An Ancient Truth
Copyright© 2026 by Asa Strong
Chapter 10
First light found the combined cavalry on the move south, towards the mouth of the canyon. When I had reported to Tag’ar earlier, I saw the orcs already massing at the far end of the canyon. I had also noticed that Tag’ar had pulled back his defensive line about a quarter of a mile, into an even narrower part of the canyon.
We reached the mouth of the canyon without any incident, and I immediately dispatched two forward scouting groups to scour the opposing canyon heights back towards the north. I felt it was imperative that we find and locate any orc forces in the area.
After the lead scout groups were off, I asked Gait, “Can you gather four more groups and cover the area further away from the canyon walls?”
I could tell by the puzzled look on his face that he didn’t quite understand what I wanted.
“Gait, we have no idea where all of the orcs are. It could very well be that there are large numbers of them marching around the canyon. We must find what their disposition is. We can’t make the assumption that they would only traverse the canyon heights.”
He nodded his head and nudged his mount, off to carry out my command.
“What now?” Torg asked.
I thought for a moment, “Torg, we must find the best position to cover the exit from the canyon. It will also need to be a good defensive position as well.”
Saraid spoke up. “Then we must have the high ground, with enough open area to charge and regroup.”
I looked over at her and could see that she was in some pain, but seemed to otherwise be holding up.
I nodded, “You and Dan’ar scout the local area, but make sure that we can cover Tag’ar’s retreat if necessary.”
She and Dan’ar took off to the south, where I could see a line of small hills in the distance. I assume that Saraid had already seen them and she and Dan’ar were going to check to see if they were suitable for our needs.
I relaxed in my saddle, and then figured I’d better let the rest of the troop dismount as well. I called over several of the nearby dwarfs and asked them to have everyone dismount, but stay close to their horses. I had no idea where our enemy was located, and we needed to be able to form and respond as quickly as possible if they were nearby.
Saraid and Dan’ar returned and reported that the hill to the west would provide a good defensive position as well as give us quick access to form up and meet the enemy, if necessary.
I agreed, after hearing a more detailed explanation of the site and ordered the remaining troops to take position on the hill.
After about an hour, with no sight of our enemy, or for that matter, any of our scouting parties, I ordered that we set up camp. I also had a good portion of our troops on standby. They could loosen the cinch on their saddles, but had to be ready to mount and deploy on short notice.
Not long thereafter, the first of the scouts reported. The small elf was a part of the group that had been sent to the east side of the canyon. He reported that there was no sign of orcs on the canyon rim. The rest of his party had spread out, some of them moving further north on the canyon wall and several others turning towards the east, to scout the flat land in that direction.
The rest of the day passed without any contact with the enemy. After discussing the matter with Gait, I also decided that we needed to have pickets deployed at some distance from our campsite. I didn’t expect the orcs would travel at night, but I also was not going to take the chance that they wouldn’t.
Dan’ar and Torg set up our camp and started cooking, while Gait and I took care of the horses. Saraid had spent a lot of time in the saddle, and it was plain from looking at her that she was exhausted. Over her objections, we forced her to sit and rest, while the rest of us made camp.
After we had eaten, Gait and I made the rounds of the various dwarf and elf campsites. I was rather surprised to find that in several instances, groups of elves and dwarfs had formed combined cookfires. I was hopeful that this would continue. If we could not come together as a fighting force, we would be doomed.
Saraid slept well, and the next morning, we didn’t wake her. She needed her rest, and at the moment, it appeared that there was no danger.
Our morning meal was interrupted by a young dwarf who had just returned from the advance scouting party on the east rim of the canyon.
“Donta,” he started, as he dismounted, “there is a large group of orcs on the plains, headed this way.”
“How many?”
“I’m not sure, as all we could see was a large dust cloud, coming from the north. I was dispatched to inform you and Gan’le was going to take a closer look.”
“Gan’le, I’m not familiar with that name?”
The young elf took a deep breath. It was clear he had ridden hard, and was almost spent.
“He is the dwarf that was in charge of our group.”
“I see, and did he intend to send up a follow-up report?”
He shook his head, “He didn’t say anything, but I assume he will do so.”
I nodded, “Yes, he probably will, now you look tired and are probably hungry. Find something to eat and then rest.”
The elf nodded and led his horse away from our fire.
Saraid had woken up, and was currently sitting on Gait’s lap. She asked, “What do we do now?”
“Nothing, until I have more information.”
I turned towards Dan’ar. “Spread the word that we might have company, and make sure all are ready to respond in short order, if need be.”
After Dan’ar had left, Torg handed me a cup of tea and then asked, “Donta, if this is a large group, we won’t be able to contain them.”
“Yes, I know. So we will have to slow them down, or redirect them. That is our only course.”
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