The discussion with the Sacnit leader revealed the reality of dark powers to Colet. Dark powers were never created by the Gods so they never existed initially. However, the flaws of the races resulted in the darkness that would eventually be harnessed into the dark powers. As long as there were flawed beings who sought power, revenge or anything that could lead them down a dark path, dark powers would exist and flourish. To eliminate dark powers, one would need to destroy the darkness inside all beings. To destroy the darkness, one would have to destroy the soul due to darkness always being part of its composition. Therefore, only the destruction of all complex life could end the existence of dark powers.

“Is there no way to lessen the darkness within all beings?”

“No being is born with darkness within them,” lectured Nath. “Darkness grows due to factors like environments, loss, anger and hatred. If you lost someone and wanted revenge, lessening the darkness within you will only delay your acts of revenge. Lessening the darkness merely targets the symptoms and not the root cause.”

The centaur leader nodded his head. He understood where Nath was coming from. Even if they had a magical cure that could lessen or remove darkness, there was no way to stop the darkness from coming back. The crusade to eliminate dark powers was a path down darkness itself. He could see how the Magus warned against delving into such dark arts. Once one got too deep, there was no chance for one to escape. Dark powers first tempted beings to get too close and, once there, it would seduce them with powers they never thought possible. To be gods was something that had corrupted so many mortals.

“Ruazk and Gabs are here!” shouted Dezzi excitedly.

She dashed towards the two and bombarded them with questions about the night before. While Ruazk shared what happened to him, Gabs used the opportunity to slip past Dezzi to be seated across from Colet. The two of them greeted each other with a nod of their heads. Meanwhile, poor Ruazk tried to keep up with the questions Dezzi kept throwing his way. Skostaer then stepped into the matter.

“Dezzi, you can ask the Uxlut leader questions after the meeting.” The dwarven leader gestured at the spot beside Gabs. “I’m certain Ruazk would like to be seated after the battle last night.”

With a sigh, Dezzi reluctantly sat down beside Skostaer. Once everyone was seated, the dwarven leader stood up.

“First, I would like to announce that my scouts slept on the job last night. They were far too drunk to realize the human soldiers were marching towards us. I have given them the punishment they deserved and hopefully their punishments would be a warning to any other dwarf who dared to drink on the job.”

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Unlikely, thought Colet.

“Secondly, I have received reports on the decisive victory last night. Those humans are softer and stupider than I thought. Their garrison is now half as strong so there isn’t a better time to launch an assault than now. I propose we prepare to attack at once and strike while the humans are still reeling from their losses.”

Skostaer spoke with his chest puffed out. The smile on his face was unmistakable as he spoke of the assault on Torpin Stronghold. He looked around as if he was daring others to object to his plan.

“I agree with the timing,” said Nath. “I’m curious more about the how. A direct assault would result in heavy losses on our side.”

Like an excited little kid, Skostaer went to the back of the tent and brought out a large stone slab and carefully placed it in the middle of the tent. Colet’s eyes widened as he made out the features like the mountain range and the stronghold. There was even a simplified representation of their camps in the corner.

“One of our talented craftsmen spent hours making this,” boasted Skostaer. “As you noticed, we have the mountain range and Torpin Stronghold here in the middle. The mountain pass is what stands between us and the human capital.”

Dezzi raised her hand trying to get Skostaer’s attention. With a sigh, Skostaer allowed the Onean leader to speak.

“Why don’t the dwarves just dig through the mountain range? We can just bypass the stronghold altogether!”

“The dwarves spent centuries digging out the subterranean home. One doesn’t just dig through a mountain like it was nothing.” Skostaer pointed at the stronghold. “Those pesky humans, despite being stupid, actually have spells that would alert them of serious digging. I assure you we tried and they found out very quickly.”

“Too bad the dwarves must fight on flat land,” Gabs chipped in.

“Not necessarily.” Skostaer’s grin grew wider. “I said they are alerted to serious digging. If we do smaller digging operations, then the humans don’t have a clue on the matter.”

As the dwarven leader made a second trip to the back of the tent, Colet made him a little taller to get a glimpse of what was hidden back there. Skostaer brought out another stone of similar size but this was more zoomed in view of the mountain pass. The Torpin Stronghold took center stage while the mountain pass was shown in more detail. The centaur leader then noticed two holes near the base of the mountain on the two sides of the stronghold. His breath was taken away when Skostaer removed two sections of the mountain revealing a few tunnels. The tunnel linked the holes he noticed earlier towards the Torpin Stronghold.

“My boys have been digging steadily and we are about to reach the stronghold courtyard. On the day of the assault, you all will attack from the front. We dwarves will enter the courtyard and open the gates. Once that gate is opened, victory is ours!” Seeing the stunned looks on the others, Skostaer’s grin became almost unnatural. “Thought we dwarves were just drinking all day, huh?”

“Yes,” said Dezzi with enthusiasm.

The stunned look on the dwarf brought out a chuckle from everyone else.