Discoveries In The Dark

When Bilbo awoke beneath the mountains, he wondered if he had opened his eyes.   It was completely dark.  He moved his hand in front of his face, but could see nothing.  He was completely alone in the blackness.

He listened, but utter silence surrounded him.  There was no sound of any living thing – not even the drip of water.

Slowly he moved forward, groping his way along the passage.  His hand fell on something small, round, hard.  It felt like a ring – but what would a ring be doing here in the passages of the orcs?

Ignoring it, he moved on.

Author Notes:  A scene that didn't happen in The Hobbit.  For the Tolkien Weekly 'Different Decisions' AU challenge.