164 Old Gods

"All you did was stay underground," said Kandak. As usual, his voice was rather emotionless and gruff, so it was difficult to tell whether he was bantering or criticizing.

"Haha! I merely acknowledge that you are the best at bruting your way into fights and holding things in place, brother," said Goromir. "You did well, Loktal, and you too, Thokk."

"I did nothing," said Thokk. "But strike the final blow."

"And without you to strike it, we would have had a far longer, far more grueling battle," said Goromir. "Your role in this battle was as integral as any of ours was."

"Really?" asked Thokk. "Even though all I do was hit at the last moment?"

Goromir smiled and nodded. "Of course! You think too little of yourself, young one. Had you not landed that precise strike, the mighty beast would have broken free of us, and then our plan would have collapsed upon itself."

"Guess that makes me feel a little better," said Thokk.