Where the smell of rust and grime troubled me before, it was now my own essence which started to bother me greatly. At least I did not yet smell like the daft orc prowling through the dungeon halls. Yet, I knew this orc was my only way out of this unfortunate situation. I tried to get his attention whenever he passed. Always he heeded my words but ended up beating me with his club. But the seed of greed had started to grow in his mind, for even the most ignorant of creatures cannot deny the attraction of gold, and it didn't take long before he started to ask questions again about the hidden treasure. I learned what words to use to keep his attention and I learned how to sound more orcish - even used some words of their own vile tongue.
After some time, the orc woke me up somewhat during the night, and at first I thought he was there to escort me to the torture chamber for another terrible session, but instead he pushed me towards the entrance. A faint wind of sulfur and ashes welcomed me as I left the dungeons of Naerband, something I had curiously missed during my imprisonment.
'Dwarf now show me the way to the shinies or I will cut off his toes', the orc said.
'Of course, follow me.'
My hands were still in shackles, and I felt rather weak, but I knew that the time for escape would soon present itself. I lured him as far away from the prison as I could before he started to become terribly impatient.
'Perhaps I need to cut off one of your fingers so you get me to my shinies quicker, dwarf!'
'No need friend, we are almost there. More gold than you have seen in your entire life!'
Next ledge I saw I convinced the orc that it harboured the treasure upon the bottom and I gave him one mighty push. Unfortunately he grabbed the chain of my shackles just in time and threw me down with him. I landed and rose with only a couple of bruises, but the orc was much less lucky. Before he perished he simply said: 'Curse you dwarf!'
The orc had no key on him, thus I saw myself forced to walk the many miles to my camp outside the black gate shackled. I barely made it, and returned empty handed, but I am one good story richer than when I left.
