The dwarf knew the elves wouldn't send their strongest warriors because they were cautious about sending them into direct confrontation with him—a caution born from incomplete intelligence and reasonable paranoia about his abilities. They suspected he could siphon magical energy from powerful casters, drain them of their essence and turn their own strength into fuel for his purposes. And they were right to suspect it, though they didn't understand the full extent or the specific mechanisms. Their fear of losing their champions kept those champions safely behind defensive lines, watching through scrying pools rather than engaging directly.
