Of Blood and Honor by Chris Metzen Read Free Book Online

stated. “Pain is a great teacher. Apparently, even after all my battles, I still have much to learn.”
    Tirion laughed out loud. He was truly beginning to like the old orc who, not an hour before, he considered to be the most heinous villain. “Perhaps someday I can return and converse with you further. I must admit you are not at all what I expected to find,” the Paladin chided.
    Eitrigg’s massive, yellowed tusks seemed to stretch as he smiled. “Nor are you what I expected, human.”
    Tirion gave the orc’s salute again and mounted Mirador with a grunt. He dug his spurs into the stallion’s flank and rode off beyond the orc’s sight.
    *    *    *
    A thousand different thoughts flooded Tirion’s mind as he rode home along the winding path. He wondered if he had made a mistake by offering the orc sanctuary in his lands. Nevertheless, he had given his word that he would keep the orc’s secret safe. Whatever else happened, he was honor-bound to protect the old orc from persecution, and that was that.
    It was nearly dusk as he rode back into the keep’s stables. Tiredly, Tirion handed his reins to the stable boy and headed inside. All he wanted was to sleep and clear the day’s business from his mind. 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. There was a light in the youth’s eyes that made Tirion very uneasy.
    “Milord,” Barthilas began icily, “we must talk immediately.”
    Tirion sighed in frustration. “I’m very tired, Barthilas. We can talk in the morning if you wish.”
    Barthilas’ grip only tightened. “I don’t think you understand, milord. You see, I know where you were today,” the young Paladin stated. His eyes never blinked, but held Tirion in their frosty depths. Tirion wondered if Arden had betrayed him and told of his errand. No. Arden had always been loyal.
    “I know that you know there are orcs in Hearthglen, Tirion. I can see it in your eyes. I pray, for your sake, that you’re not covering up any pertinent information.”
    Tirion bristled. He could handle the youth’s arrogance, but he would not be threatened in his own home by an overly zealous boy.
    “I told you before, Barthilas. You will address me with the proper respect,” Tirion stated furiously. “As for your concerns, I have determined that my encounter was an isolated incident. That’s all you need to know for the time being. 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.”
    Slowly, Barthilas released his grip and took a step back. His piercing eyes never left Tirion’s. The elder Paladin turned brusquely and entered the keep.
    Left standing alone, Barthilas scowled in frustration.
    “This is not over, milord,” the young Paladin hissed to himself, clenching his fists. “This is not over by far.”
    *    *    *
    Tirion made his way to his private chambers. 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.
    “Oh, you’re home,” she said sweetly. “Where did you go running off to this morning, Tirion? I asked Arden, but he wouldn’t tell me anything.” Her voice was full of concern.
    Tirion tensed. He didn’t want to discuss the matter about the orc at all. He had given his word to keep Eitrigg’s secret safe, and the last thing he wanted was to be forced to lie to his wife about his activities. But, looking into her eyes, Tirion could tell she wasn’t going to settle for anything less than the whole story.
    “I went out to inspect the site where I fought the orc, Karandra. I needed to find out if there were more orcs in my lands,” he said, a tad