Chapter 6 Chapter 7 The Drums of War

Tirion rode at high speed to Stratholme.The sun had just climbed over the top of the distant Alterac Mountains, and he was in the outskirts of the city.He tethered Mirada in the woods and ran the last quarter of the mile to the city.As he ran, he tried to hatch a plan to save old Eitrigg.Rather frustratingly, he couldn't come up with anything.He hoped that when it did come, he could come up with something clever that didn't require killing or hurting one of his own people.Still, people were watching how he was convicted of a traitor, and they certainly had no qualms about killing him.He knew that there was little chance of saving the orc and escaping Stratholme alive.

All the way, Tirion sneaked carefully through the quiet cobbled streets of Stratholme.A few retailers and hawkers, starting to prepare their wares for the day's sale at the market, but at this early hour, there were a few other people around.He did his best to avoid the few guards he saw walking down the street.Afraid that the local guards would recognize him, Tirion stayed in the shadows, keeping out of sight. As Tirion approached the common square, he began to hear loud shouts and jeers.He hoped it wasn't too late to save the orc. He walked into the square and saw a large group of people in the middle.Clinging to the gloom, Tirion climbed a short flight of stairs and found himself in a small, secluded alcove in the interior with a panoramic view of the newly erected gallows.The crowd gathered around the scaffolding consisted mostly of guards and infantry.They all came to see the old orc hanged.Thankfully, Tirion saw that the prisoner hadn't been taken.The people gathered there just laughed and yelled at each other in anticipation.

Around the square, there are many knights, all wearing the best armor.They stood guard quietly and vigilantly, ready to "arbitrate" should the capricious crowd turn into a mob.Tirion found that many knights were present at his trial.Calm as they were, Tirion knew that, like the foot soldiers and guards, they wanted to see the orc hanged. After a while, the crowd stirred, while a newcomer strode forward to the gallows.Tirion saw it was Barthilas.The young paladin waved and yelled frantically at the crowd, which made them all agitated, apparently taking this as his morning entertainment.Tirion was glad he couldn't hear Barthilas.He guessed they were full of malice and hatred.He felt the pain of remorse and remorse for a moment in his spirit, and he realized that his beloved Hearthglen had now fallen into Barthilas' uneasy hands.

As Tirion watched, a second figure emerged from the crowd and mounted the scaffolding.Dathrohan seemed completely indifferent to the loud and harsh noise of the crowd, walked to the side of Barthilas, and scanned the square with stern eyes.He spoke to the crowd for a while, and the jeering died away into a low din.Tirion held his breath, knowing they would be coming out with Eitrigg soon.The minutes passed slowly as Tirion waited anxiously in the recessed interior.Tensions also grew among the bystanders.They seem to want to see the neck snapped more than to see real justice.At this time, the hustle and bustle sounded again, and more and more people gathered in the square.Even women and children squeezed sideways to get closer, hoping to witness the terrifying orc monster.

Eventually, the gates near the prison opened and a column of infantry strode out in tight formation.The assembled bystanders erupted in cheers and began pelting trash and rocks at the newcomers.Because of their armor, the infantry paid little attention to the enthusiasm of the crowd, and their harmless projectiles.Their polished armor gleamed in the morning light, but Tirion could see a huddled figure dragging among them. That was Eitrigg. They stopped at the base of the scaffolding, and the two dragged the old orc the rest of the way.The orc could barely stand, his green body covered in dark bruises and cuts.

Tirion wondered how the frail orc would even be able to walk.Clearly, the hecklers were wasting their time beating him up.Despite his bruises, Eitrigg held his head back as best he could.He will not let those who cause him pain find satisfaction in seeing him give up and give in.Tirion knew that Eitrigg's orcish spirit had a strong sense of pride about it. Tirion's heart was beating violently in his chest.Facing such an imposing group of warriors, it was almost impossible for him to save the old orc.He has no plans.He didn't even have any weapons.He looked down and saw the hangman adjusting the tightly wound noose.Eitrigg was not long before death.

Frenzied, Tirion jumped from his perch and fought his way through the rowdy crowd.In their excitement, no one noticed the relegated exile passing them by.Their attention was focused on the gallows and the beaten green beast standing in front of them. As Tirion watched, Dathrohan gave Barthilas a blunt salute, then walked back down, toward the prison gate.Apparently the Commander, not long after Tirion's trial, had no interest in watching such vulgar spectacle.Barthilas watched him leave indifferently.Smiling gruffly, Barthilas ordered the hangman to place the noose around the orc's throat.Eitrigg scowled, the rope wrapped tightly around his muscular neck.The orc's dark eyes stared straight ahead, as if he saw another world, one that no one else could see.Tirion scrambled and squeezed to get close to the scaffolding.Barthilas waved his hand in the air for silence.Unexpectedly, the noisy crowd fell silent.

