The Dwarves were only half as tall as the Elves, but they were far broader and more heavily built. Their armor was much sturdier as well, and they fought with astonishing ferocity. Clearly, they were another powerful army! At the forefront, Dwarf warriors wielding warhammers and longswords charged ahead. Each carried a small but extremely thick iron shield. Behind them came soldiers with larger shields and spears, followed by the ram riders.
Dáin had already donned his battle armor. His helmet covered most of his face as he charged forward atop a war boar, shouting, "The Orc army has attacked! Prepare for battle! We fight until death!"
The cry of "until death" shocked the people of Lake-town, who had not seen Dwarves for many years. They were astonished both by the Dwarves' ferocity and by the intensity of the war that was about to begin.
At the same time, ranks of orderly Orc armies poured madly out of the cave where the earth serpent had emerged. They gradually gathered into a single force and charged toward them.
With a swish, Thranduil lowered the sword he had pointed at An Yang. He drew a heavy breath, his face filled with fury.
He turned his mount around and suddenly swung his longsword.
"Clang!"
A unified sound rang out. Every Elf turned around at that instant. It was only a slight movement, but because of the astonishing discipline of the army, it produced a sound that echoed across the entire wasteland.
An Yang looked into the distance. Closest to him were the Elven defensive warriors, clad in heavy golden armor and carrying exquisite yet weighty shields, with neat rows of spears rising behind them. Behind them stood the Elven archers. Besides their bows, they also carried longswords, showing that the moment they put