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A Hill on Which to Die: A Fantasy Novelette
Is this the hill on which you want to die?
Garak-Nur should be dead by now. At thirty-five years old, the grizzled orc war chief has outlived most of his kind. His tusks are worn, his knee aches from old wounds, and younger warriors eye his position with hungry ambition.
When a silver-tongued messenger arrives offering glory in service to the Witch-King of the North, Garak knows the promises are nothing more than gilded chains. Rather than watch his clan march into slavery, Garak makes an impossible choice. In the dead of night, he leads his most loyal warriors away from everything they've ever known, venturing into the wilderness to carve out a new home.
But the exodus is only the beginning. Finding shelter in abandoned dwarven ruins built above a dragon's lair, the newly formed Black Pine Clan must fight to survive the coming winter, rival orc bands, and the simmering resentments within their own ranks. As challenges to his leadership mount and his own harems turn against him, Garak faces battle after battle, both with sword and with words. Each conflict forces him to ask the same crucial Is this the hill on which I want to die?
In a world where strength is everything and weakness means death, one aging warrior must choose which battles are worth fighting and which are better left for another day.
Garak-Nur should be dead by now. At thirty-five years old, the grizzled orc war chief has outlived most of his kind. His tusks are worn, his knee aches from old wounds, and younger warriors eye his position with hungry ambition.
When a silver-tongued messenger arrives offering glory in service to the Witch-King of the North, Garak knows the promises are nothing more than gilded chains. Rather than watch his clan march into slavery, Garak makes an impossible choice. In the dead of night, he leads his most loyal warriors away from everything they've ever known, venturing into the wilderness to carve out a new home.
But the exodus is only the beginning. Finding shelter in abandoned dwarven ruins built above a dragon's lair, the newly formed Black Pine Clan must fight to survive the coming winter, rival orc bands, and the simmering resentments within their own ranks. As challenges to his leadership mount and his own harems turn against him, Garak faces battle after battle, both with sword and with words. Each conflict forces him to ask the same crucial Is this the hill on which I want to die?
In a world where strength is everything and weakness means death, one aging warrior must choose which battles are worth fighting and which are better left for another day.
- GenresFantasyShort Stories
53 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2015
About the author
Joe Vasicek
130 books102 followersJoe Vasicek fell in love with science fiction and fantasy when he read A Wrinkle in Time and The Neverending Story as a child. He wrote several unfinished novels in high school and took Brandon Sanderson's writing class at Brigham Young University.
He first came onto the indie writing scene in 2011 with his debut novel Genesis Earth. Since then, he has written more than twenty novels and novellas, including Genesis Earth, Gunslinger to the Stars, The Sword Keeper, and the Sons of the Starfarers series. His stories have been published in Perehilion, Mirror Dance, Sci Phi Journal, Uprising Review, Kasma SF, and Leading Edge.
As a young man, he studied Arabic and traveled across the Middle East and the Caucasus Mountains. He has also traveled across the United States, and has lived in Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, California, Utah, Washington DC, and Iowa. Wherever he goes, though, he's always writing.
He first came onto the indie writing scene in 2011 with his debut novel Genesis Earth. Since then, he has written more than twenty novels and novellas, including Genesis Earth, Gunslinger to the Stars, The Sword Keeper, and the Sons of the Starfarers series. His stories have been published in Perehilion, Mirror Dance, Sci Phi Journal, Uprising Review, Kasma SF, and Leading Edge.
As a young man, he studied Arabic and traveled across the Middle East and the Caucasus Mountains. He has also traveled across the United States, and has lived in Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, California, Utah, Washington DC, and Iowa. Wherever he goes, though, he's always writing.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 1, 2016
This novella is intense, depicting a brutal sex life for a brutal clan of orcs (particularly for the she-orcs). When his clan elects to join the human Witch-King in battle, the leader, Garak, abandons half his clan to start anew. Though he's fought and earned his place at the top by using a strategy of asking himself, "Is this the hill on which [I] want to die?" His pride eventually leads him to selfish acts of cruelty toward his "harem" in order to save face and stay in control of his restless followers as his power over them unravels. This leads to his ultimate betrayal by his favorite mate, and to his downfall.
To be honest, the brutal subject matter was uncomfortable for me, and I was immensely glad when the main character died in the end. Didn't like the protagonist at all--and I think that's how this story is supposed to be. Most of Vasicek's other stories are much more tame and sweet to read. This story may not be for everyone, but I think Vasicek was true to the idea of orcs being an inherently violent, ware-faring species, which he translated in this story to an equally harsh reproductive lifestyle. It was interesting, but definitely a mature read.