"My fellow Guardians of Lordaeron," he began proudly, "I am glad to see so many of you out this morning. This loathsome creature standing before you, a blatant insult to the Light, is an enemy of our people. Its accursed race has brought war and misery to our shores, and has murdered many of our loved ones without feeling a whit of remorse. Therefore," continued Barthilas, glaring at Eitrigg's eyes, "We will end the life of this vile creature, as cruel as ever." Eitrigg and Barthilas' eyes met wildly. "Blood for blood. Debt for debt," finished the young paladin.

The crowd cheered uncontrollably for Barthilas, hysterically demanding the orc's blood debt.Tirion marveled that his own people could be so savage and shameful.He felt sick, overwhelmed by their suffocating mutual hatred. Barthilas walked back, and the hangman moved Eitrigg over the trapdoor of the scaffolding.As death approached, the old orc's lifeless features began to fade.Eitrigg began to tremble, growling and struggling against his restraints.Onlookers just laughed at his futile efforts.They seemed to revel in the old orc's panic and dismay. Searching for a weapon of some kind, Tirion saw an old, rusty polearm leaning against the base of the scaffolding.He squeezed his way, past the bystanders in the front row, and rushed up to reach the long-handled two-handed hammer.Time seemed to freeze when Tirion rushed out to grab the cumbersome implement.As if in slow motion, he saw, the Hangman placed his hand on the trapdoor's lever, while at the same time Barthilas raised his hand, ready to give the signal to end the orc's life.Tirion clenched the wooden handle of the long-handled hammer with both hands, and at the same time, with a burst of fire and excitement, he rushed forward.

The assembled knights and foot soldiers shouted angrily when they saw Tirion emerge from the anxiously expecting crowd.The former paladin struck quickly and hard, his blow causing the frightened infantry to scatter.Several guards charged at him, but Tirion made a wide arc with the old long-handled two-handed hammer.Careful not to use lethal force, Tirion pushed a dent in one guard's breastplate and shattered the faceplate of another's helmet.Seeing that he had bought himself a few precious seconds, Tirion jumped onto the scaffolding and made a beeline for Barthilas. The young paladin was startled to see Tirion rushing towards him.He fumbled awkwardly for his hammer, but Tirion was too fast.

