Battle for Moria

The expedition arrived to Kheled-zâram, which was also called Mirrormere. It didn't take too long for dwarves to notice that orcs were dwelling in Moria - it was expected, and dwarves were prepared to fight.

Soldiers launched an attack to the East-gate, and there was a fight in the dale of Nanduhirion; many orcs were slain in the bright sun. Dwarves drove out the surprised orcs from the Great Gate, and soon first guardrooms and halls were secured.

Among the casualties was Flói, a chieftain slayer who was killed by an arrow. Before entering deeper to the halls, Flói was buried under grass near Mirrormere.

With all orcs either dead or escaped, the expedition settled in the Twenty-first Hall of North End, which was above the East-gate; air was good there because shafts were clear, and any entrance could easily be watched.
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Drawing ink + graphite pencil work, about 15 hours used.

Third illustration to my "Balin, Lord of Moria" -serie.