Cir had mounted his horse, and was standing in the stirrups, looking at the hills overhead, and back down the road, down the valley to the north. Again the attack was sounded, and yet again. Many of the Goblins began moving towards the ravine, carrying ladders, ready to renew the siege. But the attack didn’t come.
Cir was shouting, waving his sword at the rear of his army, but the Goblins didn’t respond, confused by the harsh call of the horns sounding the attack.
Besides the guttural cries of the Goblins, there came another sound, at once clear and penetrating. It was the sound of Elf voices. The enemy’s unprotected rear was under attack! And from high above the length of the road, like an uneven line of fireflies, came swarming a host of Elf soldiers bearing torches, right to the cliff’s edge. Soon the torches were raining down, along with a hail of stones and boulders.
‘Open the gates and sound the attack,’ said Halwin to his aide as calmly as he could. ‘I believe the Thane has returned to deal with Prince Cir.’
‘But why would the Thane aid us?’ asked the soldier.
‘I doubt that such is his intent,’ replied Halwin. ‘It would appear that he has managed to catch Cir unawares, and means to take advantage of the moment. I suggest you give the order before the Thane loses the upper hand.’