They did not dare come in after us, and in general we would not expose ourselves to their arrows.

Occasionally, when one of them drew in close to the base of the cliff, one or another of the Folk would smash a rock down.

In return, he would be transfixed by half a dozen arrows.
This ruse worked well for some time, but finally the Folk no longer were inveigled into showing themselves.

The deadlock was complete.
Behind the Fire People I could see the little wizened old hunter directing it all.

They obeyed him, and went here and there at his commands.