Chapter 4 Chapter Five: A Trial of Will

Tirion sat in a small cell adjoining the Hall of Justice, where his trial would take place.Through a small window carved high into the prison wall he could hear the sounds of business going on, and the bustling activity of Stratholme's bazaar.Occasionally, he could hear a series of knocking sounds from the main square.The noise of the town was very different from the light-hearted, rustic din of Maddenhold Castle.He had a strong desire to go back there now.He didn't know how his trial would play out, but it was clear to him that no matter what happened in court, his life would be irrevocably changed.He thought of his family, and the life of prosperity and leisure he shared with them.He was left alone, and he wondered if he had abandoned his family with a fanciful whim of self-absorption.

He has been in custody for 3 days.Today he will be judged for betraying the land he gave his life to guard.He absolutely can't believe it, but according to the court's decision, he may face either execution or life imprisonment.Kalandra would never forgive him for taking such a risk on his honor.He wondered if he would forgive himself if his wife was forced to raise the child alone.He laughed lightly at himself.He used to believe that the only thing that could get in his way and those he loved were enemies.what did I do?he asked himself again and again. He was surprised to hear footsteps echo across the adjoining corridor.Surely the proceedings had not yet begun, he thought wretchedly.He heard the guards outside the door questioning a man, and then the latch clicked and the door swung open.

Alton entered the room gloomily.Tirion was a little pleased, shaking his friend's hand up and down. "Nice to meet you, Alton. Have you been home since I was arrested? Have you spoken to my wife?" he asked hastily. Arden shook his head, motioning for Tirion to sit on his cot. "No. They won't let me go until the trial is over, sir," said the captain dryly. "I don't know if Kalandra was informed." Tirion scowled.He knew she would be insane with anxiety. "And what about the orcs?" Tirion asked. "What did they do to him?" Alton tensed up. "Why do you care, Tirion? It's your enemy! I don't understand why you care so much about it! There's no way that creature saved your life! It's a mindless brute!" Arden cursed.

Tirion looked into his eyes. "Just answer me, Captain," Tirion said as calmly as he could.He had to watch his tone - Alton was probably the only friend he had left. "They've been interrogating the creature for the past few nights," Alton said. "Obviously, it doesn't give anything they don't know yet. I've heard some of the local guards brag about how they beat it to death. They're going to hang that vile beast in the square tomorrow morning." Tirion's heart sank.Eitrigg was dying, and it was all his fault.Somehow, he had to find a way to make amends - to make it up.

Alton felt Tirion's tension. "Sir, they might execute you for that," began Arden. "If you confess and say you're out of your mind, maybe they'll have mercy and let you go. It's certainly not worth dying for! You're a paladin, for the sake of the Light! People depend on you! You're going to Quickly get rid of this situation!" The captain finished speaking passionately. Tirion just shook his head. "I can't, Arden. It's a matter of honor. I swore an oath to protect that orc, and I broke that oath. Whatever punishment they bring against me, I deserve it."

Frustrated, Alton ran his hands quickly through his hair. "You're talking nonsense, Tirion. Think of your wife and children!" Arden yelled. Tirion rose to face him. "I was thinking, old friend. If my words were of no value, what example would I set to my son? What would I be seen to be then?" Tirion asked. Alton turned away, angry. "It's not that simple, and you know it!" roared the captain. "Just admit that you made a mistake! Admit that you wrongly supported that orc, and they will be merciful! Why do we have to talk about this? Have you completely lost your mind?"

Just then, the door opened and two guards walked in. "You have to leave now, Captain," said one of the guards. "We are going to take the prisoner to the trial hall now." Alton finally gave Tirion a pleading look, and went out angrily. Tirion straightened up, trying to look as self-respecting and confident as possible. "I'm ready, gentlemen," he told them.They tied his hands and led him out.The bright midday sun made the muscles on Tirion's face twitch slightly.His extremities felt tired and cramped a bit from inactivity for the past few days.The guards escorted him across the square to the imposing building, the Hall of Judgment.Out of the corner of his eye, Tirion's gaze fell on the gallows, where the scaffolding had been assembled.He guessed that the sound of hammering he had heard before came from here.For an instant, he pictured Eitrigg standing on the gallows, a rope tied around his neck.Tirion had to work hard to hold on to his barely contrived image of self-confidence.If Eitrigg were dead, all his efforts would be in vain.

An hour later, Tirion sat down on a large oak chair, in the middle of the polished and waxed floor of the courtroom.In front of him is a huge platform adorned with 4 throne-like chairs.In the middle of the dais, directly in front of him, was a large lectern, where the Judge was to pass his judgment.There is a huge white flag on the table with a blue letter L written in an artistic word, which means the Alliance of Lordaeron.Along the large walls of the room are also other huge banners, representing the seven kingdoms of the Alliance.A big blue flag with a golden lion embroidered on it means yes.There is also a flag, black with a fist with a red iron gauntlet, which represents.Tirion was flustered now, and he didn't care to look at other things around him.

Although he couldn't allow himself to turn around to see the accusatory faces of his comrades, he could immediately hear a hundred voices whispering or murmuring across the magnificent chamber.Through the uproar, he realized, everyone present was surprised to hear that he had betrayed them.Many of these bystanders served under his command during the war, and many others he considered good friends.He could feel their mutual confusion, and waves of scorn hitting him.His judgment will not be easy. Far to his right he saw Barthilas seated among those present.The young paladin, as he stared intently at Tirion, had a look of accusation in his eyes.Tirion wondered why the young man had attacked him so thoroughly, and wanted so much to humiliate him.When another armored paladin came to the front of the stage, he stopped watching Barthilas turn away.

"Guardians of Lordaeron," said the paladin in a clear voice, "today we officially judge one of us. The trial of Tirion Fordring has now officially begun." Tirion was aware that his palms were sweating.He had to try his best not to tremble.He knew the four jurors would be in the courtroom soon.Every major trial in Lordaeron will be presided over by the four highest-ranking lords in the alliance.Tirion was sure he could recognize many of his equals.The onlookers in attendance fell silent as the first juror entered. "All hail the Admiral," the paladin said as a tall, lanky figure walked across the stage.Proudmoore sat in the throne-like chair on the far right, his proud face looking worried.Tirion knew Proudmoore well.More than a strategic genius, the Admiral was one of the greatest heroes of war.His officer's uniform and large ceremonial round-brimmed hat, both dark blue, were adorned with gold medals and small badges, indicating his title as Chief of the Union Navy.

The paladin spoke again. "All hail the Arch-Mage of the Magocracy of Dalaran," he said, as a second juror strode in.A sudden silence fell upon the crowd as the mysterious wizard sat down.His lavender hooded robe was trimmed with gold and black trim, and he carried a large, shiny staff in both hands.Tirion had never believed in magic in the past, and Tirion hadn't had much contact with wizards in the past years. Now he was a little panicked, and he found that his fate was now in the hands of a wizard.He turned to the paladin as the last two jurors were announced. The awe-inspiring Archbishop, Alonsus Faol, who had consecrated Tirion long ago when he was a paladin, came in and sat by the lectern. Accompanying the archbishop is the young prince of Lordaeron, who has only recently become a full paladin.Tirion had never seen the young prince before, but he could tell that the handsome young man exuded kindness and wisdom, though he was quite young.Tirion wished fervently that Barthilas had the prince's composure a few days earlier. As the jurors assembled, the paladin motioned for everyone to stand for the inquisitor's entrance.All men and women present stood up as Uther the Lightbringer entered the approval hall and stepped onto the ornately decorated lectern.This powerful and holy cleric, who is also the master of the Knights of the Silver Hand, scanned the participants with eyes the color of a sea storm, with a firm and unshakable gaze.His ornately etched silver armor seemed to reflect every light source in the vast hall - bathing Uther in a shimmering halo of beauty.Uther is the First Paladin, and is considered the strongest warrior in the Alliance's armies.He is also considered the wisest and noblest of all holy paladins.Everyone in the room was overwhelmed by his majestic demeanor. Tirion's consciousness seemed to be spinning.By this time, he was determined to stand by his decision, accepting his fate with honor.But, looking up at the stern visage of his powerful superior, his courage faltered.Maybe Alton is right?he thought wildly.Maybe he should beg the court for mercy and forget that he swore to a human enemy?His thoughts were interrupted as the powerful, melodious voice of the Lightbringer filled his ears. "Paladin Fording," Uther began. "You have been charged with treason against the Alliance, and for refusing to obey direct orders given to you by your superiors. As you know, this is a dreadful charge. These noble lords assembled here will hear your case, and then Judgment upon you accordingly by the Light. How do you defend the charges against you?" Tirion clenched his fists, keeping them from trembling.He could barely make a sound to answer. "I admit to the charge charged, my lord. I take full responsibility for my actions," Tirion said. Hundreds of angry voices immediately filled the room.Apparently, many onlookers thought the allegations were exaggerated and untrue.The congregation was shocked to hear Tirion admit his guilt so directly.Tirion looked behind him, watching the boisterous reflection of the crowd.He saw Alton sitting behind him on the right.The captain's troubled expression seemed to implore Tirion to reconsider his situation.Tirion had to look away.Alton trusted him and always served him faithfully.But the captain will never understand... Uther's voice boomed, and the mighty paladin demanded silence from the assembly.Many of the assembled people fell silent, as if struck by lightning.Tirion could almost feel the electric tension in the air.He steadied himself. "Very well," Uther said quietly. "Please record that Paladin Fording has filed a guilty plea." Tirion watched, and the four jurors talked for a brief moment among themselves.Proudmoore ended the discussion and motioned for Uther to continue. "Demand the Commander, Saida Dathrohan, to come forward and give his testimony," Uther demanded.The crowd was a little agitated, and Dathrohan walked towards the platform at this time.He stopped, and stood gravely beside Tirion's chair.The two friends exchanged glances for a split second.Dathrohan could only nod sadly to Tirion. "Commander Dathrohan, you charge this individual with collaborating with the enemy. Please explain to the court what happened and the nature of this individual's tentatively alleged violations," Uther said. Dathrohan cleared his throat and straightened up slightly. "My lords, I sincerely wish to state for the record that Tirion Fordring has always been an honorable and noble man. But I cannot deny what I have seen with my own eyes. Four days ago, I led a detachment The team went into the Woods of Hearthglen looking for the deserted orc. Fording assisted me in that operation and helped me track down the orc we are now in prison for execution. When I gave the order to arrest the When the creature was alive, Fording suddenly attacked my people and tried to release the orc. I repeatedly asked him to stop, but he didn't ease up. It is with a heavy heart that I give such testimony," Dathrohan finished.Again, whispers and whispers flowed through the courtroom.The jurors discuss Dathrohan's words while Uther addresses the court again. "Can anyone here give credit to Commander Dathrohan's testimony?" Tirion's entire body tensed as he saw Barthilas snap from his seat. "I can, sir," said the young paladin excitedly. "I was there, at Dathrohan's order, at the time of the incident. I can testify directly to Tirion's treachery." When he said the name of his superior, the contempt in his voice was It is obvious to all.Tirion could hear Arden groaning behind him. Uther told Dathrohan to step back and motioned for Barthilas to come forward.Dathrohan squeezed Barthilas tightly as they passed each other, watching him with burning eyes.Clearly, the young man was desperately trying to win the Commander's favor, but it didn't go as Barthilas had planned.With unexpected composure, Barthilas stood beside Tirion's chair.His face is proud and eager. "State your case, young paladin Barthilas," Uther said coldly.He was visibly displeased with the young paladin's lack of respect for his superiors.Guilty or not, Tirion still deserves to be called by his title. Seeing that he was not hindered, Barthilas continued. "As Commander Dathrohan said, my lord, I saw Fordring fight to keep the orc from being captured. He said he had a pact with the creature that if we imprisoned it, he would be cursed," Barbara said. Silas said with a focus on the facts. "You see, I knew he was plotting to do evil. Even before we set off to capture that orc, I had a feeling that this dastardly traitor was not reliable." "Quiet!" Uther yelled, his voice echoing through the room like thunder.He seduced Barthilas who was trembling with his overwhelming gaze. "You learn to control your tone, young paladin. I've known this man for years. More than once we've saved each other's lives, I can't count how many times, we've held on to victory in the face of our enemies. No matter what he did What, he sure doesn't deserve to be ostentatiously judged by an unworldly child like you." Barthilas' face turned as white as a sheet, and he looked as if he was about to faint. "Your testimony has been heard and will be reviewed by the court. You go back," Uther finished.Blushing in embarrassment, Barthilas quickly returned to his seat.Tirion watched, and the jurors began talking to each other again. The 4 lords concluded their deliberations, indicating that they were ready to continue.Uther turned and stared down at Tirion.His gaze seemed to penetrate Tirion's heart, seeking an explanation for his friend's unprecedented behavior. "Paladin Fordring, do you have anything to defend yourself?" Uther asked Tirion calmly. Tirion stood up and spoke solemnly to the court. "My lords, I understand that this opinion must sound absurd, but the orc saved my life. In return, I offer my word, and as a paladin I will protect his life. The orc His name is Eitrigg, and he values ​​honor as much as any opponent I have faced before." Jeers and gasps of shock erupted from the assembled onlookers.Tirion continued without weakening. "When I speak to you, understand - I would have betrayed my honor as a paladin to follow my orders. That is something I cannot do. That is, I will accept as you see fit any punishment." Uther strode up to the four jurors and knelt down beside them.He argued with them for a while, pointing his fingers up as if to emphasize a point.After a while, it looked as though the jurors had softened, and Uther walked back to the lectern, looking victorious. "Paladin Fordring," he began, "this court fully recognizes the service you have received over the years in the defense of Lordaeron and its allied kingdoms. Everyone here is aware of your daring and courage. Nevertheless, To associate with human but mortal enemies is a serious crime, if not for their supposed sense of honor. In order to grant the orc an amnesty, you took a great risk and gambled on your own caprice. The safety of Hearthglen. In consideration of your merits, this court is prepared to grant you a complete amnesty if you revoke your oath to the creature and reaffirm your obligations to the Alliance." Tirion cleared his throat.It was so easy to simply give in and go home to my wife and son.He turned to see Alton wringing his hands in anticipation. "Please, sir. Make them your word, and it will be all over," whispered Arden anxiously.Tirion saw Dathrohan take a step forward, as if urging him to forget about the orc and clear his name. "Let us put all this nonsense behind us, Tirion," Dathrohan cried excitedly. "Paladin Fordring? What's your answer?" Uther saw Tirion's hesitation and asked suspiciously. Tirion steadied himself, and faced the court members boldly. "What will the orc do with it, my lord?" The Grand Paladin seemed taken aback by this question, but it seemed that there was nothing wrong with answering it anyway. "It will be executed, just like any other human enemy. Whatever personal dealings you have with the creature, it is a savage, murderous beast that cannot be allowed to live." Tirion lowered his head, thinking for a moment.With his conscious eyes, he looked imaginatively at Tyran's innocent face.He wanted to go home, badly... He looked up to see Dathrohan giving him a pleased smile; the Commander looked confident that Tirion would make the right decision.Tirion watched his court impassively.He will make the only decisions that honor will allow. "I will remain committed to the Alliance until the day I die. Of that, there is no question," Tirion said confidently. "But I cannot revoke the vows I made. To do so would be to betray all that is me and all that we, as men of honor, hold dear." At this point, the entire assembled crowd erupted in anger and shock.No one could believe Tirion's brazen and strong decision.Even the noble jurors were dumbfounded at Tirion.The weary paladin thought he heard Arden crying behind him, and his heart sank even further.Dathrohan sat down heavily in his chair, shaking his head in frustration.Barthilas looked like he was about to jump out of his seat for joy.Many of the assembled warriors began shouting obscenities at Tirion, calling him a traitor.Some people spat at him, and he stood motionless in front of the stage. Rubbing his eyes wearily, Uther motioned for the court to be quiet again.He was going a little mad with agonizing over what he had to do, but Tirion had made his attitude clear. "In that case," Uther said ominously. "Tirion Fordring, from now on, you will no longer be welcomed among the knights of the Silver Hand. You are no longer fit to bask in the grace of the Holy Light. I hereby expel you from our ranks." The audience gasped at Uther's words.Expulsion from the Light's ranks is a rare and severe punishment that robs the paladin of the power bestowed by the Light.Even though it's only been used a few times, every paladin fears it as much as a living fears death.Tirion could not quite understand what was going to happen.Before he could utter a word, Uther made a sweeping motion with his hands.Immediately, Tirion felt a shadow pass over him, snuffing out the holy power of the Light.Panic threatened to overwhelm him, and the Light's grace and enhanced power disappeared from his body in an instant.The energy of blessing, which had been such an integral part of him for so long, faded away, as if it had never been there.Though the lights of the Judgment Hall never flickered, Tirion felt as if he were enveloped in darkness, cast down into oblivion.Unable to withstand the despair and loss raging wave after wave all over his body, Tirion bowed his head in miserable despair. Uther continued. "All the armor and costumes of our organization will be removed from you," he said, and the two paladins stepped forward, tearing off the silver armor from Tirion's painful body with hostility, "There are also personal titles and rights to control." Tirion struggled with despair.He had never felt so empty and weak in his life.Images of Tyran and Kalandra floated into his tormented consciousness.He had to hold on tight to himself.He had to consider his dignity.On his shaky legs, he stood facing the court again. "You will be exiled from these kingdoms to spend the rest of your days in the wilds of the world. May the Light have mercy on your soul," Uther finished. Tirion felt dizzy.His head was spinning, while anxiety overwhelmed him.He could barely hear Uther's next words to the assembly: "Although contrary to my better judgment, it is the will of this court that Paladin Barthilas takes over as Regent of Hearthglen with immediate effect. Barthilas remains here to watch over the morning's hanging before returning to the Township to perform his duties. As for the exile, Tirion Fordring, is to be escorted back to Maddenhold Castle. There he will pick up his family and be escorted to the frontiers of Union Territory. Proceedings This is over," Uther said, pounding on the lectern with his armored fist.He watched Tirion with a sense of defeat, clearly disgusted by the outcome of the trial. "My lord, I have one last question," Tirion forced out the words.Uther paused to listen - a gesture of enduring respect and camaraderie for his former comrade. "My wife and son...will they be exiled too? Will my sin ruin their lives as if they had committed it?" Tirion asked tremblingly. Uther bowed his head sadly.The man in front of him is a good guy.That's not how a hero should be treated. "No, Tirion. They could stay in Lordaeron if they wanted to. It was your crime, not theirs. They deserve no punishment for your arrogance," Uther said.Then he turned his back on Tirion and left.Lost in a wave of desperation and grief, Tirion barely realized that the guards were dragging him out of the judgment hall. -------------------------------------- Notes: