young man. And why would this letter be so important in the fight against the orcs?

-Mistress, if I may call you so...

Rasha interrupted him, saying:

-No need for that nobleman's stuff. Just call me Rasha.

-Then, Rasha, this letter concerns an urgent message between the King under the Mountain and any human lord who wishes to join him in the fight against the orcs. Can't you see that this is the only hope of stopping the orcs? The north is overrun already, and help is not forthcoming!

-Young man, tell me first what is your name?

Alfred straightened, and boldly proclaimed:

-I am Alfred son of Eyral, messenger of the King under the Mountain.

-Good. So you say you're no scoundrel nor adventurer, and I trust you. I've been listening to lies for so long I can recognize truth when I hear it. Now, if what you say is true, I am going to let your letter stay sealed, but I'll still have to rid you of all your belongings. Do you understand that, young ma?

-I do. But I cannot make my peace with that.

-Well, you'll have to. And now, sit back, and wait while we search your backpack, or I just might change my mind and deliver you to the orcs as a spy! -Rasha snapped.

Alfred sat down, and waited while Gorbag and Rasha rummanged through his things. Suddenly, Rasha let out a small yell.

-Hey! What is this? -and she pulled the Alfred's necklace toward the light. When Alfred saw it, his hands went towards his neck. Since he couldn't feel the strange metal of the necklace under his fingers, he froze.

-This looks just like the necklace orcs are looking for. Alfred dear, would you mind telling us how come you are in possession of, apparently, the most sought object in the land?

Alfred rose again, and tried to plead:

-That necklace, it is a personal item, of no importance whatsoever except to me and my personal quest. Please, leave me just that and I will not tell a living soul about you and your hideout.

Rasha looked at him, and then stopped as to think about it a little. She then said:

-I don't know about this. If the orcs are searching for it, then this necklace must be some powerful magic item. But what is your quest, young man? What will you do with an item of such power?

Alfred considered for a moment, and then, acting on instinct, decided to tell the truth:

-I carry it to Ebening, to my stepfather's friend and associate. I know not of it's purpose, except that it is only a part of a truly powerful artifact.

-You seem to be speaking the truth. Do you trust him, Gorbag? -and Rahsa turned toward her right hand.

-He seems to be speaking the truth, but I feel only trouble will come out of him. I say we send him and all of his belongings to the orcs and be done with it!

-No, Gorbag, I don't think so. I think it's high time we left this dump and redeemed ourselves!

Rasha's last words were spoken in a loud tone, and a hushed silence fell over the whole room. Bringands, Alfred, and Gorbag were all intently staring at Rasha. She turned towards the brigands, and spoke:

-Friends! We have been here for far too long, living a life of treachery and deceit. It's time we head out to our land, and redeem ourselves, I just think that this young man - and she pointed her finger at Alfred - will be our redemption! Are you with me? - she asked in a thunderous tone of voice. The crowd answered by cheering her name. She quieted them down, and continued:

-Now, everyone has something to do. I want all of treasure taken from the stores, as well as any items of use. Everyone is to take a fair share of the load. -She turned toward Gorbag.

-Gorbag, you organize the packing. I want us to be ready to depart in one hour!

-Yes, Rasha. It shall be done. And now rascals, let's start packing! - and Gorbag started appointing and organizing the packing effort. Meanwhile, Rasha undid Alfred's bonds.

-You are now a free man, except that you owe us your life. Your things are once again yours, as you must carry your own weight with you. I trust you are on honest and honorable person, and will repay your debts. We ask of you nothing but to come the Duchy of Leavenwood, and testify on our behalf, when we arrive there. We will call you when your testimony is needed. And now, you may continue your travels with us, and in that case we can offer you some protection. We are heading for the Duke Dunnbarrow's castle, if it still stands. And now pack yourself, and be quick, for I sent the orcs a message that I had a prisoner for them, and their patrol will be coming by any time now to pick you up. We must depart before that happens.

Alfred was pretty surprised by this new turn of the things. He thought these brigands were going to deliver him to the orcs for sure, and that his mission was doomed, not to mention his smallish self. And now it seemed that they were going to let him go. And what was all this bussiness about reedeming themselves? Alfred was rubbing his hands where they were bound, and then he picked his longsword.

