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As soon as Luindal heard the sound of anxious voices coming from the front of the cave, he turned and sprinted forward to where a number of Elves and Lossoth had gathered near the tunnel entrance. A quick look at his friend confirmed that something had gone very wrong. The small bat had disappeared and, in its place, was a familiar human form. Rôg's face looked ashen. He cradled his arm against his body, with blood still flowing from the wound. The shapechanger was no longer standing but had slipped to the ground, the water washing against his legs. Annû sat beside him, helping to prop him up. Freyn rushed forward to kneel beside his patient and triy to tend the wounds.
"Of all the devilry!" Luindal exclaimed. "I should never have let you go. What mischief has happened to you?"
"The rocks. The rocks were packed too tight. I came within a hair's breadth. I could even see outside, but I could not push through." The sadness and frustration in Rôg's voice were evident.
"Could you see anything? Is anyone about to help us?"
"I thought I saw two shadows flit by, but whether these were men or beasts, I do not know. And even if Men, they seemed to be leaving the shore."
In his desire to aid his friend, Rôg made a feeble effort to rise but then slumped against Annû's arm. Reaching out a hand and placing it on Rôg's shoulder, Luindal spoke, "Rest friend, but do not give up hope. We will figure out something to get us out of this quandry." He spoke loudly and clearly so that all his companions could hear. Then he drew away from the group, walking alone to the back of the cave, and found a quiet cove where he could sit and think. Luindal crouched down, putting his fingers to his temple and began to concentrate, drawing up an image of the ship and the Elves who had stayed behind. I should have thought of this before, but I am no Noldor or one of the ancient ones who is used to having so much on my head. I will just have to do the best I can. Let us hope that these walls are not impenetrable...... Hear me, then, Thalion, my companion from the woods of Lorien. This is Luindal. The men and I are trapped in the cave with great rocks blocking our path. Bring ropes and a winch and volunteers to dig. Come soon or we may perish in the wild waters of the Bay, which threaten to overwhelm us.
With that he turned and waited......
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