An Ancient Truth
Copyright© 2026 by Asa Strong
Chapter 9
I watched Gait, across the valley, talking with a group of dwarfs. I could tell by the dwarf’s mannerisms that they were not pleased; probably because I’d been named their commander. There was nothing for me to do but try and stop the conflict before it became a real problem. I nudged my horse and headed towards them.
As I approached the group, they were more focused on arguing with Gait and didn’t hear me as I drew near.
“ ... we don’t fight with elves,” was spoken by an older dwarf, sitting astride a gray mottled horse.
“Then our cause is lost.” I announced.
The old dwarf turned towards me, “We have beaten them before. We will do so again.”
“No,” I said, as I dismounted, “Your stubborn pride makes you believe that you will be victorious. It’s the same pride that led Sin’dal to his death, along with many of your kin.”
The old dwarf was fuming. “We do not need you or the elves to tell us how to fight!”
A much older dwarf forced his way forward, through the throng of mounted dwarfs. When he reached the front, he turned his horse to face the angry dwarf.
“Mar’chi, you are a fool—the same kind of fool as your cousin, Sin’dal. Donta is right; this will be a long and hard war. Even if we work together with the elves, we may lose. Without us being united, we will all die for sure, and in the process we gain nothing.”
Mar’chi turned to face the old dwarf, “Loc’li, we have never fought with elves. They are different than us, and fight differently.”
Loc’li nodded his head, and then asked me, “He is correct. If we are to fight as one, how will you lead us?”
I thought for a moment, full well knowing that my answer would have a huge impact on the formation of a united force. After a few seconds of thought, I said, “Yes, dwarfs are a heavy force. You are used to facing the enemy in a stand-up fight, and the elves do not fight in this manner. Their horses are smaller but also much quicker. Where you prefer the war axe and long spear, the elves rely on their swords and bows.
“We cannot win a stand-up fight against the orcs. We are too few, and the sheer number of them will overwhelm us, no matter how well we fight. This is especially true of our mounted forces. Therefore, what we must do is strike when the orcs are disorganized or in smaller groups that have broken away from their main formations. We must find a way to use the talents of both the dwarfs and elves.”
Loc’li looked at me for a long moment and then asked, “How do you propose to accomplish this?”
I answered truthfully, “Here in this canyon, we can be of little help. A direct charge into the massed orcs would be suicide. We don’t have the room to maneuver or even recover from the charge. We would be finished after the first charge. There are simply too many of them.”
I paused for a moment and then continued, “I am hoping that with the knowledge of you, who have lived here and know this country, that we can find a way to contribute. Right now, as it stands, we can do little.”
Mar’chi shook his head, “No! We cannot sit and watch our kin die and do nothing.”
The old dwarf smiled and then looked back at me, clearly expecting me to reply.
“I didn’t say we would do nothing. But I also tell you if we rush into battle without thinking of the consequences, the result will be disastrous.”
Mar’chi looked up, nodded his head, and then spoke, “What do you want from us?”
I grabbed the reins and swung myself into the saddle before answering. “What I want is your courage and determination to defeat these vile creatures that are our enemy—my enemy, the elves’ enemy, and your enemy. What I won’t be a part of is a senseless effort that will only ensure that many will die, or quite possibly end in our total defeat. If this is not acceptable to you, then I will tell Tag’ar that I will not lead this force.”
There was no response, but I could see thoughtful looks on many of the dwarf’s faces. I wheeled my mount, and just before I galloped off, I said over my shoulder, “If you wish me to continue to command, send several of those of you who are senior to my campfire later this evening.”
I then kicked my horse and quickly made my way across the canyon. I heard a horse following, and turned to see that Gait was following as well.
Gait and I found a small rise further down the canyon, and I decided that this was as good as any place as any to set up camp. After I dismounted, Gait asked, “Donta, I’d like to go to Saraid.”
I started to give him permission when I saw Torg and Saraid coming towards us. I could tell by the look on Saraid’s face that she was tired. But I could also see from the way Torg was keeping an eye on her that she was in no mood to be coddled.
“That will not be necessary,” I answered Gait, nodding my head towards Saraid.
Gait spun around in the saddle and, seeing Saraid, dismounted. He ran to her, scooped her up in his arms, and started carrying her towards where I was removing the saddle from my horse.
“Put me down!”
Gait said nothing but finally did deposit his wife next to where I was standing.
“How badly are you hurt?” I asked her.
With a heavy voice, she answered, “I am in a lot of pain, but the healers say it will mend, given time. Right now, I’m exhausted.”
I nodded, “One more question, then Gait can help you to make your sleeping place. Do you know anything about Dan’ar? No one seems to have seen him.”
“The last I saw of him was right after the first orc charge. He and another dwarf were fighting off several orcs, and then the dust became so thick I lost sight of him.”
I nodded towards Gait and he gently led Saraid towards the side of the canyon.
“I will try and find Dan’ar,” Torg announced.
“Yes, please do so. I will start a fire and hopefully have something for us to eat before long.”
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