-My sword is yours, for as long as we travel together. But, tell me if I am wrong, you are not the bandits that have been attacking the dwarves, are you?

Rasha looked at the way Alfred held the blade, and answered smiling:

-You are right, we have never attacked the dwarves, although we did occasionally steal from their stores, but we are not the only brigand group around here. You probably speak of brigands of the Black Eye, a group somewhat to the east of here. If anyone would dare attack the dwarves, it would be them.

-Thank you for that information. I'm glad you're not in quarrel with the dwarves.

Rasha just nodded, and went to the other side of the cave to pack. Alfred lowered his sword, and started putting things back into his backpack.

All around him the brigands were packing. Each of them was carrying a small sack with their personal belongings, and a large backpack in which their share of the loot was stored. Alfred was surprised to see how much loot have they got. However, most of the brigands were already done with packing, so Alfred hurried a little to pack his belongings. Half an hour later, both the brigands and Alfred were packed and ready. Rasha came out of the small room on the side of the cavern, followed by Gorbag. When Alfred cast them a questioning look, Gorbag smiled and answered:

-We prepared a little "surprise" for our orcish friends...

All of the brigands smiled to that. Seeing how Gorbag set the burning oil trap right on the inside of the hatch that led to the brigands' hideout, he smiled too. Burning oil traps usually consist of a trigger mechanism and several bottles of oil. When someone triggers the trap, it lights the oil bottle. Since the oil burns very quickly, it usually explodes into the face of whoever triggers the trap. Seeing how many oil bottles were set to explode, Alfred asked Gorbag:

-Isn't that too many bottles over there? It seems to me it would be dangerous to detonate so many bottles at the same time. The cave might collapse!

Gorbag answered, with an even wider smile:

-Alfred, we are counting on it, we are counting on it most definitely. Not only will it kill many orcs, it will probably collapse the whole passage behind us, and block the way in case orcs decide to try and catch us.

Alfred nodded now. One of the brigands pressed a panel on one side of the hideout. Alfred was not surprised to see one side of the wall slide into the rock and an opening appear. He was, however, curious, because it seemed to him that the brigands weren't the sort to build secret doors in stone, so he turned and asked Gorbag about it:

-Gorbag, what about this door? Did you make it?

Gorbag stopped and slowly answered Alfred:

-No, we found it and this whole cavern by accident. Although I judge it must be dwarven work, by the runes written on it. Good masons, those dwarves.

Alfred nodded and went forward to pass through the opening. He had only a glance at the runes written on thge panel. They confirmed what the Gorbag said, being definitely dwarven in origin. Behind him, brigands were putting out the torches in their hideout, and lighting the lamps they carried with them. Rasha took the lead, and pulled out a map of the Mines. While two brigands were closing the door, Alfred offered to compare his map with Rasha's. She gladly accepted, and they both added to their maps the portions they saw on the other one. Rasha looked at her map for a moment or two, then obviously decided on the course they were going to take. She made a sign with her hand and their group slowly slid into the dark corridors ahead.

Alfred was traveling at the front, side by side with Rasha. They walked in silence. Some minutes after they left the hideout, they heard a thunderous boom behind them. Several of the brigands smiled. Alfred smiled too. It seemed that the orcs have triggered their trap. They continued their journey without interruption. For several hours they passed by an ever widening range of corridors, halls, and caverns. In many places they saw the remains of mining equipment, and pieces of leftover ore. They stopped to rest after eight hours of march. Alfred asked Rasha when will they exit the Mines, and she answethat they had only a few hours left before they left the Mines. She seemed somehow sobered by the thought, as if they were safer here, inside the hills. They continued after a few more minutes of rest. The Mines were more irregular in this part. It seems that the dwarven miners ran into a series of underground caverns here and made good use of them. In many of them Alfred could still spot the remains of ore crates, and mining equipment, rusty with age. Some of the caverns were dry, and in those some kind of dust covered everything. Alfred supposed that the dust came from the rock that gradually disintegrated above them. It was limestone, and limestone is known to crumble to dust in dry enviroments. Several other caverns, were, however, moisty. In those Alfred noticed small pools of leftover water, probably rainwater that somehow found it's way to here. In some places Alfred even noticed some green moss growing on the walls. One of the chambers they passed had a small lake in its center, and a small stream flowed from it towards one of the tunnels adjoining the chamber. Here the brigands stopped to water their throats, and Alfred did so, too. The lake seemed to shimmer with some inner radiance, and when Alfred asked Rasha about it, she said that it was called the Radiant Pool. While passing near it, Alfred felt a strange tingling on his neck. When he put his hand to scratch the place, he felt the necklace. It was warm! Alfred stopped for a minute to check on it, but since he couldn't see why it suddenly got so warm, he continued. They passed several more chambers, filled with rotting mining carts, and here and there Alfred could see the remains of the mining track that once used to carry the carts from one part of the Mines to another. Alfred was getting decidedly wearisome with this continuous walking, and even the lamps seemed to grow dimmer as they went.

Suddenly, the passage they were using came to a dead end. It was blocked at an end of a large and dark cavern, and it was obviously newly blocked off. When Rasha raised her hand to signal her company back, suddenly figures clad in dark robes came at them from all sides. Before they were upon Alfred's group, Gorbag yelled:

-Lamps! Put them out!

Brigands listened to him and put out their lamps as soon as they could. Alfred found himself in utter darkness. Sounds of fighting were coming from all around him. He quickly cast night-vision upon himself. Now he was able to see what was going on. The figures in black robes were attacking his group from all over. There were more numerous, but seemed not to be able to find their way in darkness. They must have been relying on our lamplight to attack, Alfred thought. Then he heard a noise behind him and saw a figure leap to attack him. Alfred drew his sword, and parried the blow. He kicked the opponent with his foot, and when the figure bent over in pain, he slashed him with his sword. Alfred didn't have time to stop and think, because others were on him before he could turn around. He used his elbows to hit the attacker, and threw him over his back. Alfred then kicked him in the face with his boot, and turned around to face another dark-robed attacker. This one didn't attack immediately, instead it waited until another one was near, and then they jumped Alfred together. Alfred dodged, and hit them with his sword. One of them screamed and fell, but the other hit Alfred with a cudgel. The hit was light, and he hit Alfred's left shoulder, but still it hurt. When his opponent prepared for another blow, Alfred suddenly lifted his sword to parry, and at the same time pulled forward. Alfred's opponent was aware of this move so he solidly rooted himself on the ground and parried with his other hand. He then tried a foot sweep, but Alfred bent, and slashed the opponent's sword-hand. The man screamed and released the cudgel. Alfred turned to see if anyone else was to attack him, but the battle was over already, and Alfred's group had won. Gorbag relit his lamp, and then so did the rest of his brigands. They could now see the figures they were fighting quite clearly. Rasha cursed:

-Damn the Dark Eye! He cost me four good men this time! I am only glad that his people paid a dear price for this! Gorbag! Bring the prisoners here!

Alfred turned around, and pushed the man whom he had wounded forward.

-Here's another one!

Rasha turned and said:

-Good work, Alfred. I see you deserve the sword you carry. And now scum, - she turned towards the prisoners, small men with mean eyes and black beards, filthy and foul - you will tell me where's your leader! Where is the Black Eye?

One of the prisoners stood up and said:

-Rasha, be merciful, we don't know a thing. That bastard, ol' Black Eye, made us do this. We'd have never tried to mugg you, you know that...

-You old liar, you think I can't recognize a lie when I hear one? And now, where's the Black Eye, or it's your heads that'll pay instead!

The prisoner looked around, and pointed his finger at the man Alfred had wounded. That man was taller than the rest of his gang, and looked stronger. His cape was in better shape, and of finer make. He threw a hateful look at the prisoner who pointed at him, and suddenly tried to run away.

-There's Black Eye! - said the old prisoner. Gorbag jumped Black Eye before he could escape, and hit him in the head. He then brought him back in front of Rasha, and made him kneel:

-Kneel before her, you filthy bastard!

