To guard the back of the Elf....
Dain woud certainly do that, but he'd also keep an eye on his own back and, far more importantly, that of his son.
Out loud, he merely responded, "You are the leader of this band, and my honored kinsman as well. I will respect your wishes in this matter, although it goes against my heart. But do not forget that, should you need it, you have my axe and hammer at your service."
He sighed and fell silent, wrapped deep in bitter thoughts. If only the worst thing in the world were Orcs! How much more terrible it was to find a Man or Dwarf who was not worthy of trust. In that lay the greatest peril of all. For to put faith in another's hands and to have it wrenched away was a grievous thing indeed.
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