He slammed his shoulder into Barthilas' guts, causing the young paladin to topple violently from the platform.Barthilas landed with a thud, almost being stomped on by the angry crowd. The hooded hangman rushed forward to subdue Tirion, but the former paladin would not budge.Holding the hangman by the arm, Tirion threw him over the shoulder, flipping him onto the steps of the scaffolding.He could hear knights and foot soldiers rushing up the steps behind him.They'll hang him for it, he thought wildly.Not even Lightbringer himself condoned such an offense as Tirion's. As fast as he could, Tirion ran to Eitrigg and untied the noose around the orc's neck.Too weak to stand, Eitrigg fell heavily into Tirion's arms.The orc could barely recognize his savior's face. "Human?" Eitrigg muttered in surprise.Tirion smiled down at him. "Yes, Eitrigg," Tirion said. "It's me." Eitrigg shivered with pain and excessive weakness, but fixed Tirion with bleary eyes. "You must be mad," said the old orc.Tirion smiled to himself, nodding in agreement.He turned just in time to see Barthilas climb up to the edge of the scaffolding ledge.Tirion knew that the knights were only seconds away from the infantry.Barthilas straightened up and glared at him. "Traitor! You cursed yourself today!" the young paladin yelled.The frightened crowd shouted their support and threw trash at both Tirion and Eitrigg. Out of the corner of his eye, Tirion could see Dathrohan looming out of nowhere.Obviously, he didn't leave after all.The commander's expression was one of sadness and disgust.Tirion wished there was some way for his old friend to understand what he had always done, and for the sake of honor, he had always done it. Barthilas yelled for the knights to catch Tirion and the orc.When they came up, Tirion opened his hand and ordered them to stop.He had spent his life leading people into battle, and his deep voice still carried the oppressive force of orders.Many of the knights who had previously served under him found themselves overwhelmed by his presence.Tirion faced them boldly. "Listen to me!" Tirion yelled.His voice rumbled over the crowd and bounced off the surrounding buildings.Many of the onlookers were strangely quiet. "The orc did no harm to you! He is old and feeble. His death serves no purpose!" The honorable knights hesitated, considering Tirion's objection. "But that's an orc! Aren't we fighting his kind?" a knight skeptically called out.Tirion steadied himself, gripping Eitrigg even tighter. "We are! But this one's days of war are over!" said Tirion. "It is dishonorable to hang such a defenseless creature." He saw several knights nodding reluctantly.Other onlookers still decided that the original view was not convinced.They continued to taunt Tirion as an orc-loving traitor. "You are not even worthy of honor, Tirion," Barthilas spat angrily. "You're a rebellious bastard who deserves to die next to that savage beast!" Tirion twitched.Barthilas' words hit him like a slap. "I swore, long ago, to protect the weak and defenseless," Tirion said through clenched teeth, "and I will do so now. You see, child, this Is what being a paladin really means—to know the difference between right and wrong, and to be able to separate justice from vengeance. You never made that distinction, did you, Barthilas?" Tirion asked.Barthilas was almost speechless with anger. Above the din of the shouting crowd, a drumbeat boomed, loud and clear.Eitrigg's weary head jerked back in an instant.He glanced around the square, as if expecting to see a familiar sight, then lowered his head again.Tirion looked at the orc suspiciously, convinced that the orc recognized the strange drumming.Several bystanders began to look for where the drums were coming from, but Barthilas paid no attention.The young paladin clenched his fists and walked towards Tirion. "Have you forgotten so quickly, Tirion? You are no longer a paladin! You are a disgraced man - an exile! No matter what you think or believe, it makes no difference! cried Barthilas. "Damn it, Barthilas, you've got to keep those eyes open!" said Tirion urgently. "The one thing I'm sure of over the years that I've ruled the whole of Hearthglen is that war begets war! If we don't control our own hatreds, then the pointless fights will never stop! Then never There will be a future for our people!" Barthilas sneered contemptuously at Tirion. That strange drumming sound was louder, accompanied by new and stronger drumbeats.At this moment, most of the onlookers also became aware of the ominous sound of drumming.They noticed with alarm that the tense sound was approaching.Several women and children present began to cover their ears, huddling together in fear and panic.The guards present moved around the perimeter of the square, looking for anything that might have caused the constant drumming. "The future of our people is no longer your concern," Barthilas said coldly. "I rule Hearthglen now, Tirion. As long as I am here, I swear there will be no peace for the orcs! With the dead souls of my parents, I swear every orc left in Lordaeron will do what they did suffering!" Tirion was taken aback by Barthilas' words.Young paladins are completely unreasonable.He had given himself over to anger and sorrow. The mighty drums thundered across the frightened square as Barthilas ordered his troops to attack. "Kill that orc now! Kill them both!" he yelled angrily.His cry was cut short as a crude, razor-sharp javelin pierced his chest.Barthilas' blood splashed across the gallows, and at this time a large number of blurred figures