Hell Spikes does physical damage. You can buy Aura of Guarding spell books, but that is about it for defense (other than better equipment or higher hit points, of course). Bless could help a bit, as could strength potions. Stun would slow him down once you start whacking him. If you are a warrior, you could drink a shadow potion, then use the spin attack near, but not directly on, him. Can you Blind him, or Curse, Freeze, etc? Are you using
Restoration potions, rather than health/mana?
