Chapter 3 Chapter 4 The Chains of Command

Two days passed quietly in Hearth Valley.The rumors of the orc threat theory that everyone speculated have now largely subsided.Tirion felt much more relaxed, musing that he felt as if he could permanently bury the whole thing.As long as Eitrigg was out of the way, Tirion would not have to think about taking action and betraying his oath to the old orc.He was surprised to find that Barthilas had been quiet about the matter these days.Despite the young paladin's silence, Tirion felt that Barthilas would not rest as long as he suspected orcs in Hearthglen. After his unexpected leisure, Tirion gradually returned to his role as a local administrator, with a little leisure.Some monotonous, some tiresome, some bureaucratic office work, it was good for him to stop thinking about Eitrigg and their fateful encounter for a while.He spent all the personal time he could find with Tyran and Kalandra.Surprisingly, the wife seemed to forget about their argument the night before.She was in good spirits, as she always was, and never once did she bring up the subject of orcs again.Tirion was grateful for the peace.After this past week, he'd had enough excitement and danger.

The sun hung high in the crystal-blue sky, and Tirion sat on a large balcony overlooking the castle's stables and cavalry corrals.Built at the rear of the castle grounds, the balcony offers a breathtaking view of the imposing snow-capped peaks of the Alterac Mountains in the distance.As he watched, in the stable far below him, Kalandra led a short white pony around circles.On horseback sits Tyran, clearly having the time of his life.The child smiled, and happily swung his little arms back and forth, asking his mother to go faster, faster.Kalandra smiled at her son, constantly reminding him to keep both hands on the pony's mane.

Tirion watched them both intently.They were the center of his world and the source of all his joy.He cannot abandon them.For a long time he thought carefully about what Kalandra had said to him in the middle of their argument.Perhaps his honor was ultimately a selfish thing, he mused.But even so, it was part of his own wholeness.It was his feature, as clear as his own face.As a paladin he couldn't and wouldn't let it go.Everything depends on it.He just hoped it wouldn't come between him and his beloved again. Alton's heavy boots clanged loudly across the stone floor of the balcony.The captain of the guard strode behind Tirion and bowed briefly.Tirion noticed that Arden was out of breath.Obviously, the loyal captain ran to him desperately.Tirion stood up and saluted the younger man.He saw Alton's face stretched and pale.

"What's the matter, Alton? Why are you in such a panic?" The captain tried his best to control his breathing. "I've been looking for you, sir," said Alton in a rough tone. "We have guests at the gate." Tirion tensed.For a brief moment, he dreaded the worst.Of course, it is not uncommon to have visitors to the castle.But what Tirion could imagine, and that could make Alton into this kind of virtue, was an army of orcs climbing the wall. "What visitor? What's wrong?" the paladin asked nervously. Alton shook his head, gasping for breath. "A former special envoy, sir. Commander (Commander) Dathrohan has arrived specially, with an entire regiment of guards. He wants to speak to you immediately."

Tirion's jaw dropped.Dathrohan, come here?He wanted to figure it out.The Commander is not only his immediate superior, but also one of his oldest friends.Dathrohan was a formidable leader and a warrior who valued honor.During the war, both he and Tirion saved each other's lives.Due to their respective increasing responsibilities, the two friends had not seen each other for many years.Why did the great lord take the risk of coming from the capital of the province, and came without notice, and brought such a large guard?A burst of panic surged through Tirion.Dathrohan found out about the orcs.That was the only explanation for his visit, Tirion decided.He knew it must have been Barthilas who had informed the Commander of his recent meeting with Eitrigg.Tirion took a deep breath and collected himself.He patted Alton's shoulder comfortingly, glanced at his wife and son below, and strode out towards the main city gate.

Commander Saida Dathrohan has an impressive image.He was almost six TN plus half TN tall when he stood, and looked even more dazzling in his gleaming armor.A medium gray-blue cloak trimmed with gold covered his broad shoulders and flowed behind him like a king.His aging appearance is the mark of years of fighting and conflict.His evenly cropped hair and neatly trimmed beard had grayed, but his piercing blue eyes blazed with life and power, belying his past. Upon seeing Tirion approaching, Dathrohan's stern expression unfolded, and he grinned openly.He strode forward and hugged his friend tightly.Tirion felt the air rushing from his lungs.The mighty Dathrohan nearly lifted him off the ground.Dathrohan gave a deep, broad-chested smile.