jumped from the surrounding roofs and entered the square.Screaming furious battle cries filled the air as ferocious orcs stormed the unsuspecting Stratholme guards.Powerful war drums thundered through the panic-controlled square. Tirion sat down on the ground in shock, when Barthilas suddenly fell to the ground, stunned.Instinctively, he rushed to help the young paladin, but Barthilas spat at him and waved him in disapproval. "This is the disaster you have brought upon us," said the young paladin tremblingly, blood gushing from his mouth.His furious, hateful eyes locked on Tirion. "I always knew you would betray..." was all he managed to say before he fell face down on the blood-soaked scaffolding.The crude orc javelin rose from his back like the mast of a sea ship. Tirion immediately concentrated his mind.He dropped his two-handed poleaxe, and pulled Eitrigg up on his feet.Leaning the heavy orc on his shoulders, Tirion led Eitrigg away from the gallows.Tirion could not imagine how the orc force had managed to get past the city's outer defenses.In particular, orcs always surprise their targets from the front.However, as he watched the battle unfold around him, he saw that the furtive orcs had been using the roof and the surrounding catwalks to their advantage. Knights and foot soldiers rushed forward to meet the orc onslaught as the public square erupted like hell.Tirion kept his head down, walking towards the unassuming street he had used earlier.The sound of clashing steel, and the roars of the fighting men, mingled with rage and pain, created a maddening riot above Stratholme.Tirion tried not to make noise, concentrating on staying alive.All around him was a killing field.Mighty orc warriors slashed at their enemies with great axes, while others hurled long, vicious spears with terrifying precision.A few orcs, dressed in what looked like wolf furs, rushed forward and raised their hands to the sky.Before Tirion could understand what they were about to do, arcs of lightning fell from the darkening sky and struck the front ranks of the human troops.Charred human bodies and chunks of stone flew into the air and rained down on the chaotic battlefield.Stunned by the onslaught of elements, the remaining human ranks were forced to retreat before the terrifying wrath of the orcs. Tirion was amazed to see the orcs outmaneuvering in unison, attacking the flanks of the nervous human defenders.Never, as far as he could remember, had the orcs been more united in battle.Despite their apparent cunning and skill, orcs are few in number.Tirion wondered what it was that the orcs were after, desperate to attack a fortified human city with such a flimsy force.Soon every soldier in Stratholme will be beating their opponents in the square.Outnumbered orcs would have little chance against a fully equipped garrison, he thought. Ignoring the chaos around him, Tirion made his way to the edge of the square and fled down an alley.Supporting Eitrigg's weight on the spot again, Tirion turned to take one last look at the successive carnage.He saw a huge orc wearing a full set of black plate armor.The orc held a powerful warhammer, much like those used by paladins - except for one thing, the orc's hammer seemed to have live lightning that made it glow.The dark orcs fought their way through the loyal human defenders as if they were harmless children.It crushes and bashes everyone who comes near it with a steady killing force - all the while shouting orders to its warriors alertly.Tirion could only watch for a moment in wonder and horror.The mighty orc leader was unlike anything he'd seen before.Tirion recovered from the stunned state, quickened his pace, hugged Eitrigg in his arms, and walked out of the besieged city along the road. With great effort, Tirion managed to drag Eitrigg out of the city and into the surrounding woods.Looking back, he could see that fires had started in many places in several boroughs of the city.He could hear the screams and the clash of weapons even from this distance.The clearly cunning orcs have been attempting to confuse and distract the human forces.Tirion noticed that whoever was the leader of the orcs was far wiser than any he had heard of. Wearily, Tirion laid Eitrigg down on the leaf-covered ground and crouched beside him.He tried to calm himself down and considered the situation carefully.He couldn't explain the unprecedented orc attack on the city, and wondered if the creatures had come to save Eitrigg, as he had just done.Whatever the case, he was glad they were coming.He was genuinely sad to see so many of his brothers fall before those orcs, but at least he accomplished what he had done in the first place.Eitrigg lived.Nervous and emaciated, Tirion's prized honor remained intact. Eitrigg lay still on the tangled forest floor.Tirion bent down to check the orc's pulse.Hopefully the orc was just drained from his torment, he mused.With a gasp of panic, Tirion realized that Eitrigg's heart had stopped beating.Those who beat the orc had apparently suffered serious internal injuries.If he didn't do something soon, he knew Eitrigg would die.Instinctively, he placed his hand on Eitrigg's chest, praying for the healing power of the Light to wash over the emaciated orc.Certainly he is still strong enough to even treat these very serious injuries. Slowly, a sense of fear spread in Tirion's heart.Nothing happened.He hung his head in frustration, remembering that he had been expelled from the Order of the Light.It's not going to happen, he thought sadly.He could almost feel Eitrigg's life fading away. "No!" Tirion growled in despair. "You will not die, Eitrigg! Did you hear me? You will not die before me!" he called to the sleeping orc.He pressed his hands down on the orc's chest again, focusing all his will. "By the grace of the Light, may your brother be healed." The words floated through his consciousness repeatedly as he tapped into the power that lay dormant somewhere in his soul. "In his favour, he will come anew." The Light would not be taken from him, he insisted.People can take his armor and his title, they can take his family and his wealth - but the Light will always be in his heart.definitely is. Slowly, Tirion felt intense heat rising from his body.It filled his heart with strength and light, and slowly overflowed to his limbs.He almost cried out in pleasure as familiar energy rushed through his hands and engulfed the orc's ravaged body.Tirion felt as if he was floating in the air.The purity and power of the Light overwhelmed his being, and it cascaded through his body like a halo of divine fire.Awed and honored by the reawakened power, Tirion opened his eyes to see a warm golden light enveloping Eitrigg.He watched in amazement as the wounds on the orc's body healed as he watched.Even the infected cut on the orc's leg healed like it had never been. The reassuring force faded, and Tirion fell to the ground exhausted.He lay there panting for a while, trying to keep his head from getting dizzy.With a snort, Eitrigg sat up and looked around frantically.The old orc's face was pale and obviously weak, but his eyes were bright and alert.Eitrigg sprang to his feet, crouching in a defensive position, sniffing the air.He scanned the nearest edge of the woods for signs of danger, but nothing appeared.Eitrigg looked down and saw Tirion lying beside him.He jerked his hips back suspiciously, staring in surprise at the exhausted human. "Human?" Eitrigg asked. "What happened? How did we get here?" Tirion sat up, patting the orc on the shoulder reassuringly. "We are outside the city, Eitrigg," Tirion said quietly. "You're safe for now. If we're both lucky, we won't have another hanging for a while." Eitrigg grunted, eyeing Tirion suspiciously.He glanced down at his big green hand, then ran his fingers where he had been hurt. "This is your power, man," the orc began, "healing my wounds?" Tirion nodded. "Yes. You told me before that pain is a good teacher. Well, you have your last lesson. If he is also a teacher of pain, I think," Tirion said jokingly. Eitrigg grinned, patting Tirion on the back. "Maybe finally I've learned enough," the orc said wryly.The old orc coughed a few times, relaxed himself and turned around to find a place to sit down.The tension of the past few days proved too much for his tired and aging body, and he passed out in a ball.Despite his healing, Tirion's experience told him that the orc would be weak for days. He was startled to hear a sudden rustling in all the thick branches and undergrowth around him.Looking around with extreme unease, he braced himself for danger.Slowly - ominously - the shadow of the tree began to move, in all directions.A huge dark figure loomed in shape, coming forward, surrounding the sleeping orcs and panicked humans. Twelve in total, the creatures wore loose armor plates and shredded leather armor covering only the deadliest parts of their robust green-skinned bodies.Feathers, tribal trinkets of all kinds, and necklaces of bone adorned mighty orc warriors who emerged from the fringes of the shadowy woods with ease.Their muscular arms and beastly, tusked faces are marked with jagged primitive tattoos that reinforce their already ferocious image.They carried broad-bladed axes, and heavy knives, with skillful ease, weapons that seemed to be natural extensions of their bodies.Tirion was overwhelmed by the orc's savage appearance.What puzzled him most was seeing the change in their bead-like eyes—they were no longer the eyes of the orcs burning with evil and hatred, they were calm and watchful, showing a wisdom and cleverness that was definitely not theirs. Tirion held his breath, promising not to make any extra moves.For all he knew, the orcs probably felt he had attacked Eitrigg in some way.The orcs just stood, staring at the two on the ground, as if waiting for an order.Panic hit Tirion's nerves.He must be cursed if he allowed himself to be hacked to pieces in the wilderness after all he had done.But no matter what he tried, he knew he couldn't last a minute against such ferocious fighters. Suddenly, a huge figure appeared from behind the warriors, and many orcs stood quietly aside, while their leader walked forward.Tirion took a breath.It was the orc leader he had seen in battle.So close, Tirion could see the great orc's black plate armor adorned with brass runic inscriptions.Tirion had never seen an orc in full armor before.The sight was both impressive and terrifying.The mighty stone hammer of the orc seemed as old as the world itself.The creature's black hair was braided into braids that fell over his armored torso.Its green face was a little less beastly than the other orcs, and its cruel, wise eyes were startlingly blue.Tirion knew this was no ordinary orc. The mighty creature stepped forward, kneeling beside Eitrigg.Tirion tensed up.He remembered that Eitrigg had abandoned his duties as an orc warrior.Maybe the orcs were here to punish him? Trying to overcome his fear, Tirion moved forward slowly, hoping to shield Eitrigg if necessary.The big orc gave Tirion a fierce, menacing glare - warning the human to stay still and be quiet.Surrounded by the chieftain's guards, Tirion was forced to obey the orc's silent orders.Seeing that he would obey, the incredible orc placed his large hand on Eitrigg's head, closed his eyes, and concentrated.Eitrigg's eyes blinked and opened, watching the dark orc looming beside him.The incredible orc's expression softened a little. "You are Eitrigg of the tribe, are you?" the orc asked in the human tongue.Tirion raised his eyebrows in surprise.Do all orcs speak so clearly?he thought. Trembling, Eitrigg watched the other orcs around him nodding his weary heads. "I am," he said slowly. The big orc nodded and straightened up. "I think so. It took me so long to track you down, old man," he said quietly. Eitrigg sat up, watching the orc intently. "Your face is familiar to me, warrior. But you are too young to be..." Eitrigger looked at the orc's strong features for a moment, and said, "Who are you?" The orc nodded slightly, and stood upright.The assembled orcs seemed to stand upright, raising their chins as their leader spoke. "I am known, old man. I am chief of the tribe," he said proudly.Eitrigg's jaw nearly dropped.Tirion stared timidly.This, apparently, was the upstart chief Dathrohan had mentioned. "I've heard of you," Tirion said, his voice heavy with contempt.Around him he saw the orc guards stern, readying their weapons.Clearly, they were unhappy that their leader had been humiliated.The orc turned and stared at the former paladin in surprise. "What have you heard, human?" Tirion caught the orc's cruel gaze. "I heard that you plan to rebuild the Horde and wage war on my people again," he said calmly. "You're partly right," Thrall said, with obvious interest in his tone. "I am rebuilding the Horde. You can be sure my people will not be in chains for long. Still, I have no interest in waging war for war's sake. Those dark days are over." "Those days are over?" Tirion asked suspiciously. "I just saw you and your warriors hacking a way through Stratholme." Thrall calmly faced the human's accusing gaze. "You are too self-assertive, human. We only attacked the city to save one of us. Times have changed. Your kingdoms and your people mean nothing to me. I just want to finish my father's work, Find a new home for my people," Thrall replied calmly. Eitrigg's eyes widened in sudden recognition. "Your father's career?" he stammered excitedly. "I know I know your face, warrior! You are the son of Durotan!" Thrall just nodded, never taking his piercing gaze away from Tirion.Eitrigg couldn't help beaming with joy. "Would it work, after all these years?" he asked, startled.He looked at the faces of the orcs around him, looking for further confirmation.Their proud stone faces showed nothing. Thrall turned his back on Tirion and knelt beside Eitrigg. "I've come to take you home, old man," he said enthusiastically. "I'm sorry it took us so long to find you, but we've been a bit busy these past few months. We've rescued many tribes, but I need veterans like you to help me teach them the old traditions .Your people ask of you again, brave Eitrigg." The old orc couldn't believe it, shaking his head in shock.He stared into Thrall's piercing blue eyes, and found hope in their gleaming depths.After years of demoralized solitude, his heart was filled with pride again.Slowly, Eitrigg came to believe that his people would finally have a future. "I will follow you, son of Durotan," Eitrigg said proudly. "I will help and treat our people in any way I can." Thrall nodded and put his hand on the old orc's shoulder. Glancing sideways at the guards around him, Tirion stood up cautiously and faced Thrall. "Eitrigg told me about your father—and his fate. He must have been a great hero to induce his son to such a devotion." Thrall's face was blank, and he replied, "That is what our people have always insisted on, that it is a son's duty to finish his father's work." Tirion nodded sadly.He wondered if Tai Lan would always have that sentiment.Maybe not, he concluded.What would the child have been proud of to have had a relegated exile as a father?Chances are, Tayran will just insult me ​​for what I've done. Thrall motioned to Eitrigg, shouting several guttural commands in the orc dialect.The guards had moved forward as Tirion looked around, unsure of what to expect.Those orcs would kill him?Will they let him go?Many warriors knelt beside Eitrigg, circling their arms under his shoulders.Tirion looked back at Thrall suspiciously. The young chief smirked knowingly, "You risked your life to save our brother, human. We don't disagree with you. You are free to go, as long as you don't follow us." Tirion breathed a sigh of relief as the orc warriors carefully lifted Eitrigg up together.Thrall gave Tirion an orc salute, then turned away without a second look.Many of those orcs had disappeared into the densely shadowed woods behind.Tirion shook his head as if in bewilderment.A strong hand grasped his arm.He looked down, and saw Eitrigg.There was a look of peace and contentment on the old orc's rough face. "We are both bound by blood and glory, brother. I will not forget you," Eitrigg said. Tirion smiled and raised his hand to his heart, while the orcs led Eitrigg away.He stood for a while, watching them go.The sounds of battle still echoed from the walls of Stratholme.He decided he'd better make himself invisible until the human army arrived. With a silent prayer to the Holy Light, Tirion Fordring turned his back on Stratholme and set off, looking for solace in the harsh and unknown wilderness of Lordaeron. -------------------------------------- Notes: