When the Horde finally fell before your standards, I decided to take my leave of it forever. It would have taken at least two stout men to move the stone. The orc motioned for Tirion to sit and then sat himself down cross-legged on the ground. Tirion took a seat on the leveled mortar. Their honor and their pride left them long ago. Eitrigg scoffed loudly. During the last war our clan Chieftains fought amongst themselves over petty rivalries. As one particularly bloody battle concluded, my sons were ordered to pull back from the front lines.
It was a dark day for our clan. He was well aware of the fact that orcs frequently fought amongst themselves. He never imagined that such treachery could affect an orc so.
What drove your people to such depravity? There were a few dozen clans then. They lived and hunted within the wilds of our world.
They were all hunters back then—mighty warriors who lived by an honorable code and worshiped the spirits of the elements themselves. Thunder and lightning coursed through the blood of my ancestors! He wondered if this was how Taelan felt, as he read the boy stories before his bedtime. Eitrigg continued somberly. Many of the Shamans discarded their ancient traditions and began to practice dark magics. They began to call themselves Warlocks.
Our noble warrior traditions were perverted to serve their dark, secretive ends. It was the Warlocks who brought my people to your world, human.
It was they who drove us to make war against you. Out of an entire race of warriors, no one was willing to fight them? One of the dissident clans, led by an orc named Durotan, challenged the Warlocks openly and tried to convince the other clans of their folly. I remember the mighty Durotan well.
He was a great hero. For his courage, Durotan was exiled, along with his clan. After Durotan was taken away, fear and paranoia overtook my people. None would stand against the Warlocks. Bristling with anger, Eitrigg erupted. Have you ever questioned an order, knowing that to disobey meant immediate death?
He could scarcely imagine what that must have been like. Eitrigg nodded, feeling his point had been made. Personally, I believe it to be true. The darkness that took hold of my people could not have been born in our hearts. He remembered hearing that the orcs had set demons loose to sow terror throughout the human ranks. The very thought appalled him.
Eitrigg gave him a sidelong glance. I fear I may have misjudged you and your people along many lines. You are a wealthy lord, loved by a free people, able to live life as you wish. We are nothing alike!
Our people are at war. Thus, I must ask you, Eitrigg, on your honor—are there any other orcs in my land? Does the Horde plan to attack this region? He shook his head in dismay and looked Tirion in the eye. I have no interest in dealing with others of my kind. I cannot tell you what the Horde plans now. I can only assure you that this broken old warrior has no plans to assault your keep or make any trouble for you whatsoever.
I just want to be left alone to live out my remaining years in solitude. And, in return for having saved my life, I will allow you your solitude. So long as you remain hidden and leave my people unmolested, you may stay here for as long as you wish.
They shall do as I say. I give you my solemn oath as a Light-sworn Paladin that your secret will be safe. For a brief moment, Tirion regretted making such a bold statement. He knew it would be extremely difficult to fulfill his charge if matters became complicated. If his comrades ever found out that he had made such a pact, they would certainly brand him as a traitor. However, his instincts told him that this was the right decision.
He stood, resolved. Eitrigg grunted in satisfaction. Eitrigg was obviously in great pain. The orc chuckled in amusement. Apparently, even after all my battles, I still have much to learn.
He was truly beginning to like the old orc who, not an hour before, he considered to be the most heinous villain. He wondered if he had made a mistake by offering the orc sanctuary in his lands. Whatever else happened, he was honor- bound to protect the old orc from persecution, and that was that. Tiredly, Tirion handed his reins to the stable boy and headed inside. As he reached for the door handle that led into the kitchens, a strong hand caught his arm.
Tirion looked up to find Barthilas blocking his way. We can talk in the morning if you wish. His eyes never blinked, but held Tirion in their frosty depths. Tirion wondered if Arden had betrayed him and told of his errand. Arden had always been loyal. I can see it in your eyes. I suggest that you forget about this business and let the matter drop.
Now take your hand away and let me pass before I lose my temper. The elder Paladin turned brusquely and entered the keep. Left standing alone, Barthilas scowled in frustration. He ceremoniously removed his armor and placed his warhammer back upon the mantel. He entered his bedroom and crashed down heavily on the bed. All he wanted in the world was just a few hours of sleep.
Just as his head hit the plush pillow, Karandra walked into the room. She was surprised to find him there. Tirion tensed. She did that every time she was upset with him. How can you be so reckless, Tirion? What were you trying to prove?
Tirion flinched. First Barthilas and now his wife. The last thing I need from you is a lecture on how to perform my duties properly!
Tirion rarely spoke to her like that, and Karandra never really knew how to respond when he did. She decided that a tactical change of subject was needed in order to salvage the conversation. She took his hand in hers. He would not lie to her. Something in her voice sounded hurt. With a start, Karandra ripped her hand away and stood up from the bed. Tirion half expected lightning bolts to burst forth from her eyes.
It always comes down to that with you, Tirion! Is your precious honor really more important to you than your own wife? Tirion looked up at her and answered as gently as he could.
I am a Paladin. There is a great deal expected of me. There was an uncharacteristic note of self-pity in his tone. Karandra took her hands from her face and had to restrain herself from hitting him. Tirion stood up and took her in his arms. I did take an unnecessary risk. She would try to trust his judgment. She was about to tell him as much when a quiet shuffling of feet announced that Taelan had entered the room. Tirion and Karandra looked toward the door to see their bleary-eyed son standing before them.
Apparently, their arguing had woken the boy up. Tirion walked over and scooped the boy up in his arms. Taelan seemed to think for a moment. There had to be some hope for future generations. The boy listened intently as his father continued. Her ebbing anger flooded back into her. Karandra was not. Sensing her anger, the boy began to cry.
She stroked his hair lovingly as she turned to leave. Left alone, Tirion wandered over to an ornate serving stand and poured himself a cup of chilled wine. Taking a deep sip, he sat down heavily and marveled at how quickly his entire world had turned upside down. The rumors of the supposed orcish threat had died down significantly. Tirion felt relaxed, and mused that he might even be able to put the whole matter behind him for good. He was surprised to find that Barthilas had remained quiet about the issue for the past few days.
The somewhat monotonous bureaucratic duties of his office served to keep his mind off of Eitrigg and their fateful encounter. He spent what private time he could find with Taelan and Karandra. Surprisingly, his wife seemed to have forgotten about their argument from the previous night. She acted as cheerful as she always had, and never once broached the subject of orcs again. Tirion was thankful for the peace and quiet. After the past week, he had had his fill of excitement and danger.
He watched as, far below him in the corral, Karandra led a small, white pony around in circles. The laughing boy flailed his tiny arms gleefully, calling for his mother to go faster and faster. Tirion gazed at them both intently. They were the center of his world and the source of all his joy. He would not fail them. He had thought long and hard about what Karandra had said to him during their heated argument.
Perhaps his honor was a selfish thing after all, he mused. It defined him as clearly as his own face did. As a Paladin he could not and would not discard it out of hand. All depended on it.
He simply hoped that it would never come between him and his loved ones again. The captain of the guard strode up behind Tirion and bowed curtly. Tirion noticed that Arden was winded. Apparently, the loyal captain had rushed to find him. Tirion stood up and saluted the younger man. Why are you in such a hurry? For a brief moment, he feared the worst. Certainly, visitors to the keep were common enough.
The only thing Tirion imagined that would affect Arden so was an army of orcs scaling the walls. Is there some problem? Arden shook his head and gulped air. Lord Commander Dathrohan has come in person, escorted by a full regiment.
He wishes to speak to you immediately. Lord Dathrohan, here? The Lord Commander was not only his direct superior, but one of his oldest friends as well. Dathrohan was a great leader and an honorable warrior. Dathrohan knew about the orc. It was the only explanation for his visit, Tirion concluded.
He knew that it must have been Barthilas who had alerted the Lord Commander to his recent encounter with Eitrigg. Tirion inhaled deeply and steadied himself.
He patted Arden reassuringly on the shoulder and, with a sidelong glance at his wife and son below, strode out toward the main gate. He stood nearly six and a half feet tall and was resplendent in his ornate, shining armor. A gold-rimmed, midnight-blue cloak covered his broad shoulders and flowed out regally behind him. His aged features were marked by long years of battle and strife. His evenly cropped hair and neatly trimmed beard were gray, but his piercing blue eyes shone with a vigor and strength that belied his years.
He strode forward and embraced his friend in a bear hug. Tirion felt the air escape from his lungs. The mighty Dathrohan nearly lifted him from the floor. Dathrohan let out a deep, barrel-chested laugh. How long has it been, four years? He released Tirion and the Paladin straightened formally.
Dathrohan smirked and slapped his back, nearly sending Tirion stumbling. Tirion forced himself to relax and smiled back. His heart sank. Although he was glad to see his friend, Tirion knew that the presence of so many soldiers meant trouble. Dathrohan nodded and spread his hands wide. I felt I had to come and see you as soon as possible. Are we going to war? Dathrohan held him in his piercing gaze, studying his features. He does know about Eitrigg, Tirion concluded.
He felt beads of sweat forming on his brow. He tried to calm himself and behave naturally. He felt as if Dathrohan were looking right through him. He nearly jumped as Dathrohan belted out a hearty laugh. Barthilas, who looked very excited by the new arrivals, stood near the back of the room and remained silent. Lord Commander Dathrohan had taken a seat at the head of the table, next to Tirion.
There was a tension in the room as all present speculated on the urgent matter that Dathrohan had come to discuss. What exactly is the current situation? Tirion swallowed, his throat suddenly dry.
I returned to the spot where we battled in order to determine if the creature still lived. And, to discern whether or not there are others of its kind within my borders. He was on dangerous ground. He had no wish to lie to his superior. Honor forbade it. Tirion nodded. Tirion scowled. He turned back to Dathrohan. His zeal is commendable, but to worry you over such a minor matter is perplexing to say the least! I have never questioned your honor or authority, and I do not intend to start doing so now.
Under normal circumstances, I would never intervene in a matter like this, but certain events have transpired that force me to look critically at any possible orcish incursions.
Apparently, this young orc is intent on rallying the clans and re-forming the Horde. Though they are few, his fanatical warriors have somehow overrun many of the guarded reserves and appear to be amassing stronger numbers.
The Alliance High Command has deemed that we are in a state of emergency. I tell you all of this so that you understand my motives. The shocked advisors began to converse amongst themselves. Dathrohan turned to face Tirion. This situation is far too volatile. He braced himself for what he knew was coming next.
Tirion, I want you to personally lead us to where you encountered the orc. There was no way out now. He had been given a direct order. He would be forced to break his vow to Eitrigg. Dathrohan seemed content to let the matter rest. He dismissed the advisors and suggested that everyone prepare their men.
Tirion stood to exit and saw Barthilas staring at him from the doorway. Tirion had to fight back the sudden urge to strangle the smirking youth. Tirion, Arden and Dathrohan led the shining column down the dusty hunting path that snaked its way through the dense woods. Clearly, the young Paladin was eager to prove himself in battle. Tirion was glad that the youth stayed away.
Tirion was in a grim mood. He had slept little during the night, and woke with his guts tied in knots. He wished that he could somehow warn Eitrigg so that the old orc could evade capture. He knew that there was no way to uphold his vow and do his duty at the same time. His precious honor was in great peril. They rode for hours up into the mountains as Tirion led the way.
He knew exactly where he was going. Dathrohan leaned in and asked Tirion if it was the tower they sought. You seem rather pensive this morning. The Lord Commander motioned for his men to take up positions along the road. He then called for a number of guards to come to the front of the column.
Arden was among those who came forward. Tirion shuddered as two of the guards pulled a makeshift wagon-cage behind them. The rickety cage was designed to hold and transport a small number of prisoners over long distances. He fervently hoped that it would stay empty. Dathrohan, feeling that stealth would be wise until they confirmed that there were numerous orcs in the area, ordered his men to remain behind as he and a small group moved in on the lonely tower.
Barthilas, with a fiery enthusiasm, rode eagerly behind the Lord Commander. Tirion, Arden and six footmen continued up the path after them. Following the instructions he had been given earlier, Arden commanded his guards to encircle the tower. Barthilas dismounted and retrieved his warhammer from its saddle-loop. Tirion knew that the unseasoned Paladin was quaking in his boots.
The two footmen near Barthilas braced themselves for an attack. Barthilas gripped his warhammer tightly, trying to keep his nerves in check. Eitrigg held his battle-ax with both hands and looked ready to go down fighting. The orc scanned the human faces with furious eyes. He caught sight of Tirion, sitting atop his horse, and he scowled deeply. The old orc had saved his life, and he had repaid the debt by leading enemies straight to his home. Never in his life had Tirion felt such dejection and self-loathing.
Eitrigg took a couple of steps into the clearing. Tirion noticed that he was limping more than when he last saw him. Tirion could see that the orc would not allow himself to be taken alive. As if in response to his thought, Dathrohan spoke up. I need him alive! Barthilas was so nervous his hands shook. He could feel the eyes of Dathrohan and Tirion upon him. This was the moment he had waited for. This was his moment of glory. With a strangled cry, Barthilas lunged at the orc, swinging his hammer—intent on delivering a killing blow to the orc, regardless of what Dathrohan had asked.
Surely, no savage beast could match his Light-born powers, he thought. Panicking, Barthilas dropped his hammer as Eitrigg kicked him squarely in the midsection. The young Paladin, having had the wind knocked out of him, crashed to the ground and doubled over in a fetal position. The two footmen rushed at the orc, slashing wildly. Tirion saw that they would kill the orc if they could.
Are you all right? To do so would brand him as a traitor. This was all his doing. Eitrigg fought bravely against the footmen, but he was easily outmaneuvered, due to his wounded leg. The six footmen succeeded in pulling the mighty orc down to the ground. The warriors immediately began to beat the orc to within an inch of his life. He dismounted quickly and walked forward, intending to pull the footmen away.
What was he thinking? His every muscle tensed as he stood undecided. With a loud moan, Barthilas raised himself up from the dirt. Arden helped him to stand and brushed him off. Barthilas, feeling deeply embarrassed and shamed before his superiors, rushed at the orc in a rage. They exchanged knowing glances and held Barthilas until he calmed. Let me go! Immediately a number of footmen appeared, pulling the wagon-cage behind them. They took hold of Eitrigg and threw him into the cage.
Tirion turned to face Dathrohan. Dathrohan looked at him in amazement. Are you actually suggesting that we turn the beast loose? Tirion turned back to gaze at the beaten orc. His face swollen and dripping blood, Eitrigg stared straight back. They spit and hurled obscenities at the old orc.
He dashed forward and grabbed the guard who was whipping the orc. He grabbed the whip from the young man and began to lash him with it instead.
Dathrohan looked on in unabashed disbelief. Arden felt the same. What are you doing? Tirion shrugged him off and stood to face Dathrohan with the light of rage in his eyes. Barthilas merely stood by, mouth agape. Tirion continued to smash at the lock. Shaking his head wearily, Dathrohan ordered the footmen to seize and restrain the raging Paladin. Tirion fought with all of his strength, but the younger men easily overpowered him. Arden pleaded with him to submit.
What the hell is wrong with you? After a brief struggle, the guards brought Tirion to his feet. The Paladin looked at Eitrigg, and was met only with a blank stare in return. Your actions are treasonous! Tell me you have some explanation for all of this! Tirion attempted to compose himself. I was left trapped and defenseless. The orc pulled me free before the entire roof came crashing down.
I know it sounds impossible, but it happened. Arden could only stare at his lord in shock. Barthilas seemed to come out of his momentary shock. He had always known Tirion to be an honorable, levelheaded man. But here he was, defying his superior and siding with his mortal enemy all the same. Regardless of what you believe happened, if you do not desist, I will be forced to have you arrested and placed on trial for treason!
You will cease this senselessness at once! This is a matter of honor! Obviously the young Paladin sought to make up for his defeat by endearing himself to the conflicted Lord Commander. With a heavy heart, he motioned for the footmen to subdue Tirion.
I hereby charge you with treason against the Alliance! Captain Arden, see that the prisoner is bound and placed upon his horse. He will be taken to Stratholme along with this orc and put on trial.
Tirion frowned at his loyal servant. This is all my own doing. Arden shook his head questioningly. Dathrohan rode up to Tirion and stared at him.
Dathrohan, overcome by frustration and sorrow, angrily turned away and motioned for his troops to move out. Periodically he heard hammering sounds coming from the main square. Fervently, he wished he were back there now.
He had no idea how his trial would go, but he had the distinct impression that no matter what happened in the court, his life would be irrevocably changed. He had been held in custody for three days. Today he was to be tried for treason against the land he had spent his life defending. He could scarcely believe it, but depending on what the court decided, he could face either execution or spending the rest of his days in prison. Karandra would never forgive him for taking such a risk for the sake of honor alone.
He laughed softly to himself. He always believed that the only thing that could possibly keep him from his loved ones was the enemy. What have I done? He was surprised to hear footsteps echo through the adjacent corridor. He heard the guards outside the door question someone as the latch clicked and the door opened. Arden walked somberly into the room. We cannot guarantee that Blood Honor and Time book is available in the library, click Get Book button to download or read online books.
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