for narrative illustration, we had to illustrate one of three stories. i chose lord of the rings. there will be many mroe of these later, but for now just this. so here's a description:
"The ranks of the orcs had opened, and they crowded away, as if they themselves were afraid. Something was coming up behind them. What it was could not be seen: it was like a great shadow, in the middle of which was a dark form, of man-shape, maybe, yet greater: and a power and terror seemed to be in it, and go before it.
It came to the edge of the fire and the light faded as if a cloud had bent over it. Then with a rush it leaped across the fissure. The flames roared up to greet it, and wreathed about it; and a black smoke swirled in the air. Its streaming mane was kindled, and blazed behind it. In its right hand was a blade like a stabbing tongue of fire; in its left it held a whip of many thongs." the fellowship of the ring