Elmal Guards the Stead

During the Great Darkness, things got so bad that only a desperate queso on Orlanths
part could knit the shattered world back together again. He choose many companions to
go on this quest, but did not choose Elmal. Elmal, who had proven his loyalty to Orlanth
again and again, was distressed by this choice, and said to Orlanth Why do you punish
me in this way? Ever since you rescued me from the tribe of the Evil Emperor, I have
served you loyally, fighting always by your side. What have I done to lose your trust?

And Orlanth said to him, I do not neglect you, Bright Friend. It is to you I entrust the
greatest task of all, which is the protection of my people when I am away on this
dangerous quest. The two gods traded shields, to make a bond of love and allegiance
between them.

So Orlanth left on this great quest, and Elmal remained to protect the stead against the
forces of Chaos. Many chaos foes came, and Elmal interposed himself between them
and Orlanths stead.