The Iron Tower

Originally published as a trilogy in 1984 (The Dark Tide, Shadows of Doom, and The Darkest Day), and later released as an omnibus (by Roc in 2000), the work was amongst his first.

After a lethal encounter with some Vulgs, which kills one of their number, the Warrows and their new leader Patrel Rushlock arrive at the Spindle Ford and take up their guard duties.

Danner, Tuck and Patrel are among the Warrows who go to Challerain Keep, where they become acquainted with High King Aurion Redeye, his son Prince Igon, his future daughter-in-law Princess Laurelin, as well as the elf lord Gildor Goldbranch and Hrosmarshal Vidron.

He leads them to the ancient dwarf mine of Kraggen-Cor, where they are almost killed by a monstrous tentacled creature, especially since Gildor collapses when he senses Vanidor's death.

Merrilee and Tuck are reunited just as the armies march off to Gron to destroy Modru, who is planning to return his master Gyphon from his exile.

Tuck infiltrates the Iron Tower and remembering an old rhyme Laurelin once recited, he shoots his red arrow at the Myrkenstone, killing Modru and trapping Gyphon.

Galen marries Laurelin, and Patrel becomes a famous bard who composes a lengthy ode about the Iron Tower and what happened there.

Anyone who possesses even a passing familiarity with Tolkien's masterwork should stand aghast at the 'similarities'", admitted "I recently re-read The Dark Tide on a whim and liked it, finding it to be a mildly entertaining popcorn read.