The attack was sudden and ferocious. It began with a hail of black arrows, followed by hundreds of gnomes with spears, and goblins with black shields, waving black, serrated iron swords. But the defenders were well prepared, and knew the ways of their foemen. And the knoll was easily defended. The attack ended as swiftly as it began, with the enemy withdrawing. Turning her back to the enemy, Dorain said, "This is no attack! They mean to keep us here-"
From behind a tree lunged a gnome with a spear, aimed straight at her spine. Its tip was scant inches from her back when Brogan's sword turned it. The gnome was cut down instantly, its body unceremoniously tossed off the knoll. A few elves nearby witnessed Dorain's mistake with incredulity.
"This does not bode well," they said to her. "Perhaps this nymph has bewitched you!"
Abashed and angry, Dorain turned on them. "Blame her not for my mistake! It was mine alone. And cast no such aspersions without knowledge! Such prejudice is unbecoming and mean-spirited. Do you hear me?"
They held their tongues, though it was plain they were not convinced. One of them began to thank Brogan for being alert, but was stayed by Brogan's wrath.