68 Chapter 68 (2/2)

The humans almost acted like they wanted to get hit, allowing the orcs free swings that would otherwise normally be defended against. Once the orcs took the bait and pierced the humans flesh they would return a flurry of wild stabs while the orcs attempted to pull out their axes that were caught in chain mail, bone, and flesh. It was an atrocious waste of armor but Aerwyn wouldn't reprimand them for a strategy that appeared to be working, at least for now.

He did however worry about the wanton disregard for their lives, while anything short of an axe to the skull would do little to stop their assault, it still burned their soul every time they healed themselves. Perhaps his 'great one' speech worked a little too well on them and they truly believed they were immortal now. Either way, while the issue of weakened souls hadn't popped up recently it was still an issue nevertheless. He would have to make them aware of it at some point as he didn't have enough souls to keep them all alive right now should they require souls as nourishment.

The elves of Lyr that chose to follow Aerwyn were mixed in with the humans and goblins as they filled the gap. They fought much like Aerwyn had witnessed the elves of Setrhyn fight during the battle against Earl Abery, dashing in and out of range of the orcs after throwing out accurate stabs. The humans allowing their bodies to be used as shields allowed the elves to use their agility to the fullest.

The goblins were far less effective but that was to be expected, if he didn't need the numbers right now he wouldn't of even brought them along. The orcs tough skin already made it difficult for the goblins to pierce through even if the orcs simply stood still, let alone when they orcs actually fought back. It wasn't all for nothing though, they found some success in attacking while the orcs were busy fending off the human's attacks much like the elves of Lyr.

The goblins would only become viable in battle when he had an overwhelming number of them or if he named and evolved them, either way that was a plan for the future and wouldn't help him now. Like the goblins, the spiders adapted as well, instead of attempting to use their venom the spiders climbed the buildings that the orcs were pressed against and rained down short spurts of webs.

The webs weren't as effective as they were on the humans, the orcs appeared to be able to snap them with relative ease but every second they spent breaking out of webs was a second that the rest of his forces could exploit. Aerwyn wasn't sure whether or not the reason behind the webs having so little effect was because of the orcs strength or because the spider's webs had something to do with magic.

After all, the spiders don't eat yet they can still produce venom and webs despite that fact. It was entirely possible that the webs were created by mana or burning their own souls. He had never given it much thought until now and it would have to be explored at a later date. Much like the human's reckless onslaught, he didn't have enough souls to keep his army alive should they keep burning their own with complete disregard for their own lives.

Despite taking losses, the undead were preforming beyond Aerwyn's expectations. Of course he had yet to see a true orc, all of the true orcs had broken off into the two groups that went around to flank the elves but he started to feel silly at the image he made in his head of an undefeatable orc. It was a shame that he couldn't easily turn orcs into undead, perhaps he could capture some before the battle ended.

Learning more about the orcs culture, politics, and war strategies would help him later on when he was ready to take them on but for that it would be best to capture the commander or another true orc.

”..Orcs are coming...” Rorik growled snapping Aerwyn from his victorious thoughts. He looked over to Rorik and the barghest was facing the opposite way of the battle, towards the direction Aerwyn had entered the city from. He quickly turned to match Rorik's gaze and his eyes were greeted by two hundred orcs charging their way down the avenue towards him. The missing true orcs had appeared.