As Colet approached the dwarf camp, he could see the movement of many torches. The torches gathered at the gate entrance followed by a loud shout.

“Who’s there?”

Colet stopped his advance. He could sense weapons trained on him and chose caution, especially when dwarves were not known for seeing well in the dark. A crescent moon was in the sky providing limited illumination.

“I am Colet, leader of the centaurs. I wish to see the dwarven leader, Skostaer!”

A single torch separated from the group at the gatehouse and headed deeper into the camp. Colet started pawing the ground but consciously forced himself to stop when he noticed.

Damn dwarves and their stubby legs. A centaur would have already reached and returned from the dwarven tent.

After a lengthy wait, Colet heard the camp gate open. A dozen torches approached him and, as the dwarves got closer, the centaur chieftain could make them out as ordinary dwarven fighters who made up the core of the dwarven forces. With a torch in one hand, they held a shield in the other. Their axes were shoved into their belts and hanging behind them. The group of dwarves approached him in two lines and left enough gap between them for Colet to fit.

“Leader of the centaurs, please allow us to escort you to our leader.”

Colet wasn’t a fan of being flanked by slow clumsy dwarves but he was in the dwarven camp where his opinion mattered little. As they traversed through the camp, the centaur took in the view and a frown formed on his face. Unlike his centaurs who were constantly preparing for the upcoming conflict, many of the dwarves were relaxing by the fire with drinks in hand. One would almost mistake them for taking a trip above ground and relaxing after a long day. Colet could sense no urgency from the dwarves which was further supported by how slow his escorts were. By the time they arrived at Skostaer’s tent, Colet debated whether he should have a few choice words with the dwarven leader. Placing the coalition’s unity as the top priority, the centaur leader swallowed those words and entered the tent.

“What brings the centaur leader here late at night?”

Skostaer brought a mug close to his mouth and sipped the beverage. From where he stood, the centaur couldn’t make out if the dwarven leader was drunk or not. Several other dwarves were in the tent but they seemed far more interested in their drinks than Colet.

At least he can make complete sentences.

“Skostaer, I arrive here requesting reinforcements. Half of the human garrison has left the capital and my centaurs are currently engaged in battle with them.”

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“That’s odd,” said the dwarven leader as he placed his mug down. “None of my scouts reported back with such news. You must understand that it’s hard to miss an enemy force that large coming out of the gates.”

Or your scouts are too drunk and are currently already asleep on the job.

“I received reliable intel on the matter. This is an urgent matter so please reinforce the centaurs on the front line. Your assistance can guarantee our first victory against the humans.”

Skostaer went back to taking a long sip of his beverage. Following a loud burp, he let out a quick chuckle.

“Tell you what, Colet. As soon as my scouts report the same findings as you, I will send my dwarves out to battle. They will run faster than any centaur has run before.” The dwarven leader gestured to the tent entrance. “It’s late so I do recommend you get some rest. It would not aid the coalition if you are fatigued and cannot join us on the battlefield when you are needed.”

Knowing the audience was over, Colet walked out of the tent. He had to suffer for a second time from the slow escort. As he left the dwarven camp, the centaur leader pondered on the next camp to seek reinforcements. The dwarves alone could have been sufficient in addressing the numerical disadvantage his centaurs were facing. With Skostaer unwilling to help, he had to visit one or two of the other camps. As he made up his mind and galloped in one direction, he suddenly halted upon seeing shadows in the nearby trees.

How did the humans get this far?

As Colet was reaching for his war ax, one of the shadows approached him.

“Greetings, Colet of the centaurs!” called out the shadow.

Once the shadow got a bit closer, the centaur chieftain let out his breath.

“Ruazk, it’s good to see you. I didn’t know Uxlut enjoyed taking strolls in the clear night sky. Igas forgot to mention that favorite pastime of your people.”

Ruazk was the leader of the lizard-like race, Uxlut. The Uxlut belonged to the lizardfolk confederation which also included the race Qroxl. Being the largest group in the confederation, the Uxlut offered to join the coalition alongside the centaurs and dwarves. The Uxlut was also a race Colet enjoyed interacting with a lot more than the dwarves.

“As much as I enjoy your humor, we have a battle to win.”

Colet studied briefly the spears carried in a pouch on Ruazk’s back. The spearheads looked dangerously sharp compared to his ax.

“I assume your scouts are aware of the human forces encroaching on our position?”

The Uxlut leader nodded his head. He then gestured at his warriors hiding within the trees.

“We only brought our most agile warriors to assist,” said Ruazk. “I was hoping the dwarves were more helpful during these trying times.”

Colet could hear the disgust from the Uxlut leader. The dwarves haven’t done a good job with their first impressions. With Ruazk bringing only his most agile warriors, Colet’s side would still be outnumbered.

“I thank you for coming,” he said. “Please aid my warriors while I seek out the help from the other races. We need more numbers to make this a fairer fight.”

Ruazk expressed his agreement before withdrawing into the trees. He and his warriors then vanished like they were never there. The Uxlut was certainly not a foe Colet wanted to face at night.