I am having a problem understanding how anyone can beat the Arch Mage.  I no more then take a few steps and he kills me in 2 shots.  What does it take to kill him?

About which "Archmage" are you talking ?

In which difficulty are you playing ?

As i have solved the game in the easiest difficulty, i may be able to help you if you can tell me WHERE your problem is. Please tell me the description of a game saved at the last possible spot before the fight with the "Archmage".

MfG, MEX