Here I stand, my heart in my throat. Every step is a step closer to a possible death. My men watch me closely. I must show no weakness, or they will waver. They are searching for a reason to stop, a reason to turn back. I look at these men, wondering who I will see again. Will I even last the night? I must not think of that. Do you know how hard it is to lead an army? I feel responsible for each man's life. I imagine the tears of their children. I hear the wails of their mothers and wives. But now is not a time to think. Battle approaches. The evil Orcs are in sight now, a grey mass under a black sky. The men become grim, pitiless. Sword buckles are checked, armor is tightened. There is no calm before the storm. The anxiety builds, a pressure that echoes with Orc shouts. And then, an arrow is loosened, and we are fighting. Now the Orcs are close, close enough for us to see their greedy faces full of hate. The front line braces themselves as the wave breaks. Then the screams start. Screams of pain, of hatred, of warning. I can think of nothing but this fight. I swing my sword again and again. I swing it at evil faces, at slitted eyes. I focus on my inner strength, the strength that has not failed me yet. One Orc approaches, no, two. I raise my arm to block the fell sword, and then quickly turn. My sword bites Orc flesh. I can not turn fast enough to kill the Orc behind me, but I try anyway. I am greeted by the sight of a warrior with a bloodied Orc at his feet. A quick smile, a silent thank you, and I turn to the Orc in front of me. Will this battle never end? I stumble, a sword flashes. I duck, I squirm away, rewarded with a cut shoulder instead of a pierced heart. Luck is with me tonight. As I look around I notice many who have not been as lucky. It is hard to watch a man take his last breath, but it is sheer torture to watch the Elves die. These beings were meant to live forever. I look at them, their proud, wise eyes dimmed and extinguished, and wonder why. Why must we fight? Because, I answer the silent voices. If we don't, who will? Another Orc engages me, and I fight on, doing my part to destroy evil.