Renato understood his opponent's intent. The Duergar had lost over half their number; their defeat was assured. Their only chance to turn things around was to kill or drive back the warrior before them, then behead the Cleric behind him who kept casting spells.
A sound tactical plan. Unfortunately, even its first step was doomed to fail.
The Silent Lady clashed with the steel halberd. After just a few exchanges, the halberd's blade was riddled with chips.
Despite his advantage in reach, the Duergar warrior had no chance to bring the halberd's chopping and smashing power to bear against Renato's relentless advance.
The tenth exchange.
With a clear metallic ring, the sword sheared the halberd's head clean off at its base, and the shaft spun away into the distant darkness.
The Silent Lady swept around, turning a slash into a thrust. Its blade punched precisely through the Stone Guard's faceplate and into his skull.
The Stone Guard swayed, then toppled to the ground.
At the sight, the last remaining Duergar turned and fled, quickly disappearing into the shadows of the ruins.
Corpses lay strewn across the rubble, blood spreading through the cracks between the stones.
Renato and Balin finished them off one by one. A sword pierced hearts; a hammer crushed skulls. They made certain every corpse was truly dead and would not suddenly spring up to attack.
Balin had taught him to mutilate the corpses. In the Underdark, necromantic spells were commonplace.
"Your divine spells were very useful, Tristana." Renato glanced at the Drow Priestess. Not a single corpse lay near her. "Looks like we work well together. The Duergar never had a chance to get close."
"You've impressed me as well, Sorcerer."
The female Drow put away her holy symbol, a flicker of satisfaction crossing her violet eyes.