A cool breeze was blowing across the pool as Fundinul arrived at the entrance to Khazad-Dum. The gate way was open and there was a lot of activity around it. Several large carts were being unloaded of their contents and a line of Dwarves was passing the various crates and boxes between them and into the gate. Behind him more carts were arriving and either side of the convoy a line of Dwarves matched to a steady regimented pace. Each one wore a set of fine plated armour and carried a large pack on his back. The gateway he now stood beside had become a staging ground for the Dwarves invasion of their once proud hall, Khazad-Dum. Not only was Khazad-dum the largest of any Dwarf hall it was also said to be the most lavishly decorated. With the opening of this gateway the dwarves intended to remove the Orc menace that had dwelt here for many years.
During those years the Orcs had had plenty of time to build and prepare defences and victory would not be quick or easy. But Dwarves are a proud race and they have infinite patience and are able to focus on a task with complete dedication, whether the task is to span a chasm, carve great stone pillars to support a ceiling or eradicate their most hated enemy.
Originally the gate was no more than a small back door that provided trading access to the elves that once lived in the surrounding land. Fundinul wondered at the intricate skill that had been lavished on such a small doorway and he could only imagine what treasures lay in the great halls within the mountain.
