Many of Akaru's fellow soldiers wondered that he refused to name the beast; a few muttered that a beast with no name would bring bad luck. All Akaru himself would say on the subject, was, "He is known, just as he and I know and understand one another. I think it is better to be known than to be called."

The pass was clear when they arrived. His advance scouts were waiting there, having carefully watched the enemy's movement. As he had expected, rock-gnomes comprised the advance force, as they were numerous and expendable.

The second wave that followed was comprised of goblins, he was informed. Again, this was expected. He sent a scout to rendezvous with the foot-soldiers, giving them orders. He was not about to waste time dealing with these vermin.

He then ordered his force to divide into four groups of seven-hundred fifty. Two of these worked their way up into the hills on either side of the valley mouth. The other two worked their way back to the next bottleneck and did the same. Now, they would wait.

Two days later, advance scouts of the enemy appeared in the valley mouth. Cautiously, they advanced. The anticipated host of gnomes followed, numbering some eight thousand. They passed slowly, and for half a day, everyone scarcely dared to breathe. Then, they were gone.




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