now the valar must have inspired that speech , or maybe it was a spell of cunning words cast upon him in compassion by melian as he fled from the hall ; for indeed it saved his life ... often too was he tormented by the cats and other evil beasts of their company , and when , as happened at whiles , there was an orc-feast in those halls , he would ofttimes be set to the roasting of birds and other meats upon spits before the mighty fires in melko 's dungeons , until he swooned for the overwhelming heat ; yet he knew himself fortunate beyond all hope in being yet alive among those cruel foes of gods and elves .