Effective Teaching in Ten Easy Steps or The Day the Orcs Stood Still

By Ben Lowring

We are fortunate that this story, one that has lay dormant on dusty booksellers’ shelves for so long, is now available in e publishing format. But undoubtedly the reason most scholars will rush to download the story is that for the first time it has been translated into modern English. More importantly, it is free.
You will find here the story of the seer, the blind woodsman, the (false) messiah and many other characters who helped to shape their nation. Although ancient, it is a story for our time. Although full of hope, it is extremely depressing. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry.
It will also make you think and lead you to question our very being. How did we become what we have become and what will we become after we have become the next thing?
It is a book that will change your life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ben Lowring
• Release date: Apr 3, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301263097

Ben Lowring

I worked for many years amongst orcs, a highly misunderstood people who have suffered terribly at the hands of various leaders over many years. Part elf, part goblin and part time my hobbies are isaan music and oral histories.

Book preview

EFFECTIVE TEACHING IN TEN EASY STEPS

or

THE DAY THE ORCS STOOD STILL

Ben Lowring

Copyright and Licence

Ben Lowring

Published by Ben Lowring at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition, Licence Notes

Thank you for downloading this free book. You are welcome to share it with friends. This book may be reproduced, copied and distributed for non-commercial purposes, provided the book remains in its complete original form. If you enjoyed this book then why not return to Smashwords.com?

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Introduction

Everyone is rightly appalled at the awful state of education in this country and we all know that something must be done! We have recently come upon a history, little known until now, concerning a race, not too much unlike ourselves, who struggled with the problem of making their youth into the golden beings they once were. It may be that we can learn from their struggles. It appears it can be achieved easily in 10 easy steps and they are called the

Ten S's to Success in Schooling

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EFFECTIVE TEACHING IN TEN EASY STEPS

or

THE DAY THE ORCS STOOD STILL

CHAPTER 1 S is for STRONG LEADERSHIP

Thratch surveyed the grand council of orcs assembled, grovelling before her in the dirt. She let the minutes tick by, knowing the hot sun and the buzzing and biting of spindocs would take the edge off even these old battle hardened warriors. As she stepped down from the dais she lifted her axe and swung it around the councillors' heads, laughing. They were relieved when they heard the swish close to their head as they remained bowed, their eyes averted. They knew she had the magical power to seek out the 'one of us who was not one of us'. Even those with years of pathetic loyalty began to search their memories for any word, or action, however slight, that may have lain dormant and festering in some dark corner of Thratch's evil brain only to rise and condemn them now.

I don't see any blood on your axe, Howl, she said stopping at the orc cowering at the end of the first row.

Quick, sidelong glances were exchanged and short intakes of breath could be heard. Howl was the longest serving councillor, named Howl because of the scream he used when attacking his enemies, although even he admitted that was long in the past. He was the oldest and most trustworthy supporter of Thratch and a thought quickly spread throughout the huddled creatures that if Howl was to be condemned then no one was safe. They all kept their eyes down as the poor orc looked at his weapon. At the back Tarzus, who had ambitions to rise to Howl's position and then eventually beyond, alone smiled and smirked at the inquisition.

Here, oh Tyrant of Terror, here are marks of blood from my gruesome killings, said Howl.

Thratch leaned over and stroked the deep red marks with a bony finger before licking it. She looked Howl in the eye and spoke slowly with a voice that had been known to make orcs throw themselves, or their families, off a cliff.

That is rust, she whispered, slowly.

All the orcs began to check their swords, axes, cleavers, spears, spokes and spikes, panic spreading like a virus amongst those who found no bloody marks of death there. At the back Tarzus looked down in horror at his dirty, but blood free, blade. He thought and thought hard. Thinking was not his strong point and he tried to work out where he could get some blood quickly. He toyed with the idea of killing the orc in front of him but wasn't sure if this was allowed at a council meeting.

Never mind, Howl, Thratch said, patting his head. Just make sure you have really ghastly axe next time. Still wet would be good.

Tarzus was beginning to panic. His nervousness made his long, golden locks wave from side to side and, looking round, he suddenly realised his movements had caught the attention of his vile leader.

Ah Tarzus. You were going to speak? she said moving down the row towards him.

Again, thoughts came very slowly to Tarzus. The first idea to trickle into his head was to run. The next was to pretend he had been infected by troll blood and turned to stone. Then for some inexplicable reason he decided on the worst possible option which was to speak.

Oh hideous one, your thoughts are totally appalling, your visage so foul and your words so heartless and wicked.....

Which words in particular, Tarzus?

He hadn't thought that far ahead so said the first thing that often came into an orcs' mind.

Blood!

Blood?

And blades! Blades should be covered in blood, he said louder, inspired by his own eloquence.

How wise, she said continuing to make her way towards him. And how educated to be quoting our horrendous warrior philosopher, Chillian the Chopper. Although I think you'll find the exact quote is 'Blades need blood'. But still very apt. And what about your blade, Tarzus? Will you show us?

Tarzus froze, wishing he'd chosen the option of becoming a troll statue. He didn't need to look down at his weapon to know it showed no evidence of recent killing. Next to him he heard Teb the Terrible, a wizened, old, vindictive