Lee inspected his troops, making sure they were ready. Then he turned, pointed down the hill at the orc Horde advancing through the valley, their war drums echoing like thunder, and yelled, "Charge!" The trumpets blew, and the wave of soldiers swept down the hill. A dark cloud of arrows rose heavenward, then paused in the sky for a second. The arrows fell like rain, dropping orc after orc. His men had nearly reached the flank of the enemy Horde.

*

Gor-Shak heard the human yell and the sound of the enemy trumpets. He scanned the hill for the enemy, his huge hand already removing the staff from his broad back. Ren-Uhl heard it too, and was already shouting orders. Then the arrows fell. If there was one thing Gor-Shak feared from these humans, it was their archers. The arrows fell like rain, piercing through the small holes and cracks in the orcish armor. Gor-Shak raised his staff, the end glowing a soft blue, and spoke the runes. Instantly, a blue tinted shell appeared around him and the orcs near him. The arrows bounced harmlessly off the magical shell.

Around him, his fellow shamans were doing the same. One of the Shamans near Ren-Uhl started to cast the magic, but an arrow struck his throat. The orc fell, clawing uselessly at his throat, hot red blood gurgling out of the wound. He thrashed about, then was still. Gor-Shak looked on helplessly as the rain of arrows struck Ren-Uhl, Master of the Horde, turning him into a living pincushion. Ren-Uhl bellowed in pain, as the life drained from his eyes.

*

The crest of the wave hit the orcs, the soldiers slashing fiercely at the massive orcs, some nearly twice as tall as the humans. But for every orc killed, ten more leaped into his place. The horde recovered from its initial confusion and began to fight back. Thorus, commander of a group of swordsmen, gaped in astonishment as a single orc warrior swung his battleaxe and sent a group of his men flying. He continued staring even as his men were mowed down. He finally came to his senses and shouted the retreat and began to back away. Suddenly, an orc appeared in front of him, and swung his massive axe down. Just in the nick of time, Thorus got his sword out to block the blow that would have cleaved his skull apart. The orc roared in anger, then smashed his axe directly on the sword. To Thorus' amazement, the blade snapped in half. I need to find the stupid blacksmith that made this sword, Thorus thought, even as he turned and ran.

"Milton! Get a messenger over to Keith. Tell him to pull back to the archers." Lee eyed the deteriorating situation. Already the orcs were beating back his troops. His only advantage was his archers, who were continuously pouring arrows down into the enemy. "Nathan!" The aide rushed to Lee. "Get the magicians out here. I need them."

"Right away General." Nathan rushed off.

"And why are you still here?" Lee asked Milton.

"Oh, er, yeah!" Milton ran off. Lee rolled his eyes, wondering why he had such an idiot for an aide.

*

The battle raged on, the warriors of the horde managing to move up the hill partway, then falling back under the pressure of the human archers. Already the sun was beginning to set in the west. Gor-Shak knew the hopelessness of the battle. Without the Chief to lead them, most of the commanders were acting on their own. It was a miracle they had made it up that far.

"We must withdraw, High Shaman!" One of the scouts drew up alongside Gor-Shak, astride upon his own wolf. "The first and third clans are breaking apart. The second clan cannot hold on any longer! We must withdraw!" As much as he hated it, Gor-Shak knew the scout was right. There was no honor in retreating, but to stay and endure the rain of arrows would eventually kill them all.

"Sound the retreat!" Gor-Shak roared to a trumpeter. The orc raised his horn to his mouth and blew. The clear, loud sound swept down the valley. The Horde began to turn and run. Suddenly, There was an explosion of fire near him. The magic fireball detonated with resounding force, sending flames shooting out, setting many warriors on fire. At last, thought Gor-Shak. At last the human mages show themselves. He raised his own staff, the tip glowing with a magical fire, and sent his own fireball on its way into the enemy ranks. Then he turned and rode with the horde in full retreat.