Bab 850: The Great Battle of Mountain Beasts (29)

The Orc King jumped, narrowly avoiding the club as it whooshed past. As he landed, he stomped the ground, unleashing a shockwave that destabilized the earth beneath the Troll King. The Troll King staggered but recovered quickly, using his earth magic to stabilize his footing. He then raised both arms, and the ground split open beneath the Orc King, trying to swallow him whole.

But the Orc King reacted instantly, leaping into the air just as the earth collapsed beneath him. With a battle cry, he came crashing down, cleaver first, aiming for the Troll King's head. The Troll King crossed his club overhead in a defensive block, catching the blade inches from his face. They were locked in a deadly standoff, their muscles straining, faces mere inches apart as they glared into each other's eyes.