Black Eye cast a look of hatred toward Gorbag, and then slowly kneeled. Rasha just stood there and waited. Finally, she asked Black Eye:

-Well, Black Eye, are you just going to stand there, or will you try to give me one single reason why shouldn't I just kill you on the spot?

Black Eye looked at her for a moment, and then said in a sweet voice:

-Dear Rasha, you don't think I hold a grudge with you, do you? I was just minding my bussiness. Remember, I can be a dangerous foe, but also a powerful friend!

-That's not a reason enough not to kill you now. Besides, if you are dead, your being either a foe or a friend is of no consequence. Gorbag, he's all yours.

Gorbag raised his sword, and prepared to cut Black Eye's head off. In the last possible moment, Black Eye raised his hands and screamed:

-No! Wait! I have something you want! If you promise me to spare my life, I will give it to you!

Rasha snorted and asked:

-What could you possibly have that would make me spare you?

Black Eye slowly put his hand into his coat, and pulled out an old scroll.

-This is the testimony of the court mage at the court of Duke Leavenwood that he tried to poison the Duke, and that he then planted evidence against you inside your wagon! I got it from the old scoundrel before I killed him when he tried to cheat on me.

And he waved the scroll in front of the brigands. There were audible oh's and uh's coming from the crowd, and Rasha snatched the scroll out of Black Eye's hands. She looked it over, and said:

-It is genuine enough.

Black Eye smiled a little and said:

-Then, you will let me go?

Rasha looked the scroll again, and turned toward her brigands:

-Friends! I can't decide upon this in clear conscience! Do we let go of this man and his friends, or do we kill them?

The response was mixed. When Rasha counted those for and those against, they were even in numbers. So she turned toward Alfred:

-It is upon you, I'm afraid, Alfred, to decide the fate of this wretch, and his equally wretched companions.

Alfred looked around, and searched into his soul. Should this man die? And then Alfred remembered his gentle teacher, and his teachings.

-No, Rasha, I was raised to believe in justice as well as mercy. Be good to others, and they will be good to you, Eyral used to say, and I say, let him live!

Rasha looked Alfred deep into his eyes, and for a moment, Alfred felt the wisdom that she carried. Rasha slowly spoke:

-A wise choice, Alfred. Although he may yet get to deserve death, it is not his time now. Let him go with the others!

And Gorbag let Black Eye go, who then started toward the dark end of the cavern. His men followed. Within a minute, they were gone into the darkness from whence they came. Gorbag nturned toward them, and said:

-All right now, it's time to take care of the wounded, and bury the dead. C'mon, let's not tarry!

Alfred offered his help with the wounded, and the brigands let him. He was surprised to see the brigands use magical means to heal some of the wounds, which meant they had spellcasters among their number. They only nodded when he used some of his magic to assist. Looking at the dead being buried made Alfred think about the fight. Today he had killed a man, several of them indeed. He was deeply disturbed, and didn't know why was violence neccesary. Eyral taught him to incapacitate, never to kill, and yet today he had killed. He could not find satisfactory answers to his troubles, so he worked harder to help the wounded instead. While Alfred was helping the wounded, Gorbag and several stronger brigands were removing the stones and rubble that blocked their way. Half an hour later, the dead were buried under heavy stones, the wounded taken care of, the tunnel ahead cleared of rubble, and Rasha again gave the sign to move.

Two more hours passed, and still there was no sign of exit, when their party made another turn and entered a narrow tunnel tilted upwards. At once Alfred saw the light coming from ahead. Within the minute, he was standing at the cavern entrance. It was late afternoon. Lying in front of him were the northern plains and the upper valley of Froas. His heart grew light, as if a great burden fell from it. And as if to agree with him, sun dropped it's golden rays all over the land. He was standing at the northmost point of the Dwarven hills, before they dropped to the valley of Froas in the north. The Misty Mountains loomed, dark and brooding, in front of him. And somewhere there, in those Mountains, was Ebening, and Kras, and answers to riddles that plagued Alfred's mind.