Level 2 of the mines will not be opened until after you have gone to the castle, and have the stone axe quest. Same for the elf who will be imprisoned, and the dwarf you need to scry for.
Sir Patrick does not talk much even after getting the brooch for him, though later on he is involved in certain quests.
Throughout the Dwarven Halls, there are pairs of teleporter pads you can use to cross the river dividing various sections. In the game's graphics options, switch the darkness setting to 50, and turn up the gamma a bit so you can see better.
The cell beside the mines requires Lockpick level 5 to open.
