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A Hill on Which to Die: A Fantasy Novelette
Is this the hill on which you want to die?
That is the question on Garak-Nur's mind every time he draws his trusted sword Blacknife. A battle-hardened mountain orc, he knows when to turn from an unwinnable fight—and when to face death head-on, sword in hand.
Garak-Nur is ready to meet his fate, but the rest of his clan is not. A Witch King has risen to power in the north, assembling an orcish army by force. To preserve their freedom, Garak must lead his orcs into the wilderness to start a new clan.
But the challenges they face are great, and the lands they must cross are teeming with peril. Dwarves, dragons, and rival orcish war parties all stand in their way of finding a new home. Even if they do manage to start a new burrow, their fledgling clan may still not survive the winter.
One day, Garak-Nur will climb his last hill and meet the fate that awaits him. But for the sake of all those who look up to him, that day must not come a moment too soon.
That is the question on Garak-Nur's mind every time he draws his trusted sword Blacknife. A battle-hardened mountain orc, he knows when to turn from an unwinnable fight—and when to face death head-on, sword in hand.
Garak-Nur is ready to meet his fate, but the rest of his clan is not. A Witch King has risen to power in the north, assembling an orcish army by force. To preserve their freedom, Garak must lead his orcs into the wilderness to start a new clan.
But the challenges they face are great, and the lands they must cross are teeming with peril. Dwarves, dragons, and rival orcish war parties all stand in their way of finding a new home. Even if they do manage to start a new burrow, their fledgling clan may still not survive the winter.
One day, Garak-Nur will climb his last hill and meet the fate that awaits him. But for the sake of all those who look up to him, that day must not come a moment too soon.
- GenresFantasyShort Stories
53 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2015
About the author
Joe Vasicek
127 books101 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 5, 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.
May 15, 2021
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.
July 30, 2017
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