Thorgan looked at the mass of Orcs before the walls of the fortress. How long could they hold out against the Orcs? Thorgan didn't have to answer that question, the brother of Flagdon did. "This be built by Dwarfs My Lady. Solid, strong, and it has endured a thousand years and is still strong as ever. They have no siege equipment though those huge beasties with them might pose a problem I think we can keep them at bay for a long time." The Dwarf smiled broadly and gave her a slight bow. "We have warriors from the Diamond Mountans, Bowmen from the Northern Forest, and Warriors form Thogan's lands. We also have a weapon here that was used against the undead quite effectively. It is even now being prepared and I think will make those large beasties think twice about getting to close."<br/><br/>Lotharn was greeted by the Commander of the Elf Bowmen. "My Lord Celdron sends his regards. He says that the Elves will honor the old alliance. These two hundred bowmen have been sent to help keep this fortress, as the army of the northern forest prepare for when they are needed once more. If the time has indeed come for the final battle against the Evil One we will not falter."<br/><br/>Lotharn gave the Commander a bow of recgonition and honor. "Thank you Commander. It seems I am destine to fight yet another war against evil. It is good to have my kind behind me."<br/><br/>As Thorgan looked out at the massed Orcs and the one standing alone in an open space among them, a thought came to his mind. Rakothûrz. had never been seen leading his Orc army. He always seemed to be some where else away from the fighting and never partook in it. If that had happened within the Army of his Father with any general or with Thorgan, their me would not follow them. A leader's position was to lead, not hide. He wondered what the Orcs would think of that. Would they follow Rakothûrz, if one challanged him, called him a coward and pointed out that a real leader, would be in the foremost front of the battle, leading his men? He mounted the top of the wall so all of them could see him "Rakothûrz!" he yelled out, "Coward! You hide from battle. Are you afraid to Die! Are you such a coward to have your warriors fight and die so that you can remain alive and safe! I call you a Coward, and an inept Leader!" Then to the Orc Warriors. "Orc Warriors, do you follow a Coward? When has your Leader lead you into battle, has fought alongside you. You are Brave and Powerful Warriors. My people have great respect for your bravery in battle. But do you die for one that is afraid to meet us in battle, afraid he will be killed by us?" He pointed to Rakothûrz. "I Challenge you Rakothûrz. Challenge you to one on one combat. Or are you afraid to face me?" A challenge had been issued. If he did not accept he would indeed be considered a Coward, and if Thorgan understood the Orcs any, they would not accept a Coward as their leader.<br/><br/>Thorgan looked at Rakothûrz and how he was built. If he had been an Elf once with grace and agility, that no longer looked to be him. He was bulky now and looked slower then he would have been. He might retain all his knowledge form when he was an Elf, but he would now be slower and less agile, completely different then Allassiel. He might be more powerful, stronger, but he had a plan for that as well, to even things up more.