To be honest, the brutal subject matter was uncomfortable for me, and I was immensely glad when the main character died in the end. Didn't like the protagonist at all--and I think that's how this story is supposed to be. Most of Vasicek's other stories are much more tame and sweet to read. This story may not be for everyone, but I think Vasicek was true to the idea of orcs being an inherently violent, ware-faring species, which he translated in this story to an equally harsh reproductive lifestyle. It was interesting, but definitely a mature read.
May 1, 2018
Garak-Nur is the war chief of one of the top orc clans. When a new Dark Lord rises, calling the orcs to his banner, Garak-Nur decides to leave his clan with some chosen followers rather than be the pawns of a human. He discovers leadership is easier when everything is going according to plan.
This is a solid story with a good plot, with some humorous moments, following Garak-Nur as events spiral out of his control. Using orcs as the focus of the story (as opposed to the heroes) isn't new, but this is an interesting take as they are as objectionable as their standard fantasy trope, but show moments where they are little different to us pesky humans.
This is a solid story with a good plot, with some humorous moments, following Garak-Nur as events spiral out of his control. Using orcs as the focus of the story (as opposed to the heroes) isn't new, but this is an interesting take as they are as objectionable as their standard fantasy trope, but show moments where they are little different to us pesky humans.
January 30, 2019
A fun look into the life an orc war chief, Garak-Nur. We watch him grow as a character, until he's outgrown the world into which he was born. I really loved this story, it was the first fantasy story I'd read in awhile and now I want more. It's a fun short read that I tackled in one setting. Give it a chance, you won't regret it.
November 6, 2016
I know a story of Orcs may not inspire a need to read this book, however, it is a story of valor and leadership, none the less. The phase "Is this a good place to die", can perhaps be looked at in the respect of am I ready to stand for what I believe in, and if need be die for it.
The Orc Commander repeatedly thought this phase, as he was being challenged for the clans leadership. His response seems to be, if that is what occurs, then so be it, but I will fight until the end, for his sake and the good of the clan.
Please, irregardless of previous books enshrined with the ruthlessness of Orcs, read this book for the courage and leadership displayed by the main character, Garak-Nur.
The Orc Commander repeatedly thought this phase, as he was being challenged for the clans leadership. His response seems to be, if that is what occurs, then so be it, but I will fight until the end, for his sake and the good of the clan.
Please, irregardless of previous books enshrined with the ruthlessness of Orcs, read this book for the courage and leadership displayed by the main character, Garak-Nur.
October 8, 2016
Pretty good short story
I enjoyed this short story. It's from a different perspective than you would think. Since its a short story, give it a try. I think you might like it.
I enjoyed this short story. It's from a different perspective than you would think. Since its a short story, give it a try. I think you might like it.
October 22, 2017
A Hill on Which to Die
A great fast paced fantasy drama unfolds before your eyes on each page of this book. I Loved it. Get it today.
A great fast paced fantasy drama unfolds before your eyes on each page of this book. I Loved it. Get it today.
July 20, 2018
I liked this short story about an Orc clan chief. I like Orcs. Since Tolkien they've had bad press. An entertaining story.
September 21, 2018
Bloodthirsty orcs. What is not to like?
January 8, 2026
Here we go a-hunting!
This book was excellent! I loved the adventure and fun of a war raiding party any day--It's very AD&D-esque in all the best possible ways. Fun and entertaining, it really shows the version of orcs you'd expect in any good campaign. Full with a dragon cameo, to boot, my favorite! Fairly short read, as it's only a little over an hour or so. You can easily enjoy it in one go if you'd like. So excited to read more. Vasicek is one of my favorite fantasy authors, so I'm looking forward to my next read by him.
This book was excellent! I loved the adventure and fun of a war raiding party any day--It's very AD&D-esque in all the best possible ways. Fun and entertaining, it really shows the version of orcs you'd expect in any good campaign. Full with a dragon cameo, to boot, my favorite! Fairly short read, as it's only a little over an hour or so. You can easily enjoy it in one go if you'd like. So excited to read more. Vasicek is one of my favorite fantasy authors, so I'm looking forward to my next read by him.
February 25, 2026
Not my usual read, but I found it pretty good. Written from the perspective of an orc chief. Like most folks, everything I had read before was with orcs as typically generic bad guys with little or no background to them. I thought this was an interesting short read and would benefit D&D gamers and their DMs.
July 22, 2022
This was an excellent short story. I really felt like I got to know the main character and even though there are suggestions of a much larger story, this story felt very complete in itself.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews