Durin was closing in on Artholath, he estimated that he was less than 30 paces away by now. If he had a bow, the magic user would be easy pickings, but conversely, he would have to stay in his effective range. No, his patience would have to stay firm. This was easily the better option. Durin's mark may be concealing a dagger or something that would make getting in too close dangerous. With a spear Durin could at the same time engage in melee and outspace his target.

Even still, Durin keeps his shield up as he turns the corner. If the thing in front of him decided to turn around and blast him, doing so after turning a corner like this would be the best opportunity, since it would be hidden from both Durin and anybody in the public eye. A good sturdy shield would better protect him than that guard with the icicle in his chest behind. The Dwarf could have probably charged and impaled the mage before he turned around at his current distance even with his short arms and legs, but he decided to wait until he was roughly 15 paces away. It's still too risky from here.

[@ArenaSnow]