The Black Citadel

Soon you come to an intersection of corridors, however closing off the left hand corridor is a large metal portcullis. You do notice a large wooden lever here, jutting down and out from the stone wall, however on closer examination, it looks to be broken at the base. You don't know if it's possible to open it.

Suddenly you hear sounds coming down from the corridor to your right. You can make out men yelling and the clashing sounds of metal. You decide to move down this way and investigate.