Misty Mountains Reached

In 2989 T.A Balin left the Lonely Mountain, and lead an expedition to colonize Moria. Balins expedition was well-armoured and armed, for he knew they couldn't just walk into Moria; even though most of the orcs in Misty Mountain were slain during the Battle of Five Armies, there would certainly be some left.

Balin had consulted King Dáin, who was a participant and a hero of War which raged few hundred years ago, where dwarves completely wiped out orcs in the region of Nanduhirion. On that victorious day no one entered Moria as Dáin prevented it out of fear.

Balin was sure the prophecy Dáin made after the Battle of Nanduhirion was going to be fulfilled soon. But what Balin feared to find in Moria wasn't orcs, for it was something more sinister that has remained long in the dwarven lore. This puzzled Balin during his journey.

Would Durin's Bane still be there? Does The Expedition have enough force to banish it? Or is Durin's Bane a myth, just an euphemism for destruction of civilization in Khazad-Dûm?

When The Expedition reached Misty Mountains, their road lead them to south and closer to their ancient home.
______
Drawing ink & graphite pencil work. I made this in two or three hours, and I'm quite happy with the result. Sceneries like this have always "added some fuel" to my imagination.

Second illustration to "Balin, Lord of Moria" -serie.