WARCRAFT®: OF BLOOD AND HONOR by CHRIS METZEN

Author:CHRIS METZEN
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction
Publisher: POCKET BOOKS
Published: 2001-11-14T16:00:00+00:00

FIVE

A Trial of Will

T irion sat in a small holding cell that was adjacent to the Hall of Justice, where his trial was to be held. Through a small window, cut high into the cell’s wall, he could hear the sounds of commerce and activity emanating from the bustling marketplace of Stratholme. Periodically he heard hammering sounds coming from the main square. The city’s clamorous sounds were very different from the relaxing rural din of Mardenholde keep. 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 thought about his family and the life of affluence and ease he’d shared with them. Despite himself, he wondered if he hadn’t thrown it all away on a fanciful, selfish whim.

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 wondered if he’d be able to forgive himself if his wife was forced to raise their son 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 asked himself over and over.

He was surprised to hear footsteps echo through the adjacent corridor. Surely, the proceedings haven’t started yet, he thought miserably. He heard the guards outside the door question someone as the latch clicked and the door opened.

Arden walked somberly into the room. Tirion brightened somewhat and shook his friend’s hand.

“It’s good to see you, Arden. Have you been home since my arrest? Have you spoken with my wife?” he asked hurriedly.

Arden shook his head and motioned for Tirion to sit down on his cot. “No. They won’t allow me to leave until the trial is finished, milord,” the captain stated flatly. “I don’t know if Karandra’s been told or not.”

Tirion scowled. He knew she must be beside herself with worry. “What of the orc?” Tirion asked. “What did they do with him?”

Arden tensed. “Why do you care, Tirion? It is your enemy! I don’t understand why you’re so concerned about it! There’s no way the creature would have saved your life! It’s a mindless brute!” Arden spat.

Tirion looked him square in the eye. “Just answer me, Captain,” Tirion said as calmly as he could. He had to watch his tone—Arden might be the only friend he had left.

“They’ve been interrogating the creature for the past few nights,” Arden said. “Apparently, it didn’t offer up anything they didn’t already know. I heard some of the local guards boasting about how they’d beaten the hell out of it.

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