Role

Chapter 9

Borkahd recently learned of a war that took place long ago. There was a
hoard which was marching on an elven position. War drums were echoing
through the air, a grisly call to war and a harbinger of certain
bloodshed. The hoard included orcs, shaman, magi, and ogres. Their
numbers were many, as far as the eye could see.

A small group of elves, perhaps thirty, were sent out to scout. A usual
patrol for them. They heard the drums and spotted the troops. Their
hearts filled with fear of what was to come. They were the first line of
defense against the approaching hoard and if their allies at home were
not alerted to the coming invasion it meant certain death. They had to
hold off the invaders long enough to get word back about their approach.
One of the elves moved swiftly home to call the others to arms, the rest
remained led by an elven woman to hinder their progress.

The battle was bloody and the elves fought well but the hoard was just
too much. Despite the elven woman slaughtering many of the invaders, she
found herself standing with only one other ally. They both soon fell on
the blood-covered battleground. The story became a bit hazy after that
but some significant event seemed to have occurred. However, it would
seem they held them off long enough for word to get back to mobilize
their own armies.

Borkahd enjoyed the story, bloodshed always seems to lighten his day.
Especially when cute little elves are slaughtered and to toss some dead
orcs into the story truly did keep his attention. He learned a few things
from this, the first was to never underestimate a foe. The elven woman
managed to destroy many of the approaching hoard before her own death.
Even one that can appear so frail and weak may hold boundless strength
and courage. However, despite the elven thoughts on self sacrifice, he
feels it was a stupid choice. He believes they should have sent the
weakest on a chase, flanking the orcs to draw their attention and delay
them while the others returned to their home, warning the other soldiers.
The weak are nothing but worthless fodder anyway. The strongest of the
elves could have made the difference in the war to come instead of simply
throwing away her life.

Do not underestimate your foes and self-sacrifice is usually a poor
choice. Weigh all options before making a choice in war and do not allow
your judgement to get clouded by notions of what is the good or moral
thing to do. There is no glory in a pointless death, especially when
there are those weaker that can be sacrificed.