"Tirion, my friend, it is a pleasure to see you. How long has it been, four years?" Dathrohan asked.He let go of Tirion, and the paladin stood formally upright. "Nearly four years to be exact, my lord," Tirion replied. Dathrohan grinned and slapped him on the back, almost making Tirion stumble. "Let's not come up and say 'my lord' nonsense! Few people still alive can remember me as a snot-nosed brat, and you're one of them. We're here On the flat ground, you and me," Dathrohan said humorously.Tirion forced himself to relax, and smiled back.

"Then take it easy, Saida." He patted the tall man's shoulder armor with his hand. "Nice to meet you, too," he said enthusiastically.Although Dathrohan's demeanor was as familiar and boisterous as he had ever been, there was a hint of concern in his piercing eyes.Tirion looked past his friend to see rows of armored infantry standing on the plain beyond the castle walls.His heart sank.As happy as he was to see his friend, Tirion understood that the presence of so many pawns meant trouble. "Tell me, Saida, why did you not tell me when you were going? If I knew you were coming back, I would prepare a feast for you," said Tirion, trying to keep his voice as open and friendly as possible.

Dathrohan nodded and opened his hands. "I apologize for breaking in like this, Tirion, but we have urgent business to attend to. I feel I have to stop by as soon as possible to see you. But let's get down to business later. You need time Call a meeting of your advisors," he said with a sullen tone. "Trouble, Saida? Are we going to war?" Tirion asked, not knowing what else to say.Dathrohan stared at him with his sharp eyes, carefully watching his expression. "That's what I want to come here to find out, Tirion," he said at last.He didn't know about Eitrigg, he reasoned. "Now, I'd love to see your lovely bride and your son," Dathrohan said enthusiastically. "I'm sorry I didn't visit the lad when he was born. You know what it is."

Tirion nodded. "He's a good boy, a future paladin," he said with assurance.He felt beads of sweat seep from his brow.He tried his best to keep himself calm and act naturally.He felt as if Dathrohan had seen through him.Dathrohan almost jumped up when he broke into a hearty laugh. "I'm a little skeptical about that. I doubt Fordring will always be there to defend Lordaeron and his people," Dathrohan said, smiling. Tirion smiled back, nodded, and said, "I sure hope so." Hours later, Tirion's advisors assembled in the council chamber.Several of Dathrohan's senior lieutenants were also there.Barthilas, who seemed excited about the newcomers, stood at the back of the hall, keeping quiet.Commander Dathrohan was already seated at the front side of the table, next to Tirion.The atmosphere in the room was a little tense, and those present were speculating about the emergency that Dathrohan had come to discuss.

"Now, then," Dathrohan opened his mouth, looking straight at Tirion. "I've had word that there are orcs in Hearthglen. What's the situation?" he asked. Tirion choked, his throat suddenly dry. "A few days ago, my lord, I met an orc warrior," he said. "Even though I was badly wounded, I was knocked out before I could kill the creature. I went back to where we were fighting to see if the creature was still alive. And, to find out if there were other Such creatures are within my bounds. My senses lead me to believe this was an isolated incident, with no other orcs with him," Tirion finished.He is in danger.He didn't want to lie to his superiors.Honor forbids that. Dathrohan leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin, deliberating Tirion's answer. "Then you will conduct the investigation by yourself?" Dathrohan asked. Tirion nodded. "Yes, sir." "Unfortunately you have no one else to testify with you about your discovery, Tirion. It is evident that your squires do not share your optimistic assessment of the present form." Dathrohan said gravely.Tirion scowled.He didn't even have to look at Barthilas at the back of the room to feel his smug satisfaction. "Paladin Barthilas sent me word of this incident. He seems to believe that the threat to this land is far more imminent than you have estimated. I have come to find out for myself whether this land is in danger in," said the commander sternly. Tirion turned to stare at Barthilas' bewildered face now.He did his best to restrain his anger at the young man's audacity.He turned back to Dathrohan. "Saida, we have been friends for many years. Surely you don't doubt my judgment on the situation, do you? To be honest, young Barthilas' behavior was clearly intended to offend my authority in this land. He Your zeal is admirable, but it is bewildering to say the least to make you worry too much about such a trifle!" Dathrohan put his hand on Tirion's arm to calm him. "Tirion, I have always trusted your judgment. I have never questioned your honor or authority, and I do not intend to do so from now on. Under normal circumstances, I would not intervene in a matter like this things, but certain events came to light, forcing me to watch critically for any possible Ork incursions." Dathrohan stared at the advisors who had gathered here. "For a while we had reports of a new upstart chief among the orcs. It was evident that the young orc was eager to get the tribes back together and form tribes again. Although they Not many, his fanatical fighters have somehow run across many of the guarded reserves and appear to be amassed in stronger numbers. The Alliance High Command believes we are now in an urgent State. I tell you all this so that you may understand my motives. If Barthilas' assertion is true at all, it is absolutely necessary that we prepare for war," he said gravely. The frightened advisors started talking among themselves.Dathrohan turned to Tirion. "Old friend, with all due respect, I can't rely on your instincts alone. There's a lot of simmering potential in this situation." Tirion shook his head in disbelief.He prepared himself, he knew what was coming. "At first light tomorrow, we'll set out to scour the woodlands to more reliably confirm the orc movement. Tirion, I want you to take us personally to the place where you encountered the orc. If the creature is found, we'll take him back to Stratholme Interrogation," Dathrohan finished. Tirion's heart sank.There is no way out now.He had been clearly ordered.He would be forced to break his oath to Eitrigg. "As you wish, my lord," Tirion said in a strained voice.Dathrohan seemed content to let this stop.He dismissed the advisors and advised everyone to prepare their pawns.Tirion stood up and headed for the exit, seeing Barthilas staring at him from the door.The young paladin's face burned with victory.Tirion had to fight back the sudden rush to strangle the laughing young man.Without taking a second look at Barthilas, he left the room to prepare for the morning trip. Dawn had bathed the land with its first rays, and the armies of knights and infantry set out for the forested hills.Tirion, Arden, and Dathrohan led the shining column along the hunting dirt road, winding through the dense forest.Barthilas cowered behind them, preferring to chat with the veterans under Dathrohan's leadership. Clearly, the young paladin is looking forward to proving himself in battle.Tirion was glad the young man stayed away.Being with Barthilas disgusted him, and he didn't even want to see his face. Tirion was in a bad mood.He slept only a little during the night, and when he awoke he was miserable.He wished he could warn Eitrigg somehow, so the old orc could escape capture.But Tirion knew that even if he could warn the orc, his actions would betray the direct orders of his superiors.He understood that there was no way to keep his vows and at the same time do his duty.His precious honor is in great danger. They had been riding for hours into the mountains, Tirion leading the way.He knew exactly where they were going.The remnants of the wall of the damaged tower could already be seen through the trees.Dathrohan stepped forward and asked Tirion if that was the tower they were looking for. "That's where I first met the orc, my lord," Tirion said in a calm voice. Dathrohan nodded, feeling Tirion's worry. "Are you sure, Tirion? You looked rather worried this morning." "I am sure, my lord," Tirion answered gruffly. "I'm fine. Just a little tired, that's all." Dathrohan patted his shoulder comfortingly.The commander motioned for his men to take positions along the road.Then he summoned many guards and came to the front of the column.Alton was among those who went to the front.The captain looked up at Tirion and smiled, but the paladin didn't look like smiling at all.Tirion trembled, and two guards pulled a makeshift prison wagon behind them.Shaky cages are designed to transport small numbers of prison inmates over long distances.He had a strong desire for that thing to remain empty. Until they could not confirm that there were large numbers of orcs in the area, Dathrohan decided it would be wise to sneak, and he ordered his men to stay behind, and he and a small group advanced towards the lonely tower. Barthilas rode expectantly behind the commander with a fierce enthusiasm.Tirion, Arden, and six infantry continued along the road behind them. The clearing around the tower was quiet, though the infantry moved fairly quietly, excluding their bulky armor and weapons of course.Following instructions he had received earlier, Arden ordered his guards to surround the tower.Barthilas dismounted and retrieved his warhammer from its saddle loop.Guarded by two infantrymen, Barthilas made his way cautiously towards the tower's entrance.Pausing a short distance from the ruined entrance, Barthilas called out in his most authoritative voice: "We come here in the name of the Alliance! Come out from there and surrender to us, you vile beasts, or We will kill you forcibly!" His voice was shrill and trembling.Tirion knew the inexperienced paladin would tremble in his shoes.Sweat rolled down Barthilas' angry face.A shuffling noise came from the tower's ruined guard room.The two guards around Barthilas readied themselves for the attack.Barthilas gripped his hammer tightly, trying to keep his nerves under control. Slowly, the dark silhouette of a tall orc emerged from the shadows of the room, standing at the entrance.Eitrigg had his ax in both hands, looking ready to go down for a fight.The orc scanned the human's face with angry eyes.His eyes caught Tirion, who was sitting on his horse, scowling deeply.For a moment, Tirion's eyes locked with those of the orc, but he was forced to look away.The orc's disgusted gaze told Tirion all he needed to know—Eitrigg thought his idea of ​​honor was ridiculous.The old orc saved his life, and he paid the debt by leading the enemy straight to his house.Never in his life had Tirion been so depressed and self-loathing. Eitrigg took a few steps toward the clearing, and Tirion noticed he was limping even more than the last time he had seen him.The orc's wound must be badly infected, he thought.Eitrigg's eyes blazed with hatred and rage.Tirion could see that the orc would not allow himself to be taken alive. Dathrohan spoke as if in reply to his thought. "I don't want this creature killed. I need him alive!" he said.Barthilas looked back momentarily, disappointed and frustrated, but seemed to understand the order clearly enough.Arden and his guards converged on the Tower to help capture the orcs.Barthilas was quite flustered, his hands were shaking.He could feel the eyes of Dathrohan and Tirion resting on him.This is the moment he's been waiting for.This is the hour of glory. With a suffocating roar, Barthilas lunged at the orc, swinging his hammer - wanting to deliver a fatal blow to the orc, regardless of what Dathrohan had demanded.Certainly, no ferocious beast could match his power from the light, he felt. Eitrigg deftly parried the young paladin's clumsy blow, and then he slammed his fist into Barthilas's face so hard that Tirion flinched.Panicked, Barthilas dropped his hammer, and just in time, Eitrigg kicked him in the middle.The young paladin fell to the ground with his fart blown out, and folded in half in the position of a baby.Eitrigg grunted, mocking Barthilas' incompetence and stupidity. Two infantry rushed to the orc, slashing wildly.Eitrigg dodged the first infantryman's attack, then slammed the second infantryman in the chest, nearly cutting the warrior in half.The remaining infantryman, seeing the obvious roughness and skill of the orc, took a step back in fear.Alton and his guards, enraged by their comrade's swift death, rushed forward frantically.Tirion saw that they would kill the orc if they could. "Don't kill him!" Tirion screamed frantically as the warriors suddenly attacked the old orc.Sensing Tirion's obvious concern for the creature, Dathrohan looked at his friend quizzically. "You seem concerned about the orc's safety, Tirion," the commander said quietly. "It was just an ordinary arrest. Are you all right?" Tirion gritted his teeth.He couldn't sit there and watch the honorable orcs get chopped down.But he couldn't pray for the orcs to be let go.Doing so would make him a traitor.It's all because of him. Eitrigg fought bravely against the infantry, but he was easily outmaneuvered because of his wounded leg. Six infantrymen managed to pin the mighty orc to the ground.Arden slammed at the orc's hand, and Eitrigg let go of his grip on the axe.The warriors quickly began beating the orc to death. Every fiber of Tirion's body burned with rage as he watched the foot soldiers subdue the orc.He quickly dismounted and walked forward, trying to pull the infantry away.The foot soldiers pulled the bleeding orc to his feet, and Tirion's resolve to save the creature faded and he stopped.What is he thinking?He couldn't let that happen, but he couldn't take up arms against his own either.Every muscle in him tensed as he stood there bewildered. With a loud groan, Barthilas stood up from the dirt.Alton helped him to his feet and dusted him off.Barthilas, deeply embarrassed and ashamed in the presence of his predecessor, rushed at the orc angrily.Both Alden and Tirion grabbed the young paladin's arm to stop him.They exchanged knowing glances, holding Barthilas until he calmed down. "The bastard creature attacks in disgrace!" Barthilas screamed. "He deserves to be killed here! Let me go!" He continued to press on Tirion and Alden. "I command to be kept alive, Barthilas," Dathrohan said. "Your wounded pride is not as important as what the creature might know. Lock up the beast," he ordered.Soon, a group of infantrymen appeared, leading the prison wagon behind them.They grabbed Eitrigg and threw him into a cage. Tirion turned to face Dathrohan. "My lord, this old orc is indeed no threat to anyone," Tirion said.Dathrohan looked at him in surprise. "What are you talking about, Tirion? Do you really suggest that we put this beast back?" Barthilas and Alton also stared at him, startled by Tirion's words. Tirion turned back to stare at the beaten old orc.His face was swollen and dripping with blood, and Eitrigg looked back.That's all you have for honor, the orc's eyes seemed to say.The infantry continued to beat and thrash Eitrigg through the bars of the cage.They spat at the old orc and yelled obscenities. Tirion's nerves finally broke.He rushed to grab the guard who was whipping the orc.He snatched the whip from the young man's hand, returned and began beating him with it. "How does it feel?" Tirion called to the terrified guard, who tried to shield himself from the paladin's angry attack. Dathrohan kept watching, showing an unbelievable expression without any concealment.Alton felt the same way.He rushed forward and grabbed his lord's arm. "Tirion, please! What are you doing?" Arden called. Tirion ignored him, standing facing Dathrohan with an angry gleam in his eyes. "The orc must be set free!" he shouted. "It's a matter of honor!" Tirion pushed Arden aside and slammed the long handle of his whip against the locks of the cage. "Tirion, have you said goodbye to your sanity?" Dathrohan called in a deep voice.Barthilas just stood aside, dumbfounded.Tirion continued to pound the lock.Shaking his head dejectedly, Dathrohan ordered the infantry to hold back the enraged paladin.Alden's men grabbed Tirion by the arms and yanked him to the ground.Tirion fought with all his strength, but the young men overpowered him easily. Alton begged him to obey. "My lord, please stop! What's wrong with you?" he asked.After a brief struggle, the guards brought Tirion to his feet.The paladin looked at Eitrigg and was met with nothing more than a blank stare. "Tirion, in the name of the Light, what has captured you? Your actions are rebellious! Tell me how you explain all of this! Tell me you're not just trying to free this creature!" Dathrohan shouted. Tirion tried to calm himself down. "This orc saved my life, Saida!" Tirion shouted. "While the two of us were wrestling, part of the tower's ceiling collapsed. I was trapped and defenseless. The orc pulled me out before the entire roof fell. I know it sounds unlikely, but it happened gone." Dathrohan was taken aback.Alton could only stare at his lord in shock.Tirion wouldn't really believe the orcs saved his life, would he?He looked into the eyes of his lord and knew that, indeed, he really believed. "I have sworn to keep him alive in peace, and on my honor, I will fight to keep him alive!" Tirion scuffled again with the foot soldiers who wanted to disarm him. Barthilas seemed to express momentary surprise. "Traitor!" screamed the young paladin. "He is a traitor to the Alliance! He has been allied with this beast!" Dathrohan couldn't believe his ears.He had always thought of Tirion as a man with a sense of honor and a level head.Here he is, openly defying his superiors and still supporting his sworn enemies. "Tirion, I've been trying to be patient. Apparently, you're completely confused about this creature. I don't care what you believe happened, and if you don't give up, I'll be forced to arrest you for collaborating with the enemy. I will judge you! You will immediately stop this meaningless behavior!" Tirion was stubborn. "Damn it, Saida! It's about glory! Don't you understand?" His voice growled through clenched teeth. "I've been witness to his treachery, sir," Barthilas said proudly to Dathrohan.Apparently, the young paladin was trying to make up for his failure in order to endear himself to the conflicted Commander. "Shut up, Barthilas!" Dathrohan growled.With a heavy heart, he motioned for the infantry to subdue Tirion. "You leave me with no choice here, Tirion. Hereby I charge you with collusion against the Alliance! Captain Arden, make sure the prisoner is bound and on his horse. He will be taken all the way with the orc to Stratholme, and to court." Alton bowed his head sadly.Slowly, he tied Tirion's hands together and mounted him. "I'm sorry, sir," said Arden, looking Tirion in the eye. Tirion frowned at his loyal squire. "I'm the one to say sorry, Arden. This is what I did. What I did, I did with honor," Tirion said gently. Alton shook his head suspiciously. "Tirion, what honor comes with betrayal?" he asked softly. "I am a paladin of the Light, Arden. You won't understand." Arden helped him onto the horse.Dathrohan mounted towards Tirion, staring at him. "I never thought I would live to see this day," the commander said.Tirion avoided the gaze of his old friend.Dathrohan, unable to contain his loss and grief, turned angrily to the side, signaling his troops to go. -------------------------------------- Notes: